In this episode of Jazz South Spotlight, Kevin Le Gendre speaks to vocalist and band leader Kate Westbrook, of Kate Westbrook and The Granite Band.
Kevin and Kate discuss how the band have adapted to working and recording in lockdown, the origins of the band's name and capturing the sounds of the Dartmoor quarries on their album. Plus, they discuss the The Granite Band's new music commission for Jazz South, Says The Duke, a celebration and tribute to the great Duke Ellington, and memories of seeing the late, great musician in London nearly 50 years ago, a seminal evening for Kate.
The Granite Band is: Kate Westbrook - voice; Roz Harding - saxophone; Jesse Molins - guitar; Matthew North - guitar; Billie Bottle - electric bass; Mike Westbrook - piano/keyboards - Coach York drums.
'"Granite' stands out as one of the greatest British jazz records in recent years and it does so by means of a cross-generational band that knows nothing about musical styles, just outstanding music." Francisco Macias (writer)
Jazz South Spotlight is a new podcast series shining a light on outstanding jazz talent from the South of England. Over 6 episodes Kevin Le Gendre will be meeting six bands selected and commissioned by Jazz South to each write a new piece of music in 2020 as a reimagining of their original live performance programme.
To listen to Kate Westbrook and The Granite Band's new piece, Says The Duke, in full, visit: www.jazzsouth.org.uk/spotlightpodcasts.
