CAFÉ JAZZ QUINTET

Biography

Playing and Singing songs from the Great American Songbook, I put Café Jazz Quintet together after being requested by many people who appreciate these great tunes, to get out there and perform them.

I am pleased to play with some of the best jazz musicians in the North West along with a wonderful vocalist. - Mike Lovell

Mike Lovell (leader and trombone).

Born in Brighton and moving to London at an early age, Mike started playing at the age of 12 in his school's brass band. He then went on to play with the Essex Youth Orchestra. At 16 he formed his jazz band, playing in many venues in and around London. After playing in dubious 'joints' in Soho and famous jazz clubs such as the 100 Club in Oxford Street and Ronnie Scotts, Mike joined a famous American jazz rock band and toured Scandinavia, Europe and West Africa, living and being based in Brussels, Belgium. He then came out of the business for several years and went into the management of casinos, night clubs and hotels. Back playing professionally again, Mike has two main Bands. Café Jazz Quintet and Six-In-A-Bar Classic 1920s/30s Jazz Band.

Dave Windle (keyboard and arranger).

David is one of the finest jazz pianists in North West England, but it all started back in 1977 when he attended the Huddersfield School of Music, studying Organ, Piano, Harmony and Theory. In 1995 he joined Cunard as band leader and pianist. In 2000 he joined P&O Cruises as Musical Director. In 2011 David was the resident pianist at the Bedford Hotel. For many years David has had a relationship with Blackpool Tower Ballroom playing the mighty Wurlitzer Organ and since 2013 is Musical Director, arranger and keyboard player in the world famous Blackpool Tower Circus.

Dave Lee (clarinet, alto saxophone and soprano saxophone).

David is one of the most well-known jazz clarinet and saxophone players in the North West. He has appeared on television and radio together with many seasons in the Blackpool Winter Gardens and Tower Ballroom. Many summer seasons in Blackpool and Southport happened over the years. David was also resident with a jazz band on the Central Pier in Blackpool for several years. David's own band was one of the most popular jazz band in jazz clubs all over the North West.

Ed Harrison (double bass).

Ed is an experienced double bassist, who has played with the cream of British jazz on the London jazz scene. He has also been active on the Prague jazz scene. Now based in the North West, Ed is one of the busiest jazz bassists around and is much in demand for his skill and virtuosity. He has performed with the likes of Martin Taylor, Peter King, John Etheridge, Mark Nightingale, Gerard Prescenser and many more.

Lynne Fox (vocalist).

By the nineties Lynne had travelled the world doing what she loves best. Always keen to surround herself with the best musicians in town. In 2008 Lynne embarked on a new musical adventure "An Evening with the Gershwin's and Cole Porter". The show was so well received it has recently been endorsed by the Cole Porter family. In 2012 Lynne recorded an album YOU and saw her collaborating with the legendary guitarist/ producer Martin Kershaw. The musicians on the album included Ronnie Scott's resident pianist James Pearson, double bassist Oli Hayhurst and Gary Husband on drums. Lynne has also worked as an accompanist and vocal coach at Blackpool and Fylde College.