SWEET vocals and dry jazz are now available by the glass at a Kendal wine bar.

Burgundy's Wine Bar is celebrating its newly-acquired entertainment licence with a host of acts queuing up for the forthcoming fortnightly jazz nights which managers hope will soon have the place marked out as a popular music haunt.

"We want to make the Wine Bar a jazz venue. We wanted to create a new niche," explained proprietor Mike Pennington.

"I think jazz music complements people drinking. It creates a really good atmosphere and even if it's not what your into, it's not intrusive.

"Nobody round here is majoring on jazz at the moment and we felt we should do something different. The music suits the venue and from past experience it's gone down very well with drinkers."

First outfit on the jazz stand on May 20 is the Jayne Crow Band, a South Lakeland four-piece fronted by a Kirkbie Kendal School music and drama teacher.

Singer Jane Crow, who confessed: "We never practise, we like to live on the edge," said the cover band's repertoire includes popular jazz giants like Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis.

The group, who have a monthly gig in Appleby, are drummer and jazz promoter Ted Richards; saxophonist Paul Froggatt; bass player Rob Steels; and pianist Mike Reynolds.

Mr Richards, who has been promoting in Kendal since 1996, will be organising the fortnightly Tuesday night sessions at Burgundy's.

"I want to invite my favourite players to come and work together. It will be an opportunity to try out new ideas," he said.

Live jazz-based music is also planned for Thursday nights and will see the likes of Kendal Kings of Swing, High Society take to the stage.

l The May 20 gig will coincide with the launch of a week-long Trappist beer festival at Burgundy's with ales brewed by the tight-lipped monks.

May 15, 2003 11:00