Policy Statement
This event is being organised by a local committee of musicians and jazz fans.Our aim is to promote jazz on the Isle of Wight. Members of the committee will not receive any financial reward. Inspected accounts will be made available on request.
The committee will cover the cost of the main venues and headline acts. This will be funded by sponsorship, ticket sales and other fund-raising activities.
Any subsequent profits will go towards funding future events.
We will encourage other performances during the period. However, we will not act as agents. It will be the responsibility of the performers and venues to negotiate between themselves.
double click to hide
Roots and Herbs
The Blakey Project
"Art was one of the most inspirational band leaders rated amongst some of the greatest. Names like Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Miles Davis come to mind. They all had an inclusive way of band leading that made each member feel a part of the family. Through the music, Art encouraged us to strive and reach beyond ourselves and work as one to create excitement while never losing sight of the audience. Art used to say "it doesn't matter how complex you want to play as long as you swing and play from the heart" then he'd cite the great John Coltrane as an example. I owe it all to the great Art Blakey and I'll be a Jazz Messenger for life". -Jean Toussaint
Jean spent four very productive years in the Jazz Messengers after leaving Berklee. Since settling in Britain in 1987 he has been a major figure on the jazz scene as well as in jazz education.