November & December

2017 draws to a close and the World does not get any saner. So those of that can, may as well enjoy ourselves and what can be better than listening to top class jazz musicians strutting their stuff. We have quite a few visiting stars who will light the way over both remaining months of the year, bringing gigs, funkiness and mirth.

November. Friday 4th sees a first time to Reading for the Ben Holder Quartet at Progress Theatre. Ben is that rare breed. A young jazz violinist, influenced by Stuff Smith and Grappelli, he swings and sings with gusto. A foot tapping start to the month will ensue if you get along.

The NYJO makes it’s annual visit to Henley on 11th and tickets go like proverbial hot cakes for this gig. Jazz stars of the future adorn the ranks of this famous band.

Gilad Atzmon, reeds supremo, has a couple of gigs coming up. Goring on the 11 November evening and Jagz in Ascot Sunday 13th lunch time. Gilad is a forceful player and composer with a big personality who will blow you away.

Marlow Jazz Club hosts a guest from the USA with the first date of his UK tour, Harry Allen on the 15th November. An international name who plays with a tone reminiscent of Coleman Hawkins and tours with many of the big names in the states. He covers the gambit of jazz standards and has a great rhythm section backing him including, from Italy, Andrea Pozza who is Harry’s pianist for the tour.

This promises to be one hell of a gig.

Chris Barber is a phenomenon really. Still touring at 86 years of age and since the early 1950s with his own bands. Lonnie Donegan started the skiffle craze from within the first band’s ranks before breaking away to start his fantastic career . Chris brought many, then unknown in the UK, Blues and Rhythm and Blues artists over, well before the Stones were even thought of and these tours influenced them and others to form bands. His place in the history of UK music of the 1960s is assured. Catch him on the 27th at The Mill, Sonning.

You can find all these events listed on the gig’s calendar with links to the venues for tickets.

My choice for December will be added soon.

Stay cool,

Bob

Jazz n Stuff