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2007 news

July 2007

Pete Downes releases Bach recording
Pete Downes, the jazz fusion guitarist best known for his work with PD3 (Pete Downes Trio) has released a recording of JS Bach Lute Suites on the Wiser Productions Label. The recording is available from digital outlets such as iTunes and is called Music for Guitar: Bach.
Full press release

June 2007

Discography audio files improved
The discography has been improved with better quality audio samples. Broken links corrected. Easier purchasing from iTunes and CD retailers.

Now on MySpace
PD3 plus Pete and Andy now have pages in the music section of MySpace:

April 2007

New material for the new season
Pete and the guys are revamping the set with new tunes for the gigs kicking off in May. They are currently busy getting new dates for a tour scheduled later this year.

October 2006

PD3 with Dick Pearce now on iTunes You can hear previews, write reviews and purchase album or single tracks or review our whole collection of PD3 and Pete Downes recordings here.

June 2006

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

NEW CD! PD3 with Dick Pearce Live Out on 28 August

PD3 (Pete Downes Trio) have joined forces with legendary trumpet player Dick Pearce and produced an electrifying live recording from a performance at the Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, London in April.

"New material was chosen at a rehearsal before the gigs" says Pete - one of Europe's leading fusion guitarists, " therefore many of the tunes were performed for the first or second time. It's very exciting to capture that freshness in front of an audience.”

PD3 received critical acclaim with their earlier releases 'Street Scene' and 'Into the Blue' from the likes of Jazzwise, The Observer and Jazz Journal International. Dick Pearce (trumpet/flugelhorn) was in Ronnie Scott's band for many years and works regularly with the likes of Stan Tracy and other leading British jazz artists.

"I wrote 'View in Blue' for Dick" says Pete. "We had never played it live and had intentionally not worked out a concrete arrangement, yet it came together on the night and Dick's playing is hauntingly beautiful. Also the arrangement of Mozart's Requiem was for Dick. I took the first few bars before the choral section and merged the woodwind themes into a composite tune. Our original reggae-jazz version of Cantaloupe Island starts the CD and, as you can probably tell from the choice of material, we've retained our diverse influences throughout. "

" We met Dick at one of our trio performances" says Pete, "He said he thought our sound was exciting and that he'd like to play with us. We were really pleased as it was just what we were looking for as he adds immensly to the sound and retains originality and sensitivity. We’ve managed to retain the space and dynamics that we utilise almost as another instrument. Dick was aware of this and there is space to create pictures and movement.

Tim Bruce (drums) and Andy Coe (double bass) complete the quartet and were the rhythm section on the first two recordings. "Tim is a very percussive drummer and when you play with him you can feel him listening. Andy is very visual and entertains the audience with his physical approach."

" Of course there are imperfections in a live recording, but life is like that. You hear the humanity come through. I've always been excited by live recordings: Weather Report 8.30, We Want Miles. John Mclaughlin Trio at the Festival Hall are in my Desert Island Disc list."

The cover design uses only photos by David Bell taken at the first nights performance and compliments the immediacy of the music.

PD3 with Dick Pearce Live
Track-list
1 Cantaloupe Island 07:22
2 Killer Joe 08:49
3 View in Blue 05:04
4 Eclipse 05:52
5 Tutu 08:07
6 Requiem 05:17
7 Straight No Chaser 08:42
8 Watermelon Man 06:48
9 So What 10:13

June 2006

PD3 with Dick Pearce Live in production

Our new CD - PD3 with Dick Pearce Live - has gone to the pressing plant. It features recordings made during two nights at Pizza Express in April. We have more dates planned for the UK official release in September. However CDs will be available at performances from July. Full length samples can be heared here.
We will be introducing the recording at a live performance at the Marlborough Jazz Festival on Saturday 8th July.

May 2006

March 2006

Dick Pearce & PD3 back on the road
PD3 (Pete Downes Trio) are performing again this month with legendary trumpet/flugelhorn player Dick Pearce. Current details are on the Dates page

The next CD
PD3 are currently writing and arranging material for the next CD due for release mid this year. It will will include guest performances from Dick Pearce (trumpet/flugelhorn.

It looks like being their most adventurous recording to date. "We're really finding our identity with the new material" says Pete. "and this recording will show how the sound has matured. Although many infuences are there, we feel it is now really a sound and approach unique to us.

January 2006

Dick Pearce & PD3 gig in the dark
Dick Pearce and PD3 (Pete Downes Trio) kicked off the New Year with a gig at new jazz venue The Eagle in Croydon. The venue was packed for this performance of legendary UK trumpet/flugelhorn player Dick alongside PD3 who have received critical acclaim for their fusion style jazz since their two CD releases 'Street Scene' and 'Into the Blue'.

"We really enjoyed playing to the enthusiastic audience" says guitarist Pete Downes "and we were nearing the end of our first set when the electricity went down." It turned out to be the whole block and out of the hands of the venue and the band.

" We decided to break at that point and see what happened. As the power did not come back we thought it best to soldier on acoustically. The audience were very supportive and quietened down considerably."

There are more appearances of PD3 and Dick scheduled for March, including the Boxford Fleece and Princes Hall Aldershot. Full details are at www.petedownes.com
Also, PD3 are currently working on new material for their next CD release and will feature guest performances from Dick Pearce and Julie-Anne Gates (vocals).

December 2005

Pete performs with Julie-Anne Gates
Pete does a couple of duo performances with leading jazz/soul singer Julie-Anne Gates in addition to PD3 performances. Dates are listed here.

November 2005

Into the Blue now on iTunes
The latest CD by PD3 Into the Blue is now on iTunes: Apples leading digital music service.
You can purchase individual tracks or the whole CD as high quality MP3 and MP4 files for upload to iPods and similar devices. Other digital vendors will follow shortly and are listed here. PD3's first CD Street Scene and Pete's solo CD Sea of Tranqulity are already available online.

September 2005

Into the Blue soon on iTunes
The latest CD by PD3 Into the Blue is currently being processed by Apple's music service iTunes and is expected to be available within the next two weeks.
You will be able to purchase individual tracks or the whole CD as high quality MP3 and MP4 files for upload to iPods and similar devices. Other digital vendors will follow shortly and are listed here. PD3's first CD Street Scene and Pete's solo CD Sea of Tranqulity are already available online.

July 2005

Marlborough Festival a big success
PD3 performed to a packed house at Marlborough Jazz Festival. They kept the audience riveted for a full two hour performance without break.

June 2005

PD3 AT GLASTONBURY
We had a great day performing at the Jazz Lounge on the Sunday! See some of the photos

PD3 back at Bull's Head
We are returning to this classic venue after a break while the venue has been soundproofed due to issues with reclassification of the area from 'Light Industrial' to 'Residential'.

We will also be performing a benefit concert to help Dan finance the refurbishment. More details soon and on the Bull's Head website.

Jazz returns to the Troubadour.
PD3's performance at The Troubadour in Earl's Court heralds a welcome return for jazz in this classic venue which hosted the likes of Jimi Hendrix and was the first London performance location of Bob Dylan. PD3 will be returning monthly. See the dates page for details.

April 2005

PD3 at Marlborough Jazz Festival
PD3 (Pete Downes Trio) will be appearing again at Marlborough in July. At the Azuza Coffee Shop, 1pm 'til 3pm. Full details on the dates page and the festival page.

Mini tour kicks off in May
We are playing quite a few dates in May across the country from London to Cumbria. Full details on the dates page.

March 2005

Dick Pearce performs with PD3
PD3 (Pete Downes Trio) have invited Dick Pearce (trumpet/flugelhorn) to join them at several performances including The Stables, Wavendon on Tuesday 3rd May. The first performance with Dick is at The Barley Mow Shepperton on Saturday 19 March.
"Dick is one of the leading players not only in the UK but worldwide". says Pete. "He performed with Ronnie Scott for fourteen years and is also seen regularly with Gilad Atzmon, Stan Tracy and many other leading British and International acts."

PD3 return to Pizza Express Soho on Monday 14 March
The trio return to this top UK jazz venue in the heart of Soho London. Full details are on the dates page.
"After a barnstorming debut at the salubrious Soho club Pete Downes and crew return to promote their soaring new album Into The Blue that spins new yarns from the likes of ‘My Favourite Things’‚ and a striking take on Norah Jones’ ‘Don’t Know Why' to fleet-fingered originals."
Mike Flynn of Jazzwise

February 2005

Into the Blue in UK stores
The new CD was released on the UK on 28 February 2005. A month later than originally scheduled due to volume of new releases.

December 2004

UK retail release of 'Into the Blue
The UK retail release distributed by New Note will be January 13st 2005.
It is aslo currently available from this site. See Discography for details.

Sea of Tranquility re-released
One of Pete's solo albums Sea of Tranquility is re-released through Wiser Productions.
Pete will also re-release 'Fantasea'. Details soon.

Wiser Productions website now running
The Wiser Productions website is now up and running and will get on-going development.
http://www.wiserproductions.co.uk

November 2004

Pizza Express a big success
Thanks everyone who came and made it a great night. We have had several booking offers since this performance and it looks good for a return booking at the club.

October 2004

Album launch at Pizza Express Soho November 23
We now have launch date for PD3's new CD 'Into the Blue' of Tuesday 23 November. We are really pleased to have our launch event at Pizza Express, Dean Street, Soho. Full details on the dates page.
Initially the release will be available as mail order or at live performances. UK shop release will be February 2005.

Digital download list added
You can buy Street Scene as single tracks or complete album from the suppliers listed here.

September 2004

Finishing new album
In addition to the performances listed on the dates page, we are currently wrapping up recording and mixing of the new CD. Release date confirmed shortly.

August 2004

Solo performances in Italy
Pete was away performing a solo set in Italy during first part of this month. This is to set the scene for PD3 appearances in Italy and the rest of Eurtope next season.

Glastonbury review
We have an excellent review of our Glastonbury appearance by Mike Flynn in the September issue of Jazzwise. You can read it here

July 2004

iTunes in the UK
You can now buy Street Scene from Apple's iTunes in the UK. Tracks are 79p each or album for £7.90. All in MP3 format for download to your player.

Album progress
Recording is going well for the new CD due for release later this year.
This includes a one day session ath the famous Jacobs Studios. All other sessions have been done with Wiser Productions mobile system as was used on Street Scene.

Glastonbury and Marlborough Jazz a big success
Both these events drew very apreciative audiences. Feecback from the organisers is extremely positive and we look to be returning next year.

June 2004

PD3 AT GLASTONBURY!
Thursday 24 June.
Time to be confirmed
We are really pleased to be doing the 'Jazz Lounge' at Glastonbury
Festival this year. Purely on the merits of our CD Street Scene.
Full details to follow soon on our dates page.

Full festival details on the Glastonbury website.

THE NEXT CD
We begin planning and recording our next CD this month for
release in September. Details to follow.

OTHER JUNE PERFORMANCES:
Please see Dates for full details of all future performances.

May 2004

STREET SCENE NOW ON ITUNES
You can now purchase individual tracks or whole recording in MP3 format through iTunes - Apple's highly successful music download store.

Currently you can only purchase with a US based address but full preview services are available anywhere and rollout to other territories is happening shortly.

When teamed with iPod - Apple's MP3 player - or similar devices, iTunes provide the most effective online music service around and is available for Windows too.

Street Scene is also available from many other download services.

PD3 tour a great success
Our tour went down very well across the UK. We also managed to squeeze in a interview for BBC Radio Lancashire on Steve & Sal's afternoon show. You can hear it here.

It was interesting to see that we appeal to a wide age group. From under 25s (Matt & Phred's Manchester) to over 40s (Sparrowhawk Hotel Burnley) and we were greeted with equal enthusiasm.

Hilight for Pete was playing in his home town of Chester at Alexanders. A great turnout of friends, relatives and as well as a lot of customers who had seen flyers or advertising.

Thanks to this successful night, PD3 will be performing at the Chester Jazz Festival around the last week of July. Details to follow when known.

April 2004

UK Spring Tour PD3 embark on a Spring Tour to perform throughout the UK. The set will include material from their new album Street Scene.

March 2004

PD3 PERFORMING AT MARLBOROUGH JAZZ FESTIVAL
Just confirmed a booking at this fantastic festival on the afternoon of Saturday 10 July. Full details on the Dates page.

SPRING TOUR: all dates confirmed.
All dates for our April/May tour have now been confirmed. Full details on the Dates page.

Street Scene continues to get positive reviews

Interview and review in Jazzwise March issue
Very positive review of the CD Street Scene and an interview with Pete:
"..there are many so-called stars who won't release a more refreshing album than this one."
Andy Robson's review of Street Scene. full article here.

"How many current jazz compositions can you name that are still humming uncontrollably in your head long after the CD has stopped spinning?"
Selwyn Harris' introduction to the interview
You can find the full article here.

Interview in Jazz Rag March issue
Another positively toned interview with Pete by Ron Simpson of Jazz Rag for the Spring issue. Full article is here.

February 2004

Street Scene reviewed by The Observer
We got a positive review in The Observer on 8 February by Dave Gelly in the jazz CDs section. One of only three CDs to be reviewed. You can see an excerpt on the reviews page.

Street Scene out in UK stores
Street Scene is now available from HMV, Virgin and all good music retailers. Even Woolies! Distribution by highly respected New Note and OT Records.

Street Scene also available from Amazon online
Street Scene can now be purchased from www.amazon.co.uk for £11.99 plus postage. You can also write a review of the album. Still available from CDBaby in the States, live performances and directly from the band

Street Scene no. 2 in Jazzwise album of the year chart
Jazzwise list us at no 2 in their listening chart:
---01 \ Robert Miles and Trilok Gurtu: Miles Gurtu
---02 \ PD3: Street Scene
---03 \ Tim Garland: Change of Seasons
---04 \ Acoustic Triangle: Catalyst Audio B
---05 \ Hot Club of Cowtown: Continental Stomp High Tone

You can see their actual page here.

JazzFM airplay
Street Scene has been played on Mike Chadwick's Cutting Edge which features his choice in the best of contemporary jazz releases. Also being featured on several other local radio stations.

Another great review of Street Scene
We've had a great review from Paul Donnelly of ejazznews. Excerpt an article are in Reviews

More PD3 tour dates added
Including Liverpool and Chester.
Manchester and Brmingham venues currently being sought. Anyone out there who knows a suitable venue please get in touch.

Interviews done for Jazzwise and Jazz Rag
Jazzwise interview will be in March issue, Jazz Rag in next issue.

January 2004

Jazz Services support PD3 UK tour
Jazz Services have agreed to provide touring support for PD3 in April. We are currently working on adding more UK dates throughout April & early May. Details are on the Dates page.

Jazzwise add Street Scene to their chart
They like what we've done. Interview to follow in next issue

December 2003

PD3 Press pack now available
The beginnings of a selection of material for promotional use is now available from the PD3 page Includes photos and press cuttings.

Retail release date confirmed
Street Scene, the new PD3 album, will be available in high street stores from 26 January 2004. We will have an event to celebrate the release and details will be posted here as soon as we have them.

November 2003

PD3 sign UK distribution deal
We are very pleased to announce that our new album Street Scene will be available through quality high-street retailers from January 2004. The deal is through leading British jazz label OT Records who will also be providing marketing support.
Also available now from CDBaby the excellent online retailer.
And by cheque/postal order from our web site. Fill in the contact form for details.

'Street Scene' album launch 23 November, lunchtime, Bull's Head Barnes
It looks like we will have a full house for this. If you have been invited as a guest and have not yet responded do so soon or you will miss out on free entry, free drinks and of course, a great performance.
Our new CD 'Street Scene' will be available for purchase on the day.
The event is also open to the public. Entry fee is £5.Children free. Full details on the dates page.

5 star review of 'Street Scene' in the Guardian
It may be the Kingston Guardian but its a great start :-). This was an excellent review of the new album and too up half a page of the publication. 400k scan of article here. Also to be published on 20 November in Wimbledon and Putney issues plus the Wandsworth Comet, ready for the Launch event.

October 2003

'Street Scene' album launch
We having the above event next month on Sunday 23rd November, lunchtime. Full details on the dates page

Album finished and being duplicated
We have finished mixing and mastering the the new album 'Street Scene'. It is currently being duplicated and will be ready for album launch event on 23 November.

Sample MP3s added
More samples of the new album are available here.

April tour update
Several dates have been confirmed for the April 2004 UK tour. Details on Dates page.

September 2003

UK tour April 2004
PD3 are planning a week of dates throughout the UK. Details to follow soon.

July 2003

Samples of PD3's new album added.
Sneak preview of some tracks due for release in September. More samples to follow plus free full MP3 coming soon.

Lancashire dates are now in August
The dates marked for October are now in late August. See the Dates page for details.

June 2003

More MP3's added
See the Discography page

May 2003

Additions to web site

• Video clip added to multimedia page. More soon
• MP3s available in discography.

PD3 to release album

After strengthening their material in live performance, PD3 have decided to release an album and are currently recording tracks both live and in the studio to include on it. Samples available in Discography soon. More details when available.

More dates for Lancashire

After the success of the gig in February, PD3 have been invited back for a weekend of three gigs in the area. More details under dates.

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