The Duck Baker Trio, with Alex Ward and Joe Williamson, returns to Cafe to celebrate the release of their first CD, The Waltz Lesson. Regarded as one of the premier fingerstyle guitarists of his generation, Baker has been working increasingly often in jazz contexts in recent years, and this CD marks his first record leading a modern jazz group in a career stretching back over 30 years. The trio leans heavily on Baker's original writing, which has been praised (and recorded) by such guitarists as John Renbourn and Leo Kottke. Clarinetist Ward is an agile improvisor and Joe Williamson an imaginative bassist with an old-school sound. Expect edgy, adventurous modern jazz that ranges from compositions by Charlie Parker to Thelonious Monk, Herbie Nichols and originals.

Pat Thomas – Solo (The Music of Derek Bailey and Thelonious Monk)

Pat studied classical piano from aged 8 and started playing Jazz from the age of 16. He has since gone on to develop an utterly unique style - embracing Improvisation, jazz and new music. He has played with Derek Bailey in Company Week (1990/91) and in the trio AND (with Noble) – with Tony Oxley’s Quartet and Celebration Orchestra and in duo with Lol Coxhill.

Current projects include a duo with Steve Williamson, and the group SCATTER. A solo piano Cd “ PAT THOMAS PLAYS THE MUSIC OF DEREK BAILEY AND THELONIOUS MONK” was released in 2008 on the FMR label.

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