Grammy-winning saxophonist Tim Garland is joined by acclaimed pianist Gwilym Simcock performing as part of the Watford Jazz Junction Festival.

Saxophonist Tim Garland and pianist Gwilym Simcock are both known internationally as band-leaders and fine composers, sharing a deep love of contemporary, melodic jazz.

Garland’s near 20-year association with Chick Corea and Simcock’s collaborations with Pat Metheny have made the pair amongst the most experienced and respected improvising musicians on the European scene.

They have toured the world and recorded many times together across 2 decades, including as part of their acclaimed Lighthouse Trio. This special duet performance features music by both, as well as favourites from the jazz cannon, capturing their agility and lyrical sensibility.

Tim will also be featuring the extremely rare mezzo-soprano saxophone amongst his on-stage collection.

Support act: Nico Widdowson Trio

Also on the bill is a special support set from the Nico Widdowson Trio. Nico is a London-based piano player who has mutual love and respect for the finesse of Harlem stride piano and the grit of free improvisation. He recently won the prestigious Worshipful Company of Musician's Tina May Award 2024.

He graduated from Leeds Conservatoire in 2018 with a 1st class degree and has since gained commercial success featuring on Gilles Peterson’s BBC Radio 6 show, Jamie Cullum's and Deb Grant’s shows on BBC Radio 2, Jazz FM, and Worldwide FM. He has played at festivals including We Out Here, Love Supreme, Manchester Jazz, Leeds Jazz Festival and The EFG London Jazz Festival.

Nico’s debut trio album will be released later in 2025.

Support act line-up

Nico Widdowson – piano

Joe MacLaren – double bass

Jordan Hadfield – drums