AS part of International Women's Month at the UK Jazz Centre, a special treat for audiences is coming up with the arrival of award-winning contemporary saxophonist and composer Emma Rawicz.

The 19-year-old phenomenon leads a world class quintet and has been selling out at major league venues such as Ronnie Scotts.

She will be appearing at the UK Jazz Centre on the ground floor of the Beecroft Art Gallery in Southend, on Saturday March 19, from 2pm – 4pm.

Mark Kass CEO of the UK Jazz Centre, said: "The Emma Rawicz Quintet - featuring Ivo Neame and Ant Law - is incredible.

"This is one definitely not to be missed.

"At 19 years old, Emma is undoubtedly one of the most in demand sax players on the scene.

"Following her live-streamed appearance at the Jazz Centre last year with NYJO, Emma returns to present her forthcoming debut album, Incantation supported by international recording artists Ant Law on guitar and Ivo Neame on piano."

Emma has been described as 'a force to be reckoned with' (Jazzwise) and 'a fast rising star' (London Jazz News).

Growing up in rural North Devon, Emma didn't discover jazz until the age of 15, and didn't pick up a tenor saxophone until a year later.

Instead she says she spent her childhood immersed in largely folk and classical music.

She has been described as a natural performer, with "a unique sound, fusing all her many influences, and her compositions range from lilting Afro Cuban inspired grooves to hard hitting modern jazz and funk numbers".

At her young age she has already recorded her eagerly awaited debut album made up entirely of her original compositions, due to be released in May 2022.

She has also created a name for herself both as a bandleader and a sideman.

A new arrival on the scene, she has already made an impact, regularly playing at major London jazz venues with a wide range of established musicians.

Emma is a recipient of the 2021 Drake Yolanda Award.

Emma's influences range from modern jazz and fusion to folk and soul, key figures in her musical development including Chris Potter, Ari Hoenig, Kenny Jarrett, Joe Henderson, Chick Corea and more.

Tickets are £7.50 and £15 available from thejazzcentreuk.co.uk