Almanac

In the spring of 1997, a group of top Glasgow based musicians came together to form a new groove based Jazz band called Almanac. Initial gigs were so successful that they signed to the OK label of KRL only a few weeks later, and their debut album was recorded in the summer. The music consists of strong tunes in an unusual variety of styles, laced with more than a hint of humour. The soloists all have a contrasting unique and individual character to their playing. Some of them can be considered as Jazzers and others Groovers, hence the title of the album - Jazzers and Groovers. Sometimes a smooth, silky production can make the music sound bland and sterile, so every effort was made in this album to present the music as live and raw as possible.

The music was composed and arranged by Paul Henderson. The musicians in the band are a blend of experienced pro's and young up and coming talent. The featured soloists are as follows:

Paul Henderson(Guitar) played his first professional gig at 11 and studio album session at 17. While studying Physics at University, he could be seem "burning the midnight oil"every Friday night playing as part of the house band in the STV production, "The Terry Neason Show" alongside guests such as Deacon Blue, Hue and Cry, Danny Wilson, Elaine C Smith, Dave Anderson, the Bhundu Boys, Paul Merton and Alan Cummings. After a spell as a pop session player and a three year period in theatre Paul led a fusion quartet featuring Steve Hamilton and an Acid Jazz band featuring Laura MacDonald. Paul is involved in musical education and teaches in schools in Ayrshire and at Strathclyde University. He also signs with blues bands Redhouse and Roll Wyn James. Recent sessions have included live broadcasts with Roll Wyn James on Radio Scotland, playing with the house band on the BBC TV show "Don't Give Up Your Day Job" and a TV special with Elaine C Smith to be broadcast this Hogmanay. He is also involved with folk music having recorded two albums for the Keltz and one with fiddle player Karen Hunter.

Hermie Longalong (Tenor, Alto and Soprano Sax, Flute and Wind Synth), originally from the Philippines, worked extensively in Japan before basing himself in Los Angeles where he worked with top international soul and Jazz acts such as The Crystals, the Gene Krupa Big Band and Billy Eckstine. He moved to Scotland in 1989 and quickly established himself with his band Ah-Uhm as well as teaching in local secondary schools. Since then he has played on many recording sessions for TV and Radio as well as all major Scottish Jazz Festivals and has been featured on international tours, video and album releases by jaz singer Carol Kidd.

Gregor Clark (Trumpet and Fluglehorn) studied with Tommy Smith and Ian Carr before going on to play as a pop session player with artists as diverse as Chaka Khan, Billy Ocean, Lulu, Kenny Rodgers, Divine Comedy and the Pasadenas. As a Jazz player he has performed incognito with Mike Westbrook and is currently lead trumpet player with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra run by Tommy Smith.

Brian Byrne (Piano, Keyboards). Originally from Dublin Brian has just gained his first class honours degree from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. The first three years he studied classical piano and in his honours year he studied Jazz with Chick Lyall as his tutor. He is currently making a big impact on the recording scene in Glasgow and London.

Guy Ricarby (Drums). Also a graduate from the RSAMD, remarkably drums are his third instrument having studied classical violin and piano as his first two. Guy supplemented his income during his student years as a prolific performer on the Scottish Jazz scene.