Spotlight on female jazz musicians

SCARBOROUGH Jazz Festival is swinging the spotlight onto female talent.

Organisers have revealed some of the finest UK female instrumentalists are appearing at this year's event on September 24-26 at the Spa.

"For whatever reason women jazz performers are very much in the minority in Britain," a spokesman said. "A report by Jazz Services in 2006 showed that it was only as jazz vocalists that women were in the majority. However, this year they are among the weekend's leading lights."

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On Saturday afternoon pianist and composer Andrea Vicari leads some outstanding European musicians on guitar, accordion, bass and drums. The band, ExTempore, draws on a rich range of cultures, jazz and folk music.

Saxophonist Karen Sharp, who was with Humphrey Lyttleton's band, leads a quartet that includes leading pianist Nikki Iles. Rounding off the evening will be a performance by Alison Burns.

Female saxophonist Allison Neale and her quartet kick off Sunday afternoon, followed by vocalist Anita Wardell who also leads a top-line quartet.

For further information, visit www.scarboroughjazzfestival.co.uk

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