Andy Sheppard is Bristol’s adopted son and in a career spanning over four decades he’s become a truly accomplished World Class Saxophonist. Originally from Salisbury, Andy made his home in Bristol in the early 80s following a stint living and working in Paris. His rise to become an Internationally renowned artist came through hard work, intelligently composing music that developed themes around groove based material, and a self-taught saxophone style that is unique and recognisable the world over. Collaborative work with some of the world’s finest performers only enhanced his growing reputation for imaginative improvisation and a rare beauty in delivery.

A diverse bunch, all adding a new experience for both parties: the big band orchestras of Gil Evans and George Russell, classical musicians John Harle, Nigel Kennedy and most recently pianist Joanna McGregor, World musicians Brazilian Nana Vasconcelos, Baaba Maal Fela Kuti, Indian violinist Ravi Shankar and folk and rock musicians Elvis Costello, John Martyn and Kathryn Tickell.

Andy formed this band with Denny Ilett in Bristol so as to have a Bristol based band to take to the Tbilisi International Jazz Festival in Georgia as part of an exchange programme with Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival. This concert was a resounding success and the band has gone on to play many storming gigs in and around Sheppard’s home city. Hotel Bristol also headlined at London Canary Wharf Festival in the summer 2014 (another successful big stage outing).

Percy Pursglove (Bass & Trumpet) graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire’s BMus (Hons) Jazz course with first class honours in 2003, Percy obtained a scholarship to study on the Jazz and Contemporary Music Program at the New School University, New York City. During his stay in New York he performed with a great variety of jazz ensembles, including The Ellington Orchestra at Birdland, the Coltrane Ensemble at Sweet Rhythm, The Rene Marie Big Band at Town Hall, and The Knitting Factory with Jesse Elder, Matt Brewer and Tommy Crane.

Having returned from New York in 2005, Percy is now working as a freelance Jazz musician, composer, arranger and recording artist on Trumpet, Double Bass and Cajon. He also lectures in Jazz at the Birmingham Conservatoire, and directs the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Wales, tutor for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland and educator for National Youth Jazz Collective. Percy also regularly provides clinics for Jazz improvisation at various levels throughout the UK and Europe. Most recently, Percy has formed his own ensembles and projects, worked closely with drummer Andrew Bain, formed several international collaborations featuring New York based saxophonist Jon Irabagon and trumpeter Peter Evans. Some of the most recent ensembles Percy has performed and recorded with include Paul Dunmall, Jamie Cullum, Hans Koller, Mark Lockheart, Tommy Smith, Stan Sulzman, Jean Toussaint, Guy Barker, Mark Nightingale, and Alan Barnes.

Matt Hopkins began playing guitar aged eleven and took his first lessons with Phil Harris, teacher at the Spanish Guitar Centre in Bristol, who introduced him to many varied musical styles. After playing with local rock bands for several years Matt's musical taste turned toward jazz, chiefly the music of Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell. Following this change in musical direction he began a course of study at London's guitar institute. This time allowed Matt to learn with some of the country's top educators and also to see many great musicians play on the busy London jazz scene. At the beginning of 2006 Matt teamed up with his former teacher, Phil, playing a variety of guitar based jazz music including pieces by Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery. They also have a four piece folk band called Club of no Regrets. He currently divides his time between playing in the jazz duo, his own quartet and working as a guitar teacher for Gloucester education service and now, a Hotel staff member.

Mark Whitlam is a versatile drummer who has worked with artists as diverse as Jim Mullen, Alan Barnes, Tina May, Dave Newton and US saxophonist Benn Clatworthy through to Mike Outram, Gareth Williams, Chris Biscoe, Alexander Hawkins, Nick Malcolm and Ollie Brice. Growing up near Nottingham, Mark initially studied piano from age seven and then later percussion, receiving tuition from Royal Philharmonic and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra percussionists. Learning from master drummers Ralph Salmins, Jeff Hamilton, Jim Chapin and Dave Wickens, Mark was offered a place at Trinity College of Music to study for a Masters degree in jazz performance. He’s now a first call for the drum chair in many local bands including the Andy Hague Quartet, Greg Cordez Quintet and Jim Blomfield’s trio.

Last year's gig here was a near sell out and in many peoples ‘gig of the year’ lists, so booking may be essential. The Hotel's Booking System is at your disposal.

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