Appearing regularly at The Rooms, St Leonards. 33-35 Western Road St Leonards TN37 6DJ. 01424 713555. www.theroomscafe.co.uk
Photos and recording by Adam Ayres 29/7/2010
PETE CORNISH
Son of a founder member of the R.A.F.’s “Squadronaires, Pete has specialised in performing on the complete saxophone family including the least well known, the Baritone Sax.
Pete’s jazz experience includes studying harmony with Dan Haerle, advanced saxophone technique with Jean Toussaint and musical expression with Gordon Rose; in addition to regular performances with some of the UK’s top jazz musicians.
In performance Pete has featured as soloist with The Morley College Jazz Orchestra; Gill’s Band; The John Bennett Big Band and Vecchio at many jazz clubs around the UK including Ronnie Scott’s; The Bull at Barnes; The 100 Club and also jazz concerts at The Barbican; Royal Festival Hall; Battersea Arts Centre; Millfield Theatre; Hampstead Country Club; The ICA Gallery; Tricycle Theatre and The Jazz Centre Society.
Since relocating to the Heathfield area Pete has performed at many jazz venues throughout Kent and Sussex.
"Kicking off their fortnightly residency at The Rooms, Western Road, St Leonards, The Pete Cornish Jazz FX, with Pete leading on Tenor, Alto and Soprano saxes set the bar high with their opening number, 'Tenor Madness' by Sonny Rollins, which was tight and slick showcasing the considerable talents of all four musicians. Their two sets were made up of true jazz classics including a funk version of Miles Davis's ' So What', Cannonball Adderleys 'Sack O' Woe' , Gerry Mulligans' 'Line for Lyons' and Lee Morgan's 'Sidewinder'. All of this was interspersed with some memorable original pieces including Pete's samba styled composition, 'Dancing with Flondrix'. The band obviously love the music they play which they do not only with great technique but also with considerable flair and feel for the music. There were some moments too of great beauty in the set, not least in Pete's beautiful rendition of 'Polkadots and Moonbeams'. The band have a huge repertoire and each gig offers a differnt mix of songs so this opening session promises some great Thursday jazz evenings at The Rooms. The band appear at The Rooms on every other Thursday and the jazz night honours are shared with Pete Burden's Organisation with singer Rebecca Mason who appear on alternate Thursdays."
