Ralph Moore (tenor saxophone), Fraser Urquhart (piano), Simon Woolf (double bass), Joe Dessauer (drums).

Few musicians can match the depth of experience and legacy of tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, a towering figure in the jazz world for decades. Born in Brixton, South London, in 1956, Moore was raised in a culturally vibrant environment. His mother, Josephine Wood, was a lifelong dancer and featured in a BBC2 Black Britain documentary.

Moore’s musical journey took a pivotal turn in 1972 when he moved to the U.S. as a teenager, committing himself fully to the saxophone. He honed his craft at Berklee College of Music in Boston before launching his professional career, earning the Lenny Johnson Memorial Award for outstanding musicianship. Over the years, Moore has performed and recorded with a stellar lineup of jazz legends, including Dizzy Gillespie (1987), Horace Silver (1981-85), Freddie Hubbard (1987-91), Ray Brown, Roy Haynes (1982-86), J.J. Johnson, Cedar Walton (1991-94), Bobby Hutcherson, McCoy Tyner, Roy Hargrove, Oscar Peterson, and Kenny Barron, among many others.

Moore’s deep passion for the tenor saxophone and his lifelong dedication to its mastery shine through in his performances. For 15 years, he was a key member of The Tonight Show Orchestra under Jay Leno, working with icons like Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. During this period, he also played in various jazz quartets and quintets, including Escape from New York, featuring fellow Tonight Show band members Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums and Bob Hurst on bass.

As a recording artist, Moore has released albums on prestigious labels such as Landmark (now 32 Jazz), Criss Cross, Concord, Reservoir, and Savoy. He has also contributed as a sideman on numerous acclaimed jazz recordings, notably Kenny Barron’s Invitation. Renowned for his solid, straight-ahead style, Moore commands the stage with an inspiring presence.

In recent years, he has performed with Willie Jones’ quartet at Jazz at Lincoln Center and collaborated with esteemed musicians such as Jeremy Pelt, Lewis Nash, Eric Reed, and Roy McCurdy. In 2024, Moore is set to tour Israel with a quintet, paying tribute to the music of Dexter Gordon.

As part of his UK "homecoming" tour, Moore will be joined by an exceptional rhythm section. With many concerts selling out weeks in advance, jazz fans are encouraged to secure tickets early for the rare chance to witness one of the world’s finest saxophonists in action.