Alec Dankworth

Biography

In the 90’s Alec co-lead the 'Alec and John Dankworth Generation Band` combining British Jazz musicians from two generations. He also worked with Julian Joseph, Peter King, Guy Barker, Marting Taylor, Dave O’Higgins, and Abdullah Ibrahim. Alec joined the Van Morrison group in 1995, touring Europe and America and recording three albums including The Healing Game. He was voted 'Best Bass player' in the 1995 and 1997 British Jazz Awards. He was co-artistic director of the 'Jazz Encounters at Wigmore Hall' series.

In ’97 Alec moved to New York, and performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, with a residency at ‘Birdland’. In ’98 he joined The Dave Brubeck Quartet, performing Quartet, Pops and Choral concerts including the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall. In 2001 Alec worked once again with John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, and with the Tony Coe Trio and Alan Barnes. In 2002 The Alec Dankworth Trio was formed - an acoustic trio performing an eclectic mixture of originals and standards by composers ranging from Dave Brubeck to Abdullah Ibrahim. Featuring Phil Robson on guitar and Julian Arguelles on saxes. If You’re Passing By was released in 2004. In 2006 the trio was expanded to form a new band ~Spanish Accents, featuring Cataluñan drummer Marc Miralta and violinist Chris Garrick. Spanish Accent was released in 2006.

In 2009 Alec worked with sister Jacqui Dankworth, and joined the John Critchinson Trio, and Georgie Fame’s Blue Flames. In 2012 he performed with Chris Garrick, the Steve Waterman Trio. In 2012 Alec joined The Zoe Rahman Trio, with drummer Gene Calderazzo. In 2012 he also joined Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion, featuring Pee Wee Ellis. The group toured the US and Europe in 2013, and recorded Why? in 2014. In 2013 Alec formed his new band World Spirit, featuring Emily Dankworth on vocals, Brandon Allen on saxes and Paul Clarvis on percussion. Formed out of Alec's love of music from the Iberian peninsula, the WorldJazz Trio crosses the Straights of Gibraltar into Africa and beyond.

He also leads The Million Dollar Band, performing the big band music of John Dankworth. In 2015 Spanish Accents was augmented to feature Emily Dankworth on vocals, and flamenco dancer Jesus Olmedo. He has recorded with Buddy de Franco, John Williams, James Galway and the London Symphony Orchestra.  Artists he has performed with include Mose Allison, Guy Barker, Eddie Daniels, Billy Eckstine, Georgie Fame, Stephanne Grappelli, Johnny Griffin, Pete King, Abdullah Ibrahim, Julian Joseph, Marian McPartland, David Murray, Anita O'Day, Dave O’Higgins, Courtney Pine, George Shearing, Tommy Smith, Clark Terry, Lew Tabakin, Stan Tracey, Mel Torme, and the Royal Ballet! 

He has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall. Alec teaches at the Guildhall School.