World renowned musician comes to Malvern

Jerry Bergonzi, a saxophone player who Blas - Jazz in Malvern describe as an American jazz legend, will be performing at a Malvern venue next month.

Bergonzi became well known for his saxophone playing in the Dave Brubeck ensemble from the 1970s. He recorded and toured with the band until 1981, then struck out on his own.

He will be performing on Friday, February 11 at Elmslie House.

A spokeswoman from Blas - Jazz said: "Interest in the organisation, which will be registered as a charity once the charity commission re-opens applications, has spread further afield and we now have a few other people involved.

"We staged our first concert in October 2021 with about 70% audience capacity.

"Since then we have sold old each of the subsequent gigs in November, December and January, and we are very excited to be getting Jerry Bergonzi.

"All bookings so far have come via Jeremy Price at RBC.

"We can provide a mid-week venue to musicians passing between bigger cities.

"Bergonzi was brought over from the USA by one of the tutors at RBC who will be playing in the trio.

"He is excited to be playing in Malvern.

"Our audiences are very appreciative, and we usually have standing ovations at the end.

"They really understand top quality musicianship.

"We've had some great feedback comments such as 'I'll change my plans to move to London and just stay in Malvern' and 'it is such a treat to have such good quality jazz right here in Malvern.'"

Blas - Jazz In Malvern was formed during lockdown - online by keen jazz fan, Dick Stockford.

A spokeswoman from the organisation added: "He had been speaking to Jeremy Price who also lives in Malvern and is Head of Jazz at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

"In turn, he had also got the interest in Bernard Taylor who owns Elmslie House and kindly offered to provide the venue free of charge.

"He also co-opted Simon Purcell (Professor of Jazz at Guildhall School of Music in London) who had been running jazz workshops in Malvern with me for a couple of years."

Bergonzi will be performing with Mark Hodgson and Stephen Keogh.

A spokesman from Blas - Jazz said: "Mark Hodgson studied double bass, composition and piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, receiving a prodigious scholarship from the patrons of the School.

"Mark has become one of the most in-demand double bass players on the European scene, playing and recording with artists including Randy Brecker, Cedar Walton, Scott Hamilton, Jean Toussaint, Ingrid Jensen, Tommy Smith, Peter King, Georgie Fame and Tim Garland.

"He is also jazz double bass tutor for the prestigious jazz course at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

"Stephen Keogh was born in Ireland and initially studied music there, followed by private lessons in London and New York.

"He played as percussionist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, contemporary music ensembles and many visiting jazz artists including Sonny Fortune, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Jimmy Witherspoon, Louis Stewart and James Moody.

"A move to London in 1988 led to tours and recordings with many British and American jazz artists including Stan Tracey, Charles McPherson, Art Farmer, Jason Rebello, Jean Toussaint and Benny Carter. 

"Stephen was appointed as an overseas expert lecturer at Birmingham Conservatoire in 2009."