Contradave

I specialise in clarinet, saxophone, vocals, and my particular speciality: the rare and beautiful contra (bass) clarinet. My solo work falls into two categories: Loop-pedal pop, soul & blues: Groove-based classic songs built live with bass, harmony, and even percussion — all created using my contra clarinet. Vocals and solos are layered on top to create a full, dynamic sound. Live with backing tracks: Pop, jazz, swing, blues and lounge club backing tracks with live melodies/solos added on clarinet/contra clarinet/sax/vocals. My greatest musical identity is as a collaborative improviser. I love performing with other talents, complementing their style and repertoire, bringing quality and versatility to each performance. Smaller combos can be expanded (e.g. by adding percussion) to suit your event or setting. Musicians and groups I prefer to perform with: Instrumental duos and trios with myself on clarinet, sax (and/or vocals): Rob Stutterheim (sublime pianist). Jenny Carr & Jonathan Lee (piano+drums) Albert Roberts & co (multiple boogie woogie pianists!) Rhodry Blackwell Trio (piano, drums - modern jazz fusion originals and covers). Boris Latinov (guitar - versatile funk/soul/pop/jazz) Other Vocalists: Liz Byrne (vocals/ukulele - charming swing, folk and 50s/60s pop classics), Finn Rivers (singer/acoustic guitarist - sing along pop covers and party songs), Francesco Nasone (vocals/jazz guitar or piano - light, summery jazz), Tsivi Sharret (pianist/singer - instrumental and vocal music from Brazil, the Arab world, Israel and Eastern Europe). Trios with: Lee Lawrence (piano, vocals - classic jazz show tunes and duets from the 20s, 30s and 40s), Laura Stefan (guitar, vocals - high energy pop, jazz and soul), Larger bands: The Boneshaker Band (eclectic mix of music in a blues-infused skiffle style), Pocket Silver (septet playing energetic instrumental music from the golden age of jazz), Ukey Mc Ukeface (ukulele col