Bands
Neil has been playing music for most of his life. Neil has been lucky enough to have had a few years where he’s been able to do some quite serious woodshedding (practice). Neil is currently based in Ashburton, Devon.
Neil plays soprano, alto and tenor saxes and clarinet (both Bb and A). Neil reads well, plays by ear and improvises. He is available for session work and is used to working in recording studios. Neil is also available for any kind of depping work. In recent times Neil has also played for Bristol’s Agent Funk and works regularly with the Exeter Blue Lion Band. Neil is experienced playing in various genres including classical, jazz, soul, motown, funk, latin, pop and others. Kit wise, Neil has his own wireless bug mic for sax and wireless IEMs.
Neil plays in a number of groups (see below), some of which he runs, and is very experienced at running music for events – please get in touch if you would like more information. To check out Neil’s public gigs click here. You can view his availability here.
Neil can be contacted on: Tel No. 07951 335078
or email at: neil@neilmaya.co.uk
The Neil Maya Quartet
The Neil Maya Quartet is a collective of some of the finest jazz musicians in the south west striving to deliver some of the best jazz based music to audiences throughout the southwest and beyond. The quartet is involved in many different projects including playing it’s own works and re-workings of standards, it’s highly successful Brubeck Project and 1959 Golden Year of Jazz as well as its two newer projects, Cartoon Jazz and The Jazz Funk Emporium as well as more occasional performances such as it’s tributes to Clifford Brown, Horace Silver and Herbie Hancock.
To check out more visit www.neilmayaquartet.co.uk
Solar Funky Music
This six piece band brings together some of the most established musicians playing in the Westcountry and beyond. With a repertoire that ranges from seventies soul funk classics by James Brown, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five and Bill Withers to modern classic artists such as Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Cee Lo Green and Amy Winehouse, this is a band dedicated to dancing.
The Drat Pack
The Drat Pack – the coolest band in the land, performing many of the greatest numbers of all time, including classic swing numbers made famous by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as other styles including motown, soul, funk, latin, blues and up-to-date pop. The Drat Pack is led by either Adam Moran or James Billington on vocals – two of the leading swing singers in the South West.
Lush Life Dinner Jazz Duo, Trio and Quartet
Lush Life Dinner Jazz Duo, Trio and Quartet – this saxophone led group play a sophisticated selection of jazz and swing standards, made famous by jazz greats such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and The Dave Brubeck Quartet. They play many songs from the great writers of the 30’s to 50’s and can also play a selection of classical music.
Neil Maya, Tom Ball Duo
This newer collaboration has evolved from the Neil Maya Quartet after Tom came on board as one of the pianists with the Brubeck Project. Neil and Tom work with their own tunes and standards, in and out of the jazz genre, to give a high quality, vibrant, exciting and musically diverse performance in a variety of concert and more informal settings.
Dave Hankin Big Band
I am delighted to be playing lead tenor in this wonderful big band. Playing to packed-out theatre audiences, The Dave Hankin Big Band has risen to become the South West’s premier Jazz Orchestra. Featuring high-quality musicianship, and performing a diverse repertoire from Glenn Miller to Maynard Ferguson – all of Dave’s very own arrangements – including themed concerts celebrating the Magic of the Movies, Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble. The Dave Hankin Big Band is a feast for music lovers.
Magnificent Bublé
Magnificent Bublé is the UK’s finest authentic Michael Bublé theatre tribute show with an incredible 12 piece big band, fronted by top vocalist James Billington, performing at theatres across the UK. I play tenor sax in this wonderful outfit.
Some of the country’s top musicians celebrate the music, the arrangements and the tours that the man himself has made so successful.
The show includes a selection of Bublé’s own work including Home, Haven’t Met You Yet, Nobody But Me, Everything, Hollywood and It’s A Beautiful Day as well as some of the finest tunes that he has recreated such as Cry Me A River, Me And Mrs Jones, Sway and Moondance.
Expect a big sound and fabulous light show alongside two hours of brilliant big band music and smooth ballads. A night of wonderful ‘Feeling Good’ music awaits you.
All Jazzed Up
All Jazzed Up plays at, what is probably, the most successful jazz night in the Southwest at the Ocean in Exmouth regularly attracting over 150 people to one of its Thursdays nights. Fronted by fantastic male vocalist James Billington this band plays the best in swing and jazz and more. As well as the Thursday nights the band plays numerous functions and other public gigs.
I have the pleasure in being the main saxophonist with the 5 piece version and regularly dep for the 7 piece show band.
South Devon Big Band
I am Musical Director for the South Devon Big Band, a classic big band, which was started in 2013. I also play solo clarinet in the band. The band plays a mix of classic and more modern big band classics. The band often plays for Lindy Hoppers and also gives concerts too often in aid of charity. For more information check out the band website.