Jazz in the Theatre: The Brubeck Project

For many people, the sound of Dave Brubeck's 'Take 5' is the sound of jazz. This popular American pianist and composer, who died just a few years ago, did more than perhaps anyone to bring jazz into the popular mainstream. Now Devon based musician Neil Maya has put together a group of some of the finest musicians in the South West to authentically reproduce the best known Dave Brubeck recordings such as 'It's a Raggy Waltz', 'Blue Rondo a la Turk', 'Unsquare Dance' and of course 'Take 5' as well as lesser known gems from some of Dave Brubeck quartet's finest albums including Time in, Time Further Out, Dave Digs Disney and of course the iconic Time Out. 

The band has released a live CD/DVD of the project and performed many sell-out shows, including the Teignmouth Jazz Festival, numerous arts centres, and performances for rural touring schemes. 

In the hot seat at the piano is Tom Ball, who has led and played in bands all over the UK due to a nomadic medical training. Since settling in Torquay he has found himself called up to play with some of Devon's busiest bands, with the music occasionally almost eclipsing the medical work.

Saxophonist Neil Maya plays in many contexts including the 'Drat Pack', All Jazzed Up, and the nationally touring 'Magnificent Buble': he is also musical director for the South Devon Big Band. He has been praised for his"electrifying performance with crisp melody lines and improvisation." 

On the bass is Kevin Sanders who has toured with the American legends the Osmonds and played with many renowned British jazz musicians including Clare Teal and Alan Barnes. Gary Evans at the drums is much in demand in the South West and has played with the Nick Ross Orchestra.