Andrea Pozza graces the Jazz Hastings stage

For its December session Jazz Hastings welcomes Italian jazz pianist Andrea Pozza and his trio to the stage of the East Hastings Sea Angling Association. Julian Norridge introduces our guest.

Andrea Pozza has been an important figure on the international jazz scene for more than 20 years. A graduate of the Niccolo Paganini Conservatory in his home town of Genoa, he has appeared on stage with a host of legendary jazz musicians, including Chet Baker, Lee Konitz and Pat Metheny.

An indication of what to expect can be gleaned from the programme for a recent appearance at the London Jazz Festival: “Pozza’s impeccable phrasing allied to the stylish sense of swing in his playing will be superbly highlighted by the rest of the distinctly top drawer trio, including the award-winning bassist Andy Cleyndert and the highly acclaimed drumming of Mark Taylor.”

Pozza’a original inspiration came from such master jazz pianists as Teddy Wilson, Bud Powell, Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner.  As a leader, he has recorded more than 10 CDs, including two duos with the legendary saxophonist Scott Hamilton.

He is also heavily involved in jazz education, having taught at the Giuseppe Verdi School of Music in Milan and at his alma mater, the Niccolo Paganini Conservatory.

Bassist Andrew Cleyndert has played in major bands such as the Ronnie Scott Sextet and Stan Tracey’s band and worked regularly with renowned singer Annie Ross. He has been nominated for the British Jazz Awards every year since they started.

Since turning professional at 16, drummer Mark Taylor has worked with a veritable Who’s Who of jazz greats, including Chet Baker, Harry ‘Sweets’ Eddison, Mose Allison and Jimmy Witherspoon. For the last 20 years he has lived mainly in New York.

Andrea Pozza Trio Jazz Hastings, Tuesday 5 December, East Hastings Sea Angling Association (on the Stade behind the lifeboat station). Doors open at 7.45pm for an 8.30 start, tickets £10 on the door.

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