Artists

B D Lenz

Friday 2:30pm - The Grand Pavillion Main Hall

Hailed as one of the top 20 "up and coming" jazz musicians of New Jersey by the Newark Star-Ledger,and featured in the New York Times, noted guitarist B.D. Lenz leads an original trio which has best been described as "a spirited mixture of sounds in the contemporary vein, ranging from the sprightly to the hard-wailing" (Curt Yeske - The Trenton Times).

“As a guitarist he defies tradition, but also defies genres as his lines and comping snake between jazz, funk, rock, pop... making him one of the most interesting young players on the modern jazz scene today”. Guitar International Mix together the styles of Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, and Stevie Ray Vaughan and you have the recipe for one of the hottest new contempo-jazz guitarists on the scene today. Catch New Yorker B D Lenz on this all too rare visit to our shores.

National Youth Jazz Orchestra

Friday 7:30pm - The Grand Pavillion Main Hall

NYJO features the best, most gifted and talented of the next generation of Great British jazz musicians.

NYJO is world-famous as a glittering showcase for the country’s best young musicians. Since NYJO’s founding, by Music Director Bill Ashton OBE in 1965, most of the current generation of top British jazz musicians have risen through its ranks, often becoming established jazz stars whilst still playing with the band. One of NYJO’s aims is to share the talents of exciting young players with as wide a potential audience as possible.

“Forget the word youth, this is one of the best bands you will ever hear” said the late Sir John Dankworth about the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. There is no doubting that NYJO is a world class outfit. Enjoyed by non-jazz audiences and aficionados alike this 22-piece band with two vocalists offers a truly uplifting celebration of the jazz orchestra sound. Its line-up includes some of the country’s most gifted young talent, destined to become the next UK jazz generation.

Jacqui Dankworth

Saturday 3.30:pm - The Grand Pavillion Main Hall

Daughter of the legendary jazz musician and composer the late Sir John Dankworth and International singing star Dame Cleo Laine, Jacqui Dankworth was brought up either on the road or by a succession of Spanish nannies. To Jacqui the positives of the entertainment world attracted more than the negatives repelled. There was never any question that she wouldn’t follow her parents into show business.

Widely regarded as one of the finest singers of her generation, she draws on a wide spectrum of genres including folk, soul and blues to give an effortless display of vocal virtuosity.

Buddy Greco

Saturday 8.00pm - The Grand Pavillion Main Hall

Sticking to his mantra to “always try to do something different, something for yourself. You just don’t go on automatic pilot” has stood Buddy Greco in
good stead. There are few who can match a remarkable career which has seen him perform alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, The Beatles and many more.

His 65 albums, covering every genre from jazz to country to pop have sold in their millions including his hit singles Oh Look at Her, Ain’t She Pretty, and The Lady Is a Tramp.

Geoff Eales Trio

Sunday 2:00pm - The Grand Pavillion Main Hall

Welshman Geoff Eales is regarded as one of Europe's most inspirational jazz pianists and composers.

He joins us as part of a 25-date nationwide celebration tour to mark his 60th birthday. Joined by Julie Walkington (bass) and Simon Pearson (drums), the trio will be playing a typically diverse mix of well-loved standards, jazz classics and powerful originals.

Though he has been pro-active in a vast variety of musical situations throughout his long and distinguished career - accompanying pop stars, country singers, opera divas, blues artists and funk legends as well as working extensively on TV shows, commercials and film soundtracks - it is within the realm of jazz and improvised music and as a soloist in his own right that the full extent of Geoff's musical personality is revealed.

Jiggs Whigham

Sunday 11:30am - Jazz workshop - Grand Pavillion stage door
Sunday 8:00pm - The Grand Pavillion Main Hall

Jiggs Whigham is an internationally acclaimed trombonist, band leader and educator. This versatile performer, born Oliver Haydn Whigham III in Cleveland Ohio on 20 August 1943,
first came to the attention of critics and fans at 17, as featured soloist and first trombonist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Ray McKinley. Two years later, he was first and solo trombonist with Stan Kenton.

Following a year of studio and Broadway Musical engagements in New York, he became featured soloist with the Kurt Edelhagen Jazz Orchestra at the West German Broadcasting Company in Cologne, Germany in 1965.

Since then he has played and recorded with virtually anyone who's anyone and is widely admired for his fluent and expressive playing, particularly of romantic lyrical ballards which he interprets with great emotion.

Miroslaw Witkowski

Monday 1:30pm - The Grand Pavillion Main Hall

Miroslaw Witkowski graduated with a Master's Degree in Voice Performance from the Music Academy in Lódz (Poland) and graduated with a Performer Diploma in 2009 from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he was the first recipient of the prestigious Jacobs Scholarship.

Equally at home on the operatic stage or singing Jazz, R&B and soul with a whole range of bands and orchestras he is rapidly developing into one of the most popular Polish vocalists.

Monika Małgorzata Pikula

Monika Małgorzata Pikula studied violin at The Fryderyk Chopin University of Music In Warsaw. With more than a touch of a Grappelliesq virtuosity she adds in a unique dimension to the ensemble.

Tomasz Nowak

Monday 3:00pm - The Grand Pavillion Main Hall

Tomasz Nowak was born in 1977 in Kraków, Poland. He studied at the High School of Music in Kraków and in 2003 studied and graduated at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice under direction of Poland’s leading Jazz musician Piotr Wojtasik. Tom started his professional career in Krakow’s clubs aged 17 and was soon awarded 1st place and individual distinctions at the Jazz Standards Festival in Siedlce, Poland for 2 consecutive years. He also received top honours at the Gdynia Young Jazz and Blues Musicians Competition.

He currently performs with world-renowned violinist Nigel Kennedy and his band, playing prestigious concerts throughout Europe. A frequent visitor to London where he often records with leading musicians from the vibrant Jazz, Funk and Soul scene including Xantoné Blacq, Troy Miller, Yaron Stavi and Gene Calderazzo. Tom is a seasoned musician who has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The Dean Street Jazz Club, Vortex Jazz Club and the Jazz Café, as well as at other famous international venues such as the Theatre des Champs Elysees in France and Quasimodo's in Denmark.

The Syd Lawrence Orchestra

Monday 7:30pm - The Grand Pavillion Main Hall

Having just been voted the ‘Best Big Band in the Land’ for the 12th consecutive year, The Syd Lawrence Orchestra’s popularity continues to go from strength to strength.

Leader, Chris Dean packs a real punch with this dazzling new show ‘The Best of the Big Bands’ offering an evening filled with the most immediately distinctive music, seamlessly combined with audience banter, producing a unique fusion of music and humour.

Founded in 1967 by trumpeter and arranger Syd Lawrence, the fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra has been thrilling audiences in Concert Halls, Theatres, TV Shows and Music Festivals all over Great Britain and Continental Europe for over 40 years. Featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Billy May, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and played for you by performers with a real passion for their music, this show is bound to leave you dazzled from the very first number.

The great Neal Hefti is only one of the many who have enthusiastically received the SLO's latest album 'Strictly Big Band '.

Always fresh and exciting, so don't miss out!

Tommy Harris Quartet

Friday 22nd April 1:00pm - Brentwood Hotel

Tommy Harris plays saxophone and flute and is leader a Quartet which includes Dave Jones on piano, Frank Hughes on double bass and Martin Webber on drums.

For many years an integral part of the London jazz scene, Tommy has played with numerous big bands all over the UK and Europe, appeared at Ronnie Scott’s and, in its heyday, was a regular at London’s Talk Of The Town, playing with the likes of Judy Garland, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin and Pat Boone to mention just a few.

The Liberty Street Jazz Band

Friday 22nd April 1:00pm -Trecco Bay
Sunday 24th April 1:00pm- Hi Tide Inn Jazz Brunch

The Liberty Street Jazz Band are one of Wales's most long-serving and popular jazz bands as evinced by their very substantial, loyal fan base.

They are always in demand for performances throughout England and Wales as well as being featured at several of the major Jazz Festivals.

The band constist of Marcus (leader) on Cornet, John on Clarinet, Simon on Trombone, Dewi on Banjo and Graham on Drums. The band does not currently have a regular bass player, but are grateful to Mike, Peter and Steve who stand in on occasions when requested.

Afternoon In Paris

Friday 22nd April 4:00pm -The Brentwood Hotel

Afternoon In Paris was formed recently by guitarist Jeremy Young. Their music is based on the gypsy swing jazz tradition made popular by the Hot Club of France and is strongly influenced by Django Reinhardt, Benny Goodman and other similar great artists.

Taking as their starting point the Latin and Swing rhythms of the 1930s, the band combines those influences with the more current gypsy jazz scene and their own diverse musical backgrounds - adding for good measure, an infectious love of music and a great sense of fun.

 

 

Claudia Gunnars and The Jazzmasters

Friday 22nd April 5:00pm - Grand Pavilion Stage Door

On of the most versatile and talented artists to emerge from Iceland, Claudia Gunnars is rapidly building a national reputation in the United Kingdom.

Thanks to her powerful stage presence, there’s never a dull moment when Claudia and her Jazz Masters get together. In their own inimical way they cover a whole gamut of styles, incorporating sizzling Latin rhythms, cool swing, blues, shuffle and the kind of music to really make you shake your tail feathers.

 

 

 

Capital City Jazzmen

Friday 22nd April 6:00pm - Porthcawl Hotel

The Capital City Jazzmen features members of the Capital City Jazz Orchestra which rounded off our 2009 Festival in such great style.

Enthusiasm is the hallmark of their fun-filled performances featuring the classic Dixiland and Swing repertoire as well as the occasional modern ballad.

 

 

Tony Armaral

Friday 22nd April 10:00pm - Grand Pavilion Stage Door
Saturday 23rd April 10:00pm - Grand Pavilion Stage Door
Sunday 24th April 10:00pm - Grand Pavilion Stage Door
Monday 25th April 10:00pm - Grand Pavilion Stage Door

Portuguese Tony Armaral (Antonio Estevez) obtained his music degree at the conservatory in Madeira in classical piano, but specialises in jazz piano.

Tony arranges, composes and teaches but has spent most of his working life as pianist appearing on TV, radio and in the theatre. For many years he was Musical Director at the Casino Madeira backing singers and musicians from all over the world.

He has a particular interest in be-bop and the music of George Shearing, Bill Evans, Errol Garnei and Oscar Peterson.

Join Tony on keyboards for an al fresco end to the day at the Festival Club. Sit back and listen or jam along. Anything goes.

Dominic Norcross Quartet

Saturday 23rd April 12:00pm - Brentwood Hotel

Dominic Norcross is a UK based sax player, specialising on alto, tenor and baritone, who has played and toured with such jazz greats as Digby Fairweather, Tommy Smith, James Morrison and Bobby Shew.

Regarded by Mick Taylor as being "one of the best blues and rock n roll sax players in Europe", Dominic also plays in the much acclaimed swing band, The Numbers Racket, nominated " the best European jive/swing band" by Juke Blues magazine USA.

Now fronting his own jazz quartet with great success Dominic lists his influences as John Coltrane, King Curtis, Stan Getz, Jr Walker, Gerry Mulligan, Clarence Clemons and Eric Alexander.

‘’The Dominic Norcross Quartet is fast becoming one of the must sees on the British jazz circuit’’ - Jazzwise UK

No Borders Quintet

Saturday 23rd April 1:00pm - Seabank Hotel

Balancing classical material with contemporary jazz and funk this exciting new band produces a very individual sound that is hard edged, hard swinging and undoubtedly modern. Led by magnificent Canadian trumpet master, Jonathan Crespo and Texan born sax player Albert Garz, ably supported by Jim Barber on piano, Ashley John Long on bass and Ian Poole on drums.

 

 

 

Jeff Meredith Quartet

Saturday 23rd April 3:00pm - The Brentwood Hotel
Monday 25th April 4:00pm - Newton Green

Jeff and his band simply enjoy sharing with audiences the kind of music they like listening to - and that’s jazz standards from the great American songbook with nods to Latin American influences along the way. They’re a happy band and before you know it you’ll be discovering just how catching their brand of cheerfulness can be.

 

The Numbers Racket

Saturday 23rd April 5:30pm - Porthcawl Hotel
Monday 25th April 2:00pm - Newton Green

An exciting six piece jump jive/swing band who play a little bit of blues too. Band members include, Maurice on vocals, Jason on trumpet, Dominic on saxophone, Nino on drums, Johnny on guitar and JJ on bass. Bring your dancing shoes for this one and get ready to jive!

 

 

 

Mike Britton Trio

Sunday 24th April 11:00am - Trinity Church Easter Jazz Service
Sunday 24th April 1:00pm - The Brentwoodl Hotel

Mike Britton is a jazz guitarist in the mainstream melodic tradition. Influences include Charlie Christian, Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, Tal Farlow etc.

Mike did his "apprenticeship" in London's West End playing at venues such as The Playboy Club, Savoy, Hilton and Royal Lancaster Hotels and The Embassy Club.

Leading jazz sessions on BBC Radio 2, Radio 3 and Jazz Club, he also has a considerable list of recording and BBC redits with such distinguished rhythm sections players as Brian Dee, Alan Ganley and Dave Green.

Mike is now resident in the West Country, from where he gigs, and has taught for some years in colleges (Lecturer in Jazz, Dartington College Of Arts).

Graham Watkins Quartet

Sunday 24th April 12:00pm - Porthcawl Hotel

The Graham Watkins Quartet and the fabulous Clare Hingott serenade the evening with a great programme which will include songs made famous by Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Van Morrison plus many, many more.

Led by Graham at the keyboard, the quartet features Clare's melodious voice with Jack Williams - bass and Dave Prosser - drums.

 

 

John Paul Gard Trio

Sunday 24th April 4:00pm - Seabank Hotel

John-paul Gard started playing the organ at the age of 10. Within eight months he had made it into the finals fo the UK's best organ player. He continued his studies and was influenced by musicians such as Jimmy Smith, Joey Defrancesco, Harry Stoneham, Alan Woodley, Erroll Garner, Oscar Peterson, Jerry Allen, George Flurey, Tony Pegler, and Alan Haven.

At the age of 20, John-paul gained a place on a 3 year music composition course at Coventry University and studied with Prof Julian Heleby, Dr Chirstopher Best, Owen Dutton, and Robert Ramskill. It was during this time that he had the privilege of gaining tuition from Jason Rebello and Dave Buxton. During his studies at Coventry University he was also offered a place at Berkley Music College in the USA.

MOST RECENT FESTIVALS AND PROJECTS 2009
Esmond Selwin (g) organ trio at the Marlbourgh Jazz Festival and Birmingham Jazz festival, CD with Esmond Selwin and Robin Jones to be relased 2010, Andreas Olberg organ trio at the IGG Festival,new project with the TW trio gigs in the midlands, mini tour with the cookbook (george benson tribute band) of Italy with Alex Hutchings (g) new project with the group Organic based in South Wales, Release of CD (Warm Ghosts in a Cold World)in USA (west coast) with the Jon Dalton organ trio, Organ trio recording with Gethin Jones(d) for the Jazz Wise magizine part of the yamaha musicians series, The Cookbook at the Swindon Music Festival (2gigs), Dartmouth Music Festival with the Andy Christie(g) organ trio with Dave Sheen (d) Gascone Place Music festival with the Cook Book, Bristol Music Festival with the Cookbook, New endorsment with the Keyb Organ group,also part of a new bristol group called truffle shuffle.

Dave Jones Trio with Lee Goodall

Sunday 24th April 5:00pm - Porthcawl Hotel

Dave Jones Trio's 2010 cd release 'Journeys' was chosen as jazz cd of the week in the London Evening Standard by the jazz critic Jack Massarik.

The Trio's performance at the Porthcawl Jazz Festival follows an engagement at the Oxford Jazz Festival the previous day, but on this occasion they are joined by saxophonist Lee Goodall who recorded the 'Journeys' album and featured prominently on several tracks.

They'll be playing material from 'Journeys', together with some newly composed material and a few tracks from Dave's 2008 'Impetus' album"

 

Milk Biscuits

Monday 25th April 12:00pm - Brentwood Hotel

Milk Biscuits is a unique and accomplished trio from South Wales that provides a flexible blend of atmospheric jazz, melodic soul, funk, and blues.

Milk Biscuits are: Joey Pearson – Guitars, Rich Perkins – Drums, Tris Davies - Bass.

Recent credits include: Supporting the sensational Catherine Jenkins at the Audi showrooms in Swansea to an audience of over one thousand people. Supporting the James Taylor Quartet in The Point, Cardiff.

5 Go Swing

Monday 25th April 4:00pm - Brentwood Hotel

5 Go Swing draw their inspiration from the beauty and passion of Gypsy Jazz. Formed in Cardiff in 2004, they have quickly left their mark on the local jazz scene, thrilling audiences with an irresistible mix of beautiful melodies combined with compelling dynamic and rhythmic variety. 5 Go Swing have been a quartet since 2009. Their repertoire both exhilarates and moves, combining popular standards, gypsy jazz classics and original material. As can be heard on their recent studio album 'La Traverse'.

 

 

 

Panama Jazz Band

Monday 25th April 5:00pm - Porthcawl Hotel

The Panama Jazz Band is a talented group of Bristol - based musicians. Their lively style and obvious enjoyment of the music soon rubs off on audiences.

They are a serious band with a light-hearted approach, but are also able to do justice to the great jazz classics and many popular tunes.

Their repertoire includes everything from upbeat numbers such as High Society and When the Saints Go Marching In to ‘smoochy’ tunes like Mood Indigo, Summertime or Stranger on the Shore.