3.00pm Robert Jackson Trio
5.00pm Brass Monkeys
A brass band unlike any you have heard before The Brass Monkeys are an eclectic improvising wild bunch influenced by jazz, blues, reggae, country, free improvisation, soul, folk …… Performing an exciting mix of original material and unusual classics The Brass Monkeys offer a reverent but iconoclastic take on the history of musical improvisation. We have put together a great line-up that embraces an exciting mix of youth and experience.
The repertoire is half original and a range of material from all kinds of sources including tunes by Herbie Nicols, Bill Frisell, Lillian Hardin-Armstrong, Archie Shepp, Jonas Gwangwa, Lester Bowie, Taj Mahal, Thelonious Monk, Dudu Pukwana……… The key element in all their music is the opportunity for interplay between the musicians which is at the organic heart of this band. This is achieved in part by a combination of improvising contexts; solos, duos, trios and full ensemble interactions stimulate the essential spontaneity.
8.00pm Dennis Rollins and The Nick Dewhurst Band
UK Jazz/Funk Trombonist Star Dennis ‘The Creative Menace’ Rollins, who has played with the likes of Jamiroquai, Courtney Pine, and is a member of Maceo Parker’s Band, first met Nick Dewhurst when he came to Lichfield roughly 15 years ago, and did a superb week’s workshop with the Netherstowe Big Band, culminating in a performance at the Blues & Jazz Festival!
Since then both have gone from strength to strength and reunited with a brilliant concert in 2018. This years event will be a memorable concert featuring some great pop, jazz and original tunes backed by the very talented Nick Dewhurst Band of Carl Hemmingsley (drums), Tom Moore (bass), Tom Lindsay (keyboards) Sam Craig, Calum Roxburgh, and Beth Fisher (saxes) and Nick on trumpet and guitar. The band aims to play a type of jazz that is exciting and original, whilst remaining accessible and enjoyable to a wide range of audiences.