Peter King

Peter King launching his autobiography "Flying High - A Jazz Life and Beyond," with Ian Shaw, in the upstairs bar at Ronnie Scott's last night. It was the right place: Peter played on the opening night at Ronnie's first club (photo credit: Paul Pace). I think this was the moment whan Ian Shaw asked Peter: "When they turn this film into a book (sic), who should play you?" The book launch London tour goes to Foyle's in Charing Cross Road tonight at 6 30pm, and next Tuesday 11th at the 606.

Book Review: Flying High, A Jazz Life and Beyond by Peter King

Flying High, A Jazz Life and Beyond, by Peter King (Northway Books, Book Review by Stephen Keogh)

Peter King has written an account of himself which is not only compelling, but touching in its honesty and openness. In much the same way as he plays a solo he gives you everything, in detail.

Another great master, Louis Stewart, once said about King: "I was always amazed that someone who seemed beset by so many problems was always able to stand up and play so much."

Peter cannot help but give his all when he plays. This book is filled with the wisdom of a true master, and should be an obligatory read on the curriculum of all music schools and colleges. It is full of insights into the stuff that cannot be taught in a conservatoire. It describes the dedication and devotion needed to attain the level of playing that few manage to get to. It is a must for anyone seriously engaged with improvised music, whether it be jazz or any other musical category.

There are many stories of the road (on tour), which are by turns dramatic, heart breaking and hilarious. The descriptions of the things that occur on the way to gigs, the amazing coincidences and serendipitous happenings, some of which if they were part of a movie script wouldn't be believable. The meetings and encounters with musical legends, film stars and personalities of all types. There is really even too much here for just one movie.

Peter's honest and candid description of his battle with drugs, the devastating and destructive effects that they had on his life, and his eventual triumph over them should both resonate with and inspire many people who are battling addictions of all kinds.

The book should be available in public libraries and rehabilitation centres everywhere as it describes the before, during and after. Peter should be regarded as a national treasure. Hopefully with the release of this book, more people inside and outside of the UK will become of aware of that. It's very important that the younger musicians in the UK are conscious of just how great he actually is.

Years ago during a conversation about how difficult it was becoming to get work, Art Farmer said "Peter King? That guy should be working wherever, whenever and with who ever he wants".

Having known and played with Peter for over 20 years, when reading this book I could hear his voice telling me these stories. He has captured himself on paper and the book really feels as though it is him sitting there talking to you.
Peter King has a great story to tell, it is the story of a survivor. It's a real slice of life, his life, and a big one at that.


-Flying High will be published on April 6th and is available by pre-order from Northway Books.

-Peter King will be talking to Ian Shaw in the upstairs bar of Ronnie Scott's om Wednesday April 6th at 6pm.

-Peter King will talk about the book and sign copies in the Gallery at Foyles Bookshop, Charing Cross Road, on April 7th at 6.30pm. Pre-booking advised: events@foyles.co.uk -Peter King will be at the 606 Club on April 11th.

-Stephen Keogh is appearing this week with Charles McPherson at the Pizza Express (it was Saturday's gig of the week in The Independent. )

Review: Ian Shaw/Peter Ind - Abbey Road Sessions CD Launch

Ian Shaw
(Pizza Express Dean Street, March 10th, second night of two)

The British jazz community has a curious bible, or, more accurately a Concordance. Dave Newton's "Alternative Professions" contains playful references to other occupations which the country’s established jazz musicians might have, as (normally) suggested by their outward appearance.

Four of the seven musicians on the stand for Ian Shaw's second night launching his "Abbey Road Sessions" CD - have entries in it. Whilst the entries for Shaw himself, for top-flight drummer Gene Calderazzo, for masterly saxophonist Peter King are either obscure jibes or in-jokes, there is one alternative profession which is readily understandable - and particularly apt. It reads:

"Peter Ind................GOD"

The veteran bassist with his resplendent white mane and beard does indeed look these days as if he could have descended either from the roof of the Sistine Chapel, or even directly from a cloud. And the words with which Ian Shaw welcomed him to the stand bore witness to the reverence in which the singer holds him: "You are the reason for this project."

Ian Shaw and subtle guitarist David Preston have jointly arranged a series of songs, which were recorded at Abbey Road studios. The permutations of seven musicians gave ample scope for the acoustic possibilitites of the band to shift in interesting directions.

The opener, a dark and atmospheric version of "Get Out of Town" - with solos for young trumpeter Miguel Gorodi and pianist Phil Ware - used all the colours of the full band. The closer "Today I sing the Blues" gave the same full compliment the chance to stretch out and craft solos, an opportunity which alto saxophonist Peter King and David Preston seized in style. And in between there were outings for different trios and quartets. But what stays in the mind is Ian Shaw's capacity as performer and as musician to hold the interest in a line through vocal swoops, yodels and leaps, through fascinating verbal tangents and clever asides. And above all, a less-is-more moment shared by Ian Shaw and Peter Ind in the hushed preamble to Michael Jackson's Human Nature. That one came from from the heart


"Abbey Road Sessions" is on Splashpoint Records

Ian Shaw and Liane Carroll - previewed HERE - will perform in The Base series at Kings Place on March 26th.

Ian Shaw will be performing a fundraiing concert, "Songs for Survivors UK" with Lesley Garrett, Marc Almond, the London Gay Mens Chorus, and other guests at Cadogan Hall on May 22nd.