JAZZ fans will have a rare opportunity to hear the renowned James Taylor Quartet (JTQ) stripped back to its original format in an authentic local setting next week.

Regarded as one of the great British instrumentalists of his generation, James Taylor has taken his trademark howling Hammond organ sound to the masses for more than 30 years.

With no sign of slowing down, the band’s relentlessly entertaining tunes take inspiration from rare-groove and boogaloo funk of the 60s and 70s and, without a doubt, remain one of British music’s most important jazz-pop crossover outfits.

Now the band bring their latest show, Big Name Small Space to Dorset.

The quartet, known for setting the standard for the coolest sounds in funky acid jazz, has been together for more than 25 years and play in The Sherling Studio at Poole Lighthouse on Friday, February 15.

With James’s Hammond leading the way, JTQ will jam out with funky rhythms and kitschy-cool melodies – their concerts include reworkings of classics such as Green Onions and Time Is Tight, as well as JTQ’s debut single Blow Up, JTQ Theme and, of course, the inimitable, Starsky and Hutch.

In addition to his work with JTQ – James has collaborated with the likes of U2, The Wonderstuff, Manic Street Preachers, The Pogues, as well as with Tom Jones on the multi-platinum album Reload.

In 1997 James had the chance to fulfil a dream when he was asked to score the theme tune to Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, the spy movie spoof starring Mike Myers and Elizabeth Hurley

A tour spokesman said: “In 2019, JTQ remain as much in demand as ever, coming to Lighthouse on the back of a headlining slot at the 2018 EFG London Jazz Festival, with full orchestra.

“This gig, however, provides a really rare opportunity to catch them in their original format.”

Support comes from local favourites, world jazz collective Thokozile, who will be releasing their much-awaited debut album this year.

* Big Name Small Space, the James Taylor Quartet will play Lighthouse Poole on Friday, February 15 at 7.30pm (Sherling Studio). Tickets: £24.

To book tickets or for more information call the box office on 01202 280000 or go online at lighthousepoole.co.uk.