Leamington Rugby Club in Warwickshire is the home of the ever popular Leam-Jazz Club and annual Leam-Jazz Festival. It was my second time to perform at the Festival, joined on stage this year by Ian Hill (saxes), David Williams (guitar), Wayne Matthews (bass) and Spencer Hedges (drums). A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all! Photography by Henryk Delong.
I have had the pleasure of seeing many great acts at The Silvershine Jazz Club in Bearwood so it was a huge honour to perform there with my trio this month. John Hodgetts (keys), Mike Green (bass) and Ian Beestin (drums). It was Andy Hamilton MBE who first started a Jazz club in Bearwood in the mid ’80s and it has continued, though the venue has changed; Dirty Betts, the King’s Head, the Bear Tavern and finally Bearwood Corks Club where the club has been for over a decade. The club has been re-branded as the “Silvershine Jazz Club” after Andy Hamilton’s best selling album. Congratulations to the Jazz Club for keeping Jazz alive in Bearwood and establishing and maintaining a legacy for the great man! Photography by Russ Escritt.
It was a delight to play at The Daffodil in Cheltenham, located on the beautiful Suffolk Parade in The Cotswolds Regency spa town of Cheltenham. The Daffodil restaurant is a hidden gem, tucked inside a beautiful 1920’s cinema. The building has many unique period features; the sweeping staircase, art deco features, projectors and beautiful entrance reception, the venue has been sympathetically adapted in keeping with the Hollywood glamour and art deco style synonymous with the venue since the 20’s. A most enjoyable gig with Graham Dent on piano and Mike Green on bass.
I quiet few months over the Autumn period in terms of live performances, however, a very productive period in the studio – I have several projects nearing completion and look forward to sharing the music!
This month I was invited to perform at Chung Ying Central as part of Birmingham International Jazz and Blues Festival, accompanied by an extremely talented and versatile rhythm section in the shape of John Hodgetts (keys), Wayne Matthews (bass) and Ian Beestin (drums). The festival coincided with what would have been Billie Holiday’s 100th birthday so we decided to pay tribute to the Jazz great with a selection of songs Billie performed over her 30 year musical career.
There will be lots more content added over the coming weeks so keep checking for updates.
The line-up for this year’s festival which is taking in place in August has been announced – I’m very excited to be asked to perform on Saturday 22nd August. http://pershorejazz.org.uk/festival-2015 /
Somewhat later than planned, my new album ‘Reverie’ is released, which has been over two years in the making. Originally I had set out to complete the project within twelve months … just a little under with my estimation! It’s here and I am so happy with it. Hope you will be too!
