MEDIA RELEASE

Master drummer Gene Calderazzo steps in for Ginger Baker

9.30pm Saturday 23 April, King's Hall, Royal Bath Hotel Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Jazz Festival is delighted to announce The Ginger Baker Experience featuring Andy Sheppard will now be playing its Saturday night headlining slot following Ginger Baker's enforced withdrawal on medical grounds.

Taking the drum seat is the acclaimed American master drummer Gene Calderazzo, who has worked with a host of jazz and rock musicians including Sting, Radiohead, Phil Woods and Randy Brecker. He is also a visiting tutor at the Birmingham Conservatoire, and the Royal Academy of Music.

Jazz Festival Director Gerry Clarke commented "You can never ‘replace' someone like Ginger Baker and finding an alternative at short notice was never going to be easy. I am therefore delighted we have managed to find such a highly regarded drummer to complete the Jazz Confusion band.

"They will be rehearsing and performing Ginger's Jazz Confusion compositions and I am confident we can look forward to a headlining concert of outstanding music, " he said. Acclaimed British sax player Stan Sulzman wrote of Calderazzo, "...[his] time and energy creates an excitement similar to that of a young Tony Williams, [a] drummer with forward gears."

In view of the line-up change, The Festival has reduced the ticket price for this concert from £25 to £20 (plus booking fee). Those who have already booked can exchange their tickets at the point of purchase for ones at the new price or obtain a full refund.

Gerry Clarke added "I know a number of fans will be disappointed that we won't have Ginger Baker at the Festival in the flesh. But with the Ginger Baker Experience we will have him there in spirit and I hope they will show solidarity at this difficult time for Ginger by coming to the concert."

Ticketed events can be booked through The Bournemouth Jazz Festival websitehttp://www.bournemouthjazzfestival.co.ukor through the BH Live websitehttps://www.bhlivetickets.co.uk/Online/default.asp

For more information please contact Gerry Clarke, Festival Director: T/: 07710 611123 or E/:gerry@bournemouthjazzfestival.co.uk

More Press Information and hi res images from Jane Adkins, A Head for PR Ltd, T/: 01935 813114 or E/:jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

ENDS

Mar 2016 (BJF 04)