WORLD class jazz performers are staging a special concert in Knutsford.
Gifted jazz drummer Jack Cotterill and award-winning vocalist Georgia Cecile present Jazz in the Church at St John’s on Friday, March 31.
A dream of becoming a professional, live musician has come true for Jack, who left school at 14.
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“I am totally self-taught,” said Jack, 30, who formed his own band called The Cheshire Cats and went on to perform on his own all over Europe and Scandinavia.
“I was home schooled by mum and travelled to Denmark and Germany when I was only 16.”
Jack grew up in a family of musicians.
Grandad Pete and dad Robert were both professional drummers.
“I was only four when my dad died so I don’t remember them playing but it must be in the blood,” said Jack.
“Drums were lying round the house. I started hitting them when I was really young.
“I used to practice putting a CD on headphones and work it out by ear and play along with the music.
“I play with musicians now who used to work with my dad and grandad.
“They say I play the same way as them. It’s bizarre because I never heard them play.”
Jack is constantly on the road, playing all over the country and abroad.
The pandemic failed to dampen his enthusiasm as he live streamed more than 50 shows called ‘Live at Jack’s Place’ in his own studio during lockdown.
Thousands of viewers from all over the world regularly tuned in.
Jack has appeared on numerous recordings over the years and recently released an album with a full strings section.
Performing in churches has a special resonance.
“I adore old buildings,” said Jack.
“Churches, cathedrals and abbeys have a natural atmosphere.
“Outside the realms of what a church is usually used for, weddings, funerals and christenings, I think it is nice to have a concert there.
“It is a community venue.
“St John’s team are absolutely wonderful. I performed there in 2019 and it was really successful.”
Jack’s mum Georgina helped him to distribute leaflets around the town centre.
“Knutsford is a really special place,” he said. “From someone who travels all over the world 24/7 it is somewhere I would love to live.
“There is a really big community feel.”
Music is in the genes in Georgia’s family as her grandad was a renowned jazz pianist.
This vocalist and songwriter won UK Jazz Act of the Year and Vocalist of the Year at the 2022 Jazz FM Awards.
Inspired by Nina Simone, Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder, her debut album ‘Only The Lover Sings’ topped the UK and Blues charts and scooped Best Album at the 2021 Jazz Awards.
Georgia performs regularly at Ronnie Scott’s in London to sell-out audiences and has supported Gregory Porter at the Royal Albert Hall.
Championed by Jamie Cullum, she recently starred at a festival in Texas as well as televised performances with the BBC concert orchestra.
Tickets priced £20 are available from Tatton Perk coffee shop on Moor Park.
Doors open at 7pm and guests can bring their own drinks.
