Geoff Mason at Googlies Thursday August 28 2025
“One of the UK's leading jazz trombonists.” All About Jazz
“One of the UK's leading jazz trombonists.” All About Jazz
Saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos is one of the most accomplished Greek jazz musicians of his generation and a genuine representative of straight ahead jazz. London became his permanent home after graduating with honors from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and gradually established himself as one of London’s up and coming jazz saxophonists. He has worked with some of the best musicians of the International Jazz Scene as a band leader, a section leader and as a guest soloist at various projects.
Alan Barnes is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist. He is best known for his work on clarinet, alto and baritone sax, where he combines a formidable virtuosity with a musical expression and collaborative spirit that have few peers.
Over the last 12 years, Martin has worked with many leading jazz artists including Cleo Laine, John Dankworth, Pete King, Dick Morrisey, Tim Garland and numerous big bands including the BBC Big Band, currently led by trombonist Jiggs Whigham. Along with session and TV work Martin still finds time to perform with classical ensembles and in West End shows. Martin has recorded, performed live and toured extensively with various pop artists including Sting, Jamiroquai, Natalie Cole, Paul Young and the Brand New Heavies.
Born in Ontario, Canada, Dominic has lived in the UK for decades, a prominent figure on the jazz scene. Dominic's playing is known for its taste, expressiveness, and sophistication. He's celebrated as a versatile guitarist, able to draw upon a wide variety of influences. Dominic is not only an accomplished guitarist but a notable composer, with his originals praised for their beauty and depth.
Josh delivers rich, melodic performances that captivate audiences in any setting. As both an accomplished composer and dedicated educator, he continues to shape the contemporary jazz landscape with his lyrical approach to the saxophone.
London-based Jazz and Big Band singer, Catherine regularly performs with some of the finest jazz musicians in town.
Googlies welcomes back Sam Mayne who has established himself as one of today's premier saxophonists since his breakthrough with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. This award-winning artist excels as a Big Band lead alto player, having performed with prestigious ensembles including the BBC Big Band, John Dankworth, and NYJO.
Beyond his exceptional section and session work, Sam demonstrates remarkable creativity and technical mastery as an improviser.
Welcome back to Ian Bateman on Trombone at Googlies.
Ian marked an incredible milestone in January 2025, celebrating 48 years as a professional musician. His career transformed in 2003 when he joined Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band, establishing Ian as a leading figure in British jazz. Today, Ian presents his own acclaimed jazz performances with various ensembles and his own orchestra. Nearly five decades of musical excellence.
We're delighted to welcome back Liverpool-born saxophonist Tim Whitehead, one of Britain's most thoughtful composers and improvisers. Tim plays soprano, alto and tenor saxophone, plus flute, with what The Times describes as "a sense of grace and economy."