TWO of the greatest jazz musicians in British jazz history will be joining the incomparable Digby Fairweather, in a special evening put on by the Orpheus Singers.

Pianist Brian Dee and double bassist Len Skeat will be playing with the Southend based jazz star on Saturday March 17, in support of The Jazz Centre UK - a phenomenal project in Victoria Avenue, spearheaded by Digby himself.

The aim of the centre is "to celebrate the music's heritage, art and memorabilia and actively support and promote contemporary performance and education".

Mo Harding, concert manager for the Orpheus Singers, said: "Brian Dee first achieved national fame with the legendary Harry Klein-Vic Ash Five (which toured Britain with Miles Davis in l961). He later worked with Britain’s greatest tenorist Tubby Hayes, and then (as a studio musician) recorded and toured with international stars including Peggy Lee, Bing Crosby and Johnny Mercer.

"More recently he has worked with artists including Elaine Delmar, Alan Barnes, Val Wiseman (in the Billie Holiday tribute show ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ l987-present) and The Great British Jazz Band.

"Len Skeat’s starry career includes years with the legendary Ted Heath orchestra, the BBC Big Band, Stephane Grappelli (l974-7) and regular stints at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club accompanying American visitors including Ruby Braff, Helen Merrill, Harry Edison and many others. During the l990s, often with Brian, he worked with a variety of famous bands including Kenny Baker’s New Dozen, Dave Shepherd’s Quintet, the Bruce Adams-Alan Barnes Quintet and The Great British Jazz Band.

The evening takes place on Saturday, March 17, at Kings Road United Reformed Church (formerly known as Crowstone Christian Centre), Crowstone Road, Westcliff .

Start time is 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 or £9 concessions via 07518 382390 or theorpheussingers.co.uk