Next month sees the return of the ever popular Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend, when venues across Newport will be resounding to the very best that British jazz can offer.
Modern and trad jazz fans are well catered for with some quality acts across the four days of the event, from Thursday, September 15, to Sunday, September 18.
As well as a host of main events there is also a series of fringe events, most of which are free.
Trad jazz fans have been very well catered for with “That’s Trad Dad” providing Saturday afternoon entertainment at the Apollo Theatre.
Trombonist Ian Bateman,a graduate of both the Acker Bilk and Terry Lightfoot bands, brings with him many other jazzers from that era with a similar pedigree.
For some cool Sunday afternoon listening, there is an eagerly awaited tribute to the Modern Jazz Quartet led by vibraphone player Nat Steele.
The original quartet grew out of the Dizzy Gillespie band in the 1950s and went on to considerable success in their own right. Nat Steele’s tribute album enjoyed a sold out launch event at Ronnie Scott’s.
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The weekend opens with a concert by the Island’s own rising star Cameron Rossi.
A graduate of the IW Youth Jazz Orchestra, he is now making a name for himself.
Headliners include the highly talented and entertaining Liane Carroll. who will be entertaining a Friday evening Quay Arts audience with her incredible trio.
Saturday sees the return of the legendary Alan Barnes who will be showcasing his Alan Barnes + Eleven line up, featuring some of the best jazz musicians around today.
Also appearing are the ever popular David Newton, who will be duetting with Euan Stephenson, Dave O’Higgins and Rob Luft playing the music of Theloneous Monk and John Coltrane, the multi award winning Karen Sharp with her trio, guitar virtuoso Nigel Price, the African jazz influenced Hexagonal and closing the weekend will be vocalist Sara Dowling who was voted best vocalist in the British Jazz Awards 2019.
At the fringe events, local musicians are well represented.
Event director Jim Thorn said: “It has been a very frustrating couple of years when we have not been able to put on the weekend and this year we deferred the weekend until September to give us a better chance of bringing some top flight jazz to the Island”.
“I am very excited about this year’s line up and we extend our thanks to sponsors the Isle of Wight County Press and Red Funnel.”
Full details of the line-up, timings and ticket prices can be found at IWJW.co.uk Concerts are selling well and you are advised to get tickets in advance to guarantee admission.
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