Advertisement
east anglian story telling festival

Jazz for June

Every Friday at the Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel, Fleece Jazz present world class Jazz. Each gig opens doors at 7.30pm, for the gig to start at 8.00pm – there are 2 sets, ending approx 11.00pm. Here are the June events:- 

First up on the 8th June is the Sirkis/Bialas International Quartet, with an emphasis on band interaction and sheer joy of playing, this band celebrates music from a wide range of genres.

A not to be missed opportunity to hear this renowned group in an intimate venue. The Quartet, a collaboration between the Asaf Sirkis Trio and Sylwia Bialas, is truly International with:- Polish vocalist/composer extraordinaire, Sylwia Bialas; Israeli drummer/composer, Asaf Sirkis; English Pianist & Keyboards player, Frank Harrison; Scottish string electric Bassist, Kevin Glasgow. 

The Quartet, making their second visit to the Fleece, will play material intended for their next album “Our New Earth” with an emphasis on band interaction and sheer joy of playing, this quartet celebrates new music from Asaf and Sylwia, with a wide range of influences including European Jazz, Polish and Scandinavian folk, Middle Eastern, Indian and Classical music. Expect soulful melodies, and full colour electroacoustic jazz, with a few unusual instruments too.

Advertisement
dr feelgood

The Roger Beaujolais Quartet will be in on 15th June. Of Roger’s 19th album, Ian Mann the Jazz Man says, “A very classy piece of work that will help to consolidate Beaujolais’ reputation as one of the best loved musicians on the UK jazz scene.”

Roger Beaujolais (Vibraphone); Robin Aspland (Piano); Simon Thorpe (Bass) and Winston Clifford (Drums) have worked together as a Quartet, and in a Quintet, since 1999. The Quartet recorded “Mind the Gap” (2013) and “Sunset” (2017). The Quartet plays acoustic jazz in a classic modern jazz setting. Their influences are the small cool and hard bop bands of the fifties, as found on Blue Note. Their arrangements include ones influenced by the output of Wayne Shorter, Wes Montgomery, and Chick Corea. The rhythm section achieves remarkable dynamic interplay, without ever losing its hard swinging drive.

Roger started to teach himself the vibraphone at 24. By 30 he was making a living as a vibes player. He joined a ‘jump jive’ band featuring Ray Gelato; formed the Latin jazz ‘Beaujolais Band’ and the jazz/funk/soul ‘Vibraphonic’ group, who reached the top of the US jazz charts in 1995. Recently he has has concentrated on his acoustic Quintet and Quartet, and teaching at London’s Trinity College of Music.

Robin, from Leeds, studied music at Colchester Institute and jazz at Guildhall. He has played with Ronnie Scott, Peter King, Jon Dankwoth, George Fame, Van Morrison and the BBC Big Band.

Simon is well known for his sound, quality, melodic solos & solid beat. He has played with Stacey Kent (featuring on 5 albums), Bobby Wellins , Alan Barnes, Dave & Don Weller. He leads a number of bands and composes for TV. Winston has played with most of the top musicians living in England, and with visitors such as Stanley Turrentine, Freddie Hubbard and Art Farmer. He studied with Trevor Tomkins at the Guildhall School of Music.

 Jacqui Dankworth is at the Ipswich Jazz Festival at St Peters by the Waterfront, Ipswich on 24th June. She is one of the most highly regarded vocalists in the UK. Her concert appearances and her stylistically diverse recordings showcase her virtuosic and effortless mastery of a wide spectrum of genres.

Known primarily as a jazz singer, Jacqui also draws on folk, soul and blues influences. Her voice has been described as “multi-faceted” and “incomparable”, “one of our finest singers, regardless of category.”

Charlie Wood is a singer/songwriter and keyboardist whose eclectic musical style incorporates elements of jazz, blues, traditional R&B and popular music. Wood is an accomplished and prolific singer/songwriter and has received stellar reviews for his original music.

Chris Allard has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals and he has performed/recorded with numerous big names. Chris also leads his own band, which has played all over the UK and in Europe, including the International Guitar Festival and Ronnie Scott’s, and performed and had radio-play as far afield as Los Angeles. His last album received critical acclaim including four stars in Guitarist Magazine.

Please note, tickets for this show are from the New Wolsey Theatre, call the box office on 01473 295900 or visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk.

Finally, on 29th June is the Freddie Gavita Quartet. Freddie Gavita is a young trumpet player at the top of his game. Having won the British Jazz Award for best trumpeter of 2017, he is one of the most in-demand and versatile trumpet players in Britain today. Whether playing searing trumpet or delivering heartfelt ballads, he is guaranteed to wow any audience. He is a regular visitor to Fleece Jazz as a member of Fletch’s Brew. Freddie has also played with, among others, Peter Erskine, Joe Locke, Jon Hendricks, Kenny Wheeler, Stan Sulzmann, Tim Garland, Gregory Porter and Dionne Warwick.

Pianist and composer Tom Cawley has played all over the world and led bands in residencies at the Blue Note in New York and Ronnie Scott’s. Formerly the pianist with genre-bending iconoclasts Acoustic Ladyland and leader of his much-acclaimed group Curios. Tom’s piano-playing betrays many influences: Phineas Newborn, Brad Mehldau and all points in between.

London-based double bassist and composer Calum Gourlay is known for his deep warm tone, controlled execution as both a supporter and improviser, and rock-solid time and pulse. He has become a mainstay on the London scene.

Josh Blackmore was an incipient member of the piano trio ‘Curios’ with Tom Cawley; he co-founded Troyka with Chris Montague and Kit Downes. He has been described as “cerebral without being self-conscious, playful without seeming glib, simply bursting with intelligence and wit.” (Jazzwise)

NOTE: The venues postcode is CO6 4PZ (see website for directions to the venue as satnav can get you lost!), and offers ample parking; fully accessible – for information, call 01787 211865. 

For more information or to book any of the shows visit www.fleecejazz.org.uk. Tickets are also available via Box Office on 01787 211865, WeGotTickets (booking fee applies) or on the door (sorry, no debit/credit cards – cash or cheque only)

register online
sign in
faq

Advertisement
dr feelgood

editors picks
Grapevine Magazine