| Hugely talented young British jazz trumpeter (yes they do exist). First made his name as a 13 year old in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, only a year after he took up the instrument. He dropped out of his studies at the Royal College of Music to take up offers of session work with artists such as George Benson, Sting, Grace Jones and Quincy Jones. After long association with the Tracey family, first with drummer Clark Tracey, then with pianist and composer Stan, he was signed by Verve. Before this, his first couple of records hadn't made much of a splash, but under the wing of a larger label, he recorded the critically acclaimed Into The Blue and Timeswing with his sextet, and What Love Is in a big band setting. He featured in Anthony Mingella's film The Talented Mr Ripley, supplying six numbers for the soundtrack, as well as appearing on screen.
His playing is characterised by its luxuriant tone, great flexibility and wonderful inventiveness, whether he is arranging old charts or playing his own compositions.
He is an inspiration to all those white folks out there who want to play jazz. | 
