The Ugly Bug Ragtime Three

The next musical treat will be in Whiting Bay Hall on Wednesday, 9th July, with the arrival of three jazzmen who already know Arran well, though each one of them is an international star. The Ugly Bug Ragtime Three consists of John Burgess, Duncan Findlay and Andy Sharkey, who between them supply vocals, clarinet/sax, banjo/guitar and a string bass. The fun starts at 7:30 pm, tickets cost £10 at the door, from Inspirations in Brodick or online from www.arranevents.com.

This fabulous group brings together 3 of Scotland’s finest jazzers to play a wonderful mix of hot rags, blues and stomps from the golden age of jazz, all delivered with real drive, swing and verve. Ugly Bug has been described, accurately, as ‘the wee band with the big, big sound.’

All three of the Ugly Bug Ragtimers also play in the award winning Nova Scotia Jazz Band. Fans will be familiar with John Burgess (clarinet, alto sax and vocals) who has played at jazz festivals and clubs all over the world and is featured on about a hundred recordings. He is the leader of the hugely popular Nova Scotia Jazz Band and has played with Roy Williams, Forrie Cairns, Digby Fairweather, Jim Mullen, Harry Becket and Alan Skidmore.

Equally popular is Duncan Findlay, banjo and guitar, who in 45 years of professional musicianship has performed and recorded with just about every famous name in the book, from Oscar Peterson onwards. Duncan has played on thousands of sessions and recordings over the years and he remains one of Scotland’s most sought-after jazz musicians.

Andy Sharkey on string bass was last on Arran with clarsach player Rachel Hair’s group, but he has performed with just about every well-known Scottish artists, including singers Todd Gordon and Niki King, pianist Brian Kellock and guitarist Nigel Clark. He is also an instrumental tutor at the University of Strathclyde. If you enjoy an evening of glorious old jazz, performed by three absolute masters, this is for you.