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.
Setting the ball rolling on Saturday 3 August, John is guesting in the front line with brilliant Scottish cornet player Mike Daly, who will be bringing his Dixieland Rhythm Kings band south of the border; a rare delight with their swinging mix of jazz classics.
Next up, John’s playing with an all-star lineup at St Augustine’s, alongside pianist Tom Kincaid, singer 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. Save the date – Saturday 24 August.
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
