Alsager Golf & Country Club Jazz Society welcomes you to an extraordinary evening of jazz on Thursday, April 17^th, as the formidable talents of Alex Clarke (sax) and B.D. Lenz (guitar) converge on our stage.

Alex Clarke, a name rapidly ascending within the British jazz firmament, brings a deep reverence for the tradition of bebop, coupled with a contemporary sensibility. As recipient of the Rising Star accolade at the 2019 British Jazz Awards, a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020 and a three-time nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Clarke's pedigree is undeniable. Her playing, often drawing comparisons to the legendary Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley, is characterized by its melodic inventiveness and harmonic sophistication. Her acclaimed album, "Only A Year," serves as a testament to her prowess as a bandleader and composer. Clarke's collaborations with jazz luminaries like Alan Barnes and her appearances with the prestigious Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra further solidify her standing as a significant voice in contemporary jazz.

Joining Clarke is B.D. Lenz, a New Jersey-born guitar virtuoso whose style seamlessly blends the influences of Pat Metheny and Mike Stern. With 13 critically acclaimed albums featuring jazz giants like Randy Brecker and Mike Stern, Lenz has carved a unique niche in contemporary jazz. As praised by the New York Times, his music fuses jazz and rock with "warm chords of funk, soul, and rhythm and blues", creating an accessible yet sophisticated sound. His music has also found its way into popular television shows like "Breaking Bad" and "Young Sheldon," demonstrating his broad appeal. Lenz has played renowned venues like Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Rochester International Jazz Festival and the Birmingham Jazz Festival.

This unique pairing promises an electrifying blend of Clarke's bebop mastery and Lenz's contemporary guitar stylings. Expect a night of intricate improvisations, soulful melodies, and dynamic interplay.

Providing the rhythmic bedrock for this extraordinary encounter will be Alsager's own acclaimed house rhythm section: Peter Robinson (bass) and Roger Keay (drums).

Join us for an evening of world-class jazz. Alsager Golf & Country Club (ST7 2UR), Thursday, April 17th, 2025, 8:00 PM. All welcome (£10 cash on the door, optional raffle).