Thomas Gould (violin) and Tim Garland (soprano sax) at Tim’s 50th birthday gig

Last Wednesday 19th October 2016 was TIM GARLAND’s 50th birthday. A celebration gig took place on the day itself at Pizza Express in Dean Street. We asked Tim Garland’s daughter Rosa if she could write a short personal recollection of the event for us, and she accepted. Nigel Tully took the photos. Rosa Garland writes: 

It’s always special when your Dad turns 50, but even more special when he’s performing with a group of world-class musicians on a world-class stage. Joining Tim as part of his Electric Quartet were his musical companions of 26 years and 13 years respectively, Jason Rebello (keyboard) and Asaf Sirkis (drums/percussion) along with more recent collaborator on guitars, Ant Law. All played inspiringly on a set of original numbers, many from the recent album One. These ranged greatly in style, but the theme of unity was best exemplified when the band was joined on ‘Sam’ai for Peace‘ by two masters of their art: Thomas Gould of The Britten Sinfonia, and Hossam Ramzy, elder statesman of Egyptian world music.

Eclecticism being a Tim Garland hallmark, he did not disappoint, and the audience was uplifted by the sense of musical communication and joy emanating from the stage. Tim is an example of true passion for your work, and a real creative inspiration – despite watching him struggle with the arts’ (and jazz’s) constant battle for representation, funding, and value in governmental decisions, he retains his integrity and continues to be a prolific and virtuosic musician. It’s brilliant to see how many still come out to support live music at his gigs – let’s keep doing that!

Tim is an inspiration, a wonderful father and the reason the only song currently in my iTunes is Ivor Cutler – Use A Brick.

Happy 50th, Dad.

L-R: Birthday cake, Tim Garland, Amanda Garland

Nigel Tully writes: The joy and; happiness of the four musicians working together was visible & almost palpable. Asaf’s smile each time Jason or Ant reflected what the other had just played was glorious! Asaf’s high-speed Konnakol (that amazing South Indian performance art of vocal percussion, an area where he is masterful) was an absolute highlight for me.

LINKS: Preview of the Tim Garland Quartet at Herts Jazz
CD Review of One
Live review from Kings Place
Live Review from ManchesterJazz Festival

FUTURE DATE: “Tim Garland Celebrates Stan Getz and Chick Corea” is at Wigmore Hall on Wednesday 16th November as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, including a reinvented version of the Stan Getz/Eddie Sauter 1961 album Focus (BOOKINGS)