The Matt Wates Trio

We're a jazz trio of some 10 years standing and are available to provide background music for all sorts of function. We also go out as a duo (sax and guitar or sax and piano). For more information contact Matt.

We go out as a duo (sax and guitar or sax and piano) as well as a trio. We also go out as a piano trio (sax, piano, bass).

Biographies

Matt Wates

Described by the late John Dankworth as 'an incredibly talented musician and composer', alto sax player Matt was born in London in 1964 and graduated from Berklee College of Music in 1988. He has appeared with Bucky Pizzarelli, John Colianni, Humphrey Lyttelton, Georges Arvanitas, Helen Shapiro, Don Weller, Bobby Wellins, Dusko Goykovich, Duncan Lamont, Ian Shaw, Norma Winstone and Peter King. He has recorded with Paz, Roadside Picnic, Itchy Fingers, NYJO, the Michael Garrick Big Band, Sax Appeal and Jamie Cullum. Read more

Nigel Price

Over a career spanning more than 25 years, Nigel has become widely acknowledged as one of the hardest working musicians in the business. Musically, his blend of flowing bebop lines, deep blues sensibility and his mastery of chording continue to delight audiences and fellow musicians alike. His career highlights include a support show for Gladys Knight at The Royal Albert Hall and an appearance on Van Morrison’s recent album Keep Me Singing. Starting his professional career in his early 20s, Nigel toured Europe with various reggae and funk bands before settling on a solo guitar career and turning his attention to jazz. Citing early influences as Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Nigel honed his craft by attending gigs and sitting in with the players of the time. He has played on more than 50 albums including 5 as a leader, spent ten years with acid jazz outfit The Filthy Six, was a member of James Taylor’s band for 3 years (with whom he recorded 5 albums) and performed with the legendary David Axelrod. He has also taught at The International Guitar Foundation at King’s Place, London. He has worked tirelessly to organise his own tours (including a 56 date tour in late 2016) and has picked up a Parliamentary Jazz Award (Best Jazz Ensemble, 2010), a nomination for a British Jazz Award (Best Guitarist, 2014) and a British Jazz Award (Best Guitarist, 2016) along the way.

Julian Bury
Double bassist Julian has played with Sir Paul McCartney and has been seen playing sophisticated jazz on BBC 1’s Holby City. He has appeared on Top of the Pops 2 playing bass with Gilbert O’Sullivan, and is a well respected player, comfortable with everything from be-bop to jazz standards. He appears regularly in jazz clubs in and around London, from Ronnie Scotts to the 100 Club. His highly rhythmic, swinging approach to the instrument ensures that he is always in work.

Contact Matt

What people have said about the Trio

"Matt played at our son's 21st. He is a fantastic musician and so nice to deal with. He and his colleagues turned up in good time, dressed beautifully in black tie, judged the mood perfectly and fitted in so well with the situation. Matt is a delight to deal with and we would definitely recommend him and use him again. "
Alexandra W

"Matt and Nigel played at our cigar and rum tasting during the Rye Jazz Festival last year. Amazing!! Their music filled the outdoor space and added perfectly to the atmosphere of relaxed, Latin fun that we hoped for. Matt played my favourite "Girl from Ipanema"...which can be so cheesy, but he played with sensitivity and depth of feeling. A real goosebump moment! I cannot recommend these musicians highly enough. "

Sarah S

"Matt played at my 70th birthday party last year to a fantastic reception.Together with his fellow extremely talented musicians they helped create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Having worked in the music industry for many years I have no hesitation in recommending his and their talent for any function."

Ken B

"Matt Wates and colleagues trio turned out to play at a summer luncheon party which spilled out onto the lawn; they were terrific and captivated our group of friends, many of whom are professional classical musicians. Matt captured the atmosphere of the event to a T and we were treated to some astonishingly good music making, definitely plan to get him back again soon and thoroughly recommend him."

Nigel P

"Not just three incomparable jazz instrumentalists; this is one of the finest jazz trios in the business, capable of exploring any nook and cranny of the jazz lexicon. Book a taxi, jazz played played like this could make you miss the last bus home!"

John C

"Matt was recommended by our caterers to play at a summer garden party we held. He brought along a guitarist and they played great music appropriate to the time of day and occasion. We had a lot of positive feedback from our guests. We highly recommend him."