Dr Sassoon's Jazz Prescription
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The Ray Charles Project
Paul Bentley; Lead vocals
The Jazz Prescription's "Tribute to the music of Ray Charles", MJF 2009.
Jeremy Sassoon; Piano, Organ
Mike Walker; Guitar
Richard Hammond; Acoustic bass
Zoe Chiotis; Backing vocals
Rosie Douglas; Backing vocals
Matt Ball; Trombone
Dave Walsh; Drums
Jeremy Sassoon; Keyboards
presents....
*Next performance*
click on photo to enlarge
Photos by
William Ellis
April 11th 2010
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Mount Street
Liverpool
L1 9HF
The Ray Charles Project...
Click here for ticket information
"I've been inspired by the wonderful music of Ray Charles for many years; in particular his unique musical blend of jazz, blues and soul. It was this, together with an inspirational big band album with The Count Basie Orchestra that prompted me to put together The Jazz Prescription's "Tribute to the the music of Ray Charles", which successfully premiered at the Manchester Jazz Festival on a rainy Saturday, August 1st 2009."
A 12-piece band was assembled featuring the North West's top Jazz musicians and led by the inimitable voice and personality of Paul Bentley. The rhythm section was joined by a 4-piece brass section, and 3 backing vocalists. The arrangements were masterfully crafted by tenor saxophonist Iain Dixon, who MD'd rehearsals and was an invaluable support in getting the project up and running.
Over 700 people revelled at the MJF gig despite the rain, and now the project is moving on. A repeat performance will be staged at The Cinnamon Club, Bowdon, Cheshire on 30th October 2009, and plans are afoot to take the project on a UK tour over the next 12 months.
video clip - "How long has this been going on.."
(reduced quality sound)
OFFICIAL GIG REVIEW
"Jeremy had really pulled out all the stops for the première of this special project at the close of the 2009 Manchester Jazz Festival, and its no wonder that the crowds gathered in their hundreds to marvel at the spectacle: the knowing smiles, nodding heads and tapping feet of the discerning jazzers were just as abundant and responsive as the whooping and gyrating crowds there just for the buzz and the vibe. And this kind of performance which were not treated to as often as we should be is one of those rare instances that genuinely satisfies both camps: an exceptional alliance of art and entertainment that would bring joy to audiences at any club, festival or party......... Indeed, just what the doctor ordered"
Steve Mead, Artistic Director, Manchester Jazz Festival 2009
video clip - "Shake a tailfeather"
