Spring is most certainly in the air and at the end of May, so will be the sound of exceptional music in Rye.
Rye Jazz Festival will present three stunning, intimate and high quality concerts at the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church, Rye, East Sussex on May 25,26 and 27.
On Friday May 26, the highly acclaimed American jazz singer and Grammy-nominated Stacey Kent, performs with her outstanding band. Stacey will be performing songs from her latest album, “Tenderly” in addition to material from the great American songbook.
Stacey Kent
Stacey is one of the most respected singers of her generation, and sells out concerts internationally. She is no stranger to the UK and spends her time in both here and in the US. This event is kindly partnered by Specifa financial services.
Saturday May 27, features a stunning double bill contemporary concert, with two of the most talented singers, Sarah Jane Morris, and Liane Carroll, both of whom have strong connections to nearby Hastings.
Sarah-Jane Morris and Antonio Forcione
Joining Sarah Jane, will be the award winning Italian guitarist Antonio Forcion, and they will be playing songs from their new collaborative album Compared To What, released in Autumn 2016.
Sarah Jane Morris, who straddles rock, blues, jazz and soul has a goose bump-raising four octave range that rumbles from the heels of her size eight shoes to the tips of her flame-red mane. She is famed for her association with the Communards in the mid-80s and infamous for a banned rendition of the classic Me and Mrs Jones,
“River deep, mountain high, Sarah Jane Morris has a magnificent, enormous voice” – The Sunday Times
Liane Carroll
Liane will be opening the concert with a solo performance, performing a stunning and eclectic programme, all of which will be presented in her own unique and captivating style.
“Deeply soulful, wonderfully honest” – The Times, “Utterly brilliant” – Time Out
Liane is one of the most exceptional singers, songwriters and pianist, and you can expect songs from her wonderful album “Seaside” and much more. This concert is kindly partnered by StoneRock Dental Care in Hawkhurst.
The third concert which will open the series on Thursday May 25, will be announced in the next few days and features an internationally acclaimed artist.
These three superb concerts are a precursor of what is to come later at the main summer festival at the end of August.
To book tickets and to find more information, go to www.ryejazz.com
Photos: Ian Bowden