ABOUT
Chris Rand
"Music represents nature.
Nature represents life.
Jazz represents nature. Jazz is life."
Sonny Rollins
IT STARTS WITH -
A passion for Rock 'n' Roll, the saxophone and life..
London based Saxophonist Chris Rand grew up on the south coast of Dorset. He moved to London to study at the Guildhall School of Music. Chris quickly became one of the UK’s top saxophone side men playing and recording throughout the world with many of UK’s top Jazz and Blues artists.
Chris has performed with the Rolling Stones Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood, and has performed as guest artist with George Porter Jr (The Meters) and Guitarists Mick Taylor and Chris Jagger. Chris has also performed together with guitarist Elliot Randall (Steely Dan, Blues Brothers) as well as Sax player Davey Payne (Ian Dury and the Blockheads). Chris has also been part of the Bad Manners crew, performing at festivals in the UK, Spain and Russia. He is also been a part of the Ben Waters Band for many years, and most recently, Chris has been working with British blues band Nine Below Zero, where he made his first appearance this year with the band at Glastonbury Festival.
In 2014 Chris formed his own quartet “The Chris Rand Quartet” as a vehicle for his own compositions. January 2016 will see the world wide release of his Debut CD “Gathering” (Dot Time Records DT9047). The CD features a series of original compositions influenced by all the various styles Chris has been inspired from over the years. Guesting with Chris on “Gathering” is Derek Nash, Dave Green and Ben Waters!
Some of the venues Chris has performed at include Ronnie Scotts, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Boarderline, Bulls Head Jazz Club and 100 Club. In addition Chris has performed at festivals including London Jazz, Camp Bestival, Larma Tree, Swanage Jazz, Colne Blues, Ealing Blues, Ray Davis’ Meltdown Festival, Chilfest and Wychwood festival.
"Chris Rand's debut album Gathering shows his
prowess as a composer and band leader .....
Gathering is a superb album that will
appeal to wide audience."
Peter McLaren, Jazz In Europe.
EQUIPMENT
Although primarily a Tenor Saxophone player Chris also plays Soprano, Alto and Baritone Saxophones. As well as doubling on Clarinet and Flute.
Chris plays Selmer Reference 36 modified with Warburton unlackered Crook, SR Tech Europa Mouthpiece and Francois Louis wire ligature & 3 V16 reed
Other Saxes include:
Conn “New wonder” 1920’s Baritone with Yanagisawa Mouthpiece
P. Mauriat Custom Class 2003 Alto Saxophone with Jody Jazz DV metal mouthpiece
Selmer Series II Soprano with Vandoren mouthpiece