Chris Biscoe - saxes and alto clarinet
Brian Godding - guitar synth
Marcio Mattos - double bass
Tony Marsh - drums

+

Yoni Silver - bass clarinetist and multi-instrumentalist

Steve Noble - drums

Olie Brice - double bass

FULL MONTE

Formed in 1988, this gig reunites the original line-up and embodies the free-wheeling power of the band’s original conception, which joins the blues and rock background of Brian Godding (Blossom Toes, Centipede, Magma) improvising expertise of Marcio and Tony, and the jazz influences of Chris Biscoe (George Russell, Chris McGregor, Mike Westbrook). Full Monte is an improvising group with the ability to build extended melodic and rhythmic performances - spontaneous composition which can sound like written music. The musicians have common links - and many different musical experiences. The result is a music which moves seamlessly through different styles and combines these influences in unique ways.

"Full Monte was a quartet of infinitely adventurous and challenging modern musicians, whose music conveyed an impressively wide range of moods and incorporated a strikingly wide range of styles. ..ensemble passages whose raw power and intensity were utterly thrilling."
Trevor Hodgett, The Irish News

"Some of the most innovative and original music to be heard in the increasingly commodious area covered by the term “jazz”."
Chris Parker, The Times

"Full Monte take you along a high octane nexus of technical expertise and spontaneous creativity - delivered with energy and excitement from a quartet of natural born improvisers."
George Kerr, The Newsletter, Belfast.

"To me it embodies the blues influence, the passion and the inspired interaction of the very best of jazz"
Humphrey Lyttleton, BBC Radio 1

YONI SILVER / OLIE BRICE / STEVE NOBLE - Trio

YONI SILVER

One of the leading figures of the Israeli free improvisation scene - bass clarinetist and multi-instrumentalist Yoni Silver's music ranges from just-audible bass clarinet improvisations to full on noise, semi- composed pieces for varying ensembles, and computer music.

STEVE NOBLE

From playing with Nigerian master drummer Elkan Ogunde, Rip Rig and Panic, Brion Gysin and the Bow Gamelan Ensemble, Noble went on to work with the pianist Alex Maguire and with Derek Bailey (including Company Weeks 1987,89 and 90) and was featured (along with Alex Ward) in the TV series based on Baileys book ‘Improvisation; its nature and practice’. He has toured and performed throughout Europe, Africa and America. Currently leads the groups ‘4tet’ - ‘Say What’- ‘Shakedown Club’- ‘Harry Love All Stars’ and a trio with Lol Coxhil / Edwards-he also fills the drum stool in the following groups; SFQ, Badland, Gannets, Freebase and Tim Hills group Tongues of Fire.

OLIE BRICE

Olie Brice is a jazz and improv double bassist. His regular bands include TOM-MIX (with Mark Hanslip and Tony Marsh) and a trio with Ingrid Laubrock and Javier Carmona. He also works in Loz Speyer's Inner Space Music and
the quintet Five Spot.