Organised by a local community group, Drayton Events, this concert features the extraordinary talents of Pete Long (Musical Director of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club) and James Pearson (Artistic Director of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club) who will be combined in a concert of spectacular musicianship the like of which has not been seen in Somerset for many a year (certainly not in the ballroom of a small hotel in a small town in the middle of the Somerset levels!).
The list of credits for this illustrious duo is almost endless – between them, they have worked with a panoply of stars: Dizzy Gillespie, John Scofield, Chick Corea, Supersax, Jamie Cullum, Georgie Fame, Claire Sweeney, Jane MacDonald, Sir Willard White, Jools Holland, Clare Teal, Joss Stone, Dionne Warwick, Katie Melhua, Mel C and Emma B, Will Young, Seth McFarlane, Stereophonics, Tom Jones, Norah Jones, Solomon Burke, Dr John, Lulu, Lionel Richie, Dame Cleo Laine, Maria Ewing, Marian Montgomery, Petula Clark, Kevin Spacey, John Wilson, Elvin Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Stewart, Buddy Greco, Johnny Griffin, Joseph Horowitz, Richard Rodney Bennett, Ray Davies, Jeff Beck and Paul McCartney to name just a few!
Drayton Events’ inaugural concert will be a demonstration of extreme virtuosity and artistry, punctuated with stories and anecdotes as Pete and James take the audience on dazzling musical journey. The programme will include some well-loved classics:
- Benny Goodman’s Airmail Special and The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise.
- The contrasting sounds of Lester Young And Coleman Hawkins will be featured on the Tenor Sax with recreations of Lester’s famous solo on Lady Be Good and Hawkin’s solo in Body & Soul
- Pete and James’ legendary reduction of Rhapsody in Blue for two! That’s quite something.
- Malcolm Arnold Sonatina for Clarinet & Piano
- Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto.
- WORLD PREMIERE of James Pearson’s Sonata for clarinet and piano.
- …And more!
A spokesman for Drayton events said; ‘Drayton Events are really thrilled to be able to present this concert. It was always our intention to bring music of real quality to the local area, but something of this calibre is just amazing. A great opportunity for anyone living in the local community, who has musical interests, to experience the best. All without paying a fortune or having to travel to a big city.
This is beyond exciting. How often do you get to see a performance of this class outside London let alone in the heart of the Somerset levels? We’re not only in for a superb display of musicianship, but Pete Long is a great raconteur with a seemingly endless store of funny anecdotes. The Ballroom at the Langport Arms Hotel is also a great venue for this intimate sort of concert and the audience will feel very much part of it all. Everyone will be able to see every movement and hear every note. It’s certainly set the bar very high for our future events.’
Venue and concert details
When
- Tuesday 8th September, 2015
- Concert starts at 7.30pm – Doors open at 6.30pm
Where
- The Ballroom, The Langport Arms Hotel, Langport TA10 9PD.
01458 250530
- Tickets £15 – available at www.draytonevents.com
- Entry by ticket only – Limited availability
- Bars available in the Ballroom and the adjoining Langport Arms Hotel, for pre-concert and interval drinks.
- Pre-concert meals available – Contact The Langport Arms Hotel – 01458 250530
About Drayton Events
Drayton Events are a Community Group comprised of David and Helen Adams, Louise Lee and Jon Parkinson.
Formed in the summer of 2015, their intention is to bring a series of high quality music events to the local area for the benefit of the local community.