Sam Braysher

Sam Braysher is a London-based alto saxophonist. A regular performer at jazz clubs across Europe, he has received international critical acclaim for his warm, delicate sound and deep knowledge of the standard repertoire and American Songbook.

Accompanying is an all-star rhythm section, comprising Hungarian pianist Matyas Gayer (Eddie Henderson, Jim Rotondi), MOBO award-winning bassist Tom Farmer (EMPIRICAL, Joe Stilgoe) and ultra swinging drummer Steve Brown (Barry Harris, Scott Hamilton).

Sam’s latest album explores the work of Kurt Weill, a fascinating composer who lies at the intersection of European classical music, jazz, opera and American musical theatre. Featuring British Jazz Award-winning vocalist Sara Dowling, That’s Him: The Music of Kurt Weill, was released in 2024 and met with glowing reviews from the UK, Europe, Japan and USA, and received radio play on BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM. Awarding it a top rating of ‘indispensable’, French outlet Paris Move described the album as a “unique, moving, interconnected, creative, and exceptional entity, all coming together making it far greater than the sum of each individual part. This is the genius of Sam and his friends, knowing how to revisit Weill’s works with all the inspiration of a vast musical culture. Each track, like a treasure hunt, allows us to celebrate the essence of the original works… close to perfection."

Braysher received widespread acclaim for the two albums released previously under his own name, both of which feature renowned international collaborators. Golden Earrings, with New York pianist Michael Kanan, was described as “delightful and surprising” by Dave Gelly in the Observer, while his recent trio album with Jorge Rossy (Brad Mehldau Trio) and Tom Farmer, was praised in Jazzwise as “a triumph of intelligence and sentiment”.

Matyas Gayer

Matyas Gayer is one of the few leading figures in the new generation of jazz musicians and known to be one of a handful of young pianists who is successfully forging his own distinctive style and musical voice out of the greatness of a jazz piano tradition.

Matyas Gayer, the Hungarian pianist, first fell in love with the music at the age of five. Gayer has been showing passion to straight ahead, mainstream jazz and has been already performing on various stages such as Palace of Arts, Budapest since the early teenage years.

Gayer founded his first band and won Hungary’s young talent competition, the Golden Ten Award at the age of 14. Then Gayer started his professional music studies under the tutelage of Karoly Binder, head of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music.

In 2009 Gayer performed at Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia. Matyas won first prize and was awarded a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, Boston.

Afterwards, Gayer continued his musical studies in Austria, at the University of Performing Arts Graz, under the direction of Olaf Polziehn and he received Bachelor of Arts Degree with honour.

Tom Farmer

Tom Farmer is a highly regarded British bassist and composer, known for his work in the jazz and contemporary music scenes. As a versatile musician, Farmer has played with a wide range of artists, including the award-winning group Empirical, where his rhythmic foundation and melodic sensibility are key to the band’s sound. He is celebrated for his ability to blend complex jazz harmonies with elements of funk, soul, and world music.

Farmer’s performances and compositions demonstrate a deep understanding of jazz tradition, while also pushing the boundaries of modern jazz. His expressive bass playing and innovative approach have earned him recognition both in the UK and internationally. In addition to his band work, Farmer is also a sought-after session musician and collaborator, contributing to various projects across genres.

As an educator, Farmer is dedicated to passing on his knowledge and experience to emerging musicians, inspiring a new generation of bassists and jazz performers. His work continues to shape and influence the landscape of contemporary jazz.

Steve Brown

Born in Manchester, England, Steve developed an early interest in music and began playing drums at age 14. By age 19, he was performing with local jazz groups. By the time he was 23, Steve had become the "first call" jazz drummer in Manchester, working with Scott Hamilton, Art Farmer and UK artists during their engagements in the city.

In 1996, Brown moved to London and began working as a sideman with many of the capitol's finest musicians including engagements with jazz greats Harry 'Sweets' Edison and Conte Candoli. During the next 4 years his playing career went from strength to strength and Steve was the winner of the 'Drums' and 'Rising Star' categories in the 1999 British Jazz Awards.

In 2000 Steve joined the quartet of the great jazz saxophonist Scott Hamilton, with whom he has toured internationally over the last seven years. He is also featured on his last four recordings for Concord records.

In between his engagements with the Scott Hamilton quartet, Steve continues to perform and record with a wide variety of artists including Benny Golson, Benny Green, Carl Fontana, Barry Harris, Junior Mance, Charles McPherson, John Bunch and Hod O'Brien.