Since we began our residency at The Sands one of our very favourite guests has been ROBERT FOWLER who joins us tonight for a session of vintage tenor jazz calling on the greatest classic saxophone influences from Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young via Chu Berry to Zoot Sims and Al Cohn! Robert began his career in Bristol; joined the Pasadena Roof Orchestra in 1986 for ten years and then freelanced with a huge number of different artists from singer Brian Ferry (for his ‘As Time Goes By’ project and CD) to Chris Barber, Keith Nichols, Syd Lawrence, Paul Lacey’s ‘Back to Basie’ big band, the BBC Big Band, the Pizza Express All Stars, and Humphrey Lyttelton’s band. More recently he has found regular work as a featured soloist with Alan Barnes’ many creative projects (including his latest poll-winning ‘Copperfield’) and also in duet with kindred spirit Karen Sharp (another regular visitor to The Sands) in a tribute to Zoot Sims and Al Cohn. Tonight Robert joins our Rat Pack Trio (and me!) for what will certainly be a night to remember. Need the address? It’s: Icon Building, Adventure Island, Western Esplanade, Southend on Sea SS1 1EE. The music starts at 8pm and – thanks to our wonderful new council! – the parking is once again free from 6pm. See you there!