The Jim Mullen Quintet at the Newnham Jazz Club

Jim Mullen Quintet

Jim Mullen (guitar), Laurie Jacobs (saxophone), Pete Whittaker (piano), Laurence Evans (double bass), Matt Skelton (drums)

Jim Mullen is widely regarded as one of the finest jazz guitarists to be heard anywhere in the world. Recently celebrating his 80th birthday, he’s received numerous awards, including an Honorary Parliamentary Jazz Award in 2017. A master of touch, tone and swing he has long been hailed as “a true giant of British jazz guitar,” with universal praise for his “unmistakable voice” and “effortless fluency.” He made his name playing with seminal groups through the 70’s and 80’s, including the Average White Band and his own highly acclaimed band Morrissey-Mullen as well as working with a host of high-profile artists such as Gene Harris, Jimmy Smith, Mose Allison and Claire Martin. Jim Mullen has lived a lifetime in jazz and has played an important part in its evolution in the UK. Self-taught from records and friends in his native Glasgow, his talent and drive took him to London and from there to worldwide fame as part of the Morrissey-Mullen band, a jazz funk outfit that rode the crest of the wave of popularity for that genre in the 1970s and 80s. Since then, he has remained a stalwart of the UK scene and has met and played with many of the greats in jazz, being first choice guitarist with visiting US stars. His instantly recognisable sound can be heard on many recordings under his own name, as well as featuring on many others including the Citrus Sun album People of Tomorrow.“One of the great Jazz guitarists working today” Jazzwise; “World Class” The Guardian"Brilliant spontaneity, forged from a lifetime's dedication to studying, absorbing and most of all, playing great music, is what Mullen watchers have come to expect from one of jazz's true originals". Rob Adams

Laurie Jacobs is a fine saxophonist who also founded Peterborough Jazz Club back in 1992. He has played in many top venues, such as Dean Street Pizza Express and has recorded three Cds as leader, the last entitled 'Full Steam Ahead!' with a great line up including trumpeter Dick Pearce and the late John Critchinson on piano, both of whom played in Ronnie Scott's band for over a decade.

Pete Whittaker is a London based pianist and organist, regularly playing at the top jazz venues in the capital. He is currently involved in projects with some of the UK’s leading musicians. These include a trio with Art Themen and George Double, Theo Travis’ Double Talk, The Filthy Six, John Etheridge’s Blue Spirits, Tony Kofi and the Organisation and others.

Laurence Evans is first call double bassist to many top musicians both near to his Cambridge base but also far afield. His powerful, driving bass playing, with a great sound and fine soloing being ideal for many jazz styles and is ideally suited to this quintet setup.

Matt Skelton is a master drummer equally at home playing in all jazz styles and has enjoyed a diverse musical career that has already spanned three decades. Not only is he Professor of Jazz Drums at the Guildhall but has spent years building a reputation as one of Britain’s finest jazz drummers, performing alongside internationally respected names including Kurt Elling, Scott Hamilton and Curtis Stigers.