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SPIKE WELLS became a professional musician in 1968 when he was invited
to join the Tubby Hayes quartet. He spent the next few years with Tubby,
Humphrey Lyttelton's band and Ronnie Scott's sextet. He toured with Stan
Getz, Zoot Sims and Roland Kirk and backed many visiting American
soloists as the house drummer at the Scott club. In 1973 Spike took up
the law and became a solicitor. He continued playing however, working
regularly in the 1980's with the Bobby Wellins Quartet and Peter King
Quintet. In 1996 Spike was ordained as a priest. In addition to his trio
with Gwilym and Malcolm, he is a member of the latest Bobby Wellins and
Alan Barnes quartets and has been appearing with Liam Noble, Mark
Edwards, Art Themen, Stan Tracey, Andrew Cleyndert and John Donaldson.
"It is my firm belief that, in improvised music, the thrill of listening
lies in the players using their talents to play together as a group.
This CD of Wells, Simcock and Creese is the epitome of what I love about
the real thing. Harmonic and rhythmic invention from Gwilym, percussive
solos and accompaniment from Spike and wonderful bass solos and
counterpoint from Malcolm; this is a brilliant CD." Bobby Wellins
"I have had the privilege of playing with Spike Wells on many occasions
and also one 'wild' night at London's Purcell Room with Gwilym and
Malcolm! This CD, apart from the brilliance of the playing, just pours
out a soulfulness and spirituality that reminds me of why I love music
so much. The originals are inspired and honest, and each treatment of
the other tunes sends you on a beautiful journey, culminating in Dear
Lord And Father Of Mankind, which, frankly, is awe-inspiring. I
genuinely have not been so moved for a long time." Lianne Carroll
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