BIOGRAPHY
Jo
Fooks,
born in Edinburgh,began learning the saxophone at 15. In 1992 she won
'The Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year'. Inspired and encouraged
by local Edinburgh musicians,
Jo went on to study saxophone at the Guildhall School of music in
London(1995-99). She also studied at the Berklee School of music in
Boston after receiving a full fee scholarship for the summer jazz
programme.
After recording her debut album "Here and Now!", the legendary British
trumperter Humphrey Lyttelton invited her to join his eight-piece band.
With whom she toured and performed in some of the most amazing theatres
and venues in Britain. Humphs fun filled and melodic approach to music
was to be a hugue influence. And through performing in his band Jo also
recorded and worked with Acker Bilk and played alongside Tina May, Joe
Temperley, Scott Hamilton, Elkie Brooks,and many others.
Jo's other influences include Illinois Jacquet, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gorden, Cannonball Addderley
and Bill Evans. Her mellow tone is often compared to Stan getz and Zoot
Simms.
Jo began
to compose her own music in2004 after learning and analysing a wide
variety of Jazz standards. She currently gigs in and around the London
area and her teaching positions have included tutoring the RAF bands men (2000-2006).
Buster Birch,
studied drums and percussion at the University of London and later at
the
Guildhall School of Music. He moved to New York where he gigged and
continued his studies at the drummers collective in Manhatten and
privately with Jo Morello (from Dave Brubeck's famous quartet).
He has
since performed in over 30 countries with various orchestras, Jazz
groups and other world music ensembles. His drum stlye reflects his
enthusiasm for all music and has a distinctive latin flavour.