|
The 21st Wigan International Jazz Festival got off to a storming start
this weekend as a sun-soaked Wigan Borough enjoyed everything from cool
swing tunes to unique and explosive Jazz expressionism.
The weekend opened to the impressive sound of High Brass in the heart of
Wigan town centre. Market Place came to a standstill as the rich,
foot-stomping sound of High Brass filled the sun-kissed atmosphere. The
day was also a significant step in the career of young local prodigy
Jonathan Murray as he entertained an attentive crowd at Rigalettos
restaurant at the JJB Stadium.
Later on Saturday, at Lowton Civic Hall, the Peter Cater Big Band
mesmerised an awestruck crowd with their energy and showmanship. Star
performer, drummer and band leader Pete Cater lived up the names of his
heroes Buddy Rich, Joe Morello and Louie Bellson in what was a virtuoso
performance.
Festival Director, Ian Darrington, says, “The opening weekend always
plays an important role in setting the tone for the whole Festival. We
are delighted to get off to such a wonderful start and we are sure the
rest of the week will follow on from the excellent Big Band performances
and displays of drumming brilliance we have witnessed this weekend.”
Sunday, also lived up to expectations, as both Georgina Bromilow’s Big
Band and the legendary Ben Riley’s Monk Legacy brought the house down
with their shows. Sandwiched in between was another excellent
performance at Rigalettos by Alexandra Lorence.
Ian continues, “Ben Riley’s group delivered a unique performance that
had the audience in raptures. It’s fantastic that the Festival can pull
in names of his status and get that kind of performance. Georgina and
her Big Band also delivered a crowd-pleasing slick show that is so
typical of her professionalism and eye for a great tune.”
Ian continues, “I’m so pleased that the opening weekend has been such a
diverse mix of young and old and different styles of jazz music. I would
urge all music fans to come and witness something special during the
remainder of festival week.”
Jazz talents from across the globe will continue to keep toes tapping
this week as Roy Hargrove, James Moody, Slide Hampton, Lynne Arialle,
Scott Hamilton, John Dankworth, Cleo Laine and Monty Alexander will all
be appearing as part of the festival.
The Wigan International Jazz Festival runs through to Saturday 22nd
July, with some tickets still available. Fans are urged to call the
booking office on 01942 825677 to avoid disappointment.
Festival brochures are available on request from the Tourist Information
Centre. For regular updates visit the official festival website:
www.wiganjazz.net. All artists appear at the Wigan International Jazz
Festival by arrangement with Ernie Garside Productions.
The Wigan International Jazz Festival’s main sponsor is Manchester
Airport and is co-ordinated by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, Wigan
Council and Wigan Jazz Club. Other sponsors and supporters of the
festival are: Marketing Manchester; Nuttall Construction Ltd; Arts and
Business; Greenberg Glass; John Smith’s Ltd; Modus; Arts Council
England; AGMA; JJB Stadium; Lancashire Life; Cell Creative; Rotary
International; Wigan and Leigh College; The Galleries Shopping Centre;
Lesiuretec and Executive Chauffeurs.
-ends-
NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information on this news release please
contact Chris Dunbar, on 01942 486937 or at
c.dunbar@wlct.org, or Phil
Green on 01942 827369 or at
p.green@wiganmbc.gov.uk. For more
information on the Wigan International Jazz Festival visit the official
festival website at
www.wiganjazz.net. Images and artist interviews are
available by arrangement.
The full line-up of celebrity concerts at this year’s Wigan
International Jazz Festival is: Dizzy GillespieTM All-Star Big Band;
Dankworth Dynasty; Monty Alexander Trio; Ben Riley’s Monk Legacy; We
Remember Clifford; Roy Hargrove Quintet; Lynne Arriale Trio; Pete Cater
Big Band and Georgina Bromilow Big Band.
The Wigan International Jazz Festival will reach a crescendo in a 'Super
Saturday' of jazz, on 22nd July, in the heart of Manchester, in
collaboration with the Starbucks Manchester Jazz Festival. A series of
lively events have been scheduled for the day, beginning with an
open-air performance in St Anne’s Square and culminating in a headline
appearance by Jamaican piano legend Monty Alexander at the Royal
Northern College of Music.
►
Print this page
►
Return to Trust News
|
Ben Riley @ Wigan Jazz Festival 2006
Georgina Bromilow @ Wigan Jazz Festival 2006 |