Pianist John Leighton curates new jazz club in Derry
18th January 2014
It's been two years since pianist John Leighton released his debut album
Dramatic Life on Lyte Records. Best described as contemporary jazz
with elements of folk and soul, it showcases his understated approach to songwriting, with Leeds vocalist Anna Stott featuring on most of the
album. Leighton is currently working on his next record whilst making
massive contributions to jazz in his local city of Derry. You'll find him
on Sundays at the quaintly intimate Bennigans Bar. Those outside of Derry
will likely have struggled to keep up with the 2013 City of Culture
programme. Suffice to say Bennigans maintained a strong underground
profile with impromptu players of its well-maintained upright piano
including Jamie Cullum and Neil Cowley.
Leighton is 29 and from the nearby village of Eglinton. Call him Duke
Eglinton and he'll chuckle warmly. He started Bennigans Jazz Club in
October and has since built up a following sufficient to support an
impressive early 2014 programme set to include British piano icon
Jason
Rebello, as part of Irish drummer/producer
David Lyttle's trio;
Belfast-based US tenor saxophonist Meilana Gillard, who's known for her
work with Christian McBride; and leading Irish jazz pianist Myles Drennan.
Leighton says, "I'm amazed by the momentum it has gathered in such a short
time. Over the next few months we are going to feature more British and
Irish names. The audiences have been very loyal and the staff have been
appreciative of the music. News has spread thanks to people to like Linley
Hamilton on BBC Radio Ulster and we're all very excited that David Lyttle,
who has already made some appearances at the club, is bringing his trio
featuring Jason Rebello to the club in February. Jason is one of the
world's greatest jazz pianists and also a session music legend who's
toured for years with artists like Sting and recently made a come-back as
a solo artist."
Bennigans Jazz Club runs Sundays at Bennigans Bar, John Street, starting at 9pm.
Prices vary but rarely exceed £5. For more information call 07757 166277.
