Performed by the Chris Hodgkins Jazz Quartet 
& Susan Sheridan
Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 October 2010
7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm)
WEDNESDAY 6 NOW SOLD OUT
Join us for an exclusive evening of intelligent jazz interspersed with the wit and wisdom of two of the eighteenth-century’s greatest characters – Dr Johnson and James Boswell - as we evoke the trials, tribulations and triumphs of Johnson’s life. This premiere performance takes place in the intimate and atmospheric setting of Johnson’s 18th-century Garret.
In 2009, inspired by James Boswell’s London Journal (a daily diary he kept between the years 1762 and 1763), Chris Hodgkins wrote a jazz album, entitled Boswell’s London Journal, in honour of Johnson and Boswell’s great 18th-century partnership. In 2010 Chris approached Susan Sheridan to co-create a programme linking Johnson’s life in words to the musical suite; and so Jazz and Dr Johnson was born. Starting with Boswell’s meeting with the great man, Jazz and Dr Johnson looks back on Johnson’s life from troubled teenager to famous lexicographer and beyond, introducing some favourite friends and favoured places. This lively compilation of Johnsonian wit and intelligent jazz is intended to please all comers - those with scant 18th-century lexicographical knowledge and Johnsonian aficionados alike.
The Chris Hodgkins Jazz Quartet are Chris Hodgkins (trumpet), Alison Rayner (double bass), Max Brittain (guitar) and Diane McLoughlin (soprano/alto sax).
Praise for Chris Hodgkins’ album, Boswell’s London Journal:
[Chris Hodgkins’] best album yet… a tuneful tribute to Dr Johnson’s biographer craftily arranged and gracefully played Jack Massarik, Evening Standard Jazz CD of the Week
‘accomplished playing, astute and imaginative material’ The Jazz Rag
Music composed and arranged by Chris Hodgkins and Eddie Harvey, Alison Rayner, Diane McLoughlin and Max Brittain with narrative by Susan Sheridan
The programme lasts for 90 minutes with a 20 minute interval
£30/£25 concessions (to order a concessionary ticket, enter CONC into the discount code)
Cash bar available before the performance and during the interval
There are many unavoidable steps
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