For this unique concert, JBGB Events bring together Dave O’Higgins & Tom Smith- (two of the UKs greatest exponents of tenor, alto, soprano saxophones, flute and bass clarinet) , to play the music from the 1960’s of the US great jazz duo of John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy
John Coltrane, jazz genie and soprano saxophonist and composer was the most influential and acclaimed figure in the history of jazz and 20th Century music . A pioneer of modal and free jazz, he played with a unique tone and aggressive style described perfectly as “sheets of sound”.
Eric Dolphy , a multi- instrumentalist, expanded the boundaries and vocabulary of the alto saxophone; established the unconventional bass clarinet within jazz and was among the earliest significant jazz flute soloists.
Whilst both Coltrane & Dolphy achieved major concert and recording successes in their own right and some notoriety among conventional jazz circles with ground changing music, it was their coming together, with an outstanding trio to play a series of concerts at New York’s “Village Gate” jazz club, where the two jazz greats created dazzling rapport and interplay, that pushed the boundaries of hard bop jazz on into free jazz.
This music was recorded on several albums titled “Evenings At The Village Gate” that has made it possible for todays jazz greats – O’Higgins and Smith, to capture the mood, spirit and technique of this wonderful music and bring it to todays audiences in this convert,with their own imagination, creativity and improvisation.
Dave O’Higgins, no stranger to Dean Street, has performed to sold out audiences for his performances not only in quartet format with the music of John Coltrane, but also the music from the wealth of great American jazz tenor saxophonists, and most recently his arrangements for larger ensembles. He plays again at Dean Street, in the EFG London Jazz Festival, the music of John Coltrane on Wednesday November 19th
Tom Smith has proved his musical abilities as a saxophonist and as a writer and arranger of original, outstanding modern big band music. He performs the alto saxophone in Chris Ingham’s Rebop presentation of Miles in the 50’s and has entertained Dean Street audiences regularly, and will do again later this year – Sunday June 22, with his Big Band.
Here’s a memory lane recording of “Impressions” by John Coltrane & Eric Dolphy - with McCoy Tyner, Reggie Workman & Elvin Jones
“In a sea of wonderful music, this O’Higgins & Smith play Coltrane & Dolphy concert is a must get to for lovers of great jazz music” – The Hoste of Jazz
Doors 6.30pm
Music 8pm
Tickets £28