"Bringing big names to a small town"
THURSDAY
14TH SEPTEMBER 2023
The Ben Holder Quartet is a stellar line-up of incredible musicians, blending an energetic mix of traditional jazz, mainstream and swing with Ben's own infectious originals, which hark back to the fun and swing of the 1920s and 1930s.
The group is one of the most exciting bands to emerge in recent years. Led by the fiery enthusiasm of Ben Holder, who not only wows on violin but also on the keys, the quartet is strengthened by the phenomenal Jez Cook on guitar, the suave talent of Paul Jefferies on double bass and the breathtaking drumming of Nick Milward.
with
Gemma Nelson
Gemma Nelson
British Jazz & Soul vocalist Gemma Nelson, has a career spanning over 25 years, having performed with some of the leading names in Jazz, Funk, Pop and Soul, including Kool and the Gang, Jimmy Ruffin, Roy G Hemmings (the Drifters), Cher and the 2007 BBC Jazz awards winner, pianist Neil Cowley. Gemma is currently one of the lead vocalists in the long-standing successful theatre show That’ll Be the Day, touring the whole of the UK.
"Chilled and confident, Ben Holder has the capacity to switch seamlessly within the same bar from virtuosic violin to vocals." London Jazz Review
Ben on jazz violin
Ben on keys & vocals
Jez Cook
Guitar
Paul Jefferies
Bass
Nick Milward
Drums
Ben Holder
Ben Holder at only 33, is one of the most acclaimed and exciting jazz violinists in the UK. His classical studies began at the age of 6 and were complemented by training at the Birmingham Conservatoire. An introduction to jazz came in his early teens, being drawn to classic masters such as Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson and Stephane Grappelli – and this led Ben to truly finding his niche as a musician.
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He possesses an innate sense of swing rhythm - something which often eludes classical players - along with a breathtaking technical ability and a true sense of showmanship on stage. He offers flawless musicianship, heaps of energy and personality, and a visible passion for his craft!
A Moreton-in-Marsh Favourite..!
Ben and his fellow musicians are already known to many of you who come to his popular gigs in Moreton-in-Marsh, so do join us for an extra special festival flavour concert in Stow-on-the-Wold!