Jazz breaking news: Jay Phelps and Sarah Jane Morris get the Hippodrome Swingin’
Friday, November 1, 2013
London’s glitzy Hippodrome Casino, which specialises in burlesque and swing cabaret, is bringing in a healthy dose of jazz into its swanky Leicester Square locale during this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival with concerts from trumpeter Jay Phelps’ Jitter Jive (22 November - pictured) and soul-powered jazz singer Sarah Jane Morris (23 November).
Following October’s vocal-led appearances from rising star singer Anthony Strong and a special duo concert from singers Clare Teal and Ian Shaw, the LJF dates showcase two very different styles from Phelps’ top-notch nine-piece band and Morris’ evocative eclectic soul-edged material.
Canadian-born, London-based Phelps has been a dynamic presence on the capital’s jazz scene since he arrived in 1999, performing with numerous high-profile artists such as Jazz Jamaica, Soweto Kinch and more recently David Murray, while he was one of the founding members of Empirical. With his Jitter Jive band he pays vibrant homage to such swing era icons as Ellington, Basie, Artie Shaw and Cab Calloway – recreating the infectious energy and excitement of their music with guest vocals from powerful Ella-influenced singer Lauren Dalrymple, while the London Swing Dance Society bring the wild jive styles to the dance floor.
Sarah Jane Morris has built a substantial jazz vocal reputation over the last two decades but is perhaps best known for her 1980s chart-topping success with the Communards on their single ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’. The depth and diversity of her abilities have seen her perform opera and musical theatre while she regularly appears at Ronnie Scott’s and Hideaway among other top UK jazz venues. For her Hippodrome appearance she’ll be exploring her compelling mix of jazz, blues, soul and funk all capped by her soulful and impressive vocals.
– Mike Flynn
For more info go to www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk and www.hippodromecasino.com