Classical and Jazz: Preview - BRITISH JAZZ FEST- Ronnie Scotts, from Sat' July 31
Published: 15 July 2010
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
THE second two-week British Jazz Fest opens at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho in just over a fortnight’s time.
The aim of the festival is to celebrate the best in home-grown talent from established musicians playing jazz over the past 50 years or so to the rising stars building a reputation in today’s lively jazz scene.
More than 100 musicians will be performing in a series of double-bills during the two-week festival, from Saturday July 31 to Saturday August 14.
Other activities include workshops and master-classes, photography and journalist competititions, quiz shows and artists-in-residence.
An interesting novelty will be the launch of Ronnie’s Radio, a dedicated FM and digital station on air during the festival.
Jazz Fest highlights
Saturday July 31: Veteran organist Brian Augur and his blues-tinged Oblivion Express group double-billed with young trumpeter Yazz Ahmed with her own quintet – her trumpeter grandfather Terry Brown was a band-mate of Johnnie Dankworth, Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott in the 1950s.
Monday, August 2: Veteran pianist John Taylor and celebrated saxophonist Julian Arguelles play together as duo for first time. They’re followed by newly formed Neon Quartet comprising veteran saxophonist Stan Sulzmann and three young musicians, Jim Hart (vibes), Kit Downes (piano) and Tim Giles (drums).
Wednesday August 4: Multi-media celebration of the musical legacy of hard-bop alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, a renowned jazz player of the 1950s and 1960s. Acclaimed young combo Empirical will play some of his pieces alongside archival audio and moving/still images and a review of his life.
Thursday August 5: Homage to Charlie Parker made by pianist/keyboardist Django Bates through his Beloved Bird project double-billed with the Brass Jaw four-piece horn band playing without a rhythm section.
Monday August 9: Celebration of the life and music of the late Sir John Dankworth by a host of friends, musicians and collaborators.
Tuesday August 10: Dalston-based London Improvisers Orchestra joined by saxophonist Jason Yarde
Saturday August 14: Fest-closure by Cleveland Watkiss Quartet.
• British Jazz Fest runs from Saturday July 31-Saturday August 14 at Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1,
020 7439 0747, www.ronniescotts.co.uk, ticket prices start at £10