The Lowestoft Jazz Weekend returns in September, running from the Thursday 16 to Sunday 19, writes promoter Bob Blizzard:
After successful festivals in 2018 and 2019, the event, like most others, had to be cancelled last year because of coronavirus. This year’s line up features top jazz names every day at the seaside town which is Britain’s most easterly point.
THURSDAY 15 September: Ian Shaw kicks off (8pm Thurs Sept 16th at Hatfield Hotel), back by popular demand. His solo act involves hilarious tales and wit, but he bares his soul in his music.
FRIDAY: Also returning is the ever-popular Liane Carroll (8pm, Fri 17 September at Seagull Theatre), in trio mode with Roger Carey (bass) and Russell Field (drums). She sings a mixtures of popular songs and jazz standards with her powerful yet tender soulful voice.
SATURDAY: The Budapest Cafe Orchestra make their debut at the LJW (8pm Sat 18 September at Seagull Theatre). Led by top jazz violinist Christian Garrick, the band offers an extravaganza of gipsy style jazzy East European tunes.
SUNDAY: Sunday afternoon features a revival of the music of George Shearing by ‘Back to Birdland’, led by Norwich-based pianist, Simon Brown, with Roger Beaujolais (vibes), Simon Hurley (guitar), Owen Morgan (bass), Alex Best (drums) and Andi Hopgood (vocals). (Seagull Theatre 2.30pm). Born blind, to working class parents, in Battersea, Shearing emigrated to the States and took America by storm with his great jazz tunes. He deserves to be remembered.
It’s followed by a free screening of Whiplash, Damien Chazelle’s highly acclaimed movie about the ordeals of a young man wanting to be a jazz drummer. Not for the faint-hearted.
Some Kinda Wonderful provide the finale (7.30pm Sun Sept 19th Seagull Theatre). Derek Nash and Noel McCalla give Stevie Wonder’s unforgettable music the full jazz treatment, with Neil Angilley (piano), Tim Cansfield (guitar), Jonathan Noyce (bass) and Nic France (drums).
The festival is promoted by Bob Blizzard, former MP and founder of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. It’s made possible by main sponsor, Peter Colby of Peter Colby Commercials, the Hatfield Hotel (please book accommodation there), a number of local businesses and the Seagull Theatre.
Bob Blizzard says: “Lowestoft is a great seaside town on the Suffolk coast and the Seagull is a lovely intimate venue, ideal for jazz. Come and give it a try.”
For further info contact: bob.j.blizzard [at ] googlemail.com.
One Response
What a wonderful line-up!