What’s On
Julian Stringle Quartet
Friday March 1st 2019
Book now to get tickets at £12:00 each!
Doors open at 19:15, show starts at 20:00
Swing jazz and traditional jazz is peppered with great clarinetists - names like Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and George Lewis and in more recent years this less than ubiquitous instrument is regaining it’s popularity with great players like like Ken Peplowsky, Alan Barnes and Anat Cohen. The fabulous reeds man Julian Marc Stringle is one of this new breed of players and we’re delighted to welcome him back to Witney Jazz. Julian was a very early starter - he appeared on TV programmes with Acker Bilk when he was only 13 and he’s been performing professionally pretty well since that time. Julian will present a show that’s full of the classic repertoire, played by those great players of yesteryear plus a few twists en route to the bebop era and beyond. Julian appears with Tom Berge (piano), Paul Jefferies (bass) and drummer TBA.
Damon Brown Quartet
Friday April 5th 2019
Book now to get tickets at £12:00 each!
Doors open at 19:15, show starts at 20:00
Trumpet player Damon who is these days based in Korea - is a trumpet player of distinction: fluid melodic lines, a gorgeous tone and ingenious phrasing mark him out as a player with an original style, one that truly engages the listener. In recent years he has added vocals to his already highly desirable performances but his is not just any voice, this sounds like Chet Baker but an octave or two lower in pitch truly mesmerising with a rare breathiness. Damon will perform music that crosses the swing/bebop borders - expect a riveting concert from this trumpet ace with Alex Steele (piano), Paul Jefferies (bass) and Charlie Stratford (drums).
Ben Holder Trio
Friday May 3rd 2019
Book now to get tickets at £12:00 each!
Doors open at 19:15, show starts at 20:00
Rapidly gaining notoriety as one of the finest and most exuberant jazz violinists the UK has to offer and highly regarded internationally, this hugely talented musician, magician and tall story teller leaves audiences breathless and full of wonder at his immense energy and sheer musicality. Ben fills venues wherever he goes - performing as guest musician with rhythm sections across Europe and with his own ensembles - which include an all star quintet, a four piece of distinction and as a trio with long time collaborators Jez Cook (guitar) and bassist Paul Jefferies. These three know each other very, very well so musical communication between them is almost telepathic, but most critically this excellent guitar and bass rhythm section know full well how to push Mr Holder into violinistic acrobatics and then bring him back to earth with some of the most beautiful ballad playing you’ll hear. Ben will be presenting us with a smorgasbord of music from Gypsy Swing jazz through Benny Goodman and a fat slice of the Great American Songbook. Very tasty - but grab your tickets early as his shows always sell out.
Joanna Eden / Alan Barnes
Friday June 7th 2019
Book now to get tickets at £12:00 each!
Doors open at 19:15, show starts at 20:00
Alan Barnes needs little introduction, he’s a multi-award winning sax and clarinet player with a wickedly dry sense of humour who has graced thousands of stages during his 30+ year career and appeared on hundreds of brilliant recordings with jazz illuminaries and stars from the worlds of Pop and Rock including Brian Ferry and Van Morrison. Joanna Eden is an excellent pianist and an exquisite singer. She knows her onions musically and is a much sought after vocal coach (she coached the headlining pop artist Sam Smith). Joanna sings from the heart, with passion and meaning - you won’t see her reading lyrics or just going through the motions - she’s one of a rare breed off singers who truly feel their music and in this case get what jazz is about. The duo will be accompanied by Paul Jefferies on double bass for a beautifully crafted evening of music featuring jazz melodies you’ll know and love, pieces from Joanna’s hit show ‘Music at The Movies’ and a smattering of popular tunes from the past, given the Eden/Barnes jazz treatment.