John Thomson to host Jazz FM Awards
The creator of character Louis Balfour, host of jazz parody “Jazz Club” from The Fast Show, actor John Thomson is to host the Jazz FM Awards 2015.
John Thomson, a.k.a Fast Show “Jazz Club” host Louis Balfour, has been announced as the host for the Jazz FM Awards 2015. The British actor, best known for his roles in ITV’s Cold Feet as well as BBC sketch show The Fast Show, will oversee the glamorous night on Wednesday June 10th at Vinopolis in London.
Thomson conceived the character Louis Balfour, which playfully sends up jazz with a supercool-not-cool smokey TV show host, after a jam session at Night and Day in Manchester. It subtly references the presentation style of real-life TV show host ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris from the BBC live session programme ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’. John is also a huge jazz fan, of bass player Stanley Clarke in particular, and plays drums.
Also confirmed for the event is the hugely talented House Gospel Choir who wowed audiences at Glastonbury and Latitude festivals, Buckingham Palace and have featured on BBC TV show ’Later… with Jools Holland’. The night will also feature a performance from Rebecca Ferguson who will celebrate the centenary of Billie Holiday in addition to a very special performance from South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela with pianist Larry Willis. Hugh will receive the Lifetime Achievement award on the night.
The full list of nominations for the second Jazz FM Awards includes Gregory Porter, Snarky Puppy, D’Angelo, GoGo Penguin, ‘Birdman’ soundtrack composer Antonio Sanchez, Jarrod Lawson, Dr. John and Zara McFarlane.