Clonter is delighted to be flinging open its doors once more, and welcoming you all back, with James Pearson’s annual trip north, together with special guests, Emma Smith on vocals and Alex Garnett on saxophone.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have had to review the capacity of the auditorium, and the limited number of people we can accommodate, under socially distanced conditions, has affected the ticket prices.

In line with other theatres, and following our Customer Confidence Survey, we have concluded that face masks will need to be worn at all times whilst in the building, and that we will not be able to facilitate an interval for this event. The show has therefore been shortened to approximately 70 minutes + Encore/s.

A limited bar service will be available, providing a Clonter cocktail, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and prosecco. This will be purchased by card only.

You are very welcome to picnic – socially distantly – outside, free of charge, prior to the performance. Please note that tables and chairs are limited, and are available on a first come first served basis. You are however welcome to bring your own, and a gazebo. We would ask that you ensure that you take your rubbish home with you.

For Clonter’s COVID-19 FAQs, click here.

We very much hope you will join us as we take these first tentative steps back to ‘normality’.
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Promo – Jazz in June – James Pearson & Friends 2021
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Jazz in June – James Pearson & Friends 2016
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Emma Smith – I Found A Place In My Heart
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Alex Garnett – Adam King with Alex Garnett Qrt – The Chant
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Emma Smith & Alex Garnett – Doodlin’
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James Pearson

James Pearson is a pianist, composer and creative tour de force.

He is the Artistic Director at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club where his trio are the house band. Their last album ‘Swing the Club’, recorded live at the venue, received excellent reviews across the board.

James Pearson is in shattering form on these sessions – The Sunday Times

The recording was ranked at No. 6 in the Sunday Times albums of 2009, and they were delighted to sell out four nights at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club in New York.

James is equally at home as a concert pianist. He has played concertos with the Philharmonia and the BBC Concert Orchestra amongst many others. His performance of Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano Concerto was broadcast on Classic FM and Gershwin’s Piano Concerto and Rhapsody in Blue on BBC Radio 2. With collaborations ranging from Paul McCartney to Wynton Marsalis, James is fast becoming one of the country’s most sought after pianists.

Recent commissions by the BFI and BBC have seen James back in the composing chair. The Big Smoke, commissioned by the BFI, is a collection of footage of London accompanied by an 80-minute score composed by James. His work can also be heard performed by Brodsky String Quartet, Sir John Dankworth, The BBC Concert Orchestra and The BBC Big Band.

The harmony of Messiaen mixed with the rhythmic pulse of George Shearing – The Sunday Times

James Pearson is one of the country’s most respected musicians. His work covers all genres of music, especially contemporary music, jazz and classical. He graduated from the Guildhall School, having completed his degree and the Advanced Solo Studies Course. Whilst at college he studied with Robert Saxton, Francis Shaw, Peter Bithell and James Gibb. He regularly performed with the symphony orchestra, including a concert at the Barbican with Takemitzu.

James has broadcast on all the major radio and television networks. Classic FM broadcast his concert of Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto, and BBC Radio 2 broadcast his performance of the Gershwin Piano Concerto and Rhapsody in Blue. He was the pianist in the Steve Martland Band. His work as a Jazz musician has taken him all over the world. His fine piano playing and arrangements can be heard on over 50 albums

Amongst the many people James has worked with are Dame Cleo Laine, Maria Ewing, Marian Montgomery, Petula Clark, The John Wilson Orchestra, Elvin Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart, Buddy Greco, Johnny Griffin, Joseph Horowitz, Richard Rodney Bennett, Ray Davies, Polly Gibbons, Nigel Kennedy, Robbie Williams, Rufus Wainwright, Gregory Porter, Imelda May, Jeff Beck and Paul McCartney.
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Emma Smith

Clonter is particularly glad to welcome Emma Smith, winner of the 2013 Jazz Young Musician Award, established by Clonter’s founder, Jeffery Lockett, during his time as Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

Having already shared the stage with the likes of Kurt Elling, Michael Buble, Georgie Fame, Goldie and the late Sir John Dankworth, won the Rising Star award at the London music awards 2015, been nominated for a BBC jazz award, and won the aforementioned Worshipful Company of Musicians jazz medal, Emma is well on her way to achieving her dream of being an accomplished jazz singer.
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Alex Garnett

Alex Garnett, often referred to as ‘Son’ or ‘Sonny’ has been one of the leading saxophonists in the UK and Mainland Europe for over 2 decades, being instantly recognised by his dark, husky sound.

A hugely versatile musician, he has enjoyed success as both a professional creative jazz artist, composer and arranger, and is in demand as a session, studio and commercial saxophonist, having racked up countless album sideman and recording credits along the way.
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Booking & Ticket Prices

Tickets £45 (Side Aisle – Row U), £55 (Rows M, P, R, Side Aisle – Row U, Left Balcony – Row V & Right Balcony – Row W), £75 (Rows B, D, F, H & K)

Grounds Open 5pm (To enable anyone wishing to picnic outdoors – Please ensure that you take your rubbish home with you, and remove all gazebo pegs)
Doors Open 6pm
Performance 7pm (Length approx. 70 minutes + Encore/s)
Interval No interval

For Clonter’s COVID-19 FAQs, click here.

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