MICHELSON MORLEY
With their debut release “Aether Drift”, Bristol-based trio Michelson Morley look set to be one of the most original and exciting new UK jazz bands to hit the scene in 2014. The first album as writer and leader by Get The Blessing saxophonist Jake McMurchie exposes the talents of a brilliant and highly inventive new voice. Melodic, atmospheric, minimalist music featuring the best of Bristol’s jazz scene in the form of Will Harris on bass, Mark Whitlam on drums, with special guest Dan Messore on guitar.
The band’s debut CD Aether Drift is now available on the F-IRE Presents label. Buy it now ›
Michelson Morley Press Release ›
jake mcmurchie
saxophones | electronics
Born in London, raised in Bristol, Cambridge educated, Jake McMurchie has been an influential member of the thriving South West jazz scene for nearly two decades. His distinctive sound, imagination and melodic drive have made him a key member of many of the most innovative and exciting bands to emerge from the Bristol area, notably Get The Blessing, What Four and the contemporary big band Ultrasound.
When not touring with GTB, Jake is a key figure in the South West’s vibrant jazz scene playing with rising stars Emily Wright, Nick Malcolm, Mike Willox, The Magnificent Seven, and with saxophone quartet Venn. He has also played with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Portishead and with the great Portuguese singer Fernando Tordo at the National Theatre in Lisbon and in the Cape Verdean islands.
mark whitlam
drums | precussion | electronics
A versatile drummer who has worked with artists as diverse as Jim Mullen, Alan Barnes, Tina May, Dave Newton and US saxophonist Benn Clatworthy through to Mike Outram, Gareth Williams, Chris Biscoe, Alexander Hawkins, Nick Malcolm, and Olie Brice.
Growing up near Nottingham, Mark initially studied piano from age seven and then later percussion, receiving tuition from Royal Philharmonic and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra percussionists. Learning from master drummers Ralph Salmins, Jeff Hamilton, Jim Chapin and Dave Wickens, Mark was offered a place at Trinity College of Music to study for a Masters degree in jazz performance.
will harris
bass
Will’s dynamic and comprehensive approach to the double bass has seen him chosen by Bobby Wellins, Alan Barnes, David Newton, Tina May and Anita Wardell.
His work as an arranger is showcased in south west based latin jazz band The Magnificent Seven. Will also works with Moonlight Saving Time, Kevin Figes quartet, and the Andy Hague quartet.
dan messore
guitar | electronics
Dan Messore is a broad-minded and eclectic musician. After several years in Central America, he returned to the UK and completed a MA in jazz and composition at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.
It’s to the guitarist/composer’s credit, that his right hand man in his quartet “Indigo Kid” is mentor and ex-Loose Tubes sideman, the incredible British saxophonist Iain Ballamy. Ballamy has reams of praise for the young guitarist. They met whilst Messore was studying, but their relationship quickly developed into that of master and pupil. The mentor pulling Messore into the view of the British jazz community where he has flourished and pushed on to new ground.