Biography
Founded in 1999 by drummer Sebastian Rochford, this jazz quartet also features Mark Lockheart (Hampshire, England; tenor saxophone), Pete Wareham (tenor and baritone saxophone), and Tom Herbert (bass). Mostly Polar Bear plays Rochford originals. Many of these pieces are thoughtful, gently paced and have about them a satisfyingly low-key charm, and because Rochford and his front-line soloists are often unaided by electronic amplification, the group’s intricate and internalized music is vividly exposed. On occasion, German tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, has also played in the band as a stand-in for Lockheart. The quartet’s fanbase expanded following appearances in Europe. In 2002, Polar Bear recorded their debut, Dim Lit, in the Netherlands, a CD on which they were joined by guest vocalist Julia Biel. In July 2004, Rochford won a UK BBC Jazz Award in the Rising Star category. Their second album, Held On The Tips Of Fingers, was nominated for the Mercury...
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