Appeared at the Half Moon Jazz Club on Wednesday July 22nd 2009

Gilad Atzmon has been described as "one of London's finest saxophonists". Playing over 100 dates a year, he has been called "surely the hardest-gigging man in British jazz". His albums, of which he has recorded nine to date, often explore political themes and the music of the Middle East. He has also written two novels, which have been translated into over 20 languages. His album Exile was BBC jazz album of the year in 2003.

Reviews of his most recent album
"Atzmon's fluid lyricism is in full flow on songbook classics and worldly originals. But as sweet romance morphs to modernist uncertainty, the bittersweet balance and rich emotional palette equally impress." Financial Times

"Gilad Atzmon, the expat Israeli saxophonist/clarinetist, combines thrilling jazz musicianship with a maverick political intelligence" Guardian

"Atzmon is a hell of a talent...essential listening for all contemporary music fans. Atzmon has done what all the best jazzers do and put his own stamp on his chosen material. This may be a loving tribute to a mythic past but it is one with an unmistakably contemporary edge" The Jazz Man

Pat McCarthy is widely regarded as one of the countries leading jazz guitarists. His fluid melodic lines and finely honed sense of harmony have made him a popular choice as guest or sideman with many bands including "The John Warren Project" (featuring Kenny Wheeler and Andy Sheppard), Pete King , Jamil Sheriff Octet, Alan Barnes, Jami Cullum, Jim Mullen, Don Rendell, Dave Newton, Dave Green, Tina May and Nikki Iles to name but a few.

Early inspiration came from listening to the recordings of Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel and Django Reinhardt, and he remains a champion of the pure, classic jazz guitar sound.
His quartet has been at the core of Pat's activities since 1994. The original line up of Warren Jolly (bass), John Perry (drums) and Ben Martin (saxes) recorded two CDs - the first "Hetty's Dance" recorded in 1997 featured Dave Newton on piano, and the second, "Art's Blues" (with a guest appearance by the fabulous Phil Ware on piano), was recorded in 2000. A track from that album "Things Aint What They Used To Be", was played on Humphrey Lyttelton's "Best Of Jazz". This was Pat's second appearance on the show, the first being a track from a CD which Pat made with bass player Tom Mark called "It's Behind You" . Humph introduced the track by saying "Which world class, internationally renowned guitar player is this ? "

He is a composer and arranger, with commissioned works and music for film and television to his credit.

Pat is also active in jazz education. Over the last twenty years Pat has run regional workshops for all ages and abilities in the North of England. This included several six week recording projects for adults and children with special needs. Pat was the musician in residence for Yorkshire Arts which involved coaching students and bands of all abilities.