There’s a great triple offering of world class lunchtime music when international reedsman John Hallam returns to guest at Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club for three afternoon gigs across August and September.
John’s a great favourite at the club and his career stretches across Europe and America, playing with bands featuring jazz greats like George Melly, Stephane Grapelli, Digby Fairweather and Humphrey Lyttelton.
Having sat in as guest with Scottish cornet player Mike Daly and his band earlier this month, John heads north again on Saturday 24 August to play at St Augustine’s alongside an all-star lineup that includes pianist Tom Kincaid, star vocalist Mellow Baku, Ian Bateman on trombone and trumpeter Andy Dickens. A rhythm section of John Day from Chris Barber’s Big Band, Rachel Hayward and Nick Millward complete the band.
And 7 September sees John return with the always-popular ‘Mr Men’ quartet, featuring John along with Jeff Barnhart on piano, Keith Stephen on guitar & banjo, and Bruce Rollo on bass. Jeff will have people on the edge of their seats with his larger-than-life personality; introducing toe-tapping performances of tunes familiar and obscure.
John’s world-class sessions come at a very local price of just £10 per time on the door. There’s plenty of free onsite parking and no charge for young people 15 and under.
Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club meets at St Augustine’s Parish Centre, Larchfield Street, Darlington. The doors open at noon for a 12.30pm start. Teas and coffees are available, and there is a licensed bar. If you don’t want to drive, the Parish Centre is just a short walk from the bus stops on Tubwell Row and Darlington railway station. For more information go to www.darlingtonjazz.co.uk