Biography Rob Lavers

"Not only a fine saxophonist with a distinctively rich tone, Lavers is also an accomplished
 composer..."Robert Shore, JazzWise review of 'Six'. June 2010.***

"...here is a talent deserving of wider recognition." JazzMann review of 'Six' May 2010 ****

“It’s important for sax players to achieve a unique sound. Rob’s rich tone on tenor is
 perfectly complimented by the ethereal sweetness of his flute playing, and his soprano work 
is beautifully assured on this most stubborn of the saxes - his sound is very definitely his
 own ” Mark Norton, MCPS

Rob has been playing music since he was a young child. His
first passion was the piano and then later the classical
guitar. His early interest in the clarinet was realized in his teens and after
2 years of playing clarinet Rob switched to soprano
saxophone (on hearing Coltrane).
At 19, Rob took a B.A Honours degree in Fine Art. After graduating he
made the decision to pursue a career in music and began playing professionally in bars
and clubs in London. After one year Rob was invited by the Antiguan
drummer Ken Wilson (Harry Belafonte) to join his group and moved
out to the Caribbean for six months. During this time  he had experience in playing a variety of styles such as funk, reggae, blues and jazz.
After returning to the U.K in 93, he was shortlisted to appear
on the televised Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award on which he
gained runner up. By this time he had formed his own group and had
started writing originals for the band.

Rob’s versatility has enabled him to work in a wide range of musical
styles. In 94 he was invited by the Guildhall Orchestra to perform the solo
part to Jolivet’s original score for alto saxophone and percussion
(with Evelyn Glennie on marimba).
In 1996 Rob formed a 6 piece afro-Cuban influenced group called Pachanga
who played regularly in London’s salsa clubs. In the later part of the 90s
he recorded studio sessions and performed live with  musicians such as
Claude Deppa, Byron Wallen and Hilaire Penda and became involved in collaborations
between DJs and producers – Yamwho?, Blackbeard, Nuphonic Records, Marasma,
LTJ Bukem’s Earth label, K-Scope and Danny Krivit. Rob also
toured (on flute and soprano) with the renowned Andalucian Flamenco guitarist Juan Martin.
More recently he has been touring America and Europe as guest
saxophone and flute player for the successful British funk outfit
The New Mastersounds.

Rob's main interest continues to be writing for and performing with his groups. His debut
 recording ‘Stretch’ which was recorded in 2004, was a 'showcase for his considerable talent
 as a writer of striking and original contemporary jazz'. It also brought to attention his
 technically adept skills as an improviser with a big tone and an original approach to the 
saxophone. Since then he has recorded four more albums: 'Small Creature' (released on the 
 London label 33 Records); Childs Eye, (Koosh Records);' H-A-T-S'; and this year the new 
collaboration between French and English musicians -'Six', which features Laurent DeWilde
 on piano.