Fleece Jazz

Celebrating the genius of Stevie Wonder throughout his entire career, the mesmerising vocalist, Noel McCalla, and award-winning saxophonist, Derek Nash, together with a band of top musicians play a wide-ranging back-catalogue of Stevie Wonder's classic hits from 'For Once in My Life', 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' through to hits from 'Talking Book', 'Innervisions', 'Songs in the Key of Life' and 'Hotter than July'. From dance floor classics "I Wish' and 'Superstition' to beautiful arrangements of 'My Cherie Amour' and 'Overjoyed'.

Noel McCalla’s long association with the brilliant Morrisey Mullen Band earned him acclaim as “one of Britain’s best Soul Singers” (Blues and Soul Magazine) and, for more than 19 years, Noel's searing, soulful vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann's Earth Band. 

Derek Nash has played with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scotts Blues Explosion. He has won several British Jazz Awards throughout his career fronting Sax Appeal, his Acoustic Quartet and the funk band, Protect the Beat.

The all-star band features musicians whose credits include Bill Withers, The Bee Gees, Gary Moore, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. Neil Angilley was keyboard player with Grammy nominees 'Down to the Bone' and has co-written and played on many of their No.1 albums. Trinidadian Tim Cansfield is a self taught musician; this enigmatic and self-effacing genius has played with the Bee Gees, Steve Winwood, Billy Preston, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox, Seal and many more. Jonathan Noyce has been a member of Jethro Tull, a sideman to the late great blues guitarist Gary Moore and is a member of French Superstar Mylene Farmer's band. Nic France has been one of the UK's most in-demand drummers performing with, among others, Ian Carr's 'Nucleus', Ronnie Scott, John Taylor, Jim Mullen, Bobby Wellins, Mose Allison, Billy Cobham, Django Bates and John Parricelli. He was also a founding member of 'Loose Tubes'.

"Rarely have I heard the music of Stevie Wonder interpreted with such finesse, energy and all-round brilliance." - The House of Soul.                                                                                          

• Noel McCalla - Vocals
• Derek Nash - Saxophones
• Neil Angilley - Keyboards
• Tim Cansfield - Guitar
• Jonathan Noyce - Bass
• Nic France - Drums

Fleece Jazz is an independent, non-profit association run by a voluntary committee who have been providing modern and contemporary jazz for 28 years. They book talented musicians and jazz bands from the UK and beyond to perform at Stoke by Nayland Resort, providing the perfect backdrop for these cherished and popular events.

Fleece Jazz events are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.