The Music Mix Wivenhoe

03/09/2026

RIP, Cassandra Wilson. I only saw her once in concert. From the moment she strolled, barefoot, on stage, she was captivating. I couldn't take my eyes off her.

01/09/2026

Jazz @ The Nottage, 11th September. Click below for more information.

Fresh, inventive jazz from four exceptional musicians: blending creativity, vibrant improvisation and timeless classics.

28/08/2026

BOOKSHOP TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

A reminder that fee-free tickets for the fantastic Simon Spillett Quartet are now available from Wivenhoe Bookshop (cash, please).

24/08/2026

Remember to check out our website for all our upcoming shows.

The Music Mix is a not-for-profit group comprising an enthusiastic bunch of volunteers, dedicated to bringing top-class jazz, world and contemporary music artists to Wivenhoe.

20/08/2026

Here's our September guest, Simon Spillett, with (former) pianist Rob Barron, bassist Alec Dankworth and drummer Pete Cater, doing what they do best...

Footage from May 2022 featuring the Simon Spillett quartet playing ...

13/08/2026

I'm hoping to get to this on Sunday, to check out some more young Tomorrow's Warriors talent.

Incidentally, Ankora comprises most of the members of Tomorrow's Warriors Female Frontline, who I showcased in April 2023, supported by Raz.

13/08/2026

STAN TRACEY AT 100:
UNDER MILK WOOD & A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS
SUNDAY, 20TH DECEMBER

This December would have been legendary pianist/composer Stan Tracey's 100th birthday.

To commemorate the occasion, his son, Clark, has assembled a superb group of musicians to perform his father's two ground-breaking albums celebrating the genius of Dylan Thomas: Under Milk Wood and A Child's Christmas.

One of the most celebrated and timeless recordings, Under Milk Wood is still revered today as a landmark, iconic masterpiece of British jazz, and is often cited as one of the finest UK jazz albums ever.

One part social history and nine parts pure spirit, 2011's A Child's Christmas was Stan's follow-up to Under Milk Wood and is considered by critics to be a more-than-worthy successor.

Featuring the impeccably expressive narration by Ben Tracey & Sharon White, plus top-drawer musicians Simon Allen (Tenor, Alto & Soprano Saxophones), Gareth Williams (Piano), Andrew Cleyndert (Double Bass), and Clark Tracey, this is a rare opportunity to hear two suites in one concert.

Info/Tickets: https://www.themusicmixwivenhoe.com/clark-tracey-sextet-under-milk-wood-a-childs-christmas-20th-december

11/08/2026

Our 27th September guest, Simon Spillett, has new book coming out in mid-September, although I don't think he'll be bringing any to sell 😕.

There will also be an accompanying double-CD release (sold separately) packed with rare and PREVIOUSLY UNISSUED recordings by many legendary British jazz greats.

All courtesy of the good agency of Jazz in Britain.

04/08/2026

Hannah's in the Premier (Jazz) League

Saxophonist Hannah Horton makes a welcome return to The Music Mix on Sunday, 29th November, when she'll perform music mainly from her latest acclaimed release, Stories on the Wind.

Combining modern jazz, soul, and folk with sophistication, tenderness, and accessibility, she is known for her forceful rhythms, distinct tone, and strong story sense.

Since its release, Stories on the Wind has garnered extremely positive reviews from the jazz press, including this from All About Jazz: "Although comparisons are not always useful, the baritone who springs to mind most often when listening to Horton is Gerry Mulligan; on tenor, that could be Frank Wess, Harold Land or even Bob Cooper, among others. The point is, she plays in the same league as those superstars." Nuff said!

Info/Tickets: https://www.themusicmixwivenhoe.com/hannah-horton-quartet-29th-november