Louise Parker

Ilminster Arts Centre is honoured to host the magnetic voice of Louise Parker.

Brought up in a house full of music, Louises' father had a large collection of Blue Note and Atlantic records, and her Jamaican mother played gospel, opera and folk music.

She came to singing late, at the age of 36, after a musician friend of hers noticed her talent and she quickly skyrocketed to sucess, having since played with and recorded with Alan Barnes, Craig Milverton, Dave Newton, Tomasso Starace, Steve Waterman, George Cooper (Jazz Defenders), and Matt Carter and plays regularly at the Palm tree in London with Jonathan Gee.

Louise was also featured on Humphrey Lyttleton's 'Best of Jazz' Radio 2 programme in 2008 and has since sung with his band at the Hammersmith Apollo.

“A totally genuine jazz performer.” “…a perfect lesson in feeling and phrasing.” Les Tomkins, The Jazz Rag

“Sweetly soulful jazz vocals.” Mike Flynn, Jazzwise Magazine

Louise will be joined by pianist/organist Martin Jenkins and bass player John Donnelly.

Bass player John Donnelly is a graduate of Leeds University with 30 years experience performing, teaching and composing. He has worked as a session player all over the world and is now a regular on the UK Jazz scene, known for his solid time keeping and traditional approach.

Pianist/organist Martin Jenkins has been a feature on the south west jazz circuit in various musical combos over the last 20 years.

Martin relocated from Bristol to Devon in 2015 and is currently performing regularly with the Neil Burns Organ Trio who have collaborated with The Haggis Horns and UK jazz artists Steve Waterman and Roger Beaujolais.

Performance starts at 7:30pm, doors from 6:30pm with bar available.

Tickets:
General admission: £20
Students: £5 with valid student ID
Children 12 and under: Free, accompanied by a paying adult (max 3 children per adult)

Tickets can also be purchased by ringing 01460 54973 or visiting us during opening hours.