Sarratt Festival of Music

Saturday 20th September 2008 Jacqui Dankworth and her musicians “There are very few singers that can sound so good on record and even better when you see them live on stage. Jacqui Dankworth is one of the few who sounds fantastic all the time”. Michael Parkinson . The undisputed “Princess of Jazz” Jacqui Dankworth makes her debut appearance in Sarratt. One of the finest singers of her generation and daughter of Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, her musical pedigree is in no doubt. With two award winning albums behind her, Jacqui is now touring the UK with material from a new record, a group of the finest British musicians, and a show not to be missed. Her live concert draws on all kinds of influences including jazz, soul, folk and blues.

Friday 26th September 2008 The Clerks’ Group “Street songs and courtly airs”   This programme provides a survey of songs and song adaptations from the Middle Ages to the present day, including some rare gems from the Renaissance, some racy contemporary settings and a few old favourites on the way. One of the outstanding vocal groups in its field, the Clerks’ recordings and performances of Renaissance vocal music have earned them a place among the foremost interpreters of the repertoire. The group’s discography of over 20 CDs represents a uniquely valuable and pioneering contribution to early music and has won them many accolades, including the coveted Gramophone Award for Early Music.

Saturday 27th September 2008 Kevin Hathaway and the Elastic Band The 15- piece Elastic Band blends a unique repertoire of original pieces with sparkling renditions of popular classics which make for an exciting live show. The interactive performance overcomes the traditional boundaries between audience and musicians creating a roller-coaster concert for all the family. In January 08 The Elastic Band toured the UK as part of a Classic FM/Yamaha initiative in conjunction with The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts. This evening’s performance will include popular classics such as “Bolero” and the premiere of a new work rehearsed and composed with the children from Sarratt on Saturday afternoon. More details of this workshop will follow.