We are honoured and excited to present Andy "Prof" Panayi, a big name from the London scene, on a rare visit to the South West. Andy is also playing in Torquay at Liquid Spirit and the Grand hotel to make this a nice South Devon mini-tour. Born in London of Greek parents, the young Andreas Panayi stood out even among the hothouse of talent that was the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in the 1990s. He built a reputation as an original and virtuosic multi-instramentalist, playing all four saxophones (baritone to soprano) and all the flutes (we think there are about 5 of these…) and has stayed at the top of the scene ever since.

Andy's mastery takes his playing to another level: he can toy with any whimsical theme that comes into his head – now quoting an old show tune or inverting a new one, now replying to some nudge from the rhythm section – it is a joy to see such a consummate improviser sprinkle magic over the bandstand. To quote a 2009 Guardian review for his quartet album "Solar Cats", made with Mark Nightingale, "it would be hard to find four more polished players on the London jazz scene, who play together with such relaxed empathy".

The "professor" moniker is well earned: Andy is a professor at three schools of music: the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Birmingham Conservatoire. On top of that he is an examiner and writer for the Associated Board of Schools of music and Trinity College of Music. As a life long educator he has an easy demeanour as a performer, which draws in the audience and fires up the rhythm section (consisting of Graham "Coach" York on drums, Tom Ball on piano and Valere Speranza on acoustic bass).

Andy has recorded a multitude of albums over the last 25 years, both as leader and as sideman, with the likes of John and Alec Dankworth, Dame Cleo Laine, Alan Barnes, Chris Botti, Mark Nightingale, NYJO, Elaine Delmar, Steve Waterman, Tim Garland… the website discogs has 72 albums listed with Andy featured on them!

Playing live, Andy has performed with singers including Paul McCartney, Shirley Bassey, Elvis Costello, Georgie Fame, Elaine Paige, Seth MacFarlane, Irene Reed and Jessye Norman. He’s worked alongside or supported musicians like Freddie Hubbard, Phil Woods, Wynton Marsalis, Ronnie Scott, Abdullah Ibrahim, Kenny Baker and many more. He has played as a member of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Big Band, the Stan Tracey Big Band/Septet/Octet and Mark Nightingale's Big Band. He also composes for his own ensembles, and writes commissioned works for others.

Bringing a mix of originals and standards, he is sure to delight any jazz fan, especially if he peppers the gig with some Gerry Mulligan numbers from his acclaimed project dedicated to the Baritone legend. Once again this should be a cracking evening with a true star.