"Having booked the Be-Bop club for many years I have become accustomed to receiving loads of dodgy demos, but every now and again something of real quality drops on to the door-mat to restore balance to the universe. Pianist Joe Finch's 'Pictures' is a most impressive debut featuring great tunes and mature uncluttered playing all round. Bath based Finch is joined from Oxford by Geraint James on bass, and Kevin Davidson on drums. Although not a copy, there are similarities with the work of Esbjorn Svensson, so if you like his stuff you should be in for a great evening"
Andy Hague of Bristol's The Be-Bop club
The musicians-
Joe Finch - Piano
Joe has studied piano, both jazz and classical, for eleven years and at 21 is the eldest member of the group. He counts the following players most prominently amongst his influences: Keith Jarrett, Abdullah Ibrahim, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock and Oscar Peterson. He maintains that within any musical expression regardless of style every note should be justifiable. He is currently studying for a degree in Chinese at the School of Oriental and African Studies.
Geraint James - Bass
Geraint was initially prompted to take up bass by his love of soul and funk but found the rhythmic dexterity that these disciplines cultivated were an excellent foundation for the eclectic sound that characterizes the British Jazz scene at present. He plays both electric and double bass and employs a musical sensitivity drawn from the additional study of piano. He is currently occupied with his third year studying Architecture at Oxford Brookes University.
Kevin Davidson - Drums and Percussion
Kevin's ability to take the essentials of any rhythmic style coupled with a willingness to sit back and work off the ideas of other members comprises the backbone of the trio. He has played in a variety of bands as well as experimenting with composition. As this would imply Kevin has a sound harmonic knowledge, which he owes to his study of the piano. He is presently completing his third year of a Law degree at St John's College, Oxford.
It is worth mentioning that although a band they have been known to include guest artists on certain occasions. Whether it is appropriate to expand the band however is entirely up to you, all the standards and compositions stand up without these additional voices.
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