June 2nd. at 7.30pm.

The Fraser Weekes Quintet
"From New York to L.A."

       Plymouth guitar virtuoso Fraser Weekes has assembled a talented band featuring leading west-country saxophonist Neil Maya, plus pianist Mark Searle, bassist Bob Marks and drummer Keith Russell, three well-known and highly regarded Plymouth musicians. The group will be playing 60's onwards grooving jazz standards from across the USA, made popular by the likes of Cole Porter, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Garrett and many others.

One of Plymouth's most popular musicians, band leader Fraser Weekes has been playing guitar in and around Plymouth since 1962, when he formed his first band, The Plymouth Sound, while still at school. A few years later he joined the popular local band Clockwork Orange, who toured extensively around the South-West. In 1978, Fraser studied guitar under the legendary Barney Kessell. and this set him off on the career path he is still following today. In the four decades since then, Fraser has shared a stage with artists as diverse as Slim Gaillard, Roy Williams, Bruce Turner, Brian Lemon and Jim Mullen. Fraser was also one of the band members at Olympia for the Horse of the Year Show.

       Neil Maya, saxes, has been involved in music all his life. Since moving to Devon in 2001 he has become very busy as a jazz saxophonist playing in his own Neil Maya Quartet, as well as other jazz outfits and other function bands, his most recent appearances at PJC being with his own band and with the amazing "Drat Pack". Neil originally trained as a classical clarinettist and studied at the Royal College of Music junior department until he was 18. Neil took up saxophone when he was 15 and got the jazz bug soon after. As well gigging throughout the southwest Neil also runs jazz workshops, directs the South Devon Big Band, arranges (including arrangements for Jazzwise) and composes and teaches privately at home.

       Mark Searle, piano, with 30 years professional experience, is an accomplished musician in all styles. He has played at many major venues and high profile events including the Royal Albert Hall, London Boat Show, Horse of the Year Show, Wimbledon Finals, at Embassies throughout the world, on Cruise Ships, and on many occasions for British and Foreign Royalty and Heads of State, including Solo Piano for Her Majesty the Queen. He has recently returned from playing at this year's Glastonbury Festival. Performed a solo piece to great applause when featured at PJC in the Tony McQarry Quintet a couple of years ago.

       Bob Marks, bass guitar. Over the years Bob has played in a very wide range of bands, from country to heavy rock, and trad jazz. In the 80s he toured with the rock band Blade, and in the 90s with Trigger (Medicine Bow), the country band. For many years he played in The Jazz Suite house band 'Format' until it closed in 2017. Also a hit at PJC last year in this band and in the Tony McQarry Quintet.

       Keith Russell, drums, is a versatile drummer who plays jazz, swing, soul, funk, rock etc. He has built an excellent reputation in the area, playing for a number of bands including Vince Lee & the Big Combo. His imaginative drum style draws inspiration from many musical cultures to create the perfect jazz backing and made a great impression when this band visited PJC in 2017.

An evening of swinging jazz standards from across the USA!

     Fraser Weekes                                   Neil Maya