JHQ

Thom Whitworth (trumpet) is a native of Lincoln and has won various accolades which include being a semi finalist of the Perrier Jazz Awards and the winner of the Kenny Baker Memorial Competition.He never fails to connect with the audience, whether it be a lush ballad or tearing through an up tempo bop tune, he always maintains the same high level of musicality and excitement.

Robin Porter (tenor sax) hails from Southend and graduated with a First Class honours, BA Jazz (Hons) from Leeds College of Music. Whilst at LCM he received the George Murphy Trophy for Jazz Saxophone in 2013. Robin is an active performer and has experience playing in some of the UK's most prestigious venues; in 2012 he was selected to represent LCM with his own group at the Steinway Hall (London) ; the following year his band, The Porter Quartet, performed in the Royal Albert Hall 'Elgar Room' as part of the Proms Plus Late Sessions, which was later broadcast on BBC Radio 3. He is currently composing new material for this ensemble and preparing for his debut UK tour in December 2014.

Jon Trier (piano) is a Sheffield based pianist who graduated from the University of Sheffield in 1995 and has since enjoyed a diverse and successful career. His first love is jazz, and he has backed some of the UK's finest players, including Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams and Pat McCarthy. He spent several years in one of England's premier party bands The Sharp Cuts, and prior to that two years with legendary soul cabaret act, Jimmy James and The Vagabonds. Since 2003, Jon is a member of the Richard Hawley band, with whom he tours the world regularly.

Jeremy Ashby (double bass) lives in Sheffield and is another Leeds College of Music graduate. He played on the touring show of The Rat Pack Live From Vegas and the National tour of Bugle Boy. His double bass influences are John Patitucci and Ron Carter. He has also played with international virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glenie. Jeremy has appeared on ITV and has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, London. He is currently working with Ash Gray (Austin, Texas) and David J Roch.

Stevie Smith (drums & leader) is a Lincoln based drummer and composer. Since graduating from the Leeds College of Music in 1988, He has enjoyed a varied and rewarding career as a performer and composer. Stevie has been involved in about every conceivable musical setting, from orchestral through to jazz, musical theatre and pop. In 1995, he toured the major UK arenas with Blur and has also supported The Crusaders and Ruby Turner. In 2003, Stevie made his West-End theatre debut in "Rat Pack Confidential" at the Whitehall Theatre.On the jazz scene, he has performed with Jim Mullen, Bobby Shew, Dave O' Higgins, Jean Toussaint, Bruce Adams, Alan Barnes, The Matthew Herbert Big Band and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. His studio work has included recording sessions for Thames, Granada, Central TV, CTS and Abbey Road Studios. Stevie's work as a composer has encompassed short films, jingles, multimedia projects and examination pieces. His credits include BBC Radio 4, Carlton TV and Trinity Guildhall. He has transcribed and arranged all of JHQ's current library.