Welcome to the official Jazz @ Mandolay website.
An absolutely brilliant night of jazz with 149 guests ended on a sad note.
The Giorgio Serci Quartet, played two energetic sets of Giorgio's compositions, his music has been described as having painful beauty, and last night was no exception. His music inspired by his native Sardinia brought a warmth of the mediterranean to the heart of Guildford.
His band was as one guest put it mind bogglingly brilliant! Giorgio himself on guitars, Pete Riley on drums, Nik Preston on bass & last but not least the amazing saxophonist Paul Booth make playing such complicated rhythms and harmony easy, the truth is thousands of hours of practice go into being this good.
Promoter Howard Colinese's band Barcoda were the pre band, and played through a varied set of standards, middle of the road jazz and ending on some acid jazz. Howard and his band were privilaged to support such a talented headlining band.
At the end of the night after Giorgio's encore of a song called "Donkey Island" Howard came to the front to thank Giorgio and the guests as usual, sadly he had to announce in his words the most difficult speech of his life, "This could be the last Jazz @ Mandolay" he continued having run and promoted the event for the past two years I have lost a substantial amount of money trying to bring to Guildford top jazz with great food, I belive I have achieved that but as costs have risen the hotel must also make money, and sadly I can no longer cover the losses.
The hotel have been amazing in their help and kindness in hosting this event, and I would particularly like to thank Stephen & William Haye for allowing me to do this. Also Julian, Peter, Keiron and Pascule for there constant hands on help.
After his announcement Howard asked for people to get in touch if they felt they could help sponsor the event, and keep alive this very unique evening. There is hope at the moment as some very kind guests are looking how they may be able to help, but I want to stay in touch so this site will remain active and hopefully be able to bring good news shortly.
To get the most of this experience we recommend you take advantage of the dining and music package where a delicious 3 course meal is served to you whilst listening to the music.
Alternatively you can attend for a music only price, but whichever way you do it - don't miss out on this night to remember in Guildford.
The next event will be announced shortly, We are choosing date carefully because of many wedding at the hotel and Guilfest festival. |
