The Art Themen Quartet play the Blue Note Jazz Club Bexhill

The Art Themen Quartet play the Blue Note Jazz Club Bexhill on Sunday, November 1 from 3-5pm.

Spokeswoman Lynda Murray said: “Art Themen, the jazz doctor, is a veteran of the British jazz establishment. He was Stan Tracey’s frontman for more than twenty years and toured the world with Stan’s quartet.

“Art has won the best tenor sax player in the British Jazz Awards and has been featured with the majority of established figures on the UK jazz scene. In addition he has played alongside American legends including Philly Joe Jones, George Coleman, Red Rodney, Al Haig, Charlie Rouse, Bud Shank, Nat Adderley, Arturo Sandoval, Sal Nistico, Scott Hamilton, Eric Alexander et al. Outside the jazz scene he has accompanied such diverse artists as Mick Jagger, George Harrison, Rod Stewart, Jack Bruce, Joe Cocker, Chuck Berry, Alexis Korner and even Bing Crosby!

“During the Covid lockdown Art kept himself busy by playing about 100 socially-distanced mini concerts in the hope of buoying up the spirits of the neighbours in his lane. He has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Worshipful Company of Musicians and recently was shortlisted for Jazz Musician of the Year in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. “Finally, by an incredible stroke of luck he’s managed to acquire Ronnie Scott’s tenor sax which has the additional provenance of possibly being owned by Hank Mobley, one of the all-time tenor saxophone greats.

“Joining him will be Simon Robinson (jazz piano). Simon is an exceptional jazz pianist, composer and arranger. He is based in Brighton and is involved in many bands and music projects. He has been an associate lecturer on the Chichester jazz course for the last 17 years and involved in teaching jazz within the Brighton scene over a long period of time. He plays jazz piano, Hammond organ and keyboards,

“Paul Whitten, master of the low end on double bass, has been a mainstay of the Brighton jazz scene for many years. He is a very popular sideman and while in Paris had a stint playing with the Chet Baker Quartet.

“Joe Edwards has played drums since he was eight years old. He is one of the most in-demand drummers in the Brighton area and is making a name for himself further afield. He has played in a range of locations across the south of England including the 606 club, as well as Love Supreme, Swanage and Rye jazz festivals. He plays various styles, primarily jazz, in settings from small groups to big bands.”

Sunday, November 1, 3-5pm; tickets £15; doors/bar 2.30pm; Town Square Social Club (formerly Comrades Club), 4-6 London Road, Bexhill, TN39 3JU. The building is set back from the road up a short slope.