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Vicky Tilson

Biography
Press

? Born in Wiltshire and native of the Westcountry until September 1998.

? Classically trained in piano, oboe and double bass.

? Left school at 15 after being hospitalised with a serious illness.

? Only played double bass for one year at school and on leaving, took up rock bass guitar instead.

? Studied Film at Middlesex University from 1998 ?" 2001.

? Joined rock band Sodium65 in 1999 and cut her teeth on live performances at prestigious venues including the Hard Rock Caf�� on Piccadilly, Sound Republic in Leicester Square, The Water Rats in Kings Cross and The Garage in Highbury. Air-play on London��s XFM and BBC Radio followed the release of their debut EP ��Don��t You Dare��.

? At age 28 attended a Michael Garrick Jazz Academy Course, fell in love with the jazz double bass and two months later bought her first upright.

? Partly self-taught, attended jam sessions and played with many top musicians including Brandon Allen, Gene Calderazzo, Ingrid Laubrock, Julian Siegel, Phil Robson, Hans Koller and Liam Noble.

? Has since played with Tony Kofi, Chris Allard, Mike Garrick, Quentin Collins, Kevin Davy and Henry Lowther in venues including the Vortex Jazz Club, Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho and the Manchester Jazz Festival.

? Attended Guildhall School of Music post-grad jazz course from 2007 ?" 2008.

? Put her quartet together in 2009 and recorded their first album, Picture from Jitske in July 2009.

? Previous jobs whilst sustaining her musical interests have included cinema manager, broadcast TV journalist and Transport for London. Turned down a job at the BBC in 2001. Nearly joined the British Army as an officer in 2002. Qualified as a secondary music teacher in July 2010.

? Has studied double bass in London with Paul Moylan, Jeff Clyne, Steve Watts and Michael Janisch.

Gear

Mark Bass Mini Mark amplifier Polytone Mega Brute amplifier Vester Jazz Electric Bass Guitar Acoustic Bass - mongrel breed Yamaha SLB 200 Silent Bass

Tags

Vicky Tilson bass, acoustic

"Upon hearing Vicky Tilson's debut album it struck me that she's just more than just a great bass player but also a composer to look out for in the near future. Her compositions give you the feeling of an elder statesman composer, or woman in her case. Having performed with her on a number of occasions over the past four years, I've been able to see her mature into the complete musician/composer she is today. So keep your eyes and ears open and welcome Vicky Tilson to the world jazz stage." Tony Kofi - saxophonist

��I really enjoyed hearing Vicky Tilson's debut album, her compositions are warm and inviting and she's assembled a fine band of empathetic players. Her bass playing is also very controlled, lyrical, relaxed and supportive-- qualities that all bassists should aspire to. This is a great first effort, and I look forward to hearing where she takes her music in the future.�� Michael Janisch - world-renowned bassist, composer & educator

"... it sounds really cool! Nice tunes and playing." Gareth Lockrane - flautist, composer and bandleader

"She's got in spades what everyone looks for in a bassist, that hard-to-define, elusive thing that goes inadequately by the name of "groove". And now it turns out she can write too! Some great tunes here. So Vicky takes her place in a rather small club, that of bass-led groups ; small, yes, but highly exclusive, containing as it does a guy called Dave Holland, and some other fellow called Charles Mingus." Matt Wates - saxophonist, composer & bandleader.

"I love it. The first thing is it sounds like a group, everything hangs together really well. I like your tunes. Your sound and time playing is beautiful and involved in each piece throughout, lovely solo on A WALK IN THE RAIN ... you can put me down as a fan." Dave Green - bassist

"The CD 'Picture from Jitske' with its most engaging cover design is a fine testimony to the achievement of Vicky Tilson, Bassist, Composer and Leader. There is invention, melodic grace and overall musical cohesion and much else to be enjoyed. Get it now!" Michael Garrick - pianist, composer & bandleader

"A lovely debut from talented newcomer, bassist Vicky Tilson. The album is full of warm and subtle sounds with interesting compositional ideas." Trudy Kerr - singer & BBC Radio Kent presenter

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