Wensum
IT’S a fairly well kept secret but the monthly jazz night sessions at The Bell in Hempton are one of the minor joys of living here.
I’ve been quite a regular supporter of these gigs led by outstanding trombonist Chris Wigley, who hails from just down the road in Sculthorpe.
There are usually five musicians strutting their stuff, though guest artists do occasionally drop by.
I recall an exceptional session in December with cornet player Simon Nelson adding his marvellous talents to the occasion.
Through its landlords Jason and Rebecca, The Bell has promoted trad jazz for the past five years or so, though was obliged to call a halt at one stage when enthusiasm rather waned.
This most recent arrangement with Chris seems to have struck a chord and the response on the third Thursday night of the month has been great – good for the pub, good for the band and good for all of us who just love this rousing music played with such gusto.
There’s no set charge but the hat is always passed round and always generously filled. If you’d like to join the toe-tappers, the date for your diary this month is Thursday, February 16 from around 8pm.
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I ALWAYS champion the live performances in local village halls promoted by Creative Arts East.
They enable us rural dwellers to experience top quality entertainment close to where we live at very reasonable cost.
Publicity for two events this month has just come my way but, very disappointingly, they are scheduled for the same night.
So instead of being able to nip out to Kettlestone, two miles away, or Whissonsett, four miles, I have to choose between one or the other.
Since these presentations don’t come round that often, this is a very unfortunate clash which I know will upset many other Creative Arts East supporters.
In the past I do know that this sort of thing has been carefully avoided as it’s obviously in the best interests of each venue to attract a decent audience.
Anyway, if you head for Kettlestone village hall on February 25 you will be entertained by Doudou Cissoko, a Senegalese musician who plays a 21-string instrument known as a kora, a hybrid of harp and guitar.
He’s backed by two others who between them play a mix of Latin, Caribbean and jazz music. The evening from 7.30pm is entitled Ancient Strings and Fabulous Things.
Should you prefer Whissonsett village hall on the same night, there will be a somewhat irreverent musical extravaganza on offer.
Called Taboo-Be-Do it’s an assortment of scandalous music from the past century which caused raised eyebrows at the time and even does so to this day.
The songsters are Terence Blacker and Derek Hewitson who have delved into the back catalogues of jazz, country, folk, bluegrass and pop for their inspiration.
To book for Kettlestone, prices £6.50 and £7.50, call 01328 878200. To book for Whissonsett, prices £7 and £8, call 01328 700010.
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