We hold monthly gigs in the spacious Willow suite at Venue 16, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich. The IJBC is a not-for-profit organisation run by jazz and blues enthusiasts whose sole aim is to bring the very best acts to Suffolk’s county town.
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Ben Holder is the most acclaimed and exciting jazz violinist in the UK. Classically-trained, his introduction to jazz masters such as Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson and Stephane Grappelli led Ben to truly find his place as a musician. The ginger violin guy, as he’s been dubbed, fronts a group also featuring Chris Ingham on keyboards, Owen Morgan on bass and George Double on drums.
Support act ... The Parker / Hurley Guitar Duo
As the long-standing guitarist in Jools Holland’s Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, Suffolk-based Mark has shared stages and TV studios with many of the biggest names in music. His own music has its roots in blues and world music and features his distinctive, lived-in vocal style alongside his stunning guitar work. Backing him will be drummer George Double and the much-in-demand bassist Adam Double whose playing can be heard on the soundtrack to the Elton John movie Rocket Man.
Support act ... Luke Arnold
Guitarist Nigel Price, winner of a 2016 British Jazz Award, is a regular performer at Ronnie Scott's where he has appeared more than 500 times. He spent three years with the James Taylor Quartet and has performed with the BBC Big Band, Carleen Anderson and the legendary David Axelrod. His saxophone playing co-star Vasilis Xenopoulos Is one of the most accomplished Greek jazz musicians of his generation. He’s a genuine representative of straight ahead jazz as can be heard on his album Dexterity which, as the title suggests, is a tribute to Dexter Gordon.
Support act ... James Goodwin & Dave Thomas
Suffolk-based pianist and musicologist Chris Ingham has put the jazz of Dudley Moore firmly back in the spotlight. Chris brings us his acclaimed musical celebration of a man who was much better known for his comedic roles on the small and big screens. Dudley was an accomplished musician and much of his very best work will feature in this heartfelt appreciation by Chris and his rhythm section of George Double (drums) and Geoff Gascoyne (bass).
Support act ... Tim Ainslie
We are absolutely delighted to present the legendary jazz-funk band Shakatak. This will be their first show in Ipswich for several years and will see them performing all their iconic hits and most popular album tracks.
They are best known for 1980s classics like Night Birds, Easier Said Than Done, Down On The Street, Dark Is The Night and Streetwalkin’.
Shakatak’s classic line-up of Jill Saward, Bill Sharpe, Roger Odell and George Anderson are in much-demand throughout the world and this gig will be an early Christmas present for us all to cherish for years to come.
