Jucamaya

Home
About the Band
Gig List
Latest CDs
Musicians
Contact
Useful Links

                                             ABOUT THE BAND                            

            First of all....    the obvious question is "what does Jucamaya mean?". Well it doesn't mean anything in any language ... as far as we know!  It's just a nice sounding made-up word which seemed to be in harmony with the band's wonderful music .... so that's it ... let's move on.

           The contemporary jazz quintet Jucamaya centres round the musical collaboration between saxophonist Ian Hill and pianist Graham Dent. Both have been gigging on the midlands jazz scene for many years. Working together frequently as a duo they developed a colourful musical rapport, allowing them both to benefit from the additional freedom and creative interaction inherent in that format. The collaboration has also inspired Graham to write some original compositions which exploit Ian’s mature, lyrical style. The melodies are memorable, stylish and in tune with the jazz tradition and nearly always have a strong rhythmic element. It was a natural step to perform them in Jucamaya.

           Jucamaya has been in existence for several years in various forms, but the current line-up brings together the optimum ingredients to make the music fly. Trombonist Richard Baker is a relative newcomer to the band. He is a fine improviser and his extra voice in the arrangements has brought a completely new dimension to the band’s repertoire. The rhythm section is completed by Tom Bull on double bass and Steve Laffy (or Nick Millward) on drums all of whom are popular experienced musicians on the jazz scene. They have a special ear for detail which, when coupled with Graham’s expressive piano, provides the perfect foundation for the band.

           Jucamaya regularly performs at jazz venues, mainly in the midlands. Their music features melodic improvisation on original compositions and carefully chosen standards. There is a distinctive latin edge to much of the band’s material, but Jucamaya can also swing as well as any other band. Audiences are in no doubt about the enthusiasm and commitment of all five musicians.