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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The Queen of British Blues Dana Gillespie is one of the most colourful and entertaining vocalists in the UK.
In a career spanning seven decades Dana continues to enthral audiences across the globe with her unique take on the sometimes risqué, always satisfying genre of jump blues.
With boogie woogie pianist Dino Baptiste in her ranks, Dana is sure to bring the house down.
Also on the bill is Norwich blues star Luke Arnold. The Blues Situation frontman is performing tracks from his first solo CD.
Support: Luke Arnold
Virtuoso harmonica player Phil Hopkins and his group present an homage to the Belgian music maestro Toots Thielemans.
Toots was one of the greatest chromatic harmonica players of all time and shared stages and studios with many of the biggest names in music.
Phil’s heartfelt tribute has won him many accolades and we are delighted to bring him and his colleagues to Ipswich.
Kicking the afternoon off will be two of Suffolk’s most talented young jazz musicians - pianist Oscar Lyons and saxophonist Harry Greene.
Support: Oscar Lyons & Harry Greene
Vibes man Roger Beaujolais makes a rare Ipswich appearance.
With a string of fine albums to his credit, Roger’s successful career goes from strength to strength.
In a previous life he worked extensively with the group Fairground Attraction who enjoyed a number one hit with Perfect.
These days he writes and records much of his own material ensuring the vibraphone remains an important jazz instrument.
Getting this month’s show underway will be the Suffolk trio Sunset Bamboo. They perform a blend of original material and classic covers drawing on jazz, Latin and Spanish styles.
Support: Sunset Bamboo
One of the most familiar figures on the British music scene makes his Venue 16 debut.
In a show re-arranged from last year, Jools Holland’s long standing guitarist will be joined by drummer George Double and bassist Adam Double.
Having made his name as a consummate sideman, Mark is also a must-see artist in his own right as his eagerly awaited IJBC appearance will prove.
Expect lots of his blues-drenched songs with some tasty covers thrown in.
Supporting Mark is Suffolk-based blues guitarist Joel Fisk in solo mode.
Support: Joel Fisk
The longest serving guitarist in the history of Dr Feelgood - Steve Walwyn - returns to Ipswich in a new guise.
Steve is now lead singer and guitarist of his own band and alongside him are Horace Panter, bassist in the legendary ska band The Specials, and Ted Duggan (ex-Badfinger) on drums.
This is a blues trio to be reckoned with.
Opening the show are Suffolk’s premier acoustic blues act Back Porch. Nothing more needs to be said.
Support: Back Porch
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
