Ronnie Scott’s late-night leader comes to Newbury

A NEW jazz night showcasing a variety of the UK's most accomplished musicians comes to Arlington Arts, beginning on Tuesday, October 1.

Newbury Jazz, the series of monthly events, starts with the Alex Western-King Quartet.

Alex has made a name for himself as one of the most sought-after saxophonists in the London jazz scene. He has performed extensively throughout the UK and Europe including playing sold out shows at Ronnie Scott’s, where he has been the regular host of their legendary Late Show, as well as a member of the house band.

Having graced stages across the country from the Royal Albert Hall and London Jazz Festival, to the Nutshell Jazz Club in Winchester, Western-King cites his influences as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Lester Young, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins and Sonny Rollins, among others.

Local resident and professional jazz musician Tom Ingvorsen, who is curating the events, says that “the aim of this night is to bring some of best contemporary jazz acts to Newbury, and Alex was an obvious first choice to get this night off the ground.”

“I saw him raise the roof at Ronnie Scott’s a few years ago, and have followed his career ever since – this is going to be a very special night.”

There are dates in the diary for two more events: Tuesday November 5 and then in the new year on Tuesday, January 21. The artists for which will be announced soon.

Tickets for the inaugural event are available now through the Arlington Art’s box office on 01635 244246 or at www.arlingtonarts.com