Jazz Preview: Something for everybody at Scarborough
Festival director Mike Gordon describes a nicely balanced programme as "the right mix". Something for everybody, in other words, and there should be no shortage of enthusiasts heading to the resort for this eighth autumnal blast of jazz by the sea.
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Hide AdTonight's headliners are a trio led by the legendary Stan Tracey, plus a long-standing colleague in tenor saxophonist Bobby Wellins and one of the most gifted trumpeters around, Guy Barker.
Tomorrow afternoon has the intriguing prospect of saxophonist Tim Whitehead and his band playing pieces inspired by the work of the 19th-century English artist, JMW Turner. The paintings related to the music will be projected behind the group to illustrate performances designed for the eye as well as the ear.
In the evening, Martin Taylor's splendid Spirit of Django – reformed after a 15-year hiatus – will celebrate Reinhardt's centenary year with a verve which captures the spirit of the great guitarist. Sunday's closing concerts include Mark Maran's dramatised tribute to Chet Baker, with Maran providing the words, and trumpeter Colin Steele recalling Baker's music.
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Hide AdThe finale gives an opportunity for Alan Barnes, the festival's perennial host, to air his prolific skills as a player and composer.
These are selected highlights of a weekend which also includes the likes of Nigel Price, Ian Shaw, Threeway, Andrea Vicari, Karen Sharp, Brian Kellock, Julian Arguelles. Allison Neale, Anita Wardell and the Magic Hat Ensemble.