From RockSchool to jazz circuits

Deirdre Cartwright became known hosting BBC Two's RockSchool from 1983 to 1987, but has since built a career as a respected jazz player on the festival and club circuits.

15-year gap from leading bands

After years of organizing European tours and gigs, Cartwright felt burnt out from band leadership and stepped back to play as an ensemble member instead.

“I just became a bit wiped out with it all.”

Joining Alison Rayner Quintet

When bassist Alison Rayner formed her own band around 2012 to focus on composition, Cartwright joined as a player and found relief in not having to organize everything.

“It's so nice just to be in a band, as opposed to leading a band.”

Rediscovering classic jazz heroes

Playing in ARQ sparked Cartwright's interest in classic jazz guitarists like Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, Kenny Burrell and Grant Green, reigniting her passion for the music.

“I got back into classic jazz, exploring all those wonderful guitarists.”

Meeting Pete Whittaker on Hammond

Cartwright began playing jazz duo gigs with Hammond organist Pete Whittaker and discovered she loved the sound of organ paired with guitar.

Organik trio takes shape

When percussionist Gary Hammond, who had played in her bands in the 1990s, came to London, Cartwright suggested forming an organ trio. Despite only playing about six gigs, it reignited her enthusiasm for leading a band.

“It really gave me enthusiasm again for playing and leading a band again.”

Heritage guitar felt too large

Cartwright started recording with a Heritage Super 400 but found it unwieldy. After trying a Gibson L-4 with fellow guitarist Martin Bowie in Cornwall, she decided to search for something smaller.

Winning two guitars at auction

At Bath guitar auctions, Cartwright bid on a Gibson 175 and won it. She also placed a low bid on an L-4 and unexpectedly won that too while vacationing in Greece.

“Congratulations, you've got the L-4. Oh my God!”

Recording with vintage Fender amps

Cartwright used a Gibson 175 and a 20-watt Lazy J reverb amp on the album, but switched to a 1971 Fender Princeton 12-watt when the Lazy J developed reverb spring issues.

No effects, just pure tone

Cartwright recorded with no effects pedals, using only guitar into amp. She believes abandoning effects improved her technique and forced her to focus on playing the notes correctly.

“It really improved my technique and my playing. You have to be able to do it all.”

Jazz standards anchor the album

Organik features jazz standards like The Gentle Rain and On Green Dolphin Street. Cartwright has loved The Gentle Rain since seeing Pat Metheny perform it in the 1990s.

Planning Organik tour dates

Cartwright has been offered gigs in autumn and spring to tour Organik, despite the group being relatively unknown. She's committed to bringing the project to more audiences.

Still learning and evolving

Though Cartwright has fulfilled many youthful aspirations, she continues seeking new material. She's inspired by Bill Frisell's version of Epistrophy and may record Thelonious Monk tunes next.

“I just always want to learn more and improve.”