Goose may not be on the menu, but if you join us at Jagz in Ascot, you can savour a delicious carvery Sunday Roast along with some of the best live music around.
The Claire Phoenix Band will be performing at this popular venue within walking distance of Ascot railway station, from 12.30 on Sunday 1st December.
Come and enjoy some fabulous live music from one of the most
accomplished bands in the South, in a warm, but ‘cool’, relaxed atmosphere with
superb cuisine.
The Claire Phoenix Band is a chic five piece
band who specialise in Jazz, Soul, Swing, Latin and Retro Pop.
You can expect to delight in exquisite interpretations of
classic Jazz masterpieces from the band’s highly acclaimed album, Diamond
Lives, as well as a selection of contemporary popular tunes made famous by the
likes of Dusty Springfield, Carole King and Carly Simon, among others.
Claire Phoenix demonstrates the pedigree of her musical
upbringing (the daughter of classical / jazz musicians) combined with her
comprehensive training and wealth of experience, as she delivers a varied
repertoire with such depth and passion, making each song her own.
Claire is blessed with a band of individual masters of their
craft who combine as a powerful unit which both complements her extensive range
and raises the bar of their own vast abilities. They also display a number of quirky characteristics.
Simon (Mister Dry-as-a-Bone) Spratley – Keyboards
“Simon displays flashes of brilliance at unpredictable moments”
according to Claire; Simon also has an 'off the wall' humour which "cracks us up often during a gig, such as trying to water the flower I am wearing on my lapel". Simon
is indeed a highly qualified keyboard player who is also in demand with a
number of other bands when he is not tickling the ivories for the Claire
Phoenix Band.
Ian Tompson – Saxophones
Ian brings a depth and variety to the band’s repertoire, as
well as a great deal of experience, having played in various jazz, blues and
fusion projects over a period of two decades.
Ian has played all over the world and also leads his own Jazz Funk Band.
Steve Grattan - Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Technician
Steve is the technician of the band. “Mr
Versatile” is clearly the master of all trades. Steve’s bass playing on the
band’s live recordings is exemplary. He also accompanies Claire on acoustic
guitar when the two appear as a duo. Steve is
responsible for the website, as well as the top sound quality that is a
feature of the Claire Phoenix Band’s live appearances.
Tom Vincent – Drums
Tom is a highly respected session drummer who has appeared
with Dame Shirley Bassey, among others; he also has several appearances in
bands and orchestras at the iconic Royal Albert Hall to his credit. Tom teaches
drums of all kinds as well as a variety of percussion instruments. Tom is known to play his drums bare footed.
Claire is currently working on an album of original material. The songs reflect on Claire's personal journey, dealing with real issues and experiences. The songs are jazz-influenced and "honest"; Claire points out, however, that she wouldn't like to label them too specifically, as "one's work is just what comes naturally".
The album, entitled "The Move Inside", will largely feature vocal / piano pieces with other instruments joining in occasionally. A few tracks will feature full band arrangements.
