Bristol Saxophone Quartet 30th anniversary

Bob Bennett has never been one to blow his own trumpet. Every time he mentions something about his band's 30 years of success, he follows it up with a modest: "But don't put that in the paper."

But when it comes to blowing his own saxophone, well that's quite a different story.

As the founder member of Bristol Saxophone Quartet, the Downend pensioner has been looking back over the band's 30-year history. The band is to mark the occasion with a special 30th anniversary concert in aid of Brace Alzheimer Research.

The show, which is to be held at Redland Park United Reformed Church in Whiteladies Road on November 18, promises to be a heady mix of classical and jazz pieces.

"As far as I know, we could be the longest serving jazz quartet around," the retired school teacher explained. "There simply aren't many saxophone quartets around these days.

"When we set the band up at the end of the Seventies, all four of us were playing with different dance bands, but we wanted to get together and play with other saxophonists. We were inspired by the London Saxophone Quartet, and some of the quartet sax music that had come out of Paris in the early 20th century.

"It's certainly not all jazz – there's a surprising amount of classical music out there written for four saxophones. For us, as enthusiasts, it's great to keep this kind of music alive."

Though there have been numerous changes to the line-up over the years, the band has maintained a certain ethos.

"We look upon the other band members as a sort of second family," Mr Bennett said. "And I think that closeness comes out in our music.

"We've played in all sorts of places over the years, from outside at Bristol Zoo Gardens, to the unlikely setting of Chepstow Castle.

"For us as musicians, it's all about having the opportunity to play the music that we love."

The charity concert in aid of Brace Alzheimer's Research will be held at Redland Park United Reformed Church, Whiteladies Road, Bristol on Wednesday, November 18.

Tickets are on sale now, priced £5, £4 concessions. Call 975 4831, or pay on the door.

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