The No Excuses Band was formed to record Tom’s debut album, which features a 13 piece ensemble consisting of the Tom Ridout Quintet (sax/recorder, guitar, piano, bass, drums) with added second guitar, string quartet and brass trio (flugelhorn, french horn and trombone). The music this band plays represents Tom as composer, arranger, player and improviser. His influences come from a wide range of musical sources including; jazz, folk (English and otherwise), 60s rock/pop, early 20th century tonal classical and a plethora of other smaller influences that can be heard in some of the tunes.
The album was recorded at Session Corner Studios in Luton by the excellent Nick Pugh in March and May 2017 and is on 33 Jazz Records
The album launch on Jan 2nd 2018 at The Vortex, London was sold out and was a fantastic evening featuring the full 13 piece “No Excuses” band. This was followed by a successful small nationwide tour.
The Album is available to purchase physically and digitally online, and is on streaming platforms such as Spotify etc.
You can buy it from http://www.33jazz.com/, Amazon, itunes or from myself.
Quotes from reviews:
“The album is an assembly of talented musicians taking us through an array of moods with the energy and unboundedness of youth” (Thomas Earl – Allaboutjazz.com)
“The slicing, modernist string arrangements are a particular highlight” (Thomas Rees – Jazzwise Magazine)
“If you get a chance just go and see this band: their repertoire is rich in textures, complexity and virtuoso performances -you won’t be disappointed” (John Morrow – Riff Magazine)
“His debut album is a fantastic showcase of the versatility of his writing, ability and imagination” (Grace Scott Deuchar – Recorder Magazine)
Tom was extremely lucky to have been joined on this album by an incredible cast of musicians, all who have flourishing careers in their own right and are amongst the best in their respective fields.
The band line-up is:
Tom Ridout – Saxophones and Recorders
Rob Luft – Guitars
Will Barry – Piano and Rhodes
Flo Moore – Electric Basses
Phelan Burgoyne – Drums
Billy Marrows – Guitar
Anastasia Stahlmann – Lead Violin
Didier Osindero – 2nd Violin
Anita Kurowska – Viola
Cecilia Bignall – ‘Cello
Alexandra Ridout – Flugel and Trumpet
Anna Drysdale – French Horn
Elliot Pooley – Trombone
Tom Ridout 
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