Dave O’Higgins & Tom Smith

In February 2025, Smith released his highly anticipated new album, A Year in the Life (Fey Moose Records), inspired by artists such as Maria Schneider, Pat Metheny, Carla Bley, Bill Frisell, and Guy Barker. Beyond his big band work, Smith leads a range of creative projects. His trio album, Gecko (2020, Basho Records), and his collaboration with pianist Daniel Bulatkin on Drifter Days (2022) have both received critical acclaim. He is also the founder of Queertet, a trailblazing LGBTQI+ jazz initiative, and his compositions and arrangements have been performed by ensembles such as the London Gay Big Band and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). Dave O’Higgins now has 26 albums as leader to his credit. His sax sound is very personal and recognisable, with a clear sense of melodic development and adventure. A popular performer with the public, with an excellent sense of pacing and presentation, he has a wide palette from Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane and Joe Henderson through to Stanley Turrentine and Michael Brecker. His latest project is Monkin’ Around, a co-operative with Greek drummer, Billy Pod & Aussie bassist, Luke Fowler, exploring the music of Thelonious Monk. Dave has worked with some of the world’s finest musicians, including Joey Calderazzo, Joe Locke, Dave Kikowski, Eric Alexander, Grant Stewart, Max Ionata, Phil Dwyer, Adam Nussbaum, Joe Lovano, Phil Woods, Jimmy Smith, Nancy Wilson, Peggy Lee, Kurt Elling, Wayne Shorter, Eddie Gomez, Billy Childs, Abdullah Ibrahim, Chico Chagas and Stephane Grappelli. He also wrote and produced the last Matt Bianco album, “Gravity”. While his jazz career was in its early stages, Dave cut his teeth as a sideman with Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. "“A stunning player in the neo-bop vein, with an apparently effortless flow of coherent ideas, beautiful time and a highly developed harmonic sense.” " - JAZZ GUIDE