Slowlight Quartet
Slowlight Quartet were formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 2013, playing original compositions they termed cinematic jazz. They quickly garned acclaim on the North East Jazz scene and were selected by Jazz North to be on their ‘Northern Line’ scheme supporting upcoming bands. Gigs followed at well established jazz venues such as Matt & Phreds and Zeffirellis, festival appearances at Manchester International Jazz Festival (MIJF) and Sage Gateshead International Jazz Festival and a support slot with Stuart McCallum (Cinematic Orchestra). Their debut EP ‘In Flight’ was self-released on May 25th 2014 with a sell-out gig featuring a string quartet and live visuals. Their second EP ‘Live at Manchester Jazz Festival’ was released on Jazz Sound Records. The future looked bright….however In 2017 with two members moving to different countries they decided to wrap things up. 7 years later however events have transpired to bring them back together with a new drummer and an updated sound drawing on a more varied range of influences. The first single ‘Full Beam, Alan’ reflects this new more synth-bass driven groove approach and the second single will see them working with a named vocalist, further expanding their sound.
Feb 2023 will see a week in the studio culminating in two days of studio recording and filming in front of a live audience resulting in a full live album.
Tom Quilliam Saxophone
Paul Loraine Piano
Ian Paterson Bass
John Hirst Drums
“The Slowlight Quartet were magnificent. Their brand of original contemporary jazz caught the mood perfectly…”
Burton Agnes Jazz Festival review (www.fatea-records.co.uk)
“With its focus on mood, melody, nuance, texture and ensemble playing “In Flight” represents a remarkable début from such a young band”
In Flight EP review (Jazzmann.com)
"The fusing of the Slowlights, strings and film produced stunning results. The audience, very much on side, applauded the solos, the strings’ sectional work and the moving image. A memorable occasion, an unalloyed success and with or without the Slowlight Strings, make every effort to catch the Slowlight Quartet live, the band of the moment".
In Flight EP launch gig review (bebopspokenhere.blog)
"The Slowlight Quartet may comprise of four highly accomplished musicians, each making beautiful sounds, but the whole is bigger than the parts. So it’s not a matter of just a locked in - tight as owt – rhythm section with a jaw droppingly wonderful saxophonist, but a band enmeshed in the communal groove. The Slowlight Quartet share a musical brain" (bebopspokenhere.blog)