Cornucopia - The Rod Paton Jazz Ensemble.
Rod’s 6-piece ensemble “CORNUCOPIA” has been in operation for over 20 years. The line-up features French Horn sandwiched between two saxes and underpinned by a rhythm section of piano bass and drums.
The line-up varies depending on conditions (i.e. available finance). Recent performances have included the talents of: Ray D’Inverno (piano), Sam Brown (drums), Nick Reynolds and Rick Foot (bass), Julian Nicholas, Tony Woods, Bruce McGavin, Lee Goodall, Nick Sorensen (Saxes), Jim Rattigan (Horn) and Vivien Ellis (voice), as well as a number of younger musicians.
Original music includes The Real Ale Set, The Six Villages Suite, The South Coast Suite and the monumental Ascension Jazzmass which was performed at the Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton University to a capacity audience in March 2000 with the voices of Jazzmanix and the Ascension Singers (plus the 21 xylophones of the Xylophonics!) A double CD of this performance is available.
Hornutopia - Afro-balkan Jazzrock Fusion
“HORNUTOPIA” is a much more recent project - a world music band which draws upon Afro-Cuban energy, Balkan rhythms, Jazz-Rock fusions and even outer limits such as Monglian throat singing to create an exciting dance-oriented melee of original compositions and improvisations.
Line-up includes Tony Woods (saxes and flute), Dave Murrell (guitar), Ray d’Inverno (electric piano), Nick Reynolds (Bass guitar), Tony Shepherd (drums), Nigel Rippon and Louise Sevier (percussion).
IMPROVISING