Martin Taylor. Picture by Richard Ecclestone.
MUSIC ONE of the world’s master jazz musicians, Martin Taylor, is holding a jazz guitar masterclass as part of Newport Jazz Weekend.
The event, sponsored by the County Press, has received a massive boost following news it has gained a grant from Arts Council England.
The grant will allow a wide range of masterclass jazz workshops to be provided by top tutors, including Martin Taylor and Island sax player Gary Plumley, Andy Urquhart (trumpet) and Sandy Suchodolski (bass).
There will also be piano, drums and rhythm section tuition available, with people under the age of 25 having their workshop places free.
The workshops are open to all ages and their exact structure will depend on the numbers, standard and instruments of the people taking part.
It is expected they will take place on the Friday and Saturday mornings of the weekend, which takes place between Friday, July 20 and Sunday, July 22.
There will then be the opportunity for the participants to display
their talents at the public jam sessions, which take place on both evenings.
On Sunday, there will be a unique opportunity for guitarists to learn from Martin Taylor.
He will be holding a jazz guitar masterclass at 4pm at the Riverside Centre, Newport, before his 9pm concert at the same venue.
Places for the masterclass and the concert are limited and early booking is advised.
Other Island businesses and organisations are supporting the event as well as the County Press.
Newport Jazz Weekend chairman, Bill Wills, said: "One of our main aims is to promote jazz music among the local community and especially the younger generation. We have a number of top-class professional musicians visiting the Island and this funding allows us to offer a wide range of workshops."
• For all workshop and tuition inquiries, telephone 01983 614075. Full details of the weekend can be found at www.newportjazzweekend.co.uk
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk