Concert Saturday evening, April 11 at 8pm

Britain's Sammy Rimington brings Quintet for
Easter Weekend

Famed Clarinetist Returns for Watchung's Jazz Series. Early jazz drew much of its inspiration from hymns and spirituals, so an Easter weekend jazz concert is incomplete without a fair amount of such music in its program. Sammy Rimington's international quintet is prepared to do just that. British reed sensation Sammy Rimington will be featured on clarinet, and occasionally alto saxophone, in a special performance at the Watchung Arts Center on Saturday evening, April 11.

For this return visit he's increased the group to a quintet, drawn from top musicians of both Europe and the United States. Pianist Jon Marks (from Germany) and trombonist Fredrik John (from Sweden) are the Continental delegates, while drummer John Russell (CT) and bassist Jim Tutunjian (MA) represent the USA. Tickets to the 8 PM concert are only $10. "Sammy Rimington's playing" notes the New York Times, "demonstrates the clarinet's matchless range of funky virtuosity,  which makes jazz's past as real as its future." Playing the traditional though rarely heard Albert system instrument, the George Lewis disciple is widely regarded as the leading exponent of New Orleans-style clarinet. With over 150 recordings in circulation, he has made important contributions through his lively and inventive approach to jazz. Critic Tex Wyndham says it best: "Nobody in this branch of jazz is better than Rimington."

Fellow Englishman Jon Marks, now living in Germany, has toured and performed with many of the greatest jazz artists. His  hard-driving piano style propels the ensemble, insuring his reputation as one of the best and most forceful players in the idiom. 

Fredrik John is one of the top jazz trombonists in Sweden, where the music is far more popular and appreciated than in its American home. Both are infrequent visitors to this area. John Russell is a spirited player with a natural sense for the music. He's earned a respected position among a cadre of contemporary drummers for his honest and emotional approach to the "classic style" of drumming. Bassist Jim Tutunjian, an experienced recording artist, impresses fans and even fellow musicians with his authentic, distinctive beat.