‘The grooves are beautiful, infectious and downright funky’ 4 stars!

 MW - Rhythm Magazine

 ‘ Percussive arts to enthral . . .’

‘Intriguing compositions . . .’

‘A definitive display . . .’

Musician Magazine.

 

Double Bluff and Porterage

 

I really like it for several reasons: the playing is of that wonderful understated British sort - letting the music speak first with every part of the ensemble’s playing right on the mark. Everything is solid and compact with really only the penultimate track letting rip in a much more “in your face” virtuosic way. For me, the most impressive aspect was the timpani playing which really acts as the spine of the ensemble and also the understated and tasteful kit playing. Of course, the mallet work was great too and the fact that you could sustain a whole recording without the need to change the instrumentation was impressive.

 Dame Evelyn Glennie

 

“Forget any preconceptions you may have, this group redefines “the percussion ensemble”. The most musically satisfying percussion group you are ever likely to hear.

This is a fully fledged jazz outfit - no question!

Julian Fairbank (timpani) not only carries the bass line with astonishing accuracy but gives us credible bass solos into the bargain!!!

Julian Fairbank (timpani) is an outstanding instrumentalist whose fluency on his chosen instrument will astonish you…. these guys are outstanding in every way!”

Glyn Matthews
Freelance session musician
Principal percussion English Chamber Orchestra
& City of London Sinfonia

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All Bluff and Porterage performed at the Percussive Arts Society UK Chapter ‘Day of Percussion’ at the London College of Music in September 2007. They provided excellent clinics throughout the day, culminating in a superb performance that left all in attendance quite breathless. All the members of the ensemble are virtuosic in their own right, but the timpani work of Julian Fairbank deserves special mention; there were several timpanists in the audience from around Europe who were all left speechless by Julian’s incredible playing. The PAS UK Chapter is already trying to find another suitable event to utilise these first class performers.

Nicholas Ormrod
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
PAS UK Chapter President

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All Bluff and Porterage came to the Junior Royal Academy this Spring and gave an insightful, thorough and supportive workshop book-ended by two truly virtuoso performances of their own arrangements. Having dazzled my students with their playing, they then proceeded to break down several pieces into manageable sections and got them all playing in an impressively short period of time, all within a relaxed and friendly environment. Indeed, the hands-on nature of their teaching and the personable manner with which it was put across guaranteed a brilliant experience all round.

Comprising of vibraphone, marimba, drum kit and timpani, the group’s instrumental line-up instantly makes itself accessible to student and professional alike. To describe the group, however, as a quartet short-changes them, somewhat, as Julian Fairbank on timpani was doing the work of two players. Rather than limiting himself to four notes with the odd change, Julian played entire bass lines across the drums with precision and apparent ease - quite something! With Chris Baron and Justin Woodward covering four-mallet technique and improvisation and Tim Goodyear providing an effortless groove on the drums, this is a group which, quite definitely, does not live up to it’s name!!

Matt Dickinson
Head Of Percussion, Royal Academy of Music Junior Dept

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Thank you for your workshops and performance in Wells last week – the students are still buzzing which is wonderful to see.

Wells Cathedral School