Hue & Cry open the 2017 Rye Jazz & Blues Festival on Friday August 25.
Brothers Pat and Greg Kane headline the first of five outstanding festival headline concerts at St Mary’s Church Rye.
Hue & Cry perform a very special intimate stripped back concert and were one of the most successful acts to emerge from the Scottish music scene that dominated the charts in the late ’80s. The duo from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire released their debut album Seduced and Abandoned, and scored their biggest hit, Labour of Love, three years later. Top Ten albums Remote 1988, Bitter Suite 1989, and Stars Crash Down in 1991.
Celebrating their love for Frank Sinatra and the influence he had on their career, the brothers recorded and released September Songs in 2015. A collection of Sinatra staples handpicked by the duo and recorded in their own style, the album was released to coincide with what would have been Sinatra‘s centenary year.
You can expect to hear all of their hits and songs from their long awaited new album a Pocketful of Stones.
American soul and jazz singer Kandace Springs headlines the festival on Saturday August 26, performing songs from her highly acclaimed album Soul Eyes which has taken both audiences and critics by storm.
On Sunday August 27 one of the worlds most respected American Blues singer Eric Bibb performs with his talented band, which for blues lovers is a concert that you simply cannot miss!
On Monday 28, Ronnie Scott’s All Stars perform a truly unique concert which includes special video footage that tells the story of the world’s most famous jazz club. The All Stars band are made up of top drawer musicians; pianist and composer James Pearson, Alex Garnett on saxophone, Chris Higginbottom on drums, plus special guest singer Natalie Williams.
Closing out the festival on Monday evening, we welcome West Country folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman. Seth performs a special solo evening concert which will include much of his stunning back catalogue and new material from his latest album.
Three days of live jazz, award winning Nyetimber sparkling wines and exceptional food, all of which takes place on the Nyetimber Terrace located at the Rye Lodge Hotel in Rye, on Saturday August 26 to Monday August 28.
Also over the weekend, free music performances will take place at the Kino Cinema outdoor stage and at the Butter Market both located within the heart of Rye.
Expect the very best in jazz, blues, RnB, soul, folk, roots, Latin, Cuban and contemporary music by talented regional and local musicians. Musicians and bands performing at the outdoor stage include Martin McNeill’s Bottleneck Blues Trio, Gyspy Jazz from the talented Trio Manouch, Jazz Funk from Faversham based Nico’s band, feverish Latin and swing vibes from the Violet Jive, heavy weight acoustic Roots and Blues with Sussex based King Size Slim Sound, driving Cuban Rhythms with London based Son Yambu, blues rock from the power Trio Freak Flag performing the music of Jimi Hendrix and Cream, and Dom Pipkin and the Ikos performing their unique New Orleans jazz and stomping blues.
Make a date for Rye over the Bank Holiday August weekend and soak up the best music and vibrant fun atmosphere that the festival provides.
Can you help? Rye Jazz Festival are looking for some additional helpers to marshal at the festival over the coming Bank Holiday. Tickets to gigs will be provided…
Would you be willing to assist them on Saturday August 26, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 from 11:30am to 4:30pm? If so, please contact Ian on 07931 755967.
For updates, more information and to book tickets go to www.ryejazz.com
Photos courtesy Ian Bowden
I was very surprised to learn that Hue and Cry were headlining the festival. They have a great sound. My understanding is that front man Pat Kane is decidedly anti-English, as illustrated in his numerous comments over the past several years throughout the Scottish Referendum campaign. How interesting to see that he is gigging south of the border, despite his publicly-made comments. Hopefully great music transcends political differences. I certainly have always enjoyed their music.