Way out West: Jazz Promoter

Way out West has been promoting between 40 and 55 gigs per year since 2004. Reflecting the wide age range and musical experience of the collective, guests have included John Dankworth, Evan Parker, Christine Tobin, Bobby Wellins, members of F-IRE, Loop and Chaos collectives, Peter King, Liam Noble, Tony Kofi, Alcyona Mick, Cleveland Watkiss and Byron Wallen amongst many others.

There have been numerous debut performances by bands created to play for Way Out West and other new bands which have benefited from being supported through more than one performance. These have included the Kate Williams Septet, Nette Robinson Lyric Ensemble, Pigfoot, Emily Saunders Band, Eddie Harvey Septet.

Way Out West has 16 members: Tim Whitehead (founder), Tom Millar (chair), Chris Biscoe (treasurer), Kate Williams, Tony Kinsey, Nette Robinson, Pete Hurt, Tony Woods, Vasilis Xenopoulos, Emily Saunders, Jimmy Hastings, Matt Wates, Dave Jones, Mick Sexton, Gary Willcox, Flo Moore.

Of the 45 performances proposed for 2013/14 at least half will feature music especially written for the band performing that night.

Way Out West is unique amongst the growing number of jazz collectives in the age span (six decades from our youngest member Flo Moore to oldest Tony Kinsey) and diversity of musical styles represented. In the past year we have welcomed new members brought in new music and new audiences.

This autumn we are staging a concert during the London Jazz Festival with a large band in a new 500 seater venue. and planning a festival for September 2014.