Writer/ photographer John Watson heard and saw Dennis Rollin’s as special guest with the Nick Dewhurst Band at the Cathedral Hotel on Friday 7 June as part of the Lichfield Jazz and Blues Festival. Photos copyright John Watson/jazzcamera.co.uk
John Watson writes: It’s always a huge pleasure to photograph the inspiring trombonist Dennis Rollins MBE – he brings such joy, as well as musical eloquence, to every performance.
He appeared on Friday 7 June in the Lichfield Jazz and Blues Festival, a five day event featuring mostly regional bands at two venues: the Cathedral Hotel and the historic Guildhall.
I aimed in these photographs to capture the glorious spirit of his playing, and the way he digs deeply into the emotions of every tune – whether jazz standards, or the deep grooves of his own funky compositions.
He was backed at the Lichfield concert by the Nick Dewhurst Band – with whom he has recorded as a guest artist – and the programme extensively featured works by trumpeter and guitarist Nick, including the driving “Bird Street Blues”, “Slide and Glide”, and a new work, “Sunset With Santana”, the latter piece including a stupendously punchy solo by the trombonist.
Rollins’ sublimely relaxed and harmonically colourful arrangement of singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” and his soulful tune “Shake It Down”, were splendid highlights.
Nationally and internationally, Dennis has toured with many outstanding artists in several genres, among them Maceo Parker, Jamiroquai, Blur and The Brand New Heavies.
He continues to create with his two outstanding jazz groups: The Velocity Trio and Badbone and Co, as well as working extensively as an educator. In fact, it was in the latter role that he first appeared in Lichfield many years ago with the city’s Netherstowe School Big Band, when Dewhurst was a pupil at the school and a member of the big band trumpet section.
Since then the award-winning trombonist has been back to the city several times for concerts, and has built up a loyal following among the area’s fans.
Photo copyright John Watson/jazzcamera.co.uk
The Lichfield Jazz and Blues Festival also featured three big bands, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra with guest artists saxophonist Paul Dunmall and guitarist Steve Ajao, the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Walsall Jazz Orchestra. Fans also heard jump and jive music from King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, salsa with Del Camino, blues from the Emma Jonson Band, and small group jazz with the Jim Wynn Swingtet and the Svarc/Hanley/Longhawn Trio.
Dennis Rollins, trombone
Nick Dewhurst, trumpet and guitar
Tom Lindsay, keyboard and vocals
Paul Robinson, bass guitar
Carl Hemingsley, drums
