Over the last few days I have been to a couple of amazing sessions of great jazz.
AND I am looking forward to another evening of great jazz coming to Hedsor Jazz this Thursday!
The “amazing” started last Thursday, when we had presented to us as a surprise that great (no actual reference to size is intended here, but he is “well built”) Scottish jazz trumpeter Bruce Adams. He came as a replacement for Mark Ridout to play alongside saxophonist Frank Walden and it turned out to be a totally wonderful evening of jazz and of fun.
He is a startling trumpet player, but also, when you actually listen to what he is playing, he is also a great improviser. Set alongside the younger saxophonist Frank Walden (whom he had never met before) we had an excellent evening of fun that also satisfied as intriguing jazz. Bruce, even though only playing to our small audience, thoroughly enjoyed playing for us, and has said he would love to come again. He has known and played with Ken McCarthy over a period of 30 years, so although he had never been to Hedsor before, he felt very at home with us.
As I said, “great”.
The other amazing session was last Sunday afternoon, where Vasilis Xenopoulos played at the first of the Autumn season of Dawkes of Maidenhead’s live sessions. He was alongside pianist Paul Edis as they played titles from their new album “Feels Like Home”. The musicianship was of an incredibly high jaw dropping standard.
The music finished at 5pm, and Vasilis rushed off for his next gig...in St Albans!!
Below you will find the details of Dawkes program. It is a comfortable and smart venue and has excellent sound properties for the listener, sitting around small tables with a choice of drinks available for you to complete your afternoon.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dawkesmusic
Don’t forget that Dawkes is a musical instrument store, not a jazz venue, so the style of music played at their live events has a wider appeal.
The Hedsor Bar isn’t quit so smart (or as new!), but isn’t too uncomfortable or shabby and of course has a full bar. So this Thursday you will be able to hear in comfort what I am sure will be another extremely good session of modern jazz. Really even I have to pinch myself sometimes when I realise the quality of the product Hedsor Jazz produces. This week it is pinch time again, as trumpeter Stuart Henderson and Saxophonist Alum Nathoo come to play for us. Both musicians are outstanding in their own right and don’t forget all our sessions have a trio of experienced musicians backing those on the front line.
Once upon a time we used to travel into London to listen to the standard of jazz played at Hedsor. Now some of the people who used to be in that audience IN London now travel out to us at Hedsor!! Beware, we don’t have street lights!!
Here at Hedsor Jazz we are working on a plan for next year. We have ideas for the 52 Thursdays of 2025, but it would be good if you could let us have your ideas as well. One thing we can offer is that if you have someone in mind and feel that you could actually sponsor that person, we will do our level best to fit them in to our program for 2025. Do let us know. We will get back to you with the likely cost to you of that guest.
There are other jazz venues.
Check out Marlow Jazz https://www.marlowjazz.co.uk/WEBSITE2024SEPT.pdf
Also Alam Nathoo is playing Bourne End Community Centre on Tuesday November 5th
Finally please keep in mind September 19th, where we at Hedsor Jazz pay tribute to “our” late reedman, Mike Wills.
It will be a special evening.
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