Songwriting Masterclass with Duncan Lamont

Ilkley Jazz Festival takes place in a few weeks and as well as a number of live performances throughout the weekend, Sunday 22nd August will feature some workshops which are free to attend.

Tenor saxophonist and composer Duncan Lamont is recognised internationally for his contribution to jazz, both through his playing with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole and with Kenny Wheeler on Music for Large and Small Ensembles, and through his gift for song-writing. Duncan's songs have been recorded by singers like Blossom Dearie and Cleo Laine and Fred Astaire himself commended Duncan on his songwriting ability. (Not to mention the seminal children's tv themes he composed - Spot The Dog and Mr Benn!)

From 2pm until 4pm on Sunday 22nd August, Duncan will take participants through the process of songwriting. The event doesn't require extensive knowledge of jazz harmony but some musical knowledge will be beneficial.

Places are limited so those interested should contact festival director Beverley Beirne by visiting the Ilkley Jazz Festival website.

Ilkley Jazz Festival needs your votes...

A new jazz festival is in the works for people in the North this summer with the first Ilkley Jazz Festival. The 3 day event will run from 21st-23rd August in various venues in Ilkley and is being directed and organised by Beverley Beirne and Mark Beirne-Smith.

Two headline acts have already been announced (Jacqui Dankworth and The Duncan Lamont Songbook) with more to be announced and there will also be a series of free events and workshops taking place across the weekend.

In order to gain support for this new festival, Beverley and Mark have applied for funding from Aviva in a campaign which supports community events.

In order to receive funding from Aviva, Ilkley Jazz Festival must be voted in the top 200 of  650 submissions. You can sign up to the site to receive 10 votes (which you can use to support 10 projects or use them all for one project). Voting closes on May 31st.

More information on the Aviva Community fund.

More Information on Ilkley Jazz Festival.