A WORLD class British jazz singer will be joined by a trio of top musicians when a special charity night is held to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Vocalist Lee Gibson will be accompanied by pianist Geoff Eales, bassist Roy Babbington and drummer Mark Fletcher in a tribute to the timeless music of George and Ira Gershwin.

The show features songs and stories covering the brothers' work together until George's death in 1937 at the age of 38.

Singer Lee Gibson has also scripted and arranged the programme called The Magic of Gershwin.

The event, which is being promoted by Inkberrow Jazz, and sponsored and organised by the company, Black's of Inkberrow, takes place on Tuesday, September 7, in Inkberrow Village Hall.

Mainstream

Inkberrow Jazz started in January this year to promote mainstream and modern jazz in Worcestershire.

The two gigs held so far have raised more than £800 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The latest event with Lee Gibson is being held at a bigger venue than usual to accommodate a grand piano, and make room for 150 people.

"We're very excited about having Lee Gibson and one of the best jazz trios in the country," says Geoff Matthews, of Inkberrow Jazz.

"Geoff Eales is a world famous jazz pianist. He's done thousands of broadcasts with the BBC Radio Big Band."

Geoff Matthews says when Inkberrow Jazz started in January, the plan was for it to expand.

The village hall has been the biggest venue used so far, because the events are pulling in bigger audiences.

"Worcestershire is bereft of the type of music that we put on," says Geoff.

"Most of what you get in the countryside round here is traditional jazz, not what we call contemporary modern jazz."

Lee Gibson has performed at festivals throughout the UK, as well as in Europe, Australia, South Africa and the USA.

As well as working with her own trio or quartet, she is a highly respected and accomplished big band singer.

Her solo CDs for Spotlite Records called Songs of Time and Place, and Linger Awhile, have been released to critical acclaim.

Her many film and television credits include Privates on Parade, Willow, Only Fools and Horses, and seven Royal Variety Shows.

When she plays at The Inkberrow Jazz night, she will be entertaining the audience with classics such as A Foggy Day, I Got Rhythm, Summertime, It Ain't Necessarily So, and I Loves You Porgy.

The night starts at 8pm.

Inkberrow Village Hall is situated around half a mile outside the village on the Alcester side on the A422 Stratford to Worcester Road.

Tickets are £18 each on 01386 793171, or a cheque can be sent to Inkberrow Jazz, Carmichael House, The Green, Inkberrow, Worcestershire, WR7 4DZ.

Rob learns tricks of the trade from industry insiders

KIDDERMINSTER guitarist Rob Hayes joined more than 50 of the most promising young musicians from across the country last week to take part in the annual week-long Summer Academy of Music.

While on the course at Bretton Hall, Yorkshire, he attended workshops and specialist lectures with top session players and producers who have worked with the likes of Sting, Elton John, Blur and Groove Armada.

"SAM has been a brilliant experience of meeting lots of talented musicians and friendly people, and learning the tricks of the trade," says Rob, aged 20.

"I've taken part in sound engineering and production classes and the tutors have been fantastic."

Last month, Rob was awarded Music Student of the Year at Worcester College of Technology, where he has studied on the Contemporary Popular Music programme.

"I was really shocked to get this award," he says.

"I'm dyslexic and found school quite difficult, so that's why it's a real honour for me to get this."

In September, Rob starts Access to Music's Artist Development Programme at the British Academy of New Music, London, where he will study to be a session player.

Visit the acoustic kingdom of Rich

ACOUSTIC music artist King Rich will be playing at The Poacher's Pocket, in Warndon, Worcester, on Monday, August 30.

King Rich has released his first mini album T'Emotive which focuses on the musician's more commercial side.

The mini album will be on sale at the Bank Holiday Monday gig, and features six studio recordings as well as a bonus King Rich music video CD-Rom.

"The compilation took just under a year to complete, as the engineer used on the album is one of the best around, and only the best will do for the recordings, as I care enormously for my music and the overall product," says King Rich.

"I don't wish to be releasing something I'd class as substandard poppy-cock.

"I love playing music anywhere and everywhere, any time, any place.

"It can be highly dangerous going out as a solo musician, but if I am to live playing to some dangerous crowds, at least I'll be living doing what I love - music.

"There's been some great gigs and I'm highly fortunate to have met such great human beings through the journey of music."

King Rich has recently played slots at a UK Film Festival, The Ross-On-Wye International Festival, as well as on a World Radio Station.

For more information on King Rich check out his website www.kingrich.co.uk or alternatively check out the other MAS Records artists at www.mightyatomsmasher. com