After an absence of many years the picturesque Northumberland market town of Hexham is about to witness the return of...the Hexham Jazz Festival! This time next week, Tyne Valley jazz fans, and many from further afield, will be making a bee-line to Hexham to listen to a series of top class concerts. Over the long weekend of Friday 13 - Sunday 15 the focus of attention will be on the stunning Grade I listed Hexham Abbey.
Originally built in AD 674, Hexham Abbey stands somewhat modestly on Beaumont Street, once inside, its grandeur is rather striking. Beginning on Friday 13 May, the action gets underway at half past seven with a performance by the hugely popular Hot Club du Nord. Stéphane Grappelli, Django Reinhardt and more, Emma Fisk's accomplished outfit will guarantee a flying start. At nine o'clock, there'll be a reunion of two old friends - Paul Edis and Graeme Wilson.
Pianist Edis, now living and working in London, and Wilson (tenor saxophone) based in Edinburgh, will reprise, revisit, develop - think of it as you will - their memorable collaboration in Durham Cathedral. On that occasion Edis climbed into the organ loft, leaving Wilson to wander the aisles. A freely improvised piece of music held the jazz congregation rapt. As night falls in Hexham, Edis will grapple with the Abbey's two manual 34-stop mechanical action instrument (built by Lawrence Phelps, Pennsylvania, installed in 1974) as Wilson plays with the building's amazing acoustics. Tickets for this unmissable Friday evening double bill (£12.50.) are available from: www.queenshall.co.uk. Previews of Saturday and Sunday to follow. A weekend rover ticket is available at £35.00. (£20.00. student). Russell
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