Jazz News (Feb. 2018)
As well as mourning the recent passing of South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, the local jazz scene is also mourning the loss of Don Jeffery, who ran Hastings Jazz Club for a number of years and recently passed away. The jazz scene in Sussex is also mourning the loss of drummer Chris Carrington, who was well known amongst big bands and from his regular playing at the Six Bells pub in Chiddingly.
Jazz fan Dave Bennett, a regular at the Hare & Hounds in Worthing, recently passed away, as did pianist Don Hunt who was Musical Director for Bruce Forsyth, as well as a conductor and arranger for Thames Television and a regular in the Len Phillips Big Band.
Soundwave Festival in Croatia comes to an end this year after running every summer for the past ten years. Previous artists at the festival include Roy Ayers, Matthew Halsall and Laura Mvula. Billed as ‘The Final Wave’, the festival runs from 26th-30th July and features Sons of Kemet, regulars Submotion Orchestra, Riot Jazz and J-Felix amongst others.
Jazz group Nerija have signed to Domino Records, the independent record label famous for artists such as Franz Ferdinand and Robert Wyatt. The all-female band grew out of Tomorrow’s Warriors and, amongst others, features the combined talents of Nubya Garcia, Cassie Kinoshi, Sheila Maurice-Grey, Rosie Turton and Shirley Tetteh.
After selling out their 1st April gig at the Con Club in Lewes, Sun Ra Arkestra have added another date, Monday 2nd April. Tickets are now on sale.
Charlie Anderson