World's finest jazz musicians stop off in Shropshire

Jason Rebello and Tim Garland will present music from their new album ‘Life to Life’ at The Maidment Auditorium at Shrewsbury School on January 27th. 

They are titans of the jazz world, and have worked with artists including Sting, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter and Jeff Beck.

The pair are due to launch their album in St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square this coming weekend (January 21st). Shrewsbury is the first stop on their national ‘Life to Life’ tour.

The new album is the culmination of three decades of the finest musical collaboration between celebrated jazz pianist Jason and ‘multi-reedist’ Tim, who will be showcasing the full gamut of saxophones, from the tiniest sopranino to the big bass sax. 

The long-time friends describe it as ‘a musical conversation that has been evolving for 30 years’, as Jason explains: “It's a natural outcome of two people that have known each other for a long time - and a learning experience for both of us.”

The result is a testament to friendship and lifelong pursuit of musical depth, embodying humour, soulful melancholy and exhilaration. Along with several new works from both artists are stunning renditions of timeless classics.

“True report,” Garland adds, “evolves gradually (like a garden) - it’s a process that cannot be forced and the result is precious.”

Jason met guitar legend Jeff Beck through an introduction from String and the pair went on to tour the world for six years. He has also worked with artists across the spectrum including Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Jacob Collier and bassist Pino Palladino among a great many others.

Grammy Award Winning British composer Tim stands at the forefront of British Jazz and contemporary music and has worked with many giants, including the late Chick Corea and others; Tim’s trio Acoustic Triangle became well known for innovative and entrancing performances of modern, accessible jazz.

John Moore, of Shropshire Music Trust, organising the concert, says: “Tim is the most sought after composer and saxophonist in the UK for contemporary music and jazz. Jason was a pianist with Sting for many years and brought beautiful jazz to the music.

“They’re both such nice guys - they’ve played together for 30 years and this new album sums up their relationship. It tells you something about the style of the music that they’re launching at St Martin-in-the-Fields (which has a reputation as a classical music venue). This is going to be accessible. It’s not just pure jazz, it’s more composed, accessible, contemporary music. It will appeal to both classical music lovers and jazz music lovers. 

“These guys are celebrities - they’ve played on some of the biggest stages in the world and we have them right here on our doorstep in the near perfect acoustics of the Maidment auditorium.”

Tim Garland and Jason Rebello will be at The Maidment Auditorium, Shrewsbury School on Friday, January 27th at 7.30pm. Tickets £16/£8 (25s & under) from The Shropshire Music Trust.