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Tim Whitehead Quartet

Thursday April 10^th Biggin Hall

"British saxophonist Tim Whitehead not only suggests a little of Sonny Rollins' brusque lyricism (as well as plenty of John Coltrane's headlong energy) but also the living legend's inviting inclination to spinlong improvisations off simple, even cheesy, song hooks. This live set (a 47 minute episode caught at the Soho Pizza Express last July) features the 1950's hit of the title track, three originals that take in a soul-jazzy "Happy Birthday To Me" and some jittery, stop-start Coltanesque postbop, and an initially wistful and then increasingly funky account of The Cardigans "Love Fool". Whitehead's tough talksound, melodic spontaneity and the momentum of a brisk rhythm section (plus the audible enthusiasm of the audience) would make this a fine example of local contemporary jazz at full throttle. But the big bonus is an absolutely inspired performance from Liam Noble, whose piano links touch on Keith Jarrett's songlike phrasing and McCoy Tyner's thunder - except that his playing all over this set supplies a constantly changing stream of personal variations on those methods, and plenty more."

The Guardian, on Tim's new CD

Tim Whitehead - Saxes

Liam Noble - Piano

Ollie Hayhurst – Bass

Milo Fell – Drums

8:30pm  £9

Art Themen Quartet

Thursday May 1^st Biggin Hall

Art's playing clearly reflects his early influences Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon and his style brings to mind a range of others from long gone swing stars to Coltrane. A superb trio backing Art featuring John Donaldson, pianist of choice of Don Weller and Alan Barnes.

"Themen has been a prominent feature on the British jazz scene for more than 30 years, 20 of them as featured soloist with Stan Tracey’s various bands... He is a warm witty player and sounds like no-one but himself."

Dave Gelly, The Observer

Art Themen - Saxes

John Donaldson - Piano

Arnie Somogyi - Bass

Matt Holme - Drums

8:30pm  £9

Jazz Coventry Finances

Sadly after 32 consecutive years of funding from West Midlands Arts and The Arts Council our funding application for 2007/8 was not successful. Although our Application was initially approved the Arts Council funds were limited and they had more good applications than they could fund. Following constructive discussions with the Arts Council however, we are now submitting a further application for the year beginning Autumn 2008 which we believe may be successful.

We were able to finance our Autumn 2007 programme out of our reserves but are now only able to stage the 2 gigs listed here until further funds are available. We hope to return to our normal 3 venue programme in autumn 2008.

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