Friday (March 4) sees Harlem expat. now based in Durham, Sandi Russell singing with Alan Barnes and the John Horler Trio. This isn't just class it is world class!
Saturday (March 5) is free and runs from 4pm- 11pm. The afternoon set includes workshops and showcases college bands including Off The Leash. Off The Leash has John Steele blowing sax with Paul Beck (pno), Doug Kennard (gtr), Katy Trigger (bs) and Stan Praszczalek (dms) - don't ask me to pronounce the name - I just know him as Stan!
In the evening there is more 'name dropping' with the Paul Edis Trio and that superb tenor player Vasilis Xenopoulos. I've heard the Grecian blower several times and he is an ace.
If Stan Praszczalek and Vasilis Xenopoulos get together on the same stage - it could present problems for the MC!
There's a jam session afterwards so maybe Stan and Vasy will!
Sunday (March 6) John Etheridge plays a solo set starting at 4pm. I caught John doing solo at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the London Jazz Festival and you can take my word for it he does it good - and then some!
There is a downside. The weekend coincides with the Sunderland Big Band Festival held only a handful of miles away. Perhaps the organisers should address this for future events.
Lance.
2 comments :
Hi Lance. Not quite the first "Durham Jazz Festival" There were a couple back in the 80's - so many years ago that you would be forgiven for not remembering !
Roy W.
Time does play havoc with one's memory Roy - what's your name again?
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