About Unisax

What is Unisax?

Unisax is the unique combination of live music with professionally-produced stereo backing tracks. The sound of tenor, alto, soprano saxophone or clarinet playing with the sound of a jazz trio, a big band or even an orchestra. Unisax is ideal for wedding receptions, company functions, restaurants and private parties.

What does it sound like?

Unisax can sound like the Dave Brubeck Quartet - remember "Take Five"? - the Glen Miller Band, or even the Henry Mancini Orchestra. The repertoire includes jazz, standards, pop and classical music.

Who is Unisax?

The Unisax 'maestro' is Tony Riley, who has over 40 years experience of playing in jazz bands and has professional qualifications from the London College of Music. Here's a brief musical biography:

"I started playing clarinet at about the age of 12 - a simple system which was difficult to play and unreliable. I later switched to a Boehm system. My teacher was Margaret Latutin, a one time member of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. At about the age of 14 I was bought a Pennsylvania alto saxophone and had lessons from a guy called Ken McMasters. He had been a pro musician and was a wonderful sax and clarinet player.

At secondary school I formed a trio with the school music teacher on piano and a talented drummer friend who was in my class. We did the usual weddings, village halls, etc, on those terrible, often out of tune pianos.

Leaving school, I went to Teacher Training College where I studied Music and History. I continued to do gigs but these were really dance band gigs. Then, in my late twenties, I was able to have lessons on clarinet, with the renowned classical clarinettist Georgina Dobree. This experience prepared me for taking a diploma in clarinet playing at the London College of Music. At this time, I was able to sit in with Kenny Baker and Tommy Whittle as well as playing in a smaller band accompanying singers like Madeleine Bell.

I was also playing in Big Bands (Page Three Big Band, the Mid-Herts Big Band, and in a very fine big band conducted by Nick Care of the Aylesbury Music Centre). Later I was instrumental in setting up "Stolen Moments", a modern jazz quintet, with trumpeter John Cook. This band, although in a different format, is still playing today. Apart from playing for wedding receptions I am at present engaged in playing with a jazz funk bank called Kaizen, which recently made its debut, with new personnel, at a Bedford jazz club."

Where is Unisax?

Tony lives in Luton and is available to any venue within a rough 100 mile radius of Luton, covering the Home Counties and London.

How much does a Unisax gig cost?

The fee depends on both the length of the gig and the distance Tony has to travel, but is emininently affordable whilst not compromising on professional quality. Please use the contact form to obtain a quote, or phone Tony directly on 01582 592859.