Forthcoming Performances

2011 - 2012 season

2012

Feb: 13 - Karen Sharp/Robert Fowler Quintet Quintet

Tonight’s offering features two of the UK’s most respected musician’s. KAREN, a versatile saxophonist, has played with a variety of bands here and abroad, including Joe Temperley, Stacey Kent, Acker Bilk and the great blues singer Elkie Brooks. During this time Karen was also working hard to establish her own quintet. In 2006 Karen played at the Ginza Festival, Tokyo, with British singer Tina May and pianist Nikki Iles; and, at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2007, with US trumpet star Jeremy Pelt http://www.karensharp.net/. ROBERT FOWLER honed his instrumental skills in very much the same way aspiring jazz musicians would learn their trade in the 30s, 40s and early 50s, by joining the ranks of the great swing bands. A few years on the road with Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Woody Herman, etc. This was known as “paying your dues”. Robert ‘paid his dues’ in stints with the Pasadena Roof Orch., the Syd Lawrence Orch., the BBC Big Band, and so on. With his broad, warm tone and exquisite phrasing, Robert is a popular player. Karen and Robert are much in demand with their “Tribute to Zoot (Sims) and Al (Cohn)” presentation. http://www.functionjunction.co.uk/artists/1/100/814/Robert_Fowler. With them tonight we have ROBIN ASPLAND (keyboard) last seen at the Inn Lodge with Anita Wardell, JEREMY BROWN on bass, who, with his ‘warm round sound’ is much in demand on the jazz circuit. MATT HOME on drums has played at Portsmouth Jazz with many visiting performers.

Mar: 12 - John Donaldson Quartet

You’ll forgive John Donaldson if he ‘nods’ off tonight, he will only just have returned from a two month tour in America!! We like to get International performers for you! Tonight, John will regale us with standards and the music of Bheki Mseleku (www.amazon.com/Bheki-Mseleku/e/B000AQ321I). From his student playing days in 1978, John won his first award in 1980. In 1982 he went to California, studied and played with many of the greats. After returning, he rightly established himself as one of our finest pianists, his latest accolade coming from the Marston’s Jazz Awards http://www.johndonaldson.org/. IAN PRICE on tenor, is something of a well kept secret. Last seen here with ‘Milestones’, he has established a formidable reputation on tenor sax. Bandleader, arranger, bassist, SIMON THORPE, has appeared regularly at the Inn Lodge. But then, musician’s as good as Simon are always welcome. TRISTAN BANKS, drums, drives the band along with impeccable style.

April: 2 - Matt Wates Sextet

How good to see the brilliant MATT WATES back at the Club after too long an absence. A graduate of the Berklee School of Music, he won the British jazz Award for Rising Star in 1997. A composer/arranger, he has recorded with his own bands and with the likes of Sax Appeal and Jamie Cullum http://www.mattwates.com/ With Matt this time we welcome back a stellar line up that includes MARTIN SHAW, on trumpet, a regular with the BBC big band he is one of our finest trumpeters. STEVE MAINE on tenor, the exciting and very busy LEON GREENING on keyboard, co founder of ‘Acoustic Triangle’, MALCOLM CREESE on bass and a swift return for MATT HOME on drums.

May: 14 - Geoff Eales Trio

Another welcome back, this time for the brilliant GEOFF EALES. Son of a dance band pianist, he first played French Horn with the Welsh National Youth Orchestra. He moved to London in 1977 and made over 1000 broadcasts with the BBC Big Band. He features regularly at the country’s many Jazz Festivals. An award winning musician we are pleased to welcome Geoff back to the Inn Lodge http://www.geoffeales.com/. With him tonight, we welcome back old favourites of Portsmouth Jazz, PAUL MORGAN and BOBBY WORTH. Two of the most respected musicians in the land!

Jun: 11 - Steve Waterman Band

One of the busiest players in the country this year has to be STEVE WATERMAN. Between his various small bands, big band commitments and teaching, he must find it hard to draw breath!! Fortunately, Steve has found time to remind us of his great musical ability http://www.stevewaterman.co.uk/. A first time visitor, ANTHONY KERR takes time out from his BBC Big Band shows to join Steve on vibes. It’s good to welcome back ALEC DANKWORTH, a great player on bass. A long overdue return for DAVE BARRY on drums. Possibly the most original drummer on the circuit.

10th Sept - Martin Shaw/Mark Nightingale/John Pearce/Paul Morgan/Bobby Worth

Oct 8th - Horace Silver Tribute Band

- Roy Hilton leader, with Gary Kavanagh and Alex Garnett, Dan Sheppard and Bobby Worth

Nov 12th - Phil Woods Tribute Band

- Bob Martin and Robbie Robson, Matt Skelton, John Turville, Ryan Trebilcock

Dec 10th - Allison Neale/Katie Brown/Clare Hirst (saxes)

with Leon Greening, Adam King, Steve Brown

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