In a different form maybe, but Marlborough Jazz is resoundingly back in town with a gala of non-stop, all-star music in Marlborough Town Hall over the weekend of July 14th-16th.
The huge volume of support the organisers received after the 2016 Festival convinced them that the best way to thank their loyal followers would be to stage a top-drawer programme featuring the quality and variety of performances that they came to expect in former years.
Maintaining the International edge to the programme, top performers from the USA, Sweden, Italy, Spain and France will be playing alongside home-grown stars.
The USF Jazztet from Florida has played at some of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals, including Montreux, Umbria, the North Sea and Jazz a Vienne. Rhode Island Saxophonist Greg Abate who has played lead alto with Ray Charles and the Artie Shaw Orchestra will be here again with his quartet.
Organisers Marlborough Arts Association are proud to present Debbie Bond, who has dedicated her musical life to preserving and promoting Alabama’s rich blues heritage.
Home-grown talent numbers Old Marlburienne, Gabby Young back with her acclaimed quintet, and Claire Teal returns to pay tribute to another great star, Ella Fitzgerald, as 2017 marks the original first lady of song’s centenary.
There will be a chance to learn the art of Gospel singing at St. Mary’s Church on the Saturday morning. All done in two hours flat.
Two great local choirs also feature in St. Mary’s. Mother’s Jam is an A Cappella group of six women, performing an impressive repertoire, ranging from jazz, to gospel, to world music, and The Marlborough Community Choir is a stunning local effort under the direction of Vanessa Lafaye, who comes all the way from Florida.
“This is a one-off”, commented Festival Trustee, Nicholas Fogg, “But one of the highest possible calibre. “We’re dedicating this to all those who’ve loyally supported us over the years. We’ll be looking into the many creative suggestions we have received for our future. Tickets for out Gala weekend will be limited in number, so early booking through our website is advisable. ”
Tickets may be booked online through www.marlboroughjazz.com, or, over the counter, from Sound Knowledge, Hughenden Yard, or the White Horse Bookshop, 136, High Street.
For further information, please contact Nicholas Fogg on 01672 514690, e-mail: nicholasfogg@hotmail.com