Hejira began its life at The Spin, just over two years ago as the âChristmas gigâ 2023. There was no plan for it to develop into the project it has becomeâŚbut in 2024, the band played 50 gigs across the UK and Ireland - and they have a similar-looking itinerary shaping up for 2025!
Led by the world-class vocalist, Hattie Whitehead, the band has carved a top-end niche for itself, performing Joniâs great works from her so-called âjazz periodâ. They initially were capturing the vibe of the âShadows & Lightâ supergroup that Joni toured with in 1979 but have since gone further, by arranging other great songs (not recorded on that album) â imagining how perhaps the Shadows & Light band might have performed them! These include âSong For Sharonâ, âThe Hissing Of Summer Lawnsâ, âJust Like This Trainâ, âBlue Motel Roomâ, âLoveâ, âA Case Of Youâ⌠alongside the other biggies such as âAmeliaâ, âHejiraâ, âBlack Crowâ etc.
The lineup is:
- đđ¸ Hattie Whitehead ~ vocals, guitars
- đ¸ Pete Oxley ~ guitars
- đˇ Ollie Weston ~ saxophones, bass clarinet
- đš Chris Eldred ~ keyboards
- đ¸ Dave Jones ~ bass
- đĽ Rick Finlay ~ drums
- đĽ Marc Cecil ~ percussion
The show is going to be recorded and filmed for Hejiraâs next albumâŚso the band would absolutely love to have your participation! (Also, a full house will enable the Spin to promote serious, international artists, going forward!!).