The Mark Upton Quartet
The Mark Upton Jazz Quartet, based in Portsmouth, Hampshire, is now available for bookings. See home page for current gig dates
Mark
Mark now lives in Portsmouth where he performs in the quartet in addition to his duo and solo work. He also plays in various big bands, function bands, Orchestras, Brass groups and other small jazz bands.
Mark's extensive touring has taken him to various parts of Europe, the USA, South America, the Caribbean, Russia, Turkey, Japan and India. In recent years, Mark has been mentored by the world renowned trumpet player Derek Watkins. In turn, Mark has been passing on his skills in various teaching positions. As such he taught at very successful Jazz Summer School in Devon for three years and also worked as a peripatetic trumpet teacher for Devon County Council.
See more about Mark on the About Mark page.
Duncan
Duncan is 22 year old pianist/music producer from Winchester, Hants. He has played piano for the past 18 years, picking up jazz in his teens.
He has been a key part of numerous jazz bands in the Hampshire area, more recently focusing on solo piano performances, composition and teaching.
He is excited to be working with the Mark Upton Quartet and looks forward to the opportunities arising from it.
George
George is a freelance musician who has been playing bass since the age of 16.
He enjoys performing jazz, classical and theatre work and considers himself very fortunate to be involved in a variety of musical styles.
His work has taken him around the world performing in great venues with amazing musicians.
More recently, in between playing engagements he has been working as a musical director and bass player onboard cruise ships.
He particularly enjoys the buzz of both live performances and recording work and always welcomes new musical challenges.
John
John started drumming at an early age. He drove his teachers at Junior School (and his parents) crazy with his constant tapping of pencils!! He progressed to drum sticks and started playing the snare drum. In Senior school he started playing the drum kit and joined the school band. He also played in a 'Shadows' style group in the later years of senior school.
On leaving education John toured England and Wales with a Glam Rock band, where he learnt the art of sleeping in vans and becoming a full time pro.
In 1979 John won the Jack Parnell Drum award in the BBC National Rehearsal Big Band competition.
In 80's John also toured the country with the Dallas Boys.
He did a six month tour on the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1983 as part of the resident house band.
After his stint on the QE11, John joined Hampshire Music service as a peripatetic drum teacher, where he taught for 10 years.
In Johns' professional career he has played with numerous artists in professional Pantomimes and shows, Including Lorraine Chase and Stephanie Lawrence. He has also appeared in several TV productions including a Jazz Workshop with Barbara Thompson and the Walt Disney film, Phoenix and the Carpet. Johns' recording work includes working with Song Writers and recording several Jingles for BBC Radio Solent. He has also worked with various Jazz artists including Duncan Lamont senior, Danny Moss, Ray Williams, mark Nightingale and Alan Barnes.
Throughout his professional career John has continued to teach. He feels it is so important to give something back to others. So he uses his vast knowledge and experience to help develop his students' musicianship and awareness of the music world. Some of Johns' students have gone on to have professional careers of their own. A couple are working and touring with famous bands/artists. One is an international star. Some have also become excellent teachers themselves.