Earl is Duke of classic jazz

Earl is back on Sunday, minus the geese, as one one of the headline acts of Rye International Jazz festival.

So what can the audience at the George expect from the multi-talented entertainer who has managed to forge parallel careers in both comedy and as an acclaimed jazz musician?

“It will be something I call a Jazz Cabaret, says Earl, “There will be lots of classic jazz in the style of Duke Ellington and Hoagey Carmichael, as well as Bossa Nova, but there will be some humour.”

Earl is a veteran of more than 500 comedy shows at the Edinburgh Festival but has also played alongside the likes of Van Morrison, Paul McCartney and Wings and Cleo Laine.

At the age of 65 he is still a prolific song-writer as well as playing piano, guitar and vocal trumpet.

In more recent years he has gained recognition for his Bossa Nova performances, even being invited to play the style in it’s native Brazil.

Closer to his native London, he has been a regular at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in the West End.

Earl cites as among his influences Louis Armstrong. Peggy Lee and Mel Torme.

You can catch Earl at the George on Sunday from 7pm. Tickets are available on the door, priced £10, or book online at www.ryejazz.com