Fleece Jazz

Pianist and composer Basil Hodge has been a mainstay of the British Jazz scene since the early nineties. Basil brings his popular and powerful quartet featuring the mighty Tony Kofi. The band will play Basil’s compositions from his critically acclaimed album 'A Point of Reference' plus songs from his impressive back catalogue. You will hear contemporary Jazz with a cohesive blend of swing Latin and funk rhythms.

Basil’s interest in music and the piano started at junior school. He then had classical piano lessons for a few years before taking private lessons with jazz pianist/composer Tim Richards. He completed his training at Goldsmiths College London in 1991.

Beginning his professional career in 1993 as a freelance musician, Basil went on to play with leading UK players such as Jim Mullen, Tony Kofi, Dave O’Higgins and Renato D’Aiello. He has released three recordings to date which have received critical acclaim and airplay while confirming his stature as an established composer. Basil has been leading his bands (trio, quartet and quintet) since 1995 and he has performed in such venues as Ronnie Scott’s, the Royal Festival Hall, the Swanage and Ealing Jazz Festivals, The Vortex Jazz Club, The Crypt, The Hideaway, Fleece Jazz, Watermills Jazz, The Bonington Theatre and The Verdict Jazz Club.

Saxophonist Tony Kofi first came to prominence in the 1990s as a member of The Jazz Warriors and Gary Crosby’s Nu Troop. Subsequently, as well as leading his own groups including the Monk Liberation Front, he played with Billy Higgins, Clifford Jarvis, Courtney Pine and David Murray’s iconic US band the World Saxophone Quartet (the first UK born musician in the group). And, in addition to multiple BBC Jazz Awards, he’s also a Parliamentary Jazz Award winner and a MOBO nominee.

Oli Hayhurst has been one of the busiest bass players on the London jazz scene since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2000. He is involved in a wide range of music playing with stars of jazz, classical and world musics. He has been featured on over 60 albums and toured extensively.

Alfonso Vitale started playing drums at the age of three and became a regular fixture at local jazz club 'La Sosta', sitting in with visiting stars like Bobby Watson, Kenny Barron, Steve Swallow and others. After graduating, he moved to the UK and became a regular sideman with Renato D'Aiello at Ronnie Scott's Acoustic Jazz Lounge and found a comfortable footing on the London Jazz scene.

• Basil Hodge - Piano
• Tony Kofi - Alto Sax
• Oli Hayhurst - Bass
• Alfonso Vitale - Drums

Fleece Jazz is an independent, non-profit association run by a voluntary committee who have been providing modern and contemporary jazz for 28 years. They book talented musicians and jazz bands from the UK and beyond to perform at Stoke by Nayland Resort, providing the perfect backdrop for these cherished and popular events.

Fleece Jazz events are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.