Jo Fooks with her tenor sax playing with the Roger Odell Jazznights Trio with José Canha and Dan Banks with vocals from Larraine Odell at the Bell Hotel, Clare on Sunday 2nd July 2017

(click on images for larger images)

Jo Fooks, born in Edinburgh, began learning the saxophone at 15. In 1992 she won ‘The Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year’. Inspired and encouraged by local Edinburgh musicians, Jo went on to study saxophone at the Guildhall School of music in London (1995-99). She also studied at the Berklee School of music in Boston after receiving a full fee scholarship for the summer jazz programme.
After recording her debut album “Here and Now!”, the legendary British trumpeter Humphrey Lyttelton invited her to join his eight-piece band. With whom she toured and performed in some of the most amazing theatres and venues in Britain. Humphs fun filled and melodic approach to music was to be a huge influence. And through performing in his band Jo also recorded and worked with Acker Bilk and played alongside Tina May, Joe Temperley, Scott Hamilton, Elkie Brooks,and many others.
Jo’s other influences include Illinois Jacquet, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gorden, Cannonball Adderley and Bill Evans. Her mellow tone is often compared to Stan getz and Zoot Simms.
Jo began to compose her own music in2004 after learning and analysing a wide variety of Jazz standards. She currently gigs in and around the London area and her teaching positions have included tutoring the RAF bands men (2000-2006).

  Jo Fooks with Dan Banks, Jose Canha and Roger Odell

     

   

Roger Odell                                        Larraine Odell

    

Jose Canha                                                     Dan Banks

Following the Jazznights raffle of 3 jazz cd’s we had the traditional Jazznights sitting in spot which is open to all musicians who have an  opportunity to play  with the band. Tonight we had the pleasure of Carol Bleiker singing After You & Geoff Harriman playing Fly Me To The Moon on his harmonica

    

Carol Bleiker                                      Geoff Harriman

Jo Fooks playing with vocals from Larraine Odell with the Jazznights Trio

Jo Fooks with Dan Banks, Jose Canha and Roger Odell

Sun 16 Jul – PETER KING (sax)

 

“Peter King is the finest alto saxophonist that Britain has ever produced, and one of the finest in the world”. Dave Gelly. “I hear both Trane and Bird in his playing, but he is better than either of them”. Gene Lees. ”A wonderful musician – a master of his instrument. People are aware of that here in America as well as in England”. Elvin Jones.

 

HE BEST IN BRITISH MODERN JAZZ is at Jazznights, The Bell Hotel. Clare, Suffolk. CO10 8NN

Admission £10. Doors open 7.00 pm. Music 7.30 – 10.00 pm.

Reserve seating on 01787 237653 or email info@jazz-nights.com
Pay on the night.

You can join us at facebook, read reviews of previous performances on more opinions blog or tweet at twitter.com/jazznightsuk

Pictures from past gigs can also be seen HERE

For further information on future gigs go to www.jazz-nights.com

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