Tony Woods

Tony Woods is a Jazz Saxophone tutor at the Department of Music, Royal Holloway, University of London. Born in Southampton, he began folk music training at age five and holds degrees from Keele University, Leeds College of Music, and The Guildhall School of Music. He is renowned for his work in jazz and folk-inspired compositions, leading the Tony Woods Project, which has released four acclaimed albums: High Seas (1997), Lowlands (2004), Wind Shadows (2009), and Hidden Fires (2017). He also co-founded the Avalon Trio and Kwartet, producing albums like 'Forlana' (2011) and 'Seventh Daze' (2012).

• Education: Keele University, Leeds College of Music, Guildhall School of Music

His research interests focus on blending folk traditions with jazz improvisation and classical reinterpretation. Performances include venues like the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. He has collaborated with artists like Michael Garrick and his wife Nette Robinson in the Little Big Band and Lyric Ensemble.

Notable achievements include Arts Council England funding for a 2019 tour and a BBC Jazz Now recording. Awards include the Dunkirk International Jazz Festival’s Soloist Prize and multiple performance accolades.

As a session musician, he has worked in London’s premier studios (Abbey Road, Lansdown Studios) and contributed to albums like Michael Garrick’s final work 'Home Thoughts' (2012).