AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY of top UK talent pays tribute to the great Benny Goodman at Ilminster Arts Centre.

Known as ‘the King of Swing’, Goodman is remembered in the popular imagination for his big band hits, but this tribute evening focuses on his small groups which featured Goodman on clarinet, Lionel Hampton on vibraphone, Charlie Christian on guitar and Teddy Wilson on piano.

For this heartwarming trip down musical memory lane, Goodman’s small group will be recreated by Julian Marc Stringle, Roger Beaujolais and Dominic Ashworth with the Craig Milverton Trio.

Julian Stringle is widely regarded as the UK’s top clarinet player, having won the UK Jazz Award for clarinet three times.

Like Goodman himself, Stringle started playing clarinet from a young age, and made his TV debut with Acker Bilk when he was just 14, and has since played with many top bands, from John Dankworth to The Spice Girls.

Roger Beaujolais started playing vibraphone at 24, and his first band was the Chevalier Brothers with Ray Gelato with whom he played in over 15 countries on 3 continents as well as the major jazz festivals in Europe.

Dominic Ashworth is a member of Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen and Julian Marc Stringle’s Dream Band.

Craig Milverton can mimic the styles of the great jazz pianists.

On this occasion he will ‘be’ Teddy Wilson, and he will supported by the rest of his trio, featuring Al Swainger on bass and Nick Milward on drums.

The concert promises to be a wonderful ‘curtain raiser’ to the festive season.

Benny Goodman Tribute, Friday, December 16, 8pm. To book tickets costing £20 and suppers ring the box office on 01460 54973.