Slightly earlier than usual, my blog is out today, to tell you of all the good jazz things coming soon to you.

OR, putting it another way, YOU can go to a number of good jazz things nearby to you very soon!

Just for a change I’ll tell you first about a gig for tomorrow, June 10^th. Marlow Jazz, located this month in The Barn Club at Marlow Bottom, SL7 3NA, is hosting saxophonist Alex Clarke.

Alex Clarke was a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021 & 2022.

SO, she is pretty good!

BUT tomorrow night she will be accompanied by Dave Newton on keyboard, Dave Green on bass and Steve Brown on bass, probably the best backing anyone could have (apart, of course, from the backing people get at Hedsor Jazz). I do hope to make it there myself.

Having mentioned Hedsor Jazz, Dave Newton will be there on August 14^th, together with his collage companion Alan Barnes!!

On Thursday we have our regular weekly jazz club night at The Hedsor Bar. This week the music will be provided by two Hedsor stalwarts, Lester Brown on trumpet and Mark Aston on reeds. They will be backed by Ken McCarthy on keyboard, Stuart Barker on bass and Mike Jeffries on drums. I suspect a mainstream approach to jazz will be provided, although if Mark brings his trombone as well (yes he does play sax and trombone) some more traditional jazz tunes could ensue. Lester and Mark have supported Hedsor Jazz for many years, hence the “stalwart” tag. Now that doesn’t mean they cannot excite, stalwart doesn’t mean stodgy! Why not come and support them and prove to yourself that I am right!

 

Last weeks session (photos below) provided by saxophonist Alam Nathoo and guitarist James Fenn was edging towards the more modern of the modern jazz style. The sheer musicianship was astounding. The first set was more “off the cuff” and the second had arrangements provided by Alam. The jazz content was something you don’t expect to find in a small village club. OK, you would find such quality and innovation in Ronnie Scott’s or the 606 club, but to have it on our doorstep and for the £10 entry is pinch yourself stuff. Alam is another award winning saxophonist, slightly further down the line than Alex Clarke, he is a graduate of both the Guildhall School of Music and Trinity Laban where he won their Gold Medal in 2009 and he was also a finalist in the Young Jazz Musician of the year. James is also still furthering his career, playing this years Glastonbury Festival, and he has also recently completed a new recording with saxophonist Frank Walden.

Hedsor Jazz!

A hidden gem! BUT we need to glow a bit brighter, as our audience does need a boost.

I suppose Hedsor Jazz have learnt how to put together really great jazz, but still haven’t found the means of getting enough audience in to cover all of our costs. Do tell your friends about us

OR, like all good things, it might have to come to an end!

But not before next week!!

TTFN

Geoff

PS having used blogger's software for 20 years I still dont understand how it doesn't always look how I ask it to!! White background to the text is its own idea!