Scarborough Jazz Festival 2014 line up announced

'A Classy Jazz three-dayer'  The Guardian. @Scarborough Spa between 26-28 September

Violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy will headline this year’s Scarborough Jazz Festival when he performs alongside guitarist John Etheridge and their band.

The exciting pairing of the world’s leading and best-selling violinist of all time alongside one of jazz’s most accomplished guitarists is set to make this year’s festival one of the country’s most talked about Jazz Festivals.

The duo are just one of fifteen acts that have been announced to play the three day festival at Scarborough Spa between 26-28 September which as always features a great blend of experienced and upcoming talent.

 Alongside returning established artists such as Alan Barnes, Anita Wardell, Clark Tracey, Dennis Rollins, Gwilym Simcock, Iain Ballamy and Stian Cartenson  there will be performances from rising stars Ollie Howell, Theo Jackson and Nathaniel Facey.

And two big combos will resound in the Grand Hall: Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band and Paradox Ensemble.

Early bird Weekend Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 31st January priced at £77!


2014 Line up: is
Compere: Alan Barnes, Nigel Kennedy,
John Etheridge and band
Anita Wardell sings Johnny Mandel with the Alan Barnes Septet
Clark Tracey Quartet
Dennis Rollins’ Velocity Trio
Andrea Vicari and Jazz Extemporé
Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band
Gwilym Simcock
Henry Lowther & the Greens
'The Little Radio' - Iain Ballamy and Stian Carstensen
Ollie Howell Quintet
Paradox Ensemble
Theo Jackson & Nathaniel Facey
Time Zone
Sarah Moule with the Simon Wallace Trio
Jim Birkett Trio in the bar with guests
Plus many fringe events.

Mike Gordon
Scarborough Jazz

The Howard Assembly Room’s Jazz Season

Bill Frisell

The Howard Assembly Room’s Jazz Season
Jan 14 – Apr 14

The Howard Assembly Room prides itself on an eclectic programme with something for everyone. This season jazz enthusiasts have top-notch entertainment coming their way.

Silent film His People (8 Feb) is accompanied by a new live Klezmer inflected soundtrack by virtuosic violinist Sophie Solomon and her band. His People captures life, love and generational clashes against the backdrop of New York’s bustling immigrant-Jewish Lower East Side, this is a rare opportunity to see one of the most evocative films of the 1920s – not to be missed.

Tickets are selling fast for the Bill Frisell Trio and their evening of music from his Beautiful Dreamers album (5 Apr). There’s a chance to hear Frisell’s music again as a searing recorded soundtrack accompanying Bill Morrison’s powerful film depiction of the 1927 Mississippi flood, The Great Flood will be screened on Saturday 12 April. Electrifying and life enhancing, René Marie (23 Apr) draws together jazz, soul, gospel and Americana to powerful effect. She’ll blow you away as she sings her love songs to America from her album Voice of My Beautiful Country. A FILMusic highlight this season is Sunrise – A Song of Two Humans (26 Apr), this classic silent film will have a new live score by pianist Joanna MacGregor and jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard.

For more information and to book tickets visit howardassemblyroom.co.uk or call Leeds Grand Theatre Box Office on 0844 848 2727

Howard Assembly Room is situated on the 2nd floor of Leeds Grand Theatre

Helena Brassington

Jazz family friendly show in Sheffield

‘What a great way to introduce jazz and concerts to young children!’ (Audience member)

Premiered at the EFG London Jazz Festival, the brilliant Jazz All Stars family friendly daytime show returns to Sheffield.

Join theline-up featuring the brilliant vocals of jazz superstar Natalie Williams and some of the UK's finest jazz musicians in a fun-filled family concert. They will lead you through best-loved jazz classics and give a jazz twist to some children's film favourites including Disney classic The Jungle Book, The Wizard of Oz, The Flintstones and The Sound of Music.

This one-hour concert is a great introduction to jazz music for children aged 5-11 years and their families.

Natalie Williams:

‘She’s a truly real, beautiful star, worthy of everyone’s attention.’ (Jamie Cullum)
‘One of the UK's hottest singers....she effortlessly moves from soul-diva to sophisticated jazz.’ (Time Out)
Lead singer of the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Natalie Williams is an essential fixture in UK music and has performed with the likes of Jamie Cullum, Emeli Sande, Lalah Hathaway and many more. Natalie tours extensively around the globe performing at a number of the world’s leading live music events such as the renowned London Jazz Festival, Glastonbury, the Diamond Jubilee Pageant and most recently the BBC Proms – where she performed at the Royal Albert Hall with Laura Mvula and Maverick Sabre.

Her brand new album Where you Are is out now. Here’s a teaser https://www.youtube.com/watch?


Date: Sunday 9 February, 2.30pm
Venue: Sheffield City Hall Ballroom
sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
contact 01142 789 789
Tickets £5 - £7

www.serious.org.uk

Double Big Band date!

Leeds University Big Band have a double big band gig at the Brudenell Social Club, Queens Road LS61NY featuring Leeds University Big Band and Oxford University Big Band 8pm on 22/2/2014

Jazz at the Spa - March

Frank Brooker

Tony Leigh writes

It was certainly a great evening last Saturday at Jazz at the Spa with Alan Barnes and John Hallam (despite a rotten cold) with the Tom Kincaid Trio in fine form.

You will have seen the earlier blog about jazz at the Spa in February - looking forward to more good evenings the programme for March is attached 

1st – Frank Brooker’s Happy Chappies – our local boy made good! Here’s a line up of excellent local musical worthies led by Frank on reeds, Greg Wadman on trumpet, Jim Wright on banjo/guitar, Phil Kampen on bass and our favourite drumming man, Rod McNamara. Happy Chappies equals Happy Sounds.

8th – Papa Pider’s Jazz Band – an eagerly awaited return by this re-formed Swedish band which specialises in the “revival sounds” of Barber and Colyer. It takes its name from one of our favourite visiting trombonists - Pider Avall (formerly of Mysto’s Hot Lips). A superb session last time round – we anticipate the same. £10.

15th – Jump Jive ‘n’ Wail – recommended to us and making a first appearance is this dynamic seven piece band from Halifax specialising in the dance music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. “Guaranteed to make the joint swing!” it is said.  www.jumpjiveandwail.co.uk

22nd – Amy Roberts/John Hallam Jazz Five – here we bring together two of our all time favourite reeds players to serve up a delectable miscellany of the standards. To which we then add Tom Kincaid on piano, Jim Swinnerton on bass and Nick Millward on drums. Talk about a first class line up!

29th – Richard Leach’s Seven Stars of Jazz – the annual visit of one of the UK’s finest traditional jazz bands playing in the Chicago style of Eddie Condon and Alex Welsh. Superb musicians, exuberant music and a good night guaranteed.


Thank you all for your continued support.

Jazz is at the Village Hall High Street Boston Spa LS23 6AA

We are situated just off the new section of the A1(M) at Junction 45 signed Wetherby and Otley. 

Jazz musicians and Le Grand Depart

Singers, artists and performers joined forces at the Trinity Leeds shopping centre to perform the theme song for the first ever Yorkshire Festival, as the programme of events for the landmark 100-day arts celebration was announced for Le Grand Depart - the start of this year's Tour De France in Yorkshire. A carnival snail, woolly bikes, choirs and brass bands emerged from the centre’s shops to join band Hope & Social in blasting out ‘The Big Wide’ to a growing crowd of interested shoppers.

Not strictly jazz maybe but there are jazz musicians involved in the winning submissions - trumpeter James Hamilton, the driving force behind Hope and Social also recently won the Jazz Yorkshire's award for writing a Yorkshire Jazz Suite. Jazz singer Louise Gibbs has been commissioned to help local communities in Yorkshire write their own songs, in Le Grand Depart "Songwriter Relay"

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “The Yorkshire Festival 2014 will be a county-wide celebration of arts and culture, creating excitement and anticipation in the 100 days before the greatest free sporting show on the planet arrives in Yorkshire.”

For information and listings visit www.yorkshirefestival.co.uk.

All day jazz extravaganza@Newcastle

From Wesley Stephenson

Today! Jazz North East & Splinter present an all day jazz extravaganza/fundraiser

16 Sets Over 2 Venues Featuring...

Matt Anderson / Mick Beck / Ntshuks Bonga / Greta Buitkutė/ John Burgess / George Burt / David Carnegie / Andy Champion / Charlie Collins / John Coxon / Noel Dennis / Paul Edis / Zoe Gilby / Stephen Grew / Alex Hutton / Alan Law / Corey Mwamba / John Pope / Martin Pyne / Mark Sanders / Chris Sharkey / Mick Shoulder / Jonathan Silk / Adam Sinclair / Simon Spillett / Adrian Tilbrook / Alex Ward / Mark Williams / Graeme Wilson / Lloyd Wright / Jason Yarde

... and many many more!!!

TICKETS AVAILABLE

£15 Full Day and Evening Sessions
£10 Afternoon Only Sessions at Both Venues
£10 Evening Only Sessions at Both Venues

Sunday 26th January | 1.00 - 5.00pm | 6.00 – 10.00pm
Jazz Café | 25 Pink Lane | Newcastle NE1 5DW
+
Bridge Hotel | Castle Garth | Newcastle NE1 1RQ

Any more questions?
jazznortheastcrowdfunding@yahoo.com

Final gig at Head of Steam in Huddersfield today

Ros Lewis writes

The Head of Steam in Huddersfield has been taken over by Cameron's brewery. The jazz on Monday and Wednesday nights has already been stopped, but there's going to be one last gig this Sunday lunchtime - they had a big meeting this afternoon to discuss finances - but then that'll be it.

So get yourselves down there this Sunday if you can, and bring cameras and recording devices - it's Frank Brooker on saxophone/clarinet, and Greg Vincent on piano, along with regular drummer and bass player Bernie and Dave. It'll be a sad day for us all, the gig's been going for years, since 1993 in fact! Tony Leigh started it - the great pianist who's now living up in the Orkneys. We'll give it a last big blast!

Gig starts 1-3.30pm Sunday 26 Jan 2014

Head of Steam
Huddersfield Station
 St. Georges Square
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD1 1JB
Tel:  01484 454 533

Ros Lewis

Jazz-at-Heart gigs, Leeds 2014

Jazz-at-Heart gigs 2014 
HEART – Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre
Bennett Road
Headingley
Leeds LS6 3HN

Dominic Marshall Trio 
Saturday 22 February 2014 7.30 p.m. £8 (£5 concessions)
Dominic J Marshall: piano; Tobias Nijboer: double bass; Kaspars Kurdeko: drums.
'brings together a great heritage of the past, but also something very fresh and new' - Jamie Cullum
Support: Moysey’s Noisy Sextet

Kasseldown Quintet 
Saturday 22 March 2014 7.30 p.m. £8 (£5 concessions)
A new project led by Harry Orme, formed in late 2013 playing all original compositions. With special guest Matt Anderson, who has been making waves performing and recording as a sideman with Jiannis Pavlidis, Jamie Taylor and Jamil Sheriff, as well as leading his own projects. Also, rising stars of the northern scene: Declan Forde (Piano), Sam Vicary (Bass) and Sam Gardner (Drums).
Support: Toby Noble Trio

Eirik Svela Trio
12 April 2014 7.30 p.m. £8 (£5 concessions)
The trio features Eirik Svela (Guitar), Simon Read (Bass) and John Arnesen (Drums). The band plays firmly within the hard-bop tradition drawing influences from legendary guitarists such as Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino. The trio’s repertoire is a mix of interpretations of standards and some original tunes.
"If I hear anything better all Fringe I'll eat my umbrella" (Audience member, Buxton Fringe)

Sam Watts Solo Piano
17 May 2014 7.30 p.m. £8 (£5 concessions)
Sam studied at Leeds College of Music before continuing his studies at the Royal Academy of Music with a scholarship. He graduated with distinction in 2013, also winning the Humphrey Lyttleton prize. In November he performed a solo concert in the 2013 London Jazz Festival playing a selection of ragtime/stride piano pieces. This evening he takes us through his influences on solo piano, leaving not a dry eye in the house. http://wattsworld.co.uk/sounds/

Apollo US presents: Fat Face Trio
7 June 2014 7.30 p.m. £8 (£5 concessions)
Jazz at Heart hosts the first Transatlantic tour by Apollo Jazz Network. Hailing from North Carolina, Fat Face Trio features trumpet, tuba and guitar. Led by trumpet Matt Postle, the group plays a diverse range of music and embraces the challenge of their unconventional line-up. A rare UK appearance from a group which promises unexpected turns and a fresh take on the jazz trio.

Apollo US presents: Veronneau
26 July 2014 7.30 p.m. £8 (£5 concessions)
Launched in 2010, international quartet Veronneau have captivated festivals, concert halls and jazz clubs across North America and Europe. Led by French-Canadian singer Lynn Veronneau, the group play a mix of bossa nova, swing, samba and gypsy jazz performed not only in English but in French and Portuguese, too! The band return to the UK this summer following on from hugely successful festival appearances in recent years.

T: 0113 275 4548
E:admin@heartcentre.org.uk

Lesley Jeffries

Al Wood Nine play Harrogate 27 March 2014

The Al Wood Nine

Thursday 27 March 2014 8:00 pm
The Cairn Hotel Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2JD
Tickets £10

Al Wood trumpet/saxes
Jim Corry, James Russell alto saxes
Simon Kaylor, Stuart MacDonald tenor saxes
Sam Thornton baritone sax/vocals
Graham Hearn piano
Garry Jackson bass
Bob Howard drums

“This was real music played by real musicians” Ian Darrington, Wigan Jazz Club

Further information and to order tickets contact:
Email: al.louise.wood@gmail.com
Telephone: 07882 957471

Gateshead International Jazz Festival 4-6 April 2014

Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2014, Sage Gateshead

This year we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of the UK’s biggest jazz festival under one roof outside London, between 4-6 April 2014.

Highlights include... The Spring Quartet on its first visit to the UK featuring 2012 NEA Jazz Master Jack DeJohnette on drums, heavyweight saxophonist  Joe Lovano, 2011 ‘Best New Artist’ GRAMMY award-winner Esperanza Spalding on bass and Argentinian pianist Leo Genovese. 

Robert Glasper joins the GIJF14 line-up for a late night set in Hall Two continuing to stake out new musical territory, drawing on jazz, hip hop, R&B and rock, and refusing to be defined by any one genre. One of the world’s favourite jazz guitarists,Bill Frisell, will be another major highlight. This year we welcome the return of acclaimed UK jazz composer Django Bates with his Belovèd Trio in a new partnership with the GRAMMY-nominated Norrbotten Big Band from northern Sweden performing his Charlie Parker inspired programme and Swedish saxophonist Joakim Milder and his suite of jazz arrangements of the music of the North East’s own Prefab Sprout.

Plus jazz, funk and soul musician Ed Motta; Courtney Pine with the critically acclaimed ‘House of Legends’ project; Bill Frisell Trio, Polar Bear plus Shiver, The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra with Jacqui Dankworth; Django Bates, Joakim Milder and the Norrbotten Big Band; Jean Toussaint Quartet; McCormack and Yarde Duo with the Elysian String Quartet ....and much much more!

To see the full line-up and to book tickets visit our website 
or view our online brochure http://issuu.com/sagegateshead/docs/sg_jazz14

Jackie Thompson, The Sage

Courtney Pine - House of Legends - Leeds

No musician more embodies the dramatic transformation in the British jazz scene over the past twenty + years than Courtney Pine C.B.E. The ground breaking, multi- instrumentalist has led a generation of exciting and innovative players who have broadened their styles to take jazz out to a wider audience.

Fresh from sell out shows across the US,Canada and Europe, headline slots at Bestival, Love Supreme and Greenbelt Festivals here in the UK, Courtney in back touring his critically acclaimed House of Legends set. This, his 15th studio album to date sees Courtney return to the instrument he is best known for - the Saxophone and features his soprano sax exclusively for the first time.

Deeply steeped in the traditions of the Caribbean, this very personal project sees Courtney on top form, bringing together musicians from Africa, the Caribbean and Europe for vibrant exchanges that tell tales of life from a truly multi-cultural view point.

Expect an exhilarating mix of Merengue, Ska, Mento and Calypso as played through the lens (saxophone) of a UK born artist with strong, proud Afro-Caribbean roots.

Sat 15 Feb 2014
Leeds University Union
Doors 7.00pm
ADVANCE Tickets £16.50
Details/tickets www.leedstickets.com/eventinfo/4100/Courtney-Pine-presents-House-of-Legends

Jazz at The Hepworth Wakefield

The Weave

The Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield, in association with The Yorkshire Live Music Project, has launched a monthly season of free admission live jazz with major UK musicians. 

Upcoming dates are 

• Standard Deviation quartet on Thursday 20 February 
• The Weave on Thursday 20 March. 
• Sam Leak's Aquarium on Thursday 17 April. 
• Juice 28 May

 All events start at 6pm.  

The Hepworth Gallery is now ranked 50^th in the world by The Times, and just a few weeks ago, welcomed its one millionth visitor.

The Yorkshire Live Music Project was established in 2009, with an innovative and ambitious mission to widen the audience for live jazz.

YLMP Administrator Sandra Carlon said: “We were thrilled to be invited to contribute to the after hours series of events at The Hepworth. This means loads more really great jazz for loads more people – and it’s free. Our work is about introducing people to this fantastic genre. The Hepworth Wakefield is such a fabulous place to do just this.

“We hope people who come along to these events will be further tempted to try the terrific live jazz on offer at Norvol’s jazz clubs across the region”

The live jazz events are mostly held in The Hepworth’s café/bar with great wine, beer, hot drinks and food available. The gallery is open to 9pm Thursdays and hosts regular changing exhibitions of contemporary art.

www.hepworthwakefield.org          www.ylmp.co.uk

Sandra Carlton

The jazz week in York...

Kate Peters

Here's a quick update on where you can find Jazz in York on each day of the week. You can check up to date listings at www.jazzinyork.com and receive regular news letters by signing up to the mailing list.

Monday - Kate Peters Quartet - The Phoenix Inn - 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month. Kate and bass player John Marley are joined by a selection of the best jazz musicians in the region. Playing jazz, funk and Latin standards from 8.30pm. Free entry.

Tuesday - Encouraging the Loony - The Victoria Vaults - 1st Tuesday of every month. Pianists Karl Mullen and drummer Neil Scott play as a very unique duo with a great varied repertoire. Very entertaining! 8.30pm. Free entry.

Wednesday -Jam Night - The Phoenix Inn - weekly. Come and play or listen at this very friendly jam  session. All abilities welcome. Free entry from 8.30pm.

Kier Hall Trio - Zizzi's Restaurant - Great instrumental trio playing in a nice restaurant. From 7.30pm.

Thursday - Mardi Gras Band/Bejazzled - Middleton's Hotel - Weekly - Excellent swinging jazz from both bands in a relaxing bar/restaurant. Free entry. Starts at 8pm.

Karl Mullen Trio - Churchill's Hotel - last Thursday of each month - Great piano trio playing in the restaurant. Expect jazz, blues and funk standards.

Friday - Guest bands - Middleton's Hotel - A great variety of guest bands in the refurnished lounge. Free entry. Starts at 8pm.

Sunday -Jazz Trio - Kennedy's Bar - Weekly - Drummer Paul Smith and bassist John Marley are joined by different guests every week to play jazz standards in this great bar/restaurant. 1pm. Free entry.

Sunday Jazz - The Phoenix Inn - Weekly- A rotation of excellent bands including the Ian Chalk Quartet, Central Scrutinizers and guest bands. Always a high quality of musicianship. Free entry. 8pm.

Jazz Duos - Rook and Gaskill - Weekly - a variety of vocal jazz duos. Regular singers include Jen Low, Kate Peters, Georgina Barr and Sandra Russo. Free entry. 8pm.

John Marley

Jazz in York

Tuesday jazz at Leeds Jazz Club

Tessa Smith

Every Tuesday night - since 1972 John Wall has presented jazz in Leeds at the Leeds Jazz club. Now based at  Armley Conservative Club, Armley Ridge Road, Armley, Leeds LS12 3NU, their Spring 2014 programme looks like this

All 8:30 - 11pm

28th Jan Pete Frank's Dixieland All Stars
4th Feb Spirit Of New Orleans
11th Feb Old Fashioned Love Band
18th Feb Frog Island Jazz Band
25th Feb Yorkshire Stompers
4th Mar Tessa Smith & The Applejacks
11th Mar Harlem Hot Stompers
18th Mar New Orleans Heat
25th Mar Savannah Jazz Band B

£5 £3 concessions/NUS

Contact Information : John 0113 2523844 : Club 0113 2638393

web: www.leedsjazzclub.com

LiverpoolJazz present Martin Taylor

Multi-award winning guitarist and composer Martin Taylor has established a unique musical career as an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has seen him recognized as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing.

Although completely self taught, he has enjoyed a remarkable musical career spanning across five decades, and during that time has invented and developed a way of playing the guitar that is admired, and often imitated, by guitarists all over the world. As well as being a true guitar innovator, he is also a master concert performer, dazzling audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humour, with a strong stage presence.

As well as his solo concerts and recordings, he has also collaborated with musicians from many different musical genre including, Stephane Grappelli, Jeff Beck, Chet Atkins, Bill Wyman, George Harrison, Dionne Warwick, Diane Schuur and Jamie Cullum. His ground breaking solo album Artistry, produced by Steve Howe, was released in 1992 to much critical acclaim. It was No 1 in the HMV Jazz Charts for a record 12 weeks and launched his career as an international solo artist.

The ensuing years have seen him release further albums for Sony/Columbia, Kiss and Tell and Nitelife, and receive countless awards, two honorary doctorates and, in 2002, an MBE for services to Jazz Music. His on-line guitar academy, launched in 2010, is now subscribed to by guitarists in over 58 countries.


“Martin Taylor is one of the most awesome solo guitar players in the history of the instrument.” - Pat Metheny

“He out-shred’s all of us put together….I’ve never seen anything like it” - Jeff Beck

Sunday 23rd March 2014
7.30pm Capstone Theatre Liverpool
£11.50 (£10 concessions)

Tickets www.thecapstonetheatre.com/

"In the Groove" in Altringham

"In the Groove" Jazz Weekend for musicians with Iain Dixon, Mike Walker and Les Chisnell. Dates are 7th Feb to 9th Feb at the Cinnamon Club, Altringham, Cheshire.

Contact Lucy or Jo at the Music Place in Altrincham www.themusicplace.co.uk

Liverpool International Jazz Festival

Jason Rebello

Just weeks to go until the Liverpool International Jazz Festival from Thursday 27th February – Sunday 2nd March 2014

Headlining and opening the festival on Thursday 27th February is celebrated British jazz pianist and multi-award winner Jason Rebello. Labelled a veteran by critics at the age of just 19, Rebello has since collaborated with some of the most highly regarded artists in the industry, including Jeff Beck and Sting.

On Friday 28th February, unique Anglo-American jazz ‘supergroup’ The Impossible Gentlemen will perform tracks from their new album. Already being tipped for the 2014 “best-of” lists (Allaboutjazz.com) Internationally Recognised Aliens also features the band’s newest line-up, Steve Rodby, former bass player with the Pat Metheny Group.

On Saturday 1st March the ever evolving music of Unfurl will take audiences on a journey that combines Indian ragas, flamenco and Arabic music, while Blue Touch Paper will perform exciting tracks from their brand new album Drawing Breath.

Rounding off a high energy weekend on Sunday 2nd March the festival culminates with another two concerts. Firstly Stuart McCallum Trio collaborates with Real Strings while the second instalment of the day comes from one of the UK’s most exciting live bands, award winning Get The Blessing. Featuring members of legendary trip hop band Portishead and fresh from a European and American tour, their unique signature sound never loses its monstrously infectious beats and spontaneity.

The Weave, a collection of Liverpool’s most established jazz musicians, and acclaimed jazz pianist Jamil Sheriff in a trio with Dave Walsh on drums and Pete Turner on double bass, both perform on Saturday 1st March. While on Sunday 2nd March, there will be performances from ACV, an experimental contemporary jazz quintet from North East England and classic and contemporary sax quartet HSQ are joined by Rachael Gladwin on harp and percussionist Phil Bennett to form HSQ +2.

Throughout the weekend there will also be free workshop sessions taking place. At 12 noon on Saturday 1st March, Unfurl will focus on their practice of developing jazz compositions based on ideas and approaches from Indian classical music. While on Sunday 2nd March, also at 12 noon, join Dave O'Higgins for a saxophone masterclass. Both sessions are free and open to all.

Tickets for the Liverpool International Jazz Festival are on sale now. A weekend pass is available giving you access to all the events across the whole weekend. For more information please visit www.thecapstonetheatre.com

Bill Elms

Beverley Beirne at Ilkley Playhouse

Beverley Beirne and her quintet appear on 22 February at the Wildman Studio, Ilkley Playhouse with four of Yorkshire’s finest musicians, Declan Forde (Piano), Simon Read (Bass), Sam Gardner (Drums) and Ben Lowman (Sax) and some great new music.

Beverley Beirne is a jazz singer fast becoming known for her ability to innovate as for her stunning voice, a truly gifted interpreter, she sings a captivating mix of beautifully arranged standards and exciting interpretations from other genres. Beverley's arrangements of well known songs like 'Walk On By' make them her own. She has a wonderful feeling for interpreting numbers into a jazz context yet still keeping the original feel of the song.

After the release of her acclaimed debut album ‘Seasons of Love’ in 2012 Beverley has been singing at a number of top jazz festivals and venues, including Marsden Jazz Festival (2010 and 2013), Callander Jazz & Blues Festival (2013) The Lit & Phil, Newcastle, Seven Jazz, Leeds and Matt & Phred’s, Manchester. This exciting singer is receiving substantial plaudits from the jazz community worldwide and 2014 finds Beverley at the prestigious Pizza Express, Pheasantry this February for her London debut.

'...Beirne possesses a broad, warm lower register and her boldly held sustained notes have something of Nina Simone about them...' Jazz Journal

‘It was a masterclass in singing…a superb singer bewitching us!’ Lance Liddle
http://lance-bebopspokenhere.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/beverley-beirne-trio-lit-and-phil.html (live review)
www.beverleybeirne.com

"Finger Clicking Good! My obsession of the week" BBC Radio York (Jenny Eels)

Tickets http://www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk/event.php?id=61

The Playhouse
Weston Road
Ilkley
LS29 8DW.
Tel: 01943 609539

Jazz at the Lescar, Sheffield

James Mainwaring

Every Wednesday, 48 weeks of the year we host a diverse range of music from local, regional and national touring artists, all in the intimacy of The Lescar back-room, and showcasing the depth and vibrancy of the UK jazz scene.

 Coming up in the early part of Spring 2014 we've got the following:

- cutting edge improvisation and grooves from James Mainwaring and Matthew Bourne, with Mick Bardon and Joost Hendrickx (Jan 22nd), 

- two consecutive weeks with the best of the young London jazz scene, starting with guitarist Ant Law and a band featuring members of Empirical, Kit Downes sextet, and Troykestra on Jan 29th, 

- followed on Feb 5^th by Tom Harrison (alto sax/flute), Connor Chaplin (bass) and David Lyttle (drums) all joining Sheffield based guitarist Jamie Taylor.

- Sheffield-based Latin/funk outfit Montuno are sure to lift the roof off the Lescar on Feb 12th!

- Let Spin visit on Feb 19th; an all-star line-up with Ruth Goller (Acoustic Ladyland) on bass, Moss Freed (Moss Project) on guitar, Finlay Panter (Beats & Pieces) on drums and Chris Williams (Led Bib) on sax. 

- From Manchester, drummer Johnny Hunter brings his quartet on Feb 26th. Their 2013 CD on Efpi records recently featured on BBC Radio 3's Jazz on 3 

- Finally more from the London scene on March 5th, with a quintet led by Portuguese guitarist Vitor Pereira, featuring Chris Williams, George Crowley, Andrea Di Biase and Dave Hamblett, playing music with hints of both classical and world music. 

More here : http://www.jazzatthelescar.com/

Jez Matthews

Sheffield Jazz

Email: lescarjazz@gmail.com
Telephone: 0774 020 1939 

The Lescar Hotel
Sharrowvale Road
Sheffield
S11 8Z

Jazz at Boston Spa

Alan Barnes + John Hallam

Les Brown writes - we had a cracking start to the New Year on Saturday evening with the Savannah Jazz Band in excellent form. Over one hundred in the audience and a wonderful atmosphere. Please find attached the programme for January/February. The programme to the end of May is on the website (http://www.jazzinthespa.co.uk/). Thanks for all your support in 2013. The good news is that we intend to hold the entry price at £8 for 2014 (specials excepted).

25th Jan – Alan Barnes + John Hallam + Tom Kincaid Trio – here’s a session to whet the appetites of Jazz aficionados. Two of the UK’s finest saxophonists plus the magical sounds of the Tom Kincaid Trio. No more need be said. N B £10

1st Feb - Maine Street Jazzmen – this band from the North East has quickly established itself as a real favourite of the Boston Spa audience. No nonsense, driving traditional jazz with the added bonus of some superb harmonica playing from trombonist/leader Herbie Hudson and a sprinkling of upbeat vocals from Olive.

8th Feb– New Orleans Heat – always welcome visitors to Jazz in the Spa is this seven piece group playing “old style” New Orleans jazz but with renewed verve and vigour. First class musicians led by pianist Barry Grummet, the band presents a programme of stomps, blues, spirituals and rags in the styles of Bunk Johnson, George Lewis and Kid Thomas.

15th Feb – Spirit of New Orleans – and holding to the New Orleans theme, here’s a highly regarded Yorkshire based band with a delightfully relaxed, wide ranging and distinctive style. Led by trumpet maestro Dave Pogson, this band swings and entertains in equal measure.

22nd Feb– Boston Spa Real Ale Festival – featuring Ron Burnett’s Mardi Gras Jazz Quartet. No evening session this week as the Village Hall is transformed into a Mecca for Real Ale enthusiasts with up to 30 ales to choose from. The Mardi Gras Quartet will be on stage from 2.00pm to 4.00pm - the session being sponsored by Jazz in the Spa.

Entry £5 to include a Festival glass.

Jazz is at the Village Hall High Street Boston Spa LS23 6AA

We are situated just off the new section of the A1(M) at Junction 45 signed Wetherby and Otley. 

Zoë Gilby chases away the January blues

UK jazz vocalist and songwriter Zoë Gilby, who has been making a real impression on the jazz scene is to perform at The Atkinson, Southport  on Friday 24 January.

With a constantly expanding repertoire that starts with her compelling original compositions written with double bassist husband Andy Champion and performed by her highly accomplished band, which features guitarist Mark Williams and drummer Richard Brown. Her stockpile of music reaches a wide range of more contemporary material from composers such as Pink Floyd through to Kate Bush. Also included in her varied programme are some superb interpretations of “The Great American Songbook“.

Emma Lloyd, The Atkinson Performing Arts, Marketing and Visitor Services Manager says: “We are looking forward to The Zoë Gilby Trio performing for our audiences. Zoë has a bluesy, sophisticated but powerful voice that oozes talent. She is one to watch for the future as she will be around for a long time!” 

The Zoë Gilby Trio perform at The Atkinson on Friday 24 January at 7.30pm, tickets are £8 in advance and £10 on the door. Come and forget your January blues!

"Sparkling debut by an exuberant singer whose lively personality comes across on every track. Sheer enjoyment throughout." - Jazz UK Magazine

Tickets are available online at theatkinson.co.uk or by calling The Atkinson box office on 01704 533333. You can also purchase your tickets over the counter during The Atkinson’s opening hours.

*Please be advised there is a £2 booking fee for booking over the phone and online bookings.

The  Zoë Gilby Trio

Friday 24 January

7.30pm

Tickets: £8 adv / £10 doors

The Atkinson

Lord Street

Southport

Merseyside

PR8 1DB

Jazz and Swing this Spring@Wilmslow!

Nicki Allan

Graham Brook promotes "Tuesday Jazz and Swing"  upstairs at Wilmslow Conservative Club,15, Grove Avenue, Wilmslow SK9 5EG commencing at 8.30pm. £7 on the door as follows. 

January 21st:- The Nicki Allan Quintet

January 28th:- Alan Barnes and John Hallam with the Tom Kincaid trio

February 4th:- Zoe Gilby and Dave Browning with the Steve Moore trio

February 11th:- Paul Duffy and Ed Kainyek with the Vinnie Parker trio

February 18th:- Tom Kincaid (solo keyboard)

February 25th:- Amy Roberts and Mike Hall with the Tom Kincaid trio

March 4th:- Peter Carlton and Bob Lloyd with the Tom Kincaid trio

March 11th:- Zoe Kyoti and Dave Browning with the Vinnie Parker trio

March 18th:- John Hallam and Terry Brunt with the Tom Kincaid trio

March 25th:- Gilad Atzmon and Alan Barnes with the Vinnie Parker trio

April 1st:- Rosie Harrison and Mike Hall with the Tom Kincaid trio

April 8th:- Ann-Marie and Dave Browning with the Vinnie Parker trio

April 15th:- Roy Forbes sings Nat King Cole with the Gordon Robinson Quartet

April 22nd:- Tom Kincaid trio 

April 29th:- The Brownfield/Byrne Hot Six

May 6th:- Suzanne Fonseca and Wally Davies with the Steve Moore trio

May 13th:- Lee Gibson and Dave Browning with the Vinnie Parker trio

May 20th:- The Julie Edwards/Kevin Dearden Quartet

May 27th:- Amy Roberts and John Hallam with the Tom Kincaid trio

   

Graham also promotes "The Sinatra Swingers" on the first Thursday of every month at Cheadle Hulme Conservative Club, Mellor Road, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5AT. Show starts 8.30pm £6 on the door.

Gordon Robinson, Dave Browning, Vinnie Parker, Dave Turner and Nigel Cretney with guest vocalist. 

The guest for February 6th is Rosie Harrison. Shows also on March 6th, April 3rd, May 1st, June 5th, July 3rd, August 7th, September 4th, October 2nd, November 6th, December 4th. 

Telephone:- 01625 528336 Web page:- www.facebook.com/grahambrookjazz

Jazz@Davenham 2014

Josh Kemp

Jazz at the Davenham Theatre this spring features these gigs

Thursday 23rd January 8pm

Josh Kemp Quartet. Josh is an acclaimed jazz saxophonist and composer known for his melodic inventiveness, warm tone and a heartfelt and lyrical approach to improvisation.

http://www.joshkemp.com/

He will be joined by the Jamil Sheriff Trio, to make up the quartet.

http://www.jamilsheriff.co.uk/trio

The trio features Jamil on piano, with great Davenham favorites Pete Turner and Dave Walsh (bass & drums)

Thursday 27th February 8pm

Steve Oakes Quintet featuring George King - straight ahead jazz with one of our stalwart jazz@davenham supporters and favorite jazz guitarists. Steve is joined by Gavin Barras on bass, Ed Kainyek on tenor sax,Tim Franks on drums and George King on piano.

Steve played a fantastic set here in early 2012, to help the "new" jazz@davenham, and George King actually played our first concert in Nov 2011. I hope you will show Steve how much we appreciate his support.

Davenham Theatre: 59 Church Street, Davenham CW9 8NF

Spring Dates:
Thursday 23rd Jan 2014 Josh Kemp Quartet

Thursday 27th Feb 2014 Steve Oakes Quintet (featuring George King on piano)

Thursday 27th March 2014 White Canvas Quartet

Thursday 24th April 2014 Amy Roberts Quintet

FRIDAY 30th May 2014 Nicola Farnon Trio

Davenham Theatre: 59 Church Street, Davenham CW9 8NF

From JAZZ@DAVENHAM TEAM

SPONSORED BY TATTON BREWERY www.tattonbrewery.co.uk

Dave Atherton

Darlington Jazz Club Announces January and February Dates

Darlington Jazz Club at The Forum has released a great set of gigs for January and February. The Darlington Jazz Club was created in the summer of 2012 following a successful first Darlington Jazz Festival. The inspiration for the festival first came about following the death of popular teacher and band leader from the town, Alf Hind.

• 12th January - 'Youth Night' featuring Durham County Big Band and Little Band 
• 19th January - John Brett Quintet feat. Karen Lester
• 26th January - Budtones 
• 2nd February - Debra Milne Ensemble 
• 9th February - Saxophonics 
• 16th February - Alan Law Plays Music for Valentine's Weekend 
• 23rd Febuary - Alan Owen's Big BandDoors 5.30pm Live Music from about 6.00pm. 

All gigs at The Forum Music Centre, Borough Rd., Darlington DL1 1SG.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/darlingtonjazzclub

Seven Jazz Leeds spring programme 2014

Brian Kellock and Tommy Smith

International jazz and talented northern bands at Seven Jazz’s two venues, Seven Arts and Inkwell Arts in Chapel Allerton Leeds this Spring.

The first evening is award-winning jazz alto saxophonist and hip hop star Soweto Kinch ‘The Legend of Mike Smith’ with support from the Abstract Hip Hop Orchestra. Then Canadian Trumpeter Jay Phelpes has put together a trans-Atlantic sextet to perform the music of Miles Davis in his “Projection of Miles” concert. Leeds based jazz singer Louise Gibbs premieres her new “Seven Deadly Sings” , a jazz song cycle scored for voice and septet and a star line up of international musicians such as Tony Kofi, Tim Whitehead and Quentin Collins and then Jean Toussaint – the sax playing member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers - returns Seven Arts leading his own quartet. Australian tenor sax jazz star Brandon Allen comes to Leeds with his quartet on April 3rd and finally before Easter the superb duo of saxman Tommy Smith and pianist Brian Kellock make it down from Scotland before they close the border.

Thus Jan 23 Soweto Kinch “Legend of Mike Smith” @Seven Arts 8pm
Thus Feb 20 “Projections of Miles” –Jay Phelps Sextet @Seven Arts 8pm
Thus Mar 6 Louise Gibbs “Seven Deadly Sings” with Tony Kofi/Tim Whitehead/Quentin Collins@Seven Arts 8pm
Thus 20 Mar Jean Toussaint quartet @Seven Arts 8pm
Thus April 3 Brandon Allen Quartet@Seven Arts 8pm
Thus 10 April Tommy Smith sax and Brian Kellock piano @Seven Arts 8pm

Seven Jazz afternoon showcase@Seven Arts and@Inkwell - Spring 2014 Sunday afternoons
Some new Northern based bands including bassist Simon Read’s Octet, saxman Robin Porter’s Quartet, fresh from this year’s Proms, the piano trios of Jami Sheriff and Declan Forde, guitarists Jamie Taylor and Gary Boyle, saxman Will Howard’s "Big Beat" double drum Quintet, and from London the wonderful young trumpet star Laura Jurd.

Sun 19 Matt Holborn Gypsy Jazz Quartet @Inkwell 1pm
Sun 26 Simon Read’s Octet @Seven Arts 1pm
Sun 2 Feb Ant Law Quartet @Inkwell 1pm
Sun Feb 9 Jamie Taylor-Tom Harrison Quartet @Seven Arts 1pm
Sun Feb 16 Gary Boyle quartet @Inkwell 1pm
Sun Feb 23 9 Will Howard "Big Beat" @Seven Arts 1pm
Sun 2 Mar  Kevin Holborough and "Slide Area"@Inkwell 1pm
Sun Mar 9  "We Free Kings" @Seven Arts 1pm
Sun 16 Mar Jamil Sheriff trio @Inkwell 1pm
Sun Mar 23 Urban Jazz Society @Seven Arts 1pm
Sun March 30 Spring Jazz Cafe @Seven Arts 1pm
Sun April 6 Laura Jurd Quartet @Inkwell 1pm
Sun April 13 Ben Lowman’s Django Project @Seven Arts 1pm
Sun April 20 The Porter Quartet @Inkwell 1pm
Sun 27 April Kevin James Quartet@Seven Arts 1pm

More information www.sevenjazz.co.uk

Steve Crocker