Hastings benefit gig for musician struck by serious stroke

The event will take place at the East Hastings Sea Angling Association on the Stade.

Spokesman Julian Norridge said: “He's just 52. (The stroke) happened while he was performing on stage in Toulouse. Luckily there were medics in the theatre and he was treated and operated on very quickly. His family are hoping f or a full recovery in time.

“Jason has enjoyed an international career both as a saxophonist and composer. He has worked with some of the great names in jazz including McCoy Tyner, John Coltrane’s long-standing pianist, Andrew Hill and Jack DeJohnette.

“His flugelhorn concerto All Souls Seek Joy was premiered by Hugh Masekela and the London Symphony Orchestra in 2007 and his BBC Proms compositional debut, Rhythm and Other Fascinations for piano trio and the BBC Concert Orchestra, won the inaugural BASCA award for contemporary Jazz Composition in 2009.

“More recently he has been a founding member of the highly-acclaimed Hastings-based band Hexagonal. This high-energy sextet, with African and Jazz influences, was formed in late 2016 to perform the music of two titans of Jazz – Bheki Mseleku and McCoy Tyner.

“Since the band’s inception it has released its critically praised debut album McCoy and Mseleku and has played to enthusiastic audiences at club and festival appearances, including Love Supreme, the Scarborough and Herts festivals as well as concert recordings for BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Now and in session for Radio 3’s J-Z.”

Julian added: “This special benefit session will feature a wide range of well-known local musicians who make Hastings such a Mecca for jazz lovers. They will include much-loved singer and local and national treasure Lianne Carroll and her husband, bass-player Roger Carey, just back from a six-week tour with Steeleye Span.

“The legendary poet and singer Pete Brown, who pioneered combining poetry and jazz back in the 60s, working with people like Allen Ginsburg, will be performing. It was through his association with jazz that he met Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton. His songwriting partnership with Jack produced many of Cream’s greatest songs, including Sunshine of Your Love and I Feel Free.

“Also playing will be Jason’s fellow Hexagonal members, pianist John Donaldson, saxophonist and flautist Greg Heath and bass player Simon Thorpe. They’ll be joined by singer Chantelle Duncan, trumpeter Robbie Robson, saxophonist Rob Leake and drummer Nick Smalley. More musicians are yet to be confirmed.

“Doors will open at 7.45 for an 8.30 start. Tickets will be a minimum £15 on the door but everyone will be encouraged to be generous and give as much as they can.”