JAZZ PROGRAMME 2011
All performances start at 7.30pm and finish no later than 10.30pm
9th June: David Barnes Force 10 Big Band
A 16 piece Big Band guaranteed to kick the Jazz Season off with a real bang! The band comes complete with the usual big band ensemble of bright brass, smooth
saxophone and a toe-tapping rhythm section. Vocalist and trumpeter Nigel Garrard will
also add his great voice to the musical mix.
Expect upbeat, lively songs to get you up on your feet. “We play for the love of the
music – and for sheer enjoyment,” says founder and musical director David Barnes.
It’s a passion that certainly comes through on stage
16th June: Soul Avenue
Soul Avenue is a professional five piece function band from London playing the soul/funk/Jazz hits of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s through to present day. SA is the perfect entertainment for any event, whether it’s your club, birthday, wedding or business affair… needing that extra flare! The band consists of professional musicians who have each gained a wealth of experience from every angle of the music industry.
23rd June: Chillibillies
Talented and highly experienced all-round band with extensive jazz, blues, soul and popular repertoire of numbers covered in their very unique style. Fabulous horn section.
30 June: Lesley Alexander & the Robert Reid Trio
Jazz and Cabaret from the Great American Song Book featuring the glamorous and gifted New York singer Lesley Alexander with the Robert Reid Trio.
7th July: Ray Rich Band
A professional and dynamic band covering the spectrum of jazz, soul, blues and
rock n roll.
The members of the band have many years’ experience to draw upon including work with Tina Turner, Chuck Berry Fats Domino, Level 42 and The International Blues Brothers Show.
14th July: Fat Freddie’s Cat
The band play a mixture of original and cover numbers from artists such as The Yellow Jackets, The Crusaders, Dave Sanborn, Chuck Loeb, and Jeff Lorber. The genre is largely jazz funk. The band is made up of very talented working session musicians...
21st July: Heads South
Heads South is John Harriman piano and keyboards, Steve Waterman trumpet, Buster Birch drums, Chino Martell Morgan percussion, and Tim Robertson bass. These musicians are busy people with diverse musical activities and significant accomplishments to their name elsewhere.
28h July: Hard Lines
Hard Lines are one of the UK’s leading purveyors of accessible jazz funk. Band leader and composer, Iain Rae, is an accomplished, versatile professional pianist. Its fun, it’s upbeat and it’s sure to impress.
4th August: Dino Baptiste Duo
a young and highly energetic musician based in Birmingham, England. He has established himself as an extremely talented Keyboard player & entertainer with over 15 years professional experience in live and recording performances. His style of Blues, Boogie Woogie and Rock'n Roll piano playing and a dynamic vocal technique either as a soloist or in his own band, have ultimately grabbed audiences night after night in a varied showcase of entertainment that does'nt rely on any rules and regulations, but a serious element of "jamming - sealed with some downright tongue and cheek boldness".
11th August: Jim Mullen Trio
One of the best know jazz guitarists, Jim Mullen is a truly original voice in contemporary jazz guitar. Originally from Glasgow he moved to London in 1969.
Jim Mullen - Guitar Mike Gorman - Organ Matt Skelton - Drums
18th August: The Cuban Violets
None of them are Cuban, none of them are Violet, but their sound is exotic and they swing with a vengeance. Latin bravado combines with jazz sensibilities, hot beats and eerie yet enchanting atmosphere. Classic tunes, movie themes and beyond, including takes on The Doors, Duke Ellington, Buena Vista Social Club and more. This is a fantastic and eclectic part of our season!
25 September: Derek Nash & Friends
Derek Nash. A member of the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blue Orchestra, he’s a regular contributor to television shows and previously performed at the Millennium Stadium and Glastonbury.
Fun, young and “on a mission to mix up styles and drive audiences into happy submission”. This is a completely new style of jazz which will entrance audiences of all ages with its rampant energy and exciting sound. If you’re looking for a fast forward sound, then this is your gig!
1st September: Over the Edge
This very popular Tunbridge Wells band was formed around 17 years ago by guitarist Peter Stone, bassist Paul Beeching and friends. The music always gets people dancing and is chosen from the best funk, soul and jazz: Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, James Brown, Duffy, Jamiroquai, Randy Crawford, Grover Washington Jnr, and more. Past gigs have included Ronnie Scotts and support for Alexander O’Neal.
8th September: The Sarah Ward Quintet
Introducing the spectacular voice of Sarah Ward singing jazz, funk and lots in between…… Collectively and individually they have worked with many renowned and respected singers, musicians and bands. Here are some of them:
Nina Simone, James Brown, Carol Grimes, Ruby Turner, The Beautiful South, Incantation, John Etheridge, Billy Jenkins, Dudu Pukwana, Just East of Jazz, Sax Appeal, Derek Nash Quartet, Robert Plant, Matt Berry, Simon Philips, Geno Washington, Mo Foster, Jim Mullen, The Barcodes, Adrian Byron Burns, David Midgen and the Dirty Words, Pacifico Blues Band, Honeyriders and many more.