The Eloise Short Quartet
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General ESQ Information

ESQ History

ESQ Formed in Spring 2006 and have taken the Sheffield music scene by storm. Playing everything from classic jazz numbers to modern hits in a laid back style. The band comprises of Andy Booth on keyboards, Matt Whiteley on drums, Rob Straw on trumpet and the effervescent Eloise Short on vocals. ESQ recorded their 'September Sessions' CD in Autumn 2006 which sold over 800 copies and saw their BBC Radio 2 debut with the Desmond Carrington Show. It also took them to Keswick Jazz Festival 2008 where they received rave reviews and are due to return next year.

Interestingly, none of the band members came from a jazz background. Andy Booth hails from the world of Classical music, Matt Whiteley and Rob Straw are very well respected on the Brass band circuit, and Eloise came out of the Northern Club scene. This unexpected mix is undoubtedly responsible for their sound which has been described as "both quirky and melancholy, but mainly fun - a breath of fresh air".

Always looking to expand, ESQ recorded their 'September Sessions' CD in Autumn 2006 and their 'A Fistful of Jazz' CD in Summer 2008, demos of both CDs are available via the Sample Music link above.

Jazz in Sheffield & Chesterfield

ESQ currently have regular spots at the Walnut Club, Bar Cubana, Ruskins and The Riverside in Sheffield. As far as jazz in Sheffield goes, we're always open to new venues.

As well as playing jazz in Sheffield, ESQ has regular spots at The Famous Red Lion and the Tickled Trout in Chesterfield.

Jazz for You

ESQ can be booked on a regular basis to play at your venue or to come and play for your wedding or at just about any venue. You can also become a member of our mailing list to find out when and where we're playing. Click here to sign up!

ESQ Members

Andrew Booth  

Andrew J Booth l.r.s.m; c.t.a.b.r.s.m; is a musician from Chesterfield who is the founder and principal conductor for ‘For One Night Only Productions’, a professional orchestra and production company. When he is not working in this role, Andrew can be found playing with professional orchestras such as the English Philharmonic Orchestra, the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the Concert Orchestra of Europe. In his spare time Andrew composes various types of music including choral and organ works and also continues the family tradition as the Musical Director for the 'Carolare Choir’.

Eloise Short  

Eloise Short has been singing in live bands around Sheffield, the UK and the World for over eight years. At twenty seven she finds herself enjoying a more mellow type of music with a passion for jazz and swing. The range of musical ensembles Eloise sings with is currently expanding, having worked with different musicians such as the Robin Hoare Band, Pierro Tucci, Jez Matthews, The Take 2 Big Band of the Academy Theatre and also in ensembles ranging from Jazz Quartets through 10 piece Showbands to 18 piece Big Bands.

Rob Straw  

Rob Straw c.t.a.b.r.s.m. has played in the brass band movement for the best part of 30 years. Whilst doing this, in 1998 he became a member of the ‘New Orleans Strollers’, a trad. jazz outfit of some repute. This gave Rob a taste of a musical style totally different to that of brass bands and he actively pursued other avenues of this genre. It is within the last 12 months that he has helped form the ‘Take 2 Big Band’ playing piano and more recently ‘The Eloise Short Quartet’, playing a mix of trumpet, flugelhorn and cornet. He has been teaching brass for the last 6 years and is currently enjoying life as a pro musician.

Matt Whiteley  

Matt Whiteley t.h.e. b.e.s.t. was brought up in the world of orchestras and brass bands as a full orchestral percussionist although he has always had a passion for jazz drumming and big bands. After teaching percussion throughout school, college and university Matt decided that music should not be his main profession and joined a local IT company where he now enjoys life as a director. After being approached by the ‘Eloise Short Trio’, the lure of playing with pro musicians again enticed Matt back into gigging regularly. Matt currently plays with Big Bands, Jazz Quartets, Brass Bands and can also be found in the studio doing session work.

 

Matt Whiteley

 
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