St Andrew’s Church in Rugby to host saxophone concert and album launch
Renowned local saxophone and piano duo, Samuel Beddard and Jo Foote, will be launching their debut album ‘What Shapes A Soul’ at St Andrew’s Church, Rugby on Saturday October 24 at 7pm, in a special one-off concert that will feature a diverse range of music played on six different types of saxophone.
The album launch is the culmination of a UK tour which saw saxophonist Samuel Beddard and pianist Jo Foote playing at more than 20 venues, including four in Rugby and the surrounding villages.
‘What Shapes a Soul’ takes audiences on a grand adventure through spiritual music – from gospel to African folk, via hymns, soul, African spirituals, classical, jazz, and blues. The album was recorded live at Hammerwood Park in June to an exclusive sellout audience, utilising uniquely tuned unequally-tempered pianos and vintage analogue recording techniques.
The concert features music from the album along with new music from the duo’s upcoming tour 'TAPESTRY'. Their varied programme will span classical, jazz and folk styles, utilising six different types of saxophone, from the tiny sopranino to the giant bass, and concluding with a brand-new piece written especially for the occasion by arranger–educator Sarah Spurr. The music will be interspersed with interviews with Samuel and Jo, led by other local musicians, and set to the backdrop of Angela Foote’s stunning artwork, commissioned by the duo for the album.
Hailed as a “tour de force of saxophone playing” and praised for “tone like that of a songbird”, international saxophone soloist, composer and educator Samuel Beddard has been a regular on the Rugby concert scene for many years. He’s made appearances with the Rugby Music Union as part of their recital series, played numerous Tuesday Lunchtime Concerts at St Andrew’s, premiered a brand-new saxophone concerto this summer with Rugby Recorder Orchestra, and most recently joined the Combined Community Choirs of Rugby for 'A Second Season to Sing' as saxophone soloist and organist.
Tickets are available on the door at £10 for adults and £5 for students and children, and Samuel and Jo will be on hand to sign CDs, which will be available for purchase at £10 each.
For more information, please visit samuelbeddard.co.uk