A Festive Night of Jazz in Southsea — The Tommaso Starace Quartet Christmas Special
Celebrate the magic of the season with an exceptional evening of live jazz as acclaimed saxophonist Tommaso Starace brings his quartet to Southsea for a very special Christmas performance on Wednesday, December 17th. Starace will be joined by a stellar line-up of UK jazz greats — drummer Spike Wells, bassist Danny Moss Jr, and pianist Nic Saunders — for a night that blends world-class musicianship with festive warmth and swinging energy.
Italian-born saxophonist Tommaso Starace has been hailed as one of the most expressive and technically gifted voices on the contemporary jazz scene. A graduate of the Birmingham Conservatoire and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Starace has performed and recorded with international heavyweights such as Billy Cobham, Dave Liebman, Kenny Wheeler and Stan Sulzmann. His albums — including From a Distant Past and Narrow Escape — have received critical acclaim for their lyrical depth and emotional power.
Joining him on drums is Spike Wells, a legendary figure in British jazz best known for his long association with Tubby Hayes and collaborations with Stan Getz, Roland Kirk and Johnny Griffin. Wells’ dynamic drumming and profound musicality have made him a cornerstone of the UK jazz tradition. On bass, Danny Moss Jr continues the musical legacy of his father, tenor saxophonist Danny Moss, bringing a deep sense of swing and melodic intuition inspired by jazz great Ray Brown. Completing the quartet is Nic Saunders, a versatile pianist and composer whose three decades of experience across jazz, classical and contemporary music make him an ideal creative partner for this ensemble.
Audiences can expect a rich and varied programme of original compositions, reimagined jazz standards, and festive tunes performed with flair, spontaneity, and the joyous spirit of live improvisation. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a vibrant and uplifting way to celebrate the season, this one-night-only concert promises to be an unforgettable highlight of Southsea’s Christmas calendar.
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