Jazz Preview: French tinge to autumnal blast by the sea

The event suffered a blow when one of its attractions, Jacques Loussier, pulled out because of illness but director Mike Gordon found a gifted replacement, David Rees-Williams, who will give a jazz perspective to classical themes tomorrow night.

Despite the absence of Loussier, the festival’s French influence remains strong in the presence of the multi-instrumental Hadouk Trio, the charismatic singer Mina Agossi and the host of talented musicians who comprise the Orchestre National de Jazz.

Two sessions are worthy of special mention. First, a tribute by the admirable Liz Fletcher to the late Alan Plater with whom she worked on two albums, Songs for Unsung Heroes and The Seven Ages of Jazz. Liz will be joined by saxophonist Alan Barnes, a key figure in both recordings.

Barnes is also involved in the finale in which he will share the stage with the jazz photographer William Ellis whose work will be projected on two screens. Ellis will tell the story behind the pictures, and Barnes, with Bruce Adams and the David Newton trio will supply suitable music.

No doubt about the youngest performer on the bill. He’s Andreas Varady , a 13-year-old guitarist from Ireland who is winning plaudits wherever he appears.

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra , the Tommy Evans Orchestra, Kate Williams, Mark Nightingale, Gilad Atzmon ,Christine Tobin and Matt Anderson emphasise the festival’s reputation for covering a broad range of styles and sounds.