Darius Brubeck Quartet graces the Jazz Hastings stage

Jazz Hastings’ last monthly session of the year will feature one of the best-known surnames in world jazz. Like his legendary father Dave, Darius Brubeck is a renowned pianist who also leads a highly successful long-standing quartet. Julian Norridge sets the scene for their 12 December gig.

Born in San Francisco, Darius Brubeck has enjoyed a lifetime of varied international experience as band leader, composer, teacher and broadcaster. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, he led his own groups, playing with Don McLean among others, and was ushered into the international jazz scene as a member of two Brubeck bands under his father’s leadership, along with his brothers Chris and Dan.

He moved to South Africa in 1983, where he initiated the first degree course in jazz studies offered by an African university and founded the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. As professor of Jazz Studies, he taught until 2005. During that time he toured the world with many of South Africa’s leading jazz musicians, including renowned bansuri player Deepak Ram, who appeared at Jazz Hastings this summer.

In 2006 he moved to the UK where he founded the Darius Brubeck Quartet, which over 16 years has become a much-in-demand group, appearing regularly at UK festivals, at top clubs such as Ronnie Scott’s and touring internationally.

On saxophones is Dave O’Higgins, who has been nominated for multiple awards with the various bands with which he plays. He has also worked as a sideman with the likes of Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Smith, Nancy Wilson, Wayne Shorter, Abdullah Ibrahim, Stephane Grappelli and many others.

Bass player Matt Ridley has been a core member of the Quartet since its inception. He has recorded three studio albums and two live albums with them and toured extensively in Europe, Asia and Africa. As a band leader he has made more albums, one of which – The Antidote – was nominated for Best Album in the 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Drummer Wesley Gibbens has also been with the band since it began. Born in Durban, his roots have led him to recording and touring with a number of legendary South African and Zimbabwean musicians.

The quartet have now been together for so long that they have formed a really tight group which does full justice to the range of music they play, which includes some of Dave Brubeck’s greatest hits. A great treat lies in store.

Darius Brubeck Quartet Jazz Hastings, Tuesday 12 November, East Hastings Sea Angling Association (on the Stade behind the lifeboat station). Doors open 7.45pm for 8.30 start, tickets £15 on the door.

Darius Brubeck Quartet: from left, Darius Brubeck, piano, Matt Ridley, bass, Wesley Gibbens, drums, and O’Higgins, saxes.

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