Mike Collins Quartet
Lyrical Bath based pianist Mike Collins leads a quartet playing his distinctive, evocative and melodic European-tinged jazz with originals, less played compositions, plus an occasional standard. The new album ‘And Suddenly Evening’, a follow up to the warmly received release ‘Suite Gorgeous’, has received a raft of generous reviews and a track featured on Radio 3’s Jazz Line-Up.
Mike Collins – piano
Len Aruliah – saxophones
Ashley John Long – bass
Greg White – drums
Press for ‘And suddenly, evening’ (Suitepieces Records)
“.. elegant..accomplished … perhaps a classic in the making.. Indicating a great live
experience” London Jazz News
“a voice all his own.. an achievement in lyricism .. a stunning band …would grace
any jazz lover’s library” Charley Dunlap, Listomania Bath
***1/2 “… beautiful opening piece … an exceptional group performance … album
featuring some excellent playing and an interesting selection of material… Mike
Collins is a musician who will be well worth seeing live in whatever instrumental
context you might find him” Ian, Mann, The Jazzman
***1/2 “.. mixes attractive melodies with a rhythmical flexibility… the easy confidence
of a quartet enjoying itself” Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz
*** “Pastoral … gentle.. Collins sound.. closest to John Taylor’s or Bobo Stenson’s”
Stephen Graham, Marlbank
Available From: iTunes, Bandcamp, Amazon, www.mikecollinstrio.com
UK born and growing up in Vancouver, Len Aruliah still splits his time between London and Canada. A versatile musician he’s toured with Gene Pitney, played theatre in the West End, world music, and with the riotous Hackney Colliery Brass Band. He’s powerfully lyrical saxophonist, with a strong contemporary edge and writes and performs with his own bands, releasing CDs performing and teaching on both sides of the Atlantic. Award winning bass player and composer Ashley John Long is fast becoming recognised as one of the most unique exponents of his instrument in Europe. He splits his time between Classical, Jazz and session work and has performed with a host of leading jazz musicians. Versatile, sensitive and dynamic drummer Greg White, originally from France, studied music in London and has settled in Bristol where he has been an active musician on its vibrant scene.