Charlie Hearnshaw

Studied classical clarinet, composition and conducting at Dartington College of Arts during the seventies followed by further clarinet studies in Paris 1977 - '79.

Charlie Hearnshaw Quartet's debut album "So Slam It!" (1990 Miles Music) received considerable acclaim, including a place in the Guardian's critics' poll. "So Slam It" is was re-released in Japan October 2005.

Hearnshaw has played, recorded and broadcast with many top jazz musicians from the UK and abroad including Don Weller, Pete Jacobson, Andy Sheppard, Kathy Stobart, Alan Barnes and the late great Slim Gaillard. Influences include Tony Coe, Sonny Criss, Grover Washington and the astounding Polish saxophonist Zbigniev Namyslowski.

In the late nineties, attracted by the openness of underground dance music he began collaborating with the Deep House collective "The Rurals" He has played on lots of their albums including Headsongs, Farmyard Flavors, Sweeter Sounds, Emotional Feelings, Messages, Songs of the Soul Soother, Leko the Lazybeat Lion, A Rural Life and Twilight Blues. He has also featured on Rurals remixes for other artists including: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell's, "'Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing" and Harley & Muscle's, "Make Amends" and "He Did It" featuring Dawn Tallman.

Works mostly in the UK and France. Teaches at Kings College, Taunton.
Loves cats, butterflies, old wooden sailing boats and British motorbikes.

» http://www.charliesax.co.uk