DSQ
“From the samples heard on this launch gig, the Dave Stapleton Quintet’s third album, Between the Lines, looks likely to emulate the considerable success of the previous two”. Vortex Jazz Live Review – click here to read full review
“A real UK jazz relevation.” The Guardian
Dave Stapleton – piano
Ben Waghorn – Saxophones
Jonny Bruce - trumpet
Paula Gardiner - double bass
Elliot Bennett – drums
Dave Stapleton Quintet (DSQ) are one of the finest outfits on a British jazz scene overcrowded with talent. As compelling and powerful live as they are on record, DSQ bring to Stapleton’s exceptional and distinctive compositions an intensity that recalls those great Blue Note and Riverside recordings of the early sixties.
The band release their third album in February 2010 and there’s little doubt it will receive the same critical and public acclaim that greeted previous releases, When Life Was In Black and White (EDN1007) and The House Always Wins (EDN1008). Both records met with rave reviews in the Guardian, Independent on Sunday and Jazzwise. Jazzwise Magazine said of When Life Was In Black and White:
“This music is vital and fresh…full of powerful riffs, melodic hooks and intriguing and surprising turns of phrase.
While the Guardian described The House Always Wins in the glowing terms:
“…hooks that could hardly be more accessible but which none the less avoid any formulaic references…quality and fiery, fearless soloists…A real UK jazz revelation.”
In Sept 2009, The House Always Wins was released in Europe to much praise, claiming a 5 star review from Dernières Nouvelles du Jazz and French Magazine Jazzman described it as “subtle and vivacious with intelligent writing…an amazingly modern quintet”.
DSQ bring together the muscular, vital frontline team of trumpeter Jonny Bruce and saxophonist Ben Waghorn and the subtle, vibrating rhythm section of bassist Paula Gardiner and drummer Elliott Bennett. With Stapleton moving between Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano, this is hi-energy jazz. It is music to feed the mind and move the body.
UK audiences already know just how good this band truly are. Now, with highly successful festival appearances in Cannes, Budapest, Zagreb, Cork, Bratislava and Belgrade under their belt, the rest of Europe is catching on. Imagine music as approachable and sophisticated as Keith Jarrett or EST or the Bad Plus. Now add that to the energy of the Jazz Messengers or Cannonball Adderley. That’s DSQ.
Listen to excerpts from ‘The House Always Wins’ here:
“There’s some excellent thematic writing here…stays in the memory long after the record has finished”. Jazzwise (4 stars)
“…hooks that could hardly be more accessible but which none the less avoid any formulaic references…quality and fiery, fearless soloists…A real UK jazz relevation.” The Guardian (4 Stars)
“know how to build a groove…bold and catchy compisitions”. BBC Radio 3 ‘Jazz on 3′
“Fiery, blusey…A cracking band…Fast establishing a formidable rep…whether in acoustic or proggy Fender Rhodes there’s a steely strength”. The Independent on Sunday
“Deft melodies and hard hitting grooves make his music genuinely kick-ass”. Timeout
PAST GIGS
Jazz Festivals in 2007/08
Belgrade Jazz Festival Serbian / Croatian Tour, Zagreb Jazz Festival Serbian / Croatian Tour, Sabac Jazz Festival , Serbian / Croatian Tour, Indijia Jazz Festival Serbian / Croatian Tour, London Jazz Festival, Swangage Jazz Festival, Llangollen Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Coventry Jazz Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival, Budapest Jazz , Festival, Hungary, Cork Jazz Festival, Ireland, Bratislava Festival, Slovakia, Teignmouth Jazz Festival, Sound Festival and Aberdeen.
Selected Club Date
Vortex, London
Pizza Express, London
Lincoln Drill Hall, Lincoln
VIDEO
Out of Focus (Croatia)
Dedication Song (Croatia)
ON THE WEB
www.davestapleton.com
www.myspace.com/davestapletonquintet
