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Anna Brooks

Over the last two decades, saxophonist, vocalist, musical director / arranger and recording artist Anna Brooks' prestigious career has gained her a reputation as one of the UK's leading jazz / funk / pop saxophonists. She is currently alto saxophonist / backing vocalist with Jools Holland's 'Rhythm & Blues Orchestra' and multi-saxophonist / backing vocalist with the Brooklyn Funk Essentials, with whom she has toured worldwide and recorded two albums, 'Funk Ain't Ova' and 'Stay Good'.

Anna's debut album 'My Time' by the Anna Brooks Quintet was released in 2003 and received critical acclaim, both for the quality of the playing and for Anna’s fresh, original compositions. Her E.P 'Going My Way' followed in 2007. Anna is currently working on a long-awaited second solo album.

In 2002, Anna appeared in the Jerwood ‘Rising Stars’ Series at Cheltenham International Jazz Festival and was commissioned to write new pieces which were premiered at the event. With her jazz quintet she has supported Greg Osby and performed at numerous jazz festivals including Montreux and Brecon, where she was spotted by Red Kite Records and subsequently signed to their label.

Awards

Jerwood Foundation 'Rising Star', 2003.

Tags

"Anna Brooks' debut album 'My Time' is wonderful; you should go and get it!" Humphrey Lyttleton, The Best Of Jazz, BBC Radio 2

"She possesses a confident virtuosity, a purity of tone and a melodic flair that belies her youth" Andrew Hawkey, Cambria Arts

"Agility, clarity and a beguiling vocalised quality. Her playing was as assured as it was polished" Chris Parker - Jazz Review

"She plays with an admirable technique and a musical elegance that's evident in both her playing and her writing" Ken Cheetham - Jazz Views

"No-nonsense solos built with impeccable technique and a lyrical flair" Peter Bacon - Birmimgham Post

Primary Instrument

Saxophone

Location

Birmingham

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

I have been a Visiting Tutor in the Saxophone department at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire since 2003, where I teach one-to-one lessons and deliver ensemble coaching and saxophone improvisation workshops. I have worked in further and higher education for over 15 years, having been course leader of the BMus Honors Professional Musicianship course BIMM Birmingham and a member of the leadership team at ACM Birmingham. I have been a saxophone tutor for almost 30 years. I teach across many styles, from classical to jazz, pop and funk