Newhampton Arts Centre is to welcome internationally renowned artists to their Spring season of Jazz. The programme launches this February with one of most talked about young musicians in contemporary jazz, Xhosa Cole.
The band would be a brand new ensemble ‘Rhythm-a-ting’ exploring the compositions of Thelonious Monk with the Xhosa Cole fingerprint, perfect for a live setting.
Gathering an all-star lineup for this show, Xhosa Cole will play tenor sax, sharing the stage on 18th February with Steve Saunders on Guitar, Josh Vadiveloo playing Double Bass, Nathan England Jones on drums and Liberty Styles on Tap Dance
The appearance of his quartet - on a 20-date national tour - was another scoop for the NAC and the promotional organisation Jazz In Wolverhampton back in early 2020 when he played to a full house at the centre.
Handsworth-born Xhosa Cole is an embodiment of the success of numerous community arts programmes in the West Midlands. Having first played the Tenor at Andy Hamilton’s Ladywood Community Music School, he’s now the latest in a long line of Birmingham Saxophonists.
After his win in 2018 at BBC Young Jazz Musician of the year, Xhosa Cole is known to be deeply passionate about the jazz tradition and this love is reflected in his breath-taking performances.
“Xhosa’s performance was so heartfelt, sincere and communicative. It’s easy to see he has such a deep and genuine love of the tradition." - Iain Ballamy who was on the jury at BBC Young Musician Jazz Award, November 2018.
Xhosa Cole and his quartet will play Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton on Saturday 18th of February at 8pm and tickets are priced £14.50.
Jazz at NAC also continues the spring jazz season with the acclaimed Australian piano trio Trichotomy make their debut at the centre and saxophonist, composer and band leader, Jasmine Myra. Completeing the spring season will be the David Preston Quartet featuring Kit Downes, Seb Rochford & Kevin Glasgow.
Further details about all events and tickets can be purcased at www.newhamptonarts.co.uk
