Here are the final three shows that you can enjoy at the 2023 Southport Jazz Festival.
Hundreds of music lovers have already enjoyed seven spectacular gigs already at The Grand in Southport, courtesy of some of the top names in the UK jazz circuit.
This Sunday (5th February 2023) will now bring three more events for people to enjoy:
O’Higgins & Luft Tour 2023 – Pluto 1pm £15
Saxophonist Dave O’Higgins & guitarist Rob Luft now present their 2nd co-led recording three years after “Play Monk & Trane”. Where the first album clearly did what it says on the tin, “Pluto”, as the title suggests, comes from another place. Seven of the 9 songs are originals, and the remaining two are Monk & Trane hits from the 40-plus date tour in 2019 that evolved on the road.
The sonority has changed a little, too, with the Hammond organ of before replaced with piano and bass. This is straight-ahead modern jazz in the African-American tradition, clearly coming from the Monk and Trane lineage, but not bound to emulating it. You will hear Luft easily morphing Wes Montgomery with Bill Frisell, his own trademark soundscapes and worldly influences, while O’Higgins’ emotive melodies evoke Dexter, Trane, Joe Henderson and Brecker, with a melodic logic of his own.
Jeremy Sassoon’s MOJO – Musicians Of Jewish Origin 4pm £25
A foot-stomping, barn-storming celebration of some of the most iconic and best-loved Musicians Of Jewish Origin. Internationally renowned singer-pianist Jeremy Sassoon and his superb band will take you on a journey from the golden era of Gershwin, the Great American Songbook, through to the 21st century, honouring artists such as Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Randy Newman and Amy Winehouse. Full of surprising and hilarious anecdotes and some of the most unforgettable songs you’ve ever sung along and danced to, MOJO is illuminating, uplifting and joyous entertainment.
Jeremy has headlined Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. He plays regularly at Pizza Express Jazz Club and 606 Club in London and Berlin’s A-Trane Jazz Club.
Alan Barnes presents Copperfield – A Dickensian Jazz Suite 8pm £25
Like the Dickens classic itself, Alan Barnes’s “Copperfield” has something for everyone. A great night out that is also a treat for the jazz connoisseur; it will delight anyone who loves music or literature – or just being entertained!
This new suite of pieces, touring for the first time this year, takes the audience through the characters and scenes of ‘David Copperfield”. Readings from the original Dickens tell the story, and after each scene eight virtuoso musicians bring the characters and scenes to life, switching audiences from hilarity to pathos with a skill that would have done credit to Dickens himself!
Southport Jazz Festival is organised by local musicians Jez Murphy and Emma Holcroft.
Jez Murphy said: “We have around 2,000 guests coming to the 2023 Southport Jazz Festival at The Grand.
“We have people coming from the north east of Scotland; from London; from Scarborough on the east coast.
“People really are coming to Southport from all corners of the UK!
“We really want to get the message out there that the 2023 Southport Jazz Festival is happening this weekend and we’d love to see people come and enjoy the shows.”
- Southport Jazz Festival is at The Grand, 180 Lord Street, Southport, PT9 0QC from Friday 3rd February to Sunday 5th February 2023. For tickets please visit: southportjazz.co.uk
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