“One of the most distinguished trios on Britain’s scene today.” JAZZ RAG

“A perfectly melded unit… A masterclass in tenor technique imbued with all the control and emotion of a true virtuoso.” JAZZ JOURNAL

“I heard this band and thought them a wow… the total performance a joy.” JAZZWISE

Personnel : Art Themen sax, Pete Whittaker organ, George Double drums

Art Themen celebrated his 85th birthday on 3rd November 2024 with a new record launch ‘Live In Soho’ on Ubuntu Music. Exciting, playful and inventive; saxophonist Art Themen has been a beloved character of the British jazz scene for over 60 years, famously combining his role as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with saxophone duties in the bands of Alexis Korner and Stan Tracey among many others. Described by The Observer as “One of the tiny handful of undeniably perfect jazz musicians”, he remains as brilliant and inimitable as ever.

Themen’s organ trio features organist Pete Whittaker, formerly of The Nigel Price Organ Trio, and drummer George Double who has worked as sideman to Shirley Bassey and Jack Jones. The band’s groove-led re-imaginings of quirky curiosities from the jazz canon act as a perfect vehicle for the twinkly mischief of this genuine grandee of British jazz and have delighted crowds at Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, Pizza Express Dean St and across the UK.

Art Themen was born in Manchester, England, Themen was part of the traditional jazz scene in the late 1950s as a self-taught musician, beginning with the clarinet at Manchester Grammar School. At 16, after a concert by the Dankworth Seven, Art switched to the saxophone, inspired by the affect that saxophonist Danny Moss’s wink had on his cousin ! Qualifying in orthopaedic medicine (1964) , Art later became a consultant. In London, he played with blues musicians Jack Bruce and Alexis Korner and joined Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated. Themen subsequently collaborated and toured extensively with British drummer Stan Tracey and with US artists such as Charlie Rouse, Nat Adderley, Red Rodney, George Coleman, and Al Haig. He continued to work as a freelancer into the early 2000s with notable figures like Georgie Fame and Don Weller. After retiring from his role as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Themen has dedicated himself to his jazz career.

Art Themen Organ Trio at Seven Arts, Sunday 19 Jan 1.30pm

Tickets £12/10 in advance or £12 on the door.

Children under 16 are free