THE SOUND OF SUFFOLK

When I first moved down to Suffolk I was blown away by its magical countryside, picturesque towns and its incredible sunsets. All amazingly photogenic.

However, little did I know it had other hidden gems, unrelated to the ones I mentioned.

In fact, it has taken me a little by surprise.

As you know I have a passion for music and was not expecting this county to provide some of the best musical events I have experienced in a long time.

Most of you won’t have heard of places like Hadleigh, Bildeston, Sudbury, Lavenham, Monk Eleigh or to a lesser extent, Bury St Edmunds.

However, over the last few years they have been hosts to some of the best jazz musicians of today.

So, for this newsletter I thought I would indulge and simply you give a photographic story of Jazzy Suffolk over the last 3 years. ?

I believe it all started when I first moved to Suffolk in 2020 and I was told about the amazing small venues that had housed some awsome performers. So, when the restrictions were lifted after covid and we were allowed to mingle. I couldn’t wait to visit and see for myself.

The Ipswich Jaz and blues festival at Christchurch Park was an introduction of what was to come in the next few years. This festival was a great mix of Global Rhythm, blues and jazz.

Following this, a lovely afternoon was spent at Helmingham Hall listening to big band sounds.

But we were then introduced to The Hunter Club in Bury St Edmunds. This venue has hosted some amazing artist over the years, and we were not disappointed in our first visit.

Jazz performer Denny Ilett, singer, guitarist and a performer who regularly performs at the Ronnie Scott club gave us an incredible evening of music.

We went back a few weeks later and was then introduced to one of the best jazz vocalists in this country, Jo Harrop, who we have also been lucky enough to see for a second time in our local town hall in Hadleigh. A north-eastern girl with a voice that is astonishing.

Other amazing performers we have seen at the Hunter club include Joanne Eden and Jacqui Hicks

One month ago, our local town hall in Hadleigh, ?was also the venue for the amazing James Pearson who is the musical director at Ronnie Scott’s.

He provided the audience, a history lesson on some of the most famous jazz pianists in the world and had the ability to replicate each of their musical styles. Simply incredible.

A personal favourite of mine this year was a jazz funk group I loved during the 80’s. Shakatak were performing in a small church in Sudbury. Simply for me, a must see.

Brought back incredible memories from my youth. Roger Odell, Bill Sharpe, Jill Seward, George Anderson and Alan Wormald were phenomenal. Tickets have already been bought for their Summer gig in another local town, Lavenham.

Whether it be a small town or even a small village like Monks Eleigh, where they recently hosted the Wendy Kirkland Trio.?The quality and quantity of musicians this area attracts is astonishing.

I believe that two men who are incredible musicians in their own right are at the forefront to offering these incredible artists to the people of Suffolk and I personally would like to thank them for that.

George Double and Chris Ingham. They not only perform, they promote and organize many of these events themselves throughout the County

Without them I couldn’t enjoy my two passions in life Music and Photography in the beautiful county of Suffolk