Results tagged “jazz”

When you reach the grand old age of 81 there are very few things to experience for the first time.

But jazz musician Chris Barber will make his Canary Wharf debut when he plays at Boisdale on Saturday evening - after 62 years in the music business. He said he was looking forward to it.

For a man who's done as much as anyone to shape post-war British popular music Chris Barber is not one to blow his own trumpet.

Apart from a 60-year career as the trombone-playing leader of his trad jazz band, Barber helped kick-start the blues boom of the 1960s, co-founded the legendary Marquee Club, and was made an honorary citizen of New Orleans.

With a little help from a local music legend, Boisdale says it is planning to revolutionise Canary Wharf's live entertainment market.

As well as claiming the world's largest whisky bar, a cigar smoking terrace and fine Scottish dining, the venue, which is due to open in premises above Cabot Place mall on April 18, is also aiming to bring crowds flocking to its music hall.

Jazz hands at the ready for three days of music in Canada Square Park. A star line-up of instrumentalists and singers will be performing at the free Canary Wharf Jazz Festival from August 13-15.

Pianist and composer Alex Wilson will present the London launch of his nine piece band, Salsatak, headlining the festival's opening evening.

Fans of traditional jazz are in for a special treat next week when three legends of the scene play at the Indigo2.

Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball and Chris Barber, collectively known as the Three Bs, bring their considerable talents to the stage on July 23 and The Wharf caught up with Acker, master of the clarinet, about the keenly anticipated show.