Arts & Entertainment Top ’toon tunes... and all that jazz

by Lorraine Gibson

Well here he is, the Pink Panther, the rinky dink panther... the groovy cat and many more cool cartoon characters will be brought to life via their trademark showtunes by one of today’s most innovative jazz groups.

The Neil Maya Quartet’s USP is finding fresh new sounds within the wider scope of jazz, ending up with a crisp, intricate, imaginative and entertaining affair. Their latest project takes the tunes from the ’toons and jazzes them up.

Focusing on the music of the genre that infuses so many classic funnies, they’ll invite you to meet the Flintstones - yes, the Flintstones - and inject some yabbadabba-doo into some of the best-loved sounds of animation.

From Frozen to The Simpsons and Top Cat to Sesame Street. Yes, folks, it’s jazz, but not as you know it!

The titular Maya on sax is joined by some of the South’s most exciting jazz musicians on piano, double bass and drums, resulting in a light, skilful touch with a real air of frivolity.

Look out, here comes the Spiderman, Jiminy Cricket, Alice In Wonderland, too! n Thursday, March 23, 7:30pm.

Studland Village Hall; 01929 450587

Friday, March 24, 7:30pm. Marnhull Village Hall; 01258 820458.

Saturday, March 25, 7:30pm; Winterborne Stickland Hall. 01258 880920 artsreach.co.uk