Jazz Preview: Three festivals that promise a hot time for all

Cleethorpes, from July 1 to July 3, is organised by Grimsby Jazz whose promoter, Gill Wilde, urges supporters to “beat the recession by enjoying a weekend of music performed by some of the country’s top musicians”.

It is hard to resist in view of a stimulating programme which ranges from established crowd-pleasers Alan Barnes and David Newton to emerging talent Kit Downes and Nigel Price.

Add the groups of Mark Nightingale and Steve Waterman, plus the formidable Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra, and Gill’s exhortations should not go unheeded.

Hull, from July 21 to 31, has the prospect of Snake Davis fronting a string quartet in a mixture of soul, classical, jazz, funk and world music. This premiere of Snake with strings will be followed by the 70th birthday party of Pee Wee Ellis, a legend of funk with more than 55 years in the business. Ten days of music at several venues including Hull Truck, Pave, and the Goodfellowship also boasts appearances by trombonist Dennis Rollins and his Velocity trio, the South African Gospel Singers, and a celebration of gipsy jazz with three virtuosos in the field, Fapy Lafertin, Lollo Meir and Tcha Limberger.

Burton Agnes, which returns from August 5 to August 7, is a festival where the lovely setting of Burton Agnes Hall vies with the music as a reason for going.

Claire Martin and Jacqui Dankworth are among those who will perform in the elegant surroundings.