My new 10 piece Funk Band!! - Groove Street West 

  

"The horns too were on fine form with Sam Healey's muscular style stealing the show and sitting in perfect juxtaposition to the considered attacks of Jo McCallum, and Sam Andrea's freer style" 

 

 

 I was born in Kent (u.k) in 1990. and took up saxophone at the age of 11, my first success came six months later when i won the woodwind section of the 2001 chester music festival.

In 2002 I moved to Chethams school of music where I studied jazz with Steve berry, Les chisnell and Iain Dixon. Since September 2006 I have been studying jazz saxophone with Carlos Lopez-Real in London.

My professional career is already up and running including winning the BBC Big Band of the year, making my t.v. debut playing at the Proms in the park (manchester) and various concerts around the country.

In December 2005, I finished a succesful U.K. tour with the "Young Voices" show working with great singers including Joss stone, Lemar and Ms. Dynamite in venues such as the M.E.N arena, Birmingham N.I.A, Belfast Oddesey arena and The Royal Albert Hall. I also finished an 8 month residency at the Urbis Centre, Manchester in 2006

In April 2006, I won the first 'London Saxophone Competition' (judged by John Harle) and I took ABRSM Diploma (attained with Distinction)

In 2007/2008 I was part of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, playing Alto 1 in their second band and playing in the first Band on Alto 2.

I have written many original compostions ranging across my favourite genres, from jazz and funk tunes with my quartet and sextet to writing a sonata for trombonist Phil Dewhurst and String Orchestra and completing a saxophone sonata with string quartet.

In the summer of 2007 I attended the first ever national youth jazz summer school run by Trinity teacher, Issie Barrett where i recieved coaching from Alec Dankworth, Liam Noble, Mark Lockheart and Tim Garland.

Since september 2008 i have been studying contemporary saxophone in Manchester at the Royal Northern College of Music  under Carl Raven and Rob Buckland. At RNCM i have been involved in various classical ensembles such as the RNCM Wind Orchestra, The jazz collective and RNCM Composer's Ensemble.

I have also been involved in Bands in the Manchester area such as Ben Cottrell's Beats 'n' Pieces and the Laurence McNaughton Quintet. My New Soul/Funk band and one of my main focuses for this year is Groove street West! 

We are a 10 piece outfit playing super funky music and always have a great vibe.

Contact me for details

Hope you enjoy the site!