Matt Skeltons Blackhawk Quintet - a celebration of Shelly Manne and his music

When drummer Matt Skelton first decided to form his own band inspired by US drummer Shelly Manne, his choice of musician collaborators was obvious. He chose musicians who have a deep connection with their corresponding original artists in Shelly’s band.

The centrepiece of tonight’s music is inspired by a clutch of golden Shelly Manne performances captured live at the Blackhawk Jazz Club in San Francisco in September 1959.

The arrangements that Matt’s quintet will perform tonight are transcriptions of the originals and you can expect lively, swinging, classic arrangements that are not often heard live.

Matt Skelton - drums and leader, James Davison – trumpet, Mark Crooks - tenor sax, Leon Greening – piano, Ferg Ireland - double bass