AS we all know it’s been tough for musicians and entertainment venues during the pandemic, but there’s good news for jazz fans in Frome – as jazz has returned to The Cornerhouse!
Keyboard player Graham Dent brings his quartet to the pub every third Sunday evening. Regulars are Adrian Smith on double bass and Greg White on drums, but Graham invites a different guest to front the band each month.
On 20th March, the guest is Mark Pembrey on saxophone. John Plaxton (trumpet) and Terry Quinney (sax) will guest in April and May.
Organisers say, “Graham is a well-established jazz pianist who moved to Frome in 2016 from the Midlands where he led his own contemporary quintet, Jucamaya. The band, which featured Graham’s original compositions, recorded two CDs, both well received.
“Since coming to Frome, he recorded his first piano trio album, In the Genes, which features original tunes in celebration of his six grandchildren, two of whom are currently learning the piano. During lockdown an online collaboration with bassist Adrian Smith led to the release of a double album, Inspiring Detour. The albums are all available for listening or purchase at www.grahamdent.bandcamp.com
“Graham also has developed a fine reputation for accompanying jazz vocalists, and fortunately there are several in the local area, namely Caroline Radcliffe, Emma Harris and Howard Vause whose stylish performances have been a real treat.
“Finally, the monthly jam session at The Cornerhouse deserves a mention. This is always in the evening of the first Sunday of the month. It was good to see a good size audience and plenty of musicians at the last session on 6th March. Let’s hope we can put the pandemic behind us and get The Cornerhouse grooving again with good music. All gigs are free admission.”
The best place to keep abreast of future gigs is to visit the Facebook page Jazz at the Cornerhouse or go to Graham’s website www.grahamdent.com
Picture: Jazz pianist Graham Dent.
