30th November 2016: Alto saxophonist and composer Samuel Eagles to premier new band SPIRIT with debut Whirlwind release ‘Ask Seek Knock’ for June, 2017
Announcing the June 2017 release from alto saxophonist and composer Samuel Eagles and his new band SPIRIT. His album Ask Seek Knock will be his first for Whirlwind and second as a leader. Check the video to the left to hear a track that was recorded featuring special guest saxophonist Jean Toussaint.
SPIRIT features: Samuel Eagles – alto saxophone; Duncan Eagles – tenor saxophone; Sam Leak – piano; Ralph Wyld – vibraphone; Max Luthert – double bass; and Dave Hamblett – drums.
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“For me this isn’t just another album or another set of tunes for improvisation, I’ve made a conscious effort for the music to be inspired by my journeys as a person dealing with spirituality, sacrifice and beliefs. Having the opportunity to work with my current band and Whirlwind Recordings is a dream come true that gives me confidence that we are bringing our own original character to the music, which can’t be found elsewhere.”
– Samuel Eagles
London based alto saxophonist and composer Samuel Eagles was tutored at an early age by the renown saxophonist Mornington Lockett. While a student of Lockett’s he performed with him on many occasions at venues such as the Bulls Head, Thames Jazz Festival and various venues in London. Eagles attended the Junior Jazz group at the Royal Academy of Music where performances included the Pizza Express Jazz club (Dean Street) and Ronnie Scott’s. During this time he became lead alto in The Jazz Funk Collective, touring the UK and Ireland. For university Samuel received a B.Mus. Hon Jazz Performance Degree from Trinity College of Music in 2012, studying with Russell Van Den Berg, Jason Yard, Mark Lockhart and Simon Purcell. The world famous saxophonist Jean Toussaint mentored Eagles for 2 years post graduation.
Eagles released his dewbut album Next Beginning in November 2014 on the F-IRE Label gaining critical acclaim, in particular, from The Guardian: “His assurance and inventiveness are impressive at any tempo”; and Jazzwise Magazine. His band toured England, Wales and Scotland performing music from the album with Bebop Spoken Here exclaiming “Eagles is one of The UK’s best contemporary saxmen”.
Eagles also maintains a busy schedule as a sideman with Nomad Soul Collective. Emeka Presents – Kalakuta, The Philip Clouts Quartet, The Jack Noke Quintet and Gero Schipmann Quintet.