Martin Speake alto saxophone/compositions
Alyson Cawley tenor saxophone
Richard Fox tuba
Tom Hooper drums
Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent.Thomas Conrad – Jazz Times
Martin Speake’s Charukesi
For 30 years alto saxophonist, composer and improviser Martin Speake has been exploring non-Western rhythmic and melodic approaches inspired by the music of many cultures.
In particular Indian, Arabic, Turkish, African and Jazz traditions. The latest incarnation is Charukesi, named after an Indian raga. Previous versions were Fever Pitch, Unison Quartet and Mafarowi. It is direct, groove based music with compelling and memorable melodies rooted in a dynamic tuba and drums rhythm section with impassioned soloing and interaction from Alyson Cawley’s tenor and Martin’s alto saxophone.