What’s On

Born in Hungary, a musician and composer, Zoltan Sagi attended the Guildhall School of Music studying clarinet but is completely self taught on saxophone drawing much inspiration particularly from Johnny Hodges, Cannonball Adderley and Stan Getz. He played for 3 years with the Chris Barber band and amongst others has played with Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Humphrey Lyttelton, Kenny Ball, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra and The Sticky Wicket Swing Orchestra.

Devon Harrison is one of the most versatile and charismatic jazz singers currently performing in the Midlands today. His rich baritone voice, very reminiscent of Johnny Hartman, so easily seductive in popular ballads such as: Misty, Body and Soul and My Funny Valentine, also demonstrates controlled power and flexibility in a variety of mid and up tempo Jazz, Blues and Soul Classics.

Devon has performed extensively in the UK and worldwide with orchestras, show bands and jazz ensembles. Including residencies at “Jazz after Dark” in Soho, London.

Completing the Quintet are Clive Morton (bs), Al Gurr (keys) and Keith York (dms).

Catherine is one of the finest jazz singers in the country. A member of the very famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, but equally at home with her own small band, she cites Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Julie London as her main influences.

Tonight with pianist Paul Buck, drummer Terry Howard and Clive Morton, long-time bassist with Frank Sinatra.

“I will be singing standards and songs from the Great American Songbook. I enjoy singing good show tunes in a jazz style which include songs like ‘If I were a Bell’ and ‘Lullaby of Broadway’ I think it’s important to let the audience hear the tune that was written when performing them, so I think they can expect to hear some songs they’ll recognise.” Catherine Sykes

Legendary American tenor star Scott Hamilton back in Worcestershire, but appearing at Severn Jazz for the first time, is joined by his regular, all-star UK band. Hamilton was born in Rhode Island in 1954 and, after moving to New York, cut his teeth in Benny Goodman’s band. He soon formed his own quartet, got signed to the legendary Concord record label, and collaborated with the likes of Woody Herman, Tony Bennett, Warren Vache and George Wein’s Newport Jazz Festival All Stars. Now based in Italy, Scott regularly tours across Europe and beyond, playing mainstream jazz and standards of the highest quality.

Scott Hamilton with  John Pearce (piano), Dave Green (bass) and Steve Brown (drums)

NB:This session will be £15

Nat Steele's  MJQ Quartet featuring multi award-winning US tenor sax giant Grant Stewart, with Steve Brown (drums), Dario di Lecce (bass), Gabriel Latchin  (piano) and Nat Steele (vibraphone).

Doing their take on the classic 1956 Prestige album "Sonny Rollins and the MJQ"

NB:This session will be £12