Tubby Hayes

Tubby Hayes was one of Britain's most celebrated jazz musicians, known for his fiery tenor saxophone playing and formidable skills as a multi-instrumentalist. Born in London in 1935, Hayes rose to prominence during the 1950s and ’60s, leading his own groups and making a name for himself on both the UK and international jazz scenes. He was as comfortable in hard bop as he was in more experimental settings, and his technical prowess earned him comparisons with American jazz legends like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins.

Beyond his commanding tenor saxophone work, Hayes was also an accomplished vibraphonist and flutist. He recorded extensively and was a regular presence in clubs like Ronnie Scott’s, even appearing alongside visiting American heavyweights. Despite a life cut short—he died in 1973 at just 38—his impact on British jazz remains immense. In recent years, unreleased sessions and live recordings have been unearthed, renewing interest in a player whose passion and virtuosity continue to inspire jazz fans around the world.

Genres

Hard Bop

Jazz

Contemporary Jazz

Free Jazz

Bebop

Swing

Cool Jazz

Soul Jazz

Experimental Jazz

Related Artists

Cannonball Adderley

John Coltrane

Miles Davis

Herbie Hancock

Sonny Rollins

Art Blakey

Clifford Brown

Wayne Shorter

Dexter Gordon

Ronnie Scott

Freddie Hubbard

Lee Morgan

Latest Release

Afro-Cuban Concord - Jack Costanzo Bongos Sound

Jack Costanzo•

Tubby Hayes

Album - 10 Tracks - Released April 26, 2024