|
Ref: tn_0804 Date: 8th April 2004 |
|||
|
Take Five in Wigan - Stars Come Out For Festival The greatest names in Jazz are heading for Wigan this summer! The line-up for this year's world-famous Wigan International Jazz Festival has just been revealed and it's going to prove to be one of the hottest years ever! Now in its 19th year, the festival will run at the equally famous Wigan Pier and other venues throughout the town from Friday July 9 until Sunday July 18. Leading this year's pack will be legendary pianist, composer and jazz pioneer Dave Brubeck and the rest of his quartet. Californian-born Brubeck turned the world onto jazz and has introduced millions of enthusiastic young listeners to the genre since the late '40's onwards. His track Take Five taken from the seminal album of the same name, became the first ever million-selling jazz tune. He is equally famous for tracks such as Blue Rondo a La Turk and his jazz interpretations of classics such as the Judy Garland-esque Trolley Song. His influence is still being felt today with his jaunty Unsquare Dance providing the backing to at least one television advert currently doing the rounds.
Now 84, Brubeck still has a busy worldwide touring schedule and he will be headlining at the Barbican alongside the London Symphony Orchestra before heading north to Wigan. Dave isn't the only living legend to heading from stateside to take centre-stage at this year's festival. Joining him will be multi-Grammy award winning sax god Phil Woods. The alto-sax and clarinet maestro has played with the likes of Quincy Jones and Dizzy Gillespie as well as being a star in his own right. Another festival highlight will be Philadelphia's Jimmy Smith - often described as one the most influential Hammond organists ever. While there are present day stars such as critically acclaimed Jazz singer Karrin Allyson and the energetic and infectious Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
Festival director Ian Darrington MBE said: "The only word to describe this year's line up is awesome. We feel honoured to know that Dave Brubeck will be gracing the stage at Wigan and equally thrilled at the rest of the line-up. "Interest in Jazz as a part of popular music is on a high at present and the festival reflects this because it promises something for everyone. As well as the headliners there will be plenty to bring the whole of Wigan to life during the festival including lunchtime concerts, rising stars, street concerts and educational events and seminars." This year's festival is sponsored by Manchester Airport, Greenberg Glass, Jazz Review, British Waterways, Wigan Jazz Club, the Arts Council, the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Wigan Pier, Wigan Local Education Authority and Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust.
-ends- Notes to Editors
|
|||
|
Trust Home Page | About Us | Leisure | Culture | Tourism | Sport | Arts | Libraries | Contact Us |
