Kirk Lightsey is a legend of the jazz piano. He was born in Detroit in 1937, and grew up immersed in that city's rich musical culture. Deep roots and a feeling for the blues, together with a richly developed sense of harmony characterise his playing and make his concerts uplifting and joyful occasions.
He is joined this evening on one of his few UK dates of 2023 by a fine quartet featuring fellow Paris resident, the great US drummer Sangoma Everett, long time associate Steve Watts on bass and the exciting young tenor saxophonist Alex Hitchcock.
"The veteran virtuoso pianist proves he's still in fine form with a sparkling swinging set"- JazzWise
"His talents burn as brightly as ever" - The Guardian
Limited tickets available, early booking advised
Online tickets sold out , please call 07725109890 or contact us below to check for availability of tickets on the door
EVENT INFO
Evening Performance 8pm to 10.20pm
The event is at the Performing Arts Studio at the University of Surrey, which boasts a concert Steinway grand piano.
Doors open from 7.15pm. Please note there are no physical tickets, just give your name on the door when you arrive. There’s a bar available beforehand and at the interval.
Tickets: Full Price £20 (Guildford Jazz members £18), Students £7 (Student Members £5).
If you have any questions please contact us by emailing info@guildfordjazz.org.uk
TICKETS
General admission £20
Guildford Jazz Members £18
Students/U18s £5
Students £7 / Student Members £5
All prices include booking fees
WHO'S PLAYING?
KIRK LIGHTSEY - piano
Kirk Lightsey is a legend of the jazz piano. He was born in Detroit in 1937, and grew up immersed in that city's rich musical culture. Deep roots and a feeling for the blues, together with a richly developed sense of harmony characterise his playing and make his concerts uplifting and joyful occasions.
He began working in Jazz in the mid-50s, largely accompanying vocalists, first in New York and then, in the early 60s, on the west coast. He recorded with the great bebop saxophonist Sonny Stitt in 1965, and began an association with the subtle west coast singer/trumpeter Chet Baker, that resulted in five fine album recordings. At the beginning of the 80s, his career received a boost when he joined the popular saxophonist Dexter Gordon’s band for four years.
Here’s Kirk playing at Small’s Jazz club in New York: https://youtu.be/RNyu-Z2pSAo
ALEX HITCHCOCK - sax
We are delighted to welcome ALex Hitchock back to Guildford after his recent performance at the Boileroom as part of our BEAT series. His performing highlights have already included Love Supreme Festival, Glastonbury, Ronnie Scott’s., the North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands) and the Royal Albert Hall, and his quintet’s critically acclaimed 2018 debut album was described by All About Jazz as ‘an exquisitely subtle collection of tunes… the clearest indicator to date of the stratospheric trajectory on which this super-talented quintet is indubitably heading’.
“An incredible saxophonist, with something very unique and original to say” Walter Smith III.
STEVE WATTS - BASS
Steve Watts has been playing jazz on the British scene for over 25 years, during which time he has worked with many musicians of international stature, incuding: Django Bates, Iain Ballamy, Julian Arguelles, Kenny Wheeler, Stan Sulzman, Jim Mullen, Joe Lovano, Kirk Lightsey, Richard Rodney Bennett and many more. He is a member of the influential Loose Tubes jazz orchestra and “The Printmakers “- a band featuring Norma Winstone, Nikki Iles and Mike Walker. He has made numerous broadcasts for radio and television and has recorded widely. Live work has taken him all over the world and his playing can be heard on the soundtracks of many films.
SANGOMA EVERETT - DRUMS
Sangoma Everett started playing drums at the age of twelve. After initial successes in his home, Virginia, USA, he decided to leave for New York. There he teamed with bassist and composer Bill Lee and played with The Clifford Jordan Quartet for three years.
Improving quickly, Sangoma started playing with other great musicians like Barry Harris, Chris Anderson, Murial Winston and Joe Newman. After a stay in Northern Ireland in 1979 with Joe Newman, he settled in Paris France. There he had the opportunity to play regular gigs with Jimmy Forest, Al Grey, Jimmy Smith, Mal Waldron, Horace Parlan, Jimmy Woode, Kirk Lightsey and La Velle. Sangoma toured Africa with Memphis Slim in 1984 and with Dee Daniels in 1986 & 1987. He performed in many festivals throughout Europe.
He was an established and successful drummer when he joined Barney Wilen and became a central element in the group between 1986 & 1989. In the 90s he worked with Eddie Louiss and he lived in Switzerland for a few years. In 1999 and 2000 he was The Golden Gate Quartet's drummer. In January 2001, he formed the Sangoma Everett Group with The Nomads of the Desert.
Meanwhile Sangoma has played, among others, with: Philippe Catherine, Dizzy Gillespie, Doudou Gouirand, Donald Harrison, Benny Golson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Maurice Vander, Leon Thomas, Steve Lacy, Erik Truffaz, Tony Lakatos, Linda Hopkins, Jimmy Witherspoon and performed Vocals with Laurent Garnier. He has also performed in many recording sessions with Barney Wilen, Claude Nougaro, Liz McComb and Jeri Brown.
DIRECTIONS
Performing Arts Studio (PATS), University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH
There’s a large car park along the perimeter road – drive straight on at the roundabout once you get on campus and it’s signposted on the left after a little way. Parking is free after 5pm and if you require a disabled parking bay please let us know.
The Performing Arts Studio is building 20 on the map . There’s a footpath that runs from the perimeter road between the AQA and Austin Pearce Building (buildings 4 and 5) – turn right at the top, over the mini roundabout, and the PATS studio is along the road on the left.
SEATING
Seating is unreserved, please select your seats when you arrive.