Jazz in the Spa - Details of the Current Programme

October 2008

4^th - Keith Stephens’ Hot Club Trio with Caroline + Steve Andrews - Reeds.

We extend a very warm welcome to Keith and fellow musicians for helping out at the last minute to fulfil this date. Keith and Roly Veitch are superb guitarists so we look forward to hot sounds a-plenty, the fluid clarinet of Steve Andrews plus vocals from the lovely Caroline

11^th - Savannah Jazz Band – You just can’t keep a good band away – it’s the warm, friendly and engaging audience, we understand! Yorkshire’s Ambassadors of Jazz return for their long running Autumn date. Traditional jazz at its best in a party atmosphere.

Come and help us celebrate 21 years of Jazz in the Spa!

18^th – Alan ‘Mr Ukulele’ Harris plus Hot Rhythm & Dynamite – stand by for something different – described as a Cabaret Show Band by the leader Alan who is a recognised expert in banjo/ukuleles which he has been playing, making, repairing and collecting for over forty years. This is a swinging five piece group which plays mainly to raise money for Charities and includes Les Graham on the not very often seen fiddle phone. Mark our words – it will be different!

25^th - Tipitina – all the way from Preston, Lancashire comes this acclaimed trio with an already firm reputation for youthful energy, polished musicianship and originality. The music is rooted in the New Orleans tradition of piano masters – Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Domino and Dr John. Blues/boogie/R & B piano, drums and vocals is the young musician line up.

November 2008

1^st – Heart of England Jazz Band - from the Midlands, this popular band in great demand by festivals and clubs makes its third appearance in Bozza. Traditional and Dixieland in style, we look forward to a rousing evening just as the dark evenings descend upon us. Are we downhearted – not a bit of it!

8^th - Budapest Ragtime Band with Sue Kibbey – continuing our Autumn programme of bands from Europe comes this seven piece group from Hungary. As the name suggests, ragtime sounds to the fore but with the added talents of UK vocalist Sue Kibbey who delighted audiences in The Crown in times past.

15^th – Martin Bennett’s Old Green River Band – described as “a mix of old heads and young bloods”, the O G R B specialises in sounds rooted in New Orleans yet with a distinctive Rhythm and Blues flavour. The result - as always - is a full bore, energetic performance to enthuse the audience.

22^nd – Sammy Rimington + Rae Brothers New Orleans Jazz Band – one of the world’s finest exponents of the New Orleans style on clarinet, Sammy made his first appearance in the Spa this time last year. Backed by the wonderful Rae Brothers band, it was an evening to remember. Don’t miss this one!

29^th - Dave Mott’s Jazz Classics with Suzanne – a programme change - but victory snatched from the jaws of defeat!. Superb musicians including Billy Edwards and Terry Brunt playing the classical jazz numbers with a strong element of humour and the added bonus of vocals from the delightful Suzanne. A superb end to a cracking November programme. Thanks Tim!