James Allsopp and his Quartet play Steyning Jazz Club

Appearing at Steyning Jazz Club on Friday, July 3, award-winning James Allsopp and his Quartet are amongst London’s most in-demand jazz musicians.

Club spokesman Colin Jilks said: “The evening will be a thrilling tribute to American master saxophonist Stan Getz, known in his lifetime as The Sound.

“We will undoubtedly be in illustrious company as James is Professor of Saxophone and Clarinet at Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama; he is also Professor of Alexander Technique at Royal College of Music. The Quartet’s celebrated line-up will be James Allsopp, tenor saxophonist; Colin Oxley, guitar; Andrea DiBiase, double bass; and Dave Storey, drums.

“The evening will feature music from Getz’s rich back catalogue, with lush ballads, lilting bossa novas and swinging standards. The Quartet will also be playing music from their brand-new album Over the Rainbow, featuring such evergreen favourites as Get Happy, Over the Rainbow and A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.

“James is an astonishingly fluent tenor sax soloist, his musicianship flowing effortlessly. His background, as a jazz saxophonist, was greatly influenced by his father who was an avid enthusiast, providing an atmosphere nurturing James’ early years. James went on to take his BMus in jazz performance with second study of classical clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music.

“In a 20-year career he has been a featured performer and recording artist for an incredibly diverse range of musicians having played in concert and on albums by legendary artists such as The Last Poets, David Axelrod, Dr John and Mulatu Astake. Also for European jazz luminaries such as Django Bates, Nostalgia 77, Kit Downes and Polar Bear, together with more commercial albums by Jamie Cullum and Jorja Smith as featured soloist.

“James’ debut album was nominated for BBC Jazz Award for Best Album 2007 and he won the BBC Jazz Award for Innovation 2008.

“As well as performing, James currently teaches both saxophone and clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He is also an external examiner for Leeds College of Music.”

Admission charges remain at £15 for non-members, £10 for members and tickets for this concert need to be pre-booked at (www.wegottickets.com, enter Steyning in search box). For those unable to book online, team member Lindsay Buchanan will accept emails at [email protected] or contact by phone 07855 693356. The show begins at 8.00pm. Steyning Jazz Club meets at The Steyning Centre, Fletcher’s Croft, Steyning. BN44 3XZ. Information from Colin Jilks on 01903 810395.