Newark Jazz - Groove Merchants at Stray's

About

Saturday 1 September 2018, 3pm - 5pm

Groove Merchants is driven by drummer Simon Potts, who cites his influences as Buddy Rich, Art Blakey & Max Roach to name a few. Having worked as a session drummer with the BBC at their Maida Vale and Paris Studios playing with both big and small bands, Simon’s love of jazz was fuelled by his father, a jazz trumpeter, who led his own band for over 40 years.

Following in his dad’s footsteps, Simon has worked with many artists including Jamie Cullum, Digby Fairweather, Stacey Kent, Jacqui Dankworth, Barb Jungr, Denny Illett Jr. and Johnny Mars (American blues harmonica player not to be confused with Johnny Marr guitarist from the Smiths!)

Chris Green provides the second element in the trio, on electric guitar. Chris has been influenced by Michael Landau (Boz Scaggs, Scott Henderson (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Larry Carlton and Pat Metheny and his interpretations of jazz standards are always fabulous to behold!

Whether collaborating with jazz, blues and fusion bands (Moroccan Aer, Birds Nest Soup, Short Notice) or playing solo accompaniment for vocalists (Fiona Springer, Delia Spiers) Chris says that his role within Groove Merchants is to set up a groove, develop the groove and play around the groove.

The third element of the Groove Merchants is Stray’s co-owner Mat Short on bass guitar. After many years playing the alto sax, Mat has gone over to the dark side, playing his late father’s Fender Jazz Bass since his passing and hasn’t looked back.

Mat’s influences are far and wide, from the cool Steely Dan to drum ‘n’ bass of LTJ Bukem, the iconic Duke Ellington to the svelt tones and unusual arrangements of Diana Krall. His favourite bass players are Pat Sprakes, Scott Devine and Christian McBride.