Bruce Hunnisett
saxophonist & educator
Bruce is a UK jazz saxophonist who doubles on flute and clarinet. After relocating to Hong Kong in 2014, he established himself as a highly versatile and in demand musician, performing widely across Asia in a broad range of settings — from intimate jazz clubs to festivals, theatre productions, and studio sessions. Alongside his work throughout Asia, Bruce has also performed across Europe, bringing an international perspective and stylistic breadth to every project. Known for his adaptability, strong improvisational voice, and professionalism, he has built a reputation as both a compelling performer and a dedicated teacher. Now based back in the UK, Bruce continues to draw on over a decade of international experience, combining the influences of the Asian and European jazz scenes with his own distinctive sound.
Music and Video
The videos below are from the recording of "Soundscape stories vol. 1" a video and audio project with my band Tarboosh, a quartet playing all original music made up of players from Malaysia, Egypt, Ukraine and of course myself.
"Tai Hang Story" is the 2022 debut album of Tarboosh, a four piece ensemble of sax/clarinet, piano and handpans and various percussion. The album is available to stream on all the major platforms now. "High on the mountain" is an album I recorded with the great UK pianist Robin Joiner back in 2012, just before I left the UK. It features nine pieces written by robin and myself, we premiered this original music at the 2012 manchester international jazz festival. a selection of videos from my YouTube channel, some of these were produced during covid times in Hong kong as a creative outlet during the pandemic, here are some of my own recordings of my original music in various settings, explore more on my soundcloudpage. .
About Bruce
Bruce graduated from Salford University in 1995 where he studied saxophone with Andy Scott and Gerard McChrystal achieving a First class honours degree in Band Musicianship, and receiving the "Goff Richards" award for best jazz performer. Bruce has performed professionally throughout Europe and East Asia in a variety of settings, from small and large jazz bands, musicals, rock, soul and funk bands and all types of cabaret. Bruce has also recorded for a wide range of artists both in the UK and abroad.
Bruce has performed in, and lead many jazz ensembles, written music for various projects and has released several CDs, including the critically acclaimed "Dark Circles" solo album, and the saxophone-piano duet album "High on the Mountain" with UK based jazz pianist Robin Joiner. In 2022 Bruce co-founded the Band "Tarboosh" influenced by a unique blend of jazz, minimalist and soundtrack music. The band consists of sax/clarinet, Handpans and percussion and piano. Their debut album "Tai Hang Story" can be found on all major streaming platforms.
Teaching
"I am passionate about music education and believe that music and the performing arts are vital in the education of all students. I love how music can instil confidence, discipline, determination and encourage collaboration in students allowing them to express themselves in a non-verbal way and to engage in the creative process.".
Bruce has over 20 years experience of teaching sax, flute and clarinet across a wide range of ages and abilities, both in schools and colleges, and privately. He has tutored many students through classical and jazz A.B.R.S.M. exams in both the UK and in Asia with consistently good results across all grades. He was formerly head of instrumental studies at Dulwich College Seoul, and taught woodwind for many years at the prestigious "Kellett International School" in Hong Kong.
March 18th, 7:30pm 2026 - Rat and The Jazz Cats in Buxton
The Jazz Cats are back in March for a "Jazz and Blues at the Junction" show, this will be the first gig for them in the new venue, "The Old Club House" in Buxton..... "The Old Club House is a traditional pub nestled in the spa town of Buxton. Our Grade II-listed building first opened its doors in 1886 as a gentleman's club and the cast iron fireplaces, wood panelling and exposed ceiling beams maintain an air of opulence." CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS Look forward to classic acoustic jazz from the 1940s to the 1960s and beyond from this hard swinging quintet.
May 22nd 2026 - The Yvonne barrie quintet perform in derby
I'll be playing with The YBQ at Dubrek Studios in May for an intimate concert, expect classic standards alongside more unusual songs not always associated with the jazz canon. The last gig the YBQ played in Derbyshire sold out weeks in advance so don't wait too long to get your tickets for this one. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
