Tansy Rice (vocals) will be joined by Martin Jenkins (piano) and Neil Burns (guitar).
TansyRice sang with the Exeter Philharmonic Choir for 24 years, and along the way her musical curiosity led her into many rewarding forays into the world of jazz. That growing passion for jazz singing eventually became a pursuit in its own right.
She attended Michael Garrick's Jazz Academy Summer School, where Trudi Kerr was the vocal tutor, as well as the Loire Jazz and The Vortex courses run by Tristan Mailliot, where Liane Carroll and Anita Wardell were the respective tutors. These immersive courses not only sharpened her craft but gave Tansy the confidence to step out into the local jazz scene — attending jams, sitting in with musicians, and putting together bands for gigs and functions of her own.
This year she has been an invited guest singer at the Mermaid Jazz Club, Exeter, run by Pete Canter, appearing on two occasions.
In her sets, audiences can expect to hear Tansy bring her own warmth and style to songs by Donald Fagen, Mark Murphy, Annie Ross, and other jazz greats.
Tansy has also performed at Jazz Concerts in St. Mary's Church, Sticklepath, over the last few years. These evenings have grown into a popular annual event, bringing together some of the South West's finest musicians — including Martin Jenkins and Jim Rintoul — with Eddie Kingdom set to join her next year on April 25th.
Martin Jenkins is one of the most sought after keyboard players of the whole of the South West. He has been a feature on the south west jazz circuit in various musical combos over the last 20 years. In 2010 a collaboration with Bristol-based saxophonist Craig Crofton saw the release of the first album from their band Freight, consisting mainly of Martin’s Monk inspired compositions. This was followed up by a second album in 2014 featuring compositions by Martin and Craig. Martin relocated from Bristol to Devon in 2015 and is currently performing regularly with the Neil Burns Organ Trio who have worked with The Haggis Horns and UK jazz artists Steve Waterman and Roger Beaujolais. Other artists Martin has been fortunate to work with over the years in a live or recording context include Tommaso Starace, Tina May, Gareth Lockrane, Zoe Francis, Charlie Jones, David Rhodes, David “Pic” Conley and the late guitarist Frank Evans.
Scottish Guitarist Neil Burns has been immersed in the South-West jazz scene for many years and has accompanied many highly-regarded players on tours in the region.
A guitarist steeped in the jazz guitar tradition with a funky, bluesy, bebop style heavily influenced by the great Grant Green, Neil likes to play standards, original compositions and jazz classics.
He has also worked with Jaqui Dankworth, Greg Abate, Jim Mullen, Steve Waterman, Simon Spillett, Bobby Wellins, Clare Teal and many more.
Details: Sunday 27th September, music 3-5pm (Doors open 2:30pm)
Tickets: £10 in advance, £12.50 on the door. Please email thecottlesclub@gmail.com or whatsapp 07740163709 to book.
Location: St James’ Chapel, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 1DW