Alex Clarke Quintet
featuring Mark Armstrong
Alex Clarke  (alto saxophone), Mark Armstrong (trumpet), David Newton (piano), James Owston (double bass), Gaz Hughes (drums)
 
Award winning young saxophonist, Alex Clarke, is making her first appearance at the Club leading her own quintet, which also features the superb trumpet of Mark Armstrong. Alex is rapidly becoming one of the most in demand and versatile saxophonists to emerge on the British jazz scene. Praised for her extensive repertoire list and intelligent ear for harmony, she brings an open-minded, intuitive approach that sounds authentic in a variety of musical settings from New Orleans to bebop. Alex’s sound is steeped in the tradition of jazz; her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in her swinging, melodic approach which is inspired by the likes of Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley. She was winner of the ‘Rising Star’ category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and was finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020. Alex has recently released her latest recording ‘Out of the Woods’ to great critical acclaim. For tonight’s concert, Alex Clarke is joined by the very fine trumpeter, Mark Armstrong, who is a brilliant soloist and is not only Professor of JazzTrumpet but also Musical Director of the National Youth JazzOrchestra. The exciting rhythm section is led by the great pianist, David Newton with the highly talented James Owston on double bass and top drummer Gaz Hughes.