All that jazz in Crudwell (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

All that jazz in Crudwell

FOLLOWING its sell-out concert with Jamie Cullum last year, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) will be playing at Crudwell, near Malmesbury on Saturday and Sunday, May 29 and 30.

The NYJO first played at Crudwell in 2002 for the Queen's Golden Jubilee and such was the clamour for a repeat performance that it was immediately signed again for a repeat engagement last year.

And as its special guest the NYJO introduced none other than Jamie Cullum, the million pound voice of jazz in the new millennium. Jamie and NYJO played a superb two-hour concert and set the audience alight with the quality of their performance.

This year, for the first time, NYJO plays two nights at Crudwell which will make this superb band accessible to more people who want to see the best young jazz musicians in the country.

On the evening of Saturday, May 29, NYJO's special guest vocalist will be David Tughan, whose first CD Just In Time has recently been released and has received rave reviews.

David's voice has been likened to a cross between Mel Torme and Chet Baker, and he has enjoyed recent appearances on Russell Davies's programmes on BBC Radio 2 as well as extensive coverage elsewhere.

On Sunday, May 30 another special guest vocalist is scheduled to appear in a completely different programme from the previous evening. Both concerts are in the Village Hall, with doors opening at 7.30pm.

A ploughman's supper is included in the ticket price and there will be a licenced bar.

In addition, NYJO will be holding a special jazz workshop in Crudwell for all budding young musicians in the area on the afternoon of Sunday, May 30, starting at 2.30pm.

More details from Wala Elliott on 01823 442084, mobile 07962 103735, or email welliott@btinternet.com