The acorn was a discussion between Jonathan Nason and John Bowman, two residents of the village of Kings Bromley, a few miles north of Lichfield in Staffordshire. The sapling was a modest jazz club which first met a year ago in the village hall. While a fully grown oak tree might be the long-term dream, the sapling is certainly shooting well and the result is the first Kings Bromley Jazz Festival, to be held on Saturday 17 May.
Heading the bill in the evening slots will be the Lydia Rae Band and the Tim Amman xTet, while earlier in the day the line-up, which puts the accent on musicians from not too far away, will comprise Lichfield-based community big band ASpire, and Kings Bromley Village Harmony Choir which is presenting some jazz material learnt specially for the festival. Street band The Wayside Serenaders will be providing some between set entertainment.
The Lydia Rae Jazz Ensemble is a collection of fine young jazz musicians from the Midlands who play a variety of classics from the American Songbook and well as originals by vocalist Lydia Rae herself. With influences of jazz, gospel, progressive rock, classical and swing, Lydia Rae’s band embraces a century of sounds.
Lydia said: “We are delighted to be back at Kings Bromley for their festival. It is a privilege to be performing back where I started falling in love with this kind of music.”
The Lydia Rae Jazz Ensemble comprises: Lydia Rae, vocals; Nick Manz, keyboard; Thomas Marsh, double bass; Reece Downton, drums; Luke Chakarabati, tenor saxophone; Robin Skerrett, trumpet; Henry Hanssen, trombone.
Pianist Tim Amann has been a key player in Walsall Jazz Orchestra for decades and is also in the house band at The Trumpet in Bilston, West Midlands. His ever-changing xTet has become something of a family affair with sons Aidan and Gabriel on drums and trumpet, while fellow WJO players and long-time xTet collaborators Adam Gilchrist and Sam Rogers are on bass and saxophones.
The xTet plays a variety of lyrical original jazz compositions with influences ranging from Celtic and East European folk styles through hard bop and blues to gospel-tinged numbers, some co-written with his sons.
Under the direction of its Musical Director, Josh Clayton, the ASpire big band will be sharing their enjoyment of playing and performing new arrangements from standards to modern and fusion-jazz.
“Made up of enthusiastic amateur musicians, ASpire welcomes new players, new music, and especially new opportunities to showcase its expanded repertoire,” added Josh Clayton. “We are delighted to be returning to Kings Bromley, after appearing at the village’s Open Gardens event”.
Formed from singers from Kings Bromley and the surrounding villages, the 20-strong Kings Bromley Harmony Choir was shortlisted for The Staffordshire Choirs competition.
“We were delighted to be invited to sing at the Jazz Festival and have the chance to extend our repertoire to include jazz pieces,” explained Musical Director, Kathryn Hopson.
So, how has the first year of the KBJC gone?
“We have had a successful first year,” Jonathan Nason confirmed, “attracting audiences locally and from further afield.
“Over 250 members of the public have visited the village hall to enjoy the club’s offerings over four gigs. More than half were village residents. Financially, the events have just about broken even.
“The response to the offerings has been very positive with sell-outs for three of the four gigs. That was sufficient to allow us to begin to plan last November for our first festival. It has been one of our aspirations to expand beyond single band gigs.”
And what of the future?
“The Jake Leg Jug Band will bring their special take on 1920’s and ’30’s prohibition jazz and blues to the club in September, (Wednesday 10 September), and the Hannah Brine Trio will be performing at our Christmas gig (Wednesday 12 November).
Kings Bromley Jazz Festival, Saturday 17 May 2025, 2-10pm, The Village Hall, Alrewas Road, Kings Bromley, Burton on Trent, DE13 7HW. Tickets £25.
