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Julian Bliss Septet

Jazz Septet

Julian Bliss
Julian Bliss
Date & Time
Saturday 17th May 2025, 8pm
Venue
Tramway theatre, Blessington
Ticket Info
€32 (€16 student concession) + booking fee

For group bookings or for those having any issues booking, please contact manager@westwicklowfestival.com
Artists
Julian Bliss Septet
Programme
On a Clear Day (On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, 1970)
Such Sweet Thunder (Duke Ellington album, 1957)
Si Tu Vois Ma Mère (Midnight in Paris, 2011)
Bistro Fada (Midnight in Paris, 2011)
Pure Imagination (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1971)
Sheik of Araby (The Benny Goodman Story, 1956)
Sing, Sing, Sing (The Benny Goodman Story, 1956)

Interval

Blues In The Night (Blues in the Night, 1941)
Alice in Wonderland (Alice in Wonderland, 1951 Disney adaptation)
When You Wish Upon A Star (Pinocchio, 1940 Disney)
Una Noche Con Francis (Round Midnight, 1986)
Alfie's Theme (Alfie, 1966)
Jazz Autographs (The Terminal, 2004)
They Can’t Take That Away From Me (Shall We Dance, 1937)
Caravan (Whiplash, 2014)

Enjoy the sensational Julian Bliss Septet as they bring their electrifying blend of swing, jazz, and film music to the Tramway Theatre, Blessington, on Saturday, 17th May. Renowned for their dazzling virtuosity and infectious energy, this is a performance guaranteed to leave you smiling.

The Julian Bliss Septet has captivated audiences worldwide with their masterful musicianship, playful humour, and jazz-fueled energy, performing at legendary venues such as The Lincoln Center (New York) and Ronnie Scott’s (London). Their festival performance, The Sound of Film – Music in Hollywood, promises a delightful journey through the history of cinema music. Beginning with the silent film era and the early “talkies” of The Great Depression, the program moves through wartime classics, musicals, and iconic Disney blockbusters. Audiences can expect beloved favourites such as Cheek to Cheek, As Time Goes By, Sing Sing Sing, and When You Wish Upon a Star. With their unmatched charisma and brilliance, the Julian Bliss Septet invites you to revel in the magic of these timeless melodies.

Julian Bliss Septet - Sing, sing, sing

Bliss’s quick-fire clarinet starts weaving free-flowing improvisational lines around the tune from the very outset .. jaw-dropping, side-stepping vibes solo .. the whole ensemble is on fire
Gramophone

Formed in 2010, The Julian Bliss Septet quickly became widely known for their trademark inspiring jazz-fuelled shows which have captivated audiences across the globe. Their dazzling virtuosity, extraordinary musicianship and charming humour shines through their programmes of swing, Latin, American and jazz music. The band has played at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Bermuda Jazz Festival and venues across the United States. On the jazz circuit, the Septet has played Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center (New York) and Ronnie Scott’s (London).

The Septet’s early shows were inspired by the great Benny Goodman whose iconic music captivated Julian Bliss as a young musician. Taking a fresh, modern approach to Goodman’s work, the Septet’s first album (‘The King of Swing’) and live performances gained widespread critical and popular acclaim and these programmes remain in great demand today. Expanding their repertoire and working with new genres of music, the group used their mastery of Western classical, swing and jazz to complement the rich heritage of Latin and wider American traditions. Co-founder Neal Thornton (piano) created a programme of new arrangements of the instantly recognizable style of Gershwin and his contemporaries (‘Celebrating Gershwin’). Including music from ‘Porgy and Bess’, ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and popular favourites – ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘Embraceable You’ and ‘Lady Be Good’: timeless classics.

A recording of the Gershwin programme ‘I got rhythm’ released in 2021 received rave reviews: “impressive recording by talented clarinettist Julian Bliss and his excellent Septet .. Bliss’s quick-fire clarinet starts weaving free-flowing improvisational lines around the tune from the very outset .. jaw-dropping, side-stepping vibes solo .. the whole ensemble is on fire” – Gramophone.

Rolling out a new programme in 2022, ‘Hooray for Hollywood’ showcases some of the greatest music from the movies. Starting with silent film and the early talkies, the band echoes music from wartime & Fred Astaire films, musicals and even the classic Disney blockbusters. Toe-tapping, glorious nostalgia with great tunes such as ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘As Time Goes By’, ‘Sing Sing Sing’, ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ and ‘My Favourite Things’.