Alyson Cawley

Over the past few years Alyson Cawley and Martin Speake have been collaborating closely together on diverse projects ranging from exploring South Indian music to Charlie Parker to free improvisation. Throughout the lockdown period of 2020 two new projects have arisen inspired by a love of Ornette Coleman and Lennie Tristano. Ornette Coleman’s melodies are a perfect vehicle for Alyson and Martin to improvise freely together and the band that has formed with the addition of Calum Gourlay and Jeff Williams provides a highly spontaneous and conversational environment for these creative musicians to collectively tell their own story. Many of Ornette’s melodies have become standards being played by musicians all over the world, such as Lonely Women, Ramblin’ and Law Years. But there are many undiscovered gems that are not played as often or at all by others. We have over 70 tunes to draw on already and the repertoire is growing. This music is endless. Ornette is the supreme melodist.

Line Up: Alyson Cawley - tenor saxophone, Martin Speake - alto saxophone, Calum Gourlay - double bass& James Maddren  - drums