TrustNEWS Item

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Date: 20th May 2005

Wigan Welcomes Wizard of Oz!

There's talented… There's really talented…

And then there's James Morrison.

He's known the world over as being one of the best there is on the trumpet. But he's also a whiz on the trombone, saxophone, piano, tuba, flugel horn, even the euphonium. In fact it'd be easier to list what he doesn’t play.Born in Boorowa, Australia, in 1962, James holds the honour of being the first from his country to perform with the late, great Dizzy Gillespie at the Montreaux Jazz Festival.He is also the only Australian ever to be invited to join the all-star Philip Morris Big Band World Tour.

And now the thunder from down under is preparing to say 'G'day Wigan' when he plays an exclusive live set at the 20^th Wigan International Jazz Festival.

And James will be in good company when he headlines at the JJB Stadium's Marquee Suite on Friday July 15 because behind him will be Wigan's own world famous all-stars - The Wigan Jazz Club Big Band.

James, who has played at festivals across the globe and in front of audiences including Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, the Queen and Prince Charles, is really looking forward to his Wigan debut. "Wigan Jazz Festival's got a world wide reputation and it's an honour to be invited to play as part of the 20^th anniversary celebrations," he said.

"There are some great names playing at this year's festival and when I team up with the Wigan Jazz Club's Big Band it should be a night to remember!"

This year's festival is a celebration of big bands and James will be sharing the line-up with luminaries such as the Count Basie Orchestra, The Woody Herman Orchestra and the Mingus Big Band.

Wigan International Jazz Festival Musical Director Ian Darrington, will be performing with James and can't wait.

He said: "By anyone's standards James Morrison can be described as a virtuoso. He's been playing since he was seven and is one of those people who seem to have an natural gift.

"Ian added: "It's not just that he can play a whole orchestra full of instruments but he has a style all of his own.

"He has played with some of the best and has been compared to the best. It's going to be a real treat to play with him again and even more of a treat to be in the audience."The 2005 Festival runs from Saturday July 9^th to Saturday July 16^th. Tickets go on sale in May and more information is available from the box office on 01942 825677. All artists appear by arrangement with Ernie Garside Productions.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further information on this News Release please contact Chris Dunbar, Public Relations Consultant, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, on 01942776719 or at c.dunbar@wlct.org, or Phil Green at Wigan Council’s Press Office on 01942 827369.

SPONSORS: Wigan International Jazz Festival is supported by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and Wigan Council’s Education Department. The Festival is kindly sponsored by Manchester Airport, Greenberg Glass, John Smith's Ltd, Kronenbourgbuy and fly!, Leisure Tec, Executive Chauffeurs, Arts Council England, Jazz Review Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, The Rotary Club of Wigan, Wigan & Leigh College and Wigan Jazz Club.

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