O'Higgins and Luft Quartet

Saxophonist Dave O’Higgins & guitarist Rob Luft may be more than a generation apart, yet are very much of one musical mind. Now recording their 3rd album together, they have been touring with extensively since 2019. The line-up at Northants tonight is the classic organ combo, drawing on influxes from George Benson, Joe Henderson, Grant Green, Michael Brecker and many more as a springboard for Luft’s lush soundscapes & O’Higgins’ impassioned tenor. Joining them on organ is the virtuosic Jim Watson, and the magically swinging drummer from Greece, Billy Pod.

Dave O’Higgins now has 26 albums as leader to his credit. His sax sound is very personal and recognisable, with a clear sense of melodic development and adventure. A popular performer with the public, with an excellent sense of pacing and presentation, he has a wide palette from Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane and Joe Henderson through to Stanley Turrentine and Michael Brecker. He has relentlessly pursued artistic exploration and development with a deep respect for the tradition of the music.

Dave is a highly regarded educator at the London College of Contemporary Music, where he is the Jazz Pathway Leader.

Dave has worked with some of the world’s finest musicians, including Joey Calderazzo, Joe Locke, Dave Kikowski, Eric Alexander, Grant Stewart, Max Ionata, Phil Dwyer, Adam Nussbaum, Joe Lovano, Phil Woods, Jimmy Smith, Nancy Wilson, Peggy Lee, Kurt Elling, Wayne Shorter, Eddie Gomez, Billy Childs, Abdullah Ibrahim, Chico Chagas and Stephane Grappelli. He also wrote and produced the last Matt Bianco album, “Gravity”. While his jazz career was in its early stages, Dave cut his teeth as a sideman with Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.

Rob Luft is undeniably one of the most exciting jazz guitarists in Europe of his generation. Hailing from London, this award-winning virtuoso has garnered comparisons to legends such as John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, and Kurt Rosenwinkel.

A true rising star, Luft possesses a rare combination of talent as a guitarist, band-leader, composer, as well as being a captivating communicator. His debut album, "Riser”, made an enormous impact on the domestic and European jazz scenes, named by Downbeat Magazine as one of the top jazz albums of 2017 worldwide. Winning the prestigious Kenny Wheeler Jazz Prize propelled Luft's career, and at just 23 years old, he presented a collection of original compositions showcasing a remarkable instrumental sound and compositional voice that reflected his individuality.

Luft's selection as a BBC Radio 3 “New Generation Artist” in 2019 and his numerous collaborations on ECM Records with artists including John Surman, Arild Andersen & Elina Duni have further solidified his reputation and expanded his reach throughout Europe.

Line up:

Dave O’Higgins - tenor sax

Rob Luft - guitar

Jim Watson - organ

Billy Pod - drums