The Luca Brasi Group featuring guest vocalist Laura Tattersall

The Luca Brasi Group is a Lancaster-based band immersed in a spirited re-exploration of the straight-ahead swing, be-bop and Latin jazz classics of the mid-twentieth century and later. We share a belief that the melodies and the improvisational opportunities hidden within the changes that shape the American song-book standards strike a deep and resonant chord with audiences young and old alike. This music touches people. It makes them move, it makes them think, it makes them feel, and as musicians we move and think and feel right along with them. That's what the band strives for: finding that moment when music, band and audience merge as one. The well-known melodies of these songs open the door, but it's the improvisation that takes the band and audience through it. When it happens, it's magical. There's nothing like it. That's why we do it

Band Members:

• Heavily influenced by Brecker, Rollins, Getz, guitarists Metheny & Stern, & pianist McCoy Tyner,

  Paul Froggatt took up the saxophone at the age of 14 and studied with Blackpool legend, Ray Wilkes, before moving on to Leeds College of Music. He made his career teaching woodwind supported with performance engagements, both in the UK and Europe.

• "Originally from Clitheroe in Lancashire, Laura Tattersall discovered jazz after moving to Kendal 12 years ago. Influenced by Peggy Lee and Julie London, she enjoys singing and playing with various local groups ranging from big bands to flute orchestras!"
  
• From a misspent youth hammering out the riffs in rock, prog and indie bands, to playing for local soul band @thegroovecutters, or instrumental funk outfit @GoKojak, Scott Montgomery has always made the bass line his study. Now Ray Brown and Ron Carter have inspired and sustain his new focus on the double bass.
• Drummer Richard Rushton, hails from Australia and played in several pop, jazz and funk bands in Sydney before moving to Lancaster. He also played in the Lancaster-based jazz group, Swerve Trio. His playing is influenced by the drummers who played with Miles Davis over the years - Max Roach, Tony Williams, Jack Dejohnette and Al Foster - as well as Elvin Jones and Paul Motian.
• Born and bred in Lancaster, Paula Williams studied classical piano until the age of 17. Fast forward to her late 40's when she recommenced her musical journey, exploring the jazz world, guided by local music educators including Ian Gray, Paul Froggatt and Dave Shooter. Musical influences are many but Bill Evans will always be special.