Martin Speake's Charukesi

Martin Speake alto saxophone
Alyson Cawley tenor saxophone
Mike Outram guitar
Richard Fox tuba
Tom Hooper drumsFor 30 years alto saxophonist, composer and improviser Martin Speake has been exploring non-Western rhythmic and melodic approaches inspired by the music of many cultures. In particular Indian, Arabic, Turkish, African and Jazz traditions.The latest incarnation is Charukesi, named after an Indian raga. It is direct, groove-based music with compelling and memorable melodies rooted in a dynamic tuba and drums rhythm section with impassioned soloing and interaction from Alyson Cawley's tenor, Mike Outram's guitar and Martin's alto saxophone."Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent." - Thomas Conrad (Jazz Times)"Speake is a strikingly talented improviser with a seemingly bottomless well of inspiration." - Encyclopaedia of Popular MusicJazz at Progress is presented in association with Jazz in Reading.