Jim Watson Quartet, A tribute to Chick Corea

Unfortunately, we have just learned that Xhosa Cole who was booked to perform has had to withdraw because he has tested positive for Covid 19. The Festival organisers have managed at very short notice to book a replacement band, The Jim Watson Quartet who will perform a tribute to the late Chick Corea.

All the musicians are well known on the national jazz scene, playing with well-known jazz stars. It promises to be a fitting tribute to the genius of Chick Corea and some of the best contemporary jazz that he composed.

Jim Watson - organ Jim studied at Leeds College of music and The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has worked with Manu Katche, Kurt Elling, BBC Big Band, Chrissie Hynde, Marti Pellow and Guy Barker. He has his own album 'The Loop', released on Reese records.

Paul Booth - saxophone Paul was born in the North East of England and studied at the Royal Academy of Music. He has performed with Steve Winwood, Geoffrey Keezer, and Van Morrison. He is the winner of the prestigious Clifford Brown/Stan Getz fellowship, and leads his own bands, one of which is the acclaimed Bansangu Orchestra.

Chris Allard - guitar Chris is regarded as one of the UK's finest contemporary jazz guitarists/composers; he has performed and recorded with Jacqui Dankworth, Gwylim Simcock, Omar Kamal, Charlie Wood, the BBC Big Band, and Jamie Cullum, among others. He is also a Professor of Jazz at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Nic France - drums Nic has been a stalwart of the London music scene for many years, he has played with a variety of artists from all different genres, most notably Tanita Tikaram, Loose Tubes, John Taylor, Allan Holdsworth, David Gilmour, and Robert Wyatt. He is currently a Professor at Goldsmiths College London.