As part of The REC Rooms Jazz and blues sessions we're excited to welcome Diz Watson and The Doorman.   Diz Watson, singer, piano player and entertainer, presents his exuberant mix of rhythm and blues and boogie woogie, often in the New Orleans style, encompassing the music of Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Champion Jack Dupree, and all the way down the line to Cousin Joe Pleasant, blending it with his own quirky and often amusing originals. Diz recorded the classic ‘Bluecoat Man’ for Ace Records in London in 1981 with his band Diz and the Doormen, featuring legendary saxophonists Lee Allen, Roger Lewis and Walter Kimble who were with Fats Domino at the time. ‘Rhumbalero’ was cut in 1984 and ‘Tonky Honk’ with Big Jay McNeely in 1995, both on Ace Records. Over the years, Diz made appearances and worked with the likes of Chas n Dave, Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry, Alexi Korner, Dr John and opened for the Stones, at the request of Ian Stewart, at the start of their l982 world tour in London. He also made a big impact on younger players such as Ben Waters and Henri Herbert, all successful in their own right. Charlie Hart (producer of Bluecoat Man) comments – “Diz is one of a kind, the coolest of Yorkshiremen, his influences are steeped in Blues and Boogie Woogie, and he is a connoisseur of the exotic, as his latest release ‘Diz-Connected’ certainly demonstrates.” As someone once said about his gig – “Be there or be somewhere else, especially if you need proof that the spirit of Professor Longhair lives on.” - - - - - - - - Quote : “Diz rocks the House every time – he is a bona fide British Blues Legend.” Errol Linton – Blues Man of the Year – (Boisdale).

As part of The REC Rooms Jazz and blues sessions we're excited to welcome Adrian Cox and his band.   Adrian Cox Clarinet/Vocals The internationally-acclaimed jazz clarinettist Adrian Cox, at age 37, is certainly at the top of his game. He was nominated for Jazz Clarinettist of the Year (British Jazz Awards 2019) and his last album Profoundly Blue was nominated for Jazz Album of the Year (UK Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2019). In 2018, Adrian was invited to perform with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at London’s famous Barbican Centre, playing the music from the Benny Goodman 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. Cox then went on to perform in New York at the gala concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Lincoln Centre, and was amongst guests including the great Tony Bennett. With his own band, Adrian has been touring the globe performing music from his project Profoundly Blue, which celebrates the music of jazz clarinet legend Edmond Hall, with sell-out concerts at Ronnie Scott’s (London) and Dizzy’s Club (New York) being amongst the highlights of the 200+ shows. Adrian has come to the attention of a wider audience thanks to regular appearances on BBC Radio 2 (the Clare Teal show), BBC Radio 3 (Alyn Shipton’s Jazz Record Request), and BBC Radio 6 (the Cerys Matthews show). Adrian has the ability to engage with his audience both on and off-stage, with an unrivalled feel for the music he plays, which combined with his virtuosic technique has lead to wide critical acclaim, including Time Out declaring him “London’s most charismatic reedsman”. His latest album release Now Is Spring (released in January 2020) was his first all original offering and sees Cox breaking new ground and pushing jazz forward once again, whilst keeping the role of the clarinet at the forefront, “Touches the other world that all musicians aspire to” Cerys Matthews (BBC6 Music/BBC Radio2)   Adrian Cox - Clarinet/Vocals Joe Webb - Piano Will Sach - Double Bass Luke Tomlinson - Drums