Jazz Hastings mourns key team member

Jazz Hastings’ next concert will be dedicated to the memory of Julian Norridge.

Julian, who died in March following a short illness, was an award-winning journalist and BAFTA and Emmy-nominated TV programme maker and writer. He handled Jazz Hastings’ publicity for many years.

Jazz Hastings spokesman John Donaldson said: “Whilst studying law at Oxford Julian took on the role of editor of the university's newspaper Cherwell and on graduating continued to pursue journalism. He worked initially on the London Evening Standard before moving into television at ITV, as editor and producer on Weekend World and The London Programme.

“He also produced several TV series both in the UK and the USA. In 2008 he wrote the Sunday Times nominated Sports Book of the Year, Can we have our balls back, please? How the British invented sport, published by Penguin.

“On retiring to Hastings in 2012 he continued writing – for Jazz Hastings and the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, also taking on the role of presenter at the latter for several years.”

John added: “Our next concert is dedicated to Julian on May 5 and features an internationally renowned duo Elina Duni and Rob Luft.

“In 2017, Elina Duni and Rob Luft's paths crossed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, marking the inception of a unique project. They have since toured the world and released two critically acclaimed albums on ECM Records in a quartet formation.

“For this session, they’ll be promoting their new 2026 album, Reaching for the Moon. A stripped-back duo effort, it revisits the essence of their initial meeting.

“Here we can witness the stark beauty of Elina Duni’s vocals blending with Rob Luft's crystalline guitar lines in a mesmerizing dance. Together, they weave a tapestry of songs that evoke the mystery and joy of the night, the moon and the magic that lives within us all. This musical journey is a gentle caress, a soothing lullaby that offers hope in the darkness, reminding us of the solace of home.

“Born in Albania but now living in Geneva, Elina won the Swiss Music Prize in 2017 Rob was crowned Instrumentalist of the Year in the 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Award.”

The concert will be at the East Hastings Angling Association, The Stade, Hastings, TN34 3JF

Doors 7.30 for an 8.30 start. Tickets on the door only.