A Welcome Return For A Jazz Favourite
A much-loved jazz group makes a welcome return to Shelley Theatre.
Not Just Sax play at Shelley Theatre on Thursday 22nd August.
Saxophonist, flutist and lead vocalist, Sarah Bolter shares how their love of music has kept the four piece together for nearly 20 years.
Sarah is a lady of many talents. She teaches music at four schools in Dorset as well as working on six studio albums.
Their sixth album, Ticket to Everywhere, was produced by well known saxophonist and band leader, Derek Nash. You may be aware of Derek from the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Sarah looks at this album as their strongest to date, “We have played together for 18 years, so with every album, we get stronger. For instance, this album I have taken the lead as vocalist.”
How would Sarah define the Not Just Sax sound? Sarah says, “It is melodic, rhythmic jazz and we enjoy pushing the boundaries of the genre with a variety of well known jazz favourites and beautiful originals composed by pianist, Ray Shea. We like to vary our styles from latin, swing and funk.”
A sense of togetherness has kept the band together for many years. As well as Sarah and Ray, Pete Maxfield, who plays double bass and Johnny Eyden, who plays drums, completes the line-up. Sarah comments, “By being together for nearly 20 years means we are very much part of the local music scene. We recently played at the Swanage Jazz Festival, during July, this was our ninth year of participating. This years event was even more special as Derek Nash joined us to play.”
The August evening at Shelley Theatre brings Not Just Sax to familiar surroundings where they have played before.
Sarah enjoys the club like feel to the Mulberry Room at Shelley Theatre. Sarah explains, “The room set-up where any band plays is so important. What is great about Shelley Theatre is the arrangement. It feels very relaxed. For instance, no one is fighting over any noise from another room and the acoustics are superb.”
“I want people to come along and just be able to switch off for the evening. We’re here to make sure everyone has a fantastic time and we’ll make sure the audience is absorbed in the music. We cannot wait to play at a venue we love.”