BUDLEIGH Salterton will be welcoming and internationally famous musician to the town next month. Saxophonist Scott Hamilton will be taking part in a jazz festival set to take place from April 23 to 25.

BUDLEIGH Salterton will be welcoming and internationally famous musician to the town next month.Saxophonist Scott Hamilton will be taking part in a jazz festival set to take place from April 23 to 25.He will be performing at the Games Club with his backing group, led by Craig Milverton on keyboards and with vocalist Maggie Readay.The event is set to take place on Saturday, April 25, at 7.45pm.Chances are, if you're one of those jazz aficionados who likes to imagine playing the tenor sax, you're dreaming that you sound like Scott Hamilton.When Scott left his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, and arrived in the jazz 'Mecca' of New York in 1976, he came fully armed with a classic 30s-40s tenor sound that belied his youth [born September 12, 1954] and bespoke his childhood [self-taught by listening to his father's record collection]. His "throwback" style caught attention and generated controversy, years before the revivalism of Wynton Marsalis and other Young Lions also caught attention and generated controversy.Since then, as Scott has matured: he has gained ever greater command and sense of self within his instrument. His soloing has become even more personalised and assured, and his tone has become enriched into what is probably the perfect mainstream tenor sound: the man is a joy and a wonder to hear!This is a performance that is not to be missed on any account (tickets selling fast at �15 from the TIC in Budleigh). On the first evening, Thursday, April 23, at 7.45pm, in the Games Club the Sunset Cafe Stompers will be performing.This seven-piece band, under Mike Denham, will offer their celebrated exciting traditional jazz in the style of the New Orleans pioneers. The band takes its name from the famous night-spot on Chicago's South Side, owned by Al Capone, where Louis Armstrong once played.The authentic 1920s seven-piece line-up and distinctive, dance-able sound make the Sunset Cafe a popular choice for all kinds of parties, celebrations and events. Formed in 1989, with a mission to become the finest exponents of the New Orleans sound in the South West, the SCS have acquired a strong following in their home territory, and a national reputation. Based in Wessex, there is the occasional tour to jazz clubs further afield, and there have been appearances frequently at the Bude, Keswick and other major festivals.The repertoire, while firmly rooted in New Orleans, covers a wider range than most British bands and includes compositions made famous by Duke Ellington, King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton. (tickets �8 from the TIC) .On Friday, April 24, at 7.45pm, there is to be a special concert given by the youngsters of the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra.No mere concession to youth this, but an exuberant performance by the very youthful band and then their more senior colleagues in the Big Band. Organisers are delighted to bring the joys of music-making by the next generation to the town!Tutored by three professional jazz musicians the orchestra meets regularly with at least six public performance opportunities over a September - April season. Big band links have been made with Plymouth, Hampshire and Staffordshire. Original works for performance have been provided by Dave O'Higgins and Steve Waterman and further works by local composers. (tickets �8 from the TIC).The box office for the three concerts is open and tickets are selling fast for the first Jazz Festival. So, don't delay your bookings to avoid disappointment.