February Program

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February 2010

1^st Organ Society present

Ryan Edwards

He started his public life back in 1992, when he appeared as a junior at the National Electronic Organ Festival in Morecambe, which were followed by appearances in 1993 and 1994. His first official booking was for the Belper Organ Society and Southport Organ and Keyboard Club in 1994. His popularity grew rapidly and bookings started coming in thick and fast. Since 1992 he has given over 500 concerts across the British Isles as well as playing for all the major festivals. He became a professional organist in 1996. He was very privileged to be featured on the front cover of 'Organ Times' magazine (December/January 1998) and have an article about his life in the 'Musicians for the Millennium' section of 'Organ and Keyboard World/ magazine (February/March 1998). Ryan's continued popularity on the circuit could be a result of his fresh approach to organ playing which is reflected in the variety of styles of music in his concert programme. He understands the need to awaken new interest in the organ especially in his generation by appealing to both traditional and modern tastes.

7.30pm Tickets £5.50 members £4.50

4th Jazz Steps present

Stan Sulzmann's homage to Sonny Rollins and the 60's

Stan Sulzmann is without question one of the most highly respected musicians in the UK today, admired by musicians and audiences for his instantly recognisable sound, and boundless creative imagination, and is a source of inspiration to many of Britain's emerging young musicians.

Sulzmann’s career stretches back to the 60’s, when as part of a uniquely talented crop of British musicians, he played with Graham Collier, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Gordon Beck, as well as leading many groups of his own.

8.00pm Tickets

10th – 13th Prospect Players presents

Ladies Day

The play sees a group of four women taking the day off work from their dreary jobs in a fish factory, slipping off their hairnets to don their fascinators and head to the races. Once there the foursome, themselves fish out of water, make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity to mix it with posh folk. Some racegoers - and indeed those that work in fish factories - might find the premise grating. Racing might be the sport of kings but a typical crowd at a race meeting, including Royal Ascot, attracts a wide cross-section of people from all walks of life.

7.30pm Tickets £6.50 concessions £6.00

18th Jazz Steps presents

Mike Walker

During the last decade Mike has visited the States, and most of Europe, as George Russell's guitarist, recording with him on several occasions. Also, as a member the Creative jazz Orchestra, Mike has played with Vince Mendoza, Anthony Braxton, Bill Frisell, Tim Berne, and Mark-Anthony Turnage.

Amongst the many other fine musicians that Mike has played and recorded with over the last 20 years, mention must be made of Dave Holland, John Taylor, Tal Farlow, Bob Moses, Arild Anderson, and Palle Mikkelborg, as well as some fine vocalists including Mica Paris, Norma Winstone, and Jacqui Dankworth with whom Mike regularly tours.

8.00pm Tickets

25th Jazz Steps presents

MCQ featuring Peter King

PETER KING, in the words of one critic, “is the finest alto saxophonist that Britain has ever produced, and one of the finest in the world today” (Dave Gelly, 'The Giants Of Jazz', Aurum Press, 1986). He has been a major influence on the British Jazz scene ever since he played (at the age of eighteen!) the opening of Ronnie Scott's Club, London’s internationally famous Jazz Mecca. “Had Scott's Club died overnight and been heard of no more, it could still have justified its existence by pointing to a discovery like Peter King.”(Benny Green, 'Jazz Decade, Ten Years At Ronnie Scott's', King's Road Publishing Ltd 1969) ” A wonderful musician, Peter King is a master of his instrument. People are aware of that here in America as well as in England” said Elvin Jones in Jazz U.K. magazine Sept 2001. "Peter King is one of the best musicians in the world." (Lalo Schifrin

8.00pm Tickets £10.00 concs £8.00 Students £5.00

27th Paul Leegan presents

Putting on the Style

Start 7.30pm Tickets £13