The Wonderful Music of George Shearing

Running Time: 2 Hours Approx. Including Interval

A no-hope congenitally blind boy from Battersea grew to become a US Grammy Award winning jazz great pianist. Shearing performed at Carnegie Hall and for three presidents at The White House, with his unique style of Glenn Miller swing, bop & modern classics. His many albums and singles include hits such as “Lullaby of Birdland”, ”Pick Yourself Up” and “September in the Rain”.

In 2006 George Shearing was knighted by The Queen. Sir George simply said “I don’t know why I’m getting this honour…..I’ve just been doing what I love to do. My mind keeps flashing back on my beginnings as pianist playing in a pub for the equivalent of $5.00 a week. What a journey from pub to Palace. Receiving such an honour might also show young people what can be achieved in life if you learn your craft and follow your dreams.”

Simon Brown, on piano, returns to St.James, following his exciting presentation in our 2014 series of The Wonderful Music of Herbie Hancock. In this current 2015 series his quintet, presenting those unique Shearing voicings, showcases the sparkling & youthful talent of Lewis Wright - vibraphone (fresh from his appearance with Wynton Marsalis at The Barbican), alongside Simon Hurley - guitar, Dave Olney - bass & George Double -Drums.

‘Great arrangements from Simon Brown – The Master’ Jazznights

The first of four concerts in “The Wonderful Music of The Jazz Greats” autumn 2015 series at St.James