"as original as they come, listening to everyone but beholden to no single influence; Eales demands your attention with the force of his musical personality and keeps it with his musicianship" - Budd Kopman (Cadence USA)
A NOTE FROM GEOFF
Hi everyone and thanks for dropping by.
Much has happened since I last updated my news.
Three months ago I moved out of London where I have lived for the last 48 years. I decided that the time was right for me to return to my roots in South Wales. I have many fond memories of making music in the big city but nothing lasts forever. Shirley's sad passing was a watershed in my life and I felt that Cardiff represented a new beginning for me. It's such a shame that Dad never got to see me come back home to the Land of my Fathers. I know it was the right decision for me. Already I feel part of Wales' thriving musical community.
In July I appeared at Swansea Jazz Club with my quartet and then in August there were a couple of gigs at the Brecon Jazz Festival, one with the trio featuring two great local players, Ursula Harrison on bass and Liz Excel on drums, the other a tribute to Thelonious Monk in a duo with the phenomenal Ashley John Long on bass. At the end of August I worked with the superb Leighton Jones Band at the Butetown Carnival and on Saturday October 12th I'm with Leighton again at the Butetown Bay Heritage Festival at the WMC.
I have found a fantastic studio to record my music just down the road in Penarth. Fieldgate has the most amazing Fazioli grand piano. It reminds me of the many days spent recording on the magnificent Fazioli at the Hit Factory in Whitfield Street. I've been to Fieldgate three times already and I envisage returning there many times in the future. My forthcoming standards album, a joint venture with the unique Maggie Nicols was recorded there. The single (Peace Piece/Some Other Time) on 33 Jazz will be available very soon with the full album out in early 2025.
Looking forward to seeing you on one of my gigs in the coming months.
Geoff (October 9th, 2024)