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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Yorkshire-born bassist and composer Ben brings his all-star group to the Willow suite.
Their stellar line-up includes Steve Lodder on keyboards and Steve Waterman on trumpet and flugelhorn.
They’ll be playing a set showcasing their leader’s latest compositions.
Also on the bill is Norwich jazz pianist Simon Brown who’ll be doing a rare solo set.
Support: Simon Brown
Formed in 1998 Horn Factory are now firmly established as one of this region’s very best big bands.
They play a wide range of contemporary big band jazz from composers including Buddy Rich, Bob Mintzer, James Morrison, Sammy Nestico and Gordon Goodwin among others. Horn Factory also play arrangements of material normally associated with smaller jazz combos spearheaded by the likes of Chick Corea and Horace Silver. Most of the charts have been composed in the last 15 years, bringing the big band genre right up to date with music that absolutely crackles with energy.
It’s been a while since Horn Factory last graced one of our stages. They’ll be performing two sets for us so we’re in for a glorious afternoon of big band jazz at its very best.
Firm favourites on the blues, r&b, rock & roll & swing dance scenes, The Cadillac Kings feature five of the UK's top roots musicians. Inspired by early rhythm & blues styles with a distinctly modern take lyric-wise, this is a band that has earned a reputation for wowing audiences from night clubs to festivals, from theatres to dance halls, the length & breadth of the UK & Europe. This year has seen the release of Crash And Burn. It’s their best album so far and proof, if needed, that this is a band at the very top of their game.
Opening this afternoon’s proceedings will be Suffolk acoustic blues duo Saltshaker. Singer/ harmonica player Adrian Day and vocalist/guitarist Andy Heasman combine forces to bring us a lively mix of covers and originals.
This hugely popular quintet feature musical director and pianist Chris Ingham, singer Joanna Eden and reeds player Mark Crooks and will need no introduction to our long standing patrons. They played for us several times at our previous home so their first appearance at Venue 16 is eagerly awaited by old and new jazz fans alike.
As their name suggests, they specialise in performing music from the big screen and they leave no stone unturned to present a new twist to songs and tunes associated with cinema.
Chris, Jo and Mark will be joined by drummer George Double and bassist Joe Pettitt. Jazz At The Movies will be performing two sets.
The music of American band Steely Dan has its roots in jazz. You only have to hear the opening bars of Rikki Don’t Lose That Number to realise that. It’s incredibly similar to the start of Horace Silver’s Song For My Father and throughout Donald Fagen’s musical career his love of jazz has always been in evidence.
The East Anglian group Steemy Dan have been fine purveyors all things Steely Dan for much of this century, performing the songs of Becker and Fagen to critical acclaim throughout this region. Founder Bob Cushing has assembled some of this area’s top musicians to ensure his project does Steely Dan proud.
They’ll be doing two sets for us as they dip into the back catalogue of one of the greatest U.S. acts of all time.
The UK’s most exciting jazz violinist is back by public demand. Ben is starring in our Christmas special and if you saw him at Venue 16 in the summer of last year you will know what a special talent he is.
You won’t be able to take your eyes off Ben as he takes you on a musical journey proving how versatile the violin can be. Ben is a big fan of the festive period so expect a smattering of seasonal tones together with some appropriate hats for the occasion.
As many of you have come to expect, we hand out complimentary sausage rolls and mince pies at our December gig. We also have a bumper raffle giving you the chance to win a Christmas hamper. Kick off the festive period in fine style.
