NEW YORK (www.themickjaggercentre.com Official Website) - The new spring season at the
Mick Jagger centre, Dartford looks set to be the strongest programme yet since the venue opened its doors to the public in March 2000.
From January to April no less than 17 top class music acts will be bringing their talents to Dartford, with something for a wide range of musical tastes, be they rock, jazz, folk or blues. There will also be performances from four big bands and some of Dartford's best young bands in an �Unsigned' competition that will run throughout the season.
The season kicks off on Wednesday 14th January with a lively big band night courtesy of Bobby Lamb and the Trinity Newphonic Jazz Orchestra who will be performing the music of Stan Kenton, in particular the �Cuban Fire Suite'.
The guitar is very much in focus this new season with four celebrated masters presenting their different takes on the instrument. In January Bill Nelson's lush soundscapes of melody, rhythm and dynamics will be first up and in March the elegant and complex style of rock guitarist Steve Hackett will be on display. Later on in March, one of Britain's best blues guitarists Otis Grand will appear with the Big Blues Band and in April the undisputed champion of jazz guitar, Martin Taylor will present a jaw-dropping sprint through material old and new.
The rock and pop element of the programme features an impressive line-up including the talented singer-songwriters, Lloyd Cole and Steve Harley and the acclaimed London-born vocalist Judie Tzuke whose last show at the Mick Jagger centre sold out in record time. For an altogether funkier evening, on Saturday 7th February, join the legendary JTQ (James Taylor Quartet) for swirling up front Hammond organ sounds and driving grooves.
The season also welcomes some of the best performers on the jazz scene. BBC Radio's Top Jazz Vocalist of 2003, Claire Martin will perform material from her latest album �Too Darn Hot!' on Wednesday 28th January whilst the incredible jazz vocals of Stacey Kent can be enjoyed on Wednesday 31st March. There will be two contrasting performances in February: on 11th February rising sax star Soweto Kinch, who won the prestigious Best Jazz Act at the MOBO Awards this year, will present his unique blend of instrumental rap/jazz. Later on that month Digby Fairweather and Making Tracks will perform �We Got Rhythm', a swinging celebration of the music and times of George Gershwin.
Folk and roots enthusiasts will not be disappointed this season. The folk programme gets off to a fine start on Wednesday 21st January with a wonderful acoustic performance from The Strawbs who have just finished recording their first new studio album in ten years. The reigning �Queen of Folk' June Tabor comes to the venue on 19th February and in March the superb folk-blues of Eric Bibb will be on offer. The folk programme will close on Thursday 15th April with a performance from the modern day troubadour and raconteur Ralph McTell.
the Mick Jagger centre was created to fulfil a long recognised need to provide access to facilities and opportunities in music for everyone in the North Kent area. Mick Jagger has graciously backed the project from the beginning, recognising the needs of music audiences and developing musicians in the area.
"...a wonderful performing space, which will add a new dimension to the Dartford community..." (Mick Jagger, March 2000)
