JAMES PEARSON & FRIENDS
Sat 1 June 2024 – 7:00 pm
For our 50th anniversary we thought we are celebrating in style by extending our most popular event! Clonter’s mini Jazz fest will be a two night Jazz extravaganza with James Pearson and Friends on Saturday 1st of June and Polly Gibbons performing her new album with James on Friday 31st June.
“Excellent, even better than in previous years. All participants were exceptional.”
“Super evening’s entertainment every time – long may it continue.”
“Superb musicians performing at their best in the intimate atmosphere provided by Clonter.”
“Simply wonderful, a lovely atmosphere and very welcoming people. We will be coming again soon.”
Previous Audience Feedback
James Pearson
James Pearson is a pianist, composer and creative tour de force.
He is the Artistic Director at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club where his trio are the house band. Their last album ‘Swing the Club’, recorded live at the venue, received excellent reviews across the board.
“James Pearson is in shattering form on these sessions.” – The Sunday Times
The recording was ranked at No. 6 in the Sunday Times albums of 2009, and they were delighted to sell out four nights at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club in New York.
James is equally at home as a concert pianist. He has played concertos with the Philharmonia and the BBC Concert Orchestra amongst many others. His performance of Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto was broadcast on Classic FM and Gershwin’s Piano Concerto and Rhapsody in Blue on BBC Radio 2. With collaborations ranging from Paul McCartney to Wynton Marsalis, James is fast becoming one of the country’s most sought after pianists.
Recent commissions by the BFI and BBC have seen James back in the composing chair. The Big Smoke, commissioned by the BFI, is a collection of footage of London accompanied by an 80-minute score composed by James. His work can also be heard performed by Brodsky String Quartet, Sir John Dankworth, The BBC Concert Orchestra and The BBC Big Band.
“The harmony of Messiaen mixed with the rhythmic pulse of George Shearing.” – The Sunday Times
James Pearson is one of the country’s most respected musicians. His work covers all genres of music, especially contemporary music, jazz and classical. He graduated from the Guildhall School, having completed his degree and the Advanced Solo Studies Course. Whilst at college he studied with Robert Saxton, Francis Shaw, Peter Bithell and James Gibb. He regularly performed with the symphony orchestra, including a concert at the Barbican with Takemitzu.
James has broadcast on all the major radio and television networks, and he was the pianist in the Steve Martland Band. His work as a Jazz musician has taken him all over the world. His fine piano playing and arrangements can be heard on over 50 albums.
Amongst the many people James has worked with are Dame Cleo Laine, Maria Ewing, Marian Montgomery, Petula Clark, The John Wilson Orchestra, Elvin Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, Buddy Greco, Johnny Griffin, Joseph Horowitz, Richard Rodney Bennett, Ray Davies, Polly Gibbons, Nigel Kennedy, Robbie Williams, Rufus Wainwright, Gregory Porter, Imelda May, Jeff Beck and Paul McCartney.
Clonter is delighted to be offering two nights, back to back for its Jazz audience this May/June.
Last summer, singer and songwriter Polly Gibbons released her ninth album, ‘As It Is’. A departure from straight-ahead swinging jazz, this is her first album of all-original songs written, arranged and produced by Polly and co-produced by long-time musical collaborator and artistic director at Ronnie Scott’s, James Pearson.
Ticket Pricing & Booking Information
Tickets £27, £35, £40, £45, FREE for 26-year-olds and under (ID may be required) – 5% Discount if booked in conjunction with Polly Gibbons – ‘As It Is’
Group Discount (10% Discount) 10+
U3A Discount (10% Discount)
Doors Open 6pm
Performance Starts 7pm
Interval 70 minute supper interval; pre-order supper, or bring your own picnic
Drink Arrangements – Please note that any drink consumed inside the premises must be purchased from the bar. For Friends and Patrons of Clonter who wish to bring their own drink, a corkage fee of £4 per person will apply (payable in advance on 01260 224514).
N.B. Table and catering booking facilities close a week before the performance date. Pre-order drinks facilities close at 4pm on the Wednesday before the performance.