Fireworks and all that jazz (From Salisbury Journal)

Fireworks and all that jazz

3:03pm Friday 2nd June 2006 in The Big Interview By Anne Morris

JAZZ singer Claire Martin joins London Jazz Orchestra for an exciting finale to Salisbury International Arts Festival, on Saturday, June 10.

The alfresco finale evening in Salisbury's Cathedral Close will feature something for all the family and culminate in a fantastic firework display that promises pyrotechnic special effects.

Claire Martin takes a break from presenting her regular jazz magazine show on BBC Radio 3, Jazz Line Up, and she has also been busy recording in New York and touring with British composer and pianist Richard Rodney Bennett.

Looking ahead to the summer means lots of festival bookings for the popular singer, named vocalist of the year in 2003 by the BBC Jazz Awards.

This will be the first time Claire has performed in Salisbury, and her forst performace with the London Jazz Orchestra, who she is full of admiration for.

She says: "They are some of the cream of jazz players.

"Noel Langley, the orchestra's leader must be one of the best players in the country and it will be great as I have worked with him before.

"It is going to be such fun performing with the band.

"Big bands give such a big, brassy sound."

And her programme?

"We are going to do some well-known jazz standards, ranging from the great American songbook to swing and a few really nice ballads."

Anyone familiar with Claire's voice will recognise her smoky tones, though she is sure to win some converts on June 10, and she is definitely looking forward to the fireworks.

"Gosh, how exciting, I have never performed in the open-air with fireworks, it will be fantastic," she says.

There are activities for children too, including the chance to make wings, but one thing is guaranteed, the evening will end with an illuminated sky set against the backdrop of Salisbury Cathedral.

Tickets for the festival finale are available from the box office on 01722 320333.