AMSER JAZZ TIME | LIVE PREVIEW
Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama, Cardiff
Fri 10-Sun 12 May
words: Ellen Davies
Can’t wait until August’s Brecon Jazz to get your jazz fix? Good news, The Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama have announced their very own three-day festival offering a diverse programme of jazz performances. Established with the support of The Arts Council Of Wales and the Colwinston Charitable Trust, Amser Jazz Time boasts an impressive lineup featuring some of Britain’s best jazz musicians from Fri 10-Sun 12 May.
There are six concerts in total arranged over the three days. With performances from the likes of the legendary jazz singer Norma Winstone and British jazz/funk foursome the James Taylor Quartet, the festival bill promises a high calibre selection of performances. For 25 years the James Taylor Quartet have established a reputation for awesome live performances, and whether you love the Celtic jazz tones of the Neil Yates’ Five Country Trio or are curious to experience the dark and chaotic Kit Downes Quintet – pianist and composer Kit Downes’ new project – there’s plenty of variety to choose from. Tenor saxophonist Mark Lockheart will also be showcasing his new project Ellington In Anticipation which sees him deconstruct and rearrange some of Duke Ellington’s best-loved compositions including Take The A Train and Mood Indigo.
Alongside concerts by established jazz musicians, the college will also be running a series of free performances in which their young jazz ensembles will have an opportunity to showcase their talents and to entertain a wide audience of jazz fans. Hosted in the atmospheric surroundings of the Richard Burton Theatre and Dora Stoutzker Hall, the festival provides the perfect opportunity for jazz enthusiasts to catch some exciting and evocative concerts. Whether you’re familiar with jazz music or not, Amser Jazz Time offers a wide range of performance to suit even the most eclectic of tastes. With the promise of fresh talent and an opportunity to see some real jazz legends, this three-day festival promises a hearty helping of high-class jazz to tide you over until summer.
Info: 029 2039 1391 / www.rwcmd.ac.uk/jazzfestival
