The Luca Brasi Group

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 from the mid-twentieth century and later.

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 California, guitarist Tim Hickman studied music performance at the University of Oregon with Don Latarski. Later, he studied with Sid Jacobs in Los Angeles and

Trefor Owen in Manchester. His influences are Pat Martino, Johnny Smith, Jim Hall and Kenny Burrell.

From a misspent youth hammering out the riffs in rock, prog and indie bands, to playing for

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.