The Jazz Show are thrilled to present:
Acker Bilk | The Cotton Club | New Gateway Jazz Band | Gerry Brown & The Mission Hall Jazz Band

Acker Bilk:

Surely one of the greatest tests of any artist's success is his durability and Mr Acker Bilk is still so well known and respected. One of the most successful British jazz groups ever, who gained worldwide fame with the hit single 'Stranger On The Shore' in 1962 and his services to the music industry were recognised when he was honoured with an MBE. Acker continues expanding his repertoire and by successfully integrating the top 'younger' jazz talent in the UK into the band, with the introduction of Enrico Tomasso (Trumpet), Ian Bateman (Trombone) and John Day (Bass) joining the ever-present Ritchie Bryant (Drums) and Colin Wood (Piano), the band has gained a new vitality, guaranteed to make the evening go with a swing.

[ www.ackerbilk.co.uk ]

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The Cotton Club:

Saturdays are traditionally dance evenings and "The Cotton Club Revue", represented by "Harry Strutter's Hot Rhythm Orchestra", will be there to thrill. An action packed show celebrating the music, dance and songs of the Cotton Club, the famous nightclub, which flourished in New York's Harlem in the 1920's and 1930's. With style and panache they communicate the exuberance of the music from that era and star vocalist Tony Jacobs pays his unique tribute to the great singers, who appeared at the club, including Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington amongst many others. A Saturday night dance mood from times past will be recreated by the fabulous "Jiving Lindy Hoppers", whose exciting and acrobatic dance routines will set feet tapping and hands clapping.

The Cotton Club Revue will also be performing at the Garden Show in Autumn at Althorp on Saturday 8th September 2007.

[ www.harrystrutters.com & www.jivinglindyhoppers.com ]

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The New Gateway Jazz Band:

One of Hampshire's top jazz attractions and dispensers of good time music for over 25 years. Keith Samuel (trombone, vocals) Roy Sear (clarinet, saxes) Bill Harvey (trumpet, vocals) John Hall (drums) Maurice Dennis (banjo, guitar) Chris Waters (tuba).

"They perform with obvious enjoyment and sincerity........and show a pleasing awareness of structure, sensitivity and dynamics." JAZZ JOURNAL

[ website.lineone.net/~keith.samuel ]

Gerry took his first band "The Gerry Brown Jazzmen" on the road in the late fifties. In 1962 the band was chosen to accompany Louis Armstrong and his All Stars on a nation-wide concert tour, a wonderful experience for Gerry, who had for many years been influenced by the inspirational playing of the great trumpeter.

Gerry took over the leadership of his present band following the retirement and subsequent death of the legendary Bournemouth clarinettist Pedro Harris. To this day the band retains many of Pedro's favourite old numbers, whilst at the same time extending the repertoire to include classics more familiar to the followers of Condon and Ellington.

Gerry leads the band on trumpet and his forceful style and wicked sense of humour, not to mention his singing (forceful or wicked?) sets the pace for the rest of the band, Mike Snelling, Mike Blakesley, Davie Broomfield, Ray Ball and Peter McCurrie. The Mission Hall Band is a happy band who genuinely enjoy what they do and this is very effectively communicated to their audiences. Veterans of television and radio both here and abroad, they have built a reputation second to none at venues and jazz clubs throughout the land and were voted "Band of the Year" at Nat Gonella's own club - at Gosport last year.

[ www.missionhalljazz.homecall.co.uk ]

Introducing Coralie ...

Coralie originally trained as a classical singer, studying with top voice coaches  including Jenny Hill and Ruth Holton, and for several years at Royal Holloway College (London).  Her classical career took her to Ireland, France, and the USA where she performed for the President at the White House. 

A Jazz vocal improvisation course with Julie and Keith Tippett sent her on a more personal journey to explore a wider musical range.  This is her debut year as a Jazz and Cabaret singer - we think you'll agree that her extensive training and flamboyant style make for a winning combination.