About Sarah…
Sarah started learning the clarinet when she was 8yrs old, quickly following this with the flute and saxophone and much later vocals! Sarah joined her first big band at the age of 13yrs and her first original band at 15yrs. The next few years were a series of recording sessions/ live gigs and recording contracts, filled with fun and promises. In 2002 Sarah decided to continue studying and graduated from Southampton University with a BA Mus in 2008, specialising in Jazz alto saxophone and classical soprano saxophone. During this period Sarah also formed her band Not Just Sax.
‘Not Just Sax’, was formed in 2002 with Ray Shea on piano, Pete Maxfield on double bass and Johnny Eyden on drums. All of the musicians have years of experience in the jazz field, including Pete touring with Andy Sheppard for 15yrs, Ray at Ronnie Scotts and on a support tour with Tubby Hayes and John being featured on radio 2 every day for two years with organist Harry Stoneham. ‘Not Just Sax’ have performed all over the south of England including ‘Stompin On The Quomps’ in Christchurch, Swanage Jazz Festival, The Woodman at Sevenoaks, Jazz On The Quay, the Bulls Head at Barnes, The Studio on the IOW, St Ants Club in London plus the Good Intent and Eagle in Rochester. ‘Not Just Sax’ specialise in strong, rhythmic, melodic jazz, which features all the players. The repertoire includes a lot of latin tunes/ swing/ pretty waltzes as well as beautiful original tunes written by Ray Shea and more recently has included Sarah on vocals as well!
In 2019 Sarah has formed a 2nd ‘London’ based band- Sarah Bolter & Sax In The City, featuring Joe Caleb on guitar, Killian Madden on drums and Nick Cooper on piano ( often plus guests!). This band is going from strength to strength and has already performed at Pizza Express in Soho, Toulouse Lautrec and the CAA Club in London. Recently this has included amazing talent of Eddy White on guitar.
2022 has brought new exciting dimensions with a ‘bigger band’ being formed suitable for upbeat parties and functions with a ‘jazz’ flavour! This includes 4 frontline brass players and male and female vocals! A playlist can be provided. Sarah also started working with ShowplanR on theatre shows such as ‘Bowie’, ‘Meatloaf’, ‘Cher’, ‘Abba’ and on a ‘Rat Pack’ show as guest singer and sax player!
2024, sees the introduction of some new ‘uptempo and lively’ backing tracks with an ‘Ibiza’ feel. Having been on a few ‘DJ/Sax’ gigs, I decided that I prefered to choose my own tracks!!. Taking bookings for office parties and weddings.
Sarah thrives on continuous learning with new challenges and meeting people who share that desire. This has included attending Jazz summer schools with Global Music Foundation in Certaldo, Amsterdam Music Conservatoire, Jamie Aebersold, Guildhall College, Trinity Music College, Warlington Summer School, jazz summer schools in France and Mehr Clef courses in London and Sussex. This has let to excellent playing and tuition with people including Alan Barnes, Frank Griffiths, Steve Waterman, Gerald Mc Chrystal, Gilad Atzmon, Jamie Aebersold, Shelley Yoelin, George Bouchard, Mike Tracey, Rob Buckland, Andy Scott, Simon Purcell, Julian Siegal, Stephane Chausse and Alex Terrier to name but a few!!
Sarah also works full as an music peripatetic, works as a freelance musician (solo/duo/trio) and guests in jazz bands/ big bands/ pit orchestras. Sarah has been delighted to have worked with a several amazing singers including, Tina May, Louise Clare Marshall (Jools Holland Band), Jacqui Hicks, Karl Charity, Nigel Price and more recently has had Derek Nash guesting with Not Just Sax Quintet! ‘That was a total joy’
Altus Flute Model 1007 (.925) and body
Altus Flute Model 1007 (.925) Sterling
What people are saying about Sarah...
"A huge thank you for your wonderful playing at our wedding in Mudeford on May 4th. The music you and Guy created was beautiful and absolutely perfect for the sunny (hooray!!) afternoon"
Alice and David Berry
“A massive thank you for providing us with such beautiful music for our afternoon- it was absolutely perfect”
Lindsay Parker
“Thank you for the great music. It was perfect for the event. The sound the 2 of you make is lovely and as a musical family we really appreciate it. Also our guests thought it was super.”
Marilyn Keen
“Thank you for another marvellous performance. Walking the field during your performance it felt a lovely atmosphere with lots of people enjoying themselves on a wonderful day.”
Charlie Pellatt- Fete on the field- Ferndown
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the outstanding performance you delivered at our Selected Independent Funeral Homes European Conference. Your band's talent truly elevated the atmosphere creating a memorable experience for everyone. Each member of your band had exceptional skill and artistry and it was evident that you share remarkable chemistry on stage, the energy and enthusiasm you brought to the performance was infectious and it showed through the amount of people on the dancefloor. We have received countless compliments from our guests. Wishing you continued success.”
Nick Douch and Jonathan Stretch - Douch Family Funeral Directors
“On behalf of Winterslow PCC may I thank you and your trio for a superb evenings music. It was absolutely great and set off the whole occasion”
Roche Court- Gillian Gailey
“The band were great, I would highly recommend them. They arrived on time despite the rapidly increasing snow. The music was fabulous throughout and was enjoyed by all who attended. The members of the band were extremely polite and friendly. Thank you for the great night.”
Bette Hunt
“Great to see you and loved hearing your music as always. Guests found it perfect for their evening…hope to see you again soon”
Andi Van Den Hoek- Princess Caroline Party Ship, Southampton
“I just wanted to send a quick message to say a huge huge thank you for Saturday. We absolutely loved the music from you guys and I think it just set off the atmosphere perfectly. Absolutely beautiful thank you so so much! ”
Annabel- Wedding reception -Annabel & Joe at The Kings Arms Christchurch
“It was a delight having you with us on Valentines Day, everyone had a lovely time”
Simon Hartwell, Marketing and Banqueting manager, Connaught Hotel
“Thank you for an amazing evening of jazz last night. Without a doubt, that's the best jazz gig I have been to. It was a privilege, & a pleasure, to be there.”
Geoff
“Many thanks for your excellent playing last evening. I’m a Jazz fan and loved your sax playing.”
Presidents Night- Ferndown Rotary
“I would like to take a moment to ‘Thank You’ for entertaining us all on Friday. You put on a magnificent performance which we all enjoyed. The evening was extraordinary and you have contributed to making it so. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt appreciation. Best wishes for your future performances.”
Roz Scammell- Bournemouth Rotary Presidents Night
Get in touch…
Email Sarah on sarahbolter@hotmail.com