by Isabel Eidhamar

World class concerts and musicians head to Rye this spring as Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival announce three concerts over the May bank holiday.

The concerts, which will be held in the unique setting of St Mary’s Church, Rye, hope to attract jazz lovers from across the county and beyond.

Among the performers will be world famous Jimmy Webb who wrote the hit Rhinestone Cowboy for American country singer Glen Campbell.

On Friday, May 3 the ‘godfather’ of bossa nova and Brazilian music, Sergio Mendes, make a special appearance as a part of a limited number of performing dates in the UK this year.

The musician, who came to stardom with his iconic band Brazil ’66, has a recognisable sound that combines Brazilian rhythms with jazz, soul, pop and funk. His hit Mas Que Nada, topped the charts forty years after its release with his collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas.

American acclaimed jazz singer Madelaine Peyroux takes the stage on Saturday May 3 to perform songs from her latest album Anthem and selections from her impressive back catalogue of eight

albums.

The man behind songs such as Wichita Lineman, By The Time I get to Phoenix and Rhinestone Cowboy, Jimmy Webb will perform on Sunday May 4. He promises a humorous insight into the days and nights of songwriting and the Rat Pack heyday, offering a lesson in pop culture, told by a charming yarn spinner who has not lost sight of his roots despite decades of international fame.

For more information and to book online go to ryejazz.com