JazzLeeds – Art Themen Organ Trio
January 19, 2025 // 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
£10 – £12
Art Themen cdelebrated his 85th birthday on 3rd November with a new record launch ‘Live In Soho’ on Ubuntu Music. Exciting, playful and inventive; saxophonist Art Themen has been a beloved character of the British jazz scene for over 60 years, famously combining his role as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with saxophone duties in the bands of Alexis Korner and Stan Tracey among many others. Described by The Observer as “One of the tiny handful of undeniably perfect jazz musicians”, he remains as brilliant and inimitable as ever.
Themen’s organ trio features organist Pete Whittaker, formerly of The Nigel Price Organ Trio, and drummer George Double who has worked as sideman to Shirley Bassey and Jack Jones. The band’s groove-led re-imaginings of quirky curiosities from the jazz canon act as a perfect vehicle for the twinkly mischief of this genuine grandee of British jazz and have delighted crowds at Ronnie Scott’s, The Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, Pizza Express Dean St and across the UK.
“The classic organ trio line-up, so beloved back in the day by the bands at Blue Note, on this groove-laden live band is up there with the greats of the past, present and future. However, it’s not all soulful funk. There’s an eclectic mix of Latin, ballads, hard bop and some that avoid categorisation, all performed to perfection by three masters of their craft.” BEBOP SPOKEN HERE
“One of the most distinguished trios on Britain’s scene today.” JAZZ RAG
“A perfectly melded unit… A masterclass in tenor technique imbued with all the control and emotion of a true virtuoso.” JAZZ JOURNAL
“I heard this band and thought them a wow… the total performance a joy.” JAZZWISE
Doors 1pm. Music 1.30 – 4pm. Tickets £12 / £10 conc. £12 on the door. Under 16s free.
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