The group features:

Byron Wallen - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Shells.
Raised in a musical environment, Byron studied classical piano from an early age. He also
Studied trumpet with Jimmy Owens, Donald Byrd and Jon Faddis in New York. He studied and graduated with a degree in Psychology, Philosophy and Maths from Sussex University. Recently he has travelled to Indonesia and Africa studying traditional music, which he now integrates into his compositions. Byron has released two albums "Sound Advice" and "Earth Roots" which was nominated for the MOBO awards. He collaborated with Talvin Singh on the Mercury Award winning "OK". He also has worked with Red Snapper, Hugh Masekela, Manu Dibango, Ammonpondo, Chaka Khan, George Benson and Billy Higgins.

Larry Bartley - Double Bass
Larry studied music theory under Laurence Canty(author of How to Play Bass Guitar) at University of London, Goldsmiths College from 1988 to 1991. In 1992 he switched to
Double bass and began touring with Jean Toussaint and Courtney pine. In 1997 he was involved in the theatre productions Unforgettable - The Nat King Cole Story and Grapevine - A Celebration of Soul Music. Since then he has joined bands led by Ciyo Brown, Caroline Taylor and Cameron Pierre. Larry has recorded with Cameron Pierre, Alex Wilson and Mercury award nominee Denys Baptiste.

Tom Skinner - Drums
Tom Skinner started playing the drums at the age of nine and studied at W.A.C in north London with Ian Carr for three years, he also attended many Jazz summer schools in this period. He has performed with Stanley Turrentine, Martin Speake, Romanian saxophonist Nicolas Simion and Croatian trumpeter Dusko Goykovich.

Tony Kofi - Baritone and Soprano Saxophones.
In 1988 Tony Kofi won a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music, following this Tony moved to London where he played with Gary Crosby's Nu-Troop. Tony then worked with Digable planets, US3, UB40, David Murray and Eddie Henderson. He is in much demand as a saxophonist and is also a powerful composer.


INDIGO REVIEWS…

It is just under a month since Byron Wallen’s third solo album was released. Once again he has produced an album that has been met with great acclaim and has confirmed his place amongst the greats. Hear what the Press had to say………….



‘…A fascinating set of his own pieces reflecting the influence of various strands in the evolution of black music…the effect is mesmeric…’
JAZZ UK

‘…A timeless album… it’s as tasty as an organic loaf, fresh out of the oven..……..’
THE GUARDIAN

‘……Wallen cleverly incorporates the most modern musical techniques of sampling sounds in with such ancient instruments as the Ocarina, Shells and the Gamelan.’
BIRMINGHAM POST

‘……….On Indigo his quartet creates a joyous head of steam …..Odd time signatures abound but Wallen remains funky and accessible…’
THE TIMES

‘…………..Byron has returned with his most convincing disc to date.’
THE SCOTSMAN

‘…The trumpeter’s compositions reflect his love for both traditional ethnic music’s and contemporary dance and funk as well as the jazz which lies at its heart’
JAZZWISE