THE Simon Spillett Quartet play a special 75th birthday tribute to Kenny Baxter at Churchill’s Cafe Bar, Southend, on Sunday.

Kenny, known affectionately as the Godfather, promoted live music in the town for an incredible 55 years. He started playing at the Top Alex, in Southend, in 1968, at a time when the music was mainly swing.

It featured guests such as Digby Fairweather, Ronnie Scott, Joe Harriett, Tubby Hayes, Kathy Stobart and vocalist Toni Baxter.

The live music club moved to Churchill’s almost 20 years ago and is now a Sunday afternoon tradition. Jazz promoters Jenna Starr and Mick Crook took over the bookings, while Kenny continues to perform with his own quartet.

The Simon Spillett Quartet are this weekend’s main attraction, with special guest and alto sax legend Peter King.

Simon and Peter will be backed by some of the finest UK jazzmen at the Tylers Avenue venue. Pianist John Critchinson, bassist Andrew Cleyndert and drummer Martin Drew were all members of bands led by one of Simon’s heroes, the late Ronnie Scott. Starting as a teenager with saxophone lessons from BBC Big Band veteran jazzman Vic Ash, Simon became a professional musician aged 21 and worked his way through a practical jazz apprenticeship, playing prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, the 100 Club, the Spice of Life, the 606 and the Jazz Cafe.

Simon’s driving and energised style has often been compared favourably with that of his idol, the late, great Tubby Hayes, and his approach shares a similar love of daredevil tempos and all-out, no-holds-barred, intensity.

Peter has been a major influence on the British jazz scene ever since he played at the opening of RonnieScott’s, aged 18, at London’s internationally famous jazz Mecca in 1959.

He has performed with some of the jazz world’s biggest names, including pianist Bud Powell, Joe Harriet, Tubby Hayes, Elvin Jones and the Ray Charles Orchestra.

Peter has also featured in films such as Blue Ice, starring Michael Caine, and the Talented Mr Ripley, with Matt Damon and Jude Law in the lead roles.

Admission for this gig is £6. Doors open at noon.

For more information, call 01702 468646.