Welcome to the 7th album by Sax Appeal and a milestone celebrating 40 years of the band's existence.
From its beginnings in Manchester, as an off-shoot of the youth big band Stockport Schools' Stagesound, the band soon found success, winning the Music for Youth Award for Best Small Group in 1982 and appearing at the Albert Hall and on television as part of the School Proms.
Relocating to London in 1983, the band soon flourished and, subsequently, has performed around the world with highlights in Venezuela, Coutances, and the Marciac and Cork Jazz Festival.
Accolades followed with the John Dankworth Award and a British Jazz Award for best small group. Many musicians have passed through the band over these 40 years and I am grateful to all of them for the virtuosity and spirit they have brought, and continue to bring, to the stage and studio.
So, 40 years on, I'm still loving writing for and performing with Sax Appeal and this new album has proved to be as diverse and rewarding as ever.
Here's to 40 more years!
