Bringing you award-winning, renowned, and celebrated artists to The GI Music Lounge.

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A Very Special Night of Live Jazz

There is something special about hearing jazz performed live in an intimate room. You are close enough to see the musicians at work and experience the energy that passes between performers and audience.

On the 12 September, The GI Music Lounge welcomes the Vic Cracknell Jazz Quartet, with special guest Duncan Lamont Jr., for an evening celebrating some of the finest sounds of jazz and the Great American Songbook.

Meet Vic Cracknell

Farnham-based musician and singer-songwriter Vic Cracknell has built a varied career performing across a range of musical styles, both as a solo artist and with bands.

An award-winning performer, Vic has a particular love of jazz and his musical influences include some of the most celebrated songwriters of the twentieth century, including Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer.

His favourite vocalists include Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Tormé, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder and Nat King Cole- artists whose distinctive styles and interpretations have helped shape Vic’s own approach to performing jazz.

Vic has released four albums of original material and is shortly to release his new Jazz Sessions EP. His jazz quartet was formed a couple of years ago, alongside his swing band, which regularly performs for the jive dancing community.

Away from performing, Vic is also passionate about supporting other musicians. He has hosted a stage at Weyfest Music Festival, as well as jazz jams and open mic nights, helping to give emerging artists opportunities to perform in front of an audience.

His work has been recognised with the Innovative and Unique Award for his album Kindness in 2022, as well as a Services to Farnham award from the Mayor of Farnham.

Special Guest: Duncan Lamont Jr

Joining Vic and the quartet for this special evening is acclaimed saxophonist, arranger and composer Duncan Lamont Jr.

Duncan is a prominent figure on the UK jazz scene and has performed with some of the country’s major ensembles, including the BBC Big Band. His career has also taken him into West End theatre productions and film soundtracks.

Music runs deep in the Lamont family. Duncan is the son of the late Duncan Lamont, the highly regarded saxophonist who performed on Frank Sinatra’s European tours during a long and varied career.

With his experience as a performer, arranger and composer, Duncan brings another fascinating dimension to what promises to be a memorable evening of live jazz.

Meet the Quartet

Andy Sturmey- Piano

Pianist Andy Sturmey received formal musical training at the Royal Academy of Music and Goldsmiths College before embarking on a remarkable international career.

He has performed and recorded with artists including Elton John, George Michael, George Benson, Diana Ross, Chuck Berry, Alfie Boe, Shirley Bassey and Barry Manilow.

Andy has also worked extensively in London’s West End, performing with productions and artists including Michael Crawford in The Phantom of the Opera, Elaine Paige in Cats, Michael Ball in Les Misérables, Brooke Shields in Chicagoand John Barrowman.

His career has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious stages and venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Ronnie Scott’s and the Blue Note.

He has also appeared on numerous BBC radio broadcasts and has performed for members of the Royal Family at both private and public engagements.

Joe Yeadon- Double Bass

Joe Yeadon comes from a musical family and began his own musical journey at a remarkably young age, giving his first piano recital at just five years old.

Growing up in Yorkshire, Joe went on to explore a wide range of instruments and musical styles, from violin and percussion to singing, as well as classical, pop, jazz, funk and musical theatre.

He co-founded the University of Surrey Big Band in 1997, initially as its first guitarist. After graduating, a broken finger unexpectedly led him towards the double bass – an instrument that has remained his musical home ever since.

Joe has performed at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall and Huddersfield Town Hall. He is also a founder member of Junction 4 Big Band and later created the Rhythm and Groove Big Band.

A versatile and good-humoured musician, Joe brings a wealth of experience and, above all, a genuine love of making music.

Robin Lowrey- Drums

Completing the quartet is drummer Robin Lowrey, an accomplished musician with a broad background spanning jazz, funk, soul, rock and contemporary music.

Robin graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music with Honours before studying with renowned drum teacher Bob Armstrong, developing the versatile and highly musical approach that has become central to his playing.

He performs with original funk and soul band Crowd Company, signed to Vintage League Music, as well as the hugely popular 80s tribute band Calling Planet Earth.

Robin is also Chairman of Farnham Big Band and a member of the Surrey Jazz Orchestra, reflecting his versatility and deep connection to the local music scene.

A Night of Jazz, Up Close

With Vic Cracknell leading the quartet, Duncan Lamont Jr. joining as special guest, and Andy Sturmey, Joe Yeadon and Robin Lowrey bringing their considerable experience to the stage, this promises to be an evening packed with award winning musical talent.

For jazz fans, it is an opportunity to hear familiar favourites from the Great American Songbook alongside musicians who have performed on some of the UK’s biggest stages. 

And for anyone discovering jazz for the first time, there could be few better ways to experience it!

The intimacy of The GI’s Assembly Room means you are not simply watching a performance from a distance. You can see the musicians interact, hear the individual instruments and experience the atmosphere as it develops around you- what could be better!

That is what makes The GI Music Lounge different: great musicians, an attentive audience and a room that brings everyone closer to the music.

Whether you are a lifelong jazz enthusiast or simply enjoy an evening of outstanding live music, The GI Music Lounge provides a great night out!

The GI Music Lounge- bringing you closer to live music in central Guildford.
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