An appeal from Martin Speake.

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Saxophonist & educator Martin Speake has launched a crowdjustice fundraiser to help finance his legal action against his former employers Trinity Laban. Details attached.

From;
https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/fighting-for-academic-freedom/

Fighting for academic freedom and free speech in the Arts
by Free Speech Union

Free Speech Union
Case Owner
We are a non-partisan, mass membership public interest body that stands up for the speech rights of its members and campaigns for free speech more widely.

Who am I?
My name is Martin Speake. I am a composer, saxophonist, academic and educator within the UK jazz scene. I have dedicated more than 50 years to understanding and applying the art of jazz since I began playing at 16. I am a passionate educator and have enjoyed creating a framework for my students to express themselves through music. I pride myself on the time and energy I put into cultivating personal relationships with my students and strive to support them well after they have left my care.
I hold a true and genuine belief in the equality and dignity of all human beings. I have been politically expressive about this and was even arrested in 1977 for protesting against the National Front. More recently, I co-organised the initiative ‘Long Tones for Peace’ in London’s Union Chapel, with the aim of inspiring the peaceful co-existence of all people worldwide.

My story
In February 2024 I responded to an email asking for feedback on BLM/anti-racist policies and initiatives at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (‘TL’), my employer for the past 22 years. I expressed my view that there is no systemic racial inequality in the UK jazz scene and that Critical Race Theory is divisive and dangerous. I asked for a discussion. I signed off the email with Martin Luther King Jr’s famous adage that we should not judge people ‘by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character’. I never received a reply.
Some time later I forwarded this email to a student with whom I had had a stimulating conversation on the topic earlier that day. This student showed the email to some peers, but didn’t forward it to anyone. Nevertheless, as some students heard about it, the email began to attract some discontent and speculation within the student body. TL then halted my teaching and pressured me to consent to the circulation of my email to the entire jazz department.
As soon as TL shared my email with the entire jazz department, my personal nightmare began. Instead of defending my right to hold this belief, TL publicly distanced itself from me, threatened disciplinary action and allowed harmful rumours to spread about me. As a result, students boycotted my classes, not only at TL but also at other institutions. The London Jazz Orchestra, for which I had been lead alto saxophonist for 15 years, asked me to take leave from my post. Other bands refused to play my compositions. All my scheduled performances around the UK were unceremoniously cancelled and most venues refused to book me for future concerts. The release of my latest album was halted. Staff and students alike ostracised me. This led to me needing to take sick leave for an extended period.
I had hoped that, on my return to work in September 2024, the situation at TL (and more widely) would have calmed down. Unfortunately, TL continued to allow me to be the target of discriminatory and harassing behaviour with no regard to my wellbeing, or the law.
More broadly, I continued to be effectively ‘cancelled’ within the jazz scene.
With a very heavy heart I had no choice but to resign from my post with TL in November 2024 as my working environment had become unbearable.

My legal case
I have already filed a claim against TL for the discrimination and harassment I have endured on the basis of my protected philosophical belief (under the Equality Act 2010) as expressed in my email. I allege that TL has failed to secure my right to academic freedom and free speech more generally. I have done this with the generous assistance of the Free Speech Union and the excellent solicitor their support has allowed me to engage, James Murray (Doyle Clayton). The hearing to determine my claim will be between 3-12 August 2026. My preliminary hearing will be on the 9th of September 2025.
I am now also going to file a claim for constructive dismissal against TL. Essentially, TL forced me to resign by virtue of its conduct towards me, which, I believe, constitutes a serious breach of contract. I hope I will be able to join these two claims together and that TL will be held accountable.
Any support you pledge will help me make progress on both claims.

Why I need your help
The Free Speech Union has provided invaluable moral, financial and legal support – and continues to do so. However, the additional claim of constructive dismissal, which I had hoped not to need to file, adds an additional layer of complexity and cost. I have now also lost my income. I need your help to fight this fight. My crowdfunder will be extended in tandem with the relevant milestones that I reach:
Milestone 1: £7,500. For the drafting of my constructive dismissal claim.
Milestone 2: + £25,500. For the case management preliminary hearing (including estimated counsel’s fees), drafting the schedule of loss and work relating to the disclosure of documents.
Milestone 3: + £37,000. For the preparation of the bundle, drafting of witness statements and other costs relating to further applications or discussions with the other side.
Milestone 4: + £62, 400. For the preparation of the final hearing, including estimated counsel’s fees.
I believe TL would not have behaved so atrociously if the commencement of certain clauses within the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act had not been halted by Bridget Phillipson in July 2024. I now have no choice, however, but to carry on with litigation to achieve justice and, hopefully, create a level of protection for other academics like me.
Higher education providers should not allow or perpetuate the horrible discriminatory treatment I have endured these past months for expressing a legitimate belief. Freedom of expression is vital in both the arts and higher education.

Thank you for your support.

Free Monthly Jazz Jams To Continue in Newark, New Jersey in 2025.

Thursday, December 19, 2024

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Will Continue To Present Free Monthly Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place, Newark in 2025. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Free Monthly Jazz Jams Continues in Newark in 2025

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Continues Free Monthly Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place
sponsored in part by TD Bank

What:
Co-presented by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisory Committee and Rutgers Institute for Jazz Studies, Jazz Jams at Clement’s Place is a monthly Jazz Jams Session concert series (January-June 2025) featuring top-flight New Jersey musicians directed by pianist and bandleader, James Austin, Jr.  Audience members immerse themselves in the relaxing sounds of jazz music that stimulate the players’ and listeners’ minds. All novice and seasoned jazz musicians and singers are welcomed to jam and improv with the professional band throughout the night. Co-producers: Wayne Winborne, Executive Director, IFJS and Eyesha Marable, AVP, Comm Engagement, NJPAC.

Who + When:
Every Third Thursday of the Month @ 7:30 p.m.:
Jan 16: vocalist Alicia Renee aka “Blue Eyes” with Ben Rubens (bass) and Jeremy Warren (drums)
Feb 20: James Austin Jr. (piano) and Luminescence band
Mar 13, Apr 17, May 15, and Jun 19: Artists TBA.

Where:
Clement’s Place, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall, Rutgers University, 15 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey

Tickets: Free. Seating is first come, first served. For more information, contact NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC/1.888.466.5722 or visit http://www.njpac.org/series/jazz-jams/.

Sponsorship
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/TDBank_US/. TD Bank is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a top 10 North American bank. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us.

About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.  Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts.  NJPAC has attracted more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.  Visit http://www.njpac.org for more information.

606 Jazz Club, Chelsea, London, Programme for January 2025.

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Laura Thorne of the 606 Club has forwarded details of the Club's programme for January 2025. Fully detailed schedule attached.

Laura Thorne writes;

This mail provides information about our January 2025 event schedule, along with festive greetings to you and yours from all of us.

The Club will be closed for our official period of hibernation between the 24th and 30th of December. We are open (though fully booked) for NYE, closed on the 1st and then open as usual from the 2nd January onward.

For additional information about these shows, photos and video clips visit https://www.606club.co.uk/events/.

JANUARY 2025 GIG GUIDE

Wed 1st       8:00pm         CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

Thu 2nd       8:00pm         LIANE CARROLL
The first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year, for Best Vocalist and Best of Jazz, Liane Carroll is a dynamic performer whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences around the world. World-class, her powerful, blues-tinged voice combined with strong piano playing and exciting infectious material, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, make this a truly remarkable gig.
“Liane Carroll…seems in some magical way to be made out of music” The Observer  

Fri 3rd         9:00pm         BEVERLEY SKEETE’s “LATE BIRTHDAY GIG”
Beverley Skeete’s career in the music industry is the stuff that dreams are made of. A first call singer for numerous high-profile artists including Robbie Williams, Tina Turner and Elton John she was also a pivotal member of ex-Rolling Stones’ bassist Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. Her talent and versatility have put her in a class that few can equal. Tonight she will be celebrating her “late birthday” (she was on tour for the actual one!) with her Special Guests, vocalists Kevin Leo, Maz Pyzer-Skeete & Sara Skeete.
“Skeete…came into her own with a perfectly paced version of James Brown’s ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s World’” London Jazz News

Sat 4th         9:00pm         JAMES DAVISON/CALLUM AU
Winner of the Worshipful Company of Musicians ‘Young Musician of the Year’ Award, trumpeter James Davison works with premier ensembles across both jazz and classical music including the BBC Big Band & London Symphony as well as popular West End shows such as the Book of Mormon. As well as a fluent trombonist, Callum Au is also regarded as one of the UK’s finest composers and arrangers, his album with vocalist Claire Martin, ‘Songs and Stories’ receiving a Grammy nomination and a Parliamentary Jazz Award. The remainder of this exceptional, swinging group that takes its inspiration from the jazz of the 50’s and 60’s are Liam Dunachie-piano, Adam King-bass and Luke Tomlinson-drums.
“Davison…in particularly fine form with an emotive trumpet solo… effervescent…thrilling” The Jazz Mann;
“Au…plays with the kind of fluent elasticity only the best trombonists can coax from the instrument” London Jazz News

Sun 5th         1:30pm         SUNDAY LUNCH: GREG DAVIS TRIO WITH SPECIAL GUEST VANESSA ROSE          
An engagingly melodic saxophone player in the classic mainstream style, Greg Davis led the band ‘Henry’s Pencil’ which held the attendance record at the famous 100 Club in Oxford Street for some time. A stalwart of the French Riviera (that’s Greg’s description, not ours!) he also performed at the Cannes Film Festival for over a decade. Today Greg will be appearing with Paul Eldridge-piano, Julian Bury-bass and their Special Guest vocalist Vanessa Rose, “performing some of the marvellous known and lesser-known standards along with some gorgeous bossa-nova”.
“Paul Eldridge…accomplished piano” Time Out
                   

Sun 5th         8:00pm         SOME KINDA WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE WONDER OF STEVIE FT NOEL MCCALLA & DEREK NASH        
Well, this is pretty special, two of the UK’s finest musicians, saxophonist Derek Nash (Jools Holland) and singer Noel McCalla (Manfred Mann), come together to celebrate the music of one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, Stevie Wonder. Accompanying these two remarkable musicians will be their stellar band, including Neil Angilley (Vanessa Mae)-piano. Unique and powerful.
“Nash…breathtaking” Sunday Times;
“McCalla…spine tingling” Guardian      

Mon 6th       8:00pm         DINO BAPTISTE  
Best known here at the Club as the pianist with the iconic Blues singer Dana Gillespie, Dino first started performing as a singer/pianist in the mid 70’s, influenced by the likes of Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Louis Prima. A busy and successful musician Dino includes work with the likes of Donald Fagen, Leo Sayer and Jeff Beck and his debut CD “Two Timing Lover” was received with considerable acclaim. It is music from this album plus as Dino puts it “an exclusive selection of old hits from my idols Ray Charles and Nat King Cole” that he will be performing tonight.
“Dino Baptiste…impressive…among the best of the…British blues keyboard players” Blues on Stage

Tue 7th                   8:00pm         KAIDI AKINNIBI
Although his fluent and thoughtful playing is rooted in the classic jazz genres, growing up in South London and learning from the Kinetika Bloco and the Jazz Warriors families, saxophonist Kaidi Akinnibi has always had a multi-faceted outlook on music. This can be seen in the eclectic variety of artists he works and writes with, including the likes of Tom Misch, Black Midi, Jason Moran & the Mercury Prize-winning Ezra Collective. In 2023 Kaidi released new music with his own band, ‘Real Enough’ and ‘Devices’, which saw him reveal his talent as a vocalist and guitarist, as well as deeply emotive lyricist and songwriter. A magnetic presence on London’s vibrant, creative jazz scene, Kaidi is an intriguing artist.
“The saxophone performance by Kaidi Akinnibi was stunning” emmiemusic.com

Wed 8th                 8:00pm           ADAM GLASSER
A virtuoso on the chromatic harmonica Adam Glasser’s playing is eloquent, subtle and constantly inventive. Renowned as a leading exponent of South African township jazz, he released two critically acclaimed albums on US Sunnyside Records, ‘Free at First’ (Winner SA Music Awards Best Jazz Album 2010) and ‘Mzansi’ (Best Jazz Album nominee 2012). Across a rich career spanning over four decades Adam includes performances with Dudu Pukwana, Hugh Masekela, Sting, the Eurythmics, Incognito & Joe Zawinul. Adam’s latest quartet focusing on the music of South Africa features some of the finest players in the UK and is well worth catching. Special stuff.
“[Glasser]...has brought a truly unique voice…to the constantly evolving language of jazz” AllAboutJazz    

Thu 9th         8:00pm         LEO RICHARDSON
Saxophonist Leo Richardson has been making a considerable impact on the London jazz scene for the past decade with his direct, contemporary take on hard bop. His 2017 album ‘The Chase’ won praise for its blistering energy and impressive musicianship and his follow up album ‘Move’ firmly established him as a talent to be reckoned with. Citing his primary influences as John Coltrane, Joe Henderson & Dexter Gordon, tonight Leo and his cracking band, pianist Rick Simpson, bassist Dave Whitford and drummer Darren Beckett will play material from previous records along with new tunes.
“I can’t remember hearing a more impressive debut…The style is hard bop, but music as good as this is beyond category” ***** The Observer

Fri 10th       9:00pm         BRUCE ADAMS/MARK NIGHTINGALE
Bruce Adams has been a stalwart of the UK jazz scene for almost 50 years, performing with the likes of Harry Sweets Edison, Buddy Tate, Al Cohn and Benny Waters and is widely regarded as one of the finest mainstream cornet/trumpet players in Europe. Tonight he’ll be joined by one of the UK’s most respected, award-winning trombonists, Mark Nightingale. The 18 times winner of the British Jazz Awards “Best Trombonist” (yes, that’s 18 times…) Mark includes work with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand, Kenny Wheeler & George Shearing on a remarkable cv. A terrific, swinging jazz gig from two masters of the genre.
“Bruce Adams…there is as much delicacy as power in his playing” Guardian;
“Mark Nightingale never puts a foot wrong, producing a string of solos which are constantly inventive while keeping your foot tapping” Crescendo & Jazz Magazine

Sat 11th       9:00pm         FIVE-WAY SPLIT FT. QUENTIN COLLINS & VASILIS XENOPOULOS
This quintet features the powerhouse frontline of trumpeter Quentin Collins (Kyle Eastwood), the highly regarded Vasilis Xenopoulos (Shez Raja) on sax and the golden touch of Rob Barron (Al Jarreau, Paloma Faith) on piano. The band presents a sound that respects the straight-ahead tradition of the hard-bop era whilst also bringing it up to date for today’s audience. Expect tight swinging grooves from some of the best players around.
“Collins…breathtaking” HMV Magazine;
“Xenopoulos…outstanding” Guardian

Sun 12th:      1:30pm       SUNDAY LUNCH: ERIKO ISHIHARA
A fine singer and an excellent jazz pianist Eriko has established an enviable reputation on the UK jazz scene, as well as major concert halls in Hong Kong and Korea. With four albums to her name, the latest featuring the iconic US sax legend Scott Hamilton, her intimate programme of jazz standards and bossa novas is the perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
“immaculate…stylish…and…passionate” New World;
“Classy!” Swing Journal Japan

Sun 12th 8:00pm         GEORGIA MANCIO FT NIGEL PRICE
Georgia Mancio is an award-winning vocalist & lyricist with a beautiful vocal tone and direct style that lends itself perfectly to her swinging and sophisticated set. With two back-to-back Parliamentary Jazz Awards to her name her partnership with Grammy-winning pianist/composer Alan Broadbent has yielded over 40 co-written works and three albums as well as performances across Europe and the US. Tonight, Georgia will be revisiting her long-standing collaboration with one of the UK’s most accomplished and tasteful guitar players, Nigel Price, featuring songs from their acclaimed 2013 album, ‘Come Rain or Come Shine’.
“[Mancio is] a performer of character, conviction, and relaxed virtuosity” Guardian;
“a sublime vocalist” Jazzwise;
“Price…fluent, imaginative and technically impeccable” Evening Standard

Mon 13th     8:00pm         LATIN UNDERGROUND
Known for playing authentic Latin music with a strong jazz feel the Latin Underground sextet, led by iconic conguero Robin Jones, performed regularly here at the Club. On Robin’s passing some five years ago the band dispersed, but under the curation of Robin’s long time drummer Marc Cecil, we are very happy to welcome this brilliant group back to the 606. The arrangements and personnel are an exciting mix from Robin’s two main bands, the Sextet and King Salsa and feature Steve Waterman & Gavin Broom-trumpets, John Crawford-piano, Andy Lafone-bass, Will Fry (King Salsa)-congas & Marc Cecil-drums. A fabulous Latin/jazz band.
“Waterman is one of the greatest of contemporary brass players…[who] on more than one occasion…has graced the trumpet section of Chucho Valdez’s band at the Havana Jazz Festival. Can there be any higher accolade than that?” The Jazz Mann

Tue 14th         8:00pm         DAN REINSTEIN
American-born saxophonist Dan Reinstein first began playing at the old 606 Club when a medical student in the 1980’s. He returned to the US in the early 90s to become one of the world’s leading laser eye surgeons (he’s now Professor Reinstein), but when he returned to London, it was great to hear his fluent, classic hard-bop, muscular sax playing again and the rest, as they say, is history. Dan & his quartet have performed here for the last 20+ years and still going
”...impressive hard-bop saxophonist” Time Out

Wed 15th     8:00pm         BENET MCLEAN
After winning a scholarship to the Purcell School of Music Benet was destined to be a concert violinist. However, by his early 20’s he had transferred his musical attention to jazz piano, playing with the likes of Omar, Cleveland Watkiss, Roachford and Loose Tubes. However, in a further musical twist, after performing as a highly regarded pianist for over ten years Benet once again returned to his first love, the violin, but this time as a swinging and immensely creative jazz musician. This evening Benet, with his quintet, will be playing tunes featured on his latest album “Green Park” as well as some choice numbers from the classic ‘Blue Note’ era.
“McLean…positively bursting with talent and energy” Jazzwise;
“McLean…it is readily apparent that his is an important jazz violin voice” Nigel Kennedy

Thu 16th       8:00pm         DUNCAN EAGLES QUARTET
Described by BBC Radio as a “rising star of British Jazz” saxophonist Duncan Eagles is a virtuosic improviser with a distinctive sound. Perhaps best known for his work with the critically acclaimed Partikel he also performs regularly under his own name, most recently opening for Joshua Redman at the Barbican. He describes his approach as “cinematic and expressive”, citing influences from funk and blues to contemporary jazz. The band tonight includes Tomasz Bura-piano & Jakub Cywinski-bass performing a selection of music from Duncan’s 15 albums.
“Eagles holds the stage with his attractively dry tone, sharpness, and the urgent ferocity of his…improvising” The Guardian

Fri 17th       9:00pm         LIZZIE DEANE
With her deeply soulful voice, warm persona and infectious performance style, Groove singer Lizzie Deane’s voice has been described as a “powerful, show-stopping instrument”. Perhaps best known here at the Six for her work with Dave Lewis & “1Up”, she’s also been heard with acclaimed artists including Mica Paris & Carleen Anderson. Tonight she brings her fabulous ‘Soul Inspirations’ band to the Club showcasing ‘all her favourite songs’.
“Hugely talented … singer… incredible!” Cross Rhythms

Sat 18th       9:00pm         ALEC HARPER    
Alec Harper has established himself as one of the leading tenor saxophonists of his generation. When he’s not busy playing with the highly popular outfit “Kansas Smitty’s”, you can find him fronting his own group or appearing as an in-demand sideman for artists such as Tom Misch &Soft Cell. He has performed with the likes of the WDR Big Band (Cologne) and at venues around the world, including North Sea Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s & Dizzy’s (NYC). Tonight he brings his All-Star, swinging quartet featuring the great Joe Webb-piano.
“Harper…a leading contender among the heavies” BeBop Spoken Here

Sun 19th       1:30pm         SUNDAY LUNCH: LUNA COHEN
Hailing from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Luna Cohen’s music embodies the rich diversity of Brazilian culture. With her exceptional gift for melody and phrasing, Luna has established herself as one of Europe’s finest Brazilian vocalists. Accompanied by Sam Watts-piano, Andy Hamill-bass & Marcinho Pereira-drums, she will perform a blend of traditional and Afro-Brazilian grooves with funky basslines, all infused with a jazz aesthetic. A captivating fusion of Luna’s original compositions and exhilarating interpretations of Brazil’s greatest music.
“She has a seductive voice and natural talent for singing” El Periodico (Spain)

8:00pm         JOANNA EDEN            
Joanna Eden has written over 60 original songs, was a featured judge on BBC One’s singing programme ‘All Together Now’ and is a sought-after vocal coach. Her appearance in this year’s Proms performing a duet at the Royal Albert Hall with one of her former students, Sam Smith (yes, that Sam Smith) has further established her on the UK music scene as an artist of impressive talent and creativity. Her live shows combine the energy and rhythmic virtuosity of Latin music with the intimacy and honesty of her acclaimed jazz-influenced originals. Tonight she will be showcasing music from her upcoming 7th studio album, “The Road to Paysandu” written in collaboration with her Uruguayan bassist Andres Lafone (Airto Moreira, Snowboy), alongside Guille Hill (Mica Paris, Tom Jones)-guitar and Marc Parnell (Matt Bianco)-drums. A really lovely, feel-good, gig.
“The UK’s answer to Diana Krall” Time Out; “Brilliant” Jamie Cullum;
“A very talented vocalist” Jazz Journal

Mon 20th       8:00pm         WINSTON CLIFFORD
Probably best known here at the Club as the drummer with the Dan Reinstein band (Tue 14th), the Award-winning Winston Clifford has been a first call drummer on the UK jazz scene for over 30 years. His cv is extensive and impressive, his powerful yet sophisticated playing the driving force behind the likes of Carleen Anderson, Benny Golson, Joe Lovano, Norma Winstone, Peter Bernstein, Monty Alexander, Courtney Pine, Julian Joseph and Jazz Jamaica. Winner of the British Jazz Award for “Best Drummer”, Winston is also a respected educator and can be found teaching the next generation of musicians at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Birmingham Conservatoire. The gig tonight features Riley Stone-Lonergan-sax, Bruno Heinen-piano & Oli Hayhurst-bass performing a mix of contemporary jazz alongside some classic standards.
“The great Winston Clifford… gives a finely nuanced performance behind the kit” The Jazz Mann

Tue 21st       8:00pm         NADIM TEIMOORI’S ‘HIDDEN WORDS’ ENSEMBLE
Saxophonist Nadim Teimoori is a formidable talent, renowned for his virtuosic playing and thoughtful, inventive compositions. As a graduating student he won the prestigious Humphrey Lyttelton Award and since then has been a regular presence on the UK jazz scene. Nadim’s latest ensemble, ‘Hidden Words’ takes its name from The Hidden Words, a cherished work of Nadim’s Bahá’í Faith. The outstanding lineup features top UK players Sam Dunn-guitar, Will Barry-piano, Calum Gourlay-bass and David Ingamells-drums and the programme promises an electrifying blend of original compositions and timeless jazz classics, showcasing a wide spectrum of musical influences.
“Teimoori’s…solo…exhilarating and beautifully constructed” London Jazz News;
“Nadim’s voice on the tenor is thoughtful, melodic, harmonically advanced and creative” Chris Potter

Wed 22nd       8:00pm         DAVID GORDON TRIO  
After the critical acclaim given to the trio’s brilliant project “Alexander Scriabin’s Ragtime Band” (Mojo’s Jazz CD of the Year), their latest record ‘Pachyderm’, which they are showcasing tonight, marks a return to the group’s original compositions. The trio-David Gordon-piano, Oli Hayhurst-bass and Tom Hooper-drums will feature a selection from the new record together with some brand-new original compositions, choros from Brazil and one or two golden oldies. David is a world class talent with a playful sense of humour, which makes all his shows both intriguing and fun!
“Gordon…a richly gifted player” Independent on Sunday;
“brilliant pianist” London Jazz News;
“genius” JazzFM

Thu 23rd       8:00pm         ANT LAW/CHRIS MONTAGUE QUARTET
This show marks the debut of a new project led by two of the UK’s most distinctive and exciting guitarists with original material that reflects a diverse set of contemporary influences. Ant Law has shown himself to possess not just a virtuosic capability on the guitar, but also an inquisitive, multi-faceted musical sensibility that has brought him international attention. Described as a ‘gamechanger’ by the Guardian, Ant’s own critically acclaimed albums have showcased his unique approach to the instrument. Fellow guitarist Chris Montague is also widely recognised for his skills as a composer and performer. A prize winner at the Montreux Jazz Festival International Guitar Competition, he is a founder member of the highly acclaimed jazz trio Troyka where he has gained a reputation for his distinctive, freewheeling style. His music was the subject of a feature on BBC Radio 3 and as a composer, he’s received commissions from a variety of prestigious organisations. With the addition of bassist Conor Chaplin & drummer Jamie Murray this is a world-class collaboration, not to be missed.
“If you’re after a new jazz guitarist with fresh ideas, Ant is the one to check out” Guitar Techniques Magazine;
“Montague… mesmerizingly tender and stingingly explosive” Jazzwise

Fri 24th       9:00pm         SAMARA FT. CAROLINA LELIS & STEVE RUBIE
Tonight we present an evening celebrating the joyous, rhythmic, delights of classic Brazilian MPB with the 606 Club’s outstanding Brazilian band “Samara”. Featuring the brilliant Brazilian vocalist Carolina Lelis alongside the powerful piano of Neil Angilley and the swinging flute of our “Gov’nor” Steve Rubie the band take you on a road trip around Brazil, with music from the South, the North, the North East and beyond. Hear the stories behind some of Brazil’s classic songs and join the band as they perform an infectious blend of Brazilian Samba, Baião, jazz & Latin while everyone has a great time!
“Cracking Latin-jazz quintet…explores…[Brazilian]…classics in great rhythmic style” Time Out

Sat 25th       9:00pm         MORNINGTON LOCKETT QUINTET FT MARTIN SHAW
Saxophonist, composer and teacher Mornington Lockett first came to prominence with the Ronnie Scott Quintet in the 1990’s before releasing four critically acclaimed albums of his own, winning the 2002 British Jazz Award for Best Small Group. One of the UK’s great sax players Mornington’s Special Guest is trumpeter Martin Shaw. Widely regarded as one of the finest jazz trumpet players in Europe Martin’s powerful yet wonderfully fluent playing has been heard with the likes of Sting, Natalie Cole, John Dankworth and Cleo Laine. A featured soloist with the BBC Big Band his melodic improvisations and warm, fluid, sound are universally admired. “
Lockett…one of the most complete masters of the instrument alive today” The Observer;
“Shaw …impressive….one of Europe’s top trumpeters” Jazz Times

Sun 26th       1:30pm         SUNDAY LUNCH: TONY O’MALLEY SINGS STANDARDS
A brilliant Groove and R&B singer/pianist we thought it would be fun to start the day showcasing Tony’s lesser known, but equally impressive, jazz singing. Appearing as a duo this afternoon Tony will be performing songs from his two “Standards”albums, including the likes of Autumn Leaves, Stardust & Georgia plus some of his “swing” originals. Joining Tony today will be the equally impressive Jim Hunt (Amy Winehouse) on sax. A standout way to spend a Sunday afternoon. “
O’Malley…A hugely entertaining afternoon of music” The Jazz Mann;
“Hunt excelling on saxophone” Close up Culture

Sun 26th 8:00pm         TONY O’MALLEY
Tony O’Malley’s brand of Groove and R&B is stunning, with his fabulous, smoky, velvety growl of a voice delivering original material and some covers in his own inimitable fashion alongside an impressive 4-piece band of some of the finest young musicians in the UK. One of the most original and powerful performers on the scene today tonight Tony will be featuring songs from his latest album “Nagenna” alongside his classic material. If you like contemporary R&B vocals in the Blues Brothers style, then this is definitely for you.
“…one of the UK’s hottest properties” Jazzwise;
“pure groove, funky keyboard, growling vocals and soul to spare…O’Malley has it all” Blues & Soul Magazine      

Mon 27th     8:00pm         PAUL STACEY BAND
It’s fair to say the Paul Stacey Band has established legendary status amongst 606 regulars. As well as Paul’s searing Rock/Blues guitar it also features the remarkable singer John Hogg, who toured the US and Europe with the highly acclaimed Magpie Salute, formed by former members of the iconic rock band the Black Crowes. Completing the line-up will be Dave Catlin-Birch (World Party)-bass and the driving force of the band Jeremy Stacey (Noel Gallagher, King Crimson)-drums. Probably one of the loudest bands we have here(!) it is also one of the most exciting.
“Stacey’s…brilliant guitar work” Concertlivewire

Tue 28th       8:00pm         SIMON WOOLF’S “NEW MASTER’S QUINTET”   
Lyrical and sophisticated, Simon Woolf is widely considered to be one of the most fluent and creative double bass players in Europe. With a career extending over 40 years he has enjoyed long associations with many leading international musicians, including US stars Benny Golson, Harry Allen and Howard Alden. Tonight he brings his multi-generational band “New Masters” to the Club featuring some of the finest upcoming musicians alongside more established players: Donovan Haffner-sax, Mike Soper-trumpet, Fraser Urquhart-piano & Joe Edwards-drums performing a set of jazz standards as well as some of Simon’s swinging originals.
“Woolf…excellent…outstanding” Jazzwise

Wed 29th     8:00pm         **ALBUM LAUNCH** GUILLE HILL
Since moving to London from Uruguay in 1997 Guille (pronounced Gee-jay) has established himself as a first call guitarist across the musical spectrum. The list of artists that he has worked with is a testament to his creativity and skill, including Tom Jones, Jennifer Lopez and Airto Moreira. Tonight Guille will be launching his new album “Landing”, which he describes as “blending the rich traditions of South American music with hints of jazz, funk, and fusion. Drawing inspiration from the sounds of Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina the music explores intricate rhythms, evocative melodies and dynamic improvisation.”  Joining him will be some of the finest Latin players in the UK including Steve Lodder (Paul McCartney)-piano/keyboards & special guest, the multi-Award-winning saxophonist Julian Siegel.
“Guillermo Hill…excellent” AllAboutJazz

Thu 30th     8:00pm         EMILY FRANCIS TRIO
Described as a “thing of rare beauty” by Jazzwise, the Emily Francis Trio, featuring Emily on keys along with bassist Trevor Boxall and drummer Jamie Murray, pride themselves on delivering an engaging show guaranteed to keep you listening. With a fascinating mix of influences, from the current US electro-jazz scene through prog rock icons to contemporary jazz masters the Trio have created an accessible, harmonically rich landscape of melody and groove. Fresh for 2025 tonight’s set will feature brand new material as well as favourites from their previous catalogue.
“Francis transcends her many influences to create a sound that is very much her own, skilfully blending acoustic and electric elements to create a rich tapestry” The Jazz Mann;
“a fresh and…alive sound” MusicIsMySanctuary.com

Fri 31st         9:00pm         EDGAR MACIAS BAND – TRIBUTE TO BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
UK-based Venezuelan pianist Edgar Macias is a sought-after pianist in a variety of musical styles, from jazz to salsa. His vast and impressive cv includes work with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, David Murray, Scott Hamilton and Bobby Wellins and tonight he will be showcasing his tribute to the iconic Cuban band The Buena Vista Social Club. The band and the Grammy-winning album of the same name released in 1996 became a worldwide phenomenon, selling over eight million records. Featuring Chris Bowden-sax, Tom Hill-bass/vocals, Miles Levin-drums plus guest percussion this project is Edgar’s “take” on that album, featuring his arrangements of all the classic tracks for a Latin Jazz Quintet. If you like Latin music you will love this!
“Edgar Macias…played superbly throughout” Independent

606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD

https://www.606club.co.uk/

020 7352 5953

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Green Note, Camden Town, London - Newsletter, 17/12/2024.

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

The Green Note has forwarded its latest newsletter with details of forthcoming musical events.

December Highlights - part 2

Hello music lovers!

Only one week left to enjoy the musical delights of Green Note before we close for the holidays… but we still have some great things coming before then… and it’s official: consuming culture is good for your health and wellbeing!

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS…

This Thursday, we can’t wait for the NEW ROOTS ANNUAL FESTIVE TRIPLE BILL! Don’t miss this magical evening featuring three outstanding performers. PAUL MOSLEY brings his award-winning, art-rock-inspired folk and captivating storytelling, while Samantha Whates showcases her beautifully crafted, poetic songs rooted in contemporary and traditional folk. Jack Harris completes the lineup with his thought-provoking, literate songwriting that explores the common and uncommon with equal depth. Together, they promise an intimate festive night of acoustic brilliance!

We finish the year with Sister Suzie and Andy Twyman as they channel the spirit of Mississippi and Louisiana, performing blues classics from legends like Memphis Minnie and Elmore James. Their chemistry and humour bring these stories to life in NOTHING IN RAMBLING (Sat 21st Dec) - an evening you won’t want to miss!

And if you don’t yet have plans for tonight, join us for A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS, WITH SAVANNAH GARDNER, DOM GLYNN & FRIENDS (Tues 17th Dec)! heir first show sold out so quickly that we added a second date. Grab your tickets now!

STUCK FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENT IDEAS?
Gift Voucher
Why not give the gift of live music? We offer Green Note gift vouchers, in a range of denominations and they can be used in exchange for tickets to any of our gigs. It could be the perfect present for the music lovers in your life! If you’d like to buy a gift voucher, just email us! While we prefer more notice, these are available right up until Christmas Eve for those last minute stocking fillers!
Or why not buy tickets to a favourite artist as a gift? You can book tickets to any of our shows in the name of the recipient and tickets make an excellent gift!

A SNEAKY PEAK AT THE NEW YEAR…

January at Green Note is packed with incredible music to start your year off right! We’ve recently added (and they’re almost sold out!) two special dates to start off the year in style! On 7th and 8th January iconic musician BERNARD BUTLER, known for his ground-breaking work with Suede and Jessie Buckley, brings his unique artistry to our stage. Only a couple of tickets left for this so grab them quick!

On Sunday 5th January join us for a soulful evening with MATSHIDISO, whose music blends South African jazz, neo-soul, and poetic storytelling.  January also sees the return of celebrated singer-songwriter REG MEUROSS, sharing his poignant and heartfelt songs. Reg will be previewing his new Pete Townshend (The Who) commissioned album Fire and Dust about Woody Guthrie. Should be pretty special! And on Friday 10th January THE HORSENECKS take over the stage with their electrifying old-time Appalachian tunes. Highly recommended!

We’ve also added a ton of new shows for the new year so do check out our listings and grab tickets while you can! Many of our shows sell out in advance so grab them early to avoid missing out… There’s so much more on than we can mention here!

Wishing you all a magical holiday season and a happy and music-filled New Year!

Lots of love,
Immy & Risa xx

COMING UP IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS…

A Country Christmas with Savannah Gardner, Dom Glynn & Friends
Tue 17th December
Celebrate Christmas with two outstanding musicians and their guests… A night of excellent music and celebration!

Bitter Blossoms – Hellebore and Frosty Fern
Tue 17th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
Bitter Blossoms are ringing in the heart of the Christmas season with familiar favourites and future staples of your Christmas playlists.

A Country Christmas with Savannah Gardner, Dom Glynn & Friends
Wed 18th December
Celebrate Christmas with two outstanding musicians and their guests… A night of excellent music and celebration!
** SOLD OUT **

Track Dogs
Thu 19th December
THE WATER RATS
Sun-shiny songs thriving on dark themes behind irresistible rhythms.
** SOLD OUT **

Sabina Trio
Thu 19th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
With a seamless blend of Latin rhythms, swinging jazz, and playful scat singing, Sabina creates an atmosphere rich in both passion and rhythm.

New Roots Festive Triple Bill: Paul Mosley + Samantha Whates
+ Jack Harris
Thu 19th December
New Roots presents a special festive triple bill with Paul Mosley (‘what a voice’ Jools Holland) Samantha Whates (‘sublime’ Louder Than War) and Jack Harris (‘a priest of song’ Anias Mitchell)

Hank Wangford Bass Combo - Special Xmas Show
Fri 20th December
The grizzled Godfather of British alt. Country, is joined by his band for this special Chrismas show!
** SOLD OUT **

Heidi Vogel
Fri 20th December
THE BASEMENT BAR
“Surely one of the great jazz voices of modern times” Vamos London

Nothing In Rambling
Sat 21st December
Duo guided by a mutual passion for early blues; evoking the playfulness, power and soul of the music and the people who created it

Deelee Dubé
Sat 21st December
THE BASEMENT BAR
“A Beguiling Soulfulness” Jazz Times / “Miss Dubé, the first British recipient of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Award, has a voice of the purest gold.” Jazz In Reading, 2019

Green Note, 106 Parkway, London, NW1 7AN

http://www.greennote.co.uk

Bill Laurance and Michael League, UK Tour, March 2025.

Monday, December 16, 2024

Pianist Bill Laurance and bassist/oud player Michael League will play a short series of UK live dates in early March 2025. Details attached.

From;
https://serious.org.uk/events/bill-laurance-michael-league

Bill Laurance & Michael League
Sun 02 Mar 2025–Tue 04 Mar 2025

“For us to take a common project and drive it forwards together is an affirmation of who we are: we’re just good friends and we’re celebrating that with this album.”- Bill Laurance

There are some duos which can seem as if they have been patched together. And there are others which come into being naturally and completely of their own accord. The pairing of pianist Bill Laurance and bassist/oud player Michael League is very much one of the latter; the two musicians have known each other since student days. During a chance meeting in Leeds, England, as sidemen on a one-off project, the two quickly formed a musical bond that would grow through the formation of Snarky Puppy in 2004 and its development over years of touring together, a number of solo al-bums and collaborations, and finally, in 2020, the birth of their duo.

Bill Laurance and Michael League’s new duo album, Keeping Company, is at the opposite end of the spectrum from all the extraversion, large scale and sheer oomph of Snarky Puppy; the focus here is on a shared inner perspective. That much is apparent immediately from the choice of instruments. Laurance has cast aside electronic keyboards and concentrates on piano, acoustic in sound although the piano strings have been occasionally and lightly prepared. Michael League chooses a fretless acoustic bass guitar and the oud. An extreme contrast to the pure groove of Snarky Puppy, here he goes for a transparently sparse but atmospherically rich sound. They do just fine without the band, creating a special freedom for both participants.

“The oud in itself has a specific associative space,” says Bill Laurance from the orchestral perspective of the piano. “When I compose, my aim is to transport the listener. That works with the sound of the oud. It’s not a guitar, it has something exotic about it. It’s a canvas on which you can paint a lot of things. On the first album, we discussed whether Michael should play a fretless nylon string guitar. He tried it out, but it didn’t produce the same emotion as the oud. Due to the oud being fretless, it can access a whole new world of expression and created new colours for the duo. That fascinated us.”

Bill Laurance and Michael League are still in the wonderfully inspiring phase of joint exploration. Everything is open. The music sounds spontaneous and intuitive. It has the power of the personal and builds on a friendship in which shared humour is a part of what happens naturally. Perhaps one day other players will join in. But for the time being, this intimate musical dialogue is the ideal form of artis-tic conversation for Bill Laurance and Michael League.

Sun 02 March
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm
Location
St. George’s,
Great George Street, Off Park Street
Bristol
BS1 5RR
https://www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/
Tickets
£30 + booking fee

Mon 03 March
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 6:30pm
Location
Union Chapel,
Compton Terrace
London
N1 2UN
https://unionchapel.org.uk/
Tickets
£35 + booking fee

Tue 04 March
Stage time / 7:30am
Doors / 7:00am
Location
Manchester, RNCM,
124 Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9RD
https://www.rncm.ac.uk/
Tickets
£20 + booking fee

https://serious.org.uk/events/bill-laurance-michael-league

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 15/12/2024.

Monday, December 16, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 15/12/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist, 15th and 22nd December 2024

This week’s show (and next week’s) feature my personal favourite albums of the year.

I don’t attempt to do a “best of”, I play them in alphabetical order, and they simply reflect my personal taste rather than any sort of objective measure.  After two months away from home (due to flooding) I know that I have missed some albums – so apologies if that included your favourites. People who enjoy my show will probably enjoy this selection - but most of the albums probably won’t feature on anyone else’s list.

I’ve put the full list here - Part one is available now on http://www.mixcloud.com, at Camp radio and as a podcast - Part two will be broadcast next Sunday and then available elsewhere next week.

I’ll be back with new releases in January - meanwhile do have a great Christmas and lets look forward to a happy and musical new year

Regards
Peter

As it turns out:
This year’s 20 albums include
7 from UK;  3 from Germany;  2 from Denmark
1 each from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland
Only two labels (Clean Feed and Ubuntu) have more than one in the list – all the others come from a variety of independent labels.
My selection, in approximately alphabetical order:

ARTIST
ALBUM

Aki Takase/Daniel Erdmann
Ellington

Andrew Woodhead
Swing you Sinners

Blueblut
Lutebulb

Fire!
Testament

Flat Earth Society
The Last One

Friends & Neighbours
Circles

Ill Considered
Precipice

Japanic (Aki Takase)
Forte

Laura Jurd & Paul Dunmall
Fanfares & Freedom

Mike Chillingworth
Friday the Thirteenth

Moritz Stahl
Traumsequenz

Pat Thomas – Bleyschool
Where?

Rob Cope
Gemini

Roberto Ottaviano
Eternal Love People

Samuel Blaser Trio
Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground

Smag På Dig Selv
SPDS

Söndörgő with Chris Potter
Gyezz

Surman (John)
Words Unspoken

TGB
Room 4

Zeeberg (Jeppe)
Six Additional Pieces of Piano Music

European Modern Jazz on the radio.

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on various podcast sites.

Jazz in the West Midlands, December 16th - 22nd 2024.

Monday, December 16, 2024

A roundup of jazz, funk & soul gigs to check out this week in the West Midlands area. Listings supplied by Dave Fuller of Music Spoken Here, Worcester.

The Week Ahead

A roundup of jazz, funk & soul gigs to check out this week in the West Midlands area.

The Week Ahead

A roundup of jazz, funk & soul gigs to check out this week in the West Midlands area.

Monday 16th December

Table Jazz Christmas Special
The Table, 33 Lower Hall Lane, Walsall WS1 1RR





Wednesday 18th December

Christmas Special with the Lichfield Jazz Big Band
The Cathedral Hotel, Lichfield, WS13 7AR



Jazz Jam with Ray Butcher
Bedford Street Bar, 4 Bedford Street, Leamington Spa CV32 5DY



Thursday 19th December

Christmas Jazz at St. Anne’s Church
St Anne’s Church, Chasetown, Burntwood, WS7 3QL



Rod Mason / Bryan Corbett / Tom Kincaid
Alsager Golf & Country Club, Audley Rd, Alsager Stoke-on-Trent ST7 2UR



RBC Jazz Gala
Eastside Jazz Club, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR



Detroit Soul Collective
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU



Friday 20th December

The Brand New Heavies
B:Music, Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham B3 3DQ



Simon Spillett Big Band play Tubby Hayes
Unit 5 Fargo Village Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5ED



The Notebenders
Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall, Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA

Detroit Soul Collective
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU

Saturday 21st December

Calypso Moon
St Swithun’s Church, Church Street, Worcester, WR1 2RH



A Cheeky Christmas Cracker with Ola Brown & John Morris
The Blue Piano, 24-26 Harborne Rd, Birmingham, B15 3AA



Detroit Soul Collective
The Jam House, 3-5 St Pauls Square, Birmingham B3 1QU

Sunday 22nd December

Metzmas Sunday Special
Hockley Social Club, 60 Hampton St, Birmingham B19 3LU

Have a great week!
Dave Fuller
Instigator, Music Spoken Here

Upcoming jazz events at The Barbican, London, December 2024 - May 2025.

Friday, December 13, 2024

The Barbican has supplied a schedule of forthcoming jazz events.

UPCOMING JAZZ AT THE BARBICAN 2024/2025

London Symphony Orchestra: Christmas Swing with Frank Dupree (Wed 18 & Thur 19 Dec 2025, Barbican Hall, 7pm)

Theo Croker’s DREAM MANIFEST (Sat 15 Feb 2025, Barbican Hall, 8pm)

Maria Schneider + Oslo Jazz Ensemble (Sun 2 Mar 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)

Jazz at Lincoln Centre x London Symphony Orchestra (Sat 15 Mar 2025, Barbican Hall, 7pm)

Jazz at Lincoln Centre & Wynton Marsalis: The Democracy! Suite (Sun 16 Mar 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)

Lizz Wright (Tues 18 Mar 2025, Barbican Hall, 8pm)

Cassie Kinoshi x Ensemble intercontemporain (Sat 3 May 2025, Barbican Hall, 7.30pm)

For further information please visit http://www.barbican.org.uk

The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, Greater London, EC2Y 8DS,

Miller Theatre, New York City announces winter season of free pop-up concerts, January, February and March 2025.

Friday, December 13, 2024

"Close to the music" takes on new meaning with this informal, free music series. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Miller Theatre announces winter season of free POP-UP CONCERTS (kicks off with Ole Mathisen 1/28)

Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts
announces the winter season of
POP-UP CONCERTS
  “Close to the music” takes on new meaning with this informal, free music series

Tuesday, January 28
Ole Mathisen
Vector Series

Tuesday, February 25
Wael Farouk, piano

Tuesday, March 25
Rebekah Heller
Righteous Rage — Music for Bassoon

Free admission • Doors at 5:30pm, music at 6:00pm
at Miller Theatre (2960 Broadway at 116th Street)

Pop-Up Concerts
Onstage seating is first-come, first-served.
All concerts start at 6PM and doors open at 5:30PM.
During Miller’s popular free and fun series, Pop-Up Concerts, the audience sits right on stage for hour-long, early-evening performances by today’s bravest virtuosos. These informal concerts allow artists to explore new ideas in a comfortable yet unique setting.

Tuesday, January 28
Ole Mathisen
Vector Series
Craig Taborn, piano; François Moutin, bass;
Ole Mathisen, saxophone; Dan Weiss, drums
Norwegian-born saxophonist and composer Ole Mathisen, director of Columbia University’s Louis Armstrong Jazz Performance Program, has been a celebrated figure on the New York and international jazz scenes for over two decades. Renowned for his technical brilliance, adventurous compositions, and remarkable versatility across genres—including classical, jazz, electronic, and experimental music—Mathisen returns to Miller Theatre to perform his latest project Vector Series (2024), alongside long-time collaborators Craig Taborn (piano), François Moutin (bass), and Dan Weiss (drums).
PROGRAM
Ole Mathisen   Vector Series (2024)

Tuesday, February 25
Wael Farouk, piano
Praised as a “formidable and magnificent pianist” by the New York Concert Review, Egyptian-American pianist Wael Farouk commands a vast repertoire of more than 70 concertos and 60 solo programs. Known for his ground-breaking performance projects, Farouk returns to Miller Theatre to perform a selection of gorgeous solo piano works by J.S. Bach, Rachmaninoff, Ravel, Scarlatti, and more.

Tuesday, March 25
Rebekah Heller
Righteous Rage — Music for Bassoon
A virtuosic bassoonist, conductor, and core member of the International Contemporary Ensemble, Rebekah Heller is celebrated for reimagining the bassoon’s possibilities through adventurous performances and groundbreaking commissions. In this Pop-Up Concert, she performs a program of new music for bassoon choir by composers from the African Diaspora, including the world premiere of Righteous Rage by Brittany J. Green, which was inspired by and is in direct conversation with another work on the program, Julius Eastman’s The Holy Presence of Joan d’Arc (originally for 10 cellos).

Miller Theatre
http://www.millertheatre.com
Miller Theatre at Columbia University is an acclaimed New York City music venue and concert producer. Founded in 1988, Miller’s mission is to develop new audiences; foster enthusiasm for the arts by pioneering new programming approaches; educate the public by presenting specialized programs to a broad audience; discover diverse repertoire and commission new works; and share the University’s intellectual riches with the public. A four-time recipient of the ASCAP/Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming, Miller Theatre’s commitment to presenting music not heard elsewhere makes it a vital part of the cultural landscape of New York City.

Miller Theatre’s 2024-25 Season is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by the Howard Gilman Foundation.

Columbia University’s Miller Theatre is located north of the Main Campus Gate at 116th St. & Broadway on the ground floor of Dodge Hall.

Directions and information are available online at http://www.millertheatre.com  or via the Miller Theatre Box Office, at 212/854-7799.

Barbican announces line up for Theo Croker’s DREAM MANIFEST in February 2025.

Friday, December 13, 2024

The Barbican & Brick Lane Jazz Festival today announce the line-up for Theo Croker’s DREAM MANIFEST – an evening led by the US-based trumpeter & co-curated by fashion designer Nicholas Daley.

We have received the following press release regarding this event ;

Barbican announces line up for Theo Croker’s DREAM MANIFEST in February 2025

The Barbican and Brick Lane Jazz Festival today announce the line-up for Theo Croker’s DREAM MANIFEST – a unique evening led by the US-based trumpeter extraordinaire, and co-curated by acclaimed fashion designer Nicholas Daley. Joining Theo Croker for this very special collaboration at the Barbican is a star London line-up of: Ego Ella May, corto.alto, Theon Cross, Coby Sey, Sheila Maurice-Grey and Kassa Overall - as well as a core band of Idris Frederick (keys), Eric Wheeler (bass) and Miguel Marcel Russell (drums).

Ego Ella May is London born singer-songwriter who fuses neo-soul, jazz, and R&B musicality. She just released her project FIELDNOTES: COMPLETE and has worked with Croker several times including writing lyrics and providing backing vocals for Every Part Of Me featuring Ari Lennox, taking center stage on Somethin’ and co-starring on the 2023 EP release By The Way. This will be May and Croker’s live performance debut

corto.alto is a Glasgow-based musical group led by trombonist Liam Shortall, known for combining jazz with hip-hop, electronic, and funk elements

Theon Cross is a London-based tuba player renowned for his work with Sons of Kemet and his incorporation of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and grime

Coby Sey, a songwriter and producer from South-East London, is known for his unique blend of genres including hip-hop, jazz, grime, and ambient music

Sheila Maurice-Grey is a London trumpeter and composer associated with Kokoroko and who integrates jazz with Afrobeat and highlife

Kassa Overall is a New York-based jazz drummer and producer who blends jazz with hip-hop and electronic music

Fashion Designer Nicholas Daley has co-curated this performance with Theo Croker and will be supporting with wardrobe and styling showcasing his typically intricate interplay that weaves across music, fashion and culture (http://www.nicholasdaley.net)

Full details about the performance can be found below:

Theo Croker’s DREAM MANIFEST + special guests
Barbican x Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Saturday 15 February 2025, 8pm
Barbican Hall
Tickets from £20 plus booking fee

The Barbican and local friends Brick Lane Jazz Festival present DREAM MANIFEST, a unique evening led by US-based trumpeter extraordinaire Theo Croker, co-curated by acclaimed fashion designer Nicholas Daley. Bringing together an exploration of soundscapes, style and the global jazz community for a very special night, Theo Croker’s DREAM MANIFEST will see Croker joined on stage at the Barbican by a suite of special guests from the London and international jazz and wider music scenes in February 2025: Ego Ella May, corto.alto, Theon Cross, Coby Sey, Sheila Maurice-Grey and Kassa Overall.

A collaborative oratorio about imagination, DREAM MANIFEST explores the power to manifest in our universe. It is a sonic exploration that defies genre while being deeply rooted in tradition. This Barbican presentation of DREAM MANIFEST will also include a retrospective on Croker’s last two full length albums BLK2LIFE : A Future Past (Star People Nation, 2021) and Love Quantum (Star People Nation, 2022).

When performed live, DREAM MANIFEST also sees Croker add the role of DJ to his palette (in addition to the trumpet), performing and manipulating samples from the albums and reassembling elements of the band’s real-time performance to architect a sonic world live on stage.

Renowned for entrancing trumpet melodies and an innovative musical approach, Theo Croker is a standout figure in the contemporary music scene. The grandson of legendary trumpeter Doc Cheatham, Croker continues the legacy, collaborating with a diverse range of musicians, including the likes of Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ari Lennox, J. Cole, Jill Scott and Common, showcasing his versatility across jazz, hip hop, pop, and R&B landscapes.

Croker’s live performances command the stage with an infectious energy that captivates audiences globally. With a Grammy nomination, a memorable Tiny Desk performance, and three recent releases, BLK2LIFE: A Future Past, Love Quantum and Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic XIII: Sketches of Miles, Croker continues to transcend genres, leaving an indelible mark on the evolving landscape of music with each resonant note.

Performers will include a core unit of Idris Frederick (keys), Eric Wheeler (bass), and Miguel Marcel Russell (drums). The performance will be supported with wardrobe and styling by Nicholas Daley renowned for his intricate interplay weaving across music, fashion and culture. (http://www.nicholasdaley.net).

Produced by the Barbican in association with Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Find out more
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/theo-crokers-dream-manifest

About the Barbican
The Barbican is a catalyst for creativity, sparking possibilities for artists, audiences, and communities. We showcase the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries to entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.
We are an international arts and events centre rooted firmly in our own neighbourhood, collaborating with local communities and putting the City of London on the map as a destination for everybody. Central to our purpose is supporting emerging talent and shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives.
As a not-for-profit, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations, including our principal funder the City of London Corporation. Every ticket purchased, donation made, and pound earned supports our arts and learning programme and enables the widest possible range of people to experience the joy of the arts.
Opened in 1982, the Barbican is a unique and audacious building, recognised globally as an architectural icon. As well as our theatres, galleries, concert halls and cinemas, we have a large conservatory with over 1,500 species of plants and trees, a library, conference facilities, public and community spaces, restaurants, bars, and a picturesque lakeside oasis.
We’re proud to be the home of the London Symphony Orchestra, and a London base of the Royal Shakespeare Company. We regularly co-commission, produce and showcase the work of our other associates and partners including the Academy of Ancient Music, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Boy Blue, Cheek by Jowl, Darbar Festival, Doc’n Roll Film Festival, Drum Works, EFG London Jazz Festival, London Palestine Film Festival, Serious, and Trafalgar Theatre Productions.
For more information, visit our website or connect with us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | LinkedIn
http://www.barbican.org.uk

About the Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns in 2025 for its fourth year from the 25 – 27 April 2025, with a genre-defying line-up that mirrors the vibrant convergence of London’s thriving underground music scenes. Having firmly established itself as a cornerstone of East London’s cultural landscape, the festival continues to grow, uncovering underground jazz gems while drawing in artists making the biggest waves on the UK scene, all set against the backdrop of some of the capital’s most renowned cultural hotspots.
All festival venues are within a short walk from the central hub at the iconic Truman Brewery space on Brick Lane, transforming the site and surrounding area into a vibrant hive of gig-hopping excitement for three days every April.  Focused on spotlighting emerging talent, the festival brings together artists from jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, R&B, breakbeat, and electronic music, performing across ten iconic music venues on and around Brick Lane.
Tickets and more info at http://www.bricklanejazzfestival.com

Brick Lane Jazz Festival, London announce the second wave of artists for their fourth edition, which will take place 25th – 27th April 2025.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns in 2025 for its fourth year, with a line-up that mirrors the vibrant convergence of London’s thriving underground music scenes at 12 venues in & around Brick Lane.

We have received the following press release;

Brick Lane Jazz Festival announce the second wave of artists for their fourth edition including:

Reek0 + Live Band, Takuya Nakamura (Live), Quinn Oulton, Orii Orchestra, MckNasty, Andrew Ashong (DJ set), Richie, Audrey Powne, Neue Grafik, Allexa Nava, Deschanel Gordon, Lox, Toby Corton, Tendayi & Friends, Xhosa Cole, Alley Lloyd, Jamie Leeming, Shanise Hall, Kezia Abuoma, Tomorrow’s Warriors Frontline, BXLxLDN Interplay, Joti, Emily Tran Quintet, KO Quartet, Viva Msimang (DJ set), Klara Devlin Quartet, and David Kayode

25th – 27th April 2025 | Early bird tickets start from £29.95

Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns in 2025 for its fourth year, with a genre-defying line-up that mirrors the vibrant convergence of London’s thriving underground music scenes. Focused on spotlighting local and emerging talent, the festival brings together artists from jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, R&B, breakbeat, and electronic music, performing across twelve iconic music venues on and around Brick Lane.

Having firmly established itself as a cornerstone of East London’s cultural landscape, the festival continues to uncover underground jazz gems while drawing in artists making waves on the UK scene, all set against the backdrop of some of the capital’s most renowned cultural hotspots. All festival venues are within a short walk from the central hub at the iconic Truman Brewery space on Brick Lane, transforming the site and surrounding area into a vibrant hive of gig-hopping excitement for three days every April.

Last month, the festival returned with their first announcement for 2025 including headliners Laraaji, Adi Oasis, and Ragz Originale, alongside groundbreaking artists such as Ogunjobi (winner of this year’s Parliamentary Jazz “Best Newcomer” award), Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble, Last Nubian, Marysia Osu, Marla Kether, Alina Bzhezhinska, Bnnyhunna, Jelani Blackman, Astrønne, and many more. Today’s new announcement sees the festival add a whole host of eclectic artists to the 2025 line-up including Tottenham DJ, MC, and producer Reek0, Birmingham trailblazer Xhosa Cole, French electronic jazz luminary Neue Grafik, cult Tokyo multi-instrumentalist Takuya Nakamura, drummer-in-demand and Stormzy collaborator MckNasty, and many more. Full line-up so far with day-splits below:

FRIDAY
Ragz Originale - Jelani Blackman - BINA. - Move 78 - Àbáse - Allysha Joy - Last Nubian (live) - MckNasty - Marla Kether - Andrew Ashong (DJ set) - David Walters - Rio Rainz - ECHT! - Faye Meana - Ari Tsugi - Allexa Nava - Tendayi & Friends - Kezia Abuoma - Emily Tran Quintet - KO Quartet - Viva Msimang (DJ set) - Arsen Superfly (DJ set) - Rohan Rakhit Presents: The Cockney Sikh vs Kieran Dotwav (B2B) - Nadī + many more TBA

SATURDAY
Adi Oasis - dialE - Afriquoi - Ife Ogunjobi - Reek0 + Live Band - Takuya Nakamura (live) - oreglo - Sans Soucis - Bnnyhunna - Liv East - edbl & Jackson Mathod - Katie Tupper - Richie - Audrey Powne - Neue Grafik - August Charles - Close Counters - papaya noon - Deschanel Gordon - Xhosa Cole - Shanise Hall - Toby Corton - Tomorrow’s Warriors Frontline - BXLxLDN Interplay - Joti - Tru Thoughts Records Presents: Steve Bamidele - WheelUP - Footshooter & Vimbai - Robert Luis - Lucy Michael & Rhys Baker + many more TBA

SUNDAY
Laraaji - Gary Crosby’s Groundation - Madison McFerrin - Flock - Quinn Oulton - Jasmine Myra - Ray Lonzano - Astrønne - Marysia Osu - Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi - Orii Orchestra - Bruno Berle - DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson - Jay Phelps - Sol Paradise - Mark Kavuma - Aldorande - Lox - Alley Lloyd - Jamie Leeming - Klara Devlin Quartet - David Kayode + many more TBA

Brick Lane Jazz Festival has been making waves on the UK music scene, growing from its modest debut across four venues in 2022 to a 12-stage extravaganza spanning Brick Lane and Shoreditch in just three years. With over 100 artists set to perform across this three-day celebration, the festival has quickly become a fixture on the music calendar. Crowned #1 Best London Festival by The Standard and #1 Best UK Festival by TimeOut in 2023, the festival has only amplified its impact in 2024 with the launch of BLJF Presents—a year-round event series showcasing the UK’s most exciting artists, record labels, and parties. After sell-out shows in Manchester, Glasgow, and London this October, BLJF Presents is heading to new heights with a major event at the iconic Barbican Centre planned for early spring 2025, plus more regional stops in Bristol, Brighton, and even Paris later in the year.

The Festival also recently announced their biggest one-off show to date in conjunction with local friends and venue The Barbican. Set to take place 15th Feb 2025, the unique DREAM MANIFEST show will be led by US-based trumpeter extraordinaire Theo Croker, and co-curated by acclaimed fashion designer Nicholas Daley. The show will bring together an exploration of soundscapes, style and the global jazz community for a very special night, Theo Croker’s DREAM MANIFEST will see Croker joined on stage at the Barbican by a suite of special guests from the London and international jazz and wider music scenes in February 2025. Tickets are available HERE.

The festival will once again partner with Jazz re:freshed and Tomorrow’s Warriors, both vital community organizations that nurture emerging talent in UK jazz. Tomorrow’s Warriors will be back as the festival’s charity partner, bringing an Emerging Talent Stage for fans to catch the next wave of jazz stars as they debut the freshest live material.

The festival’s stages are hosted by some of the most important venues in East London including Village Underground, Ninety One Living Room (hosted by Jazz re:freshed), Rough Trade East, 93 Feet East, Rich Mix, Juju’s Bar & Stage, and many more. As always, those without tickets can enjoy free-entry spaces throughout the site, including the Tomorrow’s Warriors live stage at The Brick Lane Tap Room, the Signature Brew stage at The Big Chill, and DJ stages at 93 Feet East and Cafe 1001.

Alongside today’s line-up announcement, the festival have also announced details of two new stages and partnerships. The first of which includes a headline partnership with Swedish keyboard specialists Nord, who will be taking over a new space opposite the Rough Trade stage on Dray Walk with a showroom of audiophile equipment for festival attendees’ pursuing pleasure as well as an exclusive solo performance each day from three very exciting acts from the London jazz scene. The second comes in the form of a new, unplugged stage in partnership with local brewery and music-aficionados Signature Brew in the former Big Chill space. Alongside a night time DJ lineup, the day programme will showcase intimate acoustic sets from local emerging talent.

Reflecting on this fourth edition, the festival’s Founder, Juliet Kennedy says,
“Every year I think, ‘Can we really top last year’s lineup?’ And yet, the talent in UK jazz just keeps raising the bar! This year’s lineup is a dream, and I can’t wait to bring everyone down to Brick Lane again with our fantastic partners, Tomorrow’s Warriors and Jazz re:freshed. Let’s go 2025!”

Early bird tickets for the festival are now on sale with Day Passes starting from just £29.95, and weekend passes from £89.95. Tickets and more info are available HERE
https://bookings.kaboodle.com/tickets?t=kaboodle-9y4i4&c=202&p=23079&k=54e35c88662cbe4ae4d92cc11b5052146c660d21

https://www.bricklanejazzfestival.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bricklanejazzfestival/

https://www.facebook.com/bricklanejazzfestival

Line up announced for Bath Jazz Weekend, Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th January 2025.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

The line up has been announced for the 5th annual Bath Jazz Weekend which will take place at Widcombe Social Club, Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th January 2025.

Nod Knowles has forwarded the following Media Release;

BATH JAZZ WEEKEND 2025 – MEDIA RELEASE

The 5th annual Bath Jazz Weekend - Friday 3 to Sunday 5 January 2025 – features a remarkable line up of bands and soloists of international standing.

The Europe-friendly programme welcomes celebrated jazz artists from the Netherlands and France alongside some of the best British bands.

This uniquely co-operative annual event has found musicians and audiences alike delighted to fill the no-mans-land downtime of the first weekend in January with some of the best and highest quality contemporary jazz.

The 2025 Weekend continues this new tradition, appropriately in the friendly surroundings of Bath’s Widcombe Social Club.

Beginning on Friday night, as always, with a jazz-suffused film, this year’s offering is director Robert Wise’s classic 1959 film noir Odds Against Tomorrow starring Harry Belafonte and Shelley Winters and featuring a soundtrack from the legendary Modern Jazz Quartet with Bill Evans and Jim Hall.

Friday’s live programme kicks off with leading young generation artists in a quartet led by pianist Ky Osborne. Equipped with the fire of discovery and the support and inspiration of organisations such as Tomorrow’s Warriors, Ky and his band are the perfect choice to ignite the flame of the Jazz Weekend for 2025.

Topping the bill on Friday night is the celebrated trumpeter and composer Laura Jurd. Joined by a unique line up of viola, guitar and drums, innovation is at the heart of everything Laura creates within the rich traditions of jazz and folk music whilst taking twists and turns that prove her to be one of the UK’s most important new generation jazz artists.

Saturday’s programme divides into afternoon and evening sessions.

Saxophonist Dee Byrne leads off on Saturday afternoon with her sextet Outlines, a new avant jazz project playing original compositions and taking short musical sketches as springboards for this dynamic ensemble to improvise in ever fresh directions.

Another sextet - Kevin Figes’ You Are Here - is a loving tribute to much admired but now sadly departed friends, mentors and collaborators, featuring new arrangements of
compositions by Keith Tippett, Elton Dean, Harry Miller, Dudu Pukwana and others, played by a band which represents the strength and breadth of the vibrant Bristol scene.

Saturday evening’s session reinforces the international and diverse flavour of the programme.

Scotland’s Secret Path Trio, fronted by the low whistle and the Highland pipes of Fraser Fifield, creates a unique and melodic repertoire that infuses jazz with Scottish traditions alongside the inspiration of leading Scots artists Paul Harrison on keyboard and drummer Tom Bancroft.

From the Netherlands, pianist, vocalist and composer Nani Vazana is one of the only artists in the world writing and playing songs in the ancient, matriarchal Ladino language, propelling it into the 21st century with socially pertinent lyrics, celebrating migration, gender and female empowerment.

The evening ends with a premiere of Molecatcher, a new trio built around the ever-inventive, fulsome creativity of saxophonist Iain Ballamy and the award-winning virtuosity of guitarist Rob Luft – jazz musicians from two generations who have both achieved the rare distinction of creating their own unmistakable and uniquely individual styles.

On Sunday the three-gig programme begins with the quartet Ribbons, jointly lead by pianist Rebecca Nash and vocalist Sara Colman whose repertoire includes original compositions as well as a celebration of the intimacy and delicacy of songs from jazz and their favourite singer-songwriters.

Following on is another premiere from a new trio of three magisterial improvisers: saxophonist Larry Stabbins, now well into his thrilling new chapter of musical exploration; Paul Rogers, back from France, with his fierce, insatiable commitment to testing the limits of the double bass; and drummer Mark Sanders, champion mainstay of the best in free improvisation.

Rounding off Sunday is the perfect finale for the Bath Jazz Weekend and the beginning of 2025. Pianist Huw Warren and vocalist and violinist Angharad Jenkins present their new interpretation of Calennig, the Welsh traditional music that celebrates and welcomes the New Year. Based on the beautiful, ancient Plygain carols symbolising hope and new beginnings, the duo’s collaboration draws inspiration from the traditions of their native Wales and steps gently and melodically between the worlds of jazz and folk.

Tickets – for all Weekend, single days or single sessions – are available online from https://alloftheabovemusic.eventbrite.com and online, by phone 01225 463362 and in person from Bath Box Office – https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/whats-on/bath-jazz-weekend-2025/about

More info and updates can be found at;

http://www.bathjazzweekend.com

http://www.facebook.com/AllOfTheAboveMusic

http://www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk

For other info email
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
or call 07880 703518

PROGRAMME IN FULL:

Fill those dull days after Xmas and New Year before going back to school and work with music of the highest international quality at the 5th annual Bath Jazz Weekend.

Full programme details…..

FRIDAY 03.01.2025
Evening: Doors 5.00pm – programme begins 6.15pm

ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW
Soundtrack by The Modern Jazz Quartet with Jim Hall & Bill Evans With its dark jazz score and brooding atmosphere Odds Against Tomorrow  was directed in 1959 by four time Oscar winner Robert Wise (The Sound of Music, West Side Story) . A classic of film noir, this tale of crime, corruption and the tension of racism stars Harry Belafonte. Shelley Winters and Robert Ryan.

KY OSBORNE’S KO QUARTET
Ky Osborne/Joe Steyn/Freddie Canton/Ollie Young
Pianist Osbone (scheduled to appear last year with Mail Sheard) and his new band are from the ever-active, far-sighted, inspirational Tomorrow’s Warriors – London’s
seedbed for talented young musicians and original compositions and home of the already thriving next generation.

THE LAURA JURD QUARTET
Laura Jurd/Cori Smith/Tara Cunningham/Corrie Dick
Composer-performer Laura Jurd’s unique voice as an improvising trumpet player is at the heart of everything she creates, celebrating and innovating within the rich
traditions of jazz and folk music whilst taking twists and turns that prove her to be one of the UKs most important new generation jazz artists.

SATURDAY 04.01.2025

Afternoon
Doors 12 midday – programme begins 1.30pm

DEE BYRNE’S OUTLINES
Dee Byrne/Tom Ward/Nick Malcom/Olie Brice/Rebecca Nash/Andrew Lisle
Outlines is saxophonist Dee Byrne’s new avant jazz project, playing original compositions and taking short musical sketches as springboards for this dynamic ensemble to improvise in ever fresh directions.

KEVIN FIGES’ YOU ARE HERE SEXTET
Kevin Figes/Jim Blomfield/Raph Clarkson/Tony Orrell/Riaan Vosloo/Pete Judge
You Are Here is a loving tribute to much admired but now sadly departed friends, mentors and collaborators featuring new arrangements of compositions by Keith
Tippett, Elton Dean, Harry Miller, Dudu Pukwana and others by a sextet representing the strength and breadth of the vibrant Bristol scene.

Evening
Programme begins 6.30pm

SECRET PATH TRIO
Fraser Fifield/Tom Bancroft/Paul Harrison
In the hands of Fraser Fifield the low whistle and the Highland pipes deliver a unique and melodic repertoire that infuses jazz with Scottish traditions alongside the
inspiration of leading Scots artists Paul Harrison on keyboard and drummer Tom Bancroft.

NANI VAZANA Solo piano & vocals
A unique instrumentalist and composer, Nani Vazana – visiting the Jazz Weekend from her home in Amsterdam - is one of the only artists in the world that play and
compose songs in the ancient, matriarchal Ladino language, propelling it into the 21st century with socially pertinent lyrics, celebrating migration, gender and female
empowerment.

MOLECATCHER: BALLAMY/LUFT/CHAPLIN
Iain Ballamy/Rob Luft/Conor Chaplin
The Jazz Weekend premieres this new trio, built around the ever-inventive, fulsome creativity of saxophonist Iain Ballamy and the award-winning virtuosity of guitarist Rob Luft – jazz musicians from two generation who have both achieved the rare distinction of of creating their own inimitable, unmistakable and uniquely individual
styles.

SUNDAY 05.01.2025
Doors 12 midday – programme begins 1.00pm

RIBBONS
Rebecca Nash/Sara Colman/Henrik Jensen/Jonathan Silk
Centred around their eponymous original composition, Ribbons is the joyous musical partnership of Sarah Colman’s voice and Rebecca Nash’s piano, celebrating the
intimacy and delicacy of songs from jazz and the realm of their favourite singer- songwriters.

SAROST: STABBINS/ROGERS/SANDERS
Larry Stabbins/Paul Rogers/Mark Sanders
Three magisterial improvisers: saxophonist Larry Stabbins, now well into his thrilling new chapter of musical exploration; Paul Rogers, back from France courtesy of the
Jazz Weekend, with his fierce , unstoppable, insatiable commitment to testing the limits of the double bass; and drummer Mark Sanders, champion mainstay of the
best in free improvisation.

CALENNIG New Year’s Gift
Huw Warren & Angharad Jenkins
As a perfect finale for the 2025 Bath Jazz Weekend, pianist Huw Warren and vocalist and violinist Anhgarad Jenkins present their new interpretation of Calennig, the
Welsh traditional music that celebrates and welcomes the New Year. Based on the beautiful, ancient Plygain carols symbolising hope and new beginnings, the duo’s
collaboration draws inspiration from the traditions of their native Wales and steps gently and melodically between the worlds of jazz and folk.

Bath Jazz Weekend 2025 is generously sponsored by
Great Wine Co
Widcombe Social Club
Arts Council England

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 08/12/2024.

Monday, December 09, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 08/12/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist 08/12/2024

This is my final regular show of the year - next week will be the first of two shows rounding up my personal favourite albums of 2024.
This week’s show tries to catch up on all the recent releases - but I know I’ve missed some that will have to wait until January.
The show as usual is available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz and later on podcasting sites

Hayden Powell
Galaxies
Undergrowth
Bandcamp

Massimo Tata
Explorer
Kythnos
Alfa Music

Giancarlo Tossani Synapser
Do Geese See God
Nightrumor
Auand

Friso van Wijck
Framed
Candy Container
Trytone

Gregori Hollis
Dedicatòria
Now I know
Segell Microscopi

Markus Kaardal
Banjogoblins
Kaarma
Losen

Jansen – Jormin - Steinmetz
New Flower
The Pilgrimage
Traumton

Alessio Cazzetta
Crystal Castles
Love, Death & The Eternal Blues
Unit Records

Donder
Het Mierenlied
De Wonderen
W.E.R.F

Henkel Carlson Hall
Kreiseziehen
Kreiseziehen
AutRecords

Paggi, Dosoli, Conte
Attenti al Lupo
Fleca!
AutRecords

Colin Vallon
Ronce
Samares
ECM

Paul Dunmall & Kevin Figes
Baritone & Soprano Saxophone #1
Duos
Slam

Nick Bartsch’s Ronin
Module 66 (part)
Spin
Ronin Rhythm Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time: http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on various podcast sites.

Music Spoken Here, Worcester, Programme for December 2024 and January and February 2025.

Saturday, December 07, 2024

Music Spoken Here events are held every other Thursday at The Marrs Bar in Worcester and showcase the best in original music from around the country spanning jazz, funk, fusion, R&B, soul and hip hop.

From;
https://musicspokenhere.club/events/

December 2024

Thu
12
December 12 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Bryan Corbett’s Instrumental Groove Unit
The Marrs Bar 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
Improvisation, hip grooves, beautiful melodies, unique musicianship, interplay and virtuosity Having returned to playing from serious health issues and major surgery, renowned Birmingham-based trumpeter and flugelhorn player Bryan Corbett is back doing what he does best! His Instrumental Groove Unit is an original project full of improvisation, hip grooves, beautiful melodies, unique musicianship, interplay and virtuosity.
Bryan’s musical journey is a tapestry of diverse collaborations and artistic pursuits. As a sought-after session musician, he has lent his talents to some of the biggest names and acclaimed artists across various genres. From The Brand New Heavies, Us3, Tony Christie, Sigala & Ella Eyre to featured soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra and performing under his own name at jazz clubs and festivals around the globe. His remarkable versatility allows him to seamlessly transition between musical styles, from jazz and funk to soul, pop, and beyond.
This exciting new project introduces original material and a repertoire with emphasis on the ‘pocket’ of groove and freedom of improvisation. Bryan introduces the project as “A chance to play some original tunes and ideas coming to it from a different angle than I normally would”.
Featuring the outstanding talents of fellow Brand New Heavies band member Luke Harris on drums, Paul Deats on keys and Wayne Matthews on bass, this promises to be something not to be missed!

January 2025

Thu
9
January 9, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
TRYPL
The Marrs Bar 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
Hot Latin vibes from top UK horn section in a 7-piece lineup TRYPL was formed by three exceptional horn players who have worked together on numerous recordings and performances and share a love of Latin-jazz. The band name is derived from the founding members names - trombonist Trevor Mires (Jamiroquai, Incognito, David Sanborn, Alicia Keys, trumpeter Ryan Quigley (Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, George Michael) and saxophonist Paul Booth (Incognito, Jamiroquai, Louis Cole, Van Morrison). You may remember Paul and Ryan when they appeared in Paul’s band HOOP back in November 2023.
Speaking of the band’s eponymous 2020 album, our resident reviewer Ian Mann noted “There is much joy and energy in these effervescent and vivacious performances, but this is not just ‘party’ music, there is a high level of musical sophistication too.”
This will be a full 7-piece band with Will Barry (piano), Davide Mantovani (bass), Andres Ticino (percussion) and Davide Giovannini (drums).

Thu
23
January 23, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Jas Kayser & Chums
The Marrs Bar 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
A fiery 5-piece combining jazz, Afro-beat and Latin rhythms from an incredible young drummer Jas Kayser played on my first visit to 91 Living Room in London - the home of Jazz refreshed - back in November 2022. I spoke to her after the gig and emailed her manager right away to arrange a booking, but it took two years of persistence to line up this gig, so I am really stoked it is finally happening!
A conscientious student at the Julian Joseph Academy in the UK, Jas went on to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston. While at Berklee, Jas caught the attention of Lenny Kravitz, who invited her to Paris to film his 2018 video ‘Low’. She also spent time in Panama with her Berklee mentor and Panamanian pianist Danilo Perez. In 2021, Jas won the Parliamentary Jazz Newcomer of the Year and Jazz FM Breakthrough Act of the Year awards and she released her debut album in 2022 on the Jazz re:freshed label for their ‘5ive’ series. She has featured with leading artists including Jorja Smith, Alfa Mist, Nubia Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings and most recently joining Lenny Kravitz on his 2024 tour, which will finish it’s South American leg in December, resuming in Europe from February.
Her ‘Chums’ lineup features Daisy George (bassist who appeared at The Marr’s Bar with Tom Ford in September 2022), Richie Sweet (percussion), Christos Stylianides (trumpet) and Jamie Leeming (guitar).

February 2025

Thu
13
February 13, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Impossible Conversations
The Marrs Bar 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
The next generation making their mark on the jazz continuum Impossible Conversations are five lads from Birmingham making their mark on the contemporary jazz world. Each of these young musicians bring their unique musical background and a combined love of jazz to create a sound that is both familiar, fresh and truly special with every
performance. The band are already getting some great gigs around the West Midlands and played Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival in 2024.
The lineup includes Louis Hamilton-Foad (son of guitarist Paul Foad and grandson of the late saxophonist Andy Hamilton) on drums, Gabriel Amann (son of pianist Tim Amann, who played for us with Butcher’s Brew in July 2024) on trumpet, Sam Sharpe on bass, Alex Smith on keys and Ben Carter on sax.

Thu
27
February 27, 2025 @ 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Romarna Campbell’s Chaos Trio
The Marrs Bar 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
Jazz and hip-hop infused consciousness from an astoundingly creative drummer and her trio Romarna Campbell is an irrepressible force for good in music and in life. An Olivier Award-winning composer, drummer, and music educator, Romarna hails from Birmingham and is now based in London. Known for her dynamic artistry, she has toured globally with acts like Fever Ray, Benjamin Clementine, and Courtney Pine, gracing stages such as the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.
In 2020 she self-released “25 Songs For My 25th Birthday” which she co-wrote, co-arranged, and co-performed with Soweto Kinch, Tomeka Reid, Sumi Tonooka, and Lady Sanity, among others. Her single “Inherently Political” is a super-charged sonic assault on racism, released in the same year.
A Berklee College of Music alumna and mentor, Romarna is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Mentored herself by Dr. Gary Crosby OBE, Terri Lyne Carrington, Neal Smith, and Billy Kilson, she now leads the Tomorrow’s Warriors Frontline Ensemble and has worked with the Ladywood-based Notebenders.
Chaos brings her compositions to life with bassist Mutale Chashi and pianist Cenk Esen. Romarna’s mission is to create music that reflects our current reality with artistic integrity, inspiring the next generation, especially those from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and gender backgrounds, to find opportunities and solutions to follow a similar path. On Romarna’s request, we have invited some young local musicians to collaborate with her trio for this performance.

TICKETS
Music Spoken Here is proud to offer exceptional live music experiences in Worcester at a price affordable to you. Our fortnightly events at The Marr’s Bar are ticketless, just show up on the night and pay what you can afford on the door.
The suggested contribution for this event is £10-15.
You can find out more about our admission and membership options at A New Approach
https://musicspokenhere.club/a-new-approach/

Venue
The Marrs Bar
12 Pierpoint Street
Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 1TA

Organiser;
Music Spoken Here
Phone
07989745955
Email
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Elliot Galvin - new album and UK & European tour dates, February / March 2025.

Friday, December 06, 2024

Pianist & composer Elliot Galvin will release his new album "The Ruin" on Gearbox Records in February 2025. He will be touring extensively in the UK & Europe during February & March. Press release att

WE have received the following press release;

ELLIOT GALVIN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM “THE RUIN” OUT DIGITALLY 7TH FEB / PHYSICALLY 28th FEB

FT. RUTH GOLLER, SEBASTIAN ROCHFORD, LIGETI STRING QUARTET

Today, award-winning composer, pianist, and improvisor Elliot Galvin returns with details of his new album “The Ruin”, which will be released digitally on 7th February with a physical release to follow on 28th Feb via independent London tastemaker label Gearbox Records (Binker & Moses, Abdullah Ibrahim, Cahill//Costell). The album will mark Galvin’s first album since 2020’s “Live at Fondation Louis Vuitton” on Edition Records and follows his recent return single “From Beneath”.

An artist with little need for introductions, Elliot Galvin is a long-time trailblazer in the UK jazz firmament with four solo albums that have seen him top album of the year lists at the likes of Downbeat and Jazzwise, as well as being a member of the Mercury nominated Dinosaur, and collaborating with Shabaka Hutchings, Emma-Jean Thackray, Norma Winstone, Marius Neset and Mark Lockheart. Galvin has also earned a fierce reputation as a borderless improvisor having released records with the likes of Mark Sanders and his now labelmate Binker Golding. His latest solo release was an entirely improvised piano album and was named The Guardian’s album of the month and BBC Music magazine’s album of the year. Outside of this Galvin is a composer Commissioned by the Sinfonietta, and an audio artist with works exhibited at the likes of Turner Contemporary Gallery, and more.

With his signing to Gearbox Records, “The Ruin” marks a new start for Galvin. Recorded in three sessions with GRAMMY, Mercury, and MOBO nominated recording and mixing engineer Sonny Johns (Tony Allen, Ali Farka Touré, Laura Jurd), he says “this is the most personal album I have made to date, combining all the music that influences me, without worrying about genre or where it would sit. I feel it’s the purest expression of who I am on record.” The album also features a who’s who of estimable guest musicians and friends from the UK scene including renowned bassist and vocalist Ruth Goller, Polar Bear drummer and Patti Smith / Damon Albarn collaborator Sebastian Rochford, and longtime collaborators The Ligeti String Quartet.

The first taster of this new material came in the form of the aforementioned “From Beneath”, and is today followed up by “A House, A City”. Starting out with a reversed iPhone recording of Galvin’s final improvisation on his first-ever piano, before developing into a personal and delicate solo piece inspired by his home and memories of growing up.

The single is also accompanied by a dramatic new video which sees Galvin and filmmakers Arepo and James Holcombe set fire to an old upright piano. The video was filmed on analogue Bolex cameras, and the resulting film was then chemically degraded making it seem as if the fire from the piano is burning through the film itself. The concept ties in with the themes of ruin and the degradation of memory that are running throughout the record and represents Galvin deconstructing all he has done before in the search for something new.

Speaking on the single and video, Galvin says “Just before I sold my childhood piano, I sat down and recorded some improvisation on it. This was the instrument I started playing on and meant a lot to me, we managed to buy it by using some money from my grandfather after he passed away. There was one improvisation that I knew would be at the heart of an album, but it took about 5 years before I made it. There was a battered old piano in the studio where we were recording, and it felt right to record this piece on that. There is something fragile and beautiful about a piano that has lived a life. In the imperfections of the sound there is a humanity that is at the heart of this music.”

“The video was all shot entirely analogue and true to this original process of filming dating back to the 1920s. Right from the start we decided we wanted to set a piano on fire and film it. The album, and this track are about the ruins we live with, how we can construct something new from the ashes of what came before, but first we must burn it down, the creative act of destruction. After we dragged the piano into a field, set it on fire and filmed it, James processed the film in his darkroom, finishing it by using a technique called ‘Mordançage’ which introduces destructive chemicals to the film developing process, degrading the film in beautiful, unexpected ways.”

HEAR / SHARE “A HOUSE, A CITY” HERE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5klihel-xM

Named after an ancient Anglo-Saxon poem from the 9th century AD about the former glory of an unnamed ruined city, “The Ruin” is inspired by the feeling of living in England (“a country that feels like a living ruin”), the bleak landscape of where Galvin grew up (Medway towns), and a kind of self-portrait reflecting how we all live amongst the ruins of our past selves both collectively and individually. All the musical material on “The Ruin” is taken from iPhone recordings of improvisations that Galvin had played on his first-ever piano – bought using money left by his late grandfather. The whole album is structured cyclically so that it gradually builds up and crumbles away, starting and finishing with solo piano. To this end, the final track of the album finishes with the same reversed recording taken from the lead single and opener playing forwards.

“At the very heart of all the music is the first phrase I remember ever writing down as a child, which is a little chromatic thing. It all grows from there somehow” says Galvin. Now, in the present, the germination of that initial idea has resulted in a genre-defying, dynamic record which sees free-flowing serpentine piano and modular synth lines weave and collide around the record’s personnel with epiphanic vocalisations, deceivingly groove-heavy percussion, and intricate, soulful flute lines. The record leans into the gentle and introspective with an uneasy tension that simultaneously inspires hope and wistfulness, before erupting into droning slabs of noise that are at times redolent of the kosmische music movement.

Despite the candid and personal nature of the record, Elliot Galvin has succeeded where few other improvisors have. On “The Ruin”, he has produced possibly his most accessible to date, and one that almost all listeners can relate to on an intimate level. “The Ruin” may be tied inherently to Galvin, but anyone who listens can relate to the sense of self-contemplation and analysis, the memories that make us who we are and their degradation. The realisation that much like the journey Galvin went on to create this album, we must continue to build ourselves up from the ruins only to break ourselves down again.

“The Ruin” is out digitally on 7th February and on CD and vinyl on 28th February via Gearbox Records – Pre-order Here;
https://bfan.link/the-ruin

Tracklisting:

1. A House, A City
2. From Beneath
3. Still Under Storm
4. Gold Bright
5. Stone Houses
6. High and Wide
7. In Concentric Circles
8. As If By Weapons
9. Giants Corrupted
10. Fell Broadly
11. These Walls

Credits:
Elliot Galvin - Piano and Synths
The Ligeti String Quartet – Strings
Ruth Goller - Bass and Voice
Sebastian Rochford – Drums

Live dates:

2nd February - Hot Tin, Faversham
8th February - Listen, Cambridge
12th February - Lescar, Sheffield
13th February - Assemble Rooms, Leeds
14th February - The Rose Hill, Brighton
15th February - Kings Place (Hall 1), London
16th February - Mac, Birmingham
19th February - Fasching, Stockholm, Sweden
20th February - Unterfahrt, Munich
22nd February - Opus Jazz, Budapest
27th February - Dora Stoutzker Concert Hall, Cardiff
28th February - Brilliant Corners Festival, Belfast
1st March - The Clinker, Dublin
26th March - Spin Jazz Club, Oxford
27th March - Freerange, Canterbury

Follow:

https://www.instagram.com/elliotgalvin/

https://www.facebook.com/elliotgalvinmusic

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCixfhU959clrXqjwgwYBceQ

Warren James - Gig list, December 2024.

Friday, December 06, 2024

Guitarist & vocalist Warren James has forwarded his live performance schedule for December 2024 which will feature his playing with a variety of different line ups, including The Jake Leg Jug Band.

Warren James writes;

Gig List December 2024

FIRSTLY - thank you to everyone who showed support for live music in 2024 - to everyone who bought a ticket and paid to come into any venue that we performed at - OUR SINCERE THANKS

THE JAKE LEG JUG BAND - DECEMBER 2024 GIG DATES

​FRI 06 DEC 2024   ST JAMES CHURCH (AUDLEY, STOKE-ON-TRENT)
7.30pm 2 x 60 min sets, http://www.jmj.org.uk  GOSPEL CONCERT

​SAT 14 DEC 2024   SHROPSHIRE BLUES & ROOTS CLUB (LUDLOW)
8.00pm, 2 x 45 min sets, @ Ludlow Brewery. http://www.facebook.com/ShropshireBluesClub

​SUN 15 DEC 2024   STAFFORD JAZZ SOCIETY (STAFFORD)
12.30pm, 2 x 50 min sets. @ The White Eagle Club. wwwstaffordjazz.org

​SUN 22 DEC 2024   HALESOWEN JAZZ CLUB (WEST MIDLANDS)
8.00pm, 2 x 60 min sets. @ Halesowen Cricket Club.

​TUE 31 DEC 2024   DEN ENGEL (LEEK, STAFFORDSHIRE) 9.30pm 2 x 45 min sets, http://www.denengelleek.co.uk

WARREN JAMES’ - DECEMBER 2024 GIG DATES

Fri 6 – Audley, CeO Church – The Jake Leg Jug Band

Sat 7 – Aylesbury, Stoke Mandeville Christmas light turn on - The Silke Street Band
@4pm Town Centre
@5pm The Bell Pub

Sat 7 – Soho, Arts Bar, Frith Street – Silk Street Band @7pm

Sun 8 – Uttoxeter, The Vaults of Uttoxeter – The Hit Parade Heroes – Guest: Mike Owen @4pm

Thurs 12 – London, Soho – Silk Street Music

Sat 14 – Doveholes, Jazz Club – Baby Jools & The Jazzaholics @8pm

Sun 15 – Stafford, Jazz Club – The Jake Leg Jug Band @12:30pm

Fri 20 – Tipton, Horseley Tavern – Hit Parade Heroes @8:30pm

Sat 21 – Louth, Jazz Club – The Story of Skiffle @8pm

Sun 22 – Halesowen, Jazz Club – Jake Leg Jug Band @8pm

Sun 29 – Worcester, Chestnut Tree – Warren James R’n'R duo @6pm

Tues 31 – Uttoxeter, The Vaults of Uttoxeter – The Hit Parade Heroes @4pm

Tues 31 – Leek, Den Engel – The Jake Leg Jug Band - NYE

http://www.warrenjamesguitar.com

Listen!,  Cambridge, Jazz Programme for January to May 2025.

Tuesday, December 03, 2024

Cambridge based promoters Listen! have announced their jazz programme for early 2025. Events take place at Cambridge Unitarian Church.

We have received the following information;

11th January: Mark Lockheart & John Parricelli
Mark Lockheart (saxophones & clarinets), John Parricelli (guitar)

8th February: Elliot Galvin - The Ruin
Elliot Galvin (piano & synths), Mandhira de Saram (violin), Ruth Goller (bass & voice), Sebastian Rochford (drums)

22nd March: Strange Meeting: The Music of Bill Frisell
Chris Batchelor (trumpet), Margrit Hasler (viola), John Parricelli (guitar), Dave Whitford (double bass)

12th April: The Little Radio
Iain Ballamy (saxophones), Stian Carstensen (accordion)

10th May: Héloise Werner & Colin Alexander
Héloise Werner (soprano), Colin Alexander (cello)

All concerts take place at: Cambridge Unitarian Church, 5 Emmanuel Road, Cambridge CB1 1JW
Advance tickets: £19.80 (including booking fee) from http://www.wegottickets.com/listencambridge
Save over £22 with a Listen! Season Pass… all five concerts for £76.30 (including booking fee)

More information: http://www.listencambridge.com

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 01/12/2024.

Monday, December 02, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 01/12/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist - first broadcast December 1st 2024

Hackney Colliery Band
Eleventy Three
Collaborations Vol 2
Bandcamp

Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp
Petis Bouts
Ventre Unique
Bandcamp

The Leif
A’ho
Det er en egen lomme
90.032 Records

Danielsson Pohjola Parricelli
Playing with the Groove
Trio
ACT

Oaagaada
Appyuan
Music Of
WeJazz

Paul Dunmall
The Past
Red Hot Ice
Discus

Joe Webb
Newcastle Full Feel
Hamstrings & Hurricanes
Edition

Charlotte Lang
OKAY
The Journey
Unit Records

Playtime
Into The Groove (with Byron Wallen)
Morse Code Through the Lights
Interrupto Music

Otto Kintet
Glinstergloed
Wildernis
Choux de Bruxelles

Alexi Tuomarila -
Circle
Departing the Wasteland
Edition

Bubu
Auf und Ab
10
Trouble in the East

uroboro
cesare ha detto
as in an unpicking of time’s garment
Discus

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time:
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on various podcast sites.

Leeds Jazz Festival returns for its 4th edition from May 22 to May 27, 2025.

Friday, November 29, 2024

Leeds Jazz Festival has announced its return in May 2025. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

After a successful three years, Leeds Jazz Festival will return from 22nd - 27th May 2025.

Leeds Jazz Festival is set to return for its fourth edition from May 22 to May 27, 2025. The vibrant celebration of jazz will once again bring together a diverse lineup of talented artists, showcasing everything from contemporary to traditional jazz across multiple venues throughout the city.

In addition to live performances, the festival will offer workshops, artist talks, and special events designed to engage the local community and promote artistic growth. Stay tuned for more details and artist announcements at http://www.leedsjazzfestival.com.

The inaugural event took place between 1st and 12th June 2022. The programme featured a variety of free to access events and ticketed showcases, representing the wide diversity of Jazz in the city, with something for everyone, from the most die-hard jazz fan around to a first time attendee. You can check out the gallery and events listings to get a sense for the 2022 festival.

In 2024 the festival ran from 23rd - 28th May 2024, expanding on the previous years highlights; the Welcome to Leeds Stage and the range of gigs in venues across the city. DJ NikNak debuted an audio-visual installation based on their album ‘Inner Ireti’ thematically honouring the Black roots of Jazz and the further impact on music at Leeds Art Gallery. Music production workshops took place in the state of the art Leeds Beckett studios. All alongside a programme of gigs and panels celebrating the local scene and showcasing bigger names, from Nubiyan Twist to Fergus McCreadie Trio and DJ Tina Edwards.

Leeds Jazz Festival is produced by a city-wide network of partners, representing venues, programmers, musicians and more, coordinated by Music:Leeds, with public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England alongside Split, LeedsBID, Welcome to Leeds, Eiger Studios and Leeds City Council funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

About Music:Leeds
  act as a single, centralised point of contact that will coordinate activity to support, promote, develop and grow music-based activity within the city and wider region, across any level, medium, genre or pathway. We established Launchpad in 2019, an emerging talent development program that offers opportunities and support for emerging artists, musicians, producers, bands, composers and music professionals throughout the Yorkshire region. In 2020, as we began to work across a wider area, we launched Music Local to support and develop place-based music support systems and infrastructures, tailored to the needs of individual music communities beyond it’s hometown.

About LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District)
A catalyst for change, LeedsBID works collaboratively to improve Leeds city centre for all who use it.
A not-for-profit, non-political organisation representing over 700 businesses, LeedsBID is delivering over £14m investment back into the city centre through its projects, events and activities (over the next five years 2020-2025).
http://www.leedsbid.co.uk

About http://www.welcometoleeds.co.uk
Welcome to Leeds, the official Leeds guide to the wider Leeds story, showcases, supports and celebrates the world class events, organisations and people in Leeds through storytelling, events, podcasts, features, films and more.

606 Jazz Club, Chelsea London,  Programme for December 2024 plus January 2025 preview.

Friday, November 29, 2024

Laura Thorne of the 606 Club has forwarded details of forthcoming live jazz performances during December 2024 and early January 2025.

Laura Thorne writes;

606 Club Live Music: December 2024 in Full + NYE + January 2025 Preview

Hello all you connoisseurs of culture and lovers of live music – greetings from the 606 in Chelsea, known for presenting the best jazz, soul, Latin, groove, R&B & blues musicians in the UK bar none.

In follow up to our last mail which included a December preview, this mail provides information about all of our December shows along with a handful of January 2025 events as well!

More information about our programme is below. And/or, visit https://www.606club.co.uk/events/, where there are extended descriptions, photos and video clips.

We are adding our January shows to the website now and will be circulating those particulars before the holiday break. Speaking of, the Club is closed between Tuesday the 24th to Monday the 30th of December while we retreat to our sofas/duvets/comfy chairs to recharge.

We are open on NYE, closed on New Year’s Day and then open again from Thursday 2nd onward per usual.

DECEMBER GIG GUIDE

Sun 1st         1:30pm         GARETH LOCKRANE BIG BAND
One of the finest jazz flautists in Europe, named “Rising Star on Flute” in the prestigious Downbeat Critics Poll (USA), this afternoon Gareth will be fronting his amazing 18-piece Big Band. Performing his brilliant arrangements of a mix of originals and the odd classic jazz standard (many of which are featured on their album, “Fistfight at the Barndance”), the ensemble inevitably attracts a host of high-profile award-winning players, today including Sam Mayne; James Copus; Ivo Neame; Nick Costley-White & Pat Levett.
“The band plays a roof-lifting mix of fresh grooves…and blistering…solos from some of the country’s finest musicians” Jazz FM;
“brilliant” Observer                                                    

Sun 1st   8:00pm   FRANCES MADDEN              
A highly regarded, award-winning singer, songwriter and pianist, Frances Madden has played to full houses at leading jazz venues and festivals around her native Australia, as well as supporting artists such as Dionne Warwick &Grammy-Award winner Gregory Porter. Now based in London, she’s working on a new album with Grammy-winning producer/engineer Cameron Craig (Adele). With her unique take on selected American Songbook classics along with her impressive originals this is an exciting and sophisticated artist who truly delivers.
“vastly talented…authentic brilliance” The Australian;
“A consummate musician, gifted composer and arranger” Australian Arts Review                                          

Mon 2nd       8:00pm         DOM PIPKIN’S ALLSTAR NEW ORLEANS TRIO
Influenced by the likes of Dr John and Professor Longhair, pianist/singer Dom Pipkin is widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest New Orleans rhythm and blues artists. Delivering the most authentic and compelling take on a highly infectious blend of blues, gospel, street and jazz that is uniquely New Orleans, he has a stellar list of international festivals, radio and TV appearances to his name with fans ranging from Hugh Laurie to Jamie Cullum. This promises to be a night of powerful, high-energy music.
“One of the world’s greatest exponents of New Orleans piano” Blues in Britain

Tue 3rd       8:00pm         ANNA PANZANELLI – ‘CLOSE TO BURT’A BURT BACHARACH TRIBUTE                  
With an impressive CV, Anna Panzanelli is a London-based jazz singer, pianist, and songwriter hailing from Perugia, Italy who has appeared at numerous international events and festivals including the ArgoJazz Festival, Umbria Jazz, Alchemika Jazz and Corte dei Miracoli in Milan. As a composer & vocalist, her original music blends jazz and soul, while her piano playing reflects both jazz and classical influences. Tonight, Anna celebrates the music of one of the greatest composers of all time, Burt Bacharach, a legend of popular song. We’ll also hear original music from Anna’s second album, “Inchiostro” as well as new songs from her upcoming record. Also featured in the band this evening: Jake Elkan-guitar, Ruggero Bonucci-bass & Filippo Galli-drums.
“[a] new star…self-confident and talented” Policorotv

Wed 4th       8:00pm                 JO FOOKS  
A former ‘Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year’, saxophonist Jo Fooks received an invitation from the legendary British trumpeter Humphrey Lyttelton to join his band, and the rest, as they say, is history. Citing Humphs “fun-filled and melodic” approach as a major influence, Jo’s big, bright sound has also been compared to iconic players such as Stan Getz. Jo’s cv includes work with some of the finest mainstream bands and artists, including Jo Harrop & Scott Hamilton. Look forward to a night of classic, swinging standards along with some great swinging originals too!
“A brilliantly inventive player and composer” Humphrey Lyttleton

Thu 5th       8:00pm         KRISZTA KONCZ FT. LEVENTE KAPOLCSI-SZABO      
This performance is another in our series of showcases from the vibrant jazz scene in Budapest, Hungary. The multi-Award-winning vocalist Kriszta Koncz and pianist Levente Kapolcsi-Szabó met seven years ago as students at the distinguished Bartók Conservatory, since when they have established themselves, both separately and together, as highly respected performers on the European jazz scene. Performing regularly at jazz clubs in Hungary and around Europe, Kriszta achieved significant success this year at the renowned Budapest-based MÜPA Jazz Showcase with her own project which featured Levente’s impressive piano playing. Levente is also a founding member of the contemporary jazz group Symbiosis 5, who found fame on the international circuit by coming top at the 2022 Getxo Jazz Festival in Spain and the Sibiu Jazz Competition in Romania in the same year. These two exciting young artists, joined by UK-based bassist Jeremy Brown & drummer Joel Barford, will perform a choice mix of jazz standards, complemented by a select original or two.
Presented in association with The Harmónia Műhely Alapítvány.

Fri 6th       CLOSED PRIVATE EVENT

Sat 7th         9:00pm         TOM SMITH
Twice finalist of the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year programme in 2014 and 2016, saxophonist Tom Smith went on to win the Peter Whittingham Development Award from Help Musicians UK in 2018. Since then he’s worked with Grammy Award-winner Maria Schneider, Donny McCaslin (David Bowie) and more. For this 606 show Tom has put together an inspired lineup with a promise of some new material along with a choice selection of jazz standards. “[Tom Smith] …something really special” London Jazz News

Sun 8th         1:30pm         SUNDAY LUNCH: 606 GOSPEL GROUP CHRISTMAS
Under the auspices of bass player/guitarist Andre Gabriel we present our very own gospel ensemble, the “606 Gospel Group”. This is a great group comprising a four-piece band accompanying a five-voice gospel choir. The choir is drawn from a pool of some of the finest gospel singers on the scene and has been featured in the London Jazz Festival as well as on BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service. And with Christmas just around the corner the group has planned a special holiday repertoire, not to be missed. This is always a fun and uplifting gig and highly recommended. And don’t forget this is our family day so children are more than welcome.
“Uplifting gospel sounds” Time Out                                      

Sun 8th     8:00pm   EDEN BRENT  
A native of the Mississippi Delta Eden Brent is a singer/pianist aptly described as a “juke-joint hollering powerhouse of American roots music”. Winner of the 2006 International Blues Challenge amongst a slew of other awards, she spent the first two decades of her career under the tutelage of Abie “Boogaloo” Ames (another Mississippi legend), documented in the film, “Boogaloo & Eden: Sustaining the Sound”. Subsequently she worked with a host of other established bands before going out on her own, with high profile shows at the likes of the Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Eden has released six solo albums while collaborating on many more and for this 606 show will be playing songs from her latest, “The Getaway”, which she has described as “laid down in London, mixed up in Memphis, and made in Mississippi”.  Eden will be joined tonight by the musicians featured on that album: Rob Updegraff-guitar, Pat Levett-drums (both from our very own Coalminers band) and UK-born but US-based Bob Dowell on bass. We are delighted to present this remarkable performer and her music here on the 606 stage!
“A force to reckon with…sultry, hot and cool.” Wall Street Journal

Mon 9th       8:00pm         PHIL MULFORD’S ‘THUNDERTHUMBS’
Join us to celebrate the great Soul and Funk songs from the likes of George Benson and Michael Jackson with “Thunderthumbs”, the 10-piece band led by bassist Phil Mulford. Inspired by the great US bassist Louis Johnson’s work the set runs from Louis’ time with Billy Preston in 1972 through to his own band The Brothers Johnson and the Quincy Jones hits on which he played. The gig features 3 brilliant singers, Jacqui Hicks & Debby Bracknell (Shakatak) & Simon Foster (Flying Pickets), a deeply grooving rhythm section and powerhouse horns. The music tonight will feature a tribute to the late, great, Quincy Jones and if you like 606 regulars All Fired Up you’ll love this! “Hicks…a singer of warmth, poise and intelligence” Yorkshire Post;
“Take Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker, that dude from The Commitments, Michael McDonald…and roll them up into one and you get something resembling the virtuosity that Simon Foster shows” RARB.org                    

Tue 10th       8:00pm DAN REINSTEIN: CELEBRATING 22 YEARS AT THE 606
American-born saxophonist Dan Reinstein first began playing at the old 606 Club when a medical student in the 1980’s. He returned to the US in the early 90s to become one of the world’s leading laser eye surgeons (he’s now Professor Reinstein). But when he returned to London, it was great to hear his fluent, classic hard-bop, muscular sax playing again and the rest, as they say, is history. Dan & his quartet have now been performing here at the Club for the last 22 years - still making great music! “impressive hard-bop saxophonist” Time Out

Wed 11th       8:00pm         TIM WHITEHEAD’S BIRTHDAY GIG
Saxophonist Tim Whitehead is renowned throughout the UK, Europe and USA as a remarkable performer/composer. In the 70’s he toured with Ian Carr’s “Nucleus”, winning the Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award. In the 80’s he was a member of the groundbreaking band Loose Tubes, in the 90’s he won the Andrew Milne Award for Jazz and in the 00’s was the first ever musician to be made Artist in Residence at Tate Britain. His muscular, fluent and highly melodic playing commands considerable respect throughout the scene. And watch out for the superb pianist David Gordon, also featured this evening.
“The finest tenor player in Britain today’’ Jazz Review;
“one of the most creative, exciting and passionate saxophonists in Europe” A Rough Guide

Thu 12th     8:00pm         MIM GREY
Mim Grey is a charismatic singer/songwriter in the pop/swing/country style.  A regular with Acid jazz legends The Brand New Heavies she has co-written tracks with Kylie Minogue and worked with the likes of Paul McCartney and Tom Jones.  Her wonderful Country-influenced songs are matched by her terrific voice, warm and soulful with an effortless range. With her music topping charts around the globe, “Country Music in Britain” said hers is ‘one of the finest voices in the world’. Tonight, alongside music from her previous recordings Mim will also feature new songs from her upcoming album.
“sultry singer-songwriter” Maverick Magazine;
“my favourite singer” Sir Tom Jones;
“the most beautiful voice to come out of the UK in a very long time” Michael Ball    

Fri 13th       9:00pm         JOE WEBB’S “5 A SIDE”
Pianist Joe Webb has become a force to be reckoned with on the UK jazz scene. He’s worked with Hailey Tuck, Adrian Cox and more, but it is with the Kansas Smitty’s House Band, the swinging, mainstream jazz outfit dubbed London’s ‘new swing princes’ that his profile has reached new heights, including appearing on Jamie Cullum’s Christmas album. Joe’s band this evening features the brilliant sax playing of Alec Harper and the swinging guitar of Dave Archer.
“[Webb]…a dazzling display of virtuoso pianistics” The Jazz Mann;
“There are few people more joyous to listen to…than Joe Webb” Jamie Cullum

Sat 14th               CLOSED FOR PRIVATE EVENT

Sun 15th             SUNDAY LUNCH: CLOSED FOR PRIVATE EVENT

Sun 15th   8:00pm       606 SPECIAL - HAMISH STUART & THE HAMISH HORNS  
Probably best known for his work as the original lead singer/guitarist with The Average White Band, Hamish Stuart has had an illustrious career as both songwriter and performer. He has worked with the likes of Diana Ross, George Benson and Chaka Khan (for whom he wrote the No. 1 chart hit ‘Whatcha Gonna Do For Me’) culminating in six years with Paul McCartney. A regular member of Ringo Starr’s All Star band Hamish’s shows are always a special occasion. Tonight he will be appearing with his powerhouse 10-piece band: Jim Watson & Ross Stanley-keyboards; Adam Phillips-guitar; Steve Pearce-bass & Ian Thomas-drums, plus the 4-piece HS Horns.
“We love Stuart, the funky…singer/guitarist… still playing a superior blend of soul and jazz …while his voice has that unique smoky soul allure.” Time Out                    

Mon 16th       8:00pm       606 SPECIAL - HAMISH STUART & THE HAMISH HORNS        
See Sunday 15th For this second night Hamish is coming back again with the 10-piece “Hamish Horns” band. Trust us, this you can’t miss!               

Tue 17th       8:00pm         RUMBAND FT. MICHAEL BAILEY & AMA LIA
Featuring an array of brilliant and highly experienced musicians from the likes of Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Greece, Dominica, Nigeria, Australia and the UK the Rumband is not named after the alcoholic beverage(!), it actually stands for “Rhythmic Underground Movement”, and rhythmic it certainly is! Led by singer Ama Lia and old friend of the Club bassist Michael Bailey the band effortlessly deliver a compelling array of musical styles, from Groove & Latin to Blues & Soul. Collectively the band include work with the likes of Bob Marley, Johnny Nash, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Chaka Khan, Lionel Richie & Beyonce and Ama Lia describes it as “a unique family of musicians with an immense wealth of experience, music and stories”.  Promises to be quite a night…
“Ama Lia has a…rich and strong story telling sassy voice which commands…attention” Soul Survivors Magazine

Wed 18th     8:00pm         MO PLEASURE BAND
One of the great multi-instrumentalists of his generation bass player/pianist/trumpeter Morris “Mo” Pleasure has been at the forefront of US popular music for more than 30 years. He began his professional career with Ray Charles before moving to work with the likes of Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves and Chaka Khan. In 1994 he became musical director for the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, then toured with Janet Jackson, was on the ill-fated Michael Jackson tour and most recently MD’d for Bette Midler. Tonight’s line-up also features the wonderful vocalist Kedma.
“Pleasure proves that jazz can still be made which is smooth yet textured…varied and interesting… Superb” Soul Express                    

Thu 19th     8:00pm         LILY DIOR
“She can belt out a song, dramatize a lyric, swing hard and earthy, flirt, sing a tender song - Lily can tell a story” ABC. In an extensive and highly respected career London-based Lily Dior is recognized as one of Australia’s foremost vocalists. Tonight’s performance will emphasise the groovier, funkier side of Lily’s repertoire, with an upbeat atmosphere perfect for the holiday mood, all performed with the powerful and charismatic vocals that are Lily’s trademark. Her stellar band also features the terrific Dave Lewis-sax. A great night out!
“sassy, soulful, passionate and strong.” Rhythms Magazine;
“irresistibly sultry, yearning tone” Jazzwise;
“Lewis…exciting…funky sax.” Blues and Soul

Fri 20th       9:00pm   THE COALMINERS
With their dedication to what they to refer to as “Swamp Soul” this brilliant 7-piece band, with their unique mixture of New Orleans Groove and Funk, bring the rhythm and soul of the deep south (that’s Louisiana, not Brighton…) alive. Featuring vocalists Tommy Hare & Amy Bird, drummer Pat Levett (Jon Cleary), pianist Paddy Milner (Tom Jones), guitarist Rob Updegraff (Gregory Porter), saxophonist/singer Ben Somers (Dr John, Seal) and bassist Spencer Brown, this highly impressive line-up are guaranteed to raise the roof!
“totally blows me away…perfect” BBC Radio 2;
“Tommy Hare…just oozes charisma.” GetWestLondon;
“Riotous” Jazz FM                                                              

Sat 21st       9:00pm         LEX CAMERON  
First call singer/keyboardist for a host of high-profile names Lex Cameron includes work as MD for the iconic UK soul artist Omar and the legendary singer/composer Leon Ware on a vast cv. With his 4-and-a-half octave vocal range, charismatic delivery and impressive musicianship he can be relied upon to give an electric performance. And watch out for his Special Guest, the wonderful singer Susan Allotey. Groove at its very best.
“Lex Cameron…quality old school soul” UK Vibe

Sun 22nd               8:00pm         WAYNE HERNANDEZ
Wayne Hernandez is one of those fantastic singers who has been using his considerable talents for many years to make others sound good. He includes work with Tina Turner, Kool and the Gang and Gorillaz and more recently the Kingdom Choir, who took the world by storm performing at the wedding of Harry and Meghan. He describes his music as “…a living fusion of music styles from the Black music scene”. A brilliant set of powerful groove music from an impressive band of hand-picked players that defines the word “soul”.
“...it was clear that Wayne had a very special talent, his voice, it was simply breathtaking” Livemusic.fm

Mon 23rd     8:00pm         606 CLUB’S “LAST NIGHT BEFORE XMAS” FT SAMARA
This is the last show for us before we close for the holidays, and we traditionally put on a fun night to see the year out. The band this evening is Club boss Steve Rubie’s group Samara, a five-piece Jazz/Latin/Groove band featuring vocalist Carolina Lelis and pianist Neil Angilley performing a mix of lively Brazilian music and then some Groove/Soul in the second half of the evening.  The whole night has a fluid feel with a variety of our regular musicians and singers coming down to say hi and maybe perform a number or two in the break before we take some tables out for a bit of a dance at the end! A great way to see in Christmas!
“Cracking Latin-jazz quintet led by 606 proprietor Steve” Time Out                                                    

Tue 24th – Mon 30th:  CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

Tue 31st               606 SPECIAL - NEW YEAR’S EVE
SAMARA – 7-PIECE GROOVE/R&B BAND WITH SPECIAL GUEST IMAANI (11PM-2AM) + NEIL ANGILLEY (8PM)
The legendary 606 New Year’s Eve Extravaganza looks set to be as funky as ever! With a collective of seven world class musicians performing an infectious blend of dance-inducing R&B & Latin/Jazz - and our exclusive NYE 606 Club menu - this is guaranteed to be a spectacular night! Along with the house band, this year Imaani, one of the featured singers from the iconic band Incognito, whose powerful, soulful, vocals have been heard with the cream of the Jazz, Soul, R&B and Pop world including the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Carleen Anderson, Michael Bolton, Beverley Knight and more, will be joining us as special guest to celebrate New Year’s in fine style. The band will play music for dancing from 11:00-2:00 so come ready to party!
“The magnificent vocals of Imaani” DJ Times;
“Imaani…standout” JjazzproJect
We are also pleased to be featuring in our earlier, dinner music set from 8:00pm one of the finest pianists currently working on the international jazz scene, the wonderful Neil Angilley (US3, Vanessa-Mae, Maceo Parker, Lionel Richie…).
“Neil Angilley…nothing short of spectacular” Blues & Soul

JANUARY 2025:

Wed 1st:      CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

Thu 2nd:      8:00pm         LIANE CARROLL
The first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year, for Best Vocalist and Best of Jazz, Liane Carroll is a dynamic performer whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences around the world. World-class, her powerful, blues-tinged voice combined with strong piano playing and exciting infectious material, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, make this a truly remarkable gig.
“Liane Carroll…seems in some magical way to be made out of music” The Observer      

Fri 3rd:        9:00pm         BEVERLEY SKEETE    
Beverley Skeete’s career in the music industry is the stuff that dreams are made of. A first call singer for numerous high-profile artists including Robbie Williams, Tina Turner and Elton John she was also a pivotal member of ex-Rolling Stones’ bassist Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. Her talent and versatility have put her in a class that few can equal. And Bev will be taking the opportunity to celebrate her recent birthday so be on the lookout for her special guests.
“Skeete…came into her own with a perfectly paced version of James Brown’s ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s World’” LondonJazz News

Sat 4th:        9:00pm         JAMES DAVISON/CALLUM AU
This quintet, delightfully named Quintet-a-Tete, is led by two highly regarded, award-winning young jazz musicians, trumpeter James Davison and trombonist Callum Au. The emphasis is on fun, swinging, music bringing the atmosphere and vibe of 50’s and 60’s jazz to life for the modern day. Recipient of the Worshipful Company of Musicians Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award, James works with premier ensembles across both jazz and classical music styles including the BBC Big Band, London Symphony & Royal Philharmonic Orchestras and as well as popular West End shows such as the Book of Mormon. As well as a fluent trombonist, Callum is also regarded as one of the UK’s finest composers and arrangers, working with Quincy Jones, Jamie Cullum and Michael Bublé to name just a few. His 2020 album with vocalist Claire Martin, ‘Songs and Stories’ received a Grammy nomination and a Parliamentary Award.
“Davison…in particularly fine form with an emotive trumpet solo…effervescent…thrilling” The Jazz Mann;
“Au…plays with the kind of fluent elasticity only the best trombonists can coax from the instrument” LondonJazzNews

Sun 5th:        1:30pm         SUNDAY LUNCH: GREG DAVIS TRIO WITH SPECIAL GUEST VANESSA ROSE  
An engagingly melodic saxophone player in the classic mainstream style, Greg Davis led the band ‘Henry’s Pencil’ which held the attendance record at the famous 100 Club in Oxford Street for some time. A stalwart of the French Riviera (that’s Greg’s description, not ours!) he also performed at the Cannes Film Festival for over a decade. Today Greg will be appearing with Paul Eldridge-piano, Julian Bury-bass and their Special Guest vocalist Vanessa Rose, “performing some of the marvellous known and lesser-known standards along with some gorgeous bossa-nova”.
“Paul Eldridge…accomplished piano” Time Out

Sun 5th                 8:00pm         ‘THE WONDER OF STEVIE’ FT. DEREK NASH & NOEL MCCALLA                
Well, this is pretty special, two of the UK’s finest musicians, saxophonist Derek Nash (Jools Holland) and singer Noel McCalla (Manfred Mann), come together to celebrate the music of one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, Stevie Wonder. Accompanying these two remarkable musicians will be their stellar band, including Neil Angilley (Vanessa Mae)-piano and Tim Cansfield (Bee Gees)-guitar. Unique and powerful.
“Nash…breathtaking” Sunday Times;
“McCalla…spine tingling” Guardian

Mon 6th:      8:00pm         DINO BAPTISTE
Best known here at the Club as the pianist with the iconic Blues singer Dana Gillespie, Dino first started performing as a singer/pianist in the mid 70’s, influenced by the likes of Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Louis Prima. A busy and successful musician Dino includes work with the likes of Donald Fagen, Leo Sayer and Jeff Beck and his debut CD “Two Timing Lover” was received with considerable acclaim. It is music from this album plus as Dino puts it “an exclusive selection of old hits from my idols Ray Charles and Nat King Cole” that he will be performing tonight.
“Dino Baptiste…impressive…among the best of the…British blues keyboard players” Blues on Stage

606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD

https://www.606club.co.uk/

020 7352 5953

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

SMOKE Jazz Club, New York City, Programme for January and early February 2025.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

SMOKE Jazz Club has announced its schedule for January 2025. Performers include Wayne Escoffery, Jimmy Greene, Bill Charlap. Al Foster, The Eubanks Brothers, The Cookers. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Announcing SMOKE Jazz Club’s January Line-Up Featuring Dynamic Groups such as The Cookers, The Eubanks Brothers, Bill Charlap Trio, and More

Coltrane Festival: “Tenor Titans” Wayne Escoffery / Jimmy Greene Quintet (Jan 2-5)

Bill Charlap Trio (Jan 8-12)

Al Foster Quartet featuring Chris Potter “Al Foster’s Birthday Celebration”
(Jan 15-19)

The Eubanks Brothers featuring Robin, Kevin and Duane Eubanks (Jan 22-25)

The Cookers (Jan 29-Feb 2)

NEW YORK, NY — Hailed as the “#1 Jazz Club in New York City (SecretNYC),” SMOKE Jazz Club kickstarts 2025 with some of today’s top ensembles in performance this January. From one of the most musical families, The Eubanks Brothers – siblings Robin, Kevin and Duane – perform their collective club debut (Jan 22-25). The veteran jazz septet, The Cookers, electrifies audiences for five nights (Jan 29-Feb 2) with its forward-leaning hard-bop. SMOKE welcomes back both the acclaimed Bill Charlap Trio (Jan 8-12) as well as the legendary drummer Al Foster for a special 82nd Birthday Celebration concert series featuring special guest Chris Potter (Jan 15-19). SMOKE’s annual Coltrane Festival ends with “Tenor Titans” Wayne Escoffery and Jimmy Greene leading a Quintet featuring Buster Williams and Lenny White (Jan 2-5). As always, global audiences can enjoy SMOKE shows livestreamed every Friday night. For the complete and most updated January schedule, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

January 2025 Concert Schedule (subject to change):

Thu-Sun January 2-5: COLTRANE FESTIVAL: “Tenor Titans” Wayne Escoffery / Jimmy Greene Quintet featuring Buster Williams and Lenny White
Jimmy Greene – tenor saxophone
Wayne Escoffery – tenor saxophone
Orrin Evans – piano
Buster Williams – bass
Lenny White – drums
The year begins as 2024 ended with the final week in SMOKE’s annual Coltrane Festival! The “Tenor Titans” quintet features two old friends and incredible tenor saxophonists, Wayne Escoffery and Jimmy Greene. Greene and Escoffery are both former students and protégés of the great Jackie McLean. Their playing embodies his passion and fire, as well as the profound influence of John Coltrane. Jazzwise (UK) calls Greene “without doubt one of the most striking young tenors of recent years,” while The New York Timesdescribes Escoffery as “a powerful, passionate player.” Joining these two powerful saxophonists is an inspired rhythm section featuring pianist Orrin Evans and a pair of music legends: bassist Buster Williams and drummer Lenny White.

Wed-Sun January 8-12: Bill Charlap Trio
Bill Charlap – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Kenny Washington – drums
“The premiere mainstream piano trio of our day.” – The New Yorker
Bill Charlap leads his acclaimed piano trio featuring bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington. Known as a master interpreter of American popular song Time magazine says, “No matter how imaginative or surprising his take on a song is, he invariably zeroes in on its essence.” Charlap has performed with many leading artists of our time, from Phil Woods and Tony Bennett to Gerry Mulligan and Wynton Marsalis, and has led this trio since 1997. The Guardian explains, “As a unit, this must be one of the best piano trios ever, and certainly as instantly recognisable as any of its great predecessors. Charlap’s touch on the keyboard is light, almost stealthy, even when playing full chords, but always firm, clear, and beautifully articulated. With the spirited support of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington (famously unrelated), the total effect is just perfect.”

Wed-Sun January 15-19: Al Foster Quartet featuring Chris Potter “Al Foster’s Birthday Celebration”
Al Foster – drums
Chris Potter – tenor saxophone
TBA - band
“One of the great living drummers in jazz.” – Stereophile
The incredible drummer Al Foster celebrates his 82nd birthday (born 01/18/43) with an inspired quartet featuring tenor saxophonist Chris Potter. Well-known for his long association with Miles Davis throughout the ’70s and ’80s, Foster was also the first-call drummer for an amazing list of jazz legends such as Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, McCoy Tyner, and Joe Henderson. Downbeat calls him “an esteemed master and a consummate sideman.” JazzTimes describes him as “a not-so-secret special groove ingredient enlivening performances and sessions by a long list of heavy hitters.”

Wed-Sun January 22-25: The Eubanks Brothers featuring Robin, Kevin and Duane Eubanks SMOKE debut
Duane Eubanks – trumpet
Robin Eubanks – trombone
Kevin Eubanks – guitar
Rene Camacho – bass
Marvin “Smitty” Smith – drums
Hailing from one of the most musical families in one of the most musical of cities, the Eubanks Brothers—siblings Robin, Kevin, and Duane—join forces with bassist Rene Camacho and drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith to make their SMOKE Jazz Club debut as a group. The music in the Eubanks’ Philadelphia home started early and started with their mother, Vera Eubanks, who was also Kenny Barron’s first piano teacher. Their uncle and Vera’s brother was legendary pianist Ray Bryant. All three would extend the family legacy with remarkable careers of their own, the eldest Robin as one of the premier jazz trombonists of his generation; middle brother Kevin as a beloved guitarist, prolific composer, and musical director of the Tonight Show Band for 18 years; and the youngest Duane as a distinctive and fiery trumpeter who has been a major voice in jazz and beyond. The week following these performances, they will be featured on the sold-out Jazz Cruise.

Wed-Sun January 29-February 2: The Cookers
Eddie Henderson – trumpet
David Weiss – trumpet
Donald Harrison – alto saxophone
Azar Lawrence – tenor saxophone
George Cables – piano
Cecil McBee – bass
Billy Hart – drums
“Player for player, there’s no better working band in jazz than The Cookers.” - The Boston Globe
The all-star septet, The Cookers, features a line-up replete with celebrated jazz masters: Eddie Henderson, Azar Lawrence, Cecil McBee, George Cables, and Billy Hart. All are legendary artists who arrived on the scene during the fertile, exploratory 1960s. They were historic contributors to some of the most groundbreaking and important bands of that era and have been major artists in the years since. David Weiss and Donald Harrison are the youngest members of the group, but share many of the same formative experiences, working most notably with Art Blakey, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Charles Tolliver, Roy Haynes, and Herbie Hancock. The band’s repertoire draws on some of the well-known and lesser-known compositions from their incredible collective catalogs. The Los Angeles Times writes, “This hard-hitting septet wears its name like a mission statement. Rich with a mix of classic elegance and exploration, the group might reference the past by name, but it never sounds less than current.” The New York Timescalls them “a dream team of forward-leaning hard-bop.”

About SMOKE
Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the junction of Broadway and 106th Street (aka Duke Ellington Boulevard), Smoke Jazz Club is one of New York City’s premier live music venues. Renowned for offering top-notch programming of accessible, timeless jazz featuring legendary performers, modern masters, and rising stars, Smoke stands apart with its candlelit dining room, stellar acoustics, and classic American cuisine.
Founded in 1999, SMOKE also boasts a GRAMMY-nominated label, Smoke Sessions Records, and a celebrated streaming concert series, Smoke Screens. For everything else, visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

Ticketing + Information:

When: Wednesday-Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. + 9:00 p.m. and additional 10:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).

Where: SMOKE Jazz Club, 2751 Broadway (between 105/106th Streets), New York, NY, Train: 1 to 103rd Street.

Tickets: In-Person $25+. Livestream $15 (Fri only). For more information and to make reservations, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

Jazz at The Lescar,  Sheffield,  December 2024 - January 2025.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Jez Matthews has forwarded full details of the forthcoming regular jazz events at The Lescar Hotel, Sheffield during December 2024 and January 2025.

Jez Matthews writes;

4th December / baleine
Ambient and subtly emotive soundscapes, elegiac melodies, loops, rhythms and textures, and explorative improvisation, veering from the delicately beautiful to the intense. Manon McCoy (pedal harp/electronics), Will Shaw (drums), Hannah Brady (clarinet/alto clarinet/tenor sax) and Jez Matthews (piano/electronics). With a second EP in the pipeline, you may have caught these musicians previously in gigs by balo, whale detective, Life Aquatic Band, Assembly Trio and Stuart McCallum, as well as at festivals in Newcastle, Lancaster and Leeds.

11th December / Elina Duni and Rob Luft
A duo at the forefront of European jazz, vocalist Elina Duni and guitarist Rob Luft have recorded two acclaimed albums on the iconic ECM records. Their music is beautiful, timeless and resonant, drawing on folk songs as well as their own co-written original material. Elina Duni has built an international reputation with a mix of traditional Albanian folk songs and jazz, leading to worldwide critical acclaim. Her music has a subtle and nuanced lightness perfectly matched with Rob Luft’s joyously original sound.

18th December / Cleveland Watkiss and Petra Haller
An electrifying pairing of legendary vocalist Cleveland Watkiss, and innovative tap dancer Petra Haller. Cleveland Watkiss has collaborated with Stevie Wonder, Wynton Marsalis, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Art Blakey, Sly & Robbie, Abdullah Ibrahim, Courtney Pine, Goldie, Cassandra Wilson, and Bjork. A unique voice that defies genres, from jazz, classical, reggae, to experimental soundscapes. Petra Haller is making real impact on the UK scene, working alongside some of jazz’s leading musicians and with a reputation for her boundary-pushing solo projects.

8th January / Unfurl
Start the year with some beautiful meditative music drawing on a range of influences, contemporary jazz and Indian classical music in particular, to create a truly distinctive sound. Manchester-based Unfurl are led by violinist Olivia Moore, with Gavin Barras (bass), Jim Faulkner (guitar), Jack McCarthy (percussion), John Ball (tabla). Their music has been heard across the country at jazz festivals including Manchester, Brecon and London Jazz Festival. A finely-tuned balance of tight arrangements and more expansive improvisation; fluid and spontaneous music.

15th January / Richard Spaven and Stuart McCallum
An immersive mix of jazz, hip hop and drum n bass from ground-breaking drummer Richard Spaven and a stellar band featuring Stuart McCallum (Cinematic Orchestra, The Breath) on guitar, and Yves Fernandez (Lianne La Havas, José James) on bass. Following the release of his latest album ‘Sole Subject’ Richard combines a machine-like accuracy with jazz-influenced improvisation, and he’s played and collaborated with artists including Loyle Carner, Guru, Flying Lotus, José James, Jameszoo, Alfa Mist and Thom Yorke. Stuart is known for his beautiful multi-layered, atmospheric, subtle music. A gig full of urgent and shifting rhythms and textures.

22nd January / Dizzy Club
A return to The Lescar for a legendary Sheffield band with wide appeal who’ve brought joy to so many people over many years, from performances to 3000+ audiences to intimate jazz club appearances. Music that crosses genres with influences from Hot Club, 40’s swing, and Blue Note, to Sinatra and latin rhythms, played by a brilliant array of musicians familiar to anyone who has spent time on the Sheffield music scene. John Naylor (vocals, rhythm guitar), Shez Sheridan (lead guitar, vocals), Mike Fleming (double bass, vocals), Ryan Taylor (keyboards, vocals), John Watterson (drums, swanee whistle). Unmissable and joyous!

http://www.jazzatthelescar.com

The Lescar  
303 Sharrow Vale Rd, Sheffield S11 8ZF
0114 266 8974

April May Webb Wins 13th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced April May Webb as the winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

April May Webb Wins the 13th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition
as part of NJPAC’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival

NEWARK, NJ (For Release 11.25.24) — As part of NJPAC’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) today announced April May Webb as the winner of the 13th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. Hosted by WBGO Radio’s Sheila Anderson, yesterday’s “The SASSY Awards” presented the Top Five Finalists on the iconic NJPAC stage in front of a live audience and a distinguished panel of judges: NEA Jazz Master and four-time GRAMMY-winning drummer, producer, and educator Terri Lyne Carrington, GRAMMY-winning pianist and Director of Jazz Studies at William Patterson University Bill Charlap, powerhouse GRAMMY-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer, NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor and multi-GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux.

Pulled from 220+ entrants from 21 different countries, these gifted young singers represent the next generation of great jazz vocalists. Ultimately, it was April May who received the top honor and a $5,000 cash award. April May is originally from Kansas and currently calls Connecticut home.

A musician, composer, educator, and co-founder of the jazz ensemble Sounds of A&R, she is a 2023 Chamber Music America Grant recipient and 2023 Jazz Road Artist, and has toured with jazz legends such as Thelonious Sphere Monk III and was selected by NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater as a Woodshed Network recipient. She also took center stage in internationally acclaimed artist Tschabalala Self’s New York play Sounding Board. April May made history as the first black woman to graduate from the William Paterson University Jazz Education program. Audiences can catch her performing at Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Manhattan this Spring 2025.

The Second Place honor and $1,500 prize went to Syndee Winters, a Los Angeles-based singer best known for her role as “Nala” in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. Third Place and a prize of $500 was awarded to Oberlin alumna Georgia Heers hailing from South Carolina. Rounding out the Top Five was Amira B of New York City, and Angélique Nicolas of France.

About The SASSY Awards
The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, also known as “The SASSY Awards”, is open to singers over the age of 18, of all genders and nationalities, from anywhere in the world, and not signed by a major label. Entrants are judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. What has become one of the top annual vocal competitions in jazz, The SASSY Awards offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business—and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow. Past winners include Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Laurin Talese, Samara Joy (GRAMMY Award winner for Best New Artist 2023), Gabrielle Cavassa, Tyreek McDole, and more.

The competition recalls the humble beginnings of legendary jazz singer/NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990) who, back in 1942, was a Newark teenager and winner of an amateur singing contest at the Apollo Theater. That memorable night helped launch the lifework of one of the most successful, influential jazz vocalists in the history of American music. NJPAC has a long history of preserving and celebrating Sarah Vaughan’s music and impact. In 1999, NJPAC officially proclaimed the street in front of it as “Sarah Vaughan Way.” In addition to The SASSY Awards, NJPAC hosted several celebrations in the 2023-24 season honoring the centennial of Vaughan’s birth. http://www.sarahvaughancompetition.com       

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®       
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at approximately 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance.
TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit http://www.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook and on Twitter. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America.
The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD.” To learn more, visit http://www.td.com.

About NJPAC
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has served more than 10 million visitors (including over 1.9 million students and families) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. http://www.njpac.org

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 24/11/2024.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 24/11/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes

Radio Playlist
First broadcast Nov 24th on HayesFM, PureBeat Radio, Camp Radio
Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Mike Chillingworth
Ladies in Mercedes
Friday the Thirteenth
Ubuntu

Josephine Davies Satori
Up Helly Aa
Weatherwards
Whirlwind

Marie Krüttli trio
Rewire
Scoria
Intakt

Nacka Forum
A crank of mu
Peaceful Piano
Moserobie

The Minifique Orchesta
Verdi a Plovdiv
Verdi Remix
O&P Records

The Verge
The Blast Supper
The Verge
Is It Jazz

Flut
Driplines
Stones That I have Chiseled
Aut Records

Ivo Neame
Zettalogue
Zettalogue
Ubuntu

Eternal Triangle
Dig
Moving on – Live in Nijmegen
Sound of Niche

Samuel Blaser Trio
Dark Was the Night
Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground
Blaser Music

Perfect Stranger
Life & Times, part 3
Unfinished Business
Spark!

Sylvie Courvoisier
Twirling (for Ned Rothenberg)
To Be Otherwise
Intakt

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time: http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on various podcast sites.

Line up announced for 54th International Jazz Week Burghausen, March 26th-30th, 2025.

Friday, November 22, 2024

The 54th International Jazz Week in Burghausen, Germany, will be held from 26th to 30th March 2025. Ticket sales start on November 27th, 2024. Press release attached.

We have received the following information regarding this event;

Press release

* 54th International Jazz Week Burghausen, March 26-30, 25: Musical highlights and a small record * Ticket sales start on November 27,  2024

54th International Jazz Week Burghausen: Musical highlights and a small record
The 54th International Jazz Week Burghausen, from 26 to 30 March 2025, will feature top-class artists, a varied program and a small record:

Record participation in the Burghausen Jazz Award 2025
For the first time in the history of the Burghausen Jazz Prize, the mark of 100 valid applications has been exceeded: 108 entries from 48 countries mark a new milestone. Compared to previous years (2024: 70, 2023: 60, 2020/21: 42, 2019: 35), this development shows the growing international importance of the competition. A total of 426 musicians took part, including artists from the USA, Canada, China and Colombia. Applications from Germany, Italy, France, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Hungary and Norway are particularly well represented.
The decision on who will win the Burghausen Jazz Prize 2025 will be made on March 25 in the Burghausen Stadtsaal. Here, five bands selected by the jury in a blind process will compete in the live final.

Wide-ranging program with international stars and newcomers
From March 26 to 30, 2025, Jazz Week promises a festival experience in a class of its own.

Jazz Week will open in the Wackerhalle with a performance by the 2025 Jazz Prize winner, followed by a concert by celebrated and multi-award-winning star vocalist Gregory Porter. On 27 March, the Norwegian jazz collective OJKOS will delight audiences with their innovative soundscapes before saxophone legend Kenny Garrett takes to the stage with his acclaimed program Sounds From The Ancestors.

On the Friday of the festival, the musical action is spread across several venues: In the Wackerhalle, the energetic Lehmanns Brothers and Billy Cobham’ Spectrum 50 with the Brazilian percussionist Marco Lobo will provide excitement. At the same time, the Bundesjazzorchester presents a concert in the Stadtsaal and the JUZ invites you to a club night with Karaba, Grande Mahogany and DJ Dancekowsky.

Saturday starts with an atmospheric afternoon of blues in the Wackerhalle, where the Jimmy Reiter Band and Vanessa Collier deliver rousing performances. After a brief respite, the Wackerhalle is all about women in the evening with the Italian-born singer, pianist and composer Afra Kane and the Fabia Mantwill Orchestra, while the accordion virtuoso Louise Jallu and the exciting improvisation project Radiolectric “Rodeo” by the Kreusch brothers, with singer and performance artist Sabina Sciubba, also set musical exclamation marks in the Stadtsaal. The day is rounded off with the legendary Jazznight, which invites you to linger and discover at various locations in Burghausen’s old town.

The “Next in Jazz” program for young talents on Sunday will once again conclude the International Jazz Week and the acts Knobil, Prim feat. Lukas Lauermann and Antiánima will provide a promising glimpse into the future of jazz.

Picturesque Burghausen becomes a musical hot spot
With its mix of world stars, international talent and a unique atmosphere, the International Jazz Week Burghausen will continue to attract music fans from all over the world in 2025. The festival thus cements Burghausen’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading jazz hot spots.

Tickets and information
Tickets are available from November 27, 2024. Pupils and students receive a 50% discount on the main concerts. Arrangements can also be booked via the tourist office. You can find further information at: http://www.b-jazz.com

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 17/11/2024.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 17/11/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

My radio show is back!

After six weeks away as a result of my house being flooded, my jazz radio show and podcast is back, initially catching up with some of September’s albums:

Sylvaine Helary & Orchestre Incandescent
There is a solitude in space
Rare Birds
Yolk

ICP Orchestra & Friends
een_beete_zenuwachtig
HAN81
Bandcamp

Dario Miranda
All’ombra del tuo sguardo
La Dormiente
Losen

Joel Lyssarides - Georgios Prokopiou
A Night in Piraeus
Arcs & Rivers
ACT

Buechi-Hellmuller-Jerjen
Du fragsch mi waer i bi
Pink Mountain Sagas
Intakt

Bearzatti Risso Barbieri
Lees Dance
Anatomy
Auand

Matthias Spillmann Trio
Reincarnation
Walcheturm
Unit Records

AHL6
Escape
What happened to Eternity
Waschalon Records

Joachim Kuhn French Trio
Homogeneous Emotions
The_Way
ACT

Kubri
Spinasanta
Due
AUT Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time: http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz.

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 HayesFM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk  Sundays 10am

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on various podcast sites.

Jazz at Cadogan Hall, London in 2025.

Friday, November 15, 2024

Cadogan Hall has announced a number of jazz events scheduled to take place in 2025. Fully detailed schedule attached.

We have received the following information;

Jazz coming up at Cadogan Hall

New on sale: The Clare Teal 7, BBC Big Band, Glenn Miller Orchestra

Some superb jazz events have gone on sale recently including Clare Teal, the BBC Big Band, Glenn Miller Orchestra, and Down for the Count Swing Orchestra as well as three new concerts by the brilliant Jazz Repertory Company.

The Jazz Repertory Company presents…
Book all three Jazz Repertory Company concerts below before 31 December and save 20% on full-price tickets.

The Benny Goodman Orchestra’s famous 1938 Carnegie Hall concert
Sunday 19 January, 3pm
Bandleader and clarinettist Pete Long (Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, Echoes of Ellington and ex-sax star of Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra) and His Goodmen present a superlative recreation of one of the greatest concerts in jazz history.
Programme to include ‘Don’t Be That Way’, ‘Avalon’, ‘Blue Skies’, ‘Life Goes To A Party’, ‘Sing Sing Sing’ and many more.

Miles Davis 1957-9
Miles Davis 1957-9: Kind of Blue, Porgy and Bess, and more
Sunday 20 July, 6.30pm
Miles Davis’ work with arranger and bandleader Gil Evans ranks among the most celebrated collaborations in jazz history, and this concert features music from their first two albums together, Miles Ahead and Porgy and Bess.
The role of Miles is shared by Steve Fishwick and Freddie Gavita, winner of Best Trumpet Player at the 2017 British Jazz Awards, and the concert is presented by music journalist, author and TV presenter David Hepworth.

The Midnite Follies
Louis and the Duke – The Midnite Follies Orchestra
Wednesday 22 October, 7.30pm
In 1932, Louis Armstrong created a sensation when he appeared at the London Palladium. A year later Duke Ellington’s Famous Orchestra became the talk of the town when they topped the bill at the same venue performing such classics as Bugle Call Rag, Black and Tan Fantasy and Mood Indigo.
The Midnite Follies recreate Duke Ellington’s Famous Orchestra in all its majesty with Enrico Tomasso taking the role of Louis. The show, presented by our MC Kerry Shale, also includes a number of variety acts which intersperse the music (Duke was 14th on the bill after an evening of juggling, tumbling, magic and novelty items).

OTHER JAZZ EVENTS:

Paramount Band ft. Joe Lovano & Julian Lage
Thursday 23 January, 7.30pm
LIMITED AVAILABILITY
The Grammy Award-winning titan of jazz saxophone Joe Lovano and virtuoso guitarist Julian Lage join forces with longtime Lovano collaborator bassist Asante Santi Debriano, who first performed with Joe in the Archie Shepp Quartet in the 1980s, and drummer Will Calhoun (of Living Colour fame) for an evening of exquisite jazz stylings.

The Clare Teal 7
25th Anniversary Tour
Thursday 13 February, 7.30pm
She’s back! Award-winning jazz vocalist Clare Teal returns to Cadogan Hall next year with The Clare Teal 7 for a night of exhilarating swing. To celebrate 25 years of touring, she’ll be delving into her extensive 22-album back catalogue including fabulous new arrangements of old favourites.

Swinging at the Cotton Club
Featuring the Lindy Hop Dance Company
Friday 21 February, 7.30pm
Swinging at the Cotton Club returns to Cadogan Hall with its unique celebration of the dance and music of the iconic Cotton Club, New York’s celebrated nightclub of the 1920s. Expect an evening of exhilarating dance and music, all inspired by the most iconic of eras, The Roaring ’20s, recreated by the fabulous Lindy Hop Dance Company, alongside The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra featuring American vocalist Marlene Hill and compere/vocalist Megs Etherington.

Nai Barghouti
with the London Contemporary Orchestra
Saturday 22 February, 7.30pm
Award-winning singer, composer, and flautist Nai Barghouti is one of the most distinguished vocalists of her generation. With a layered ornamental technique, in which she uses her voice as a musical instrument, Nai brings a genre-defying link between Jazz and Arabic music.
Along with her Amsterdam-based quartet, she’s renowned for her stunning rearrangements of iconic pieces from Umm Kulthum to Fairuz as well as original work rooted in Arabic maqams, Jazz and classical Western music.

Cadogan Hall
5 Sloane Terrace
London SW1X 9DQ

BBC Big Band
Rhapsody in Blue – A Celebration of the Music of George Gershwin
Saturday 8 March, 7.30pm
Join the internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band and special guest vocalist Emer McParland for a unique celebration of the music of George Gershwin. Journey through a wonderfully diverse repertoire, arranged and curated by conductor Barry Forgie. The concert culminates with a performance of the iconic Rhapsody in Blue specially arranged for big band.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Directed by Ray McVay
Sunday 18 May, 5pm
Take a step back into the 1930s and ’40s with the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by the acclaimed conductor Ray McVay, for the ultimate musical celebration of the legendary big band leader. The Orchestra will take you on a guided tour of Glenn Miller’s incredible musical legacy including his most celebrated hits, from ‘In the Mood’, ‘Moonlight Serenade’, and ‘American Patrol’ through to ‘Little Brown Jug’, ‘Tuxedo Junction’ and ‘Pennsylvania 6‑5000’ and many more.

Celebrating Sammy Davis Jr.

With the Down for the Count Orchestra
Saturday 21 June, 7.30pm
Join the 30-piece Down for the Count Swing Orchestra for a celebration of one of the most iconic figures in show-business history – the incomparable Sammy Davis Jr. – in his centenary year.
Enjoy timeless classics such as ‘Birth of the Blues’, ‘What Kind of Fool Am I’, ‘Me and My Shadow’ and of course ‘Mr. Bojangles’, brought back to life by the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra with strings and vocalists, along with anecdotes about Sammy Davis’ life, original arrangements of some of his hits, and music by some of his contemporaries including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sarah Vaughan.

Cadogan Hall
5 Sloane Terrace
London SW1X 9DQ

BOX OFFICE: 020 7730 4500

https://cadoganhall.com/

606 Jazz Club, Chelsea London,  Live Music: Upcoming Shows, 25-30 November 2024 plus December preview, including New Year’s Eve.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Laura Thorne of the 606 Club has forwarded details of forthcoming live jazz performances during November and December 2024.

Laura Thorne writes;

Hello all you connoisseurs of culture and lovers of live music – greetings from the 606 in Chelsea, known for presenting the best jazz, soul, Latin, groove, R&B & blues musicians in the UK bar none.

This mail provides details about the Club’s upcoming shows from Monday 25th to Saturday 30th November as well as a preview of many of our December events for your delectation.

More information about our programme is below. And/or, visit https://www.606club.co.uk/events/, where there are extended descriptions, photos and video clips.

If it’s New Year’s Eve information you seek, we have that too: https://www.606club.co.uk/events/view/new-years-eve-2024/
The Club has been a destination for some time as people gather to enjoy a fantastic three-course meal, brilliant entertainment led by 606 favourite Imaani and the warm and friendly atmosphere for which the Club is so well known!

606 CLUB – 25-30 NOVEMBER 2024 GIG GUIDE

Mon 25th     8:00pm TOBAGO AND D’LIME FT. TIM CANSFIELD
Trinidadian Tobago Crusoe is a calypsonian, composer and performing artist who has been a master of Calypso for over 40 years and was crowned “Calypso Monarch"in 1983. Tobago and D’Lime were put together by Damon Albarn (Blur) for the Paddington Bear films and their joyful renditions of the calypso songs in the movie were so warmly received they have since gone on to perform at venues around the UK. In addition to Tobago on vocals and guitar, the lineup includes Antonio Miguel Barradas-steel pan/percussion, Felix Ruiz-keyboards/vocals, Curtis Ruiz-bass/vocals, Richard Bailey-drums and Tim Cansfield-guitar/vocals.
“Tim Cansfield…great stuff” The Jazz Mann

Tue 26th         8:00pm     FRANCESCA DEGNITTI                      
An Award-winning young Italian singer Francesca Degnitti has been performing since she was eight years old! A product of the Saint Louis College of Music in Rome she also has a background in opera, which she says has “enriched” her vocal technique and musical approach. She describes her own style as “drawing on influences from generations of pop and soul artists dating back to the Sixties”. Reflecting this the programme tonight will include songs from Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys and Tosca(!) as well as original songs, yet to be released. “a song with a fresh…sound…masterfully interpreted by Francesca [Degnitti]” rmpnet-com

Wed 27th     8:00pm PETE ROTH BAND FT. BILL BRUFORD    
German expat Pete Roth’s first album ‘Meridian’, released in 2010, established this fluent and interesting guitarist as a name to watch. Since then he has gone on to collaborate with a significant number of high-profile artists on the UK scene, as well as releasing more albums under his own name. Tonight he brings to the Club his latest band playing an eclectic and exciting mix of material, from his own excellent originals through the Trio’s collective compositions to jazz standards and beyond. Also featured are Mike Pratt (Liane Carroll, Dave O’Higgins)-bass and the multi-award-winning iconic drummer Bill Bruford. Known for his remarkable playing with prog rock bands “Yes” and “King Crimson” Bill’s jazz credentials are also extensive, including his own band Earthworks. Special gig, this.
“Roth…stunning soloing… an earthy blues/jazz feel” The Jazz Mann

Thu 28th                 8:00pm           LEWIS CASSAR          
A talented and impressive bass player, over the last 10 years Lewis has established himself as a highly respected studio musician as well as live artist appearing at numerous venues and festivals including The Hammersmith Apollo, Boomtown Fair & Northside Festival Denmark. Known here at the Six for his gigs with jazz Trio ‘Birdland’, tonight Lewis brings his 5-piece band to the Club which, as he describes it, “Adds a modern twist to 70s Jazz Fusion”. Featuring Marco Marotta-sax, Nick Cowan-piano/keyboards, Cleo Savva-percussion & James Morgan-drums they’ll play music from Lewis’ 2022 EP along with his recent EP “Tales”.

Fri 29th       9:00pm     PETE HORSFALL
A founding member of the “Kansas Smitty’s Band” Pete Horsfall is an award-winning jazz trumpeter and vocalist. Steeped in the blues, bebop and swing, his unique musical voice has seen him featured regularly as a guest on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM. As a trumpet soloist he has performed at a huge array of prestigious venues and festivals throughout the world, including the Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Lincoln Center and Paris’ Duc Des Lombards. Tonight he returns to the 606 with his outstanding ensemble featuring Joe Webb-piano, Will Sach-bass & Sam Jesson-drums to “explore new material from their deep and eclectic engagement with the jazz and hip-hop traditions”. “A bittersweet beautiful voice and timeless trumpet” BBC Radio 2; “Truly a unique new voice” Jazz FM; “Ravishing” Guardian

Sat 30th       9:00pm     JAZZ CHAMPIONS FT CLARK TRACEY    
An award-winning drummer, composer and arranger Clark has recorded over 90 albums, performed in over 50 countries and won “Best Drums"five times in the British Jazz Awards. Tonight, alongside a stellar band that features Alex Garnett & Simon Allen-saxes, Dave Newton-piano and Andy Cleyndert-bass Clark will be performing a selection of his late father Stan Tracey’s finest compositions, alongside classic Thelonious Monk tunes and even a sprinkling of his own originals. A brilliant band with Clark, as always, the driving force behind it all. “...one of the most impressive jazz drummers in Britain today” The Times

DECEMBER 2024

Sun 1st     1:30pm     LUNCHTIME: GARETH LOCKRANE BIG BAND

One of the finest jazz flautists in Europe, named “Rising Star on Flute” in the prestigious Downbeat Critics Poll (USA), this afternoon Gareth will be fronting his amazing 18-piece Big Band. Performing his brilliant arrangements of a mix of originals and the odd classic jazz standard (many of which are featured on their album, “Fistfight at the Barndance”), the ensemble inevitably attracts a host of high-profile award-winning players. “The band plays a roof-lifting mix of fresh grooves…and blistering…solos from some of the country’s finest musicians” Jazz FM; “brilliant” Observer

Sun 1st   8:00pm       FRANCES MADDEN                
A highly regarded, award-winning singer, songwriter and pianist, Frances Madden has played to full houses at leading jazz venues and festivals around her native Australia, as well as supporting artists such as Dionne Warwick & Grammy-Award winner Gregory Porter. Now based in London, she’s working on a new album with Grammy-winning producer/engineer Cameron Craig (Adele). With her unique take on selected American Songbook classics along with her impressive originals this is an exciting and sophisticated artist who truly delivers. ”
“vastly talented…authentic brilliance” The Australian;
“A consummate musician, gifted composer and arranger” Australian Arts Review              

Sat 7th     9:00pm     TOM SMITH
Twice finalist of the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year programme in 2014 and 2016, saxophonist Tom Smith went on to win the Peter Whittingham Development Award from Help Musicians UK in 2018. Since then he’s worked with Grammy Award-winner Maria Schneider, Donny McCaslin (David Bowie) and more. For this 606 show Tom has put together an inspired lineup with a promise of some new material along with a choice selection of jazz standards.
“[Tom Smith] …something really special” London Jazz News

Sun 8th     8:00pm         EDEN BRENT
We don’t use the word “legend” around here lightly, but in this instance we would be wrong not to! A native of the Mississippi Delta, Eden Brent is a modern-day piano-pounding, juke-joint hollering powerhouse of American roots music. Winner of the 2006 International Blues Challenge amongst a slew of other awards, she spent the first two decades of her career under the tutelage of Abie “Boogaloo” Ames (another Mississippi legend), which led to a decades-long partnership documented in the film, “Boogaloo & Eden: Sustaining the Sound”. Signed to Yellow Dog Records, Eden has released six solo albums while collaborating on many more and for this 606 show, will be playing songs from her latest, “The Getaway”. Describing it as “laid down in London, mixed up in Memphis, and made in Mississippi” Eden will be joined by Rob Updegraff (guitar) & Pat Levett (drums) of the very popular Coalminers band augmented by Bob Dowell on bass.
“A force to reckon with…sultry, hot and cool.” Wall Street Journal

Mon 9th           8:00pm           PHIL MULFORD’S ‘THUNDERTHUMBS’
Join us to celebrate the great Soul and Funk songs from the likes of George Benson and Michael Jackson with “Thunderthumbs”, the 10-piece band led by bassist Phil Mulford. Inspired by the great US bassist Louis Johnson’s work the set runs from Louis’ time with Billy Preston in 1972 through to his own band The Brothers Johnson and the Quincy Jones hits on which he played. The gig features 3 brilliant singers, Jacqui Hicks and Debby Bracknell (Shakatak) & Simon Foster (Flying Pickets), a deeply grooving rhythm section and powerhouse horns. If you like 606 regulars All Fired Up you’ll love this!
“Hicks…a singer of warmth, poise and intelligence” Yorkshire Post

Wed 11th         8:00pm           TIM WHITEHEAD’S BIRTHDAY GIG      
Tim Whitehead is renowned throughout the UK, Europe and USA as a remarkable performer/composer. In the 70’s he toured with Ian Carr’s “Nucleus”, winning the Young Jazz Musician of the Year Award. In the 80’s he was a member of the groundbreaking band Loose Tubes, in the 90’s he won the Andrew Milne Award for Jazz and in the 00’s was the first ever musician to be made Artist in Residence at Tate Britain. His muscular, fluent and highly melodic playing commands considerable respect throughout the scene. Tim’s quartet tonight includes the superb pianist David Gordon.
“The finest tenor player in Britain today’’ Jazz Review;
“one of the most creative, exciting and passionate saxophonists in Europe” A Rough Guide;
“Gordon…a richly gifted player with a sparkling style and boundless imagination” Independent

Thu 12th         8:00pm           MIM GREY
Mim Grey is a charismatic singer/songwriter in the pop/swing/country style.  A regular with Acid jazz legends The Brand New Heavies she has co-written tracks with Kylie Minogue and worked with the likes of Paul McCartney and Tom Jones.  Her wonderful Country-influenced songs are matched by her terrific voice: warm, soulful with an effortless range and just a touch of rasp for character. With her music topping charts around the globe, “Country Music in Britain” said hers is ‘one of the finest voices in the world’. Tonight, alongside music from her previous recordings Mim will also feature new songs from her upcoming album.
“sultry singer-songwriter” Maverick Magazine;
“my favourite singer” Sir Tom Jones;
“the most beautiful voice to come out of the UK in a very long time” Michael Ball    

Fri 13th           9:00pm           JOE WEBB’S “5 A SIDE”
Pianist Joe Webb has quickly become a force to be reckoned with on the UK jazz scene. He’s worked with Hailey Tuck, Rob Luft, Adrian Cox and more, but it is as a member of the Kansas Smitty’s House Band, the swinging, mainstream jazz outfit dubbed London’s ‘new swing princes’that his profile has reached new heights, including appearing on Jamie Cullum’s Christmas album. Joe’s band this evening features the brilliant sax playing of Alec Harper and the swinging guitar of Dave Archer.
“[Webb]…a dazzling display of virtuoso pianistics” The Jazz Mann;
“There are few people more joyous to listen to…than Joe Webb” Jamie Cullum

Sun 15th/Mon 16th:    8:00pm     HAMISH STUART & THE HAMISH HORNS  
Probably best known for his work as the original lead singer/guitarist with The Average White Band, Hamish Stuart has had an illustrious career as both songwriter and performer. He has worked with the likes of Diana Ross, George Benson and Chaka Khan (for whom he wrote the No. 1 chart hit ‘Whatcha Gonna Do For Me’) culminating in six years with Paul McCartney. A regular member of Ringo Starr’s All Star band Hamish’s shows are always a special occasion. Tonight he will be appearing with his powerhouse 9-piece band: Jim Watson-keyboards; Adam Phillips-guitar; Steve Pearce-bass & Ian Thomas-drums, plus the Hamish Horns.
“We love Stuart, the funky…singer/guitarist… still playing a superior blend of soul and jazz …while his voice has that unique smoky soul allure.” Time Out    
       

Wed 18th     MO PLEASURE BAND

One of the great multi-instrumentalists of his generation bass player/pianist/trumpeter Morris “Mo” Pleasure has been at the forefront of US popular music for more than 30 years. He began his professional career with Ray Charles before moving to work with the likes of Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves and Chaka Khan. In 1994 he became musical director for the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, then toured with Janet Jackson, was on the ill-fated Michael Jackson tour and most recently MD’d for Bette Midler. Tonight’s line-up also features the wonderful vocalist Kedma.
“Pleasure proves that jazz can still be made which is smooth yet textured…varied and interesting… Superb” Soul Express    

Fri 20th       9:00pm   THE COALMINERS
With their dedication to what they to refer to as “Swamp Soul” this brilliant 7-piece band, with their unique mixture of New Orleans Groove and Funk, bring the rhythm and soul of the deep south (that’s Louisiana, not Brighton…) alive. Featuring vocalists Tommy Hare & Amy Bird, drummer Pat Levett (Jon Cleary), pianist Joe Glossop (Tom Jones), guitarist Rob Updegraff (Gregory Porter), saxophonist/singer Ben Somers (Dr John, Seal) and bassist Andrew McKinney (James Taylor Quartet), this highly impressive line-up are guaranteed to raise the roof!
“totally blows me away…perfect” BBC Radio 2;
“Tommy Hare…just oozes charisma.” GetWestLondon; “Riotous” Jazz FM    

606 Club
90 Lots Road
Chelsea
London
SW10 0QD

https://www.606club.co.uk/

020 7352 5953

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Jim Simpson honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Birmingham man-about-music, Jim Simpson, received The Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Birmingham Awards presentation on Saturday 9th November at Eastside Rooms. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Birmingham Music Man Honoured With Lifetime Achievement Award

Birmingham man-about-music, Jim Simpson, received The Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Birmingham Awards presentation on Saturday 9th November at Eastside Rooms.

The Award acknowledged Jim’s “decades-long influence in the music industry and his work with The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival and Big Bear Music, which have been instrumental in shaping Birmingham’s cultural landscape”.

This award is most timely, coming in the same year that The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival celebrated its successful 40th year with 239 performances, 230 of them free admission, in 120 venues, attracting musicians from Estonia, Spain, Norway, Italy, France, Singapore and the U.S.A. This year Jim Simpson also became an Honorary Doctor of Music, awarded by The University of Birmingham.

The Jazz Rag, the nationally distributed magazine published by Big Bear Music was winner of The 2023 Parliamentary Jazz Award while the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival previously received The Lord Mayor’s Award “in recognition of outstanding achievement and exceptional service to the city of Birmingham and its people through inspirational and dedicated work which has enhanced and promoted the reputation of jazz in the city and internationally”.

The 9th year of the prestigious Birmingham Awards, organised by Anita Chumber and Ifraz Ahmed, “honours Birmingham’s outstanding individual, businesses and organisations, shining a spotlight on those who make the city a vibrant and inspiring place to live in and work”.

The full citation of Jim Simpson’s Lifetime Achievement can be read below:

Jim Simpson has been involved in music most of his life. He bought his first record when he was nine, formed a jazz record club at school when he was 14 and started teaching himself trumpet, formed his own band while serving in the RAF in Gibraltar. Back in Birmingham in the early 1960s, working as a photographer and moonlighting as a musician, he was leading his own band by 1964, soon quitting the day job and supplementing his income as a musician by freelancing as a photographer and focussing on developing his band, Locomotive. In 1968 Locomotive had a hit record with “Rudi’s in Love”, Simpson stopped playing to concentrate on band management, also taking on Tea & Symphony and Bakerloo, both of which he signed to EMI Harvest. That was the year he set up Big Bear Records, now the longest-standing UK independent recording company and also opened his Henry’s Blueshouse, every Tuesday at The Crown on Station Street. Here he discovered Aston band Earth, name-changed them to Black Sabbath, and taking them to two hit albums, “Black Sabbath” and “Paranoid” as well as the hit single “Paranoid”. When he lost Black Sabbath he turned his attention to finding important, yet neglected, American Bluesmen, invariably doing menial jobs in Detroit and Chicago. Over the following decade Simpson brought over a series of 35 U.S. bluesmen on extended tours of the UK and Europe and recorded them for his Big Bear Records.

In 1979 he signed Birmingham band The Quads to Big Bear, releasing the single “There Must Be Thousand” which charted with John Peel naming it his favourite single of the decade. This was a period when he recorded a string of Birmingham bands, enjoying particular success with Muscles and Garbo’s Celluloid Heroes.

In 1985 he launched The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, which this year celebrated its 40th consecutive year with 239 performances, 230 of them free admission, in 120 venues throughout the region.

Simpson still runs Big Bear Records and the artist agency Big Bear Music, publishes the nationally distributed Jazz Rag magazine, presents free live music at Snobs Bar with Henry’s Blueshouse on Tuesdays and Birmingham Rocks on Sundays and edits the weekly free Henry’s Bluesletter to a emailing list of nearly 16,000 people worldwide.

With his brother Ron, he has written three books, “Don’t Worry ‘Bout The Bear”- a biography, “Dirty Stop Outs Guide To 1970s Birmingham”.

Their third book, “Dirty Stop Outs Guide To 1980s Birmingham” will be launched at a free event, open to all at Henry’s Blueshouse at Snobs Bar on Tuesday 19th November at 6:45pm.

Jim Simpson was also a finalist for the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ category.

The Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival was a finalist for the Arts & Culture Award.

The full list of Award Winners can be found here;
https://www.birminghamawards.co.uk/birmingham-awards-2024-winners-announced/

Rachel Sutton - Hong Kong and London Shows, November and December 2024 and January 2025.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Vocalist Rachel Sutton has forwarded her latest newsletter including details of forthcoming London shows plus a visit to Hong Kong for a series of live and TV performances.

Rachel Sutton writes;

Hong Kong and London Shows

Concerts and News
Hello Friends!

I hope this finds you well and happy.

My life feels very exciting right now, as I’m preparing for two wonderful concerts in Hong Kong and a TV show!

I’m flying into HK on Monday 25th November, recording a TV show on Tuesday 26th, and then I’ll be rehearsing on Wednesday 27th before my shows at The Fringe Club on 28th and Salon 10 on 29th. I feel so lucky to be having this experience and it’s going to be an amazing adventure! If you know anyone out there, please do tell them to come along! Below are some other dates for your diaries.

Before I go out to Hong Kong, I’ll be performing for The London Jazz Festival with my dear friends Jo Harrop and Eileen Hunter at The 606 Club on Sunday 24th November.
Tickets: https://www.606club.co.uk/events/view/the-divas-jo-harrop-rachel-sutton-eileen-hunter/

My Christmas show! I look forward to this every year! Monday 16th December is the night. And as usual, it will be at the beautiful Pheasantry Club on the Kings Road, Chelsea.
Tickets: https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/rachel-suttons-christmas-show-with-the-roland-perrin-trio

In January, Crazy Coqs have asked me back again for Saturday 18th, and this is another gorgeous venue with a great atmosphere:
Tickets: https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/rachel-sutton-the-roland-perrin-trio-2/?instance_id=1243800

And next year, my new album will be released!

Really looking forward to seeing you soon and my very best wishes,

Rachel x

http://www.rachelsuttonmusic.com

Daylight Music at 15: Autumn/Winter Season (November- January) 2024

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Attached is the press release for the 2024 Autumn/Winter Season, part of Daylight's Music's 15th Birthday Year. Events take place at various venues in London and Kent.

We have received the following press release;

Saturday 16/11/2024 | 12 – 2pm at St John’s Leytonstone, E11 1HH
EFG London Jazz Festival: Sonic Pieces - Deaf Center, Erik K Skodvin (solo) + Sumie
details | https://buytickets.at/arcticcircle/1346698

Sunday 17/11/2024 | 1– 3pm at The Hot Tin, Faversham, ME13 88D
Sonic Pieces - Deaf Center, Otto A Totland (solo) + Sumie
details | buytickets.at/arcticcircle/1346699

We collaborate again with fellow birthday organisation, the boutique Berlin based record label Sonic Pieces. Founder Monique Recknagel has been quietly curating and hand-crafting each release (now numbering fifty) creating a small but strong community of artists, whose ideas explore the border between contemporary classical and avant-garde. Today we present three of them from across Europe.

Deaf Center comprises Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Erik K. Skodvin and pianist Otto A. Totland, who operate at the axis of ambient, contemporary classical and drone
music. Old school friends, they both grew up in a small village in southern Norway, each having a history of music-experimentation during the early internet days. At the start of the 2000 ́s they finally decided to collaborate. Deaf Center has released several recordings through the last 20 years, including albums Pale Ravine (2005), Owl Splinters (2011) and most recently Low Distance (2019) on Sonic Pieces. In their music the importance is placed on timelessness, friendship and the combination of warm human connection with otherworldly abstractions.

The Gothenburg-resident impressionistic singer-songwriter and multidisciplinary artist Sumie has just completed the recording of her third album. It is the follow-up to Sumie, her selftitled debut, and Lost In Light, both issued by the UK’s totemic Bella Union label, also the home of Father John Misty, John Grant, Mercury Rev and Susanne Sundfør. Sumie’s as-yet untitled new album will be issued in 2025. These rare appearances are the first opportunity – anywhere – to hear a selection of her new songs. Expect lyrical obliqueness, and the marriage of understated intensity with filigreed atmospherics.

Saturday 23/11/2024 | 12 – 2pm at St John’s Leytonstone, E11 1HH
EFG London Jazz Festival: Goldsmiths Improviser Collective, SlowWormHole,
Fahaka + Mathew Follis details | https://buytickets.at/arcticcircle/1349718

For their second Daylight Music at the EFG London Jazz Festival, Goldsmiths Music present three eclectic, post-genre sets that celebrate the spaces in between Jazz, Electronic, Noise, Ecology, Experimental and Contemporary Classical, with original compositions, improvisations, and mixed media. Combining instrumental and vocal creative work developed as part of their Masters Programmes in Performance and Sonic Arts, and the BMus in Music degree, graduates, current students and staff combine and collaborate in a spirit of experimentation to explore new meeting places for sonic creativity.

The curation will include Iris Garrelfs with Goldsmiths Improviser Collective in a performance which includes all manner of instruments, technologies, voices and crisp
packets - plus ensembles led by musicians and composers Katy Neve (Fahaka), Tom Pardoe-Matthews (SlowWormHole) and Mathew Follis.

SlowWormHole fuses instrumental music together with electronics, improvisation and heavy riffs. Exploring the relation between the audience, music, time and space. It is both intrusive and ecstatic. The band relies on a memory. An embodied knowledge. An improvised approach to creating music. It is the freedom to create and change. Sound as sharing, people coming together. Sound as individual, it’s about dreaming. Painting time.

London based Fahaka present their eclectic fusion of acoustic folk, jazz and avant garde, take inspiration from Charles Mingus, Joni Mitchell, Abel Selaocoe and Kinkajous. Folk inspiration is rooted in the musical upbringing of the group in different ways taking influence from trad folk and singer-songwriter material entering a sense of comfort and childlike joy. The group take a raw and acoustic approach to their compositions holding audiences in a gripping musical journey.

Mathew Follis is a Welsh guitarist operating within the fields of contemporary jazz and improvised music. Follis’ work mainly concerns itself with smaller format jazz ensembles, performing a mixture of original compositions alongside sections of group free improvisation these two contrasting approaches to music work seamlessly together. Performing music from May 2024’s ‘Crosstalk’, written with co-performer and composer Charlie Hall, as well as unreleased compositions and improvisations.

Saturday 07/12/2024 | 12 – 2pm at St Mary Magdalene Church, N7 8LT
15th Year Big Birthday Christmas Festive Fuzzy Feeling Fundraiser
details | https://buytickets.at/arcticcircle/1455562

Over the last few months, we’ve been secretly messaging VIPs, (very important penguins) musicians and artists – a small selection of those who have come through our various wooden doors since 2009. It is unfortunately a bit unpractical to squeeze a thousand artists onto one stage but instead we’ve settled on a near impossible selection of a dozen or so who we feel reflect the spirit and community of the series and returned our calls!

Also, this all happened (very near to) where it all began as we return to Islington for the first time in five years in the new and welcoming setting of St Mary Magdalene Church in Islington, just a few minutes from the train and overground station.

So we’d love you to join us for an afternoon exploring the story of Daylight Music – with the themes of past, present and future in a our first fundraising concert with some
special musical guests. Details of those performances will be slowly revealed but with limited capacity in the church we strongly advise reserving your seat in advance for this fuzzy festive gathering.

We will be going live again as our video and sound team will allow us to stream the event - so we hope we can welcome back as many people as possible across the globe. The profits we raise from merch, mince pies and admission from this concert will go towards our Winter 2024/2025 series and towards continuing on into our 16th year!

Saturday 25/01/2025 | 12 – 2pm at St John’s Leytonstone, E11 1HH
Lost Map - Afterlands, Pictish Trial + Flo Lines details |
https://buytickets.at/arcticcircle/1400517

A new year and a new opportunity to book in for a musical check-up with our distant Hebridean friends at Lost Map recordings. A self-proclaimed micro-label and collective, a decade or so since it began, is very much pushing forward, onwards, upwards and away, uncovering new idea and new sounds, unshackled by style or genre.
Anything but boring and predictable, the label’s guiding voice Pictish Trail will debut new songs and stories alongside the Scottish Album of the Year nominees Afterlands.

We will also introduce you to a new voice and member of the label - producer and songwriter Flo- Lines.

When the pandemic descended, Rick Anthony (The Phantom Band / Rick Redbeard) and David McAulay (Strike the Colours) began exchanging ideas remotely, creating the
contours of what would become their new project together Afterlands. The captivating album We Are the Animals in the Night’ released in 2023 on Lost Map carves a crepuscular sound world, where shadows, dreams, memories and fears overlap and intertwine with astonishing results as you’ll hear first hand today.

Released as part of Lost Map’s Postmap Club subscription service, Flo Lines’s debut single” I was biding my time” revealed an extended collage-like approach to music making, informed by her background in radio production and audio-visual art. Combining sounds both found and played, she blends compositions from different takes of songs captured in different spaces both indoors and out, to create slow sonic medleys that transport the listener through different places and feelings.

Isle-of-Eigg dwelling electro-acoustic psych-pop wonder Pictish Trail, AKA Johnny Lynch, released his fifth album Island Family in 2022 to critical acclaim from The Observer and The Times to Mojo, Uncut, Loud & Quiet and BBC 6 Music. Having toured the world both as a headliner and as support for artists including Belle & Sebastian, Pavement, Mogwai, Sea Power, Slow Club and KT Tunstall, he has performed at festivals including Glastonbury, Field Day, Bestival, Deer Shed, Celtic Connections, the Edinburgh Fringe and Green Man* (*all 22 instalments to date).

15 Years of Presence: Arctic Circle’s Daylight Music at 15

It’s time now to once again present the most magical of music this Autumn and Winter, featuring friends old and new as Daylight Music returns. For this weekend series
ensembles once again travel from across the globe, the country or just across tube and train lines to be part of our matinee series. It goes without saying but we’d like to invite you and your friends and family for an afternoon of music- a unique, affordable and accessible experience accompanied by cake, tea and the most welcoming of acoustics and surroundings across venues in London and Kent.

This November we carefully transport artists from across Europe with boutique Berlin label Sonic Pieces as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, this December we present an afternoon exploring the story of Daylight Music with the themes of past, present and future with special musical guests, and we end up in the capable curating hands in January with the thumbs of Pictish Trail and his Hebridean Lost Map.

Expanding and developing we split our time and attention between London and Leytonstone and newer venues in our story such as the 1885 Victorian flat-pack tin church – The Hot Tin in Faversham. We also are also very pleased to present our first events in the former Margate Synagogue, ARK - Cliftonville Cultural Space, in October and December. Finally we’ve just announced we’ll be returning to Islington for the first time since 2020 as we bring a special Christmas show to St Mary’s Magdelene Church.

As it’s an important milestone moment it is a good time to weigh the legacy of the series. For fifteen years the series has been featured regularly in Time Out’s 101 Things To Do in London, cited in The Rough Guide to Make the Most of Your Time in Britain and featured in many other publications such as The Guardian. Many audiences have come to depend on that moment of human interaction, catching up with hands around a warming cup of tea or coffee, with sunlight streaming through the stained-glass window, starting the weekend on a beautiful note, or in this case on the many notes and melodies that we provide.

It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite artist, ensemble, instrument, performer or moment from the last fifteen years BUT we do occasionally like to look back with a sense of pride at presenting the London Bulgarian Choir, Blick Bassy, Alabaster DePlume, Frank Sidebottom, Nils Økland, Lula.xyz, Radie Peat, Frank Chickens, Lætitia Sadier, Alexis Taylor, Catherine A.D, Jherek Bischoff, Gold Vox, Poppy Ackroyd, Nick Heyward, Hiss Golden Messenger, Laura Cannell, Terry Edwards, Haiku Salut,
James McVinnie, Trans-Siberian March Band, Kathryn Williams, Darren Hayman, Andrew Wasylyk, Charles Haywards, Keith Tippett, Ed Dowie, Nils Frahm and School of Noise.

Who has been your favourite artist, moment, instrument, artist, poet, handbell choir, gamelan ensemble, mutli-award-winning wonder horse or dancing troupe? Every one of the two-hour editions or expeditions has contained surprises, delights, discovery, noise, the regulars, the as-and-whens, the must-catch-that-one, the occasionals, the when-in-towns, the newbies or volunteers. And as always, we can’t wait to get back and open the doors once more and welcome you inside for another slice of music, tea & cake.
Thank you to our community - to you- for supporting us so far,

Ben Eshmade
Daylight Music

Brick Lane Jazz Festival, London announce the first wave of artists for their fourth edition including headliners Ragz Orginale, Adi Oasis, and Laraaji.

Friday, November 08, 2024

Brick Lane Jazz Festival will return in 2025 for its fourth year. Events will take place over the weekend of April 25th - 27th 2025 at twelve different music venues on and around Brick Lane.

We have received the following press release;

Brick Lane Jazz Festival announce the first wave of artists for their fourth edition including headliners Ragz Orginale, Adi Oasis, and Laraaji

25th – 27th April 2025 | Early bird tickets start from £29.95

Artists so far include:

Laraaji, Adi Oasis, Ragz Originale, dialE, Gary Crosby’s Groundation, Madison McFerrin, Jelani Blackman, BINA., Afriquoi, oreglo, Move 78, Àbáse, Allysha Joy, Last Nubian (Live), Sans Soucis, Bnnyhunna, Liv East, Jasmine Myra, Ray Lozano, Astrønne, Marla Kether, edbl & Jackson Mathod, Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble, Katie Tupper, Marysia Osu, David Walters, Rio Rainz, Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi, Bruno Berle, ECHT!, Faye Meana, DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson, August Charles, Ari Tsugi, Jay Phelps, Close Counters, Sol Paradise, Mark Kavuma, Aldorande, papaya noon, Tru Thoughts Records Presents, Rohan Rakhit Presents & Arsen Superfly

Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns in 2025 for its fourth year, with a genre-defying line-up that mirrors the vibrant convergence of London’s thriving underground music scenes. Focused on spotlighting local and emerging talent, the festival brings together artists from jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, R&B, breakbeat, and electronic music, performing across twelve iconic music venues on and around Brick Lane.

Having firmly established itself as a cornerstone of East London’s cultural landscape, the festival continues to uncover underground jazz gems while drawing in artists making waves on the UK scene, all set against the backdrop of some of the capital’s most renowned cultural hotspots. All festival venues are within a short walk from the central hub at the iconic Truman Brewery space on Brick Lane, transforming the site and surrounding area into a vibrant hive of gig-hopping excitement for three days every April. Today, Brick Lane Jazz Festival unveils the first round of their 2025 line-up.

Newly announced headliners include new age zen master Laraaji, French-Caribbean soul / funk rising star Adi Oasis and R&B trailblazer and producer-in-demand, Ragz Originale. Elsewhere the festival will feature appearances from rising stars in the jazz scene such as Ife Ogunjobi (winner of this year’s Parliamentary Jazz “Best Newcomer” award) and the Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble, as well as showcasing some of the city’s best electronic and experimental outfits with the likes of Last Nubian, Marysia Osu, and Marla Kether set to play. BLJF will also celebrate global artists with sets from Irish Jamaican artist Rio Rainz, Ukranian harpist Alina Bzhezhinska and Ghanian Dutch artist Bnnyhunna, as well as further spotlighting the ever-expanding R&B / soul crossover scene with performances from Jelani Blackman and Astrønne. The full list of artists and day spits are as follows:

FRIDAY
Ragz Originale — Jelani Blackman — BINA.  — Move 78 — Àbáse — Allysha Joy — Last Nubian (Live)  — Marla Kether — David Walters — Rio Rainz — ECHT! — Faye Meana — Ari Tsugi — Rohan Rakhit Presents: The Cockney Sikh b2b Kieran Dotwav, Nadī + TBA — Arsen Superfly (DJ set) + MANY MORE TBA

SATURDAY
Adi Oasis — dialE — Afriquoi — Ife Ogunjobi — oreglo — Allysha Joy — Sans Soucis — Bnnyhunna — Liv East — edbl & Jackson Mathod — Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble — Jay Phelps — Close Counters — papaya noon — Tru Thoughts Records Presents: WheelUP, Footshooter & Vimbai, Robert Luis, Lucy Michael & Rhys Baker + MANY MORE TBA

SUNDAY
Laraaji — Gary Crosby’s Groundation — Madison McFerrin — Flock — Jasmine Myra — Ray Lozano — Astrønne — Marysia Osu — Bruno Berle — Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi — DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson — Sol Paradise — Mark Kavuma — Aldorande + MANY MORE TBA

Brick Lane Jazz Festival has been making waves on the UK music scene, growing from its modest debut across four venues in 2022 to a 12-stage extravaganza spanning Brick Lane and Shoreditch in just three years. With over 100 artists set to perform across this three-day celebration, the festival has quickly become a fixture on the music calendar. Crowned #1 Best London Festival by The Standard and #1 Best UK Festival by TimeOut in 2023, the festival has only amplified its impact in 2024 with the launch of BLJF Presents—a year-round event series showcasing the UK’s most exciting artists, record labels, and parties. After sell-out shows in Manchester, Glasgow, and London this October, BLJF Presents is heading to new heights with a major event at the iconic Barbican Centre planned for early spring 2025, plus more regional stops in Bristol, Brighton, and even Paris later in the year.

The festival will once again partner with Jazz re:freshed and Tomorrow’s Warriors, both vital community organizations that nurture emerging talent in UK jazz. Tomorrow’s Warriors will be back as the festival’s charity partner, bringing an Emerging Talent Stage for fans to catch the next wave of jazz stars as they debut the freshest live material.

The festival’s stages are hosted by some of the most important venues in East London including Village Underground, Ninety One Living Room (hosted by Jazz re:freshed), Rough Trade East, 93 Feet East, Rich Mix, Juju’s Bar & Stage, and many more. As always, those without tickets can enjoy free-entry spaces throughout the site, including the Tomorrow’s Warriors live stage at The Brick Lane Tap Room, the Signature Brew stage at The Big Chill, and DJ stages at 93 Feet East and Cafe 1001.

Reflecting on this fourth edition, the festival’s Founder, Juliet Kennedy says, “Every year I think, ‘Can we really top last year’s lineup?’ And yet, the talent in UK jazz just keeps raising the bar! This year’s lineup is a dream, and I can’t wait to bring the get everyone down to Brick Lane again with our fantastic partners, Tomorrow’s Warriors and Jazz re:freshed. Let’s go 2025!”

Early bird tickets for the festival are now on sale with day passes starting from just £29.95, and weekend passes from £89.95. Tickets and more info are available HERE
https://bookings.kaboodle.com/tickets

Tineke Postma receives Edison Award.

Wednesday, November 06, 2024

Dutch saxophonist and composer Tineke Postma has received an Edison Award, National Category, for her album "Aria". The Edison is the oldest and most prestigious Dutch annual music prize.

We have received the following press release;

On October 7 2024, Dutch saxophonist and composer Tineke Postma received an EDISON AWARD, National Category, for her highly praised album ARIA.

The EDISON is the oldest and most prestigious Dutch music prize which is being awarded annually.

Quote from the jury: “Known for her powerful saxophone playing, Tineke Postma explores new boundaries with technical craftsmanship and discipline. This versatile album is a powerful statement in Postma’s development. The album has a characteristic and personal touch.

TOUR DATES
with David Doruzka, gtr / Robert Landfermann, db / Tristan Renfrow, dr

2024
28 Nov   Frankfurt, DE - Netzwerk Seilerei / Jazzfest

March 2025
14 Mar   London, UK - Soul Mama

SUMMER 2025
1-3 August   Bulgaria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvEPigblnXM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m69i2PoST-8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsCgviwiqSM

ABOUT

As one of the most prolific and respected musicians to emerge from the vibrant Dutch scene, saxophonist and composer Tineke Postma has been touring internationally as a leader since 2003. With a catalogue of seven albums her international profile has resulted in the Rising Star on soprano award in the Downbeat Critics Poll 2019 and seen her perform alongside greats such as Herbie Hancock (watch here from 30:00’), Terri Lyne Carrington and Dianne Reeves.

Tineke is a musician of inventiveness and creativity, not afraid to explore the unknown, and revels in the inspiration of the master, Wayne Shorter, who once told her, before going on stage to perform together, “Let’s start composing”.

Before his transition in May 2023 Wayne declared (source: Clark Rundell) that Tineke Postma should be the one to take his role in his symphonic written work (Opera Iphigenia, Gaia, and Orbits) and she performed these works for the first time in June 2023 with Esperanza Spalding along with pianist Kris Davis, Terri Lyne Carrington and the Polish Symphony Orchestra in Poland at the Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa Festival).

Tineke’s latest album ‘ARIA’, released in May 2023 by Edition Records (UK), consists of a new book of adventurous compositions by Tineke with a new group of prolific and highly acclaimed musicians such as NYC based guitarist Ben Monder, bassist Robert Landfermann (Germany) and American drummer based in Amsterdam, Tristan Renfrow.  The album received raving reviews such as a four-star review in Downbeat. In May/June 2023 the Tineke Postma Aria Group embarked on a successful European release tour playing festivals and venues such as the Bimhuis in Amsterdam, Ronnie Scotts in London, the festival “Like a Jazz Machine” in Luxembourg, the Sunset/Sunside in Paris, the Unterfahrt in Munich and Moods in Zurich. For the next phase of European touring, the Tineke Postma Aria Group included the highly acclaimed guitarist David Doruzka, replacing Ben Monder. The dynamics of this band were such that she decided to write more material for it and Tineke a new album is planned to be recorded in March 2025.

PRESS about ARIA

“This will resonate with listeners who enjoy a fusion of innovative improvisations combined with compositions with an intentional artistic vision and desire to tell stories through music formed from the roots of jazz and European classical music.”
The Jazz Word

“There isn’t anything safe here and in the fractured splintering of the shards of rapture all four players maintain on this studio album ...  you can’t guess what’s next. ...Given the quality here there are so many multiple interpretations of response possible which is just one reason why this latest album from the remarkable Postma - taking up the mantle of Lee Konitz and making a paradigm shift that contributes so much to the state of the art - works so well.”
Marlbank

“The music is open and airy, but with a clear melodic vein in it. Postma is obviously a fearless musical soul who dares to go her own way and who succeeds in creating excitement and unexpected ways into her universe.”
Nettavisen Nyheten / Norway

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Below are video links of a few exciting projects TINEKE POSTMA was involved in recently: In June of this year the Polish festival Bielska Zadymka Jazzowa paid tribute to the symphonic legacy of Wayne Shorter, led by multi-instrumentalist Esperanza Spalding. A concert featuring Esperanza Spalding’s quartet with Tineke Postma, Terri Lyne Carrington and Kris Davis, conductor Clark Rundell and the Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Clark Rundell about Tineke Postma: “A saxophonist with extraordinary gifts but also a composer, recording artist and bandleader, Tineke remains one of the outstanding figures in jazz of her generation. ...In speaking with Wayne about these projects prior to his passing, I asked who he thought should play his role in his quartet. His answer: Tineke Postma. It is hard to imagine greater praise than to be Wayne Shorter’s choice as a replacement in his own quartet.”

https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/113215-001-A/esperanza-spalding-homage-to-wayne-shorter/

In July at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Tineke participated in Terri Lyne Carrington’s New Standards Project. Here is a short excerpt of that concert.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUTxs5Qp_kI

The French Jazz Academy “Academie du Jazz” awarded
TINEKE POSTMA
the “Prix de Musicien Européen 2020”

Neil Cowley Trio announce UK Tour, April / May 2025.

Tuesday, November 05, 2024

After a seven year hiatus, the Neil Cowley Trio reunite for their UK tour in 2025. They will present music from their outstanding brand-new album, Entity . Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

NEIL COWLEY TRIO
Announce 2025 UK Tour
Buy Tickets Here
https://serious.org.uk/events/neil-cowley-trio-2

New album ‘Entity’ out now

‘Entity’, the magnificent new recording from Neil Cowley Trio, was released earlier this year on 20 September. It is three friends, reunited, giving their all to each other to reach one common goal, inspiring, conversing and metaphorically dancing together.

The band are now announcing their 2025 UK tour dates in support of their new album, which MOJO described as “a masterclass in tension and release where even the most reflective of songs conceal telling hooks”. The seven dates take place from late April through to early May across the UK, full dates listed below. Buy tickets here.

In 2017, pianist and composer Neil Cowley pressed pause. Over the course of 12 years and 6 critically lauded albums he had built an army of fans with accolades rolling in. Yet the Neil Cowley Trio went into hiatus. But after 7 years of solitary music making, it was time for him to return to the joy of human connection. For Cowley, there are no closer musical allies and brotherhood than his Neil Cowley Trio cohort, bassist Rex Horan and drummer Evan Jenkins.

Cowley’s ear for a killer melody, majestic rolling grooves, power hungry cadences and emotionally charged pieces remain. ‘Entity’ is a magnificent return to form for the Neil Cowley Trio. It is a mature, sophisticated album of uplifting melody and delicate beauty. It is about the inherent joy, comfort and rewards of human connection in our digital world and an ode to friendship.

Neil Cowley Trio 2025 UK Tour Dates

22 April - St Georges, Bristol

23 April - The Bradshaw Hall, Birmingham

26 April - The Glasshouse ICM, Gateshead

27 April - Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester

1 May - Turner Sims, Southampton

3 May - Saffron Hall, Saffron Waldon

4 May - Howard Assembly Room, Leeds

Buxton International Festival announces its 2025 jazz programme.

Friday, November 01, 2024

The festival’s Jazz Weekender tickets go on sale on 1st Nov 2024, granting access to all BIF jazz events during the festival’s opening weekend, 10-13 July inclusive, for a discounted price of £175.

We have received the following press release;

Buxton International Festival will announce its 2025 jazz line-up at a special launch party today (1 November) at The Palace Hotel, Buxton. The festival’s popular Jazz Weekender tickets also go on sale granting access to all BIF jazz events during the festival’s opening weekend, 10-13 July inclusive, for a discounted price of £175.

The Dean Stockdale Trio, with Gavin Barras on bass and Gaz Hughes on drums, will headline the launch as they pay tribute to 100 years of Oscar Peterson. Joining them
is Rwandan-born Belgium vocalist Ineza; Emily Masser, hailed as “the new star of British jazz” (Jazz Journal); and local violin virtuoso Graham Clark, who starred in
the 2022 festival.

Commenting on the launch event, BIF’s Jazz Director Neil Hughes said:
“We are so excited to announce BIF’s 2025 jazz programme and to launch the sale of our Jazz Weekender tickets. It’s a great opportunity to bag a ticket early on! The Jazz
Weekender offers 12 gigs, including jazz, blues, funk and Latin, plus an Oscar Peterson extravaganza. Events will take place in our own intimate jazz club at The Palace Hotel as well as at the Pavilion Arts Centre, both in the heart of town.”

The 2025 Jazz Weekender line-up includes:

Thursday, 10 July

INEZA - Jazz at the Palace, 7pm
Rwandan-born, Belgian vocalist Ineza and her quartet will present an exclusive preview of her debut album, to be released in late ‘25.

GRAHAM CLARK QUARTET - Jazz at the Palace, 9.30pm – 11pm
Violin virtuoso Graham Clark returns to BIF after a stunning gig in 2022. A Buxton resident for over 25 years, Clark is well-known for his weekly jazz residencies and his unique blend of jazz, rock, and experimental music.

Friday, 11 July

EMILY MASSER QUARTET featuring Alex Clarke - Jazz at the Palace, 12pm – 1.30pm
Emily Masser is fast becoming one of the most exciting young voices in the jazz scene.  At just 20 years old, the Wigan-born vocalist has gained recognition from jazz luminaries following her debut album Introducing Emily Masser, recorded with The Clark Tracey Quintet.

TRIO JDM - Jazz at the Palace, 2.30pm – 4pm
Drummer Dave Walsh, guitarist Jamie Taylor and Martin Longhawn on hammond organ play material from a wide range of composers and eras.

BAIANA featuring Snowboy - Jazz at the Palace, 8pm – 9.30pm
Baiana is the Brazilian-inspired project of Liverpool-born singer-songwriter Laura Doyle.

 BUTCHER’S BREW 10.30pm – Jazz at the Palace, late
A late-night treat, with the fabulous Butcher’s Brew playing jazz, funk, blue note and Latin.

Saturday, 12 July

ALAN BARNES PRESENTS ‘A Celebration of Art Pepper’s Centenary’ -
Jazz at the Palace, 1pm – 3.30pm
Alan’s Inspiration: ‘I have assembled this all-star band to celebrate the centenary of Art Pepper’s birth in 1925.

DEAN STOCKDALE QUARTET WITH STRINGS PRESENTS ‘100 Years of Oscar Peterson’ plus special guests Alan Barnes, Mark Armstrong and Emily Masser - Pavilion Arts Centre, 7pm – 9.30pm
Following an acclaimed performance last year, the Dean Stockdale Quartet returns with a new set for a very special evening to honour the one and only Oscar Peterson, born August 15th 1925. 2025 will mark the legendary jazz pianist’s 100th birthday.

EMMA RAWICZ QUARTET - Jazz at the Palace, 10pm – late
Emma Rawicz is a young saxophonist, bandleader, and composer with astonishing musical maturity, just 22 years of age.

Sunday, 13 July

DODEKA - Jazz at the Palace, 1pm – 2.30pm
Ivo Neame’s ‘Dodeka’ is a unique new band formed in 2022.  

XHOSA COLE QUARTET PRESENTS Freemonk - Jazz at the Palace, 4pm– 6pm
We are delighted to welcome the return of Xhosa Cole. He celebrates the compositions of pianist Thelonious Monk. FreeMonk explores, abstracts and collages Monk’s compositions, breaking his music out of convention and breathing new life into these timeless tunes.

GEORGINA JACKSON’S ‘SASS AND BRASS’ With her Mighty Mini Big Band - Jazz at the Palace, 8pm – 9.30pm
Expect a velvet-voiced pick and mix of swinging, bluesy ballads and iconic songs, alongside a hefty dose of sizzling brass.

For further information visit: http://www.buxtonfestival.co.uk

SMOKE Jazz Club, New York City, Programme for December 2024.

Friday, November 01, 2024

SMOKE Jazz Club has announced its schedule for December 2024. Incorporating the annual Coltrane Festival the list of performers includes Ravi Coltrane, Vincent Herring, George Cables, Louis Hayes.

We have received the following press release;

Just Announced - 12th Annual Coltrane Festival, New Year’s Eve All-Stars and More This December at Smoke Jazz Club

Announcing SMOKE Jazz Club’s December Line-up Featuring the 12th Annual Coltrane Festival with Ravi Coltrane’s SMOKE Debut, a Spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebration, Catherine Russell & Sean Mason, and More.

Catherine Russell / Sean Mason (Dec 5-8)

Coltrane Festival: Ravi Coltrane featuring Gadi Lehavi and Elé Salif Howell (Dec 11-15)

Coltrane Festival: Eric Scott Reed featuring Nicholas Payton and Eric Alexander (Dec 18-22)

Coltrane Festival:
Special Guest Artists: Louis Hayes (Dec 25-26),
Eddie Henderson (Dec 27-28),
and Steve Turre (Dec 29-30)
with the Vincent Herring Quartet featuring George Cables

Coltrane Festival: New Year’s Eve Celebration with Jazzmeia Horn, Vincent Herring, Cyrus Chestnut, Yasushi Nakamura and Johnathan Blake (Dec 31)

“Entering its second quarter century as committed as ever to pure jazz (All About Jazz),” SMOKE Jazz Club continues its 25th anniversary season with an exciting line-up in December. The holiday season kickstarts with “A Nat King Cole Christmas” featuring singer Allan Harris (Dec 4). SMOKE is thrilled to welcome acclaimed vocalist Catherine Russell in her club debut in a thrilling duo with pianist Sean Mason (Dec 5-8) performing repertoire off their latest album My Ideal.

Over the course of three weeks (Dec 11-31), some of today’s top musicians join forces to celebrate the life and musical legacy of the great saxophonist and composer John Coltrane. SMOKE’s 12th annual Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2025” features Ravi Coltrane, in his debut at SMOKE, Eric Scott Reed, Nicholas Payton, Louis Hayes, and more in what has become a seasonal highlight in the world of jazz. It also includes the New Year’s Eve Celebration (Dec 31) with one of the best line-ups yet: Jazzmeia Horn, Vincent Herring, Cyrus Chestnut, Yasushi Nakamura, and Johnathan Blake. For the complete December schedule and most updated calendar, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

December 2024 Concert Schedule (subject to change):

Wed December 4: Allan Harris “A Nat King Cole Christmas”
Allan Harris – vocals
Alan Grubner – violin
John di Martino – piano
Brandi Disterheft – bass
Willy Rodriguez – drums
Allan Harris returns with his perennially popular seasonal performance of “A Nat King Cole Christmas,” featuring some of the holiday classics made famous by the legendary singer. Harris is a magnetic vocalist whose stylistic range runs from rock ‘n’ roll and blues to jazz and everything in between. It might be his captivating interpretations of standards that are the most unforgettable. Variety calls Harris “a velvet-voiced jazz singer, with a savvy manner and music in his veins,” and The Miami Herald adds that his voice and demeanor “project the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat King Cole.

Thu-Sun December 5-8: Catherine Russell / Sean Mason SMOKE debut
Catherine Russell – vocals
Sean Mason – piano
“A piano and a voice, nothing else – done right, it never gets old. Catherine Russell and Sean Mason do it right.” – Relix
Vocalist Catherine Russell makes her SMOKE Jazz Club debut in a thrilling duo with pianist Sean Mason. This inspired collaboration, a convergence of sage experience and youthful virtuosity, resulted in the acclaimed 2024 release My Ideal. They perform repertoire spanning the jazz tradition from the early beginnings of the music with homages to James P. Johnson and Fats Waller to the confluence of jazz and popular music with tributes to Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. In addition to her impressive jazz career, Russell has toured and recorded with Steely Dan, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Michael Feinstein, Levon Helm, and Rosanne Cash, among others, appearing on over 200 albums. Her jazz career has been at least as successful, with celebrated performances worldwide at major jazz festivals, clubs, and concert halls. NPR says her voice “wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the Garden of Eden,” All Music Guide adds, “Russell emerged as a retro old-school vocalist for the ages.” Mason was hailed by NPR’s “Youngbloods” series as a musician on the rise, and Branford Marsalis says, “Watch out for this kid.”

Wed-Sun December 11-15: COLTRANE FESTIVAL: Ravi Coltrane featuring
Gadi Lehavi and Elé Salif Howell SMOKE debut
Ravi Coltrane – saxophones
Gadi Lehavi – piano
Elé Salif Howell – drums
“A worthy heir to his father, jazz legend John Coltrane.” – The Telegraph (UK)
Critically acclaimed, GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist and composer Ravi Coltrane makes a highly anticipated SMOKE Jazz Club debut with his inspired trio featuring pianist Gadi Lehavi and drummer Elé Howell. An artist whose career occupies a singular niche in modern jazz, Ravi Coltrane has established a sound and concepts that stand undeniably on their own, extending far beyond the shadow of his iconic name. Over a 20-plus-year career, Coltrane has worked as a sideman to many and recorded noteworthy albums for himself and others, including McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Terence Blanchard, Geri Allen, and many more. All About Jazz reviewed his group, saying, “The band is dynamite. Coltrane mainly played tenor, on which his sound is massive but softer-edged and less biting than that of his father.” The New York Times adds, “There are few saxophonists in jazz today as silvery and deft as Ravi Coltrane.”

Wed-Sun December 18-22: COLTRANE FESTIVAL: Eric Scott Reed Quintet featuring Nicholas Payton & Eric Alexander
Nicholas Payton – trumpet
Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone
Eric Scott Reed – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Joe Farnsworth – drums
“Reed is one of those tremendously gifted players.” – Downbeat
The Coltrane Festival continues with an exciting Coltrane-inspired quintet assembled by piano master Eric Scott Reed, who All About Jazz reports has “fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists.” A child prodigy who grew up playing in his father’s storefront Baptist Church, Reed has been one of the most important ambassadors of the music for over 30 years. Ahmad Jamal called him “one of my very favorite pianists.” Joining Reed is a virtuoso front line, trumpeter Nicholas Payton and saxophonist Eric Alexander, and an all-star rhythm section, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Joe Farnsworth.

Wed-Thu December 25-26: COLTRANE FESTIVAL: Special Guest Louis Hayes
with Vincent Herring Quartet featuring George Cables
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
George Cables – piano
Yasushi Nakamura – bass
Louis Hayes – drums
Drum icon and NEA Jazz Master Louis Hayes has worked and recorded with John Coltrane. A treasure of American music, Hayes’s career spans seven decades. His impeccable feel and propulsive swing have helped to define the art of jazz drumming. The Guardian reports, “Hayes has an unmistakable style: excitement tempered by poise.” All About Jazz adds, “Today, Louis is one of the last men drumming from jazz’s galloping hard-bop era. Best of all, [he] hasn’t lost an ounce of energy or style.”

Fri-Sat December 27-28: COLTRANE FESTIVAL: Special Guest Eddie Henderson
with Vincent Herring Quintet featuring George Cables
Eddie Henderson – trumpet
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
George Cables – piano
Yasushi Nakamura – bass
Joe Farnsworth – drums
The eternally youthful Eddie Henderson has proven again that he is still making some of the most important music of his career into his 80s. The New York Times says Henderson’s “deft feel and plush sound madehim a central figure in the worlds of jazz-funk and hard-bop in the 1970s. The Chicago Reader adds, “Hisprogressive, assured, and imaginative improvisations roll out in a glorious sun-splashed tone… he seems to dance through his solos, balancing his quick clockwork technique with bursts of bluesy soul.”

Sun-Mon December 29-30: COLTRANE FESTIVAL: Special Guest Steve Turre
with Vincent Herring Quintet featuring George Cables
Steve Turre – trombone
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
George Cables – piano
Yasushi Nakamura – bass
Joe Farnsworth – drums
The incredible trombonist and seashell innovator Steve Turre is “perhaps the leading trombonist of this generation (Rolling Stone).” His storied career includes work alongside music legends Ray Charles, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and Woody Shaw. He has consistently won both the Readers’ and Critics’ polls in JazzTimes, Downbeat, and Jazziz for “Best Trombone” and “Best Miscellaneous Instrumentalist (shells).” He is a versatile master and a true jazz original. Downbeat says, “Few artists’ own’ their instrument to the degree that trombonist Steve Turre does. Whether playing the music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, performing as a member of the Saturday Night Live house band, or with one of his own groups, his voice is distinctive and memorable.”

Tuesday, Dec 31: COLTRANE FESTIVAL: New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring
The Countdown All-Stars
Jazzmeia Horn – vocals
Vincent Herring – tenor saxophone
Cyrus Chestnut – piano
Yasushi Nakamura – bass
Johnathan Blake – drums
SMOKE’s year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2025” converges with SMOKE’s annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, a perennially popular night of music and revelry. And, this year features one of its best lineups, the Countdown 2025 All-Stars, featuring vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, saxophonist Vincent Herring, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and drummer Johnathan Blake, who will combine their considerable musical talents to ring in the New Year. A special holiday prix-fixe menu and a festive atmosphere will complement the celebration.
Billboard reports that Horn is “undoubtedly among the jazz world’s most exciting young vocalists.” Chestnut, Nakamura, and Blake are reunited with Herring from his celebrated 2021 album Preaching to the Choir, which NPR’s Fresh Air said: “is aimed at folks who like their jazz with a dollop of swing, rhythm, and blues feeling, music steeped in the African American vernacular and played by a soloist with swagger.” These four instrumentalists know how to deliver a good time, and augmented by the great Jazzmeia Horn; they will, of course, do just that.
Two Seatings:
7:00 p.m. includes 4-course holiday dinner and one show ($250 + tax & tip)
9:30 p.m. includes 4-course holiday dinner, two shows, midnight celebration with prosecco champagne toast, hats & noise makers ($350 plus tax & tip)

About SMOKE
Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the junction of Broadway and 106th Street (aka Duke Ellington Boulevard), Smoke Jazz Club is one of New York City’s premier live music venues. Renowned for offering top-notch programming of accessible, timeless jazz featuring legendary performers, modern masters, and rising stars, Smoke stands apart with its candlelit dining room, stellar acoustics, and classic American cuisine. Founded in 1999, SMOKE also boasts a GRAMMY-nominated label, Smoke Sessions Records, and a celebrated streaming concert series, Smoke Screens. For everything else, visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

Ticketing + Information:                                                                                 
When: Wednesday-Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. + 9:00 p.m. and additional 10:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).
Where: SMOKE Jazz Club, 2751 Broadway (between 105/106th Streets), New York, NY,
Train: 1 to 103rd Street.
Tickets: In-Person $25+. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

NYC Winter Jazzfest 2025 - Line up announced.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

The line up has been announced for the 2025 Winter JazzFest, which will take place at various venues around New York City in January 2025. Makaya McCraven has been named as Artist-in-Residence.

We have received the following press release;

2025 NYC WINTER JAZZFEST
January 9-15, 2025
Presenting The Full Spectrum of Jazz

Makaya McCraven, Artist-in-Residence, appearing in multiple varied settings Jan. 9 at nublu, Jan. 10 at Manhattan Marathon, Jan. 11 at Brooklyn Marathon, and Jan 14 at Public Records,  including 10th anniversary celebration of his 2015 classic “In the Moment”.

Also newly confirmed artists announced for Winter Jazzfest Marathon Nights

Announced Artists (** denotes newly announced artists**)

Makaya McCraven (Artist In Residence)

**Adam Birnbaum**

Adi Oasis

**Air Legacy Trio**

Aja Monet

Amaro Freitas

Andrew Cyrille

Arooj Aftab

**Ben Williams**

Billy Harper

Billy Hart

**Brandee Younger**

Camille Thurman

Caroline Davis

Cecil McBee

Charles Tolliver

Christian McBride

**Dominique Fils-Aimé**

Emma-Jean Thackray

Endea Owens

Fay Victor

ganavya

**George Burton**

George Cables

Gilles Peterson

**HxH**

Isaiah Collier

J.Hoard

Jakob Bro

**Janel & Anthony**

JD Allen

Jenny Scheinman

Joe Claussell

**John Chin**

**Josh Johnson**

**Kalia Vandever**

Kaoru Watanabe

**Ken Butler**

Keyon Harrold

**Kiefer**

Kneebody

Kojo Melché Roney

Linda May Han Oh

Lion Babe

Lisa Fischer

Lucía

Mali Obomsawin

**Matthew Shipp**

Matthew Whitaker

Melissa Aldana

Michael Mayo

**Mike Reed**

**Milena Casado**

Moses Yoofee

Nao Yoshioka

Next Jazz Legacy

NIKARA

Orrin Evans

**Paul Cornish**

Pedro Martins

**Peter Apfelbaum**

Ravi Coltrane

Riley Mulherkar

Roberto Fonseca

Roy Hargrove’s Crisol

**Rudresh Mahanthappa**

**Salin**

**Sarah Elizabeth Charles**

**Simon Moullier**

Sirintip

SML

Sophye Soliveau

Stefon Harris

Sun Ra Arkestra

**Terri Lyne Carrington**

The Baylor Project

**The Brother Moves On**

**Tomoki Sanders**

Trio Imagination

Tyreek McDole

Vijay Iyer

Wadada Leo Smith

Wendy Eisenberg

**Zacchae’us Paul**

Zoh Amba

**Zohar & Adam**

Book your guest room for Winter Jazzfest 2025!
Moxy Williamsburg and Moxy Lower East Side are the official hotels of NYC Winter Jazzfest, offering special rates for attendees!
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1727198405421&key=CORP&guestreslink2=true

The overarching goal of NYC Winter Jazzfest has remained steadfast for two decades: to grow the audience for jazz, with a broad programming mission that speaks to the diversity of the New York and global scene, presenting the widest spectrum of what jazz can be. To that end WJF has hosted many of today’s most fearless and creative musicians, who push boundaries and imagine new possibilities for our music scene and our world.

WJF 2025 is proud to welcome Artist-in-Residence Makaya McCraven, drummer extraordinaire, groundbreaking bandleader and conceptualist, who will appear at NYC WJF with the following projects:

Nublu, Jan. 9:
MAKAYA McCRAVEN, THEON CROSS, BEN LAMAR GAY

Manhattan Marathon, Jan. 10:
SPONTANEOUS COMPOSITION
Makaya McCraven improvises with Junius Paul, Matt Gold, Marquis Hill and Josh Johnson

Brooklyn Marathon, Jan. 11:
IN THE MOMENT/IN THESE TIMES
Makaya McCraven Ensemble performs arrangements of music from In the Moment for the breakthrough album’s 10-year anniversary
Lineup: Makaya McCraven, Junius Paul, Matt Gold, Marquis Hill, Josh Johnson, Joel Ross, more TBA

Public Records, Jan. 14:
INTERNATIONAL ANTHEM CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF IN THE MOMENT WITH MAKAYA MCCRAVEN & GILLES PETERSON
A night of spontaneous composition with Makaya McCraven and musicians TBA, with DJ sets by Gilles Peterson

Prolific drummer, beatmaker and exploratory mixtape artist Makaya McCraven has been aptly called a “cultural synthesizer,” with a unique gift for collapsing space, destroying borders and blending past, present and future into poly-textural arrangements of post-genre, jazz-rooted 21st-century folk music. According to The New York Times, “McCraven has quietly become one of the best arguments for jazz’s vitality.” In celebration of the 10-year anniversary of his breakout album In the Moment with International Anthem, Makaya will perform two fully improvised shows that will be recorded in the spirit of his past albums: one full band show playing music from In the Moment and Universal Beings, and a rare improvised set by his working band on a big stage.

Makaya’s history with Winter Jazzfest dates to its early years, first through the connection with the late, dearly missed Meghan Stabile and Revive Music as far back as 2009, well before being known worldwide. His 2015 release In the Moment marked the beginning of his ongoing relationship with International Anthem Recording Company, his creative home to this day. Both the label and that groundbreaking album, In the Moment, are marking their 10th anniversaries at this year’s WJF.

“I’ve kind of themed my residency around that,” McCraven says. “The show at Public Records is an improvised, recorded set in the spirit of the In the Moment sessions. Then at Nublu it’ll be a set with Theon Cross and Ben LaMar Gay—we’ve improvised now twice before, first on-air at Worldwide FM with Gilles Peterson, and then once at an International Anthem showcase in Berlin earlier this year, which was also recorded. This show will also be recorded and marks another step toward this becoming a potential ongoing project. At the Friday Marathon, we’re going to play music from In the Moment, to some extent in the way I’ve toured it in the past, but probably also some pieces that were never arranged for the band before. The Saturday Brooklyn Marathon is with a larger band, but still an improvised set, which is rare.”

This mix of small venues vs. larger stage shows underlines the shapeshifting adaptability of McCraven’s music itself. It harks back to watershed moments such as his appearances through Red Bull Music Academy, where he had the freedom to conceive of a big night with 12-13 artists, an approach that soon became the norm for him. From the start, his musical activities have always been truly grassroots, dating back to his pre-Chicago days in Western Massachusetts with the jazz/hip-hop group Cold Duck Complex, which opened for The Pharcyde, Digable Planets and the Wu-Tang Clan.

“One thing I’m proud of,” he says, “is if I do a gig in New York or wherever and Brandee [Younger] or Joel [Ross] or Marquis [Hill] see that I’m coming, maybe the ads are already out, Brandee will be like, ‘Hey, I’m in town and I’d love to just play with you guys.’ And Joel is like, ‘Hey, I’m in town too, can I play?’ And I’m like, you know what? F— it, everybody let’s play. I’m really honored and humbled that these such talented and brilliant musicians want to play with me.”

About NYC Winter Jazzfest
Praised by The New York Times, The New Yorker, NPR and countless other national publications, the NYCWJF has become a creative home for pathbreaking artists from the local NYC scene and globally, and a pivotal destination for arts leaders and cultural cognoscenti, hardcore fans and new listeners alike. The festival has grown at a rapid pace, from the original one-day single-location program to annual schedules putting as many as 150 groups (over 600 artists) on 20 stages throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Founded by New York concert impresario Brice Rosenbloom, NYCWJF has become the definitive all-inclusive jazz event that offers a “state of the union” of jazz and its many stylistic camps from avant-garde to post-bop, jazz-funk, fusion, hypermodern through-composed music and jazz-inflected world music. From party bands to ambient electronic groups to the most advanced compositional approaches – audiences sample everything the jazz world has to offer. As a destination event, attendees regularly travel from other states and countries to attend the festival. Many in the industry see it as jazz’s answer to SXSW. We hope to see you there!

Partners: Boom Collective, Yamaha, Venue Pilot, Megilla, Nublu, Moxy Hotels, Impluse! Records, Strata-East Records, Paris Jazz Club, TSF Jazz, Candid Records, Dada Strain, Pique-nique, Alternative Guitar Summit, KMDH, WBGO, WRTI, One Jazz, Fusicology, Do NYC, Afar

http://www.winterjazzfest.com

Kings Place, London - Programme for December 2024.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Kings Place has announced its programme for December 2024, including some performances that are likely to be of interest to jazz listeners. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

KINGS PLACE IN DECEMBER

Scotland Unwrapped Guest Curator Aidan O’Rourke collaborates with Sean Shibe, world premieres from James MacMillan, Anna Meredith and Electra Perivolaris, and sparkling seasonal programme featuring festive folk shows, comedy and more

Fiddler Aidan O’Rourke and guitarist Sean Shibe present ‘Lùban’, stripping back their respective genres

London Sinfonietta present world premieres from James MacMillan and Electra Perivolaris, enhanced by the d&b Soundscape system

The Colin Currie Quartet perform the world premiere of Anna Meredith’s Dodgem Studies arranged for percussion quartet, alongside new works by Aileen McSweeney and Ben Nobuto

Festive shows include the return of Robin Ince’s much loved Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People, Tim Edey’s Celtic Christmas and a much-anticipated debut from Michael Mwenso & The Shakes

SCOTLAND UNWRAPPED | CLASSICAL, FOLK

Scotland Unwrapped, the 16th edition of the award-winning series from Kings Place, concludes in December 2024, celebrating Scottish music and spoken word. The series has highlighted both its traditional and regional riches but also explored the diverse contemporary scene and the writers and composers that give Scotland its distinctive voice.

The London Sinfonietta presents an evening of music by Scottish composers exploring the idea of love and our deepest human need for connection. The programme includes works by Judith Weir, Peter Maxwell Davies and the world public premiere of James MacMillan’s Love bade me welcome and a world premiere of a new work from Electra Perivolaris, who also produces a specially-devised sonic landscape through the d&b Soundscape system [6 Dec]. The Colin Currie Quartet also present an evening of premieres, including a Kings Place commission for Scotland Unwrapped – Anna Meredith’s Dodgem Studies arranged for percussion quartet – and new works from Ben Nobuto and Aileen Sweeney [7 Dec].

Scotland Unwrapped Guest Curator and folk fiddler Aidan O’Rourke collaborates with classical guitarist Sean Shibe to present ‘Lùban’, a new project bringing together two Scottish musicians embedded in tradition but stripping back conservative rituals around their respective genres. Going to the source and unearthing old melodies from hidden away manuscripts, the project aims to make something truly new and unlike other classical/folk partnerships [6 Dec]. Cahill//Costello from Glasgow bring their shared, highly emotive soundworld to Kings Place – comprised of guitarist Kevin Daniel Cahill and drummer Graham Costello, they share a mutual passion for minimalism and improvisation [12 Dec]. Ambient experimental folk group Constant Follower and singer-songwriter Findlay Napier come to Kings Place – both keep the magic of Scottish folk alive while bringing it further into the contemporary scene [14 Dec].

CHRISTMAS

Robin Ince brings his ever-popular Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People to Kings Place, hosting three nights and a matinee of his pioneering blend of science and culture where the entire breadth of human creativity and curiosity will be on display – special guests this year include Helen Czerski, Chris Lintott, Kate Stables, Chris Jackson, Steve Pretty, Josie Long, Rachel Long and many more to be announced [13, 14 & 15 Dec].

A Winter Union present soaring harmonies and exquisite musicianship through a repertoire of brand new, specially written songs, fresh arrangements of traditional carols and seasonal classics from both sides of the Atlantic [11 Dec]. Multi award-winning singer-songwriter Charlie Dore returns to Kings Place with her new live show, The Man Who Built Christmas – alongside long-time collaborator Julian Littman and Gareth Huw Davies, they swap instruments and stories as they showcase yuletide originals as well as favourites from their past nine albums and songs never heard live before [13 Dec]. Tim Edey, one of the world’s finest guitarists and melodeon players, presents his Celtic Christmas show, celebrating various Christmas folk traditions alongside music from his extensive repertoire [18 Dec]. BIG Gospel Choir perform classic gospel anthems and festive favourites [18 Dec] and Michael Mwenso & The Shakes make their much-anticipated debut at Kings Place with A Funky Soulful Christmas. Mwenso is joined by an exceptional line-up of musicians and vocalists from New York and London to present an Afrofuturistic Winter Wonderland [19 Dec].

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS | CLASSICAL, FOLK, WORDS

The award-winning Barbican Quartet perform one of Haydn’s best loved quartets from the Op. 20 set, Ravel’s beautiful String Quartet in F and one of Beethoven’s finest quartets, the first of his Razumovsky quartets [8 Dec]. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment continue their ‘Bach, the Universe and Everything’ series, performing Bach’s Schwingt freudig euch empor BWV 36, composed for the First Sunday of Advent – guest speaker Helen Arney also joins, guiding the audience through a history of animals who have headed starwards in the service of space exploration [15 Dec].

Declan O’Rourke celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album Since Kyabram, which achieved gold, platinum and twice platinum status [20 Dec]. Piers Torday, Roxanne De Bastion, Sam Lee, Natasha Farrant and Laura Dockrill celebrate the power of music with OneTrackMinds, a cross between Desert Island Discs, TED Talks and The Moth that sees a selection of storytellers share one song that changed them forever [12 Dec].

CHRISTMAS

Wed 11 Dec | Hall Two 8pm
A WINTER UNION
Expect soaring harmonies and exquisite musicianship through a repertoire of brand new, specially written songs, fresh arrangements of traditional carols and seasonal classics from both sides of the Atlantic. Originally formed in 2015 for a one-off yuletide concert, A Winter Union have gone from strength to strength and are fast becoming thought of as the pre-Christmas knees up for folk & roots lovers all over the country.
£19 plus Concessions tickets

Fri 13, Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec | Hall One 7pm
Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People
Robin Ince hosts three nights and a matinee of his pioneering mash up of science and culture where the entire breadth of human creativity and curiosity will be on display from astronomy to art, poetry to palaeontology, music to maths and everything else in between. Special guests this year will include Helen Czerski, Chris Lintott, Kate Stables, Chris Jackson, Steve Pretty, Josie Long, Rachel Long and many, many, many more!
£28 plus Concessions tickets

Fri 13 Dec | Hall Two 8pm
Charlie Dore Trio
The Man Who Built Christmas
Multi-award-winner singer-songwriter Charlie Dore returns to Kings place with her new live show – The Man Who Built Christmas. Alongside her long-time collaborator Julian Littman of Steeleye Span, and Gareth Huw Davies, they swap guitars, piano, harmonium, mandolin, ukulele and stories as they showcase these yuletide originals as well as favourites from the past nine albums and several songs never before heard live.
£18 plus Concessions tickets

Wed 18 Dec | Hall Two 8pm
Tim Edey’s Celtic Christmas
Tim Edey, one of the world’s finest guitarists and melodeon players, presents his Celtic Christmas show, celebrating the various Christmas folk traditions from these islands, alongside music from his extensive repertoire. His album represents his globetrotting influences: the beauty of The Wexford Carol, reflecting a decade spent around the world with The Chieftains, the passion and stunning musicality of ‘The Galician Carol’, learned from Spanish superstar Carlos Nunez during recording together at Mike Oldfield’s studio.
£20 plus Concessions tickets

Wed 18 Dec | Hall One 7.30pm
BIG GOSPEL CHOIR AT CHRISTMAS
Join us for a joyous evening filled with soulful harmonies and uplifting gospel music that will bring the true spirit of the season to life. BIG Gospel Choir’s stunning vocals and heart-warming energy are sure to have you clapping, singing, and dancing as they perform classic gospel anthems, festive favourites, and some Gospel arrangements of songs that will touch your heart.
£20 – £40 plus Concessions Tickets

Thu 19 Dec | Hall One 8pm
A FUNKY SOULFUL CHRISTMAS WITH MICHAEL MWENSO & THE SHAKES
FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST REUBEN JAMES
Join Michael Mwenso and his band, The Shakes, for a celebration of community and love with a soulful twist on Christmas classics. Led by Mwenso, and featuring an exceptional line-up of musicians and vocalists from New York and London (including a dancer!), this event promises to bring to life an Afrofuturistic Winter Wonderland. This show marks Mwenso’s long-awaited return to London after a decade, showcasing the Afro-futurism work he’s been championing across the U.S.
£20 – £40 plus Concessions Tickets

CLASSICAL | CONTEMPORARY CLASSICAL  

Fri 6 Dec | Hall Two 8pm | Soundscape
LONDON SINFONIETTA
LOVE LINES
Scotland Unwrapped
Judith Weir Sketches from a Bagpipers Album
James MacMillan Love Bade me Welcome (world public premiere)
Electra Perivolaris new work (world premiere)
Peter Maxwell Davies Hymn to Artemis Locheia
James MacMillan After the Tryst
Mark van de Wiel clarinet |  Simon Haram saxophone, Jennifer France soprano |  London Sinfonietta
The London Sinfonietta presents an evening of music by Scottish Composers exploring the idea of love and our deepest human need for connection, with music from Judith Weir, Peter Maxwell Davies and James MacMillan. The concert will be enhanced by the use of the d&b Soundscape system with a specially-devised sonic landscape produced by Electra Perivolaris, which sets the scene in the hall and between the pieces.
£18 plus Concessions tickets

Sat 7 Dec | Hall One 7.30pm
Colin Currie Quartet play Anna Meredith
Scotland Unwrapped
David Horne Pulse (for solo marimba)
Aileen Sweeney new work (for percussion quartet, London premiere)
Steve Reich Mallet Quartet
Ben Nobuto new work
Anna Meredith Dodgem Studies (arranged for percussion quartet, world premiere)
Scottish star percussionist Colin Currie brings a uniquely sparkling quartet programme featuring two world premieres, and three Scots composers. Anna Meredith and Colin were in the same wind band at their Edinburgh high school and have always kept in touch. This concert sees the brazen eccentricity of her Dodgem Studies in a whizzingly upbeat new version; a Kings Place commission for Scotland Unwrapped.
£25 – £45 plus Concessions tickets

Sun 8 Dec | Hall One 6pm
BARBICAN QUARTET
London Chamber Music Society
Haydn String Quartet in D, Op. 20, No. 4
Ravel String Quartet in F
Beethoven String Quartet in F, Op. 59, No. 1, Razumovsky
In this debut concert for the LCMS, Barbican Quartet perform one of Haydn’s best loved quartets from the Op. 20 set, Ravel’s ravishingly beautiful early 20th-century quartet and one of Beethoven’s finest quartet achievements – the first of his Razumovsky Quartets. The Barbican Quartet is an award-winning ensemble whose array of prizes include first prize in the International Joseph Joachim Chamber Music Competition.
£18 – £30 plus Concessions tickets and 25% discount for LCMS Friends

Sun 15 Dec | Hall One 11.30am
ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
space animals
Bach, the Universe and Everything
Composed for the First Sunday of Advent in 1731, Schwingt freudig euch empor zu den erhabnen Sternen (Soar joyfully upwards to the exalted stars, BWV 36) is an extended two-part cantata in which we find Bach at his most jubilant. Our guest speaker, Helen Arney (33.33% of The Festival of the Spoken Nerd) joins us at a time of year when our thoughts might turn to heroic journeys made by an animal, as she guides us through a short history of animals who have headed starwards in the service of space exploration.
£20 plus Concessions tickets;  save 15% when you book 3 BTUAE concerts

CONTEMPORARY  

Thu 12 Dec | Hall Two 8pm
CAHILL//COSTELLO
Scotland Unwrapped
Consisting of guitarist Kevin Daniel Cahill and drummer Graham Costello, Cahill//Costello‘s music-making is grounded in patience and clarity, fusing elements of minimailism and ambient music in an honest appeal to the heart of the listener. In 2021 they released their debut album Offworld on Gearbox Records. 2024 sees the duo’s return with their second album Cahill//Costello II released on Gearbox Records.
£17 – £23 plus Concessions tickets

Wed 18 Dec | Hall One 7.30pm
BIG GOSPEL CHOIR AT CHRISTMAS
Join us for a joyous evening filled with soulful harmonies and uplifting gospel music that will bring the true spirit of the season to life. BIG Gospel Choir’s stunning vocals and heart-warming energy are sure to have you clapping, singing, and dancing as they perform classic gospel anthems, festive favourites, and some Gospel arrangements of songs that will touch your heart.
£20 – £40 plus Concessions Tickets

Thu 19 Dec | Hall One 8pm
A FUNKY SOULFUL CHRISTMAS WITH MICHAEL MWENSO & THE SHAKES
FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST REUBEN JAMES
Join Michael Mwenso and his band, The Shakes, for a celebration of community and love with a soulful twist on Christmas classics. Led by Mwenso, and featuring an exceptional line-up of musicians and vocalists from New York and London (including a dancer!), this event promises to bring to life an Afrofuturistic Winter Wonderland. This show marks Mwenso’s long-awaited return to London after a decade, showcasing the Afro-futurism work he’s been championing across the U.S.
£20 – £40 plus Concessions Tickets

Sat 21 Dec | Hall Two 8pm
DOMINIC MILLER
Most widely known as Sting’s trusty side-kick guitarist, Dominic Miller has been involved in every Sting album since the 1991 album The Soul Cages and performed over a thousand concerts with the former Police singer as well as co-written hit songs such as Shape Of My Heart and La Belle Dame sans regrets. Also a very successful solo artist, his new album Vagabond (ECM Records) is an addition to his solo discography.
Booking via external website

FAMILY  

Sat 14 Dec | Hall One 11.30am
Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People
FAMILY MATINEE
Robin Ince hosts three nights and a matinee of his pioneering mash up of science and culture where the entire breadth of human creativity and curiosity will be on display from astronomy to art, poetry to palaeontology, music to maths and everything else in between. Special guests this year will include Helen Czerski, Chris Lintott, Kate Stables, Chris Jackson, Steve Pretty, Josie Long, Rachel Long and many, many, many more!
£17 – £23 plus Concessions tickets

FOLK  

Fri 6 Dec | Hall One 7.30pm
Aidan O’Rourke & Sean Shibe
Lùban
Scotland Unwrapped
Bringing together two Scottish musicians who are both embedded in tradition, guest curator and folk fiddler Aidan O’Rourke is joined by classical guitarist Sean Shibe as they strip back the conservative ritual around their respective genres. Both of them gravitate to the edges of their traditions and thrive on roaming the hinterlands. They would like to find out where they might meet.
£25 plus Concessions tickets

Wed 11 Dec | Hall Two 8pm
a winter union
Expect soaring harmonies and exquisite musicianship through a repertoire of brand new, specially written songs, fresh arrangements of traditional carols and seasonal classics from both sides of the Atlantic. Originally formed in 2015 for a one-off yuletide concert, A Winter Union have gone from strength to strength and are fast becoming thought of as the pre-Christmas knees up for folk & roots lovers all over the country.
£19 plus Concessions tickets

Fri 13 Dec | Hall Two 8pm
Charlie Dore Trio
The Man Who Built Christmas
Multi-award-winner singer-songwriter Charlie Dore returns to Kings place with her new live show – The Man Who Built Christmas. Alongside her long-time collaborator Julian Littman of Steeleye Span, and Gareth Huw Davies, they swap guitars, piano, harmonium, mandolin, ukulele and stories as they showcase these yuletide originals as well as favourites from the past nine albums and several songs never before heard live.
£18 plus Concessions tickets

Sat 14 Dec | Hall Two 7pm
Constant Follower X Findlay Napier
Scotland Unwrapped
Self-describing as soaring-ambient-dreampop-experimental-folk, Constant Follower is the alias of songwriter Stephen McAll, whose instantly compelling and moving debut album, Neither is Nor Ever Was, was produced by Kramer. Tirelessly creative, Findlay Napier has been touring and releasing music since the early noughties; most recently as a solo act working under the guidance of legendary songwriter Boo Hewerdine.
£17 plus Concessions tickets

Wed 18 Dec | Hall Two 8pm
Tim Edey’s Celtic Christmas
Tim Edey, one of the world’s finest guitarists and melodeon players, presents his Celtic Christmas show, celebrating the various Christmas folk traditions from these islands, alongside music from his extensive repertoire. His album represents his globetrotting influences: the beauty of The Wexford Carol, reflecting a decade spent around the world with The Chieftains, the passion and stunning musicality of ‘The Galician Carol’, learned from Spanish superstar Carlos Nunez during recording together at Mike Oldfield’s studio.
£20 plus Concessions tickets

Fri 20 Dec | Hall One 7.30pm
DECLAN O’ROURKE
Since Kyabram 20th Anniversary
In October 2004, amongst a thriving Dublin music scene, Declan O’Rourke’s debut album Since Kyabram was released. In its first week, Since Kyabram entered the charts at No. 5 and over the following two years achieved gold, platinum and twice platinum status. The album held within it a collection of songs which led to award nominations and plaudits from Paul Weller, Eddi Reader, Paul Brady and Snow Patrol.
£32

SOUNDSCAPE

Fri 6 Dec | Hall Two 8pm | Soundscape
LONDON SINFONIETTA
LOVE LINES
Scotland Unwrapped
Judith Weir Sketches from a Bagpipers Album
James MacMillan Love Bade me Welcome (world public premiere)
Electra Perivolaris new work (world premiere)
Peter Maxwell Davies Hymn to Artemis Locheia
James MacMillan After the Tryst
Mark van de Wiel clarinet |  Simon Haram saxophone, Jennifer France soprano |  London Sinfonietta
The London Sinfonietta presents an evening of music by Scottish Composers exploring the idea of love and our deepest human need for connection, with music from Judith Weir, Peter Maxwell Davies and James MacMillan. The concert will be enhanced by the use of the d&b Soundscape system with a specially-devised sonic landscape produced by Electra Perivolaris, which sets the scene in the hall and between the pieces.
£18 plus Concessions tickets

WORDS / COMEDY  

Mon 9 Dec | Hall One 7.30pm
THE TURING LECTURES
can we live with ai?
In a world where AI seems to be taking over more and more human tasks, while placing ever greater demands on our environment, Shannon Vallor asks a crucial question in the final lecture in this series: can we live with AI, and what do we need to be able to do so harmoniously? This thought-provoking talk will challenge your assumptions about AI and its role, as we unpack its impact on our daily lives and what this means for humanity.
Booking via external website

Thu 12 Dec | Hall One 7.30pm
ONETRACKMINDS
with Roxane De Bastion, Piers Torday, Sam Lee, NATASHA FARRANT AND LAURA DOCKRILL
Everyone has a story of a song that changed their life. For a special series at Kings Place, award-winning OneTrackMinds (a cross between Desert Island Discs, TED Talks and The Moth) brings together an inspiring selection of musicians, writers, performers and thinkers, each presenting a thought-provoking story about that one track that changed their life, while leaving a lasting impact on yours.
£18 plus Concessions tickets

Fri 13, Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec | Hall One 7pm
Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People
Robin Ince hosts three nights and a matinee of his pioneering mash up of science and culture where the entire breadth of human creativity and curiosity will be on display from astronomy to art, poetry to palaeontology, music to maths and everything else in between. Special guests this year will include Helen Czerski, Chris Lintott, Kate Stables, Chris Jackson, Steve Pretty, Josie Long, Rachel Long and many, many, many more!
£28 plus Concessions tickets

Sun 15 Dec | Hall One 11.30am
ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
space animals
Bach, the Universe and Everything
Composed for the First Sunday of Advent in 1731, Schwingt freudig euch empor zu den erhabnen Sternen (Soar joyfully upwards to the exalted stars, BWV 36) is an extended two-part cantata in which we find Bach at his most jubilant. Our guest speaker, Helen Arney (33.33% of The Festival of the Spoken Nerd) joins us at a time of year when our thoughts might turn to heroic journeys made by an animal, as she guides us through a short history of animals who have headed starwards in the service of space exploration.
£20 plus Concessions tickets;  save 15% when you book 3 BTUAE concerts

ABOUT KINGS PLACE
Kings Place is an adventurous music and arts venue with an ambition to inspire local community and promote the power of the arts in our society. Its venues enable learning, discovery, debate and experiences that are powerfully intimate, enabling human connection between artists and audiences.
The dedicated and supportive team programmes a series of festivals and events, developing cross-arts collaborations and artistic relationships that deliver unforgettable live experiences.
The award-winning concert series, Unwrapped, is its flagship programme, exploring big ideas and overarching themes across the year. Kings Place is also the UK’s home of live podcasting as creators and hosts of the London Podcast Festival.
As a registered charity Kings Place does not receive regular public funding. Income is generated through ticket sales, donations, grants, and the staging of world-class conferences and events.
http://www.kingsplace.co.uk

Kings Place,
90 York Way,
London N1 9AG.

Music Spoken Here, Worcester, 2025 Programme Preview.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Dave Fuller, the instigator of the Music Spoken Here events at the Marr's Bar in Worcester has forwarded a preview of the club's 2025 live music programme. Details attached.

Dave Fuller writes;

2025 Programme Preview

We’ve got some really special shows coming up next year! You’ll start to see these published on our website and social media in the next few weeks and I’ve almost finished the artwork for the next round of flyers to cover December through to February, which will be going to print next week. One of the benefits of signing up to our mailing list is that you’ll get to hear about what’s coming up ahead of everyone else!



We’re kicking off 2025 on 9th January with the fantastic Latin 7-piece TRYPL, founded by Trevor Mires, Ryan Quigley and Paul Booth - three of the busiest session horn players in the UK who between them have worked with Incognito, Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies Quincy Jones and Louis Cole among many other top acts. If you were with us for HOOP in November last year, you’ll already be familiar with Paul and Ryan (check out this video from that incredible night!).



We’ve already had some top class drummers feature on our program over the last couple of years, but in January we’re kicking off a mini-series putting the spotlight firmly on the ‘throne’ with drummer-led bands, starting with Jas Kayser (pictured) on 23rd January. In 2021, Jas won the Parliamentary Jazz Newcomer of the Year and Jazz FM Breakthrough Act of the Year awards and she released her debut album in 2022 on the Jazz re:freshed label for their ‘5ive’ series. She has featured with leading artists including Jorja Smith, Alfa Mist, Nubia Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings, most recently joining Lenny Kravitz on his 2024 “Blue Electric Light” tour, which will finish it’s South American leg in December, resuming in Europe from February. This booking has been two years in the making with dozens of emails and phone calls and a change of manager in March this year, so I am really delighted to finally be able to announce it!



We’re following that up on 13th February with an incredible young Birmingham band Impossible Conversations, headed up by drummer Louis Hamilton-Foad (grandson of Jamaican sax legend Andy Hamilton who migrated to the UK in 1949, settling in Birmingham), then another fellow Brummie drummer (now living in London), Romarna Campbell on 27th February. The series ends with Nigerian percussionist Lekan Babalola with his Sacred Funk 4tet on 13th March. Lekan has worked extensively with one of my favourite jazz vocalists, Cassandra Wilson, for many years.



Remaining dates for your diary before the summer break are Rob Luft (27 March), Tomasz Bura (10 April), Hypnos Files (24 April), Empirical (8 May), Karim Saber (22 May), Dreamscapes (12 June) and John Law’s Recreations (26 June).



Don’t forget, you can see all these gigs for just £18 per month and bag yourself a super cool t-shirt and priority seating with our Club Membership. You won’t get a better deal than that for this standard of live music anywhere else!
https://musicspokenhere.club/a-new-approach/club-membership

Venue for all events;
The Marr’s Bar, 12 Pierpoint Street, Worcester WR1 1TA

More at http://www.musicspokenhere.club

Recipients Announced For 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

The recipients of the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards were announced on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at 8pm. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Recipients Announced For 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards

The recipients of the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards were announced on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at 8pm.

The Parliamentary Jazz Awards are organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) and supported by music licensing company PPL. The Awards celebrate and recognise the vibrancy, diversity, talent and breadth of the jazz scene throughout the United Kingdom. The award categories reflect the ever-increasing scope of talent from within the UK’s jazz scene: Jazz Vocalist of the Year; Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year; Jazz Album of the Year; Jazz Ensemble of the Year; Jazz Newcomer of the Year; Jazz Venue of the Year; Jazz Media Award; Jazz Education Award and the Services to Jazz Award.

Chi Onwurah MP Chair of APPJG, said:
“These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the talents and energies of the great musicians, educators, promoters, record labels, jazz organisations, blogs, jazz magazines and journalists who have kept jazz flourishing. These recipients demonstrate the wealth of talent and commitment that exists in the British jazz scene. Now in their 19th year, the Parliamentary Jazz Awards honour the best of British jazz. MPs and Peers in the All-Party Group is grateful to PPL music licensing company for supporting the event.

Lord Mann Co-Chair of APPJG:
“This has been another really strong year for the Parliamentary Jazz Awards in terms of talent and nominations. The well-deserved recipients are a veritable who’s who of names that have made a real impact on the music and helped make the UK one of the world’s leading jazz territories”.

Peter Leathem OBE, Chief Executive Officer of PPL said:
“PPL is delighted to support the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards. The recipients reflect both the phenomenal jazz talent we have here in the UK and the community built around them in the nations and regions. Congratulations to the winners and all those nominated on their success to date. The Awards were introduced and presented by: Lord Mann and Chi Onwurah MP, Issie Barratt, Jo White MP, Yvette Griffith OBE, Steve Crocker, Orphy Robinson MBE, Peter Leathem OBE, Jane Cornwell, Jon Newey. MC Chris Hodgkins.

The band were: Andrea Vicari (piano), Alison Rayner (bass), Tori Freestone (sax), Henry Lowther (trumpet) and Noah Ojumu (drums).

The full list of recipients is as follows:

Jazz Vocalist of the Year
Emma Smith
Emma Smith’s star is on the ascendant. With diverse and extensive experience performing everywhere from the 02 Arena to the leading jazz clubs of New York City, collaborating and recording with the likes of Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Georgie Fame and Seal along the way, Emma Smith has created a formidable reputation as a powerful and expressive artist in UK jazz. Emma Smith’s many accolades to date includes the widespread success of her long established vocal harmony group The Puppini Sisters, as well as a stint as a broadcaster on BBC Radio 3, not to mention a range of awards and compliments from organisations and critics alike, including winning the prestigious ‘Worshipful Company Of Musicians Medal. Now with the release of the new album and a series of live dates throughout the UK.
https://www.emmasmithmusic.co.uk/

Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year
Emma Rawicz
Jamie Cullum calls British saxophonist Emma Rawicz “an astonishing talent”. Despite her young age of 22, she has already achieved an enormous amount: at 19 Rawicz
independently released her critically acclaimed debut album, “Incantation” and singlehandedly managed an extensive UK release tour, including headline appearances at prestigious venues including the Jazz Cafe and Ronnie Scott’s. Since then, her international career has flourished, playing in over 15 countries.
Rawicz’s achievements have been recognised: she is a recipient of Newcomer Parliamentary Jazz Award, finalist at the Jazz FM Awards and the BBC Young Jazz Musician Competition. The Royal Academy of Music recently awarded Rawicz the Musician’s Company Silver Medal for excellence and contribution to the institution, an award not previously given to a jazz student.
Rawicz has already had the privilege of working in important roles with some high-profile festivals and established ensembles: in 2023 she was the Cambridge Jazz Festival’s Artist in Residence. In addition to this, she has featured as a soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra at Queen Elizabeth Hall in the 2022 London Jazz Festival, and with the German SWR Radio Big Band at a sold-out Berlin Philharmonie in February 2024.
In 2024 and beyond, the future already promises to be exciting for Rawicz, as she heads into the studio twice more to record new music with previously unrecorded ensembles. 2024 will also see Rawicz graduate from the prestigious Royal Academy of Music and throw herself into a busy touring and recording schedule as her career continues to develop.
https://www.emmarawicz.com/

Jazz Album of the Year
Zoe Rahman “The Colour Of Sound”
Gathering together an eight-piece band of outstanding musicians, Zoe Rahman has created The Colour Of Sound: the most ambitious, many-hued, uplifting large-ensemble music of her multi-award winning career. Her choice of collaborators reflects her deep engagement with the diversity of contemporary Britain. Starting with the foundational rhythm team of explosive US native Gene Calderazzo on drums and long-time scene stalwart Alec Dankworth on bass, she’s built up a frontline of players from across the generations of current UK players. Trumpeter Alex Ridout and trombonist Rosie Turton represent the new wave of young empowered female players: flautist Rowland Sutherland and Zoe’s brother Idris Rahman on saxes and clarinet are joined by guest trumpeter Byron Wallen to bring their wealth of diverse musical heritage, their gravitas as long-time scene leaders, and their undimming passion and commitment to the project. The music paints on a wide canvas in vibrant colours.
Colour Of Sound combines Zoe’s unique and powerful writing with thrilling arrangements and dynamic performances from the whole band to create an album of jazz at its highest level that still communicates its message directly to the listener. It’s a splash of colour and a bold statement beautifully realised that is Zoe Rahman’s most compelling work to date.
https://zoerahman.bandcamp.com/album/colour-of-sound

Jazz Ensemble of the Year
Alina Bzhezhinska’s HipHarpCollective
Fresh off a blazing trail of festival and concert Gigs, Alina and the HipHarpCollective continue their momentum through the UK Jazz scene. Downbeat magazine has recently hailed Alina as one of the acts redefining the European Jazz scene, her unique approach to the harp and her compositions are captivating in the studio but take on a whole new level when experienced live.
Reflections follows up her critically-acclaimed debut album Inspiration. Alina Bzhezhinska collaborates with British jazz stars Tony Kofi (saxophones), Jay Phelps (trumpet), Julie Walkington (double bass) and vocalist Vimala Rowe, strongly supported by international talents Mikele Montolli (electric bass), Joel Prime (percussion), Adam Teixeira (drums) and Ying Xue (violin & viola).
https://www.hipharpcollective.com/

Jazz Newcomer of the Year
Ife Ogunjobi
Ife Ogunjobi is a London raised musician born to Nigerian parents whose music is an amalgamation of the sounds around his upbringing. Growing up in South East London, his surroundings have enriched his music with various genres such as Jazz, Afrobeat and Hip-hop. His musical concept removes the barriers between the different genres of music and portrays his authentic sound. Ife’s debut EP “Stay True” released September 14th 2023 Blending Fuji and Afrobeats influences from his Nigerian heritage with Jazz and Hip Hop elements that influenced his London upbringing. A vital contributor to the London scene, Ife is one fifth of the band Ezra Collective who won the 2023 Mercury Prize for their album “Where I’m Meant to Be”. As well as touring and recording with Ezra Collective he has also performed at sold out stadiums like “Madison Square Garden” with the likes of Wizkid and Burna Boy.
Ife has gained recognition through his sold-out headline show at London Omeara as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. As well as this he has also had packed festival appearances at Love Supreme and We Out Here 2022 and was curated by award winning DJ, Giles Peterson for Appleton Rum’s Jazz Sessions.
https://www.ifeogunjobi.com/

Jazz Venue of the Year
The Verdict Brighton
The Verdict in Brighton is celebrating its 12th Anniversary. Nominated APPJA Jazz Venue of the Year 2022/23/24. The Verdict is a multi award winning grass roots music venue, the only full time Jazz venue outside of London in the south of England, it has been named as one of the 10 top jazz clubs in Europe by The Guardian. Weekly hosting the best in jazz music with Top International acts, playing blues, swing, funk, Latin Jazz and fusion.
https://www.verdictjazz.com/

Jazz Media Award
Gilles Peterson MBE
Gilles Peterson is a broadcaster, DJ, and record label owner. He founded the influential labels Acid Jazz and Talkin’ Loud, and started his current label Brownswood Recordings in 2006. He was awarded an honorary MBE in 2004, the AIM Award for Indie Champion and the Mixmag Award for Outstanding Contribution To Dance Music in 2013, the PRS for Music Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music Radio in 2014, and The A&R Award from the Music Producers Guild in 2019.
Throughout his career, Peterson has played a pivotal role in promoting genres such as jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music. He started his career on pirate radio stations Radio Invicta and K-Jazz, later joining legal stations in London, first the newly founded Jazz FM, and then onto the dance music station Kiss FM. In 1998, he was hired by BBC Radio 1, and in 2012 he began hosting a three-hour Saturday afternoon programme on BBC Radio 6 Music. He hosts a syndicated radio programme that is broadcast in seven European countries.
In 2016, he launched the online radio station Worldwide FM with Boiler Room co-founder and original host Thristian Richards. He also hosts mixes and new music on his SoundCloud page, where he has over three million followers. He is behind several events celebrating the music that he supports through his DJ sets and radio shows. Since 2005, he has hosted the annual Worldwide Awards in London and Worldwide Festival in Sète. In 2019, launched the new We Out Here festival in the UK.
https://www.gillespetersonworldwide.com/

Jazz Education Award
Nikki Yeoh
Nikki is a jazz composer, pianist and educator recognised as one of the most ground-breaking contemporary jazz composers of her generation. She is mentor for Music for Youth and presented Music for Youth’s Jazz Evening as well as BBC’s Young Jazz Musician of the year. Her new composition ‘Nucleus’, commissioned by the National Youth Jazz Orchestra was premiered in 2022. Nucleus, which is dedicated to trumpet player & educator, Ian Carr, who was a major influence in Yeoh’s musical upbringing, as well as a major force in progressive UK jazz fronting the jazz-rock band of the same name.
Nikki Yeoh joined Guildhall School’s Music Education Islington team to develop jazz and improvised music provision for Islington children and young people. As a teacher and educator, Nikki teaches piano at The Camden School for Girls and Portland Place School, runs jazz ensembles for Camden Music and is a mentor for Music for Youth. She was also the Musical Director for the finalists of the BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020.

Services to Jazz Award
George Nelson – Moment’s Notice
George Nelson has built his regular Moment’s Notice events into one of the most sought-after tickets on the London jazz scene. With the launch of his new label Red Dust, listeners across the country will be able to hear the concerts for themselves. Moment’s Notice showcases five leading lights in the art of spontaneous composition. Each episode consists of one duo and one trio playing a fully-improvised, 40-minute sets. The evening culminates with a co Moment’s Notice showcases five leading lights in the art of spontaneous composition. Each episode consists of one duo and one trio playing fully-improvised, 40-minute sets. The evening culminates with a combo quintet set. Line-ups are curated by the event creator, George Nelson. Every episode takes place Amp Studios, Old Kent Road.
https://www.georgenelsonphotography.com/momentsnotice

Special APPJG Awards

Anita Wardell
Born in Guildford, UK, Anita moved to Australia with her family as a child. After attending secondary school she completed her degree in Music at the Adelaide University. In
1990, Anita relocated back to the UK where she studied at the Guildhall school of music and drama. Anita’s recording career began in 1995 with her CD, Why do you Cry? featuring pianist Liam Noble.
In 1998 she released Straight Ahead with international star pianist Jason Rebello.
Her longstanding musical relationship with pianist Robin Aspland started with the release of Until The Stars Fade in.
In 2004 she teamed up with tenor saxophonist, Benn Clatworthy, and recorded If You Never Come to Me.
Anita received the prestigious BBC Jazz Award for Best of Jazz category in 2006. In the same year she was signed to Proper Records and recorded Noted (2006) and Kinda Blue (2008).
Her latest album, The Road, was released in summer 2013. In the same year she won the Best Vocalist category in the British Jazz Awards
As you might have heard, earlier this year Anita had a stroke.” I’m making good progress and am currently in rehab”.
https://www.anitawardell.com/

Paula Gardiner
Paula Gardiner is best known for her work as jazz bassist and composer, based in Wales. Paula has just retired as Head of Jazz at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama after 22 years However, her professional career began as a classical guitarist and composer for theatre. She has written extensively for theatre, radio and film. Paula calls herself ‘The Accidental Bassist’, as a number of coincidences found her playing firstly electric bass in an afro-Cuban band, and then double bass for Cardiff’s central jazz club, The Four Bars Inn, providing the rhythm section for a host of visiting international artists.
She has recorded for several Welsh language artists including Sian James, Bryn Fôn and Iwcs a Doyle.
During the nineties and noughties, Paula founded several bands including the Paula Gardiner Quartet (featuring John Parricelli), 6, The Paula Gardiner Trio and the anarchic big band that was Wales’s Jazz Composers (featuring Huw Warren). She has worked internationally, taking her own music to the US and composing/conducting a major project in Wales and South Africa for the cultural Olympiad, 2012.
Paula has had a close association with the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition, most recently acting as mentor and bass accompanist for the televised final. She is an active member of the Ivors Academy Jazz Committee.
https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/our-stories/celebrating-head-of-jazz-paula-gardiner

The All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) currently has over 73 members from the House of Commons and House of Lords across all political parties. Their aim is to encourage wider and deeper enjoyment of jazz, to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of the jazz industry and issues surrounding it, to promote jazz as a
musical form and to raise its profile inside and outside Parliament. The Group’s officers as at the Inaugural Meeting on 23rd July 2024 are the Chair, Chi Onwurah MP and Deputy Chair, Lord Mann. The Officers are Jo White MP and Lord Crathorne. The Secretary is Chris Hodgkins with the assistance of Simon Jennings, Will Riley-Smith of NorthPoint Strategy and Andrew Lansley. The Secretary operates on a strictly pro bono basis and no expenses of any kind are paid to the Secretariate. The contact address is: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
For further details of the Group including recent minutes and please see: https://www.parliament.uk/about/mps- and-lords/members/apg/

All-Party Parliamentary Groups are informal groups of Members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues. The views expressed in this report are those of the group. This is not an official publication of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It has not been approved by either House or its committees.

About PPL
PPL is the UK music industry’s collective management organisation (CMO) for performers and recording rightsholders, founded in 1934. We license recorded music in the UK when it is played in public (bars, nightclubs, shops, offices, etc.) or broadcast (BBC, commercial radio, commercial TV, etc.) and we work to ensure that revenue flows back to both our own members and those of our international CMO partners. Our members include both independent and major record companies, together with performers ranging from emerging grassroots artists through to established session musicians and globally renowned artists. In 2023, PPL’s revenue was £283.5 million, the highest in the organisation’s 90-year history, and we paid close to 165,000 performers and recording rightsholders.
PPL’s public performance licensing is carried out on our behalf by PPL PRS Ltd, the joint venture between PPL and PRS for Music. Through a network of agreements with CMOs around the world, we also collect performance rights royalties internationally when music is played overseas in public and used on TV, radio and some online streaming services, as well as for private copying. International royalties are an increasingly important revenue stream for performers and recording rightsholders.

Liam Ward - Gig schedule for October 2024 to November 2025.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Blues harmonica player and vocalist Liam Ward has announced his gig schedule for the coming months, which will feature his playing and singing with a variety of different line ups.

From;
https://www.liamwardmusic.com/gigs-and-workshops

UPCOMINGSHOWS

2024​

​

SAT 26TH OCTOBER The Liam Ward Band @ Ram Jam Records (Kingston)
9.00pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.ramjamrecords.co.uk

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FRI 1ST NOVEMBER Country/Rockaoke @ VanLove (Newbury Racecourse)
http://www.vanlove.com

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FRI 8TH NOVEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Emsworth Music Club (Hampshire)
8.00pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.emsworthmusic.club

SAT 9TH NOVEMBER Warren James Skiffle Group @ Bridgwater Arts Centre (Somerset)
https://uk.patronbase.com/_BridgwaterArtsCentre/Productions/2P/Performances

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SUN 10TH NOVEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ The Bell Inn (Bath)
1.00pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.thebellinnbath.co.uk

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SAT 16TH NOVEMBER Country/Rockaoke @ Buck n Bull Saloon (London)
http://www.bucknbullsaloon.com

​

FRI 22TH NOVEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ The Extra Care Charitable Trust (Sutton Coldfield)
7.30pm, 2 x 60 mins http://www.extracare.org.uk

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SAT 23RD NOVEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band - Gospel Concert @ Nantwich Methodist Church (Cheshire)
7.30pm, 2 x 60 mins http://www.nantwichmethodist.co.uk

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SUN 24TH NOVEMBER Hit Parade Heroes @ Solihull Jazz
12.30pm, 2 x 60 mins http://www.jazzamatazz.org.uk

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WED 27TH NOVEMBER Warren James Skiffle @ Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club
http://www.facebook.com/SuttonColdfieldTradJazzClub

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SAT 30TH NOVEMBER Oasis Supernova @ Cinemac Live (Macclesfield, Cheshire)
http://www.cinemaclive.co.uk/product/oasis-supernova

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WED 4TH DECEMBER Cole & Ward @ Harborough Blues Club
7.30pm, 2 x 50 mins http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/harboroughblues

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THU 5TH DECEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Lyceum Folk Club (Newport)
8.30pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.lyceumfolknewport.org.uk

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FRI 6TH DECEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band - Gospel Concert @ St. James Church (Audley, Stoke-on-Trent)
7.30pm 2 x 60 mins http://www.jmj.org.uk

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SAT 14TH DECEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Shropshire Blues Club
8.00pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.facebook.com/ShropshireBluesClub

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SUN 15TH DECEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Stafford Jazz Society
12.30pm, 2 x 50 mins http://www.staffordjazz.org

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2025

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TUE 18TH FEBRUARY Cole & Ward @ Supper Club Hampton-in-Arden
Details TBC

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WED 19TH FEBRUARY The Jake Leg Jug Band - Gospel Concert @ St. Lawrence’s Church (Biddulph)
8.00pm, 2 x 60 mins (part of Biddulph Up in Arms) http://www.biddulphupinarms.com

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FRI 21ST FEBRUARY Oasis Supernova @ Camp & Furnace (Liverpool)
http://www.campandfurnace.com

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SAT 22ND FEBRUARY Oasis Supernova @ Square Chapel, Halifax
http://www.squarechapel.co.uk/shows/oasis-supernova-2

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FRI 28TH FEBRUARY-SUN 2ND MARCH EuroBlues Acoustic Weekend (Wantage, Oxfordshire)
http://www.euroblues.co.uk/acoustic-blues-weekend-wantage

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FRI 14TH MARCH Warren James Trio @ Sutton Coldfield Guitar Club
Details TBC

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SAT 15TH MARCH Oasis Supernova @ Middleton Arena
http://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events

FRI 21ST MARCH Oasis Supernova @ Tavistock Wharf
http://www.tavistockwharf.com/whats_on

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SAT 22ND MARCH Oasis Supernova @ The 1865, Southampton
http://www.the1865.store/events/oasis-supernova

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TUE 1ST APRIL The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Leeds Jazz Club
8.00pm, 2 x 60 mins http://www.facebook.com/TheLeedsJazzClub

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WED 2ND APRIL The Jake Leg Jug Band - Private Booking (Hull)

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FRI 4TH APRIL The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Valley Folk Club (Pontardawe, Wales)
8.00pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.casbar.co.uk/pontardawe-valley-folk-club

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SAT 12TH APRIL Walk On Back to Happiness @ Hanger Farm Arts Centre (Totton)
http://www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/hanger-farm

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FRI 18TH APRIL Oasis Supernova @ Marble Factory (Bristol)
http://www.themarblefactory-bristol.com

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FRI 25TH APRIL The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Ongar Jazz Club (Essex)
8.00pm, 2 x 60 mins http://www.ongarjazzclub.co.uk

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SUN 27TH APRIL The Jake Leg Jug Band - Gospel Concert @ St. Mary’s Church Primrose Hill (London)
7.00pm, 2 x 60 mins http://www.stmarysprimrosehill.com

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THU 1ST MAY The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Blues with Bottle (Ramsgate)
8.00pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.blueswithbottleclub.co.uk

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SAT 3RD MAY The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Green Note (Camden)
8.30pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.greennote.co.uk

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SUN 4TH MAY The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Filey Folk Festival (North Yorkshire)
7.30pm, 2 x 45 mins (Venue: Evron Centre) http://www.fileyevroncentre.co.uk

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TUE 6TH MAY Cole & Ward Trio @ Bristol Blues Club
9.00pm, 2 x 50 mins http://www.facebook.com/BristolBluesClub

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SAT 24TH MAY The Jake Leg Jug Band @ The Jazz Centre UK (Southend)
2.00pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.thejazzcentreuk.co.uk

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FRI 20TH JUNE Oasis Supernova @ Old Fire Station (Carlisle)
http://www.ofscarlisle.co.uk/event-oasis-supernova

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SAT 28TH JUNE The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Upton Jazz Festival
Details TBC http://www.uptonjazz.co.uk

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SUN 29TH JUNE The Jake Leg Jug Band @ M&J Jazz Weekend (Dawlish Warren, Devon)
12.30pm, 2 x 60 mins (Venue: Langstone Cliff Hotel) http://www.mjpromotions.co.uk

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FRI 12TH SEPTEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Driotwich Jazz Club
8.00pm, 2 x 50 mins http://www.richardleachjazz.co.uk/jazz-club

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THU 18TH SEPTEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Ebberston Village Hall (Scarborough)
7.30pm,  2 x 60 mins http://www.ebberstonvillage.wordpress.com

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SUN 21ST SEPTEMBER The Story of Skiffle @ Livermead Jazz Weekend (Torquay)
Details TBC

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THU 2ND OCTOBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Pump House Jazz Club (Watford)
8.00pm, 2 x 60 mins http://www.pumphouse.info

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SAT 25TH OCTOBER Oasis Supernova @ 53 Degrees (Preston)
http://www.53degrees.net

SAT 8TH NOVEMBER The Liam Ward Band @ Diseworth Blues Club (Leicestershire)
8.00pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.muckyduckpromotions.co.uk/diseworth-blues-club

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SAT 15TH NOVEMBER The Jake Leg Jug Band @ Calstock Arts (Cornwall)
8.00pm, 2 x 45 mins http://www.calstockarts.org

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Clarinettist Anat Cohen & Quartetinho On Tour In Celebration of new album “Bloom”.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Clarinettist Anat Cohen will be touring widely in the US and Europe during October and November 2024 and into 2025 with her band Quartetinho in support of her new album "Bloom". Press release attached

We have received the following press release;

Grammy-Nominated Jazz Clarinetist Anat Cohen & Quartetinho On Tour In Celebration of BLOOM

Grammy-Nominated Jazz Clarinetist Anat Cohen Presents Bloom, the Second Album by Her Globally Minded, Free-Spirited Band Quartetinho

Bloom — OUT TODAY on Anzic Records — features a fresh take on Monk’s “Trinkle, Tinkle” plus originals by Anat and bassist-guitarist Tal Mashiach, pianist-accordionist Vitor Gonçalves & vibraphonist-percussionist James Shipp
https://anatcohen.bandcamp.com/album/quartetinho-bloom-2

PREMIERED ON JAZZ AFTER HOURS & JAZZ HAPPENING NOW WITH JEFF HANLEY

ANAT COHEN QUARTETINHO
IS TAKING BLOOM AROUND THE WORLD:

Oct 16: Columbia, MO | Whitmore Recital Hall @ 7:00pm
w/ Romero Lubambo & Peter Martin

Oct 17: Little Rock, AR | Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts @ 7:30pm
w/ Romero Lubambo & Peter Martin

Oct 18: Fayettville, AR | Walton Arts Center @ 7:30pm
w/ Romero Lubambo & Peter Martin

Oct 19: Columbia, MO | The Sheldon @ 8:00pm
w/ Romero Lubambo & Peter Martin

Oct 22: Cologne, GER | Stadtgarten @ 7:30pm

Oct 23: Berlin, GER | Zig Zag Jazz Club @ 9:00pm

Oct 25: Belgrade, SRB | Belgrade Jazz Festival @ 7:00pm

Oct 26: Zagreb, CRO | Zagreb Jazz Festival @ 8:00pm

Oct 27: Split, CRO | Hrvatski Dom Split @ 8:00pm

Oct 28: Pula, CRO | Backstage Live Pula @ 8:00pm

Oct 30: Lausanne, CH | JazzOnze+ Festival @ 7:00pm

Oct 31: Paris, FR | Le Duc des Lombards @ 7:30pm & 10:00pm

Nov 1: Munich, GER | Jazzclub Unterfahrt @ 8:30pm

Nov 2: Wuppertal, GER | Wupppertal JazzMeeting @ 7:30pm

Nov 4: Barcelona, ES | Auditori Conservatori Liceu Masterclass @ 4:30pm

Nov 4: Barcelone, ES | Con. Superior de Música del Liceu @ 8:30pm

Nov 6: Rome, IT | Casa del Jazz @ 9:00pm

Nov 7: Macerata, IT | Macerata Jazz @ 9:00pm

Nov 8: Padova, IT | Padova Jazz Festival @ 9:00pm

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!
Anat Cohen will be marking her 50th birthday next spring with a special set of four concerts in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room, an indoor amphitheater overlooking the New York City skyline. “Anat Cohen: Journeys — A 50th Birthday Celebration,” taking place March 14-15, 2025, will present the clarinetist-saxophonist performing in solo, duo, small-group and large-ensemble settings, including with her Tentet and alongside her brothers, trumpeter Avishai Cohen and saxophonist Yuval Cohen, both celebrated artists in their own right. The programs will showcase Anat’s broad mastery of music, from swing and post-bop to Brazilian and other world styles.
For tickets and details, click here
https://jazz.org/concert/anat-cohen-journeys-a-50th-birthday-celebration/

“Wherever Anat Cohen’s music is heard, it’s instantly springtime. Sunny melodies and spritely rhythms mark the clarinetist’s music time and time again . . . Cohen is undeniably one of the jazz giants of the modern scene, and over the past 20 years, has contributed to the shape of jazz today. You can’t possibly go wrong with scooping up one of these recordings.”
- Dave Sumner, The Best Jazz On Bandcamp, Sept 2024

“Sophisticated, fun, and accessible, Bloom is pretty much guaranteed to brighten your day.”
- Mel Minter, Musically Speaking

“Blessed with a diversity of ensemble textures… this intimate, quietly beautiful chamber music sparkles with originality.”
- from DownBeat Magazine’s four-star review of the first Quartetinho album

Anat Cohen, renowned for her expressive virtuosity and infectious charisma, has been an international jazz star for some two decades now, with a long string of releases via her Anzic Records label ranging from hard-swingers to lilting balladry, from small groups to larger ensembles and back again, exploring a world of music along the way. The clarinetist’s newest release is Bloom, the second album by her foursome Quartetinho (pronounced “quartet-CHIN-yo”). The band name is Portuguese for “little quartet,” although the players make a big, color-rich sound, each an ace on multiple instruments: Anat on various clarinets, Tal Mashiach on bass and guitar, Vitor Gonçalves on piano and accordion, and James Shipp on vibraphone and percussion. The group’s 2022 debut recording, Quartetinho, included a brace of originals by Anat, Brazilian classics by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Egberto Gismonti, and even an interpretation of the “Goin’ Home” melody from Dvorák’s “New World” Symphony. DownBeat described that first album’s pan-American sound as “fetching” and “luxurious,” while the UK’s Jazzwise declared the disc to be “hugely enjoyable.” Bloom, the Quartetinho follow-up (and Anat’s 19th album as a leader or co-leader), showcases compositions by each member of the band, as well as a lovely, lyrical take on Thelonious Monk’s “Trinkle, Tinkle” and an expansive arrangement of Paraguayan guitarist-composer Augustín Barrios Mangoré’s classic “La Catedral.” Anzic releases Bloom in vinyl, CD and digital editions, today, September 27, 2024. As Bandcamp Daily said: “There’s nothing controversial about stating that Anat Cohen is one of the very best clarinet players in the jazz world, and it’s always a treat when she releases a new album.”

The members of Quartetinho have an extensive collaborative history together, as each musician is also part of the Grammy-nominated Anat Cohen Tentet (which has yielded two albums, 2017’s Happy Song and 2019’s Triple Helix). Mashiach, a native of Israel, has also played bass in Anat’s jazz quartet off and on for nearly a decade. She met Gonçalves in Rio de Janeiro 20-plus years ago before they reconnected by playing Brazilian choro music together when he moved to New York. Anat knew Shipp on the New York scene for years before tapping him for the Tentet. “These guys are all fabulous players and writers — and wonderfully creative people all-around,” Anat says. “Vitor is a virtuoso on piano and accordion. I’ve always had such respect for what a dedicated, deeply knowledgeable musician he is, expert not only about Brazilian music but many other styles, too. Tal is a versatile, incredibly musical player, on both bass and guitar, and he’s the youngest member of the group, bringing the energy and positivity of youth. And James, the American-born person in the band who explains some of the mysteries of the U.S. to the rest of us, not only plays vibraphone, marimba and other percussion instruments so well; he’s also such an inventive person, always with his own angle on things, his own personality.”

Mashiach, Gonçalves and Shipp are “true team players and imaginative partners in the music,” Anat adds. “I can come in with an idea that isn’t necessarily complete and they’ll always have contributions to help make a piece of music reach its potential. That ability to experiment and double on different instruments really expands the music, particularly with the ability to overdub in the studio. There’s just four of us, but the band’s sound feels bigger, richer than that. The openness of the musicians adds something vital, too. No one is limited to a certain genre. We can jump from a tango to a Brazilian song to swinging on a Monk tune to playing a Cuban 6/8. We can go to a lot of places with the repertoire, which is really satisfying — and fun.”

Anat’s accolades include being named Clarinetist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association regularly since 2007; she has also been judged the top clarinetist in the DownBeat readers and critics polls repeatedly since 2011. A JazzTimes review of a 2022 Quartetinho performance at Seattle’s Earshot Festival marveled over the sound and spirit of band’s interplay, while singling out the leader this way: “Cohen is clearly inspired by the melodious extravagance, revelatory rhythms and rich colors of Brazilian music. For her, its prevailing message is joy… launching her into wild, wailing, soaring heights… She has been winning jazz polls on clarinet for years, but her work has steadily grown stronger and deeper and freer.” Along with teaching at the Stanford Jazz Workshop and The New School, Anat has been Jazz Artist-in-Residence at Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute and is completing a master’s degree at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), which has included composing a series of études for clarinet.

For Bloom, Anat wrote the playful album-opener “The Night Owl,” co-arranging the piece with the band from one of her new clarinet études. For the ornate “Coco Rococo,” Anat composed a melody atop a Brazilian-accented groove by Shipp. The vibraphonist contributed his dynamic, theatrical composition “Superheroes in the Gig Economy” (originally written for a dance performance) and the more ruminative “Friends in Every Manner of Conveyance.” Mashaich supplied the beautiful “Paco,” an album highlight that blends pensive emotion with flowing melody; and Vitor Gonçalves channeled Astor Piazzolla with the dark pearl of his “Tango Para Guillermo.”

The new album is another fruitful collaboration between Anat and producer Oded Lev-Ari, who is also her partner in the New York-based Anzic Records (and a kindred spirit since their high-school days in Israel). The third movement of Barrios’s “La Catedral,” a work originally for solo classical guitar, was something that had long intrigued Anat, the clarinetist having performed it with Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo; the arrangement for Quartetinho was modified in the studio, with Lev-Ari’s “master producer chops,” as Anat recalled, proving invaluable for freeing the players from the score so that they could embody the music as a band in their own way. As for the other outside tune, Anat brought Monk’s “Trinkle, Tinkle” to the Bloom session with the idea of opening it up from traditional 4/4 swing, believing that Monk’s music can be arranged in myriad ways without losing its essence. “It can swing or not swing, but it’s always Monk — you just have to keep in touch with the melody and the right spirit,” she explains. “I think it sounds different and fresh, and it feels great to play.”

Reflecting on the way Quartetinho inspires her, Anat says: “This band really seems to bring out the dedication to song in my playing, in everyone’s playing. I know that I feel a lot of support from the group when I’m playing melodies. There’s a lot of respect in Quartetinho for melody and lyricism, as well as for the various traditions we get into, whether it’s jazz or samba or Israeli folk music or the American songbook. That said, these are fearless musicians I’m playing with, so sometimes things can get a bit wild on stage. It’s important to balance a respect for these deep traditions with the chutzpah to say something personal, to be real. In this sense, I feel like the guys are in tune with my various personalities and we bring out the best in each other.”

Thinking further about the cultural message “between the notes” of this music, Anat concludes: “It would make me very happy if when people hear us live or listen to one of our records, they get a sense of ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ All of this takes real effort, mastering an art, engaging in a conversation and listening to each other, doing what it takes to share something meaningful — and listening for the audience takes real effort, too, to be fully present in the moment, to be in tune with what’s happening on stage or with what someone put down on a record. In this day and age, so many things about living in the world can be painful. I know that music is the only place where I feel completely safe. This band makes me feel that everything is possible and accepted. We should treasure these experiences, make the most of the journey. I hope people come along and they experience the music of Bloom as we do, as something positive, uniting, joyful.”

Anat Beyond Quartetinho:
It’s telling that, even early in her career, Anat won over the most knowing of jazz sages: Dan Morgenstern praised her “gutsy, swinging” style, Ira Gitler her “liquid dexterity and authentic feeling,” and Gary Giddins her musicality “that bristles with invention.” Nat Hentoff said: “Anat does what all authentic musicians do: She tells stories from her own experiences that are so deeply felt that they are very likely to connect listeners to their own dreams, desires and longings.”
Anat made her name by leading small groups deep in the tradition of swinging post-bop jazz. She made her leader debut on record in 2005 with the small-combo Place & Time (2005). Ambitious early on, she released a pair of albums in 2007: the orchestral Noir and string-quartet-laced Poetica. The disc Notes from the Village, from 2008, showcased her multi-reed talents in quartet and quintet settings. In a 2009 milestone, Anat became the first Israeli artist to ever headline the hallowed Village Vanguard, a stand that yielded a quartet tribute to the Benny Goodman songbook with Clarinetwork: Live at the Village Vanguard, released the following year. Her next album, the worldly Claroscuro of 2012, featured such guests as Paquito D’Rivera and Wycliffe Gordon — and it garnered a four-and-a-half-star review in DownBeat.
In 2015, Anat released her most wide-ranging album to date, Luminosa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1tSmOrTmBg

Jazz North launches new initiative to encourage improvisation in schools.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

As an advocate for music education in schools Jazz North has launched the Learning Resources area on its website. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Jazz North launches new initiative to encourage improvisation in schools

Starting the new academic year as a music teacher or taking on the role as a music subject lead is exciting but can also feel overwhelming.

One of the challenges facing music educators is finding reliable resources; when time and money is at a premium it is often tempting to stay with ‘old favourites’ rather than trying something new. A quick google search for materials will yield many results but raise an equal amount of questions - will this actually work with my class?

As an advocate for music education in schools and as a response to this challenge, Jazz North has launched the Learning Resources area on their website. These free, downloadable materials are designed for curriculum music teachers (Key Stages 1-4), instrumental tutors and lifetime learners. Rather than being aimed at experienced jazz educators they offer simple yet effective pathways to help and encourage all teachers and students to engage with improvisation.

For ease of navigation the resources are split into 6 sections - Instrumental, Vocal & Singing, Aural & Listening, Model Music Curriculum, Lifetime Learners and Jazz North recommends (signposting existing jazz resources from other providers)

The initial batch of resources will be released on Tuesday 15th October with follow up resources added in response to stakeholder feedback.

Website link to create a free account and access the resource bank.
https://www.jazznorth.org/learning-resource-area

Helena Summerfield, Jazz North’s Learning and Participation project manager and Parliamentary Jazz Educator of the Year 2022 says:
“To many people working in music education jazz can be a bit of a scary word and I want to try and change that perception. I would encourage all educators to view improvisation as a valuable musicianship skill rather than it being an exclusive to jazz skill. My aim with our Learning Resources Area was to create a batch of fun, user-friendly materials that all educators could engage with to start their journey with jazz.”

About Jazz North
Jazz North is the Strategic Development Agency for jazz in the North of England.
Supported since its inception in 2012 by Arts Council England, Jazz North has a national and international reputation in Artist Development, Sector Support and Learning & Participation.
A registered charity that has developed and supported hundreds of artists, managers, venues, festivals and promoters over the years - Jazz North has a proud record of working with and on behalf of the northern jazz scene.

http://www.jazznorth.org

Jazz events in and around Surrey and Berkshire, Autumn 2024 and into 2025.

Wednesday, October 09, 2024

Guest contributor Trevor Bannister has forwarded the 'Surrey Jazzfinder', which lists forthcoming jazz gigs in Surrey, Berkshire and the surrounding areas.

SURREY & BERKS JAZZ

Jazz events in and around Surrey and Berkshire

Anne Boleyn Hotel, 29 The Hythe, Staines
Live jazz at lunchtime on the third Sunday of each month

The Barley Mow, Shepperton Green
Last Wednesday of each month - Alley Cats Jazz Band
9 October 2024 - Pimp My Jazz
13 November 2024 - Squabble (6 piece Jazz/Funk)

Bracknell Jazz at South Hill Park Arts Centre
11 October 2024 - John Law’s Re-Creations
1 November 2024 - Tony Woods, Tim Whitehead and the Jazz Lions
6 December 2024 - “Threeway” ft. Steve Waterman, Steve Lodder and Ben Crosland

Carshalton Jazz, Cryer Arts Carshalton
16th October - The Stuart Henderson Quartet
16th November - National Youth Jazz Orchestra
11th December 2024 - Jazz Christmas Concert with the Alan Barnes Quartet

Elmbridge Jazz clubs - Jazz at Imber Court Sports Club. Approx every month, usually on a Sunday
20 October 2024 - Alan Barnes & Robert Fowler Quintet;
24 November 2024 - Vasilis Xenopoulos & Alex Clarke Quintet

Guildford Jazz is a not-for-profit community arts organisation, bringing Britain’s finest jazz musicians to a local audience in an intimate and welcoming jazz club environment. Events throughout October as part of Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival

Griffin Park Jazz Club, Brentford - Traditional jazz on the second Monday of the month. Doors
19:45, Music 20:30 - 23:00. Admission £6
10 October 2024 - Backyard Boys

Hampton Hub Club, 3 Ashley Road, Hampton, TW12 2JA
19 October 2024 - City Funk Orchestra;
24 November 2024 - EFG London Jazz Festival presents the NTJO
13 December 2024 - Funk Friday with Funkyard 7;
29 December 2024 - The Vince Dunn Jazz Orchestra

Jazz in Reading - A live jazz gig listings service from Jazz in Reading. Features mostly modern jazz gigs happening within 20 Miles or so of Reading.

Login lounge - Weekly jazz brunch events every Sunday at The Atrium, 34 Park Street,
Camberley, GU15 3PL
13 October 2024 - The Hugh Turner Trio
20 October 2024 - The Martin Pyne Quartet
27 October 2024 - Trad’s Army

Jazz at The Maltings, Farnham - Thursday lunchtimes, 13:00 to 14:00. House trio (Alex Forsyth, David Kirby and Marianne Windham) with monthly guest
24 October 2024 - Tony Woods, saxophone
28 November 2024 - Chris Garrick, violin
19 December 2024 - Debby Bracknell, vocals

Marlow Jazz Club, The Royal British Legion, Marlow - Gigs usually on Tuesdays
22 October 2024 - Alan Barnes (saxes and clarinet), Bruce Adams (trumpet and flugelhorn)
12 November - Gary Potter Swingtet
17 December 2024 - Stuart Henderson’s 17 piece jazz orchestra with Rebecca Poole

Milford Arms - Jazz at the Milford Arms, 574 London Road, Hounslow. Every other Monday from 8:00pm
21 October 2024 - Jim Mullen - guitar, Dave O’Higgins - tenor, John Donaldson piano, Steve Watts - bass, Matt Fishwick - drums.

The Old Court, Windsor
25 February 2025 - Jazz Sabbath

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Atwood Road, Maidenhead
11 October 2024 - Frank Griffiths Quartet
26 October 2024 - Marta Mathea Radwan Quintet
15 November 2024 - Brandon Allen Quartet
27 November 2024 - Vickers-Bovey Guitar Duo
13 December 2024 - Lily Dior and Friends

Pangbourne Jazz Club - Pangbourne Working Mens Club, First Sunday of the month
3 November 2024 - Lee Gibson (Vocalist) with the Terry Hutchins Quartet
1 December 2024 - Simon Spillett (Sax) with the Terry Hutchins Quartet
5 January 2025 - David Shiers’ The Big Colours Big Band with the Terry Hutchins Quartet
2 February 2025 - Andy Panayi (Sax) with the Terry Hutchins Quartet
2 March 2025 - Mark Nightingale (Trombone) with the Terry Hutchins Quartet
6 April 2025 - Roger Beaujolais (Vibes) with the Terry Hutchins Quartet
3 May 2025 - Simon Bates (Sax) with the Terry Hutchins Quartet
1 June 2025 - Alex Clarke (Sax) with the Terry Hutchins Quartet
7 July 2025 - Paul Higgs (Trumpet) with the Terry Hutchins Quartet

Jazz at Progress - Progress Theatre, The Mount, Christchurch Road, Reading
25 October 2024 - Perfect Stranger “unfinished Business” Album Tour
13 December 2024 - Soultime! play the music of Bobby Timmons
3 January 2025 - The Jazz Champions
21 February 2025 - Empirical Quartet
4 April 2025 - John Law’s Re-Creations “Many Moons” Tour
16 May 2025 - A Portrait of Bill Evans - John Horler Trio
27 June 2025 - Emily Masser Quartet

Riverside Arts Jazz - Monthly jazz concerts at Riverside Arts Centre generally on Sundays
October Jazz Piano Series at 1901 Arts Club:
1 October 2024 - Terence Collie at 1901 Arts Club (Jazz Piano Series)
8 October 2024 - Jason Rebello at 1901 Club (Jazz Piano Series)
15 October 2024 - Nikki Iles at 1901 Arts Club (Jazz Piano Series)

Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton on Thames
13 October 2024 - 12:15pm Jazz and beer with Cat Skellington with Richard White
13 October 2024 - 8:00pm - John Law and Jon Lloyd
3 November 2024 - 12:15pm Jazz and beer with the Sussex Jazz Kings
20 November 2024 - EFG London Jazz Festival: Celebrating Twenty Years of Way Out West
22 November 2024 - The Red Stripe Band
21 December 2024 - A Festive Evening with Sing That Swing!
19 January 2024 - 12:15pm Jazz and beer with Enrico Tomasso’s Riverboat Shufflers
8 March 2025 - Jazz Sabbath

Runnymede Jazz Club - Traditional Jazz Bands on a monthly basis, generally on the last Friday of
the month. Concerts from 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm at The Addlestone Centre, Garfield Road, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2NJ.
25 October 2024 - Gambit Jazzmen;
29 November 2024 - Peter Rudeforth Jazz Band;
20 December 2024 - Sarah Spencer & Her Transatlantic Jazz Band
31 January 2025 - Jeremy Huggett’s Jazz & Boogie Band;
28 February 2025 - Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends;
28 March 2025 - Richard Leach’s Street Band

Surrey Jazz Orchestra - Last Tuesday of the month at Jacobs Well Village Hall, Guildford (unless stated as elsewhere), plus other gigs in between
24 September 2024 - with Paul Hudson Oldnall
12 October 2024 - Jazz in the Green, Englefield Green
19 October - The Yorke Club, Windsor Park, with Nate Rogers
29 October - With Nate Rogers
26 November 2024 - with Georgie Fellows

Twickenham Jazz Club - Wednesday nights at The Cabbage Patch,. Doors @ 7pm, Music @ 8pm
9 October 2024 - Freddie Benedict: Vocals & Trumpet
30 October 2024 - Harry Ziplock: The Music of Django Reinhardt
6 November 2024 - Fraser Urquart Quartet - “Live in Soho”
13 November 2024 - Sam Dunn, Dave O’Higgins, Liam Dunachie and Dave Ohm
27 November 2024 - Alan Barnes “Sunny Side of the Street”
4 December 2024 - Irene Serenna “The Art of the Jazz Singer”
11 December 2024 - Warm Up to Christmas with Alex Garnett and Special Guests

BIG BAND LISTINGS

Berkshire
Apollo Big Band - Stockcross, near Newbury
Blue Sky Big Band
Dr G’s Little Big Band
The IJO Big Band
MillsTones Dance Band
Remix Jazz Orchestra - Finchampstead
Supertonics Big Band - Bracknell

Surrey
Big Beer Band
Ember Big Band
Farnham Big band
Gray Matter Big Band
Jetstream Jazz Big Band - Gatwick
Jon Bird Big Band
Kingswood Big Band - Kingswood
Milestone Big Band
The OMEGA BIG BAND
Paul Sykes Big Band
Redstone Community Big Band
Rhythm and Groove Big Band - Godalming
Ron Green Big Band
Runnymede Jazz Orchestra - Egham
Somethin’ Else Big Band
Surrey Jazz Orchestra

Wraysbury, 1215 Club - The Hub, 12 High Street, Wraysbury
25 October 2024 - Benn Clatworthy
29 November 2024 - Simon Thorpe’s “Jivin’ Miss Daisy” group

JAM SESSIONS

The Barley Mow, Molesey Road, Hersham KT12 4RS - Weekly jazz jam every Wednesday at 12:00

Guildford Bluegrass Jam, The Keep, Guildford - First Monday of the month at 19:30

Guildford Jazz - Last Tuesday of the month at The Britannia Pub, 9 Millmead, Guildford, GU2 4BE Free entry, no tickets needed

Poacher Inn, South Warnborough - Sunday 15 September 2024 16:00 - 18:00

Jazz at the Steps - The Stepping Stones Pub, Westhumble Street, Dorking - Last Monday of the month at 19:45

Waverley Jazz Jams - First Sunday of each month (5-8pm) at the Waverley Abbey House Lounge

The Windsor Castle, 378 Carshalton Road, Carshalton, SM5 3PT - Last Wednesday of every month, 19:00 arrival for a 19:30 start

Woking Weekly Jam, Trinity Methodist Church, Brewery Road, Woking - NOT JUST JAZZ!

The Woods Shed Jazz Club - Village Centre, Englefield Green - Regular jazz workshop/jam session on Monday evenings (term time only). Contact Tony Woods for more details

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, know of any other regular events in the area or are organising a concert or event please let us know at:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Bickram Ghosh Rhythm Experience, UK tour dates February 2025.

Tuesday, October 08, 2024

Tabla player Bickram Ghosh is embarking on a UK tour with The Bickram Ghosh Rhythm Experience; a phenomenal showcase of drumming virtuosity. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

BICKRAM GHOSH
Announces UK tour in February 2025 as
The Bickram Ghosh Rhythm Experience
BUY TICKETS HERE
https://serious.org.uk/events/bickram-ghosh

World renowned tabla player Bickram Ghosh is embarking on a UK tour with The Bickram Ghosh Rhythm Experience; a phenomenal showcase of drumming virtuosity.

Ghosh is widely considered one of India’s most versatile artists and a driving force of experimental music, and will be joined by three other brilliant drummers - V. Suresh (ghatam), B.C. Manjunath (mridangam) and Arun Kumar (drum kit) who will take the audience on an unforgettable rhythmic journey.

The four virtuoso drummers are joined by the brilliant young sitar player Abhishek Mallick who brings in the melodic quotient of the show. The quintet will play numbers ranging from Ghosh’s well-known fusion outfit Rhythmscape to a Ravi Shankar tribute piece. Maestro Bickram Ghosh will bring his outstanding versatility and attention to detail to make this concert truly memorable.

A pioneer in Indian fusion music, Bickram Ghosh is renowned for his Rhythmscape performances alongside his solo work. Ghosh has received multiple Global Music and Filmfare awards, as well as the 2023 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, one of India’s most prestigious performing arts awards.

Alongside producing and playing on multiple Grammy-nominated albums, he has worked extensively as a music director for feature films, including receiving an Oscar contention for Best Original Score for the Hindi film Jal.

The Bickram Ghosh Rhythm Experience UK Tour Dates

20 Feb 2025, Birmingham Town Hall

21 Feb 2025, Union Chapel

23 Feb 2025, Basingstoke, The Anvil

Serious and Black Lives in Music introduce Equaliser Mentorship programme.

Wednesday, October 02, 2024

The programme is a pioneering opportunity designed to develop the talents of the next generation of live sound professionals from global majority backgrounds. Applications open 7th October 2024.

We have received the following press release;

SERIOUS and Black Lives in Music Introduce Equaliser Mentorship Programme

Expanding Opportunities for Global Majority Talent in Live Sound Engineering

Barbican and Royal Albert Hall join the scheme

Applications open 7 October
SIGN UP HERE

Serious and Black Lives in Music (BLiM) are thrilled to announce this year’s launch of the Equaliser Mentorship Programme. The programme is a pioneering opportunity designed to develop the talents of the next generation of live sound professionals from global majority backgrounds. This unique mentorship scheme builds on four years of partnership between Serious and BLiM, and for the first time, it will be expanding to iconic and prestigious venues the Royal Albert Hall and the Barbican. Both venues will be offering hands-on, paid work experience and mentoring within their live sound teams.

Representation in the live sound industry is an endemic and historic issue, with significant barriers to entry for underrepresented talent. The Equaliser Mentorship Programme is a direct response to this issue, offering invaluable professional guidance, and tangible, career-shaping experience. Applications for the programme open on 7th October.

Roger Wilson, Director of Operation and Co-Founder of Black Lives in Music, says:
“Black Lives in Music are thrilled about the launch of the Equaliser mentoring programme. Partnership, collaboration and advocacy underpin the rich tapestry of our work. We couldn’t be more proud to maintain our valued collaboration with Serious, but equally, we’re excited to be working with the Barbican and Royal Albert Hall on this project. Both, like Serious, are BLiM member organisations. This is a wonderful opportunity to build on the existing BLiM/Serious partnership and drive the narrative of meaningful change in the area of live music production.”

Ope Igbinyemi, Director of Serious, says:
“One of the first conversations I had with Roger was how can we get more of the Global Majority working in roles behind the scenes. We would regularly have conversations with artists of colour who would say everything was perfect, but it would be nice to see faces like theirs working backstage in sound, recording, lighting, production, stage management, the list goes on. Four years on from the conversation with BLiM the foundation for a pathway has been established which I hope will make a real difference. In front of the stage and behind it there is a place for everyone, Equaliser is just the start.”

Helen Wallace, Head of Music, Barbican says:
“The Barbican is delighted to be enriching this brilliant initiative from two highly-valued partners, Serious, the Barbican’s Artistic Associate, and Black Lives in Music, of which Barbican is a member. We have a strong commitment to diversifying workforce in the music industry, and especially in the areas of live sound production, for which the Barbican is justly famous. This scheme will give a young person from a Global Majority background paid hands-on experience, training and mentorship in a prestigious venue, alongside the experiences offered in the Take Five scheme. Working with high-profile artists and supportive technicians in our programme will offer valuable career development, and we look forward to building on the collaboration in future years.”

Matthew Todd, Director of Programming and Engagement, said:
“We’re very proud to be a part of the Equaliser Mentorship Programme. We’re determined to help redress imbalances in the live music industry; fantastic schemes like this one, which increase opportunities for young people from global majority backgrounds, are integral to that. We’re really excited about working with them on the Late Night Jazz series at the Hall.”

The programme will run throughout the year, giving the selected mentee a great opportunity to work with top industry professionals at the Royal Albert Hall and the Barbican, as well as at Serious’ esteemed Take Five residency in the Cotswolds.

The Royal Albert Hall and Barbican will host the mentee as part of their live sound teams, offering invaluable experience in sound engineering, technical setup, and concert production. Mentees will work alongside senior technicians, attend technical meetings, and gain practical skills in event production at live concerts, including the renowned Late Night Jazz series and the Barbican’s summer concert programming.

The mentee will also join eight jazz and improvising musicians as part of the Take Five cohort at an artistic residential in the Cotswolds for five days of workshops and music making. They will shadow the production manager, completing live sound work including microphone and backline setup and live sound mixing. They will ultimately create their own live mix of the final performance.

To be considered for the scheme, participants must be primarily based in the United Kingdom (but do not need to be a UK national), from a global majority background, have at least a year of experience in production or engineering, and available for the residency dates. 

Beyond hands-on experience, the programme provides long-term mentorship, seminars, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with influential figures across the music industry. The mentee will have the chance to work at landmark events like the EFG London Jazz Festival.

About Black Lives in Music
Black Lives in Music (BLiM) was founded as a direct response to the lived experience of co-founders Roger Wilson and Charisse Beaumont. As Black people involved in the British music industry, both have experienced and understand the difficulties of racial inequality in this professional area. BLiM addresses the current inequality of opportunity for black people aspiring to progress within the music industry. Since its inception, BLiM have provided safe space sessions for Black Students in music conservatories, begun discussions with conservatoires on the decolonisation process and supported Black students and staff who have suffered discrimination. Last year it released a groundbreaking report covering the lived experience of Black music creators and industry professionals, entitled Being Black in the Music Industry. In such a short time the organisation has made massive strides and continues to thrive, achieving greater goals and championing change.

About Serious
Serious is one of the UK’s leading producers of live jazz, international and new music through concerts, festivals, tours, digital shows, talent development schemes, creative engagement programmes, and bespoke events for all.

About the Barbican
The Barbican is a catalyst for creativity, sparking possibilities for artists, audiences, and communities. We showcase the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries to entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.
We are an international arts and events centre rooted firmly in our own neighbourhood, collaborating with local communities and putting the City of London on the map as a destination for everybody. Central to our purpose is supporting emerging talent and shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives.
As a not-for-profit, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations, including our principal funder the City of London Corporation. Every ticket purchased, donation made, and pound earned supports our arts and learning programme and enables the widest possible range of people to experience the joy of the arts.
Opened in 1982, the Barbican is a unique and audacious building, recognised globally as an architectural icon. As well as our theatres, galleries, concert halls and cinemas, we have a large conservatory with over 1,500 species of plants and trees, a library, conference facilities, public and community spaces, restaurants, bars, and a picturesque lakeside oasis.
We’re proud to be the home of the London Symphony Orchestra, and a London base of the Royal Shakespeare Company. We regularly co-commission, produce and showcase the work of our other associates and partners including the Academy of Ancient Music, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Boy Blue, Britten Sinfonia, Cheek by Jowl, Darbar Festival, Doc’n Roll Film Festival, Drum Works, EFG London Jazz Festival, London Palestine Film Festival, Serious, and Trafalgar Entertainment.
http://www.barbican.org.uk

Jazz North announces the seven recipients of the 2024 edition of its promoter support programme, New Northern, who will support emerging artists via their clubs, venues, festivals and record labels.

Monday, September 30, 2024

Jazz North has awarded bursaries to seven promoters across the North of England to develop emerging talent as part of their programmes. Press release attached.

From Heather Spencer of Jazz North;

We’re pleased to share the news of the seven promoters awarded bursaries up to £1000 to support their work in programming emerging talent.

PRESS RELEASE:

Meet the promoters making a difference to emerging talent across the North of England

Jazz North announces the latest recipients of its promoter support scheme, New Northern

The bursaries will support fees and costs for northern emerging artists and support acts

Today, Jazz North announces the seven promoters awarded bursaries to present emerging artists in their programmes through its support scheme, New Northern.

Bursaries up to £1000 were awarded to the North West Music Academy (Barrow-in-Furness), Paul Rigby (The Continental, Preston), Nanette Brimble (YardFest, Saltaire), Anna Ross (Offshoots in Leeds), Robert Walker (Scarborough Jazz), DJ Lubi (Leeds) and Wesley Stephenson’s New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings (Newcastle-upon-Tyne).

Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, says:
“Jazz North is thrilled to support the work of promoters across the North of England who are working to keep grassroots music alive and support that all important pipeline of talent in the North.”

North West Music Academy
North West Music Academy (NWMA) is developing a 4 storey heritage building in the heart of Barrow-in-Furness into a dedicated centre for music education & performance. As part of this they are establishing a regular platform for jazz - launching a micro-festival in 2025 which will become an annual event.

Big Bands @ The Continental, Preston
Paul Rigby
Paul Rigby will present big bands at The Continental in Preston. The events will showcase young and old talent but most of all give aspiring musicians in a big band setting a much needed voice to help hone their craft to jazz. Expect many a full house which young and old attend and appreciate exciting music from swing to funk.

YardFest @ Caroline Street Social Club, Saltaire, Bradford
Nanette Brimble
Jazz North is supporting the fortnightly YardFest Jazz night in Saltaire, Bradford by topping up its ability to fund a varied programme to include more local emerging artists.

Offshoots, Leeds
Anna Ross
Offshoots is a jazz, experimental and avant-garde event which takes part in independent venues across Leeds. The aim of Offshoots is to give a platform to a diverse range of new musicians and provide a safe and non-judgemental experience for musicians to gain experience performing live.

Scarborough Jazz
Robert Walker
Through New Northern, Scarborough Jazz will support fees for emerging artists presented through their longstanding schemes Scarborough Jazz Introduces and New Jazz Generation. The first of these is an event at Scarborough Jazz which takes place on Wednesday 2nd. October (The Cask) and features the Jascha Bingham Trio.
Jascha Bingham Trio will perform at Scarborough Jazz on 2nd October
Find out more: http://www.scarboroughjazz.co.uk/

DJ Lubi @ Hyde Park Book Club, Headrow House, Brudenell Social Club and Belgrave Music Hall
Lubi Jovanovic
DJ Lubi will present a program of contemporary jazz and world jazz at four venues across Leeds (Hyde Park Book Club, Headrow House, Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall) featuring emerging Leeds artists - both professional and student musicians - taking place from October 2024 to February 2025 (9 gigs).

New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings, Newcastle upon Tyne
Wesley Stephenson
New Northern funding will enable a brand new release through New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings with a supporting album launch concert in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings project was established during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, offering a creative output for musicians when live performance opportunities were unavailable and encouraging artist independence.
http://www.newjazzandimprovisedmusicrecordings.bandcamp.com

On being awarded the bursary, Wesley Stephenson says:
“New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings is delighted receive support from New Northern to help enable the longevity of the recording project and to continue supporting exceptional improvised music in the North of England.”

For more information on upcoming events supported by New Northern, sign up to Jazz North’s mailing list: https://www.jazznorth.org/sendmemail

About Jazz North
Jazz North is the Strategic Development Agency for jazz in the North of England.
Supported since its inception in 2012 by Arts Council England, Jazz North has a national and international reputation in Artist Development, Sector Support and Learning & Participation.
A registered charity that has developed and supported hundreds of artists, managers, venues, festivals and promoters over the years - Jazz North has a proud record of working with and on behalf of the northern jazz scene.

About New Northern
New Northern is Jazz North’s promoter bursary to support live emerging talent. It supports promoters to programme emerging northern artists by underwriting risk and helping pay essential costs.
Designed both to support emerging artists in the north and give an injection of cash to promoters who need it, this easy-access scheme offers a quick intervention to northern grassroots promoters facing difficult financial circumstances.

Will Barnes Quartet - 2024-25 Autumn / Winter Tour.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Guitarist and composer Will Barnes will lead his quartet on a UK tour performing music from the album "Source of the Severn". The music will be augmented by the live visuals of artist Erin Hughes.

We have received the following press release;

2024-25 Autumn / Winter Tour

Tour Dates

​

​07.11.24 ​ Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth

08.11.24   Sound & Art at St Swithun’s, Worcester

12.11.24   Brecon Jazz Club @ The Muse,  Brecon

30.11.24   Montgomery Town Hall, Montgomery

31.01.25   Celf o Gwmpas, Llandrindod Wells

01.02.25   Mid Border Arts, Presteigne

14.02.25   Eastgate Theatre, Peebles

15.02.25   Brewery Arts, Kendal

16.02.25   Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham

21.02.25   Theatre Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh

22.02.25​  Woodcote Village Hall, Oxfordshire​

Join the Will Barnes Quartet for the second leg of their ‘Source of the Severn’ tour this Autumn and Winter. Presenting songs from their acclaimed album, which is an exploration of the rugged landscape of Mid Wales and the Marches. They will be joined by skilled landscape artist Erin Hughes, providing a captivating live visual show to accompany the quartet’s performance, igniting the imagination of the audience, and making this a performance not to be missed. 

​

Will Barnes (guitar) is joined by James Batten (drums), Jack Gonsalez (piano) and Clovis Phillips (bass) – a tight collective of highly experienced jazz instrumentalists from rural Wales. Expect music that reflects the rural isolation of their home with roots that penetrate bebop, post-bop and contemporary jazz. Original compositions are punctuated by inventive reworkings of pop, rock and jazz standards for an eclectic evening of improvised music.

​

As well as the immersive live visuals, Erin has created nine original pieces in response to the music utilising her meticulously hand-marbled papers as her artistic palette to skilfully craft collages that emulate the traditional artistry of Pietre Dure.

★★★★★
“I’m thrilled to say I’m left hungry for more”
HiFi Choice ‘Hot Pick’

​

★★★★
“Springy deftness… Cool precision… Serious chops…”
Andy Cowan, Mojo

​

“They are superlative musicians!”
Adam Walton, BBC Radio Wales

​

★★★★
“Evocative, intelligent… contemporary”
Ian Mann, JazzMann

​

“Immaculately conceived and performed”
Nick Lea, Jazz Views

As heard on:
BBC Wales, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4
Including a live performance and interview with Clive Anderson on Loose Ends.

Headline & Sell Out Performances:
Pizza Express, Soho
Hay Festival
Cheltenham Jazz Festival (Verve Stage)
Brecon Jazz Festival
AberJazz Festival
Marsden Jazz Festival
Two sell out UK Tours

http://www.willbarnes.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/willbarnesguitar

https://willbarnesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/source-of-the-severn

https://www.instagram.com/willbarnesmusic/

https://music.apple.com/gb/album/source-of-the-severn/1712984419

https://tidal.com/browse/album/315216488

https://open.spotify.com/album/0uTHjx9PruJV76HTRg2RtY

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4MJsV11MVSEqvjOnm-lI7Q

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 22/09/2024.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 22/09/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from Sept 22nd 2024

Carlos Bica
11:11
11:11
Clean Feed

Paulo Presta
Tammurriata de Buenos Aires
Ibridanze
Dodicilune

Arashi +Moriyama
Hamabe No Uta
Tokuzo
Trost

Daniel Herskedal
North Star
Call for Winter II: Resonance
Edition

Joel and the Neverending Sextet
Weave
Marbled
Motvind

Casagrande-Bearzatti
Orchidee
And Then Winter Came Again
CAM Jazz

Leo Genovese
America Despierta
Estrellera 2
Sunnyside

Asha Parkinson
Urban Fantasy
Possession
Ubuntu

Neil Cowley
Adam Alphabet
Entity
Hide Inside Records

137
1st idea – part 1
Strangeness Oscillations
Noetic

Neus Plana Turu
Sola
12.12
Segell Microscopi

Leonhard Skorupa Ensemble
Tuning Notes
Baumläufer
Orf

Marius Neset & Leif Ove Andsnes
Waterfall Jig
Who We Are
Simax Classics

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ). I don’t play singles!

Shrewsbury Jazz Network - Programme for Autumn 2024 and Winter 2025.

Monday, September 23, 2024

Shrewsbury Jazz Network has announced its programme for Autumn 2024 and early 2025. Events take place at The Hive Music & Media Centre, Shrewsbury.

From;
https://events.hiveonline.org.uk/

Oct
12
Sat
20:00
James Allsopp Quartet plays Stan Getz
Tickets from £12
Saturday 12th October @ 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)
£23 or £12 for under 22 year olds
As part of his 2024 album launch Saxophonist James Allsopp presents his exciting new project with Colin Oxley (guitar), Oli Hayhurst (double bass) & Dave Storey (drums)  A respectful interpretation of the fantastic repertoire associated with Stan Getz. Lush ballads, bossa novas, swinging standards and bebop compositions.
‘perhaps the most gifted British saxophonist of his generation’... Underscore music magazine.
https://events.hiveonline.org.uk/whats-on/james-allsopp-qt-plays-stan-getz/

Nov
9
Sat
20:00
Aspyrian
Tickets from £12
Saturday 9th November @ 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)
£23 or £12 for under 22 year olds
Since their sold-out show at the 2022 EFG London Jazz Festival, Aspyrian have been fast gaining a reputation as one of the most exceptional acts to emerge on the UK Jazz Scene in recent years. Robin Porter (saxophones) Jack Gillen (guitar), & Matt Parkinson (drums) are a London-based trio blending jazz with an array of folk music traditions from different corners of the world. Influenced also by an eclectic mix of soulful songwriters and alternative bands, the result is an ensemble sound that is captivating and truly unique.
‘This trio brings together three of the most gifted young improvisers on the current scene’...Pete Churchill (Royal Academy of Music)
https://events.hiveonline.org.uk/whats-on/aspyrin/

Jan
11
Sat
20:00
Alison Rayner Quintet
Tickets from £12
Saturday 11th January @ 8:00pm (doors open at 7:30pm)
£23 or £12 for under 22 year olds
Following a live recording at the Vortex and a follow-on gig at Ronnie Scott’s, SJN are delighted to welcome back ARQ. Bassist & composer Alison Rayner is joined by Diane McLoughlin (saxophone), Dierdre Cartwright (guitar), Steve Lodder (piano) & Buster Birch (drums) to play ‘songs without words’- richly nuanced compositions, rhythmic interplay and folk-infused melodies, with a strong sense of narrative and cinematic quality.
Tells its tales through strong melodies, sinewy rhythms and luminous solos, by turns tender and exuberant…All About Jazz
https://events.hiveonline.org.uk/whats-on/alison-rayner-quintet/

The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

01743 234970

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 08/09/2024.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 08/09/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from September 8th 2024

Laura Jurd & Paul Dunmall
Fanfare
Fanfares & Freedom
Discus

Jazzrausch Bigband
Dubokalypse
Bruckner Breakdown
ACT

OXYD
Overcrowding
Lapse
Onze Heures Onze

Wolfgang Haffner
Life Rhythm
Life Rhythm
ACT

Pauli Lyytinen
Lehto V
Lehto / Korpi
WeJazz

Ainon
Komorebi
Within
WeJazz

Michel Schroeder Ensemble
Titan
In My Life
Unit Records

Jeppe Zeeberg
After You’ve Gone
Six Additional Pieces of Piano Music
Self

Schwaar-Oester-Franklé
Naima
Playground
Unit Records

Laura Jurd & Paul Dunmall
Chorale
Fanfares & Freedom
Discus

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
Usually 3rd in the Mixcloud avant-garde jazz chart

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) I don’t play singles!

Kidderminster Jazz Club - Programme for 2024 - 2025.

Friday, August 30, 2024

Kidderminster Jazz Club has announced its programme from September 2024 to March 2025. Events take place at St. Ambrose Parish Centre , Leswell Street , Kidderminster.

From;
https://www.kidderminsterjazzclub.co.uk/2024-2025-season-show

Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Sep 6 @ 7:00PM
Post-fusion, nu-jazz group DREAMSCAPES is a UK-based collective that transcends genre, producing music with a sense of true freedom. It unites the compositions and improvisational prowess of five unique musicians who draw from a melting-pot of influences. Their ability to eschew traditional structures and follow where the moment takes them gives rise to “immediately engaging, fresh and original music” (TDE). Expect to hear prog-rock grooves, delicate songwriting with a touch of Brazilian spirit and ambient electronic landscapes fused into one distinct sound. in a much-anticipated release of their self-titled EP in January 2024. Following this release, DREAMSCAPES performed their first headline festival show at Cheltenham Jazz Festival in May 2024 and are now gearing up for their first UK tour this September.
Band;
Julien Durand - Guitar
Lucy-Anne Daniels - Vocals
George Garford - saxophone
Cenk Esen - keys
Jack Robson - drums

Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Oct 4 @ 7:00PM
Renato D’Aiello has become known as one of the strongest and most original saxophone sounds around. His treatments of jazz standards, and originals, both live and on cd, have won great admiration from audiences and the press. Renato studied with masters such as Sal Nistico, Tony Scott, Steve Grossman and Joe Henderson. He has played in most of the major venues and festivals in the UK, and since May 2002 he has played regularly in Paris, receiving warm acclaim from Jazz Hot magazine and TSF radio. From July 2010 until march 2020 Renato has been running a very successful Monday night Upstairs at Ronnie Scott.
Band;
Renato D’Aiello - Saxophone
Ross Stanley - piano
Lorenzo Morabito - bass

Cannonball Quintet
Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Nov 1 @ 7:00PM
Here’s a unique opportunity to hear the only UK band playing a whole set of original arrangements taken from Cannonball Adderley Quintet recordings from the late 50s and early 60s, many of which have been faithfully transcribed by band leader saxophonist Chris Gumbley. Featuring not only classics such as Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and Dat Dere, but also many lesser-known gems. Presented with wit and insight, the band includes some of this country’s leading jazz musicians.
Band;
Chris Gumbley (alto)
Neil Yates (trumpet)
Andrzej Baranek (piano)
Tom Hill (double bass)
Carl Hemingsley (drums)

Philip Clouts Quartet
Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Feb 7, 2025 @ 7:00PM
Cape Town-born pianist/composer Clouts’ South African roots have inspired a voyage of discovery that has led to him soaking up the joyful passion of Caribbean calypso, the bluesy melodies of Middle Eastern praise songs, the exuberant sway of Cuban dance music and the tuneful essence of Gospel while honouring jazz heroes including Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Charles Lloyd.
Band;
Philip Clouts - Piano
Tim Fairhall - Double Bass
Ted Carrasco - Drums
Samuel Eagles - Saxophone

Katriona Taylor
Kidderminster Jazz Club
Fri, Mar 7, 2025 @ 7:00PM
The show will include numbers from Katriona who is an accomplished singer/songwriter in the jazz genre, as well as songs from Etta James, Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and many more. Presented by outstanding jazz vocalist Katriona with her superb musicians: Peter Hammond on Piano leading her quartet.
An established artist on the UK jazz scene, with six albums to her name, Katriona is equally at home on the intimate stages or performing internationally to an audience of thousands.
Katriona has received countless plaudits for her polished live performances, Katriona has also supported the legendary, 10 times Grammy Award winner George Benson on his world tour and The James Taylor Quartet, amongst others.
A regular at top London venues and festivals including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, 606 Jazz Club, Soho Jazz Club, Bull’s Head Jazz Club and the EFG London Jazz Festival.
“So lovely to hear, thank you Katriona. Beautifully sung – I love it! ” Jools Holland
“As a singer, Taylor has a sultry, smoky voice. She’s a versatile vocalist who can pay tribute to Nina Simone and Diana Krall“ Jon Clay, Jazzwise Magazine

First Friday Of Each Month

Bring Your Own Drinks/Bottle

Tickets for each show £15.00

Venue Address;
St Ambrose’s Parish Centre
Leswell St, Kidderminster DY10 1RP

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra announces 2024/25 touring season.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

The SNJO's 2024/25 season will feature four tours with the Orchestra joined by guest artists including Kurt Elling, Lucy-Anne Daniels, corto.alto, Fergus McCreadie, Helena Kay and Trilok Gurtu.

We have received the following information;

We are thrilled to unveil our 2024/25 Season, featuring four dynamic tours that promise to captivate jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

This Season, we’ve joined forces with familiar faces and exciting new collaborators to bring you a diverse lineup of performances that we hope will inspire and delight. Scroll down to see what’s coming up and find something that catches your interest.

KURT ELLING - STEPPIN’ OUT!
“The standout male vocalist of our time” - New York Times
The preeminent jazz vocalist of our time, Kurt Elling has developed a strong partnership with the SNJO through projects ranging from a Frank Sinatra homage to explorations of profound philosophical themes.
This latest meeting showcases Elling’s virtuosity with songs by Rodgers & Hart and Jimmy Van Heusen, big band classics by Ellington and Basie, jazz masterpieces by Carla Bley and Wayne Shorter, and 1980s pop hits by the Police and Joe Jackson. Lyrics set to a Weather Report favourite and a John Scofield groove add further dimensions as Elling steps out in style.
26 Sep Elgin Town Hall
27 Sep Perth Concert Hall
28 Sep Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, New Auditorium
29 Sep The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh

REMEMBERING DUKE
feat.LUCY-ANNE DANIELS
With the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra
One of jazz’s greatest composers, Duke Ellington continues to inspire the SNJO. With music representing his fifty years as a bandleader, performed with vitality, swing and meticulous attention to detail, these concerts showcase this titan’s depth and diversity.
Prefaced by the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra reinvigorating Ellington classics and rarities, including Caravan, Brasilliance, Carnegie Blues, Purple Gazelle, and Sophisticated Lady, the SNJO follows its internationally acclaimed album, In the Spirit of Duke by honouring Ellington masterpieces with vibrancy and featuring special guest, vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels’s gospel-fired delivery.
29 Nov Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, New Auditorium
30 Nov Laidlaw Music Centre, St Andrews
1 Dec The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh

NU-AGE SOUNDS PLANET WORLD
Featuring corto.alto, Anoushka Nanguy, Helena Kay, kitti, Ewan Hastie, Matt Carmichael, Fergus McCreadie, and KARMA
Following the resounding success of Nu•Age Sounds 2024, the SNJO broadens its horizons with new music from eight of Scotland’s award-winning stars.
Complete with experience-enhancing live video projections, PLANET WORLD invites you to explore our solar system’s awe-inspiring majesty, planetary characters, and potentially catastrophic ecological downfall. EARTH, the lone survivor, races to save the universe’s citizens and life forces, and you are a part of this journey.
On-sale soon!
31 Jan Edinburgh, Usher Hall
1 Feb Dundee Rep
2 Feb Glasgow, Old Fruitmarket

21 SPICES
featuring the legendary TRILOK GURTU
Trilok Gurtu is renowned internationally as a fearlessly individual percussionist and composer, drawing inspiration from his deep engagement in his native Indian traditions as well as Western influences to create music that is at once melodically intricate and dynamically engaging.
Across collaborations with pioneering trumpeter Don Cherry, jazz explorers Oregon, saxophonist Jan Garbarek, guitarists John McLaughlin and Pat Metheny, keyboard maestro Joe Zawinul and the Arke String Quartet, Gurtu has performed with passion, precision and spontaneity. His 21 Spices, featuring arrangements by the versatile Wolf Kerschek, promises to be a captivating musical experience.
28 Mar Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, New Auditorium
29 Mar Perth Concert Hall
30 Mar The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh

visit http://www.snjo.co.uk for more information

https://www.facebook.com/theSNJO/

Become a Friend of the SNJO & TSYJO
In these uncertain times of reduced funding and closed educational institutions, we need you more than ever.
By becoming a Friend of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and its youth wing, the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra, you make a vital contribution, helping us maintain our varied production of new thrilling concerts, commissions and recordings. More importantly, you help us invest in the musicians of tomorrow, ensuring new generations become Ambassadors of Jazz from Scotland and grow its legacy.
https://snjo.co.uk/become-a-friend

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 25/08/2024.

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 25/08/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from August 25th 2024

After a short summer break my show is now back!

Jeppe Zeeberg
Honeysuckle Rose
Six Additional Pieces of Piano Music
Self

Das Rad
The Empress at Home
Funfair
Discus

Sentient beings
Hills & Valleys (part)
Truth is not the enemy
Discus

Modern Vikings
Tales of the Skald
Tales of the Skald
Ubuntu

Le Workshop De Lyon + Heavy Spirits
Canal 12-16
Lighting Up
Arfi

Fraser Fifield
Song for Luck
Second Sight
Tanar Records

Pat Thomas – Bleyschool
There is no Greater Love
Where?
577 Records

Six Terabytes of Snow
Silk Road Master
Planet B
Unit Records

Sulida
Furore
UTOS
Clean Feed

Harald Lassen
Con Arne
Opplevelser fra N
Jazzland

Tigran Hamasyan
The Kingdom
The Bird Of A Thousand Voices
Naive

Luísa Gonçalves
Red Moon
Under Your Breath
Clean Feed

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
Currently 3rd in the Mixcloud avant-garde jazz chart

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ). I don’t play singles!

Monkin’ Around (Dave O’Higgins, Luke Fowler & Billy Pod), debut album and UK tour dates 2024/25.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Monkin' Around will release their debut album "4 in 1" on October 4th 2024 and have a number of live dates scheduled from September 2024 to February 2025. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

PRESS RELEASE

Monkin’ Around
Dave O’Higgins (tenor saxophone), Luke Fowler (double bass) & Billy Pod (drums)
featuring special guests Sean Fyfe (piano) & Martin Shaw (trumpet)

4 in 1
Ubuntu Music – UBU179
Album release (CD & digital): Friday 4 October 2024

26 September – London, Hampstead Jazz Club

16 October – London, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho (album launch)

16 November – Luton, Bear Club

29 November Chichester Jazz Club

17 February – London, Parakeet, Kentish Town

Monkin’ Around is a new, dynamic trio featuring saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, bassist Luke Fowler and drummer Billy Pod. Their debut recording, 4 in 1, presents an innovative exploration of Thelonious Monk’s repertoire including some little-known gems. The addition of pianist Sean Fyfe and trumpeter Martin Shaw on selected tracks offers listeners four distinct ensemble formats within one album. Dave O’Higgins reflects on the project: “In trio format with no chordal instrument, it was an interesting challenge that demanded some degree of re-interpretation.”

On the recording’s significance Fowler comments: “This is a really exciting project because it allows us to delve into Monk’s jazz cubism and reinterpret it in a fresh, minimalist way.” Pod adds: “Monk’s strong rhythmic ideas create a unique melody of their own, providing a great canvas for us to experiment with and create our own improvisational stories.”

Recorded over two sessions in a live set up, 4 in 1 captures the spontaneous interactions among the musicians. “Everyone in the same room, no headphones, just like we play on a gig,” says O’Higgins. “This is very “old school” and doesn’t allow for things like clinical separation or repairs but, on a good day, it’s often much more intuitive and enjoyable for the musicians.”

Monkin’ Around: http://www.daveohiggins.com/monkin-around-trio

Ubuntu Music: http://www.ubuntumanagementgroup.com & www.weareubuntumusic.com
Ubuntu Music, a division of Ubuntu Management Group, is a progressive recorded music label that is committed to bringing quality, accessible jazz and related music genres to increasingly wider audiences. Our approach includes collaborative efforts with an array of performing artists who have a passion for jazz and who possess unique and diversified talents.

Distribution – The Orchard: http://www.theorchard.com

Musicians Georgia Mancio and Dave Ohm open new Crystal Palace Jazz Club.

Friday, August 16, 2024

Vocalist Georgia Mancio & drummer Dave Ohm have announced their second jazz club venture. Crystal Palace Jazz Club will meet on the first Tuesday in the month, from 3rd September 2024.

We have received the following press release;

MUSICIANS GEORGIA MANCIO & DAVE OHM START MONTHLY JAZZ CLUB IN CRYSTAL PALACE, IN ASSOCIATION WITH LOCAL VENUE, HOPSCOTCH TAPROOMS

Multi-award-winning vocalist, lyricist and producer, Georgia Mancio (Alan Broadbent, ReVoice! Festival, Kate Williams), and acclaimed drummer, Dave Ohm (Ian Shaw, Benny Golson, Gregory Porter), announce their second jazz club venture, following their takeover of the long-standing Eltham Jazz Club (Hugh & Marion’s) in November 2022.

Crystal Palace Jazz Club will meet on the first Tuesday in the month, from 3rd September, in the magical downstairs whisky and cocktail bar at Hopscotch Taprooms, right in the heart of the vibrant Triangle. Each month, Georgia and Dave will invite some of the UK’s finest musicians to collaborate with them, including award-winning guitarist/ bandleader Nigel Price (3 September), virtuoso flautist/pianist Gareth Lockrane (1 October), world-acclaimed saxophonist Tony Kof (5 November) and rising star guitarist Sam Dunn (3 December).

Crystal Palace residents for 15 years, Georgia and Dave were encouraged to start the club by Hopscotch owner Matthew Clark and investor Andy Richardson, who prize live music as one of the key elements to their business. Indeed Clark was formerly a sound engineer in his native New Zealand and Richardson is also a bassist and vocalist. Hopscotch opened early this year, high up on Westow Hill with its stunning views across London. A charming café with a sunny courtyard garden by day, that transforms into a candlelit bar at night.

Crystal Palace Jazz Club will take place in the atmospheric bar downstairs, with seating arranged concert style for around 30-35 people. The intimacy of this space (reminiscent of famed New York counterpart, Mezzrow), with its excellent, warm acoustics, envelops the audience in the music. There are also a few great spots further back in the room, alongside the bar itself, with its incredible selection of 170 whiskies, rums and bourbons, and plant foraged cocktails, some made with spirits over 50 years old!

“We have lived in and loved Crystal Palace for many years and are excited to be creating memorable musical experiences, with world-class musicians in this gem of a venue.”
Georgia Mancio and Dave Ohm

Website: http://www.linktr.ee/crystalpalacejazzclub

Instagram: @crystalpalacejazzclub2024

Address: Crystal Palace Jazz Club at Hopscotch Taprooms, 54 Westow Hill, London SE19 1RX

Tickets: £20 (booking ahead advisable)

Times: 8.00 pm – 10.30pm (doors 7pm)

Georgia Mancio is the recipient of two Parliamentary Jazz Awards: Best Vocalist (2021) and Best Album (2020), alongside multiple nominations at the Jazz FM, British Jazz and Urban Music Awards. Her collaboration with Grammy-winning pianist/composer, Alan Broadbent, has yielded two albums (Quiet Is The Star, Songbook), a book of songs and performances across Europe and the US.
Other credits include: BBC Proms, Kate Williams, Liane Carroll, Ian Shaw, Pat Metheny (lyric approval) and Bobby McFerrin. She also produced ReVoice! – the revered international voice festival in association with the Pizza Express Jazz Club that ran over 5 years and 4 venues, and involved 162 artists including Gregory Porter’s first UK booking – and its follow up, Hang.

Georgia Mancio
http://www.georgiamancio.com
“an object lesson in subtlety … in the impact of nuance … beautiful”  (All About Jazz 5*****)
Winner Best Vocalist: Parliamentary Jazz Awards (2021)
Winner Best Album: Parliamentary Jazz Awards (2020)
Winner Best Vocalist: Brussels International Jazz Singers Competition (2005)
Multiple nominee: Jazz FM, Urban Music, British Jazz Awards

Dave Ohm has been a leading player on the UK and international scene for 35 years, with credits including: Ian Shaw, Alan Broadbent, Liane Carroll, Benny Golson, Gregory Porter, Claire Martin, Karin Krog, Rebecca Parris and Anthony Strong. He has also fronted his own bands with members including Dave Newton, Steve Watts, Paul Stacey, Rob Townsend, Nikki Iles, Laurence Cottle and Mornington Lockett.
He has collaborated with Georgia for over 20 years: as the drummer in her regular quartet, and co-producing/playing on her albums Trapeze (2008), Silhouette (2010) and Songbook (2017).

Cheltenham Jazz Club - Newsletter, August 2024.

Thursday, August 01, 2024

Cheltenham Jazz Club, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, has forwarded its latest newsletter with details of its Autumn 2024 and Spring 2025 programmes.

Newsletter – August 2024

Hello Everybody,
I hope you are enjoying a good summer.

Looking ahead to the Autumn and the beginning of 2025, we have series of jazz gigs, which I think you will enjoy.

Beginning in September, on the 16th at the Everyman Irving Studio, we have the Yetii Trio with Jake McMurchie.
Jake McMurchie Sax/Alex Veitch piano/Ashley John Long bass/Alex Goodyear drums.
The Yetii Trio has been making waves in the South West jazz scene with a monthly residency at The Greenbank in Bristol. Jake McMurchie is a man of many parts; he has been the driving force behind the award-winning band ‘Get the Blessing.’ To give you a flavour, remember John Law’s Re- Creations Quartet with Alex Goodyear on drums, one of our best gigs in 2023.

And what can we say about 11th of October at the Victory Club.
We have an all-star line-up for you, celebrating our 40th Anniversary – can you believe it!!
Featuring Alan Barnes Sax/Art Themen Sax/Sara Oschlag vocals/Dave Newton piano/Dave Green bass/Steve Brown drums.
It is hardly worth commenting about this gig – it will be exceptional!

On the 1st of November we have our annual visit from the States of Greg Abate with a superb line-up of Greg Sax/Dave Newton piano/Henrik Jensen bass/Tony Mann drums.
We all love Greg, and he still has the energy to come and see us, he is such a character.

Moving on to the new year, we have booked at The Everyman Irving Studio Malcolm Earle Smith/Tony Kofi Quintet for the 13th of January and The Steve Waterman Latin Jazz Quartet for the 10th of February.

Looking forward to seeing you in the Autumn.
Gil Emery (Chairman).

More details at https://www.cheltenhamjazz.co.uk/?C=D;O=A

daoud signs to ACT Music.

Monday, July 29, 2024

The French-Moroccan trumpeter, composer, producer and educator daoud, who impressed guest contributor Colin May at Jammin' Juan 2023 has been signed by ACT Music.

Colin May reports;

‘daoud’  who impressed at last November’s Jammin’ Juan jazz market place has been signed to the prestigous ACT label.

The French-Moroccan trumpeter, composer, producer and educator who according to ACT’s press release has been described as ‘‘the problem child of French jazz’‘, impressed at Jammin’ Juan both with his playing and by engaging the audience by constantly cracking one-liners.

His first release on ACT will be next year. Ahead of that he and his excellent group are at Ronnie Scott’s on 21st November 2024.

https://www.actmusic.com/en/blog/act-welcomes-daoud

Visit http://www.daoudmusic.com for more

https://www.thejazzmann.com/features/article/jammin-juan-2023-palais-des-congress-juan-les-pins-france-8th-to-10th-november-2023

From;
https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/daoud

daoud
Times and Tickets
21st November 2024, 8.30pm

The influence of Keyon Harrold and Theo Croker pierces through incredibly powerful compositions and explosive performances.

daoud spent most of his adult life living the hobo life. Homeless in Scotland, working in strip clubs and seedy funeral parlours when not touring. He played for the likes of China Moses, NoJazz or Pokey Lafarge across the globe.

Ticket prices
£25 – £40

Line-up
DAOUD – trumpet
GUILLAUME PRÉVOST – drums
LOUIS NAVARRO – bass
ÉTIENNE MANCHON – keys
FÉLIX ROBIN – vibes

In 2023 he shared the stage with the likes of Erik Truffaz, Ibrahim Maalouf and Lakecia Benjamin, playing at Zénith de Toulouse, Le Bikini, La Rochelle Jazz Festival amongst others.

Reckless attitude…without losing their poetry.
— Jazznytt, Norway

Jim Simpson awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the University of Birmingham.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival Director and first manager of Black Sabbath, Jim Simpson, has been awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the University of Birmingham. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

HISTORY BEHIND HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE OF FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival Director and first manager of Black Sabbath, Jim Simpson, has been awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the University of Birmingham.

Honorary degrees are awarded to those who have “made an impact on the university and society in a variety of ways.” In Jim’s case, he has made a resounding impact on the music scene in Birmingham, as well as contributing to the University via delivering modules, contributing artist photographs to exhibitions, and providing placement opportunities for students beginning their music careers. In a world where Jazz, Blues, and The Arts are not often accessible for free, Jim’s direction at the Jazz and Blue’s Festival is essential in keeping the musical heart of Birmingham very much alive and well.

Jim’s impact on music in Birmingham began back in the late 60s, when he would book bands at the buzzy and vibrant Crown pub. A huge range of musicians came through the Old Crown under Jim’s supervision, including Status Quo, Thin Lizzy, and Jethro Tull. He was also the first manager of iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath, getting them through their first two albums and first hit single, “Paranoid.”

His management work has put Birmingham on the map in terms of Rock’n’Roll, but Jim’s first love is undoubtedly Jazz and Blues. His work at Big Bear Music, the UK’s longest-established independent record label based in the heart of Birmingham in Broad Street, has been instrumental in reigniting the careers of famous American Blues stars, such as Lightning Slim.

But perhaps Jim’s most-longstanding impact on music in Birmingham is his direction of the Birmingham Jazz and Blues festival. Jim and a team of just three other people have single-handedly delivered the festival to the benefit of Birmingham and musicians across the world for the last 40 years.

When presenting Jim his award, Jeremy Pritchard’s oration included that Jim’s “knowledge and influence is profound,” and that his contribution to music both “locally and globally is unsurpassed.”

This year, Jim directs the Birmingham Jazz and Blues’ festival’s 40-year anniversary. Between the 19th-28th July, the city will celebrate 40 years of accessible Jazz and Blues music, with the majority of the events being entirely free of charge. However, despite the impact and importance of the festival on Birmingham’s community, this year will be the first that the festival will not receive funding from Birmingham City Council, due to financial difficulties that have forced the council to cut their arts and culture budget.

Despite this financial setback, Jim and the team will not be deterred, as they “refuse to let this unique, vibrant and inclusive celebration of jazz and blues just fade away.” Thus, they have set up a GoFundMe, kindly asking their loyal supporters to contribute what they can to ensure the delivery of this iconic event.

Crucially, a key goal they are hoping to achieve is the preservation of free access that has defined the festival for the past 40 years. Especially in recent times where the cost of living has meant that many have had to cut back, accessible events such as these are essential to ensure that the community can celebrate and access music and the arts.

As of the 19th of July 2024, the festival has been in full swing, with 237 performances taking place in bars, cafes, clubs, theatres, restaurants, stately homes, arenas, squares, studios, hotels, hospitals, museums, music stores, art galleries, streets, stores, parks, railway stations, casinos, bandstands through much of the West Midlands, including Sandwell, Lye, Coventry, Kidderminster and more.

The honorary doctorate of music that Jim has received this week is a representation of the fundamental impact that he has had on both the local and global music scene as well as the University of Birmingham. This week, his work at the Jazz and Blues festival will continue to light up the city and surrounding areas.

For Festival Programme information: https://www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Jazz_Fest_2024_compressed.pdf

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-40th-birmingham-jazz-blues-festival

Attached below is the speech made by Jeremy Pritchard when presenting Jim with his Honorary Doctorate of Music.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Graduates, Graduands and Guests. It is my great pleasure to present to you Mr. Jim Simpson as an honorary Doctor of music at the University of Birmingham.

Tomorrow at 12:30 the 40th Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival, kicks off with the first performance in the mailbox with the boogie woogie piano man Ben Toury from Paris. What follows is a rollercoaster ride of over 230 Jazz and Blues events, in 115 venues across the West Midlands, including on trains and trams.

I’m telling you this because Jim Simpson with a team of just three other people has single-handedly delivered this festival to the benefit of Birmingham and musicians across the world for the last 40 years.

Honorary degrees from the University of Birmingham are awarded to people who have made an impact on the University and wider society in a variety of ways. The contribution of Jim to Birmingham, and to music both locally and globally is unsurpassed.

His first love is undoubtedly Jazz and Blues. Jim contends that Birmingham is the rock’n'roll capital of the UK. That this claim can be legitimately made is in no doubt significantly due to Jim’s efforts over many decades.

Jim played trumpet in a band called ‘Locomotive’ but was increasingly distracted by music management. Those of you who’ve come out the back entrance to New Street Station will be aware of the ‘Crown’ pub, now sadly boarded up and its future uncertain. However, in the late 60s it was a happening venue where Jim would book bands and give musicians the opportunity to develop.

Let’s get one thing out of the way; Jim was the manager of Black Sabbath, the originators of heavy metal. Jim got them through their first two albums including their biggest hit ‘Paranoid.’ They were however distracted by the bright lights of the big smoke, and as Jim puts it; ‘fast cars and men in suits’. He points out that Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath has now developed a perfume, 50mls will set you back £238. As Jim says; ‘not very rock’n'roll…’ Nor, in Jim’s opinion, is the Black Sabbath Ballet.

A huge range of musicians came through the Old Crown under Jim’s watchful eye, including Status Quo, Thin Lizzy, Jethro Tull, and Judas Priest to name a few. Robert Plant and John Bonham could be seen propping up the bar.

Jim’s other deep love is American Blues. Jim was instrumental in reigniting the careers of some famous American blue stars. One example is Lightning Slim, found working in an iron foundry, encouraged with the provision of a new guitar and gigs in Birmingham and around Europe to start playing again so reigniting his career and the genre.

Jim can draw links between characters from the 30s depression coming down from Scotland, fighting Fascism in the Spanish civil war for the International Brigades, ending up delivering this country’s first ever live folk recordings, actually in The Crown in Birmingham and linking through to the Birmingham band UB40. His knowledge and influence is profound.

Honorary degrees reflect the achievements of the graduates but also their links to the University. Jim is a central contributor to a Module on ‘Music in the 60s’, project students have been guided by Jim studying ‘Birmingham Music of the late 50s’. Jim’s photographs of artists such as Nina Simone, The Rolling Stones, Cream, Muddy Waters and the Spencer Davis group have been the subject of an exhibition on Campus. He provides placement opportunities for our music students to play live in music venues. Jim is keeping the soul and the spirit of the Old Crown Hotel alive.

I finish by reminding you to make sure you have in your diary 8:30pm on the 28th July in the Nightclub ‘Snobs’ where the ‘Swing Cats’ from Spain will bring Jim’s 40th jazz and Blues Festival to a close. I now bring this oration to an end…

Pro-Vice-Chancellor, to you and to the University I present Mr Jim Simpson, deemed worthy of admission to the degree of Doctor of Music, Honoris Causa.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 21/07/2024.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 21/07/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from July 21st 2024

Hi folks,

I’m taking a short summer break - my next show will be August 25th - but keep sending me the music - I’ll still be listening.

And to close on a high - my previous show (July 7th) on Mixcloud was No.1 in the avant-garde jazz chart and the post-bop chart !

This week’s show is now online:

Slowly Rolling Camera
Evergreen
Silver Shadow
Edition

Superposition
Elfvic
Superposition II
We Jazz Records

Córas Trio
The Heights of Muingvuara
Córas Trio
Coracle

Garden
Warsong
Pilgrim
Losen

Matthew Bourne
Red Badger
Harpsichords
Discus

Ron Caines, Martin Archer AXIS
Part 7
Practical Dreamers
Discus

The Flame
03 Be Kind (Through It All)
Towards the Flame Vol. 2
577 Records

Varv
Ready Arteries
Lowlands
Off Record

Kit Downes
Children with Pitchforks
Dr Snap
Bimhuis Records

Artie Zaitz
Boohaloo Ga Goo (part)
single
Banger Factory

Emil de Waal
Limbo Jazz
Fire øjne
April Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
July 7th show was top in the Mixcloud avant-garde and post-bop jazz charts

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Jazz FM announces summer schedule.

Monday, July 15, 2024

Jazz FM, have today announced a new schedule offering more prominence to under-served genres and new documentaries on subjects including music therapy and careers in music. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

The new schedule puts Latin, Cuban, AfroJazz, Electronic and New Jazz front and centre

New programmes for Helen Mayhew, Reuben Green, Rouhangeze Baichoo, Ruth Fisher and Dom Servini

New short series on Musicals, Music Therapy and Careers in Music also announced.

The UK’s only jazz, soul and blues radio station, Jazz FM, have today announced a new schedule offering more prominence to under-served genres and new documentaries on subjects including music therapy and careers in music.

The weekly late evening schedule will see a new Friday night soundtrack of upbeat Latin and Cuban music with programmes with Helen Mayhew and Afro Jazz with Reuben Green.  There’s also new programmes for singer Rouhangeze Baichoo, who takes over the global music show Jazz Travels; and Wah Wah 45’s label boss, DJ and record producer Dom Servini has an hour of electronic jazz on Wednesday night

Ruth Fisher hosts a programme that focuses entirely on Future Jazz, highlighting the exciting new music cutting through the jazz scene, whilst Dinner Jazz with Mark Walker can also be heard on Sunday with a special Dinner Jazz Classics edition that focuses on the legends of jazz.

Documentaries and short series coming to Jazz FM over the late summer months include a series looking at how musicals have influenced jazz with many show tunes becoming jazz standards in a 4-part series called Jazz at the Musicals hosted by musician Stacey Kent.  Theres a second series of Music Therapy with Binker Golding in which he discusses life’s challenges with fellow artists and what’s on their therapeutic soundtracks.  And Access To Music with Alex Carr takes an in-depth look at the music industry and the careers within.

Jazz FM and Scala Radio Content Director Nick Pitts said “We’re always looking at how we can enhance our music and programming and, as late summer starts to arrive, to be able to provide a Friday night soundtrack giving more time to two under-represented genres is a superb addition.  It’s also a joy to give new broadcasters like Rouhangeze, Reuben Green and Dom Servini a place on our schedule continuing our tradition of highlighting new talent.”

He added, “And excitingly our new Rayo app, allows any listener to find this rich, new content and explore their way around our jazz, soul and blues world.  Alongside our rich archive of programmes on the platform, jazz has never been so well represented.”

These changes will mean that the station will be saying goodbye to DJ ‘Lil Koko (Kate Peroudis) who has been with the station since 2019 and Clare Teal who joined from Radio 2 in 2021.

Of Clare and Kate, Nick said “It’s been great to have these experts and superb broadcasters as part of our Jazz FM family and we thank them for all of their wonderful shows they have painstakingly put together for us through the years.  They have been intrinsic in the sound of the station with their programmes proving that they are experts in their chosen fields, and I hope there will be a chance to work with them again in the future.  In the meantime we wish them the very best.”

New programmes / schedule changes from Monday 22nd July

Monday
6.30am - Jazz FM Breakfast with Nigel Williams
10am – Danielle Perry
2pm – Simon Phillips
6pm – Jazz FM’s Greatest
7pm – Jazz FM’s Dinner Jazz with Mark Walker
9pm – Future Jazz with Ruth Fisher (new)
10pm – Late Night China Moses

Tuesday (as above except)
9pm – Jazz Travels with Rouhangeze Baichoo (new)

Wednesday (as above except)
9pm – Jazztronic with Dom Servini (new)

Thursday (as above except)
9pm – The British Jazz Show with Helen Mayhew (new)

Friday (as above except)
7pm – Latin Jazz Jam with Helen Mayhew (new)
9pm – The Rhythm of Afro Jazz with Reuben Green (new)
11pm – The Ronnie Scott’s Radio Show with Ian Shaw

Saturday
6am – Breakfast at the Weekend with Nia Visser
9am – Summer Book Club with Time Smith / Jazz Shapers with Elliot Moss from 21st September
10am – Nigel Williams
2pm – YolanDa Brown
6pm – The Sarah Ward Collection
9pm – Jazz FM Guest Curators
10pm – The Blueprint with Chris Philips

Sunday
6am – Breakfast at the Weekend with Nia Visser
10am – Tony Minvielle
1pm – Robbie Vincent
3pm – John Osborne
5pm – Blues ‘n’ Boogie with David Freeman
7pm – Dinner Jazz Classics with Mark Walker (new)
9pm – Jazz FM Documentaries
10pm – Jez Nelson

About Jazz FM:
Jazz FM is the largest commercial jazz station in the world, celebrating the complete spectrum of Jazz in all its colourful forms since 1990. Jazz FM broadcasters, producers and team are true devotees, with a deep love and understanding of their particular jazz shade, their passion is vivid, their enthusiasm infectious, sharing the finest jazz with everyone.
As the UK’s only dedicated Jazz broadcaster, Jazz FM is on a mission to entertain, promote and celebrate all that’s great about Jazz. Involvement with national festivals and awards is part of this - setting the bar high for live performance, recognising outstanding talent and strengthening the Jazz community.
No matter how people tune-in they always listen in colour.

Livia Records’ Louis Stewart re-release programme to feature recordings with Jim Hall,  Martin Taylor and Jim Doherty.

Saturday, July 13, 2024

A previously unreleased live guitar duo recording with Jim Hall leads Dublin-based Livia Records’ latest set of albums featuring Irish virtuoso, Louis Stewart. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release from Livia Records;

Duo with Jim Hall leads Livia’s latest Louis Stewart releases

A previously unreleased live guitar duo recording with Jim Hall leads Dublin-based Livia Records’ latest set of albums featuring Irish virtuoso, Louis Stewart.

The Dublin Concert was recorded in 1982 after Hall got in touch with Stewart to say he was in Ireland on holiday and asked if they could play a gig. The recording lay in the Livia vaults until two years ago, when Dermot Rogers, a Dublin radio presenter and Stewart devotee, acquired permission to reactivate the label. Livia had been founded in 1977 specifically to release Stewart’s recordings and had been inactive since the death of its founder, Gerald Davis, in 2005.

Rogers has overseen three releases since relaunching Livia – Stewart’s debut as a leader, Louis the First, the solo album Out on His Own and a hitherto unknown duo album by Stewart and pianist Noel Kelehan, Some Other Blues.

Now a further three albums, beginning with The Dublin Concert, are set for release this autumn. The Dublin Concert is released on 6th September and will be followed in October by the long unavailable duo album by Stewart and fellow guitarist Martin Taylor. A third album, the reissue of Spondance, which Stewart and pianist Jim Doherty recorded in Los Angeles with a band of top session musicians, follows in November.

“The concert that Louis and Jim Hall played in Dublin on Boxing Night 1982 has passed into Irish jazz folklore,” says Rogers. “Finding a venue at short notice at that time of year back then was no small feat but the Maccabi Hall turned out to be available, the tickets quickly sold out and Gerald Davis had the prescience to record the gig. You can sense the excitement in the room at the prospect of hearing the local hero, who had already made an impression internationally, with ‘the master of modern jazz guitar,’ as Pat Metheny described Jim Hall.”

Hall and Stewart had met in New York the year before when Stewart, who had been pronounced world class by the King of Swing, Benny Goodman, pianist George Shearing and saxophonist Ronnie Scott, played a week at Bechet’s – a visit that the New York Times’ respected jazz critic, John S. Wilson announced enthusiastically.

“They clearly formed a mutual admiration society because they’re obviously at ease with each other on the recording,” says Rogers. “The Dublin Concert is the only known recording of them performing together, though, so it’s a piece of jazz guitar history.”

Stewart had already played with Oscar Peterson, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Blossom Dearie and Tubby Hayes, among others, and he would go on to deputise for one of his early heroes, Barney Kessel – at Kessel’s suggestion – on a Great Guitars tour with Charlie Byrd. He also recorded an album, I Thought About You, with pianist John Taylor, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Billy Higgins that Rogers has plans to reissue.

“Before that, we have the album with Martin Taylor, which is effervescent, to say the least, and Spondance, which was originally intended as a jazz ballet, which Jim Doherty composed,” says Rogers. “The trumpeter Bobby Shew put the band together – an octet including Louis and Jim - and it’s quite different from the solo, duo and trio recordings we’ve issued so far.”

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 07/07/2024.

Tuesday, July 09, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 07/07/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from July 7th 2024.

Adam Dyer
After the JD
River Spirit
self

Glasshopper
When you find
I’m not telling you Anything
Clonmell Jazz Social

Qwalia
Majolica
Abbreviations
Albert’s Favourites

Loz Speyer’s Inner Space
Rhythm Changes Time
Live in Leipzig
Spherical Records

Norma Winstone, Kit Downes
Jesus Maria
Outpost of Dreams
ECM

John Williamson
The Northern Sea
The Northern Sea
Ubuntu

Schubert/Pilz/Scheib/Kugel
Where is Charles (section)
Live At Freejazzsaar 2019
Nemu records

Florian Willeitner
Sergeys Zwinkern - Präludium
What the Fugue
ACT

Söndörgő with Chris Potter
Spoon
Gyezz
Ground Up Music

Eternal Triangle
Minniss
Gravity
Jazz Now

Aspyrian
LEGO
SINGLE
Hidden Threads

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;

http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
Currently 3rd in the Mixcloud avant-garde jazz chart

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ). I don’t play singles!

An appeal from Tommaso Starace.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

On 8th September 2024 saxophonist Tommaso Starace will be running a marathon in Cesenatico, Italy to raise funds for the Alzheimers 360° Fund. Details of how to donate are attached.

Tommaso Starace writes;

Dear All,

Just to let you know that this coming 8th September I will be taking part in a Marathon in Cesenatico, near Rimini, which raises awareness and money towards Alzheimers, a terrible and cruel disease which through research we hope one day will be history.

I love running and taking part in marathons, but the particular one will be very close to my heart.

If you feel like donating something towards this run it will be much appreciated and it will be going towards the Alzheimer 360 ° Fund.

Here’s the link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/alzheimer-marathon

Have a great start to the Summer!

Tommaso x

http://www.tommasostarace.com

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 23/06/2024.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 23/06/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from 23rd June 2024

Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Mike Westbrook
Johnny Come Lately
Band of Bands
Westbrook Records

Orlando LeFleming
Don’t dwell on it
Wandering Talk
Whirlwind

Maxed Out
Fluty
EP
self

Tabea Kind
Ostinato
Fragments
Loumi Records

Smag På Dig Selv
White Man Plays Afrobeat
SPDS
Stunt Records

Nikolov-Ivanović Undectet
Scream
Dystopia
Rue de Balkan

Stemeseder Lillinger Quartet
Neue Form
Umbra II
Intakt

Hill Collective
A joyous sound
Tonal Prophecy
Fin Du Monde

Filip Żółtowski Quartet
Fuddy Duddy
BiBi
Alpaka records

Steven Nichols
Green Juice
From Dust
Ubuntu

Lisen Rylander Löve & Alfred Lorinius
Dagg Nu
Händelser i en park
Toppkonst

Katarina Kochetova
Beyond Motion
Beyond Motion
A.MA

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
Currently 3rd in the Mixcloud avant-garde jazz chart

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ). I don’t play singles!

Music Venue Trust (MVT) calls on politicians of all parties to ‘seize the moment’ in Manifesto for Grassroots Music.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

MVT has published a report entitled ‘A Manifesto for Grassroots Music’, which sets out the steps that need to be taken in order to stem the closures of Grassroots Music Venues.

We have received the following press release;

MUSIC VENUE TRUST ANNOUNCE ‘A MANIFESTO FOR GRASSROOTS MUSIC’ AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTION

POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL PARTIES URGED TO “SEIZE THE MOMENT”

London, June 11TH 2024 - Music Venue Trust (MVT), the charity which represents hundreds of Grassroots Music Venues (GMVs), has called upon politicians from all parties to “seize the moment” ahead of the forthcoming UK General Election on July 4th, and to help save the sector from the deepening crisis it finds itself in.

MVT has published a report entitled ‘A Manifesto for Grassroots Music’, which sets out the steps that need to be taken in order to stem the closures of GMVs, currently running at more than one per week, and to bring stability to the sector.

Calling this “a once in a generation opportunity to save the UK’s grassroots music venues”, the report emphasises the need to implement the recent Culture Media & Sport Select Committee recommendations for the wider live music industry to invest in the future of grassroots music via a contribution of £1 from every arena and stadium ticket sold for events over a 5000 capacity.

There are also calls for the abolition of VAT on GMV tickets and for a review of the business rates paid by venues in the sector. The report also highlights the need for a full, fan led review and the need for changes to existing planning laws.

The five key areas highlighted in the report are:

·    £1 grassroots investment contribution from every arena and stadium ticket sold to support grassroots music venues, artists and promoters

·    A fan-led review to fully examine the long-term challenges to the live music ecosystem

·    The agent of change principle in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to be put on a statutory footing at the earliest opportunity

·    A reduction in VAT on cultural ticketing in GMVs to 0% and reduce VAT on cultural ticketing in the live music industry to the European average (5–7%)

·    The creation of a specific business rates premises definition for GMVs and the removal of properties satisfying that definition from the requirement to pay business rates

Sophie Brownlee, External Affairs Manager at Music Venue Trust, said,
“The Manifesto is being delivered to every prospective MP in the country with the request that they come out in support of it as part of their campaign to be elected. Music communities across the country will also be asking the candidates where they stand on the future of live music in our towns and cities. The time to act is now.”

In its recent report recommending the implementation of a £1 levy on arena and stadium concert tickets, the CMS select committee said,
“...grassroots live music venues, the local, limited capacity venues integral to the pipeline of creative and professional talent and key fixtures of our communities, are now facing a crisis of soaring costs and closures. Artists, and the people who rely on them for business, are facing a cost-of-touring crisis and finding opportunities squeezed. Promoters are less able to put on shows or make them financially viable. Festivals, electronic music venues and even academies and arenas are not insulated from the impacts.”

Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust said,
“In 2023, of the 366 small music venues Ed Sheeran played while learning his trade, at least 150 are now closed. Another 72 grassroots music venues significantly reduced or ended their live music offer. 38% of GMVs in the UK made a loss in the last 12 months. The sector operated on a 0.5% profit margin overall while running live music events at a £115 million loss.  All of this can be changed if the next government delivers the five simple steps we have set out in this report.  We therefore call on all political representatives, from all parties, to seize the moment and drive forward this change. We have a chance to save UK grassroots music venues from the crisis they currently face and we should not let it slip.”

The full report can be found HERE
https://www.musicvenuetrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MVT-Manifesto-Medium_FINAL.pdf

About Music Venue Trust
Music Venue Trust is a UK registered charity which acts to protect, secure, and improve the UK’s Grassroots Music Venues.
Created in January 2014, Music Venue Trust aims to secure the long-term future of GMVs in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, whether they are iconic venues such as Hull Adelphi, Exeter Cavern, The 100 Club, Band on the Wall, King Tut’s, and Clwb Ifor Bach, or lesser-known venues that are equally important to their geographical or musical community. These venues play a crucial role in the development of British music, nurturing local talent, providing a platform for artists to build their careers and develop their music and their performance skills.
MVT works to gain recognition of the essential role these venues fulfil, not only for artist development but also for the cultural and music industries, the economy, and local communities. The geographical spread of GMVs provides access to live music, for both performers and audience members, in many locations that do not have alternative cultural venues. The charity provides advice to the government, the cultural sector, and the music industry on issues impacting GMVs and is the nominated representative that speaks on behalf of the Music Venues Alliance, an association of venues from across the UK.

Music Venue Trust is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales, registration no: 1159846.

Music Venue Trust (Scotland) is a charity registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator: Charity Number SC052001

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 09/06/2024.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 09/06/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from Sunday 9th June 2024

Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Jasper Høiby - 3Elements
What it means to be Human
Like Water
Edition

Phil Bancroft & Gyan Singh
Birth & Death
Birth & Death
Myriad Streams

Luca Crispino
Ziggurat
Diffrazioni
Dodicilune

Henriette Eilertsen + Ojkos
Elefantar_Om
Om tålmodighet
Nice Things Records

Shakai
Fragements
Changes
IsItJazz

Sam Newbould
Twinkle, Twinkle
Homing
Zennez records

Christian Holm-Svendsen
December
Totem
April Records

Liba Villavecchia Trio + Luis Vicente
Muracik
Muracik
Clean Feed

Venanzio Venditti Quintet
Seven Steps to Heaven
Inside
Alfa Music

Gianfranco Menzella
Angles
Dedicated to Bob Berg
Gleam Records

corto.alto
Chubbby
30 tracks in 30 days
Bridge the Gap

Richard Fairhurst
King Korn
Inside Out
Ubuntu

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
Currently 3rd in the Mixcloud avant-garde jazz chart

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ). I don’t play singles!

Black Mountain Jazz, Abergavenny launches new podcast service.

Thursday, May 30, 2024

BMJ has launched a new monthly podcast, hosted by jazz broadcaster John Hellings. Each podcast will be freely accessible for one month and will start with Remembering Charlie Parker: Part 1.

Black Mountain Jazz have forwarded the following information;

Introducing our new Podcast service

Podcast
30 Minutes with John Hellings
Remembering Charlie Parker: Part 1

Please use this link to listen for free
https://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/virtual-page

We have launched our new monthly podcast, hosted by John Hellings, one of the best known voices of jazz radio.

Each podcast will be freely accessible for one month and we start with Remembering Charlie Parker: Part 1, with John’s commentary and music recorded at our wall2wall Jazz Festival 2020.

Please use the above link to listen to the podcast.

Can we also take the opportunity to remind you that our next gig is on Sunday 23rd June - Victoria Klewin Quartet - please use this link for tickets and information.
https://thelittleboxoffice.com/blackmountainjazz/event/view/200650

BMJazz

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 26/05/2024.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 26/05/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from May 26th 2024

Andrés Coll Odyssey
Es Credo
Sunbird
Balaio Records

Tom Thorp & Ilumetris
We have a Pixie problem!
Here, there be monsters
AMP

Dag Arnesen trio
Ice Breaking
Ice Breaking
Losen

Flukten
Flukten
Flukten
Odin Records

Jonathan Bäckström Quartet
Oni!” Oni! Oni!
Jonathan Bäckström Quartet
We Jazz

Emily Francis trio
After the Rain
Atomic
Bridge the Gap

Helveticus
Bemsha Swing
Our Way
Blaser Music

Pago Libre & Sooon
Celtic Church/Hocus Pocus
Friendship – Riffs Ahead
Leo

Tom Skinner
Oasis (part)
Voices of Bishara Live at “mu”
International Anthem

I Compani
Sun Ra
Party @ TivoLUX
Icdisc

Sean Khan
Ode to Nick Drake
The Modern Jazz and Folk Ensemble
Acid Jazz

MÙ
Tzotzil
Tzotzil
Carton records

Claudio Scolari Project
Let it Flow
Opera 8
Principal Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
Previous show was 3rd in the Mixcloud avant-garde jazz chart, 1st in post-bop chart

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ). I don’t play singles!

Kim Cypher announces June Ronnie Scott’s show and October album release and premieres new Bossa nova single, ‘Birdie In The Grass’.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Saxophonist & vocalist Kim Cypher releases the single ‘Birdie In The Grass’, from her upcoming album Catching Moments. The release precedes her Ronnie Scott’s album preview concert on June 16th.

We have received the following press release;

Kim Cypher announces June Ronnie Scott’s show and October album release - premieres new Bossa nova single, ‘Birdie In The Grass’

KIM CYPHER RELEASES ‘BIRDIE IN THE GRASS’ –
ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM AND JUNE 16TH RONNIE SCOTT’S SHOW

“One of the UK’s most exciting saxophonists, vocalists, & composers”
-All About Jazz

British jazz saxophonist, vocalist, composer and band leader Kim Cypher has released the single ‘Birdie In The Grass’, taken from her upcoming album Catching Moments (October 4th 2024). The release precedes her Ronnie Scott’s album preview concert on Father’s Day, June 16th 2024, tickets HERE.
https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/kim-cypher

Kim is one of the UK’s most beloved jazz musicians. As a figurehead of independent arts in Britain, her work extends to furthering the reach of grassroots musicians by means of collaboration and independent concert promotion, working with the Women In Jazz Media collective, and her weekly radio show ‘The Big Jazz Hullabaloo’ hosted by Kim and her husband Mike every week on Jazz Bites Radio. Her charity single releases have seen thousands of pounds raised across multiple campaigns, simultaneously drawing attention to some of the most talented players residing in the UK and abroad.

“Accessible and classy music with a very wide appeal”
- London Jazz News

Opening with the rich tones of Kim’s signature tenor saxophone, her playing offers nods to both of her mentors; the legendary jazz saxophonists Andy Sheppard and Pee Wee Ellis. The song quickly locks into a dreamlike groove, with Kim’s sublime production and tasteful arrangement giving space to each instrument as they playfully syncopate and solo through this light-hearted Latin original.

The overall naturalistic sound conjures images of the song’s namesake, which Kim explains was inspired as she “observed a tiny baby bird playing in the grass, learning to fly, flapping its wings and just loving life. Standing at the window observing the activity, a cheeky little Latin melody soon evolved to accompany the joyful scene.” Certainly, if Mother Nature was lounging at golden hour on a sleepy Sunday, ‘Birdie In The Grass’ would be on her record player.

“A bright, passionate performing light on the UK Jazz scene”
– Jazz In Europe

Featuring an all-star cast of global musicians that includes guitarist Antonio Forcione, double bass player Raph Mizraki, percussionist Karl Vanden Bossche, and drummer Mike Cypher, ‘Birdie In The Grass’ and the upcoming album are a continuation of Kim’s ‘Brighter Tomorrow’, a collaborative project started during COVID lockdowns to showcase all those who work in the arts, and demonstrate their unbending passion, drive, resilience and dedication to their craft. Further special guest performers on the album include pianist and vocalist Liane Carroll, saxophonist and vocalist Ray Gelato, and trombone player Ashley Slater.

This is one of twelve tracks on the album, including ten originals, inspired by world and personal events of the past few years and focused around catching precious moments in life. Kim and her band will showcase many of these songs and more on June 16th at her Ronnie Scott’s date.

“Always innovative and surprising”
– Jazz Views

ONE JAZZ - new 24/7 global jazz radio platform to launch on 25th May 2024.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Internationally renowned jazz presenters Chris Philips and Jez Nelson to launch new 24/7 global jazz radio platform ONE JAZZ . Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Internationally renowned jazz presenters Chris Philips and Jez Nelson launch new 24/7 global jazz radio platform ONE JAZZ
launches 25 May 2024

Launch event at Jazz in the Round
27 May 2024
featuring
Rob Luft Quintet,
Rachel Musson & Luke Baccus

“I’m drunk with music and hungry for the next thing!” Charles Lloyd

One Jazz is the new 24/7 global online jazz radio platform providing a constant flow of uninterrupted, curated music with a focus on the best new recordings but also including gems from the past. “One Jazz has come to be because we believe this music to be the most beautiful, emotive and creative of gifts, constantly evolving and reflecting life’s energy and passions,” explains Philips. “Our hearts tell us to put exciting new music first, all day, every day, without losing sight or respect for the heritage.”

One Jazz is the first global radio station dedicated entirely to jazz,” says Nelson. “We’re here for a global audience that love this music as much as we do. But we’re also here in support of the artists, labels, venues and jazz organisations that keep the music alive. We’ll play music that makes you think, feel and move!”

Although the not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation is being launched by the lifelong friends and jazz radio stalwarts, One Jazz “belongs” to everyone involved and indeed, the wider community. An evolving team of global, passionate and diverse hosts are being assembled to present a range of music from around the world – something for everyone. Confirmed international presenters include Paul Bradshaw (Straight No Chaser), Götz Bühler (JazzAhead from Germany), Marco Cafolla (Mama Terra), Nicola Conte (from Italy), Anthony Dean-Harris (The Lineup from USA), Ruth Fisher (Four Corners), Mike Flynn (Jazzwise Editor’s Choice), Haseeb Iqbal, Mari* (Gondwana Records’ Our World Session), Kasia Konstance (Heads Up), Kyri (Other Ways Of Being), Kevin Le Gendre (Now’s The Time), Gerry Lyseight (Near Enough For Jazz), Toshio Matsuura (Tokyo Moon from Japan), Jez Nelson, Matti Nives (We Jazz from Finland), Chris Philips, Debra Richards (The Fuse), Orphy Robinson (The Vibes Describes), Rouhangeze (SoundShift), Darrel Sheinman (Gearbox Playback Sessions), Tomorrow’s Warriors, Beatrice Venturini (Montreux Jazz Festival – Then & Now), Don Was (Blue Note First Look).

Philips and Nelson’s intentions are clear – to give back to the community of interest around the music by putting the artist at the heart, new music first and creating a source of inspirational music that is always there, easy to find and simple to listen to and engage.

Jazz in the Round: http://www.jazzintheround.co.uk
Celebrate the launch of One Jazz at Jazz in the Round on 27 May with Rob Luft’s quintet featuring Joe Wright on tenor saxophone, Tom McCredie on bass guitar and Corrie Dick on drums & percussion with special guest Alice Zawadzki on violin & vocals, Rachel Musson and Luke Bacchus.

One Jazz: http://www.onejazz.net
One Jazz will initially be available online, on mobile and can be heard instantly on Alexa compatible smart speakers by asking, “Alexa, play One Jazz” and added to new platforms in the future.

Chris Philips and Jez Nelson first created jazz pirate radio station K-Jazz in the late 1980s. Since then, they have hosted jazz radio on Jazz FM and the BBC. They have also promoted many live events and supported jazz in a myriad of ways including curating the Jazz at the Round concert series at The Cockpit featuring the most innovative new artists on the scene and a yearly presence at Love Supreme festival. Until recently, Nelson also ran the media production company Somethin’ Else, which became part of Sony Music Entertainment in 2021.

One Jazz is a not-for-profit, self-funded organisation. A combination of donation, advertising and sponsorship, merchandise and events will be sought to generate income to cover costs and pay colleagues who contribute.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 12/05/2024.

Monday, May 13, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 12/05/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from Sunday 12th May 2024

Marimbazzi duo
Chase
Unusual Music Box
Immersive Sound

Sol Sol
Hello Again, Paul
Almost All Things Considered
Sail Cabin Records

Goran Kajfeš Tropiques
Prije i posle (part)
Tell Us
WeJazz

Max Clouth
Deszendent
Entelecheia
Bellaphon

Aki Takase Japanic
Step Skip Stop
Forte
BMC

Maridalen
Fuglefangeren
Gressholmen
Jazzland

Synesthetic Octet
Sdreek
Plehak
Jazzwerkstatt

Blueblut
Clarinot
Lutebulb
Janka Industries

FUR
Faiblesse
Bond
BMC

Peter Van Huffel’s Calisto
Interdimensional Planet Hopper
Meandering Demons
Clean Feed

Scott Murphy
But You Ain’t No Dancer
A dream of Form
self

Fergus McCreadie
Storm
Stream
Edition

Running 3rd in the Mixcloud avant-garde jazz chart, 1st in Post-bop chart

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ). I don’t play singles!

Saxophonist Helena Kay to headline Jazz Thursdays in Edinburgh, 2024 / 25.

Thursday, May 09, 2024

The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh has commissioned saxophonist Helena Kay to curate & appear in a series of concerts focusing on musicians who have inspired Kay's career. The series begins19th September.

We have received the following press release;

Saxophonist Helena Kay headlines Jazz Thursdays in Edinburgh

The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh has commissioned the award-winning saxophonist Helena Kay to curate and appear in a series of concerts focusing on musicians who have inspired Kay’s career.

Beginning on Thursday 19th September with the vibrant, highly individual pianist Zoe Rahman, who will play solo and in duo with Kay, the concerts take place over a twelve-month period and highlight Kay as both a featured soloist and a bandleader.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to play on a stage and in a venue so rich in jazz history,” says Kay, who won the much-coveted Peter Whittingham Jazz Award in 2017 and has since been selected as a City Music Foundation Artist and for the Drake YolanDa Award in recognition of their exceptional musicianship.

“I’ve played at the Queen’s Hall as a member of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and have been aware of following in illustrious footsteps,” Kay adds. “The brilliant composer Carla Bley and saxophone legend Sonny Rollins are just two of the people I admire who have appeared there. So to lead my own band and to play with some of my heroes there is really special.”

Kay has chosen several musicians they looked up to as an aspiring saxophonist to appear in the programme, which is being promoted under the Jazz Thursdays banner. As well as Zoe Rahman, in whose octet Kay has worked, Kay has invited fellow saxophonist Laura Macdonald, who will play in duo with guitarist Kevin Mackenzie, and saxophonist Tommy Smith.

Kay first met Laura Macdonald when she tutored Kay during the run-up to the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year competition, which Kay went on to win in 2015.

“Laura is a fantastic example for young musicians looking to play jazz to follow,” says Kay. “She has recorded and led bands with some of the most prestigious musicians. The saxophonist Donny McCaslin and drummer Antonio Sanchez were in Laura’s sextet before they went on to work with David Bowie and Pat Metheny respectively.”

Zoe Rahman, an Ivor Novello Impact and Mobo Award winner, and Kay have already rehearsed the pieces they will play in the opening concert and are looking forward to playing together.

“I first saw Zoe play with Courtney Pine when I was sixteen,” says Kay. “My mum (who is also a big fan of Zoe’s) made sure we both went to meet to Zoe after the gig, and it was so inspiring for me to meet her at that stage in my musical life. The teenage me wouldn’t believe that we’re sharing the stage now. She’s such a brilliant duo partner. It’s almost like playing in her octet. She puts so much energy and passion into her playing and her flow of ideas is amazing. It really makes you want to play.”

Adding to the series’ variety, violinist Seonaid Aitken’s Chasing Sakura ensemble features Kay in a “with strings” setting.

“Seonaid’s writing and arranging skills make her music a dream to play,” says Kay. “She bridges jazz, classical and folk music, she can do anything, and the musicians she has chosen for this ensemble are all at the top in their field.”

The concert series will give Kay two opportunities to lead their own quartet. They have a new recording in preparation, following Kay’s enthusiastically received Moon Palace (Ubuntu 2018) and Golden Sands (Sulis Records 2022), and this third album will be launched at the Queen’s Hall in February 2025. Later in 2025 Kay will invite saxophonist Tommy Smith to join the quartet.

“I played in Tommy’s youth orchestra for a few years and it was a wonderful learning experience,” says Kay. “Tommy is such a force of nature and working with him now in the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, which he has led and directed since he formed it almost thirty years ago, has given me a greater appreciation of the dedication and industry he brings to playing jazz. I’m really looking forward to having him play with my band on the fourth concert.”

The series is funded by Creative Scotland.

Concert details:

Thursday 19th September – Zoe Rahman, solo and duo with Helena Kay plus Nathan Somevi Trio

Thursday 13th February 2025 - Helena Kay Quartet plus Noman&Corrie

Thursday 10th April 2025 - Seonaid Aitken’s Chasing Sakura Ensemble (feat Helena Kay) plus Laura Macdonald & Kevin Mackenzie

Thursday 11th September 2025 - Helena Kay Quartet with Tommy Smith plus special guest (tbc)

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center Announces 2024-25 Season of Jazz.

Thursday, May 09, 2024

Announcing 2024-25 Jazz Season at NJPAC including Herbie Hancock, Tyshawn Sorey, Regina Carter, John Pizzarell, Meshell Ndegeocello, Madeleine Peyroux, Stanley Clarke, Brandee Younger.

We have received the following press release;

Announcing 2024-25 Jazz Season at NJPAC including Tyshawn Sorey, Regina Carter, John Pizzarelli and More

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center Announces Preliminary 2024-25 Season of Jazz
sponsored in part by TD Bank

Location: New Jersey Performing Arts Center (1 Center Street), Newark, New Jersey.

Tickets: Tickets go on sale Friday, May 10, 2024. FREE-$149. To purchase, contact NJPAC at 1.888.GO.NJPAC / 1.888.466.5722 or visit http://www.njpac.org.

SUN 9.29 @ 7:00 p.m. Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock – piano
TBA – band
14x GRAMMY winner HERBIE HANCOCK returns to NJPAC in a highly anticipated one-night only concert. The last time he graced the NJPAC stage was in 2017 as a special guest with the Wayne Shorter Quartet. Herbie Hancock is a true icon of modern music. Now 70 years into his astounding cross-genre career, he’s one of the most acclaimed and honored musicians of our time. Along with his phenomenal band, he takes audiences on an unforgettable musical journey that’s inventive, playful and profound. Throughout his explorations, he has transcended limitations and genres while maintaining his unmistakable voice. With an illustrious career spanning five decades, multiple GRAMMY Awards including Album of the Year for River: The Joni Letters and a Lifetime Achievement Award, an Oscar, NEA Jazz Master, and Kennedy Center Honors awards, and more, he continues to amaze audiences across the globe. Tix: $69-$149. Tickets are already on sale for this concert only.

SUN 10.06 @ 7:00 p.m. Meshell Ndegeocello | No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin NJPAC debut
Meshell Ndegeocello – vocals + bass
TBA – spoken word artists
TBA – band
Celebrating her first performance on the NJPAC stage, the 2024 GRAMMY winner for Best Alternative Jazz Album, iconic bassist, singer, rapper, and composer Meshell Ndegeocello hardly needs an introduction. She has collaborated on tracks with everyone from The Rolling Stones, Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, and Madonna to John Mellencamp, the Indigo Girls, and Gov’t Mule, and her music has been heard on motion picture soundtracks including How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Love and Basketball, and The Hurricane. She singularly bridges the worlds of rock, funk, neo-soul, Hip Hop, and jazz. With her newest recording from the legendary Blue Note label, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin, Ndegeocello explores one of civil rights thought-leader James Baldwin’s most powerful themes: It is our inner struggle that is truly universal to all people. This concert is part church service, celebration, testimonial and call to action — a genre-bending, multimedia invitation to reflect, revolutionize and transform. It’s the work of an uncompromising artist at the height of her creative powers. Tix: $59-$89. Partial support for this performance provided by Dodge Poetry.

FRI 11.15 @ 7:30 p.m. Tyshawn Sorey Trio (featuring Aaron Diehl and Harish Raghavan) and Sandbox Percussion East Coast premiere
Tyshawn Sorey – percussion
Aaron Diehl – piano
Harish Raghavan – bass
Sandbox Percussion – percussion
2024 marks the Centennial of the birth of jazz pioneer Max Roach (1924-2007). His legacy and music are explored in this unique concert led by breakout percussionist Tyshawn Sorey. A MacArthur Fellow, Pulitzer Prize winner, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Sorey grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and attended Newark Arts High School. As a teenager, he participated in NJPAC’s very own JAZZ FOR TEENS program. Coming full circle, this Nov 15th performance marks his NJPAC debut as a leader. He will lead his all-star Trio comprising pianist Aaron Diehl and bassist Harish Raghavan, followed by the GRAMMY-nominated chamber percussion quartet Sandbox Percussion (Ian Rosenbaum, Jonny Allen, Terry Sweeney and Victor Caccese). The two groups will perform their own sets highlighting Roach’s impact across musical worlds. Then, they’ll join forces for the East Coast premiere of a new work co-commissioned by NJPAC, a through-composed multi-movement piece paying tribute to Roach’s groundbreaking M’Boom ensemble. Tix: $65. Partial support for the development of this work provided by NJPAC with the approval of the Max Roach estate.

SAT 11.16 @ 7:30 p.m. Madeleine Peyroux
Madeleine Peyroux – vocals
TBA – band
Jazz fans will be delighted to experience Madeleine Peyroux live in this intimate performance. With her sweet-and-smoky voice, the beloved jazz vocalist breathes magic into timeless standards and self-penned originals. This program highlights a variety of songs from across Madeleine’s discography, a living testament to her artistic metamorphoses and the evolutions yet to come. Tix: $59.50-$99.

THU 11.21 @ 7:30 p.m. Bethany Baptist Jazz Vespers @ 25 Honoring Rev. M. William Howard, Jr.
Nat Adderly Jr. – music director/bandleader/piano
Jon Faddis – trumpet
Vanessa Rubin – vocals
Lizz Wright – vocals
Celebrate 25 years of the Bethany Baptist Jazz Vespers Concert Series with music director and bandleader Nat Adderley Jr., jazz trumpeter and conductor Jon Faddis, jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin and jazz/gospel singer Lizz Wright. Since 2000, Newark’s historic Bethany Baptist Church has hosted free concerts that combine jazz and worship. For this special event, Jazz Vespers heads to the NJPAC stage for a look back at 25 years of praiseworthy music. The program will also honor Rev. M. William Howard, Jr., who co-founded Jazz Vespers with Newark’s First Lady of Jazz, NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk (WGBO Radio). Ms. Kirk described Dr. Howard as “a No. 1 jazz fan” to The New York Times, saying: “That’s why he started” the now-famous series. Tix: $69. Co-sponsored with Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers

FRI 11.22 @ 7:30 p.m. John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: BILLIE & BLUE EYES NJPAC duo debut
Catherine Russell – vocals
John Pizzarelli Trio:
John Pizzarelli – guitar + vocals
Mike Karn – bass
Isaiah J. Thompson - piano
Celebrating their NJPAC debut as a duo, GRAMMY Award-winning jazz vocalist Catherine Russell teams up with world-renowned jazz guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli in a stunning tribute to Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. BILLIE & BLUE EYES is musical journey featuring popular songs of Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday. Dubbed “the essential duo,” they transport audiences to the glory days of jazz with masterful ease, capturing Holiday’s effortless grace and Sinatra’s cool swagger. Audiences will hear the music of Lady Day and Ol’ Blue Eyes like never before, with familiar favorites and surprising hidden gems. Pizzarelli is one of our most celebrated interpreters of the Great American Songbook. He has been hailed by The Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing Jazz.”  Russell has “a voice that wails like a horn and whispers like a snake in the garden of Eden” (NPR).

FRI 11.22 @ 8:00 p.m. Stanley Clarke Boys n the Hood world premiere
Stanley Clarke – bass
TBA – band + strings
Making his NJPAC debut is bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke. In addition to being an NEA Jazz Master, multi-GRAMMY Award winner and veteran of 40+ albums, he’s also an accomplished composer of 65+ film and TV projects, including the Tina Turner biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It and Romeo Must Die. His score for John Singleton’s 1991 Oscar-nominated Boyz n the Hood is one of his best, including the original song “Black on Black Crime.” This iconic soundtrack is brought to life on the NJPAC stage in a special screening accompanied by live music performed at the helm of Clarke. Tix: $49-$79.

SAT 11.23 @ 6:00 p.m. + 8:30 p.m. Dorado Schmitt and Sons: Django Festival All-Stars
Dorado Schmitt – violin
Amati Schmitt – guitar
Samson Schmitt – guitar
Ludovic Beier – accordion and accordina
Francko Mehrstein – rhythm guitar
Gino Roman – double bass
The Django Festival Allstars honor legendary Romani-French guitarist Django Reinhardt and his unique style of 1930s gypsy jazz, also known as “hot jazz.” The Django Festival Allstars have grown into a brilliantly cohesive group of star musicians who’ve taken America by storm, performing at top concert halls and festivals to standing ovations. Guitar, violin, double bass and accordion will get audience members’ hearts pumping with swinging rhythms, fiery solos and awe-inspiring technical prowess. It’s a family legacy for group leader Dorado Schmitt, who plays alongside talented sons Samson and Amati and cousins Francko Mehrstein and Gino Roman. “Sensational… Standout performance… Hardest swinging band at the Newport Jazz Festival” (Downbeat Magazine) Tix: $49.

SAT 11.23 @ 8:00 p.m. Philip Bailey, Lisa Fischer, Dianne Reeves and Christian McBride Big Band
Christian McBride – bass + bandleader
Philip Bailey – vocals
Lisa Fischer – vocals
Dianne Reeves – vocals
NJPAC Jazz Advisor Christian McBride (16x GRAMMY nominee and 8x winner) and his Big Band welcome a fierce lineup of vocalists: Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire), Lisa Fischer (background singer for Luther Vandross, The Rolling Stones, Chaka Khan and Tina Turner, whose journey was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary Twenty Feet from Stardom) and NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves. It’s a star-studded prelude to McBride’s forthcoming album (TBR Spring 2025), which combines big voices with big band. Tix: $49-$89.

SUN 11.24 @ 11:00 a.m. + 1:00 p.m. Dorthaan’s Place: Brandee Younger Trio
Brandee Younger – harp
Rashaan Carter – bass
Allan Mednard – drums
NJPAC continues Dorthaan’s Place, its popular Sunday jazz brunch series at NICO Kitchen + Bar curated by Newark’s First Lady of Jazz, Dorthaan Kirk. The series made its debut during NJPAC’s 2012-13 season and has grown ever since. “The finest in jazz is on the menu… anticipation runs high at Dorthaan’s Place, whether you’re there for the music, the food, the scene, Dorthaan, or all of the above.” (All About Jazz)
This edition presents contemporary harpist Brandee Younger. A leading voice of the harp, Younger recently made history at the 2022 GRAMMY Awards as the first Black female solo artist nominated in the Best Instrumental Composition category for her song “Beautiful Is Black.” The mesmerizing track is from her 2021 critically well-received major label debut album, Somewhere Different, that also received a 2022 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album – Instrumental. Over her career Younger has performed and recorded across countless genres with artists including John Legend, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, Common, Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, Ron Carter, and Charlie Haden. There are two brunch seatings: 11:00 a.m. (music begins at 11:30 a.m.) and 1:00 p.m. (music begins at 1:30 p.m.). Tickets: $29-$49 (does not include food/drink).

Sun 11.24 @ 3:00 p.m. 13th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition
Sheila Anderson – host
Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso – vocals
Christian McBride – judge
Madeleine Peyroux – judge
Bill Charlap – judge
Lisa Fischer – judge
Terri Lyne Carrington - judge
The divine Sarah Vaughan—Newark’s greatest musical gift to the world—got her start as the winner of a talent contest. NJPAC honors her legacy every year with the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, the only global jazz vocal contest of its kind, open to all genders and nationalities. This event offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business—and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow. For this 13th annual “The SASSY Awards” event, WBGO Radio’s Sheila Anderson will host and 2022 SVVC winner Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso will perform. A panel of all-star judges—Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, Madeleine Peyroux, Bill Charlap, Lisa Fischer, and Terri Lyne Carrington—will select the winner. Gifted young contestants from around the world are evaluated on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. The winner receives a $5,000 cash prize. Past winners include Samara Joy, Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, and more. For more information or to enter the competition, visit SarahVaughanCompetition.com. Tix: $39-$49.

SAT 3.08 @ 7:30 p.m. Regina Carter: Gone in a Phrase of Air New Jersey premiere
Regina Carter – violin
TBA – spoken word artists
TBA - band
Jazz violin virtuoso Regina Carter’s Gone in a Phrase of Air is a journey through America’s vibrant Black neighborhoods that were demolished in the name of urban renewal. This NJPAC performance marks the New Jersey premiere of this groundbreaking work that began in 2006 as a Jazz at Lincoln Center commissioned work. With original music, historical music, spoken word poetry and visuals, this moving performance revisits vanished communities such as Black Bottom and Paradise Valley in Carter’s hometown of Detroit; Mill Creek Valley in St. Louis; the Hayti district in Durham, North Carolina; and Chicago’s Bronzeville. Feel the vibrancy and spirit of these lost places under the masterful musical direction of Regina Carter: NEA Jazz Master, MacArthur “Genius” and Artistic Director of Geri Allen Jazz Camp, NJPAC’s jazz residency for young women. Tix: $59.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®       
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, is one of the largest banks in the U.S., providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TDBank_US and www.twitter.com/TDNews_US. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us.     

About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.  Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts.  NJPAC has attracted more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.  Visit http://www.njpac.org for more information.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 26/04/2024.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 26/04/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Playlist from April 26th 2024

Par Peemai+Gayam 16
Gundul in Wonderland
Gaga Gundul
Colectif Koa

Laughing Bastards
Red Lemon
Fetish
BMC

Ottla
Wake up and Burn
Vogel
Unday Records

Raw Fish
Stroganina
Crudo
Loumi Records

Reinier Baas
Wild Bill
Relief Party
Dox Records

TGB
Pedro Virtuoso Poeta Errante
Room 4
Clean Feed

Guido Spannocci
Moving Fast and Breaking Things
Live
self

John Crawford
Club del Campesino
Room for Dancing
Elsden Music

Håvard N Funderuds
8
The Birds Sing a Pretty Song
Nice Things Records

Gary Brunton
Gwawr
Gwawr
Juste Une Trace

Karl-Martin Almqvist Ababhemu Quartet
Reconciliation
The Travelers
Ropeadope

Otis Sandsjö
Loomy
Y-Otis Tre
We Jazz Records

Thierry Eliez
Tarkus-Eruption & Stone of Years
Emerson Enigma
Dood Music

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
Last week in the Mixcloud charts: 3rd in avant-garde jazz 1st in post-bop

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ). I don’t play singles!

Fundraiser campaign started to help Anita Wardell.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Daniela Clynes has set up a fundraising appeal for vocalist Anita Wardell, who is recovering from a major stroke. Details attached.

We have received the following information;

Anita Wardell - Recovering from a recent major stroke

Daniela Clynes has set up a fundraising appeal for vocalist Anita Wardell. Click HERE to read more and donate. Sending all our love to Anita and hoping for a speedy and full recovery.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/anita-wardell-recovering-slowly-from-a-recent-major-stroke

“On Friday March 22nd 2024, during the interval of a gig where she was performing near London, Anita felt dizzy and collapsed. She was rushed to hospital by fellow band mates, whose quick actions thankfully saved her life.
She had suffered a devastating stroke which paralysed the right-hand side of her body, arm and leg; and left her with some speech difficulties.
Even while initially in an acute stroke ward, the hospital began physiotherapy and speech therapy just a few days after the stroke hit, to start the work on Anita’s gradual recovery.
Over the following days and weeks Anita has regained a significantly improved speech, particularly when she is rested. Now she has moved hospitals for more intensive physiotherapy to help her gain further physical ability.
Recovery is challenging and very slow, expected to take many months.”

Different Planet presents Jazz Notes - Jazz Jam: every Sunday afternoon at The Spice of Life, Soho, London.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Now in its third year the weekly Jazz Notes Jazz Jam presented by the Different Planet organisation takes place every Sunday afternoon at the Spice of Life, Soho, London. Details attached.

Ri of the Different Planet organisation writes;

We are now into our third year of organising it on a weekly basis at the same venue.

A video highlight of the band in action can be seen on youtube here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUIheRxVa64

DIFFERENT PLANET PRESENTS: JAZZ NOTES – JAZZ JAM

Enjoy hot, hip and happening jazz at ‘Jazz Notes’ jazz jam with the Jazz, Soul, Funk Collective (JSFC).

Instrumentalists and singers who wish to jam are welcome.

Jazz Notes, for an authentic jazz club experience.

Weekly (every Sunday) @ The Spice of Life, 6 Moor St. Soho, London W1D 5NA - 2pm to 5pm - Entry: £7.50

http://www.diffplanet.net

https://www.spiceoflifesoho.com/events/

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 14/04/2024.

Monday, April 15, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 14/04/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from April 14th 2024

Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Andrew Woodhead
I Learned About Love From Her
Swing you Sinners
Leker

Cassie Kinoshi’s Seed
i
Gratitude
International Anthem

Flak
Give it Back to Earth
Break it Down
Phonogram Unit

Tomasz Dąbrowski & The Individual Beings
Upright
Better
April Records

The Core
Chains
Roots
Moserobie

Casimir Connection
A difficult Conversation
Reflection
Caliban Sounds

Daoud
Chloé
Good Boy
self

Sofia Jernberg & Alexander Hawkins
Muziqawi Silt
Musho
Intakt

Paul Dunmall Quintet
Soultime
Soultime Again
Stoney Lane Records

Toine Thys’ Orlando
Happy Five
Betterlands
Hypnote

Louise van den Heuvel
Hold Me
Sonic Hub
W.E.R.F

Jonny Mansfield
REM song
Quartet! Live at Pizza Express
Resonant Postcards

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
Currently 3rd in the Mixcloud avant-garde jazz chart

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ). I don’t play singles!

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 31/03/2024.

Tuesday, April 02, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 31/03/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from March 31st 2024

Magnus Lindgren, John Beasley
Echoes of the Desert
Butterfly Effect
ACT

Mark Lockheart
I’ve seen the light
Smiling
Edition

Midi4
How to be an adult Parts 1 & 2
Cats, Dogs and Dwarfs
Alpaka Records

Aki Takase/Daniel Erdmann
Perdido +In a Mellow Tone
Ellington
Enja

Moritz Stahl
Traumsequenz I Lenticular Labyrinth
Traumsequenz
Membran

Kjetil Mulelid
Song for Eliah
Agoja
Odin

András Dés Quartet
Much More Obsessed
Unimportant Things
BMC

Flat Earth Society
The Last One
The One
Zonk

Remote Viewers
Track 8
Trivia
self

Nout
Gadget City
Live Album
Trost

Hasse Poulsen
Natives
Unknown Winter
BMC

De Beren Gieren
The Houses
What Eludes Us
SDBan Ultra

Mikael Máni
She’ll Arrive Between 10 & 11
Guitar Poetry
ACT

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz
Currently 3rd in the Mixcloud avant-garde jazz chart

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).
I don’t play singles!

YolanDa Brown breaks a Guinness World Records title for grassroots venue.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Saxophonist YolanDa Brown has raised a record-breaking £248,148 for her music venue and restaurant ‘Soul Mama’ which is the largest amount raised by a restaurant on Kickstarter globally.

We have received the following press release;

YOLANDA BROWN BREAKS A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE

THE MOST MONEY RAISED BY A RESTAURANT ON KICKSTARTER WORLDWIDE

YOLANDA BROWN OBE DL PUSHES BOUNDARIES AND RAISES QUARTER OF A MILLION POUNDS FOR MUSIC VENUE AND RESTAURANT ‘SOUL MAMA’

YOLANDA BROWN - CHANGING THE FACE OF VENUE OWNERSHIP

Today, musician, broadcaster, composer and philanthropist, YolanDa Brown OBE DL, alongside music manager, creative entrepreneur Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola have been honored with a Guinness World Records title for the most money pledged worldwide for a Kickstarter restaurant project. YolanDa raised a record-breaking £248,148 for her music venue and restaurant ‘Soul Mama’ which is the largest amount raised by a restaurant on Kickstarter globally.

In an annual report from Music Venue Trust, the charity found that 125 spaces permanently closed to live music in 2023. Aiming to bring new opportunities for independent artists whilst changing the narrative of venue ownership and creating more diversity in this underfunded space, YolanDa is breaking boundaries with a Guinness World Records title for the most successful restaurant Kickstarter ever.

Speaking about the Kickstarter and Soul Mama, YolanDa says:
“In setting a Guinness World Records title, Soul Mama didn’t just secure funds; we wove a tapestry of dreams shared by thousands. A testament to what we can achieve when we unite and believe. This record is not just a number—it’s a promise to fill every visit with laughter, comfort, and a sense of belonging. At Soul Mama, we’re more than a music venue and restaurant; we’re a home for dreamers and believers who see the world not just as it is, but as it could be, full of joy, connection, and shared moments that linger in the heart long after the night ends. A big thank you to everyone who supported us so far and the new people who will discover us along our journey and jump on the Soul Mama Train.”

Amy Lamé, Night Czar, said:
“We’re really excited to see Soul Mama open later this year, adding another fantastic music venue and restaurant to the streets of London. YolanDa’s work to source funding through Kickstarter is an amazing achievement and we look forward to further supporting her and the team as we build a better London for all.”

Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief of Guinness World Records said
“This is an astonishing achievement, and a testament to the passion, drive and determination it takes to make a game-changing project like Soul Mama come to fruition. And how exciting that this is just the start for this ambitious fusion of food, music and culture - I can’t wait to see what happens next!”

Kickstarter CEO, Everette Taylor says:
“What we’ve seen YolanDa Brown and T Oyelola achieve with their Kickstarter project is a perfect example of what we want for every creator that comes to our platform: to be brave enough to pursue a dream and in return, get the community, support and funds they need to bring that dream to life.
The Soul Mama project is now the highest funded restaurant project ever on Kickstarter, which is an incredible feat. We want to see more creators of colour thrive on the platform and I’m hoping the success of these two incredible entrepreneurs will inspire creators of colour and creators in the food/restaurant space to chase their dreams.”

Soul Mama, YolanDa’s brand-new London-based grassroots music venue and restaurant was listed in the “top restaurants to look forward to in 2024 list” by the Evening Standard. With an eclectic programming planned, Soul Mama will bring Jazz, Soul, Gospel, Reggae, Comedy, Fireside chats, concerts for children and family audiences, plus much more to London, alongside the most delicious cuisine fusing authentic tastes of Africa, the Caribbean and South America. With some of music’s most exciting names taking to the stage, Soul Mama is first and foremost grounded in community and will be providing a much-needed platform for underrepresented musicians and chefs from across the globe, filling a gap in the UK’s live music and restaurant space.

From a menu inspired by mamas from around the world to sourcing ingredients ethically, the venue will not only be a space for food and music lovers to enjoy, but it will also bring opportunities to undiscovered and emerging artists to touch our souls. Soul Mam is set to open this Spring, more information will be revealed soon.

ABOUT YOLANDA BROWN:
YolanDa is a double MOBO Award winning artist, her music is a delicious fusion of reggae, jazz and soul. She has toured with The Temptations, Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Billy Ocean, Dave Stewart from Eurythmics, Kelly Jones from Stereophonics and Rick Astley.
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in January 2024 appointed YolanDa Brown as a Member of the Arts and Media Honours Committee and in 2022 was appointed Chair of BPI - the representative voice for record labels in the UK (organise The BRIT Awards and Mercury). YolanDa was awarded an OBE for services to music, music education and broadcasting in the 2023 New Year Honours List by his Majesty the King. She was Chair of Youth Music for six years, sits on the Arts Council National Council, is a trustee of the PRS Foundation, an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and London Music Fund and on the advisory board of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 17/03/2024.

Monday, March 18, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 17/03/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from March 17th 2024.

Timo Lassy & Jukka Eskola
King Cake
Nordic Stew
Dox Records

Ingi Bjarni
Introduction
Fragile Magic
self

Roby Glod
Un conscious Superglitzer
No Toxic
Nemu Records

AVA Trio
Timanfay
The Great Green
Tora Records

Florian Arbenz
Freedom Jazz Dance
Conversations #11 & #12
Hammer recordings

Ill Considered
Katabatic
Precipice
New Soil

Shiver
Cactus & Roulette
Shiver meets Matthew Bourne Volume 2
Discus

Srdjan Ivanović
While my Guitar Gently Weeps
Modular
Rue Des Balkans

Teo Olter Quintet
GOO
In Pursuit of Happiness
Alpaka Records

Wandinger, Karja, Renard
First Last Dance
Caught in My Own Trap
BMC

Trio HLK
Flanagan’s Lament
Anthropometricks
Ubuntu

Philipp Rüttgers
Craigs Dance
Etude of Shapes and Forms
Zennes

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then https://www.mixcloud.com/camp_fr/

Later as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).
I don’t play singles!

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 03/03/2024.

Tuesday, March 05, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 03/03/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from March 3rd 2024.

Available now on mixcloud

Atom String Quartet
Peacock Butterfly
Universum
Warner

Emile Parisien Quartet
Wine Time Part 1
Let Them Cook
ACT

Big Fish
Perdida
Big Fish
Self

Eyot
Whale Song
Quindecennial
NeuKlang

Kevin Figes
Dot Dash
Wallpaper Music II
Pig Records

Armaroli-Gemmo-Maier
#15
Figure(s) a Tre
Dodicilune

Max Nagl Ensemble
Fingerhut
Live at Porgy & Bess Vol 5
Rude Noises

La Viu-Viu
Flexus
Flexus
Microscopi

Fire!
Work song for a scattered past
Testament
Rune Grammofon

Prospectus
Blues from Saturn
Météorie
self

Mark Wingfield
Apparition in the vaults
The Gathering
Moonjune / Bandcamp

Matt Anderson Quartet
The Conversation
Live at Leeds Jazz Festival
Hidden Threads Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 18/02/2024.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 18/02/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Petr Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from Feb 18th 2024

Available now at http://www.mixcloud.comukjazz

Bévort 3
Tiny Hesitation
Northbound
Gateway Music

Emmeluth’s Amoeba
I hear nonsense
Nonsense
Bandcamp/Moserobie

Jonas Cambien
Blue Eyed Pleco
Macu Cona
Clean Feed

PS5
Talea Nera
Echologia
Hyperjazz

Matteo Paggi
la gente in discoteca nel futuro
Words
AUT records

Ludovico Carmenati Ensemble
Wind Tale
Songs & Tunes
Notami

NAOM
Grovigli
Radici
AUT Records

Looty Trio
Bouncer
Boxer Rebellion
AUT Records

Simon Spiess Quiet Tree
Bleu Foncé
Euphorbia
Intakt

Skyjack
Zaubergarten
Lightcycle
As-Shams/The Sun

Pat Thomas ISM
Niloo’s dream
Maua
577 records

John Surman
Pebble Dance
Words Unspoken
ECM

Joe Webb
CCTV
Collblanc (EP)
Edition

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

Jazz North announces its tenth roster of Northern Line - a live talent development programme for jazz.

Friday, February 16, 2024

Jazz North has announced the five acts selected to join the the live touring programme. They are ; Dirty Freud, Tom Harris, Bryony Jarman-Pinto, Vipertime and Ceitidh Mac. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Five northern jazz artists you really need to know about

Jazz North announces its tenth roster of Northern Line - a live talent development programme for jazz

Dirty Freud, Tom Harris, Bryony Jarman-Pinto, Vipertime and Ceitidh Mac join the celebrated cohort of northern artists

Northern Line is the live touring programme providing transformative support for northern jazz artists. Today, Jazz North announces the five outstanding bands selected to join the cohort.

Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, says:
“Jazz North is proud to present the artists of Northern Line Round 10. Everyone on this year’s panel was blown away by the standard of applicants across the board and this final roster is evidence of just how high the level of talent is coming through here in the North.
This Northern Line roster is reflective of the diversity we have across the breadth of the region, a diversity of geography, community and musical styles. What we share though, is a sense of genuine community through sound.”

The tenth roster features a range of styles from ‘dirty cinematic electronica’ through to songs exploring themes of masculinity and motherhood, post-punk meets dub and afrobeat and folk-infused cello basslines.

Bryony Jarman-Pinto, Dirty Freud, Vipertime, Tom Harris and Ceitidh Mac will perform live at the Northern Line Showcase on Sunday 19th May at manchester jazz festival (mjf).

Each of the five bands will receive a £3000 live touring bursary and tailored 1:1 support across an 18-month period.

On joining the roster, Dirty Freud’s Danni Skerrit says: 
“This is such a crucial time in our development as a band and to be recognised as a northern act is huge for us…[This] is a massive part of our identity and means we have support to make the music we love! Jazz North does some incredible things well and this is one of them, the chance to learn and grow as artists as well as bouncing ideas off others on the roster will be invaluable.”

The artists were chosen with the support of an esteemed advisory panel of promoters, artists, agents and festival directors - Nishla Smith, Agnese Daverio, Paul Duhaney, Grace Pitkin, Charlotte Bowen. 

Northern Line provides essential support for artists to move from point A to point B. Welsh-born, Tyneside-dwelling singer-songwriter & cellist, Ceitidh Mac says:
“Taking away some of the financial barriers of touring will allow us to push our live set to new places. We’ll be bringing our music to new cities, and have lots of plans in the making!”

The Northern Line roster will perform at the Northern Line Showcase at manchester jazz festival (mjf) on Sunday 19th May 2024 in front of a public audience and invited music industry guests.
mjf is the North’s most celebrated jazz festival, with a reputation for fostering rising jazz talent through their own bespoke development schemes and innovative events programme.

Visit http://www.jazznorth.org/northern-line for more information.

Northern Line Artist Bios:

Bryony Jarman Pinto
Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, musician Bryony Jarman-Pinto seamlessly blends enchanting vocals and spellbinding jazz-infused melodies with intricately crafted and personal lyrics. Bryony grew up surrounded by music, attending singing workshops with her mum and BlueJam Arts from a young age. Bryony’s sophomore album ‘Below Dawn’ (out 10th May) explores sentimental themes of societal change, untapped emotions, and the profound journey of pregnancy and motherhood.
https://www.facebook.com/BryonyJarmanPinto
https://twitter.com/BryonyJP
https://www.instagram.com/bryonyjarmanpinto/
https://www.bryonyjarmanpinto.com/

Ceitidh Mac
With a progressive twist to her music, Ceitidh Mac is an alternative singing/cellist, tipped by Jude Rogers as a ‘Fascinating Welsh-born, Tyneside-dwelling singer-songwriter & cellist, with an unusual, stunning voice.’ Absorbing in its originality, Ceitidh Mac creates songs that soar with contemporary arrangements & unusual instrumentation. A mesmerising live show, expect to be drawn in by bold songs & cello basslines. In Adam Walton’s words on BBC Radio Wales ‘Sublime & absolutely outstanding’.
https://www.facebook.com/ceitidhmac 
https://www.instagram.com/ceitidh_mac/ 
https://twitter.com/Ceitidh_Mac 

Dirty Freud
Hotter than Hendos!
Dirty Freud are an electronic live &, they found success since both moving back to the North of England. The music contains elements of dubstep and Jazz. It is simply Dirty Cinematic Electronica.
Over the years, they have played headline slots at UK festivals including Glastonbury, All Points East, Citadel, Boomtown, Beatherder, as well as at gigs across Europe.
“Wonderfully wonky that, isn’t it?” - NEMONE (BBC 6 NEMONE)
https://www.instagram.com/dirtyfreud/
https://twitter.com/DirtyFreud
https://www.facebook.com/DirtyFreud/
https://www.dirtyfreud.com

Tom Harris
Tom Harris is a northern pianist who tries his best to make interesting music with kind people. His heartfelt compositions explore mental health, masculinity, acceptance, and joy, all filtered through the musical influence of his favourite artists (Nina Simone, Snowpoet, Cécile McLorin Salvant).
Tom’s latest offering takes inspiration from Buddleia - the vibrant purple shrub which thrives in ‘ugly’ places. It’s tough, beautiful, and a reminder that some version of life will always persevere…
https://www.instagram.com/tomharrisisacommonname/
https://www.youtube.com/@tomharrisisacommonname/videos
https://www.facebook.com/tomharrisisacommonname
http://www.tomharrismusic.com

Vipertime
Vipertime explore the borders of jazz, post-punk, dub and afrobeat to create a sound that is simultaneously unique to the band and a microcosm of the thriving UK scene. Since their birth in Leeds basement parties, they have released a number of albums and singles including 2023’s critically acclaimed Arise. The group has also made a name with a series of incendiary appearances at UK venues and festivals, pushing their line up of saxophone, bass guitar and twin drum sets to its sonic limits.
https://www.instagram.com/viper.time/
https://www.facebook.com/vipertimemusic
https://twitter.com/Vipertimemusic
https://vipertime.bandcamp.com/

About Northern Line
Northern Line is Jazz North’s answer to live touring support for Northern artists. The programme champions the most pioneering, bold and innovative artists across the scene. It’s a roster of the best new talent, recognised by promoters, festivals, funders and management.
The programme supports northern artists to reach the next stage of their live performance career and meet their ambitions through targeted 1:1 support and network development. 
5 bands from jazz and jazz-related genres are selected each year through an open application and rigorous selection process using a panel of independent industry experts from across the UK.

About Jazz North
Jazz North is the Strategic Development Agency for jazz in the North of England.
Supported since its inception in 2012 by Arts Council England, Jazz North has a national and international reputation in Artist Development, Sector Support and Learning & Participation.
A registered charity that has developed and supported hundreds of artists, managers, venues, festivals and promoters over the years - Jazz North has a proud record of working with and on behalf of the northern jazz scene.

About manchester jazz festival (mjf) 
mjf is the city’s longest-running music festival, championing regional artists, new commissions, European collaborations and musical innovation. mjf 24 takes place from 17-26 May at indoor and outdoor city centre venues.
mjf is the only UK winner of the Europe Jazz Network Award for Adventurous Programming, the UK’s first festival Keychange signatory, supporting gender balance across stages, and was the first Founder Member of the Black Lives in Music charter. An Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner, mjf also receives support through GMCA’s Culture Fund and Manchester City Council’s Culture Partnerships Grants programme.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 04/02/2024.

Tuesday, February 06, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 04/02/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio playlist from 4th Feb 2024

Available at any time on http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

John Rae & Ben Wilcock
Archie’s Rumble
Splendid Isolation
Thick Records

Jamil Sheriff
belle’s blues
Red Kite
Lamplight Social

Michael Wollny & Joachim Kühn
Aktiv
Duo
ACT

Friends & Neighbours
Ghost March
Circles
Clean Feed

Old Mountain
Goodnight Irene
Another State of Rhythm
Clean Feed

Pokaz Trio
Night Pursuit
Voices
Bandcamp

Michael Bates-Samuel Blaser Quintet
Wings
Book Nine
Bandcamp

Matthieu Bordenave
Distance
The Blue Land
ECM

QOW Trio
Bastard Gentlemen
The Hold Up
Ubuntu

The Keith Tippett Celebration Orchestra
Mra
A Celebration of Keith Tippett
Pig Records-Discus/Bandcamp

Karl Ivar Refseth
Sunrise
Unfolding
Traumton

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also now available as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and Apple podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

John Rae & Ben Wilcock - new album release, January 2024.

Monday, January 29, 2024

New Zealand-based Scottish drummer John Rae & his partner in music and business, pianist Ben Wilcock have released a new album, Splendid Isolation on their Thick Records (NZ) label. Press release att

We have received the following press release;

New album reflects home thought from abroad

New Zealand-based Scottish drummer John Rae and his partner in music and business, pianist Ben Wilcock have released a new album, Splendid Isolation on their Thick Records (NZ) label.

Featuring fifteen tracks that reflect their respective histories in melodic jazz, free expression and the blues, the album includes contributions from Scotland and Ireland. 

Dundee-based guitarist Kevin Murray plays on three tracks. Former Black Seeds saxophonist Jabin Ward added his parts from his new home in Cork, with bassist Patrick Bleakley, from Rae’s NZ band The Troubles, and saxophonist Daniel Yeabsley joining Rae and Wilcock in New Zealand.

“The best jazz is made when all the players are in the same room,” says Rae. “That’s been the case since the music emerged from New Orleans, of course. At the same time, though, if the technology is there, you might as well use it. We knew Kevin would instinctively know what was required and he worked very fast to complete the tracks. He also mastered the album for us, so it’s been a real Transworld collaboration.”

Other Scottish links are celebrated in the tune Apple Road, a tribute to Rae’s father, bassist Ronnie Rae whose extensive CV includes working with the Alex Welsh Band and gigs with Red Norvo and Tal Farlow. Rae’s Tak a Minute sounds like a Scots expression but actually refers to the Indian konnakol rhythmic language that the tune is based on.

Rae moved to New Zealand in 2008, having won admirers for his John Rae Collective (a band of bandleaders that featured saxophonist Phil Bancroft, trumpeter Colin Steele, pianist Brian Kellock and guitarist Kevin Mackenzie) and his award-winning Celtic Feet, which combined Scottish traditional-style tunes with hard-swinging jazz. Celtic Feet expanded on occasion to include a traditional pipe band and a big band horn section. Rae also played with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and in pianist Brian Kellock’s trio.

Wilcock lived and worked in the UK for a few years after visiting the Edinburgh Fringe with a New Zealand theatre company. As well as listening avidly to, and learning from, Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal, Erroll Garner, Bill Evans, George Shearing and Benny Green, he has worked with drummer Bob Moses and multi-reeds specialist Bennie Maupin and appeared extensively with blues, soul and R&B musicians.

Splendid Isolation was recorded over two years and Rae and Wilcock are pleased with the results.

“There are elements of both chaos and beauty and again, that’s true of a lot of jazz,” says Rae. “We set out to make an album that reflects both Ben and my musical experiences and at the same time looks forward. It’s jazz for the twenty-first century and ahead of its release we’ve had positive feedback from as far afield as Atlanta, Newcastle and Melbourne. So I think we might have achieved our aims.”

Splendid Isolation is available now from Thick Records https://www.thickrecords.co.nz/latest-releases

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 21/01/2024.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 21/01/2024, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio playlist from Jan 21st 2024

Abbie Finn Trio
Pirates Not Princesses
Stotties for Three
self

Nye Banfield
Four years later
Trails & Traces
self

Theo May’s Odd Unit
Kopanitsa
Alive in the Forest of Odd
Discus

Rob Cope
Voices + Up
Gemini
Ubuntu

Roberto Ottaviano Eternal Love
Hariprasad
People
Dodicilune

Annie Kiviniemi Trio
Mengi
Eir
We Jazz

Meinrad Kneer Quintet
Three and Four
Der zweite Streich
Jazzwerkstatt

Delbecq/Renard/Flouzet
Triple Fever
Triple Fever EP
dStream

Hans P. Kjorstad & Ernst Reijseger
Elena Shining Light
Gap of Ginn
Motvind Records

Samo Salamon
Conga
Dances of Freedom
Bandcamp

Eran Har Evan Trio
Nefertiti
Shorter Days
World Citizen

Bram de Looze
I Throw The Kitchen Sink At You
Spotting Gateways
Dox Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist,  first broadcast 14/01/2024.

Monday, January 15, 2024

This week's show is mainly to catch up with albums that came out at the end of last year (2023) - too late for inclusion in December shows.

Peter Slavid writes;

This week’s show is mainly to catch up with albums that came out at the end of last year - too late for inclusion in December shows.
Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Claudio Angeleri
Il Triangolo Di Tartaglia
Concerto feat.  Gianluigi Trovesi
Dodicilune

Cykada
3301
Metamorphosis
Astigmatic Records

Bliss Quintet
Ida
Glasshouse
Bandcamp

Marthe Lea Band
Låvebængar
Herlighetens Vei
Motvind Records

Rosato/Bartolo
Eggplants
Another Point of View
Improvvisatore Involuntario

Muralim
Delta
Muralim (EP)
Bandcamp/self

Potsa Lotsa XL
The Fink Panther
Chamber Works
Trouble in the East

Armando Luongo
New Moon
New Lands
Hypnote

Yannick Peeters
GBG7
GingerBlackGinger
W.E.R.F

The Ambush Party
Caribbean Fire Dance
Ik wil nog niet dood
Bandcamp/Doek

ARFI
Tout est mon jour
Chant General
ARFI

Fergus McCreadie
F Major
Sketches (EP)
Edition

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;

http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also now available as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and Apple podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio - Radio Playlist, 2023 favourites.

Monday, December 18, 2023

Peter's next 2 weekly shows feature his personal favourite albums of the year, with the music played in artist alphabetical order. Shows are available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

My next two weekly shows feature my personal favourite albums of the year. I don’t attempt to do “best of”, I play them in alphabetical order, and they simply reflect my personal taste rather than any sort of objective measure.  People who enjoy my show will probably enjoy the selection - but most of the albums probably won’t feature on anyone else’s list.

I’ve put the full list here - Part one is available now on http://www.mixcloud.com, at Camp radio and as a podcast - Part two will be broadcast next Sunday and then available elsewhere next week:

I’ll be back with new releases in January - meanwhile do have a great Christmas and lets look forward to a happy and musical new year

Regards,
Peter.

AKA Moon-Quality of Joy/Outnote

Anti Rubber Brain Factory-Musiques de Rêves et de Démences/LFDS

Antti Lötjönen-Circus/Citadel/We Jazz Records

Bram de Looze-Vice Versa/Dox records

Echos of Zoo -Speech of Species/W.E.R.F

Enemy-The Betrayal/We Jazz Records

Gard Nilssen Supersonic Orchestra-Family/WeJazz Records

Hubert Dupont-Trio Aurore /Ultrabolic

Innanen | Pasborg | Piromalli-Can You Hear It/Clean Feed

Jeppe Zeeberg-Occasionally Good Things Do Happen/self

Joachim Kuhn-Komeda/ACT

Monika Roscher Bigband-Witchy Activities And The Maple Death/Zenna records

Naissam Jalal-Healing Rituals/Les Couleurs du Son

Paul Dunmall Ensemble-It’s A Matter Of Fact/Discus

Rui Hallvares Andrade Paes-Ramtre/Havtorn Records

Sam Eastmond-The Bagatelles Vol.16/Tzadik Records

Too Many Fish-10 Years Too Noisy Fish/Mighty Quinn Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also now available as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and other podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 10/12/2023.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 10/12/2023, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio playlist from December 10th 2023

This is my final “new releases” show of the year - and there are already a pile of December releases stacking up to play in January.  Meanwhile next week will see two shows featuring my favourite albums of the year
Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Chris Batchelor’s Zoetic
Huckster
Telling The Tale
Pokey Records

Grzegorz Tarwid Trio
Baiao B
Flowers
Clean Feed

Moonmot
Tombola
350 million Herring
ENJA records

Filip Bukrshliev Trio
AHWJAHW Redux
All the Sad Words in the Beggar’s Dictionary
Bandcamp

Gilles Coronado
114
La Main
Onze Heures Onze

Immerweiter
Is It Too Dull
In Its Own Pace
Boomslang Records

Twospeak
For Henry Moore (Reclining Figure 1984)
Fictions
None More Records

Matt Calvert
Ostinato reprise
Million Seller
Whirlwind

Abstract Inc
Dancing Terminator
Goodbye Big Idea
Zennez Records

Laviano, Martino, Scrignoli
Mysterioso
Escape
Notami

Derek Plays Eric
A lame excuse
A Suite of Soaps
Jazzwerkstatt

Radhika de Saram
Adalar
From the Crows Nest
Rainy Day Records

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also now available as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and Apple podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

JustGiving crowdfunding page launched to pay for Bryan Corbett’s surgical fees.

Friday, December 01, 2023

Trumpeter Bryan Corbett requires a life and career saving operation. His musical colleague Richard Beesley has started a JustGiving page to cover the £50,000 cost. Details attached.

From;
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Bryan-Corbett?utm_id=2&utm_term=pgBDm9jpb

Bryan Corbett is an internationally acclaimed trumpet and flugelhorn player, who’s CV includes many years with acid jazz pioneers The Brand New Heavies and British jazz rap group Us3, as well as being an artist in his own right on the jazz circuit both internationally and in the UK. He has performed and recorded for the likes of Ben E King, Tony Christie, Ella Eyre & Sigala to name just a few.

12 years ago Bryan was diagnosed with a rare type of condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia. Over the next 2 years he underwent a series of life saving operations to remove a number tumours that this disease brings, but incredibly and against the odds he pulled through and with no small feat of indomitability he managed to pick up his musical career where he left off.

In the summer of 2023, during a routine scan, it was found that one of the masses that they were unable to remove (but have monitored over the years) had grown considerably and to a substantial size. Due to its location and complex nature affecting the ribs, liver and the diaphragm Bryan was told that this should to be removed at the earliest opportunity.

When Bryan was diagnosed in 2011 he was fortunate to find a world leading specialist in this type of disease, Professor Triponez who is based in Geneva. Professor Triponez was a rock for Bryan during this time of turmoil and provided constant support and recommendations from overseas which ultimately led Bryan to a team on the NHS under the care of the now retired renowned Endocrine and M.E.N surgeon and specialist Mr. Barney Harrison. His team skilfully managed to remove most of the tumours in a way that would allow Bryan to continue his career as a trumpeter.

With this new diagnosis and the complexity and rarity of this tumour that has developed, understandably when told this summer that he needed yet more life and career saving surgery (or possibly career ending surgery due to the type of procedures needed) and after meetings and consultations the only person Bryan wanted to perform the procedure was Professor Triponez in Geneva. A world leading figure and someone who understands Bryan’s history and the importance of the large but delicate type of surgery which is needed and indeed someone who had guided Bryan a decade earlier.

The procedure, due to the location and size of the tumour, requires not just one but possibly 3 surgeons this time. Including thoracic and liver. The total cost of the operation is approx £50,000.

Bryan has been in regular correspondence with Professor Triponez, who is confident that he and his team can remove the tumour and allow Bryan not just to survive but also to resume his career, all being well, quickly.

We’re trying to raise the money to help pay for this life and career saving operation, please give what you can.

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 26/11/2023.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 26/11/2023, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist from 26th November 2023

Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Leïla Martial/ Valentin Ceccaldi
Au bois de Saint Amand
Le Jardin des delices
BMC

Espen Berg
Hydrophobic
Water Fabric
Grappa

André Roligheten
Twin Bliss
Marbles
Odin

Cosmic Express Quintet
Disco på tåget
Våren är Vår
Loumi Records

Innanen | Pasborg | Piromalli
Folkman
Can You Hear It
Clean Feed

Calcanhar
Circle
Jump
Clean Feed

Tomasz Chyła Quintet
You’re not a good person
Music We Like to Dance To
Alpaca Records

Azmari
Khamsin
Maelström
SDBAN Ultra

Materical
Menshiki’s Blues
Materical
Aut Records

Jasper Høiby 3_Elements
Earthness
Earthness
Edition

Paul Dunmall
Many Sparrows (part)
Bright Light A Joyous Celebration
Discus

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also now available as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and Apple podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

Tyreek McDole Wins the 12th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

As part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced Tyreek McDole as the winner of the annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

We have received the following press release;

Haitian-American Tyreek McDole wins 12th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

Tyreek McDole Wins the 12th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition as part of NJPAC’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival and Year-Round Centennial Celebrations Honoring Sarah Vaughan

As part of NJPAC’s TD James Moody Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) today announced Tyreek McDole as the winner of the annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. This marks the second time a male vocalist won in the contest’s 12-year history. Hosted by WBGO Radio’s Pat Prescott, yesterday’s “The SASSY Awards” presented the Top Five Finalists on the iconic NJPAC stage in front of a live audience.

Pulled from a record 280+ submissions representing 37 countries, they competed in front of a distinguished panel of judges: acclaimed female vocalists Patti Austin, Jane Monheit, and Lizz Wright; NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor and multi-Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride; and three-time Grammy Award-winning producer and A&R consultant Al Pryor. Ultimately, it was 23-year-old Haitian-American Tyreek McDole who wowed them with his renditions of “September in the Rain” and two blues songs: “Lush Life” and “Every Day I Have the Blues.” The recipient of a $5,000 cash award, Tyreek is originally from St. Cloud, Florida, and currently calls New York home.

Tyreek represents the next generation of great jazz singers. He joins an esteemed group of SASSY alumni: Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Ashleigh Smith, Arianna Neikrug, Deelee Dubé, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, Samara Joy, Gabrielle Cavassa and Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, G. Thomas Allen, and Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso. Audiences can catch him, along with past winners, performing at the Sarah Vaughan Centennial Concert hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater on April 19-20, 2024, at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The Second Place honor and $1,500 prize went to Darynn Dean, a native of Los Angeles who earned a master’s degree in music from the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz at UCLA. Third Place and a prize of $500 was awarded to New Yorker Ekep Nkwelle, a singer and songwriter who studied both Classical Voice and Jazz Performance at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts High School in Washington, D.C., and later attended Howard University, where she performed with the school’s prestigious vocal jazz ensemble Afro Blue. Rounding out the Top Five was Bianca Love of New Orleans and Emma Smith of London.

About The SASSY Awards
The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, also known as “The SASSY Awards”, is open to singers over the age of 18, of all genders and nationalities, from anywhere in the world, and not signed by a major label. Entrants are judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. What has become one of the top annual vocal competitions in jazz, The SASSY Awards offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business—and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow.
The competition recalls the humble beginnings of legendary jazz singer/NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990) who, back in 1942, was a Newark teenager and winner of an amateur singing contest at the Apollo Theater. That memorable night helped launch the lifework of one of the most successful, influential jazz vocalists in the history of American music. NJPAC has a long history of preserving and celebrating Sarah Vaughan’s music and impact. In 1999, NJPAC officially proclaimed the street in front of it as “Sarah Vaughan Way.” In addition to The SASSY Awards, NJPAC hosts several celebrations in the 2023-24 season honoring the centennial of Vaughan’s birth. Earlier this year, NJPAC paid tribute to “The Divine One” at its Women@NJPAC Spotlight Gala. In 2024, NJPAC partners with Jazz at Lincoln Center for Centennial Concert series (April 19-20), and more events to be announced soon. http://www.sarahvaughancompetition.com

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®       
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, is one of the largest banks in the U.S., providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TDBank_US and www.twitter.com/TDNews_US. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit http://www.td.com/us.

About NJPAC
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has served more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million students and families) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. http://www.njpac.org
 

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 12/11/2023.

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 12/11/2023, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio Playlist First broadcast Nov 12th 2023

Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

No Sax No Clar
Daouzek Eizh
No Dåhïss
Yolk

Pasquale Calò
Supreme Being Part 1
Where I come from
Gleam DO

Shake Stew
Shasta Fey
Lila
Traumton

Get The Blessing
H40
Pallett
All Is Yes

Verneri Pohjola
Avance!
Monkey Mind
Edition

Andreas Røysum Ensemble
Paoainsnorr
Mysterier
Motvind Records

Antonio Borghini
The Flop
Banquet of Consequence
We Insist

Galumphing Duo
Woza Waltz
Contrast of Opposites
AMP

Uroboro
Straight Up Ahead (bonus track)
A story Like Fire
Discus

Koma Saxo
Sista Dansen+ Så Rinner Tiden Bort
Post Koma
We Jazz Records

Alex Hitchcock
Grace (Part 2)
Dream Band: Live In London
Whirlwind

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also now available as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and Apple podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

1977 Louis Stewart album to be re-released on vinyl.

Monday, November 06, 2023

"Out On His Own", the 1977 solo album by the late, internationally acclaimed Irish guitarist Louis Stewart, is to be re-released on vinyl on 24th November 2023. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Guitarist Louis Stewart’s masterpiece re-released on vinyl

Out On His Own, the 1977 solo album by the late, internationally acclaimed Irish guitarist Louis Stewart, is re-released on vinyl on 24th November.

The first vinyl pressing since the 1980s of the album regarded as Stewart’s masterpiece, the remastered 180-gram vinyl edition follows the successful reissue on CD of the title by the newly reactivated Livia Records in February this year.

Originally recorded in late 1976 and released on LP and cassette in 1977, and on CD in 1995, this new edition includes extensive sleeve notes by Irish Times jazz critic Cormac Larkin and a trove of previously unseen photographs.

Stewart, who remains the only Irish jazz musician to attain front-rank status, recorded the album in Bray, just outside Dublin, while at the peak of his powers. At the time he was a member of saxophonist Ronnie Scott’s band and was playing nightly with top line visiting musicians at Scott’s club.

Having made his award-winning debut at Montreux Jazz Festival in 1968, Stewart was soon playing with major names. Over the course of a long career, he appeared on over seventy albums and toured and recorded with Benny Goodman, JJ Johnson, George Shearing and Tubby Hayes, as well as Ronnie Scott. He also formed mutual admiration societies with fellow guitarists Joe Pass, Jim Hall and Martin Taylor.

Livia Records was founded by Dublin artist Gerald Davis to release Out On His Own, after Davis produced Stewart’s debut album, Louis the First, in 1975. More releases followed before Livia ceased operations on Davis’ death in 2005. Stewart died in 2016. Dublin radio presenter Dermot Rogers began a reactivation project in 2021 and with Davis’ family’s blessing is overseeing a programme of reissues on the re-launched Livia Records. A duo album by Stewart and pianist Noel Kelehan, Some Other Blues was released in May this year and further releases are due in 2024.

Out On His Own features Stewart playing a repertoire of jazz and Great American Songbook standards, tunes by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Chick Corea and Steve Swallow plus an interpretation of an Irish traditional tune, She Moved Through the Fair, and a self-composed blues.

Reviews of the reissue have been glowing, as was the response to the original, with Jazzwise recognising Out On His Own as “a master class in modern jazz guitar” and All About Jazz describing Stewart’s dexterity as “jaw-dropping.”

SMOKE Jazz Club, New York City, Programme for December 2023.

Friday, November 03, 2023

SMOKE Jazz Club has announced its schedule for December 2023. Performers include Brad Mehladau, Bill Charlap, David Hazeltine, Billy Hart and Marquis Hill, plus the annual Coltrane Festival.

We have received the following press release;

SMOKE Jazz Club Announces December Schedule feat. annual Coltrane Festival, New Year’s Eve Celebration, Brad Mehldau and More

World-Renowned Smoke Jazz Club Ends the Year with the 11th Annual Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024”, New Year’s Eve Celebration with Carla Cook, and More

Brad Mehldau Trio and Solo Piano (Nov 29-Dec 2)

David Hazeltine Trio featuring Louis Hayes & Rufus Reid (Dec 6)

Billy Hart Quartet (Dec 7-10)

Marquis Hill (Dec 13-17)

Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024” George Coleman Quintet featuring Emmet Cohen & Peter Bernstein (Dec 20-24)

Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024” featuring Eric Reed, Vincent Herring, Eddie Henderson, Steve Davis, Buster Williams, Al Foster, Jeremy Pelt, and Wayne Escoffery (Dec 26-30)

New Year’s Eve Celebration with Carla Cook + Eric Reed / Vincent Herring Quintet (Dec 31)

Rated the #1 Jazz Club in New York City (Secret NYC), SMOKE Jazz Club ends 2023 with an exciting line-up in December. The month begins with a rare solo piano doubleheader by Brad Mehldau (Dec 1-2) preceded by his Trio (Nov 29-30). For 11 nights, SMOKE presents its 11th annual Coltrane Festival: “Countdown 2024.” Some of today’s top musicians join forces to celebrate the life and musical legacy of the great saxophonist and composer John Coltrane. Tenor giant George Coleman (Dec 20-24) leads his Quintet along with Emmet Cohen and Peter Bernstein followed by saxophonist Vincent Herring and pianist Eric Reed (Dec 26-31) with varying sextets comprising Al Foster, Buster Williams, and more. SMOKE’s popular New Year’s Eve celebration returns with a festive concert, dinner and midnight toast with the inimitable vocalist Carla Cook. For audiences worldwide, most concerts are live streamed!

December 2023 Concert Schedule (subject to change):

Wed-Thu Nov 29-30 Brad Mehldau Trio
Brad Mehldau – piano
Larry Grenadier – bass
Marcus Gilmore – drums
Brad Mehldau is “universally admired as one of the most adventurous pianists to arrive on the jazz scene in years,” writes The Los Angeles Times. A transformative artist since the early 1990s, Mehldau has had a powerful influence on a generation of musicians and has attracted a large and devoted audience. Some of his best-loved performances have been in the company of his trio and as a solo pianist, and he will appear in both settings at SMOKE. On Wednesday and Thursday, he will be joined by bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Marcus Gilmore.

Fri-Sat Dec 1-2 Brad Mehldau Solo Piano
Brad Mehldau – piano
“Mehldau is the most influential jazz pianist of the last 20 years” – The New York Times
SMOKE welcomes a Steinway Concert D piano onto its stage especially for Brad Mehldau. In a rare solo piano performance, Mehldau returns for two nights (live streamed too!). These special performances should not be missed!

Sun Dec 3 Bill Charlap
Bill Charlap – piano
“No matter how imaginative or surprising his take on a song is, he invariably zeroes in on its essence.” – Time
For one night only, Grammy award-winning pianist Bill Charlap will perform two special solo sets on SMOKE’s visiting Steinway Concert D. Charlap has performed with many of the leading artists of our time, from Wynton Marsalis and Tony Bennett to Phil Woods and Ron Carter, and is acclaimed for his interpretations of the American popular songbook.

Wed Dec 6 David Hazeltine Trio featuring Louis Hayes & Rufus Reid
David Hazeltine – piano
Rufus Reid – bass
Louis Hayes – drums
“Some of the best piano jazz to be heard.” – All About Jazz
Pianist David Hazeltine leads a very special edition of his Classic Trio featuring bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Louis Hayes. Hazeltine was called “for sure, the brightest star on the jazz piano horizon” by none other than Cedar Walton, while Jazz Times adds, “[he] always sounds as if he is digging what he’s playing, and his approach makes well-known tunes sound fresh.” Of his trio mates, NPR reports, “When Rufus Reid plays his bass, there’s no mistaking him for anyone else…[He] has cultivated that most precious commodity of instrumental music–a personal identity and sonic imprint. It’s hefty but buoyant, wooden yet pliable,” and of the incomparable Louis Hayes, “[He] has spent over 70 years keeping time with some of the most soulful artists in the music’s history.”

Thu-Sun Dec 7-10 Billy Hart Quartet
Mark Turner – tenor saxophone
Ethan Iverson – piano
Ben Street – bass
Billy Hart – drums
“His quartet has often been hailed as one of the leading bands in jazz.” - The New York Times
NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart leads his acclaimed quartet in its SMOKE debut, an acclaimed group that includes saxophonist Mark Turner, pianist Ethan Iverson, and bassist Ben Street. A legendary drummer, Hart collaborated with some of the essential artists in music history, including Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Shirley Horn, Jimmy Smith, and Wes Montgomery. Detroit Free Press explains, “Freedom, discipline, daring, passion, swing, broken rhythm, orchestral textures, interactive sparring, shocking dynamics, astounding creativity and authority. Want to know what jazz is really about? Listen to Billy Hart.”

Wed-Sun Dec 13-17 Marquis Hill
Marquis Hill – trumpet
Joel Ross – vibraphone & piano
Michael King – piano
Junius Paul – bass
Kendrick Scott – drums
“An established force in contemporary jazz.” – Financial Times
Trumpeter Marquis Hill, one of the leading trumpeters of our time, leads an adventurous group featuring vibraphonist Joel Ross, pianist Michael King, bassist Junius Paul, and drummer Kendrick Scott. His promise was recognized by winning two highly prestigious competitions: the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition (2012) and the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition (2014), which helped launch a career that continues to impress. Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Hill credits many of that city’s great artists for helping foster his development. Players like Von Freeman, Bobby Broom, and Willie Pickens, just to name a few. The New Yorker says, “His performances and recordings reveal a smart post-bop player who circumvents genre clichés by incorporating elements of hip-hop and contemporary R. & B.” Downbeat adds, “The groove-laden arrangements provide the perfect soundscape for Hill’s fluid improvisational style, which, with its glass-like lucidity, recalls the crisp elegance of hard-bop stalwart Donald Byrd.”

Wed-Sun Dec 20-24 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024”: Quintet I “The Cats”with special guest George Coleman featuring Emmet Cohen & Peter Bernstein
George Coleman – tenor saxophone
Peter Bernstein – guitar
Emmet Cohen – bass
John Webber– bass
Joe Farnsworth – drums
SMOKE’s 11th annual Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024” begins with the first of 11 nights led by a longtime friend of the club: living legend and renowned performer George Coleman. The one and only Coleman celebrates the music of John Coltrane with an exceptional quintet featuring guitarist Peter Bernstein, pianist Emmet Cohen, bassist John Webber, and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Coleman is still making some of the most inspired music of his celebrated career, including work with B.B. King, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock, among many others. Downbeat reports, “When you hear the tenor sax of George Coleman, you know it’s him within a few notes. That deep park of a tone evokes a time and place—be it his historic work with Max Roach, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis, or as a leader in his own right.” (No 10:30pm set on Christmas Eve 12/24.)

Tue-Thu Dec 26-28 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024”: “Blue Train” Sextet II with special guests Eddie Henderson & Steve Davis featuring Eric Reed and Vincent Herring
Eddie Henderson – trumpet
Vincent Herring – alto & tenor saxophone
Steve Davis – trombone
Eric Reed – piano
Dezron Douglas – bass
Joe Farnsworth – drums
The Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024” at SMOKE continues with an all-star sextet with two special guests: trumpeter Eddie Henderson and trombonist Steve Davis. This outstanding group is co-led by pianist Eric Reed and alto saxophonist Vincent Herring with the unbeatable rhythm team of bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Downbeat writes, “Henderson’s muscular chops and round sound are astonishing for an 83-year-old and lovely to behold.” Steve Davis, who spent some of his formative years honing his craft and earning his reputation with a trio of giants: Art Blakey, Jackie McLean, and Chick Corea, “has established himself as one of the most accomplished and lyrical improvisers on his instrument, as well as a prolific composer,” reports Jazz Times.

Fri-Sat Dec 29-30 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024”: “Milestones” Sextet III with special guests Buster Williams & Al Foster featuring Jeremy Pelt and Wayne Escoffery
Jeremy Pelt – trumpet
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
Wayne Escoffery – tenor saxophone
Eric Reed – piano
Buster Williams – bass
Al Foster – drums
The two nights before New Year’s Eve are dedicated to the Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024” Sextet III, which includes two more special guests who also happen to be two of the all-time greats: bassist Buster Williams and drummer Al Foster. These two masters join esteemed co-musical directors Eric Reed and Vincent Herring with the powerful featured duo of trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and saxophonist Wayne Escoffery. It is a stunning group to close out the year, to say the least. The Guardian calls Williams “one of the great acoustic bassists,” and Jazz Times adds, “Williams’ résumé ranks with that of any bassist in the modern era.” Jazz Times also says that Al Foster — well-known for his work with Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, and many more — “is a not-so-secret special groove ingredient enlivening performances and sessions by a long list of heavy hitters.”

Sun Dec 31 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024”: New Year’s Eve Celebration with special guest vocalist Carla Cook Featuring Eric Reed / Vincent Herring Quintet with Jeremy Pelt and Joe Farnsworth
Carla Cook – vocals
Jeremy Pelt – trumpet
Vincent Herring – alto saxophone
Eric Reed – piano
tba – bass
Joe Farnsworth – drums
New Year’s Eve at SMOKE is one of the highlights of the year, and a jazz party like no other with great food and drink, a festive atmosphere, and the perfect band with special guest jazz vocalist Carla Cook joining the Eric Reed / Vincent Herring Quintet with Jeremy Pelt. There are two seatings available:
7:00 p.m. seating
$250 plus tax & tip (includes 3-course holiday dinner and one show)
9:30 p.m. seating
$350 plus tax & tip (includes 3-course holiday dinner, two shows, midnight celebration, hats & noise makers)
When Carla Cook sings, she swings. The Washington Post says, “She has sass that enlivens her impeccable diction, and tremendous soul that lets her swagger with gutbucket finesse, but it’s all buttressed with sparkling optimism and innocence.” Her improvisational style is steeped in the swing tradition yet eclectic and brimming with fresh interpretations. Cook will be joined by SMOKE’s Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2024” band: the Eric Reed/Vincent Herring Quintet featuring Jeremy Pelt. Jazz Times reports, “Pelt is a technical marvel. He executes intricate solos with ease, plays gorgeous ballads in a tasteful manner, and never lacks flair or sensitivity.” Audiophile Audition adds he has “the power and range of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard in their seminal years.” The group is co-led by the perpetually swinging Eric Reed, who All About Jazz says “has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists,” and the fiery Herring who “has firmly established himself as one of his generation’s masters,” adds The New York City Jazz Record. It also includes one of the elite musicians working today, drummer Joe Farnsworth.

About SMOKE
Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the junction of Broadway and 106th Street (aka Duke Ellington Boulevard), Smoke Jazz Club is one of New York City’s premier live music venues. Renowned for offering top-notch programming of accessible, timeless jazz featuring legendary performers, modern masters and rising stars, Smoke stands apart with its candlelit dining room, stellar acoustics, and classic American cuisine. Founded in 1999, SMOKE also boasts a GRAMMY-nominated label, Smoke Sessions Records, and a celebrated streaming concert series, Smoke Screens. For everything else, visit http://www.smokejazz.com.

Ticketing + Information:                                                                       
When: Wednesday-Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. + 9:00 p.m. and additional 10:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)
Where: Smoke Jazz Club, 2751 Broadway (between 105/106th Streets), New York, NY, Train: 1 to 103rd Street.
Tickets: In-Person $25-$60. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations, please visit http://www.smokejazz.com

Peter Slavid - ‘European Modern Jazz’ on the radio playlist, first broadcast 29/10/2023.

Friday, November 03, 2023

Broadcaster & journalist Peter Slavid has forwarded details of the music played on his UK & European Jazz radio show on 29/10/2023, which is available via a number of UK & international radio stations

Peter Slavid writes;

Radio playlist from Oct 29th 2023

Available now at http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Jazzrausch Bigband
Kraeftig. Entschieden
Mahler’s Breakdown
ACT

Benjamin Herman
Zeldenrust
Nostalgia Blitz
Dox Records

Hugues Mayot L’arbre Rouge
Bacchus Dance
Invocations
BMC

Tuva Halse
Ambivalent
Two
Jazzland

Rob Luft
Sunshine Music
Dahab Days
Edition

Maria Christina Harper
In Cairo - Grandmother’s Coat
Passing By
Little Yellow Man Records

The Bridge
Ghost
Beyond The Margins
Trost Records

Jure Pukl
The Hunt
Melt
Whirlwind

IPA
Empathy Fog
Grimsta
Cuneiform

Moore-Hunter-Pope
Anything Can Happen
Something Happened
NEWJAiM

Marius Neset w London Sinfonietta
Lava
Geyser
ACT

It appears that the previous playlist didn’t go out quite as planned, so if you missed it there was music from:

Júlio Resende Fado Jazz / Lucifer Pool Party / John Pope Quintet / Nick Walters / John Ghost / AM.OK / AKKU / Freezer / Yussef Dayes / Philip Zoubek / Øyvind Brække Sextet / Blaser/Lossing/Mintz

Do get in touch if you want more details

Peter

European Modern Jazz on the radio;

At any time;
http://www.mixcloud.com/ukjazz

Weekly:

http://www.hayesfm.org.uk 91.8 FM – West London Community Radio Sundays 12.00

http://www.purebeatradio.co.uk Sundays 7pm

http://www.listen.camp/ Sundays 3pm onward then mixcloud

Also now available as “Peter’s Eurojazz Podcast” on Amazon and Apple podcasts

Please send downloads to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (or physical CDs to me at 27 Pembroke Rd, Ruislip, HA4 8NQ).

Tomorrow’s Warriors announces #IAMWARRIOR Appeal to raise £100k to keep award winning Talent Development Programme £Free.

Wednesday, November 01, 2023

Tomorrow’s Warriors has launched its appeal #IAMWARRIOR, with the aim to ‘Support The Next Jazz Generation’ and raise £100k in much needed funds. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Tomorrow’s Warriors announces #IAMWARRIOR Appeal to raise £100k to keep award winning Talent Development Programme £Free

Join The Movement - Support The Next Jazz Generation

Watch IAMWARRIOR2023 Film here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCjqCXp2z7c&t=1s

http://www.gofundme.com/IAMWARRIOR2023

(1st November 2023) Pioneering talent development organisation and charity Tomorrow’s Warriors has launched its appeal #IAMWARRIOR, with the aim to ‘Support The Next Jazz Generation’ and raise £100k in much needed funds to help sustain its £Free to access Young Artist Development Programme and Emerging Artist Programme. The award-winning organisation has launched the appeal with an emotive fundraising film featuring founders Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE, alumni and current Warriors musicians here and invites supporters to donate at http://www.gofundme.com/IAMWARRIOR2023.

Tomorrow’s Warriors relies on the generous support of funding and donations to continue to deliver its vital learning programmes that provide music education to the next generation of jazz musicians, with a focus on young women and those from diverse and low income backgrounds.

Free access to Tomorrow’s Warriors’ award-winning artistic programme has proved crucial in nurturing the nascent talent and early careers of so many artists currently tearing up the international jazz scene. Many of today’s jazz stars have themselves benefited from participation in TW’s Young & Emerging Artist Development Programmes and have gone on to launch successful careers as professional jazz musicians, artists such as Femi Koleoso and the Mercury Prize winning Ezra Collective, also Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Sheila Maurice-Grey, Cassie Kinoshi, Binker Golding, Shabaka Hutchings and Sons of Kemet, ESKA, Denys Baptiste, Soweto Kinch, Mark Crown, Sultan Stevenson, Camilla George, Blue Lab Beats, Dave Okumu, Ben Burrell, Zara McFarlane, Romarna Campbell, Mark Kavuma, CHERISE, Nathaniel Facey and Empirical, Peter Edwards, Maddy Coombs, Donovan Haffner, Jason Yarde, Robert Mitchell, Byron Wallen…the list goes on.

The past 10 years or so have been truly remarkable for UK jazz. The media have proclaimed a ‘jazz explosion’, with increasing numbers of young people turning to jazz in a big way. The astonishing win this year by Tomorrow’s Warriors alumni Ezra Collective saw them make history by becoming the first jazz act ever to win the prestigious Mercury Music Prize, becoming the tenth Warriors alums to be nominated for the much-sought-after Prize.

In recent years, the UK education sector has faced significant funding cuts, resulting in the reduction or elimination of music programmes in schools across the country. As a result, learning to play an instrument has become a privilege available primarily to those who can afford it. This growing disparity threatens to stifle the creativity and potential of countless talented young musicians who simply cannot afford to pursue their passion. Across cultural divides and barriers, Tomorrow’s Warriors needs to continue to make its programmes accessible and free of charge, not just to support young jazz musicians and increase access and inclusion, but to support the talent pipeline from the very grassroots into professional careers in the music industry, thereby helping to sustain the jazz scene as a whole.

Gilles Peterson, DJ, label owner and broadcaster said;
“Tomorrow’s Warriors occupies a unique and vital space in our cultural landscape. Their work in helping positively shape future generations is of critical importance especially in light of the tribulations we currently face. Please keep supporting - each one teach one!”

Cerys Matthews, artist and broadcaster, said “Each One Teach One’ has gone global! – Tomorrow’s Warriors alumni are now gracing main stages across continents - and inspiring the next generation of players. Tomorrow’s Warriors remain the musical heart of the British jazz scene and supporting their #IAMWARRIOR Appeal will help directly in providing free music lessons and a community to all budding musicians who knock on their door.”

Janine Irons OBE, co-founder & CEO of Tomorrow’s Warriors said;
“In what is our 32nd year, we return with our #IAMWARRIOR appeal and invite all our supporters to help us keep doing what we do, making a difference to the next generation of talent and keeping the scene fresh, diverse and exciting. Tomorrow’s Warriors gives young musicians a place and a space to thrive and realise their creative ambitions. Indeed, it provided the conditions for the Mercury Prize winning Ezra Collective to emerge! But we can’t continue to deliver our programmes free of charge to exceptional young talent without your help. Music has the incredible power to transcend boundaries, unite communities, and inspire change. Yet, as we celebrate the beauty of music, we must also acknowledge a stark reality: the very real creative divide that keeps aspiring musicians from diverse backgrounds, and those facing economic hardship, from being able to access a career in music.  Music education is a right not a privilege and programmes like ours need consistent support. The UK Jazz ecosystem and talent pipeline relies on Tomorrow’s Warriors to keep feeding it from the grassroots upwards, so please support so we can stay true to our purpose.”

The launch follows last Friday night’s triumphant annual celebration I AM WARRIOR at Tomorrow’s Warriors’ spiritual home at London’s Jazz Café, which featured new jazz collaborations and performances of specially commissioned pieces composed by award-winning alumni, including acclaimed keys player and Ezra Collective member Joe Armon-Jones, bassist Daniel Casimir, saxophonists Maddy Coombs and Donovan Haffner and drummer Rod Youngs. Each of the Warriors alumni performed with the next generation of exciting young, jazz talent who make up the Soon Come Ensemble, with musical director Binker Golding at the helm. The commissions have been made possible thanks to generous funding from PPL.

About Tomorrow’s Warriors:  Tomorrow’s Warriors is a pioneering talent development agency, creative producer, learning and training provider, charity and consultancy specialising in jazz. Founded in 1991 by Queen’s Medal for Music recipient Dr Gary Crosby OBE and Janine Irons OBE. With a dedicated resident space at The Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall to host its Young Artist Development Programme aimed at talent aged 11-25 years old, comprising of learning and participation, artist development and professional performances. The Emerging Artist Programme delivers mentoring, performance opportunities, training, traineeships, talks, masterclasses, and bursaries to support artists into professional careers, many securing paid, often high-profile, opportunities across a broad spectrum of the industry.  Since inception, in 1991, Tomorrow’s Warriors has reached over 10,000 young people aged 11-25 through its unique Talent Development Programme, providing each musician with between 1,000-5,000 hours of free jazz training and development.   Tomorrow’s Warriors is proud to be a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner. Tomorrow’s Warriors is pivotal in elevating UK jazz, valued by its alumni and respected by funding partners for the impact delivered through its pipeline for outstanding, diverse talent.  https://tomorrowswarriors.org/ Tomorrow’s Warriors is a not-for-profit company and a Registered Charity No 1153613.

Jazz North Announces Major Relaunch.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

On Tuesday 31st October 2023, Jazz North will launch its new website alongside a major new rebrand. Press release attached.

We have received the following press release;

Jazz North Announces Major Relaunch

New Website, New Branding and Relaunch of Key Programmes

On Tuesday 31st October, Jazz North will launch its new website alongside a major new rebrand.The site will provide clarity and reduce barriers to access. Most importantly, it will present the sector with the Jazz North offer for the coming years.