Simon Woolf presents the Jazz Cello

Featuring Gareth Lockrane

With Lorenzo Morabito - double-bass

& Joe Edwards - drums

The idea of using a cello tuned in 4ths an octave above the bass as a solo instrument was popularised by Oscar Pettiford who apparently took to it as a way of keeping his chops in shape after breaking his arm. I have always been intrigued by this and started experimenting with it a year ago when a former student offered me her spare cello in exchange for the student bass she had had on long term loan.

Sharing the front line with me is multi flautist Gareth Lockrane who was a key figure in my "All Star Sextet". The cello provides a perfect opportunity for renewing this collaboration as, quite aside from his virtuosic flute playing, Gareth is (like me!) a very able pianist, allowing us to vary the programme by switching things around in accompanying one another.