Ben Davis Group features the cello centrally and prominently. Many of the rhythmic patterns and musical structures are derived from the instrument, using double-stops, heavily bowed rhythm figures and the full tonal range of the instrument. Complementing this, the cello can be used with great delicacy and sensitivity in ballads, and played pizzicato with the bass provides linear accompaniments of unusual transparency.
Chris Biscoe uses both alto and soprano saxes in the group, and also the rarely heard alto clarinet, which together with the cello and bass create a beautifully mellow range of sounds. The Ben Davis Group have performed at festivals and jazz venues throughout the UK, including: The London Jazz Festival, Appleby Jazz Festival, The Vortex, The Spitz and Brighton Jazz Club and for BBC Radio 3. The band's recently released CD on FMR records (FMR CD 48 E0498) called `Double Dares are Sometimes Different` demonstrates the mixture of distinctive original material and unusual arrangements of standards which is the band's hallmark.
Ben Davis (cello) played solo for Radio 3 at the Wapping Project; toured with Julian Joseph, Django Bates and the Mike Westbrook Orchestra, Mervyn Africa, Claire Martin and Steve Buckley and played classically with Stavanger Symphony Orchestra and the Dufay Collective and recorded with D-Influence, Christine Tobin and Huw Warren.
Chris Biscoe (alto & soprano saxes/alto clarinet)plays with the George Russell Big Band and Mike Westbrook groups. He has been a regular with l'Orchestre National de Jazz, Andy Sheppard Big Band and Hermeto Pascoal`s UK Big Band, and has formed his own projects: Mingus Moves and the improvised ensemble Full Monte.
Tim Wells (bass) kicked off his career in the USA with the Sam Rivers and David Friedman quartets; moving to Cologne, he played with the WDR Big Band and Stefan Bauer. He was then drawn to London by the free jazz scene, where he joined the Jon Lloyd Quartet and John Law Trio.
Sebastian Rochford (drums/percussion) is a leader and writer, making an impact with his band Polar Bears. One of the leading young players on any instrument, his individual and adaptable playing can be heard with musicians as diverse as Stan Tracey, Perico Sambeat, Bruce Barth and Mike Westbrook.
Album: Double Dares Are Sometimes Different Ben Davis Group featuring Chris Biscoe
FMR Records: FMR CD 48-E0498
DUO - CHRIS BISCOE/BEN DAVIS
Chris Biscoe - alto and soprano sax, alto clarinet
Ben Davis - cello
Many of the rhythmic patterns and musical structures for the duo are derived from the instrumentation, using double stops, heavily bowed rhythm figures and the full tonal range of the cello, together with sax and alto clarinet. The latter, in particular, blends with the cello to produce a uniquely mellow and resonant sound. Complementing this, the cello can be used with great delicacy and sensitivity in ballads, and played pizzicato provides linear accompaniments of unusual transparency.
The duo made its debut at the Cluny Festival in 1999, and grew from workshop sessions by Ben Davis and Chris Biscoe exploring the material written for Ben Davis' group. In 2001 it appeared at the Bath and Appleby festivals. Chris and Ben also played together during 2001 in John Donaldson's Sextant.
Ben Davis has toured with Julian Joseph, Django Bates and Mike Westbrook, and recorded with Jamiroquai, D-Influence, Christine Tobin and Hugh Warren.
Chris Biscoe has appeared as a soloist on more then 30 albums, including a dozen on alto clarinet. He has toured and recorded with George Russell, Mike Westbrook, Andy Sheppard, Hermeto Pascoal and l'Orchestre National de Jazz. His own projects include Full Monte, Mingus Moves and Approximate-Lee. Currently he is working with Harry Beckett and the Liam Noble Quintet.
PRESS REVIEWS OF THE DUO:
A dozen different types of jazz in Bath
Bath Jazz Festival
.......Meanwhile, at the Guildhall, Ben Davis (cello) and Chris Biscoe (alto sax and alto clarinet) played nicely off-centre versions of Caravan and Ruby My Dear and beguiling originals by Davis.
(John L Walters, Guardian,Tuesday May 29, 2001)
FOR BOOKINGS OR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Chris Biscoe: email: biscoechris@waitrose.com
Ben Davis Group featuring Chris Biscoe
