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The Simon Spillett Quartet
Presented by Norden Farm Jazz Club.
Simon Spillett (tenor sax)
Alex Hutton (piano)
Alec Dankworth (bass)
Clark Tracey (drums)
Over his twenty five year career Simon Spillett has worn almost as many hats as it's possible to wear within jazz; multi-award-winning instrumentalist (BBC Jazz Awards, British Jazz Awards, Jazz Journal's Album of The Year), quartet and big band leader, recording artist, author, historian, record producer, archivist, magazine columnist and latterly blogger.
However, for all these varied skills he identifies most strongly as a powerfully swinging, straight ahead tenor saxophonist, one capable of taking the audiences who hear him on a roller coaster ride encompassing everything from energetic bebop to heartfelt balladry.
And it’s in this guise that he’s become a solid fixture on the UK jazz landscape, regularly playing sold out gigs at major festivals (EFG London Jazz Festival, Brecon, Swanage, Scarborough, Wigan etc.) and world famous club venues (Ronnie Scott’s).
A charismatic performer, gifted with a dry observational wit, he’s never lost sight of the fact that jazz is entertainment as much as self-expression and whether playing, writing or articulately holding forth on his favourite subject UK jazz history – he’s an infectiously passionate communicator.
Norden Farm Patrons, Bronze, Sliver and Gold Members can click here to login for Priority Booking.
Studio
£17.50
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Adam Glasser and Friends
Presented by Norden Farm Jazz Club.
Adam Glasser (harmonica)
South African harmonica player, pianist and educator Adam Glasser has an international reputation as an exponent of township jazz on the chromatic harmonica and piano.
One of the UK’s top session harmonica players Adam has performed with Sting, Eurythmics, Incognito, Joe Zawinul and recorded for many film composers from Debbie Wiseman to Howard Shore. From live Orchestral performances, (London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia), to Theatre productions include Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare’s Globe). His career has been profound.
Tonight’s concerts will focus on his love of the Great American songbook as well as some South African songs. It will be a special evening.
Norden Farm Patrons, Bronze, Sliver and Gold Members can click here to login for Priority Booking.
Studio
£17.50
The Great British Songbook
Critically acclaimed Italian vocalist Irene Serra (Wynton Marsalis, Norma Winstone, US3) and guitarist Luca Boscagin (Jason Rebello, Cinematic Orchestra, Jim Mullen) have joined forces on this album launch to release a special recording called The Great British Songbook.
Brought together by their passion for British pop music, they have handpicked some of the most loved songs by famous British singers and songwriters of the last 70 years and created fresh-sounding, unique arrangements. From The Beatles to Sting, Massive AWack and Imogen Heap, this evening will be a celebration of the most defining songs of the British pop-rock music scene reimagined through their signature groovy sound.
They will be joined by world class musicians Andy Hamill on bass (Mark Murphy, Laura Mvula, Annie Lennox), and Fergus Gerrand on drums and percussions (Madonna, Mike Oldfield, Sting).
Irene Serra (vocals)
Luca Boscagin (guitar)
Andy Hamill (double bass)
Fergus Gerrand (drums)
'Sublime vocals' Jazz FM
'Irene Serra has a strong stage presence and a compelling vocal tone, which she uses to great effect' Jazzwise
'Serra’s voice is graceful and sensual' All About Jazz
Studio
£17.50
Insta ireneserramusic
Fb Irene Serra Music
Freddie Gavita (trumpet / flugelhorn)
Presented by Norden Farm Jazz Club.
Freddie Gavita (Trumpet / Flugelhorn)
Winner of the British Jazz Awards Best Trumpeter of 2017, Freddie has cemented his place as a leading light on the British Jazz scene. With the release of his debut album Transient in April 2017, his star is certainly on the rise.
He is a member of the Ronnie Scott’s Club Quintet and jazz-rock outfit Fletch’s Brew as well as being a band leader in his own right. A fearless improviser, he solos with fluent authority, his tone ranging from the warmly conversational to the eloquently strident.
Recent career highlights include three Proms performances at the Royal Albert Hall, appearing as the featured soloist at Cadagon Hall playing the music of Miles Davis and Gil Evans, and stepping into Herb Alpert’s shoes for the recent BBC 2 broadcast from Ronnie Scott’s commemorating the music of Burt Bacharach. Freddie has played with, among others, Peter Erskine, Joe Locke, John Hendricks, Kenny Wheeler, Stan Sulzmann, Tim Garland, Jon Faddis, Gregory Porter, Curtis Stigers, Paloma Faith, Jess Glynne, Seth McFarlane and Dionne Warwick.
Studio
£17.50
Norden Farm Patrons, Bronze, Sliver and Gold Members can click here to login for Priority Booking.
The Paul Booth Quartet (tenor sax / soprano sax)
Presented by Norden Farm Jazz Club.
Paul Booth (tenor sax / soprano sax)
Alex Hutton (piano)
Laurence Cottle (electric bass)
Tbc (drums)
From his early acclaim as a prize-winning saxophonist, Paul Booth has continually refined and expanded his talents as a solo artist, composer, arranger and bandleader, whilst establishing an elite reputation as a first-call sideman for major contemporary music artists.
Paul was born in the North East of England, and as a young boy started playing music with his father in the clubs and bars of Southern Spain where the family were temporarily residing. On his return home, he discovered the local jazz scene and fell in love with the music and the art of improvisation. As a homeschooled child he was able to fit all his studies around music, enabling him to sit his GCSE and A-Level exams early. He won a place at the Royal Academy of Music in 1993 at the age of 16, becoming their youngest student on a degree course. That year Paul also won the Best Modern Jazz Player category at the televised Young Jazz Player of the Year.
Over the next four years at the Academy, Paul combined his studies with gigs in London and across the UK, that included a long association with Colombian percussionist Roberto Pla and a partnership with pianist Alex Wilson that’s still going strong. During his third year, Paul won the prestigious Clifford Brown / Stan Getz Fellowship in Miami USA, and spent a six month exchange in Perth at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts. Following his graduation in 1997, Paul immersed himself in the world of the professional musician. He eventually joined the European Glenn Miller Orchestra for eight tours, before landing the saxophone chair for the worldwide smash hit show, Riverdance, staying for eighteen months. In 2005 Paul toured the US and Japan with Basia and Matt Bianco, and soon after received the call from Steve Winwood with whom he has been working ever since.
In 2004 Paul released his first solo album It’s Happening’ which was followed by the albums No Looking Back (2007), Pathways (2009) and Trilateral (2011) Patchwork Project (2015). All of which were extremely well received available through his own Pathway Records label.
Paul’s ability to blend into any musical surrounding coupled with his talents as a multi-instrumentalist has led to him being regularly chosen to perform with many well-known artists. Paul has toured, performed and recorded around the world with The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers Band, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Kylie Mingoue, Jamiroquai, Gregory Porter, Barry Manilow, Warren Haynes, Marti Pellow, Derek Trucks, Eddie Henderson, Geoffrey Keezer, Clarence Penn and Ingrid Jensen. He has worked with Incognito, Brand New Heavies, The BBC Big Band, Michael Janisch Quintet and the Ryan Quigley Quintet and so many more.
Studio
£17.50
Norden Farm Patrons, Bronze, Sliver and Gold Members can click here to login for Priority Booking.
Insta paulboothmusic
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Live Music Lunch Club: Charlotte Spruit (violin)
A new regular spot for lovers of live music who prefer their concerts in the daytime, alongside a little lunch, in a relaxed environment.
Performances take place in the Studio in a cabaret set up so you can come and go during the music if you want to.
The ticket price includes a pre-show two course lunch from our Café Bar.
Ysaye Sonata for solo violin No 2 in A minor, Op 27 No 2
H.I. Franz Von Biber Passacaglia in G minor, for Violin Solo
Kurtag Selection from Signs, Games and Messages
J.S. Bach Partita no 3 for Solo Violin in E Major, BWV 1006
Born in the Netherlands in 2000, Charlotte Spruit was a winner at the 2023 Young Classical Artists Trust international auditions, and has previously been a prize winner at numerous international competitions. She was also selected as one of Classic FM’s Rising Stars of 2024.
Charlotte is a keen chamber musician and soloist, having performed at prominent locations such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall in London and the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. She has performed chamber works with acclaimed musicians including Janine Jansen, Rachel Podger, Gidon Kremer, Tabea Zimmermann, Lawrence Power, and Christian Tetzlaff.
As a concerto soloist, Charlotte has played with numerous orchestras, including the Residentie Orkest The Hague, The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pauliner Barockensemble, and Ensemble Esperanza.
She began her violin studies aged four with Coosje Wijzenbeek, culminating with her studying at the Guildhall School of Music in London with David Takeno, followed by the Royal Academy of Music with Ying Xue, where Charlotte recently completed her Master’s degree under Rachel Podger and Pavlo Beznosiuk.
Charlotte plays an 18th-century anonymous Italian violin, kindly on loan from the Dutch Musical Instruments Foundation.
Studio
£30 including a 2 course lunch
12.30pm - Lunch
2pm - Concert begins
Norden Farm Patrons, Bronze, Sliver and Gold Members can click here to login for Priority Booking.
Showstopper Tots
Led by Mairi Cowieson
Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2 - 5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6 months free.
Join us for our exciting Lion King themed term. I Just Can't Wait to be King! so, come and join other little lion cubs, as we get ready for our Morning Report and sing Hakuna Matata.
The classes take the children on an adventure, exploring the music and story of The Lion King. Learning a dance to help with their coordination, singing songs and playing drama games to help with their confidence. Each class ends with our mini theatre and story song, written especially for ShowstopperUk, by fabulous West End composers.
This story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents / carers who attend with their little ones.
Building confidence, musicality, coordination, concentration, all through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre.
Led by a professional West End performer and director.
Summer
Course 1: Lion King
Thur 24 Apr - 22 May (5 weeks)
2pm - 2.45pm
Whole course - £40 (5 weeks) (1 adult and 1 child)
Trial on 24 Apr - £9 (1 adult and 1 child) Siblings £5.40
£32 (1 adult and 1 child) if you would like to continue for the rest of the remaining 4 weeks please put remaining dates in the basket when re-booking and a discount will apply.
Drop-in sessions for the rest of the term £9 (1 adult and 1 child) I siblings £5.40.
Course 2:
Thur 5 Jun - 17 Jul (7 weeks)
2pm - 2.45pm
Whole course - £56 (7 weeks) (1 adult and 1 child)
Trial on 5 June - £9 (1 adult and 1 child) Siblings £5.40
£48 (1 adult and 1 child) if you would like to continue for the remaining 6 weeks please put remaining dates in the basket when re-booking and a discount will apply.
Drop-in sessions for the rest of the term £9 (1 adult and 1 child) I siblings £5.40.
Age guidance: 2 - 5 years
Book Club
Share your thoughts on contemporary fiction with other readers in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
This season our Book Club will be reading:
Thursday 17 April
The Romantic by William Boyd
Thursday 15 May
Normal Rules Don’t Apply by Kate Atkinson
Thursday 19 June
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Thursday 17 July
Table for Two by Amor Towles
Thursday 14 August
TBC
Suitable for 18+ years.
Spaces are limited, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
7.30pm – 9pm
£5 per session (includes a glass of wine or soft drink from the bar)
Avalon Edinburgh Preview: Matt Forde and Bilal Zafar
A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Due to a unforeseen circumstances, Chloe Petts has been replaced by Bilal Zafar
Matt Forde
Matt Forde is one of the country’s most in demand satirists.
Described as 'our foremost satirical stand-up' by The Sunday Times, Matt Forde has toured critically acclaimed shows nationwide including most recently Clowns To The Left of Me, Jokers To The Right in 2022 and Inside No. 10 in 2023.
Matt Forde’s hit live podcast The Political Party transferred to the West End’s Duchess Theatre in 2021 after over 70 sold out shows at Westminster’s The Other Palace, for a twice extended fortnightly residency continuing in to 2024. Matt has brought Parliament to life with his stand-up and debate with some of politics’ most powerful figures including Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Tony Blair, Eddie Izzard, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Angela Rayner, Michael Heseltine, Anthony Scaramucci, Alastair Campbell, Gordon Brown and Gary Neville. Matt has received numerous nominations from award bodies including the British Podcast Awards and Chortle Awards and the show is regularly highlighted as a top podcast pick in the press.
Matt wrote and voiced characters for Spitting Image (BritBox/ITV) including Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. Matt currently presents Absolute Radio’s weekly Rock ‘n’ Roll Football Show. He is also the co-host of Wondery’s flagship British Podcast Award winning British Scandal alongside Alice Levine.
In 2019 alone, Matt hosted the Alternative News Desk for Channel 4’s election night coverage, chaired the One Nation Conservative leadership hustings and debated Britain’s withdrawal from the EU with Tony Blair for the Institute of Global Change.
Matt hosted four series of Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave, receiving several nominations at the Broadcast Digital Awards, and has numerous other broadcast credits including: Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Mock The Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave) Rory Bremner’s Coalition Report and Rory Bremner’s Election Report (BBC Two), Question Time (BBC One), This Week (BBC One), Newsnight (BBC Two) and Daily Politics (BBC Two).
Matt’s first book Politically Homeless was listed by The Sunday Times as one the Best Political Books of 2020.
Bilal Zafar
Bilal Zafar was nominated for the lastminute.com Best Newcomer Award for his debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe. Bilal also won the New Act of the Year award joining the company of previous winners such as Stewart Lee, Ardal O’Hanlon, Joe Wilkinson and Linda Smith.
He was the runner up at the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year competition. He has appeared on BBC3, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Asian Network, and has written for The Independent.
An accomplished actor, he has appeared in Channel 4 sitcom Catastrophe, Sky sitcom Sick of It and the Paul Feig directed feature film Last Christmas.
He also runs a successful Twitch page which has racked up over 12.3K followers. He streams an interactive, improvised comedy show three times a week where he plays a football manager embroiled in scandal, featuring various special guests. The show is growing every day and has been picked up by multiple radio shows and newspapers.
Avalon Edinburgh Preview line ups are subject to change.
Studio
£12
Matt Forde
Matt's website
Bilal Zafar
X @Zafarcakes
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