Jazz Preview: Sculpture Park seeks to carve a new niche

The show is part of the Wakefield Live Music Project which is committed to broadening the audience for jazz and classical music at venues where you might normally not expect to hear it. Hence the appearance of Gemini at the Sculpture Park – and the Gwilym Simcock trio at St Paul’s Church, Walton on October 1.

“We use a wide mix of venues to break down barriers,” says Sandra Carlon, administrator of WLMP. “We aim to inspire and open doors.” Gemini seem to slot neatly into WLMP’s policy with their adventurous approach built around the talents of vibraphonist Hart, alto-saxoponist Ivo Neame, bassist Jasper Hoiby and drummer Dave Smith. They pose challenges for themselves, and the listener.

Hart is one of the most versatile young talents in British jazz. Apart from his widely praised vibes playing he is an accomplished drummer and also composes the music for Gemini.

In another WLMP promotion at the Sculpture Park, the Leeds-based Roller Trio play in the Learning Tent on Tuesday afternoon. Jazz into Doncaster will resume with a foot-tapping flourish next month with four sessions at the Conservative Club beginning on September 1 with Digby Fairweather – trumpeter, author, broadcaster, pundit and all-round good egg – supported by an augmented Nicola Farnon group.

Roy Norton’s Jazz Band, Bob Ludlam’s Jazz Band and the Yorkshire Stompers follow on a weekly basis.