The current programme of North Wales Jazz concerts at the Royal British Legion in Llay, Wrexham, continues on Tuesday, June 3 with a performance by the eight piece outfit the Stuart Riley Octet.
The band boasts a five horn front line including Mike Hall (tenor sax), a winner of John Dankworth’s Wavendon All Music Award and director of the Royal Northern College of Music Big Band, who is already a favourite with North Wales jazz lovers.
Playing alongside Mike are Mike Hope (alto sax), Martin Smith (trumpet), Jim Fieldhouse (baritone sax) and Simon Lodge (trombone).
Formed by bandleader Stuart Riley (double bass), tutor in jazz studies at the respected Leeds College of Music for many years and until recently musical director of Salford University Big Band, the octet’s influences range from Gil Evans’s cool jazz style and Basie-style swing to Kenny Wheeler and Dave Douglas.
Their repertoire consists of a mix of jazz standards by such greats as Dave Brubeck, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joshua Redman, Wayne Shorter and Charles Mingus, some well-known, some less so, all arranged by the leader, plus a selection of his original compositions.
The line-up of fine young and more mature musicians who form the Stuart Riley Octet is completed by Andrzej Baranek (keyboards) and Geoff Brain (drums).
The music commences at 8.30pm and admission is £6.50, concessions £5.50, school children £3. Further information is available on 01745 812260 and at www.northwalesjazz.org.uk.
