JAZZ is great. Classical music is great. But any combination of the two is usually decidedly less than great.
So it’s good to be able report that although the wonderful Frank Harrison Trio had some classical touches, they didn’t impact the vital jazz spirit of the music
In a way to prove that modern jazz is alive and well in Cheltenham, fifty of us piled into the intimate setting of the Everyman Studio Theatre, to hear alto legend Peter King ……..
@ D’FLY, 1A Crescent Place, Cheltenham. GL50 3NX
This great gig will star Jim Mullen (guitar) with Gareth Williams (piano), Mick Hutton (bass) and Gary Husband (drums).
Born in Glasgow in 1945, Jim Mullen began his musical life aged 8 playing “Tea-chest bass” in the neighbourhood skiffle group. He got his first guitar the same year, and when an older friend introduced him to jazz, he was hooked.
In 1975 he met sax player Dick Morrissey and began a 15 year association which produced 7 albums and became one of Britain’s top club bands. After the demise of Morrissey-Mullen he worked with almost everybody, his standing in the jazz world going from strength to strength.
Gareth Williams is one of the most intensely creative, dynamic and exciting performers on the UK scene, Gareth has been receiving increasing critical and public acclaim since becoming a professional musician in the early 90s. Described as “jewel of a player… spinning out luminous introductions and codas” by Jazziz Magazine (USA), he has dazzled audiences not only by his virtuoso approach to the piano, but also by his multi-instrumentalist talents on guitar and vocals.
British bassist Mick Hutton – described as ‘one of Europe’s finest bass players’ (by Steve Rubie of 606 Club) – has been an in-demand player for over twenty-five years, working with artists such as Bill Bruford, John Taylor and Tim Garland. He was also a member of First House, with Django Bates, Martin France and Ken Stubbs. In 2004, Mick tore a ligament in his hand and his double-bass playing days were all but over, thankfully Mick is now back on form and we welcome him back to Cheltenham.
Gary Husband, born 1960 in Leeds, is an English jazz and rock drummer, pianist and composer. In addition to work with his own projects he collaborates with artists such as Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Mike Stern, Jack Bruce, Robin Trower, Germany’s Norddeutscher Rundfunk and HR big bands among others. Known for his wide musical versatility he has also performed and recorded (on either instrument or both his instruments) with a virtual who’s who of jazz.
Tickets (cash/chq only) £11, CJ Members/Concessions £10.
Available at the door, or (cash only) from Millennium Music, 26 Winchcombe Street Cheltenham GL52 2LX
@ D’FLY, 1A Crescent Place, Cheltenham. GL50 3NX
We have had the enormously talented pianist Yukata Shina twice before at CJ, the first time, again with Damon, at the Subtone. He caused quite a stir, you just couldn’t believe how talented he was! But looking back over Yutaka’s CV you realise that he has played with a few heavyweights over the years, these include Roy Hargrove and one or two of the Marsalis family. His technique is phenomenal and must not be missed.
Again, Damon Brown is no stranger to us, he has had considerable success playing cornet with, amongst others, Steve Grossman and Robin Aspland. His silky tone is much admired by fans of the cornet, who believe it to be even more expressive than the trumpet.
Martin Zenker is new to us, not surprisingly, originally from Munich, the excellent bassist is now Professor of Jazz double bass at the University of Seoul, South Korea.
Another new name, Matt Skelton on drums, he has played with Ray Gelato, the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Harry “Sweets” Edison. Has toured and recorded extensively with Stacey Kent.
This is promising to be a stellar gig, so not only book but get here early if you want a seat. Remember, you can get a good meal here at the D’fly.Tickets (cash/chq only) £11, CJ Members/Concessions £10.
Available at the door, or (cash only) from Millennium Music, 26 Winchcombe Street Cheltenham GL52 2LX
@ Studio Theatre at the Everyman, Regent Street , Cheltenham. GL50 1HQ
By this time in the programme some might be regretting the lack of a trombone player. Tonight we are putting things right, not only with a trombone player, but with Mark Nightingale – one of the best in the land!
Almost a local lad he was born in Evesham in ’67, started trombone at twelve and went on to the NYJO. He has played with the Dankworths, the Traceys and quite a few other people including directing the BBC Big Band.
Andy Panayi is new to us, but should not be. He plays all sorts of reeds, often with Mark and a multitude of other people, including Abdullah Ibrahim, Freddie Hubbard and Billy Cobham.
Put these guys together with our regular rhythm section of Dave Newton (piano), Tom Hill (bass) and Simon Radford (drums) and we can guarantee a great evening.
Remember, seating is limited in the Studio, so book early!
Tickets are £10.00 from the box office: 01242 572573 or on line: www.everymantheatre.org.uk