Jazz 825: Martin Speake's Charukesi
Sat 09 May
|The Jazz Centre UK
Altoist Martin Speake leads his band Charukesi in a programme of eastern-influenced, groove-based music, featuring tuba in the bass role.
Time & Location
09 May 2026, 14:00 – 16:00
The Jazz Centre UK, The Jazz Centre UK, Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Ave, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6EX, UK
About the Event
For 30 years alto saxophonist, composer and improviser Martin Speake has been exploring non-Western rhythmic and melodic approaches inspired by the music of many cultures.
In particular Indian, Arabic, Turkish, African and Jazz traditions. The latest incarnation is Charukesi, named after an Indian raga. Previous versions were Fever Pitch, Unison Quartet and Mafarowi. It is direct, groove based music with compelling and memorable melodies rooted in a dynamic tuba and drums rhythm section with impassioned soloing and interaction from Alyson Cawley’s tenor and Martin’s alto saxophone.
"Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent." Thomas Conrad - Jazz Times
"Speake is a strikingly talented improviser with a seemingly bottomless well of inspiration."
Encyclopedia of Popular Music
Martin Speake - alto saxophone/compositions