Jazz for the new year

The Hawth Crawley promises jazz from some of the best performers around this spring, with three top performances to enjoy, either as part of a Jazz Lunch or at one of the brand-new Studio Jazz sessions.

Spokeswoman Lorraine McGregor said: “Geoff Eales and Julie Walkington will be performing the first ever Studio Jazz session on Wednesday, February 22 at 7.45pm. These sessions will be in a relaxed cabaret setting, and audiences will be able to enjoy a choice of daily specials or sharing platters from the ArtsCafé plus drinks at their table.

“Geoff Eales and Julie play all the great jazz standards, including the favourites The Days of Wine and Roses, Tenderly, Watch What Happens, Stella by Starlight and Take the A-Train.

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“Geoff was for many years pianist with BBC Big Band and played for stars including Henry Mancini, Rosemary Cluny, Michael Ball and Shirley Bassey.”

Lorraine added: “The Studio Jazz continues with Simon Spillett and John Critchinson on Wednesday, April 11, 7.45pm.

Simon won the 2007 BBC Jazz Award for Rising Star and the 2011 British Jazz Award for tenor sax. Famed for his Tubby Hayes-like dexterity, Simon can also be as smooth and melodic as the best of them.

“His pairing with John Critchinson, the long-term pianist in all of Ronnie Scott’s own bands brings a fusing of the generations that is greater than the sum of the parts.”

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The Hawth is also offering a Jazz Lunch with Frank Holder on Sunday, March 25, 12 noon- 2.30pm.

“Frank is a fabulous entertainer and a legend on the London jazz scene. He began his career in England as the original vocalist with the Johnny Dankworth Seven before headlining solo shows at The Palladium. He still sings regularly at Claridge’s and Ronnie Scott’s.

“Performing a mixture of jazz and popular classics with a vigour that belies his years, Frank sings Rat Pack favourites, Bacharach, swing and easy listening.”

Tickets on 01293 553636 or book online at www.hawth.co.uk.