From storming post-Coltrane energy to beautiful ballad playing, Los Angeles-based Benn Clatworthy has matured into a truly great tenor player. A favourite with jazz audiences for many years for his emotional playing and his dry sense of humour, supported by a top-class rhythm section featuring New York composer and big band leader Cecelia Coleman.
Born in the UK but now resident in Los Angeles, Clatworthy has been a regular in clubs there for two decades, and has worked with artists such as Cedar Walton, Lionel Hampton, Johnny ‘Hammond’ Smith and Jimmy Cleveland. His latest recording, Let’s Face the Music (Maestro, 2000), epitomises his approach: ‘If you’re not affecting emotions, music has little value.’
“While twenty years in Los Angeles seem to have had little effect on expatriate Brit Ben’s Bow Bells speech, his tenor sax playing has acquired strong US characteristics, not least a tough personal tone and a wide emotional range that extends from ballad tenderness to gladiatorial torrents of controlled aggression at fast tempos.” Chris Lee
“…Scattering notes around the room with a deliciously dry loquacity in a fast-moving hard-bop manner” John Fordham
A fixture in Los Angeles area clubs since 1980, Benn Clatworthy was originally heavily influenced by late-’50s John Coltrane, but would soften his tone and sometimes sound a little like Warne Marsh with touches of Sonny Rollins.
He debuted on record in 1990, with his Discovery release “Thanks Horace” which also features the highly rated New York pianist and big band leader Cecilia Coleman who will be with him on piano on this Leeds date (pictured). 
Benn Clatworthy saxes, Cecilia Coleman piano Simon Thorpe bass and Matt Home drums
25 October Benn Clatworthy Quartet @Seven Arts
Tickets £16 full price £14 concessions, under 25’s £8
Support (8-8.30) Nefarious – jazz and folk with Genevieve Begley Vocals, Guitar – Tom Woodhouse, Bass – Billy Sims, Drums – Bob Henderson
Ticket in advance www.ticketsource.co.uk/jazzleeds
Address: Seven Arts 31A Harrogate Rd, Leeds LS7 3PD
