Scarborough Jazz Festival (18-20 September) has added another impressive band to its nearly completed programme.  Bassist Kyle Eastwood, eldest son of Hollywood star Clint Eastwood, has received the highest critical acclaim for his third album Now.  Following this CD his band has played to sold-out audiences across three continents. 

Kyle’s father Clint is of course a keen jazz fan and twenty years ago directed ‘Bird’ a biographical film about legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker.  While doing his homework Kyle remembers listening to records of jazz stars such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Miles Davis.  Kyle's childhood had jazz as its soundtrack and he credits his father with introducing him to the joys of the bassline.  His first memory of playing music was when Clint taught him how to play the left hand bass line of Boogie Woogie while he played the right hand solo over the top.

In 2004, Kyle Eastwood signed to Candid Records, one of the leading independent jazz labels in the UK, and released his second album Paris Blue which climbed to No. 1 in the French jazz charts.  His latest record Metropolitan has just been released.  ‘It’s a very appealing jazz CD,’ says Festival Director, Mike Gordon, ‘And it resonates with swing, groove, and funk overtones. We are delighted to have booked this excellent band.  The Observer said:  'Very sharp work. There’s no denying Kyle has imagination and skill.' And the Evening Standard: 'Thoughtful, contemplative, admirably understated and highly listenable.'

Kyle Eastwood has also proved his ability as an accomplished composer with a contribution to the film score for Mystic River which won two Oscars.  Kyle continued to work heavily within the movie industry by composing three pieces of music for the 2004 blockbuster Million Dollar Baby which went on to which went on to win four Academy Awards.  He also composed soundtracks for a number of popular films by Clint Eastwood including Flags of our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima and the recently released Gran Torino.

 

More jazzfest news from www.scarboroughjazzfestival.co.uk