Inspired line-up of bands for the Llandeilo Jazz Festival
There’s an inspired line-up of bands and acts for the Jazz@Llandeilo 2015 weekend on July 3-5.
Guaranteed to be a major hit at the festival are the wonderfully-named Fasta Benj, pictured above.
Fasta Benj had only just formed when they were showcased at the festival two years ago.
Since then, they’ve gone on to be described as “Quite simply, the best Gypsy Circus Ska Band around today.”
Sadly, seven band members will be heading for new pastures shortly, so the Jazz@Llandeilo gig will be their last for a while.
So, there’s an extra special reason not to miss them!
The accurate description of the band bills them as a seven piece balkman surf-punk band from South Wales.
They play music to make you stamp your feet and shake your bottom.
One thing is for sure – it’s going to be a great Saturday Night Party at The White Horse in Llandeilo.
Other acts on the line-up include -
The Dukes and the Duchess
Inspired by some of the most classic jazz melodies and arrangements of all time, this talented nine-piece band was formed specifically to play the music of jazz legend, Duke Ellington.
Rachael Sage
This American is a soulful vocalist and talented pianist. Her music has been given many labels, from rock to pop to folk, and her style has been called ethnically tinged, lush, emotionally insightful, and even quirky. She has shared stages with Sarah McLachlan, A Great Big World, Judy Collins and Colin Hay, and will now add to her list of venues Llandeilo Jazz Festival!
Morriston Big Band
Comprising a grand total of 19 musicians, which include trumpets, trombones, saxophones, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and vocalists, this diverse band always provides a wonderfully full and rich sound.
Hideaway Trio
Formed in 2008 by Lead Guitarist and Singer, Gareth Price’s love for the blues is what drives this much admired power trio. The band blend blues, rock and soul/funk into a sound of their own referencing Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Doyle Bramhall II amongst others. At Llandeilo, The Hideaway Trio will play a special tribute to “king of the blues guitar”, BB King who passed away in May at the age of 89.
Pro Copa
Headlining Friday night, Pro Copa features highly experienced musicians who now all live in Carmarthenshire and West Wales and play an eclectic mix of Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop. This exciting new four- piece outfit interpret a wide range of material that extends to classic artists such as John Meyer and Steely Dan.
Acoustic Showcase
It is something of a tradition at Jazz@Llandeilo that the festival showcases local instrumentalists, bands and singer songwriters in an afternoon treat at The Angel Hotel, highlighting Llandeilo’s diverse music scene.
Jo Fooks Quartet
Edinburgh-born Saxophonist and Flautist, Jo Fooks first came to prominence when Humphrey Littleton invited her to join his renowned touring band describing her debut album as “staggeringly good”. Appearing with her top draw quartet at Llandeilo Jazz, her mellow tone and assured tenor playing is often compared to the great Stan Getz.
Clark Terry Tribute
Clark Terry, who passed away in February this year at the age of 94, was one of the all time great jazz trumpeters and a pioneer of the flugelhorn – an instrument he introduced to life-long friend, Miles Davis. Ceri Williams will lead his quartet in a Welsh Jazz tribute to Clark Terry at Llandeilo Jazz 2015.
Albino Frogs
Simply known as “The Frogs” to the ever growing number of followers supporting their smiling upbeat music, this band appeals to all ages, as they deal out plenty of Funky Jazz, Latin and Rocky grooves, which get your foot tapping and the body swaying. Uplifting with instantly hummable melodies and memorable hooks, so much so that by the second chorus you are easily singing along.
Jazzabelles
Vocal Duo Llinos M Jones and Denny G take you on a journey through much loved classics across the decades from The Great American Songbook through to contemporary artists such as Norah Jones via Dionne Warwick, Julie London and Nina Simone. Jazzabelles have also taken current numbers by Jessie J and Bruno Mars for example, and have added their Jazzabelles sparkle in order to produce another dimension to a well known song.
Radio Groovebox
Radio Groovebox are a ‘throwback to the future’ in the footsteps of the hugely successful Postmodern Jukebox. Radio Groovebox take classic modern and not-so-modern pop songs and give them a retro swinging jazzy vibe. Expect songs by The Cure, Bob Marley, David Guetta, Radiohead, Disney and many more favourites you’ll soon be swinging and singing along with. Their takes on heavy metal anthems, boy-band megahits and Ibiza floorfillers will bring back memories of yesteryear and yesterday.
Ian Shimmin
Llandeillo’s Mr Music, Ian Shimmin is here accompanied by his versatile band featuring original melodic material alongside standard Jazz and Show Tunes and a crowd-pleasing dose of contemporary covers for good measure.
Llandeilo Town Band
Since their appearance at the festival last year, Llandeilo Town Band has gone from strength to strength. Under the guidance of John Morgan, this vibrant community band embraces musicians of all ages and includes a diverse repertoire providing opportunity to participate and musical entertainment for all to enjoy.
Morriston Big Band of Swansea
Formed in November 1995 to ensure Big Band music and traditions live on, Morriston Big Band comprises 4 trumpets, 5 trombones, 5 saxophones, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and a male and female vocalist, providing a wonderfully full and rich sound. The band’s library encompasses a wide range of music with something to suit all tastes including jazz, swing, rock and roll, Latin-American, big band, and pop music from the 60′s to the present day.
The Groucho Club
Formed in 2009, The Groucho Club play high energy Jazz with Rock and Funk mixed in. This experienced quintet feature saxophone, keyboard, bass, drums and guitar producing an exciting blend of melody, rhythm and improvisation, influenced by the likes of Chick Corea, George Duke and Pat Metheney.
Jude Western and The Mean Mistreaters
Singer and bandleader “Big Mo” brings his outstanding Rhythm and Blues outfit to The White Horse for their festival debut. Hailing from West Wales, this authentic five-piece cover Chicago and Classic electric blues classics in their own inimitable style. Their Jazz Festival performance will be supplemented by a special guest appearance from reputed Jazz and Blues singer, Jude Western.
The Dukes and the Duchess
Inspired by some of the most classic jazz melodies and arrangements of all time, this talented nine-piece band was formed specifically to play the music of jazz legend, Duke Ellington.
Rachael Sage
This American is a soulful vocalist and talented pianist. Her music has been given many labels, from rock to pop to folk, and her style has been called ethnically tinged, lush, emotionally insightful, and even quirky. She has shared stages with Sarah McLachlan, A Great Big World, Judy Collins and Colin Hay, and will now add to her list of venues Llandeilo Jazz Festival!
Morriston Big Band
Comprising a grand total of 19 musicians, which include trumpets, trombones, saxophones, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and vocalists, this diverse band always provides a wonderfully full and rich sound.
Hideaway Trio
Formed in 2008 by Lead Guitarist and Singer, Gareth Price’s love for the blues is what drives this much admired power trio. The band blend blues, rock and soul/funk into a sound of their own referencing Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Doyle Bramhall II amongst others. At Llandeilo, The Hideaway Trio will play a special tribute to “king of the blues guitar”, BB King who passed away in May at the age of 89.
Pro Copa
Headlining Friday night, Pro Copa features highly experienced musicians who now all live in Carmarthenshire and West Wales and play an eclectic mix of Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop. This exciting new four- piece outfit interpret a wide range of material that extends to classic artists such as John Meyer and Steely Dan.
Acoustic Showcase
It is something of a tradition at Jazz@Llandeilo that the festival showcases local instrumentalists, bands and singer songwriters in an afternoon treat at The Angel Hotel, highlighting Llandeilo’s diverse music scene.
Jo Fooks Quartet
Edinburgh-born Saxophonist and Flautist, Jo Fooks first came to prominence when Humphrey Littleton invited her to join his renowned touring band describing her debut album as “staggeringly good”. Appearing with her top draw quartet at Llandeilo Jazz, her mellow tone and assured tenor playing is often compared to the great Stan Getz.
Clark Terry Tribute
Clark Terry, who passed away in February this year at the age of 94, was one of the all time great jazz trumpeters and a pioneer of the flugelhorn – an instrument he introduced to life-long friend, Miles Davis. Ceri Williams will lead his quartet in a Welsh Jazz tribute to Clark Terry at Llandeilo Jazz 2015.
Albino Frogs
Simply known as “The Frogs” to the ever growing number of followers supporting their smiling upbeat music, this band appeals to all ages, as they deal out plenty of Funky Jazz, Latin and Rocky grooves, which get your foot tapping and the body swaying. Uplifting with instantly hummable melodies and memorable hooks, so much so that by the second chorus you are easily singing along.
Vocal Duo Llinos M Jones and Denny G take you on a journey through much loved classics across the decades from The Great American Songbook through to contemporary artists such as Norah Jones via Dionne Warwick, Julie London and Nina Simone. Jazzabelles have also taken current numbers by Jessie J and Bruno Mars for example, and have added their Jazzabelles sparkle in order to produce another dimension to a well known song.
Radio Groovebox
Radio Groovebox are a ‘throwback to the future’ in the footsteps of the hugely successful Postmodern Jukebox. Radio Groovebox take classic modern and not-so-modern pop songs and give them a retro swinging jazzy vibe. Expect songs by The Cure, Bob Marley, David Guetta, Radiohead, Disney and many more favourites you’ll soon be swinging and singing along with. Their takes on heavy metal anthems, boy-band megahits and Ibiza floorfillers will bring back memories of yesteryear and yesterday.
Ian Shimmin
Llandeillo’s Mr Music, Ian Shimmin is here accompanied by his versatile band featuring original melodic material alongside standard Jazz and Show Tunes and a crowd-pleasing dose of contemporary covers for good measure.
Llandeilo Town Band
Since their appearance at the festival last year, Llandeilo Town Band has gone from strength to strength. Under the guidance of John Morgan, this vibrant community band embraces musicians of all ages and includes a diverse repertoire providing opportunity to participate and musical entertainment for all to enjoy.
Morriston Big Band of Swansea
Formed in November 1995 to ensure Big Band music and traditions live on, Morriston Big Band comprises 4 trumpets, 5 trombones, 5 saxophones, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and a male and female vocalist, providing a wonderfully full and rich sound. The band’s library encompasses a wide range of music with something to suit all tastes including jazz, swing, rock and roll, Latin-American, big band, and pop music from the 60′s to the present day.
The Groucho Club
Formed in 2009, The Groucho Club play high energy Jazz with Rock and Funk mixed in. This experienced quintet feature saxophone, keyboard, bass, drums and guitar producing an exciting blend of melody, rhythm and improvisation, influenced by the likes of Chick Corea, George Duke and Pat Metheney.
Jude Western and The Mean Mistreaters
Singer and bandleader “Big Mo” brings his outstanding Rhythm and Blues outfit to The White Horse for their festival debut. Hailing from West Wales, this authentic five-piece cover Chicago and Classic electric blues classics in their own inimitable style. Their Jazz Festival performance will be supplemented by a special guest appearance from reputed Jazz and Blues singer, Jude Western.
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