Sir John Dankworth died on February 6th 2010, a year go this Sunday. He encouraged and lifted so many people in so many ways, the gratitude which our jazz community feels towards one of its own will be unmistakeable this weekend. There may be more events than these, please add a comment if I've missed one:
UPDATE Saturday 5th 10am : Dankworth Management have sent in this about a special JAZZ MATTERS at the Stables tomorrow morning at 1130am
Sir John Dankworth was not only a wonderful musician but also a kind and generous man who did much to promote Jazz in the UK. He launched JAZZ MATTERS for the amusement and education of the dedicated, curious or inquisitive jazz devotees.
It has been a year since Sir John Dankworth left us. This Jazz Matters gig is a tribute to John, who as you know was one of Britain's best-known jazz musicians, composers and commentators. The line-up features Sir John’s son (and leading bass player) Alec Dankworth and his long time associate, pianist John Horler, plus some of the great musicians who played with him during his illustrious career; Jim Hart (drums), Mark Nightingale (trombone) and Andy Panayi (reeds).
Adding a bonus to what promises to be a fantastic lunchtime performance Dame Cleo and daughter Jacqui will be putting in a guest appearance.
SUNDAY 6th: Frank Griffith's Nonet at JAGZ in Ascot
In his last years, when John was answering questions in public, he would often say. "I'm pretty sure there's someone in the room who knows my life story better than I do." Frank Griffith always did know the answers. On the day itself, Frank's nonet will be doing the lunchtime slot at Jagz in Ascot, a frequent haunt of close JD collaborator, the late Allan Ganley.
On the programme are Dankworth compositions: Why don’t you tell me why, It happens quietly and the love theme from the 1963 film, The Servant entitled All Gone. A top line-up including: Henry Lowther, Paul Clarvis, Mick Foster, Adrian Fry (who arranged many of JD’s pieces) and Frank Griffith .
http://www.jagz.co.uk/
MONDAY February 7th: Dankworth Memorial gig, 606 Club
At the 606 they are raising funds for Sir John and Cleo Laine's Wavedon Foundation, which "benefits both individual artists in need of financial aid, and organisations seeking support for music education projects."
On the bill are Alec Dankworth, John Horler, and special guests.
http://www.606club.co.uk/
TUESDAY February 7th, Radio 2, 7pm
Jamie Cullum 's show will be a tribute to JD, in the company of trombonist/ arranger/ close JD associate Bill Geldard. Geldard will: "speak about working with Sir John Dankworth. The show will include archive recording of one of his performances from the 1950s.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00r86v
