A Tribute To Atlantic Jazz

A Tribute to Atlantic Jazz is a new ensemble put together by saxophonist James Russell and Jim Corry to pay tribute to the record label that in the 1960's and early 70's embraced the period of 'soul jazz', and with it a new generation of jazz musicians emerging at this time. With the growth in the soul movement of jazz around this time came the establishment of major artists who gave this brand of jazz form its name and validity, among them Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley and Bobby Timmons. Unfortunately many musicians and some audiences tend to overlook other great players around at this period such as Leroy 'Hog' Cooper, Hank Crawford, Donald Wilkerson, David 'Fathead' Newman, Marcus Belgrave and James Clay, all veterans of Ray Charles' band at various points in their careers. In the words of Ray Charles himself "These cats are up there with Coltrane and Miles. Mention them man. Don't let them be forgotten. They got me where I needed to go." The intention of this ensemble is to do just that. To honour these musicians and the musical legacy they left, to perform some of their arrangements alongside some originals and present a swinging, soulful programme that has an instinctive, emotional appeal that will bring their unique style of jazz to a wider audience.