Claire Martin
The Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend festival begins today.
A performance by the Nicola Farnon Trio at the Newport Methodist Church gets the festival swinging.
Tomorrow it's the turn of the Cameron Rossi Quartet at the Mountbatten Hospice.
Into the heart of the action acclaimed classic jazz singer Claire Martin and celebrated modern mainstream guitarist Jim Mullen also form part of a star-studded lineup this weekend at a range of Newport venues.
Running until Sunday the 2024 festival has expanded to five days, promising more performances and venues than hitherto.
Almost in your arms
Martin, hailed as "Britain's finest jazz singer" by The Times, has a new album entitled Almost in Your Arms on which the London born singer collaborates with the Martin Sjöstedt Trio from Sweden.
This new recording, set to launch at Ronnie Scott's on 1 October showcases Martin's sophisticated vocal stylings and her ability to breathe new life into not only the Great American Songbook standards but also spanning a wide artistic spread of repertoire. Tracks from the Stunt label release streaming so far include a great version of Rufus Wainwright's 'The Art Teacher.'
Centrist appeal
Other festival heavy hitters include the appearance of Alan Barnes, the hugely versatile middle of the road saxophonist and clarinettist joined by duo partner modern mainstreamer pianist David Newton.
There is certainly a reflective quality and formidable instrumentalism to their latest standards strewn duo release 'Tis Autumn issued on Barnes' own label Woodville.
Certainly the approach is an antidote to these doom laden times proving faithful to some classic styles from yesteryear whose artistic currency is still very much in active circulation however much taken for granted.
Tony Kofi also a big draw
The Tony Kofi Quintet, led by the dynamic saxophonist Tony Kofi - whose co-led live Billy Strayhorn themed album with Ian Shaw An Adventurous Dream is one of the year's best releases - is also to appear in Newport. On too are Brazilian singer-songwriter Daniela Soledade and US guitarist Nate Najar in duo.
Festival organisers have partnered with ferry companies to offer discounted travel. This initiative aims to make the event more accessible and to encourage jazz fans from across the UK to experience the unique atmosphere of the Isle of Wight atmosphere. Other performers set for the weekend include the Matt Carter Octet and Georgina Jackson.
For tickets, accommodation information FULL LINE-UP details and the latest updates on the Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend 2024, visit the official website
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