Formed in August 1998, this youthful trio excels at laying down those scorching Hammond organ grooves from the sixties and seventies with a modern twist. Influenced by the likes of Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff and Larry Goldings, the tunes range from soulful ballads to a strong funky vibe.

James Forster, the trio's guitarist, is active on the Bristol music scene fronting his blues band Morganfield. At 27, he is a versatile musician with elements of rhythm and blues, jazz and funk all at his fingertips the man can play! Initially self-taught, he went on to study with guitarist Mike Walker. James lists Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Peter Bernstein and Jim Hall among his influences.

James teams up with organist Ruth Hammond and drummer Scott Hammond, the husband and wife team whose surname is synonymous with the classic organ. Scott has worked with many different bands all over the country. Able to swing or groove with the best of them, he has played with New York's alto saxophonist Herb Geller, London's top saxophonists Dave O'Higgins, Bobby Wellins and Alan Barnes. At the other end of the spectrum Scott gigs with eighties pop star Limahl of Kajagoogoo fame.

Ruth and Scott have both studied at Leeds College of Music gaining a B.A. in jazz studies. Ruth came runner up in The Young Jazz Musician of the Year 1998 and has played a weeklong residency at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club (London). Also an accomplished saxophonist, she was awarded two prizes on leaving college Top saxophonist and Most outstanding performer. More recently Ruth has been a member of NYJO (The National Youth Jazz Orchestra), appeared several times on T.V. and was interviewed on Radio 4's Womans Hour as a representative of up and coming female musicians. Ruth has also been playing regularly with Morcheeba; gigs have included Glastonbury Festival, Shepherds Bush Empire (London) and TVs Later with Jools Holland.

The Forster-Hammond Trio has built up a significant following and performs nationally including an appearances at the Birmingham International Jazz Festival (1999), Manchester Jazz Festival (2001) and Londons Jazz Café (Camden).

The Forster-Hammond Trio
Scott Hammond
0117 3731898
07976 418690
forsterhammond@blueyonder.co.uk
www.forsterhammond.co.uk