Acclaimed vocalists, award-winning artists, and pioneering composers are included in our spring season of jazz, soul and R&B shows, guaranteed to get your toes tapping and hearts soaring.
Our varied programme offers you the opportunity to sing along to classics by Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin, listen to cutting edge new releases by Byron Wallen, or embrace an immersive film and music experience with the groundbreaking Apollo Saxophone Quartet.
King for a Day: The Nat King Cole Story
On 27 January, King for a Day: The Nat King Cole Story will feature world class musicians playing hits such as ‘Nature Boy’ and ‘Unforgettable’ alongside celebratory narration and video projection. Fresh from sell-out shows at London’s Hippodrome and Ronnie Scott’s, this is the perfect way to lift the winter blues.
Byron Wallen
Widely recognised as a seminal figure in world jazz, acclaimed trumpeter and composer Byron Wallen will stop off in Taunton on 23 February for a very special gig showcasing work from his album Portrait: Reflections on Belonging. The album is a journey on which he explores issues of ancestry, diasporic journey and cultural roots. His music draws inspiration from contemporary and indigenous cultures.
Tommy Blaize & NYJO Present: Ray Charles
Audiences missing Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday nights will be thrilled to hear that Tommy Blaize, lead singer of the show’s live band, is collaborating with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra to deliver an electrifying celebration of the father of soul, Ray Charles. The much-loved vocalist will perform alongside a 19 piece band of some of the most talented musicians in the country. Don’t miss it on Friday 3 March.
The History of Soul
On 24 March, The History of Soul promises a lively night out with a 9 piece band transporting us through the greatest eras of the genre. From Motown to Stax, get ready to hear timeless classics by Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Sam Cooke, The Temptations and more.
Apollo Saxophone Quartet
Finally on 29 March, the groundbreaking Apollo Saxophone Quartet will provide an immersive sound and visual experience. The quartet will perform classic film scores live – reacting and responding to images on the screen. The ensemble has made the largest single contribution to the saxophone quartet repertoire in the UK, commissioning, premiering and recording over 100 significant new works, ranging from quartets to concerti and film scores, as well as numerous creative collaborations with poets, dancers, multimedia and strings.
Tickets for our spring season are on sale now. Book online, in person, or call our Box Office team on 01823 283244 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm).
