EFG London Jazz Festival: Art Themen’s New Directions Quintet
Art Themen Quintet
Entry Requirements: Under 16s are not permitted in the venue. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Art Themen’s New Directions Quintet:
Award winning saxophonist Art Themen formed this special lineup to showcase some of jazz’s lessor known gems from composers such as Thelonious Monk, bringing musicality to material that you wouldn’t normally hear. It reflects Art’s desire for a fresh though accessible examination of this music along with compositions by Messrs Williams, Somogyi and Fishwick adding further variety to the repertoire.
Art Themen has been described by the Observer’s Dave Gelly as “One of the very few totally original, utterly engaging jazz musicians around”. During an illustrious career Art has played alongside numerous American jazz legends including Philly Joe Jones, Al Haig, Nat Adderley, Al Haig, George Coleman and Arturo Sandoval among others, whilst outside the jazz scene he has accompanied artists as diverse as Alexis Korner, Mick Jagger, Chuck Berry, Rod Stewart and Joe Cocker.
The New Directions stellar lineup includes award winning pianist Gareth Williams, acclaimed trumpeter Steve Fishwick, noted bassist Arnie Somogyi and charismatic drummer and percussionist, Winston Clifford. ”A collective that might stand comparison with any in the wider world of jazz ….” Peter Vacher – The Guardian.
Show 8.30pm (Doors 8.00pm) Tickets £15 in advance & £17 on the door
Line Up
Art Themen Quintet
Saxophones
Art Themen was involved in the traditional jazz scene in Manchester in the late 1950s. A member of the award winning Cambridge University jazz band from 1958 to 1961, he became involved in the early London blues scene, playing alongside Alexis Korner, Jack Bruce, Mick Jagger and Chuck Berry. He fronted the Stan Tracey quartet for 20 years from 1976. Key influences are Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon. Themen has toured world wide and played and recorded with many US and British luminaries. A busy and sought after musician who nowadays is most often seen on stage with many of the best of Britain's top jazz players such as Alan Barnes, John Donaldson, John Critchinson, Dave Newton, Georgie Fame, Don Weller, Mornington Lockett, among many others. Themen is a player who is known for his originality and individual style
