It’s September Festival, which means two St Ives Jazz Club nights this week, with the Louise Parker Quartet and the Nigel Price Ensemble.
Nigel Price
Award-winning jazz guitarish Nigel is up first on Tuesday (16th September). His blend of flowing bebop lines, deep blues sensibility, and his mastery of chording continue to delight audiences and fellow musicians alike.
His career highlights include a support show for Gladys Knight at the Royal Albert Hall and an appearance on Van Morrison’s recent album Keep Me Singing.
Starting his professional career in his early 20s, Nigel toured Europe with various reggae and funk bands before settling on a solo guitar career and turning his attention to jazz. Citing early influences as Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, John McLaughlin, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Nigel honed his craft by attending gigs and sitting in with the players of the time. He has made more than 500 appearances at Ronnie Scott’s.
Nigel has played on more than 50 albums, including five as a leader, spent ten years with acid jazz outfit The Filthy Six, was a member of James Taylor’s band for three years (with whom he recorded five albums) and performed with the legendary David Axelrod. He has also taught at The International Guitar Foundation, at King’s Place, London.
He has worked tirelessly to organise his own tours (including a 56-date tour in late 2016) and has picked up a Parliamentary Jazz Award (best jazz ensemble, 2010), a nomination for a British Jazz Award (best guitarist, 2014) and a British Jazz Award (best guitarist, 2016) along the way.
Louise Parker
The following day, Louise Parker brings her quintet to town. Citing Nina Simone and Billie Holiday as major influences, this relaxed, swinging mainstream jazz singer ha worked alongside some of the UK’s most established jazz musicians, including the likes of Dave Newton, Alan Barnes and Humphrey Lyttelton, with whom she also recorded, as well as being asked to perform at his memorial concert at the Hammersmith Apollo.
The rest of her quartet will comprise Sarah McDonagh (saxophones), Tom Quirke (piano), Ross Williams (bass) and Damian Rodd (drums).
Tickets for Nigel Price are available here, and for Louise Parker here.
