This will be a night of “cool jazz” in tribute to one of the greats of the West Coast scene of the 1950s - Shelly Manne. An extraordinary and unique artist who has left an immense legacy of collaborations and recordings.
A precise, creative, individual drummer, he was dynamic and always deeply swinging.
Tonight we celebrate his quintet and their particular contribution to the Manne canon. A swinging, tight knit unit energised with joyful, unselfish and virtuosic participation; Shelly’s beat, responsive encouragement and supportive leadership always at the heart of matters.
The centrepiece of tonight’s music is inspired by a clutch of golden quintet performances captured live at The Black Hawk Jazz Club in San Francisco between 22 and 24 September 1959.
Tonight’s band have been hand-picked for the way they connect with and are inspired by their corresponding original artists. They do though aim to express our own originality and collective inspiration with the Manne Blackhawk quintet as their DNA framework. The stellar line-up comprises:
Jim Davison (trumpet), Mark Crooks (tenor sax), Leon Greening (piano), Jeremy Brown (double bass) and Matt Skelton (drums & leader).
“[Skelton’s] playing recalls the great legendary piano trio recordings of music from the movies…. Whether using brushes or sticks, Skelton displays tremendous talent and musicality. He understands the legacy of the music and of his instrument. I can’t think of much higher praise than that.”
“Fine 1950s bebop !”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £16 / £10 for members
All seating/tables are first come first served.