Dom James & The Ticklers

Led by clarinettist and composer Dom James, The Ticklers combine their deep love and understanding of early jazz with a truly modern aesthetic and musical vision.  Since forming at the University of London and Guildhall School of Music in 2005, this hard working band has built a fierce live reputation within jazz, blues and the acoustic scene. The core players include drummer Daoud Merchant AKA Washboard Merch (John Law, Empirical), percussionist Zands (Karl Jenkins) trumpeter Will Rixon (Joss Stone), bassist Tommy Antonio and guitarist Nicholas Costley-White (Gareth Lockrane, Martin Speake).

These guys are so hot that even New Orleans enthusiast Woody Allen has a copy of their first record.

In recent years they have toured Australia, Spain, Italy, France, Sweden and more as well as leading their much celebrated jazz workshops for young players. Festival appearances at Green Man, Henley Festival, London Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Vines (AUS) and Shambala have led to a very loyal cross-genre following as has their legendary touring micro-festival, Gumbo Soup.

In addition to the regular six piece band look out for The Ticklers Street Band (ten piece parade band) who’ve made recent visits to Norway and Switzerland as well as some amazing London wedding parades. Back in the studio, The Ticklers have recently become known for their treatment of film scores and have performed their music for film at The Cinema Museum, London as well as having their music featured in films appearing in festivals across the world.