AWARD winning vocalist Clare Teal, one of Britain’s most celebrated and much loved singers, has been announced as the headline act for the 2018 Ribble Valley Jazz Festival.
From swing to beautiful ballads, Clare’s concerts are renowned for their fabulous arrangements with her warm and witty storytelling guaranteeing the audience something personal and very special.
Clare previously performed at the Ribble Valley jazz and blues jamboree four years ago and since then the Radio Two presenter has found fame and fortune. Her last album was recorded with the Halle Orchestra, she collaborated with Van Morrison, and sung with the BBC Big Band at Proms in the Park and supported Liza Minnelli.
Clare will top the bill at the Grand Theatre on Friday, May 4 and Matt Evans, the theatre’s promoter, said: “Clare Teal returning to play in Clitheroe is a huge coup for the Ribble Valley Jazz Festival committee, and we are delighted that she is coming back.”
Next year’s festival runs from Thursday, May 3 to Sunday, May 7, and other headline artists will be announced shortly.
Meanwhile, Laura Jurd with Dinosaur, shortlisted for this year’s Mercury Prize, will provide the highlight of the Ribble Valley Jazz Club autumn season of concerts.
The band were among 12 artists including Ed Sheeran, The xx and eventual winner Sampha shortlisted for one of the UK’s more prestigious music awards.
Laura and her jazz super group will be playing her Electric-Jazz album, Together, at the Atrium venue at Clitheroe Castle next Friday
Composer Arun Ghosh, who was the artist in resident at last year’s Ribble Valley Jazz Festival, returns to the Grand Theatre with his quartet on Saturday, October 21, following the release of his new double album Sheer.
The concert will also feature a musical reunion with the Blackburn with Darwen Big Band.
The Grand Theatre, Clitheroe, meantime, launch the autumn season of the Jazz Cafe tomorrow with an appearance by the Eric Ainsworth Trio from 2pm.
The experienced Ribble Valley pianist will be joined by drummer Jimmy Scaife, Ken Marley on double bass, with special guests Eddie Taylor (trombone) and John Hallam (sax)
The Mark Lewis Trio, with Lyn Fairbanks, will headline the Jazz Café on Friday, October 27.
Tickets for the Ribble Valley Jazz Festival go on sale tomorrow (Friday) from the Grand box office on 01200 421599 or www.thegrandvenue.co.uk
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