Double bassist Phil Donkin is to make his debut with the release of The Gate in the early part of 2015.

Donkin, who hails from Sunderland and who has lived in London and New York in his career so far, has earned a considerable word-of-mouth reputation as a sideman over the years. His playing credits have included work with heavyweights Kurt Rosenwinkel, John Abercrombie, and Marc Copland.

Joined on the album recording in a Brooklyn studio by Canadian saxophonist Ben Wendel, US pianist Glenn Zaleski, and the German drummer Jochen Rueckert The Gate is filled mainly with Donkin’s own compositions and is to be released by Whirlwind Recordings in March during which Donkin and his band will play dates in Sheffield (6, Millennium Hall) and Wakefield (16, at the Sports Club).