One of the UK’s finest saxophonists, Tony Kofi has worked internationally with the world’s best including the World Saxophone Quartet, Abdullah Ibrahim’s Ekaya, Ornette Coleman and more.
In 2021 Derby Jazz talked to Tony about teaming up with some of the finest jazz musicians in the East Midlands to create a band to play a series of FREE outdoor gis in parks across the summer. Under Tony’s leadership. INSIDE STRAIGHT played music from the later years of Adderley’s career, such as Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, Jazz Samba, Country Preacher and of course, Inside Straight.
This was the second series of free "Jazz in the Park" concerts during which the band palyed six shows in Derby and Belper.
INSIDE STRAIGHT initially featured Gemma Fuller on trumpet, Andrew Wood on drums, Matt Ratcliffe on keyboards and bassist Martin Spencer. Subsequently INSIDE STRAIGHT has become a sextet with Hugh Pascall on trumpet and Dennis Rollins on trombone and have played played The EFG London Jazz Festival (2022) and Swanage Jazz Festival.(2023)
