Chris Hodgkins Newsletter – Current + New Projects 2024

SUMMONED BY BELLS – A new project for 2024

This project is based around Sir John Betjeman’s poem “Summoned By Bells” and involves a tour of churches with bell towers. The core of the programme revolves around a number of newly composed themes played by church bells over which members of the band will improvise – two trumpets and soprano sax
In addition to the improvisation with bells there will be music from folk songs to jazz and a few other idioms in between. Plus, poetry readings written by Betjeman, A.E.Houseman plus two new commissions from the poet Max Hillman, set to music by Estelle Kokot.

The band comprises myself plus Henry Lowther (trumpet), Diane McLoughlin (sax), Elaine Delmar (vocal) Alison Rayner (double bass) and Max Brittain (guitar). >>READ MORE HERE<<

A SALUTE TO HUMPHREY LYTTELTON

With his influential role as leader of the jazz revival, the late trumpeter Humphrey Lyttelton, affectionately known as “Humph”, was a much-loved broadcaster, hosting BBC Radio 2’s ‘Best Of Jazz’ programme for many years, as well as BBC Radio 4’s hugely successful and still running) comedy show ‘I’m Sorry, I Haven’t A Clue’ (later hosted by Jack Dee). Chris has assembled an impressive ten-piece band who will perform Humph’s compositions and arrangements, as well as some brand-new pieces. The band features, Chris Hodgkins – trumpet, Henry Lowther – trumpet, Charlotte Glasson – sax, Diane McLoughlin – sax, Alex Clarke – sax, Mark Bassey – trombone, Andrea Vicari – piano, Chris Spedding – Guitar Alison Rayner – double bass, Buster Birch – drums, >>READ MORE HERE<<

JAZZ AND DR JOHNSON

Jazz and Dr Jonson is based around Chris’ album “Boswell’s London Journal”, a suite of 15 tunes co-composed by Chris Hodgkins and Eddie Harvey (who also did the arrangements). James Boswell, best known as the biographer of Dr Samuel Johnson, kept a daily diary between the years 1762 and 1763.

The album has been turned into a show Jazz and Dr Johnson with a script written by the late   Sue Sheridan. The evening consists of movements from the jazz suite interspersed with readings from the script with tailored various anecdotes and quotes from James Boswell’s journal that chronicled Johnson’s life. >>READ MORE HERE<<

BOOKINGS FOR SALUTE TO HUMPHREY LYTTELTON & JAZZ AND DR JOHNSON CONTACT
Ina Dittke
07768 861 566
ina@inadittke.com

TOURING WITH THE PETE ALLEN BAND

The Pete Allen is celebrating 45 Years of being a band leader on the 4^th December 2023 at the Pizza Express, Soho, London. Full details HERE and HERE

Book tickets for the 4th December HERE

Pete Allen is a gifted musician and a born entertainer.  His band comprise high calibre musicians with a long experience of playing here and abroad. Pete Allen – clarinet, sax and vocals, Roger Marks – trombone, Dave Hanratty – base, Jim Newton – drums and James Clemas – keyboard and vocals. Chris Hodgkins – trumpet completes the line rejoining the band after 45 years

Pete first formed his own band in 1978 and went on to top the bill in America, starring in St. Louis, Sacramento and New Orleans where he was awarded an Honorary Citizenship for his services to jazz music – a rare privilege for a British musician. Until the advent of Brexit and Covid, he was  performing regularly in France, Germany and Denmark, both with his band and as a soloist. >>READ MORE HERE<<

To contact Pete:
TEL:  07899 925194
EMAIL: PETEALLENJAZZ@TISCALI.CO.UK
https://peteallenjazz.com/

>>CLICK HERE FOR LONDON JAZZ FEATURE ON PETE ALLEN’S
45TH ANNIVERSARY GIG<<

>>CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE IN JAZZ LIVES<<

JAZZ LONDON RADIO

Chris Hodgkins joined Jazz London Radio in September 2014 with a weekly show called Jazz Then and Now.

The concept of the show is as Chris puts it “what it says on the tin”. Chris delves into the history of the music and presenting what is happening on the scene today with a watchful eye on British contemporary jazz. The show runs every Monday at 3 pm, repeated on Sunday at 12am, Wednesday at 3pm, Thursday at midnight, Fridays at 4pm, Saturday at 12am and Sunday at 2pm

To stream LJR click Jazz London Radio

Jazz Then And Now – “It must be one of the most eclectic jazz radio shows out there.” Bill Trythall, Beaconville Music PR