Steyning Jazz Club promises “inimitable jazz and scintillating musicality”

Steyning Jazz Club promises an evening of “inimitable jazz and scintillating musicality” provided by Richard Leach and his renowned Street band on Friday, June 5.

Club spokesman Colin Jilks said: “The band will feature: Richard Leach on trombone; Tony Pipkin, cornet; Zoltan Sagi, clarinet and alto sax; Spats Langham, banjo; Nick Ward, drums and percussion; and Dave Deakin, sousaphone.

“The band’s infectious two-beat rhythm and style is helped along by the inclusion of a sousaphone in its line-up, a manifestation gaining many followers and admirers at festivals and on the jazz club circuit.

“Richard ventured onto London’s jazz scene playing alongside musicians like Humphrey Lyttelton, Terry Lightfoot, Johnny Dankworth and many more. He led his own Northside Jazz band for twenty-six years with top names such as George Webb, Harry Gold, Joe Daniels, John Bestable, Bruce Turner, Beryl Brydon, Roy Williams and Digby Fairweather, all guesting with the band.

“He has gone from strength to strength now leading his own distinctive Street Band which he formed in 2012 when asked to provide a strolling traditional jazz ensemble to play at various music festivals.

“Richard is also involved in many exciting projects. One is Slide By Slide, the idea of fellow trombonist Kevin Grenfell, a trombone duo playing a diverse repertoire with the backing of a high-class rhythm section. Although involved in many musical activities, he still greatly enjoys freelancing with other bands, giving him the opportunity to play different styles of jazz.

“During his playing career Richard has collected several awards for his musicianship including: Trombonist of the Year in the Jazz Travel awards of 1993; Musician of the Year in the Stafford Jazz Society Awards of 2005; and Band of the Year, with Kevin Grenfell and Richard Leach’s Slide By Slide in the Stafford Jazz Society Awards of 2012.”

Admission charges remain at £15 for non-members, £10 for members. 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 by phone 07855 693356. The show begins at 8pm. Steyning Jazz Club meets at The Steyning Centre, Fletcher’s Croft, Steyning. BN44 3XZ. Information from Colin Jilks on 01903 810395.