Indebted to greats such as Sun Ra, Mingus, Neil Ardley and Mike Westbrook, Examples of Twelves are headed by Nostalgia 77 bassist Riaan Vosloo. Collectively, the players have a wealth of experience both live and on record, with the Examples of Twelves sets seeing some of their most personal and adventurous work to date.

"This project is an attempt at a unification of many styles under the umbrella of brit jazz. The project is made up of the players from the nostalgia 77 octet and is one of the many side projects associated with that band.

The many styles that are referenced are a reflection of the music that I/ our generation grew up with, as well as being a reflection of the people and culture that surround us. The influence of the individual is shown in the themes and also the episodic nature of the music. This episodic style is perhaps also down to the influence of the moving image, both television and film. The pieces are long and interlinked because I hoped to show that contemporary/popular music need not be confined to 8-10 minutes." (Riaan Vosloo)

Riaan Vosloo... has concocted a peculiarly British take on 21st century jazz. Its shifting themes and moods touch on Neil Ardley-ish arrangements...He creates crushing, post-jungle breaks, with fat horn stabs and at least one gnarled trombone solo. All of which makes the quieter moments seem all the more mature and moving, with unobtrusive yet luxuriant string and horn arrangements providing velvety depth one moment, the next painting delicate, elegiac colors like a rainy Northern sky. Its a classy statement from one to watch. (Jazzwise magazine, March 2007)

Personnel:

Riaan Vosloo - Double Bass, Graham Fox - Drums, Mark Hanslip - Tenor Sax, Johnny Spall - Alto Sax, Tom Allan - Trumpet, Trevor Mires - Trombone, Ross Stanley - Keys, Chris Allard - Guitar, Steph Cavey/Sophie Coles - Violins, Nat Cavey - Viola, Lucy Ralton - Cello