Tenor madness in Leeds..

Brandon Allen

Heavyweight international jazz sax stars feature in the evening concerts at Leeds Seven Jazz this month, starting with Aussie jazzman Brandon Allen, then Scottish tenor star Tommy Smith and at the end of the month a rare visit from the European Jazz Quartet with Alan Skidmore and Gerd Dudeck.

The Sunday afternoon jazz showcase concerts feature the up and coming trumpeter Laura Jurd with her Quartet (including European Young Jazz Musician 2014 winner pianist Eliot Galvin), two groups led by young Leeds saxmen Ben Lowman and Robin Porter - with his 10 piece Django project - and the witty and very groovy jazz vocals/piano of Kevin James

Thursday evening 3 April BRANDON ALLEN QUARTET@Seven Arts
Feat Brandon Allen-tenor sax, Ross Stanley- piano Mick Hutton- bass Chris Higginbottom-drums
Evening concert series @Seven Arts 8-11pm £16/14 conc
Brandon’s 2012 gig at Seven Arts was a tenor/trumpet/organ/drums affair. This time he returns with a new quartet line up showcasing his exciting unashamedly emotional soaked- in- the-blues-tradition tenor style.
Details: http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/whats-on/evening-concerts/995-brandon-allen-quartet-
Tickets: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sevenleeds/ 

Sun afternoon 6 April LAURA JURD QUARTET@Inkwell
Laura Jurd trumpet, Elliot Galvin on piano, Conor Chaplin on electric bass and Corrie Dick on drums. @Inkwell Arts 1-4pm £7/5 conc
Drawing  upon original compositions and traditional melodies as a basis for improvisation, this classic quartet line-up fuses elements of European folk, jazz and classical traditions, creating a unique and distinctive sound world.
http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/whats-on/concerts/997-laura-jurd-quartetinkwell

Thursday evening 10 April TOMMY SMITH WITH BRIAN KELLOCK @SevenArts
Evening concert series @Seven Arts 8-11pm £16/14 conc
Seven Arts is a lovely venue for small intimate music and so we are really looking forward to a sax and piano combination featuring two of Scotland's most famous jazz artists, saxophonist Tommy Smith and pianist Brian Kellock who will be teaming up to bring you a beautiful and imaginative jazz.
Details: http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/whats-on/evening-concerts/996-tommy-smith-and-brian-kellock
Tickets: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sevenleeds/ 

Sun afternoon 13 April BEN LOWMAN’S DJANGO NONET+1 @SevenArts
Ben Lowman - Tenor Sax, Jonny Faull - Soprano Sax, Andy Cox - Alto Sax, Sam Houghton - Bari Sax, Aron Kyne  - Accordion, Ben Danzig - Guitar, Jamie Taylor - Guitar, Sam Vicary - Upright Bass, Matt Davies - Kit.
In this Le Grand Depart year in Leeds, hear some contemporary French swing style jazz from this mini big band of young Leeds musicians
 @Seven Arts 1-4pm £7/5 conc
Details: http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/whats-on/concerts/998-ben-lowmans-django-projectseven
Tickets: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sevenleeds/ 

Sun April 20 Easter Sunday gig THE PORTER QUARTET@Inkwell
Robin Porter- Tenor Saxophone, Jonathan Brown- Guitar, Sam Vicary- Double Bass, Tom Hawthorn- Drums
From “The Proms” to Chapel Allerton- young tenor saxman Robin Porter is going places!
@Inkwell Arts 1-4pm £7/5 conc
Details http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/whats-on/concerts/999-the-porter-quartet
Tickets http://sevenjazzleeds.ticketsource.co.uk/ 

Thursday 24 April 8pm THE EUROPEAN JAZZ QUINTET @SevenArts
Featuring Alan Skidmore tenor sax, Gerd Dudek tenor and soprano sax, Steve Melling piano, Ali Haurand bass, Clark Tracey drums
A rare visit from this legendary quintet bringing together some of the leading musicians of Euro-Jazz. Formed in 1976 the European Jazz Ensemble have become a bit of a jazz legend.
Details http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/whats-on/evening-concerts/1034--the-european-jazz-quintetseven-arts
Tickets: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/sevenleeds/

Sun April 27 KEVIN JAMES QUARTET@SevenArts
Kevin James - vocals/piano, Malcolm Strachan trumpet, special guest- bass, Matt Morgan – drums
Swinging vocalist and sensitive pianist makes a welcome return to Chapel Allerton
@Seven Arts 1-4pm £7/5 conc
Details http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/whats-on/concerts/1000-kevin-james-quartetseven
Tickets http://sevenjazzleeds.ticketsource.co.uk/

Venues
Seven Artspace: 31 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3PD.
Inkwell Arts: 31 Potternewton Lane, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3LW (the former Shoulder of Mutton)
Details www.sevenjazz.co.uk 

Locked in at the Belgrave with Rufus...

Jazz is known for its pioneers, but few can match Rufus Harley Jr, the first (and so far only) jazz bagpiper. Refusing to be hampered by his complete lack of Scottish lineage, he performed wearing a kilt, sporran and a horned helmet. When police would call to investigate complaints from his neighbours, Harley would hide his bagpipes and ask "Do I look like I'm Scottish?"

The Belgrave Lock in in Leeds is run by entrepreneurial young promoter Mary-Ellen O Shea at the Belgrave Music Hall and & Canteen near the Grand Theatre (the Old Snooker Hall for those who don't visit Leeds that often).

The last one was the "Blossom Dearie lock-in" and the headline band was the Roller Trio, but the event isn't just for jazz, - there is lots of interesting vocal, folk, world music as well from the ever growing Leeds music scene. 

So on Tues 15 April Don your MacLeod tartan and join in a celebration of the great unsung hero of jazz with comedy, poetry, jazz, and complimentary shortbread. 8.30 start, £3 in 

Belgrave Music Hall and & Canteen, 1 Cross Belgrave Street Leeds LS28JP

Loads of free jazz @Southport Festival

Jacqui Dankworth

Sue Williams writes

The headline ticketed events at the Southport Jazz Festival this May have been announced

Friday 9 May 
7.30-10pm The Atkinson Studio The Fresh Dixie Project        £10

Saturday 10 May
3pm-5pm The Avenue Guitarist Gary Potter                 £10
7.30-10pm The Atkinson Jacqui Dankworth Quintet         £20

Sunday 11 May

2pm-4.30pm Royal Clifton Hotel The Ben Cox Band         £12

8pm-10.30pm Royal Clifton Hotel Clark Tracey Quintet £15

There are lots of free (or "free to diners") jazz at this year's Southport Jazz Festival to add value to your weekend at the Festival - 33 free gigs in total...The free/free to diners concerts include

Thursday 8 May 
Zoe Gilby/Andy Champion

Friday 9 May
Chameleon Quintet featuring guitarist Gary Boyle 
Mike Smith on sax with guitarist Tom Stichbury
Vernon Fuller guitar/vocals
Trio Gitan
Annie Long Duo
Swingology Sextet
Credo Quartet
Riders in the Ska

Saturday 10 May
Barbieshop - a'cappella trio
Modjango guitar duo
Kiki deVille Duo
Lyn Fairbanks with Mark Lewis Trio + special guest Wilf Nuttall on vibes
Philip Clouts Quartet
Trio Gitan
Chicago Teddybears
Paul Palmer Quintet
Mike Smith Trio
Swingology Sextet
The Cottonhouse Shakers Sextet includes vocalists Kiki deVille & Julie Pilkington

Sunday 11 May

Tame Valley Stompers

Jacqui’s Rhythm Katz Nonet

Anthony Ormesher guitar duo

Nick Svarc Trio  

Perfectly Frank 

Modjango guitar duo

Turkey Circus

Endangered Species

The Weave

The Billionaires

Guitarist/vocalist Rae Owens duo

Modjango guitar duo

Mike Smith’s Ginger Tunes Quartet

Details times venues and bookings http://www.visitsouthport.com/whats-on/southport-jazz-festival-p259291

April at Newcastle's Jazz Cafe

Here's the April listings at Newcastle's Jazz Cafe...

Tuesday 1st April 8pm Jam Free
Resident rhythm section : Peter Gilligan piano,Paul Grainger double bass and Paul Wight drums. Now running on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Bring your Instrument and play or just listen. Free admission.

Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April the Late Night Jazz Club for The Gateshead International Jazz Festival  Friday 11.00pm & Saturday 12.00 midnight until late. The Alan Law Trio - ALT Piano : Alan Law- Double Bass, John Pope- Drums, Jonathon Marriot or Dave McTeague and The Slowlight Quartet Tom Quilliam - Tenor sax ,Paul Lorraine-Piano, Ian ‘Dodge’ Patterson-Bass, Jonathon Marriott-Drums £5.00  (Free before 9pm)

Friday 11th April 9.30pm - Paul Edis Trio
Paul Edis piano / Mick Shoulder double bass / Adam Sinclair drums
 £5.00

Sat 12 April 9.30pm – Don Forbes Quartet
Don Forbes trumpet; Peter Gilligan piano; Paul Grainger double bass; Dave Francis drums
£5.00

Tuesday 15th April 8pm – Tuesday Jam –
Resident rhythm section : Peter Gilligan piano,Paul Grainger double bass and Paul Wight drums.

Friday 18th April 9.30pm - Funkalleros 
Back after a knockout debut gig at the Cafe in January with their mix of 60's/70's Hubbard and Byrd plus originals, dirty grooves and funky jazz. Graeme Hardy trumpet / Mark Williams guitar / Neil Harland bass guitar / Adam Sinclair drums £5.00

Saturday 19th April 9.30pm – Mark Toomey Quartet
Music full of the passion and fire associated with the masters of the bebop idiom –
Mark Toomey alto saxophone; Jeremy McMurray piano; Tony Abel bass; Kevin O’Neill drums
£5.00

Saturday 26th April 9.30pm- Blues and Ballads
Blues and Ballads, a band of Jazz Café veterans - John Rowland tenor sax; Peter Gilligan piano; Paul Grainger double bass; Steve Doyle drums  £5.00

Tuesday 29th April 8.00pm Michelson Morley Electro-jazz quartet led by saxophonist Jake McMurchie (of ‘Get The Blessing’)
@ The Jazz Café presentation www.jazznortheast.com £8.00/ £6.00

All @Jazz Café 25-27 Pink Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne. tel: 0191 2229882

New web address www.jazzcafe-newcastle.co.uk  New phone 0191 2229882

Jazz Café 25-27 Pink Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne. 2 minutes from the Central Station.
Open from 11am daily. Closed Sunday and Monday.

New Pink Lane pitch

Dave Parker, one of the founder members of the Pink Lane Jazz Co-op in Newcastle, writes..

Pink Lane Jazz Co-op is extending its community share issue to allow supporters more time to invest in its venture to buy and refurbish The Globe pub/venue in Newcastle.  The new closing date will be Monday 14 April 2014 at midnight.

The co-op plans to use this extension to attract new investors during the Gateshead International Jazz Festival (4-6 April) which brings thousands of jazz lovers to Tyneside.  Pink Lane Jazz Co-op is running a jazz workshop at the Sage during the festival.

By midday on 24 March, the co-op had received share applications totalling £106,040, over 84% of the way to the target of £125,500.

There has been a surge in investment since 18 March when HMRC confirmed that this share issue qualified for tax relief under the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.  This means that people who buy shares in Pink Lane Jazz Co-op can reduce their income tax liability by up to 50% of the amount invested.  The extension of the share issue will enable investors to apply to HMRC for tax relief in the new 2014/15 tax year.

‘The share issue is really gathering momentum.  Over 120 people have bought shares so far and more applications are coming in every day.  The initial deadline was set to meet the vendor’s request for a swift sale.  We knew it would be hard to raise the investment quickly.  They will just have to wait a bit longer.  We will raise the money we need soon.’

Pink Lane Jazz Co-op has already been approved for a mortgage and loan totalling £105,400 which will be released once £125,500 shares have been sold.

You can apply for shares in two ways:
Online at www.microgenius.org.uk/project/pink-lane-jazz-co-op-at-the-globe-17
Or by post using the application form on the last page of the share offer document
http://www.pinklanejazz.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/PLJCshareofferWEB.pdf

You may invest any amount between £200 and £20,00

More money for jazz clubs!

While our other funding schemes are geared towards jazz musicians and artists, the aim of the Jazz Services/PRS Jazz Promoters Awards is to encourage small-scale promoters of new British jazz music, presenting material that is fresh, exciting and helps invigorate the UK’s jazz music scene.

The awards are made by the PRS for Music Foundation in collaboration with, and administered by the main UK Jazz Organisation, Jazz Services, and over the years have offered financial support to a great number of UK promoters, resulting in some fantastic live music opportunities for artists and audiences alike.

Who can apply?

The awards are open to anyone promoting live jazz music and are divided into two categories - the regular promoters award for established promoters, and the fledgling promoters award for those just starting out.

Award winners are selected from the applications by a joint panel whose members are drawn from PRS for Music Foundation, Jazz Services and Serious, as well as including established musicians.  The panel look for programmes of events which feature a majority of music by living British jazz composers and performers.

For more information on the PRS for Music Foundation please visit their website: www.prsformusicfoundation.com

For more information and to apply for the scheme, follow these links
http://www.jazzservices.org.uk/index.php/jazz-services-promoter-award/item/876

Applications for the 2014 Jazz Promoters Award scheme close at midnight on Thursday 17th April.

When are the best gigs...

This link lets you know the days of the week you can see jazz at one of the many fantastic jazz clubs in our area.

http://www.norvoljazz.org/test-jazz-days/

Useful if you want to find some music to see on a particular day or in a specific place- also of use for jazz musicians wanting to plan tours. Doesn't include residencies by the way, just ticketed jazz gigs

Making your jazz club a huge success...

Jazz club promoters in the North are offered the chance of attending one of two "Development Days" in Leeds to be held on  Thursday 27th or Saturday 29th March at 42 The Calls, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 7EW.

Run by NORVOLJAZZ, the Northern Club Promoter Network, and funded by the Arts Council for England, jazz clubs will get  tailored expert advice about

• developing jazz audiences
• getting more income
• involving schools/young people and 
• marketing/ promotion. 

Each promoter will receive 2 hours of tailored consultancy and one-to-one contact with expert advisors - Helen Dunnett, Janet Dunnett, Anna Franks, Colette Dutot, Sandra Marcy, and Pam Pfrommer.

If you wish to join in one of these two days then contact Kim Macari, the project co ordinator at the email address below. Participating clubs pay a joining fee, but in return receive support for travel (and in some cases accommodation) and of course, expert advice.

Venue 42 The Calls (42 The Calls, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 7EW)

Website: www.42thecalls.co.uk

Timings: 2pm until 5pm

Format: 30 minute drop-in sessions with each speaker on four areas - audience development, fundraising, education, marketing. Each promoter will receive 2 hours of tailored advice and one-to-one contact with expert speakers.

Contact to join - email Kim Macari  (kim.i.macari@gmail.com)

Mark Nightingale/Al Woods@Darlington Jazz Fest

Mark Nightingale

From Shaune Eland

The Darlington Jazz festival this year will be expanding and will run from Thursday 24th April until Sunday 27th April 2014.

It will be based at The Forum Music Centre (www.theforumonline.co.uk) and Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum
(http://www.darlington.gov.uk/Leisure/headofsteam/) with a fringe event at Voodoo Café (www.Voodoocafe.co.uk). There will be over 20 bands playing throughout the weekend

Mark Nightingale has gained a reputation as one of the top-flight jazz trombonists worldwide. In the UK he plays regularly in bands lead by Andy Panayi, Alan Barnes, Laurence Cottle and Stan Tracey. Mark has recorded and played with artists from all genres including Ray Brown, Clark Terry, Sting, Scott Hamilton, Cleo Laine, Charlie Watts, Frank Sinatra, Kenny Wheeler, James Morrison and Steely Dan.

The Al Wood 9 is made up of some of the region’s best jazz musicians, re-creating the music of the great big bands, especially arranged by Al Wood for this line-up, plus new arrangements of classic standards. The band comprises of: Al Wood (leader, trumpet, saxes), Jim Corry, James Russell (alto sax), Stuart MacDonald, Simon Kaylor (tenor sax), Sam Thornton (baritone sax), Graham Hearn (piano), Garry Jackson (bass), Bob Howard (drums).

Saturday 26th April – 1-6pm @The Forum Music Centre
Durham County Youth Big Band, Zoe Gilby and Andy Champion, Jamil Sheriff Trio, Debra Milne Ensemble, Darlington Big Band
Saturday 26th April 7pm-1am @The Forum Music Centre
Tom Stephenson and friends,  Mark Nightingale with the Durham Alumni Big Band, Late Night Jazz Session with Alan Law, JazzTones and Guest Artists
Sunday 27th April 11am-6pm @Head of Steam
Jazz in my pants, Tyne Valley Big Band, The Slowlight Quartet, ACV, Workshop performance and Tutors band, Djangologie, Alter Ego
Sunday 27th April 6pm-9pm  @Head of Steam
Little Big Band, The Al Wood 9

Early bird tickets are now on sale . They can be purchased by contacting the Forum on 01325 363135. The festival has sold out the previous 2 years, so please secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

More information on bands and ticket options/prices can be found on our website: www.darlingtonjazzfestival.co.uk or contact us on 07538772368 / darlingtonjazzfestival@live.com

Greg Spero plays some unusual places..

Greg Spero

From Dave Gosling

Chicago has produced many Jazz greats- Herbie Hancock, Lou Rawls, Benny Goodman, Ramsey Lewis and Anthony Braxton. That’s just to mention a few! And the city continues to generate the very best jazz musicians. Four such young Chicago lions arrive in the North West to play a series of concerts in May. With each member of the quartet being an outstanding musician in their own right, the combined talents will make the Greg Spero Quartet an irresistible force on stage.

Greg Spero (piano) is Chicago’s Jazz Entertainer of the Year 2013 and as the piano player with the Buddy Rich Big Band is establishing his reputation on the world stage. Drawing influence from American jazz and world dance music, Greg mixes these things together with rock, hip-hop and metal to produce a jazz fusion that’s ahead of the field.
     
“Spero is fresh and exciting”adds Chicago’s most prominent female Latin artist, Gina Rivera.

“Even people who don’t like jazz, like Spero. He’s that good.”  
                 
Makaya McCraven (drums) blends  his love for real hip-hop, rock and any form of forward-thinking music into a dynamic instrumental fusion that is undeniable to the listener. Makaya is a true improviser who, with each performance, cracks a new live music experience.

“Makaya...has cracked the upper echelon of the music scene.” – Chicago Tribute (Howard Reich)
Junius Paul (bass) is well-established in many genres, ranging from hip-hop, house music, funk, classical and gospel and his passion for music shows consistently in all of his playing. Junius  has shared the stage with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Curtis Fuller, Donald Byrd, Fred Anderson, Roscoe Mitchell, Donald Harrison, Nona Hendryx and Roy Hargrove.

De’Sean Jones (saxophone) is well versed in the traditions of jazz as well as the experimental sounds of the future. His colourfully rich tone coupled with a powerful sound brings the best out of a musical legacy that contains jazz, rock & roll, hip-hop and soul.
     
“De’Sean Jones’...performances have the bustling energy of a neighbourhood picnic. The young tenor player knows his way round the classics, but he prefers to play originals. He also has a fat-ass sound, and can make his tenor swing and sing at the very same time...a roaring young lion.” – Charles L. Latimer: Metro Times

www.gregspero.com
www.makayamccraven.com
www.deseanjones.com
https://myspace.com/jpaulsound

GREG SPERO QUARTET WILL PLAY:
May 9: New Continental, Preston
May 10: Fuse Media Centre, Prudhoe, Tyne & Wear 2 - 6pm
May 10: Evening - Dacre Hall, Lanercost Cumbria
May 11: Splinter at the Bridge, Newcastle
May 12: Fuse Media Centre - (Quartet session).
May 15: Recital Room, Newcastle Uni. 8pm - (solo set in support of Roger Beaujolais).
May 16: Upfront Theatre, Near Penrith
May 17: Dacre Hall, Lanercost, Cumbria - (workshop with quartet.)
May 18 at 3pm: – Wainsgate Chapel, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
May 20: Bramples Bistro, Brampton (solo piano) Cumbria
May 29:  Valvona Vincaffe in Edinburgh 

There may be other gigs listed. For additional information and/or ticket prices, venues, etc., please contact David Gosling at dgos2@aol.com or 01697 741829.

Bruno Heinen Sextet in Sheffeld

Bruno Heinen

Neil Pepper writes

Sheffield Jazz is very pleased to support this contemporary jazz performance at the University of Sheffield’s Firth Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday March 18th, their only Northern perfomance.

Bruno Heinen Sextet - Tierkreis
Spectacular jazz pianist Bruno Heinen is one the most original voices on the contemporary jazz scene. Performing alongside some of the top jazz musicians in the country he brings us innovative reworkings of Stockhausen’s most popular composition, ‘Tierkreis’.
‘Tierkreis’ was originally written for twelve music boxes each representing a sign of the zodiac. Bruno’s imaginative arrangements are full of tinkling melodies, intricately engineered rhythms and glow with jazzy ensemble sounds. Featuring the original music boxes this concert fuses an unusual alliance between disparate musical genres of Stockhausen's works and the outside realm of progressive jazz.

Pre-Concert Talk 18:30: The origins of ‘Tierkreis’.
Join Bruno Heinen as he demonstrates the original Stockhausen music boxes and provides insight into his mesmerising arrangements.

Bruno Heinien piano
James Allsopp (bass clarinet)
Fulvio Sigurta (trumpet)
Tom Challenger (tenor sax)
Andrea Di Biase (bass)
Jon Scott (drums)

"Erudition, eclectic studies and a jazz sensibility make Heinen the kind of newcomer who repositions the goalposts." (The Guardian)
http://www.brunoheinen.com/projects/tierkreis

Tuesday 18 March, 19:30, Firth Hall
Duration: 90 minutes + 20 minute interval
Tickets: £8.50, £6 (concessions-over 60s), £3 (under 26s, students, unwaged)

Jazz at St. Cuthbert’s

From Paul Edis...

April 25th -Vasilis X Quintet – The Wind Machine (pictured)
The Wind Machine, first unveiled at the Ealing Jazz Festival in July 2013, is an attempt to capture the spirit of the great big bands with just a quintet, and is inspired by Stanley Turrentine's 1963 album 'A Chip Off the Old Block', which recast classic Count Basie arrangements for a small ensemble.


June 6th - Paul Edis Sextet 
Led by a ‘brilliant young pianist’ (Alyn Shipton, The Guardian) the Paul Edis Sextet is steeped in the straight-ahead tradition, but with an original and contemporary edge. With some intricate arrangements, solid grooves and exquisite melodies, this group has wowed audiences and critics alike with their performances to date.


July 4th - Customs House Bigband
This dynamic group of local musicians are a major ensemble on the Northern Music Scene. The group offers an eclectic mix of big band styles ranging from the traditional Count Basie swing era through to the modern forceful styles of Buddy Rich and Gordon Goodwin. For this special concert the band will perform a selection of compositions and arrangements by Paul Edis.


August 1st - Northern Monkey Brass Band
Formed at the beginning of 2009, the band formerly known as Horn Dogs are a deeply funky collective of some of the finest drum and brass players in the North East of England. Inspired by Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Youngblood Brass Band to name a few (as well as that bit at the beginning of Live And Let Die), Horn Dogs have rapidly earned a reputation for lively, energetic shows .


September 5th - Virtuoso Jazz Trio 
Whenever this trio assembles on the concert platform the sense of fun and excitement is palpable. Their repertoire is rooted in the very best of the Great American Songbook. to which audiences of all ages and musical tasted respond with a sense of delight. George Macdonald (Clarinet) James Birkett (Guitar) Tony Abel (Bass)


November 14th - Djangologie 
Djangologie are an uplifting, humorous and swinging ‘gypsy jazz’ ensemble who regularly gig, broadcast and make festival appearances across the country. Djangologie are James Birkett (Guitar), Giles Strong (Guitar), Emma Fiske (Violin) and Mick Shoulder (Double Bass).

Jazz Concerts 2014 at the St. Cuthbert’s Centre
St, Cuthbert’s Centre,
Church Hill,
Crook,
DL15 9DN
All Concerts are £7. Doors open at 7, music starts at 7:30.

Durham gigs at the Gala

 Northern Monkey Brass Band

Paul Edis again...

Here are the details for the Gala luncthime concerts up to July. All are 1-2pm in the Studio, tickets are £4 from the box office. These gigs have been exceptionally popular (the last two have sold out) so anyone interested is encouraged to get their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

May 23rd – Swing City Trio

The Swing City came together in 2007, with the aim of recreating the small group, swing style jazz typical of the New York clubs of the late 30s and 40s. You can expect the music of Gershwin, Berlin, Cole Porter and other great songsmiths of the sophisticated 1930s era performed by Steve Andrews (Saxophone) Roly Veitch (Guitart) and Neil Harland (Bass).

June 20th – Sue Ferris Quartet

Talented Saxophonist and Flautist Sue Ferris has performed in numerous groups in the North East and beyond. Her quartet featuring Neil Harland (bass) Rob Walker  (drums) and Paul Edis play swinging straight ahead jazz rooted in the music of the 'Great American Songbook'.

July 16th – Paul Edis Sextet

Led by a ‘brilliant young pianist’ (Alyn Shipton, The Guardian) the Paul Edis Sextet is steeped in the straight-ahead tradition, but with an original and contemporary edge. Their
debut album There Will Be Time was voted 3rd best album of 2012 (Alyn Shipton, Jazzwise). With some intricate arrangements, solid grooves and exquisite melodies, this group has wowed audiences and critics alike with their performances to date.

July 18th – Northern Monkey Brass Band

Formed at the beginning of 2009, the band formerly known as Horn Dogs are a deeply funky collective of some of the finest drum and brass players in the North East of England.
Led by trumpeter Graham Hardy, the NMBB were initally inspired by Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Youngblood Brass Band to name a few (as well as that bit at the beginning of Live And Let Die). They have rapidly earned a reputation for lively, energetic shows featuring well known covers in a way you've never heard them, classics of the genre and original music written specifically for the band. Whether they're busking on the street, playing at festivals or an intimate bar gig, Northern Monkey Brass Band show you a good time.

At the very groovy Durham Gala Arts Centre
1 Millennium Place,
Durham DH1 1WA
0300 026 6600

Summer jazz at the Lit....

Slowlight Quartet

Paul Edis writes- Summer Jazz at the Lit and Phil Newcastle

April 11th - Virtuoso Jazz Trio

Whenever this trio assembles on the concert platform the sense of fun and excitement is palpable. Their repertoire is rooted in the very best of the Great American Songbook. to which audiences of all ages and musical tasted respond with a sense of delight. George Macdonald (Clarinet) James Birkett (Guitar) Tony Abel (Bass)

May 9th - Triptych

Triptych is a new trio featuring Paul Edis (piano) Rob Walker (drums) and Paul Susans (bass). All three members of the group bring a diverse repertoire and extensive experience to create new interpretations of old standards alongside new compositions, often with a rhythmic twist!

June 13th - Slowlight Quartet

The Slowlight Quartet combine a love of great melodies, catchy chords and exciting rhythms to create accessible modern melodic jazz which will make your heart soar. Influenced by EST, Portico Quartet, Nile Cowley and Cinematic Orchestra they nonetheless are forging their own path and developing a distinctive and unique voice. Recent gigs at well establish jazz venues such as Matt & Phreds and Zeffirellis and a support slot with Stuart McCallum (Cinematic Orchestra) show this band are making serious strides forward only 10 months after playing their first gig. Their debut EP ‘∑ Parts’ will be released on May 25th 2014. For further information visit their website: www.theslowlightquartet.co.uk

July 11th - Noel Dennis Trio

Trumpeter Noel has worked alongside the likes of Andy Sheppard, John Warren, Tommy Smith, John Surman, Mark Nightingale, Tim Garland, Bob Mintzer and many other top musicians and composers. For this gig he is joined by pianist Paul Edis and bassist Andy Champion.

All concerts are 1-2pm and £4 admission on the door.
 www.pauledis.co.uk

To reserve your place: call (0191) 232 0192, emailing library@litandphil.org.uk or by calling in.

The Lit & Phil,
23 Westgate Road,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 1SE
http://www.litandphil.org.uk/index.shtml

Sirkis/Bialas project at Hull

Sirkis/Bialas project is a fresh new collaboration between Israeli-UK-resident drummer/percussionist Asaf Sirkis, known for his work with the Lighthouse Trio and Gilad Atzmon as well as his own trio, and Polish vocalist extraordinaire Sylwia Bialas. The quartet is currently on tour and Hull Jazz is their only Northern date.

The quartet features American bassist and harmonica player Patrick Bettison and Frank Harrison on piano and keyboards. Expect soulful melodies, atmospheric sounds, a colourful style of jazz with an ethnic touch and some rarely used instruments. The quartet is currently on tour and preparing for their debut album recording.The quartet features American bassist and harmonica player Patrick Bettison and Frank Harrison on piano and keyboards. Expect soulful melodies, atmospheric sounds, a colourful style of jazz with an ethnic touch and some rarely used instruments.

March 12th: The Sirkis/Bialas project - (Evening) Hull Jazz Club, UK

Asaf is also taking a rhythm workshop at Hull College of Music on the afternoon of

March 12th: Asaf Sirkis Rhythm Workshop - (Day) Hull college of Music, UK

http://www.hulljazz.org.uk/2014/2014-winter-spring.htm

Hull Jazz is: The Goodfellowship Inn
Cottingham Road
HULL
HU5 4AT

Venue is on B1233, close to Hull's ring-road, 1/2 mile from Cottingham and 1/2 mile from Hull University (which is well signed from all approach roads).

Gigs 8:30 to 11:00pm

Contact 01482 346239 or send us an e-mail ...web-enq@hulljazz.co.uk

Venue tel. no. is 01482 342858

Northern winner is first BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year

Alexander Bone

Via London Jazz News

The The winner of the first BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year Competition in Cardiff 8-3-14 was Northern saxophonist/ producer Alexander Bone (17). Born in Darlington, he is currently in his first year of A levels at Chetham's School in Manchester. He has been part of both the National Youth Jazz Collective and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

The other finalists were: Jake Labazzi - Trumpet (16), Sean Payne - Saxophone (13), both fron the Purcell School, Freddie Jensen - Double bass (14) from Chetham's. and Tom Smith - Saxophone (18).

The judges - who deliberated for most of an hour before announcing their decision - were Django Bates, Trish Clowes, Jason Yarde and Julian Joseph. The competition will be broadcast on BBC4 TV on 23rd May.

Wakefield Jazz reveals its summer programme...

Gabrielle Ducomble

From Chris De Saram

Wakefield Jazz reveals its Summer Programme!
 
Another eclectic set of high profile gigs will take the Club into its Summer break.
    1.            Frank Harrison Trio - 2nd May
    2.            Tommy Smith / Brian Kellock - 9th May
    3.            Roger Beaujolais Quartet - !6th May
    4.            Clark Tracey Quintet - 23rd May
    5.            Gabrielle Ducomble's "Notes from Paris" - 30th May
(Part of Yorkshire Le Grand Depart Fringe Festival)
    6.            Ronnie Bottomley All-Star Jazz Orchestra - 6th June
(To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day)

            Summertime Blues Specials
    7.             Still Jumping (Blues Band) - 20th June
    8.             Groove Indigo (Blues band) - 27th June

Details http://www.wakefieldjazz.org/

Boogie down to Boston Spa

Enrico Tomasso

From Les and the Team

Having had a week off for the Beer Festival, we returned last night for a great session with Frank Brooker's Happy Chappies. Everyone was in sparkling form - Frank himself, the excellent Greg Wadman on trumpet with some first class solo work and driven along by the insistent rhythm section of Jim Wright on banjo, Phil on bass and Rodney on drums. You'll see from the programme that there are some really exciting sessions on the horizon.

Saturday evenings in March/April 2014

Mar 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 terrific session last time round – we anticipate the same. £10.

Mar 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

Mar 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!

Mar 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.

Apr 5th – Trefor Williams + Usual Suspects with Christine Tyrrell – this gig last year was a truly nostalgic evening. Once again - in response to many requests - fond memories of the glory days of the Phil Mason Band. Denny Ilett on trumpet, Karl Hird on reeds, the superb Mark Challinor on banjo, Baby Jools on drums and “our favourite” Christine on vocals. N B £10.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asqgTBrbR6M

Apr 12th – Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants – a first appearance by this group of well known  and highly respected professionals. Led by the effervescent Kevin on trombone, we welcome the outstanding duo of John Hallam and Paul Harrison on reeds, Simon Banks on keyboard and the versatile Graham Smith on drums.

Apr 19th – Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz – the Band’s website proclaims “in our 31st year of making people happy” – and who could disagree. Members of the group include Louis Lince on banjo and Ken Marley on bass. Good time traditional jazz played by first class musicians who clearly enjoy “making us happy!”

Apr 26th – Enrico Tomasso + Roy Williams + Tom Kincaid Trio – where to start? Two of the UK’s finest instrumentalists well known to JITS regulars and supported by our favourite star of the keyboard. A more subtle evening in some respects but music of the highest order. N B £10 (and a absolute steal at the price!)

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 at Verve

Stretch Trio

Another Leeds venue, run by pianist Aleks Podraza. Monthly gigs of young bands on the last Sunday in each month 8.30pm, free

Next gig is - "Stretch Trio" Sunday 30 March 
Andy French tenor sax
Tom Higham kit
Calvin Travers guitar

Support from Aleks Podraza quartet

@Verve
16 Merrion Street
LS1 6PQ Leeds
Phone 0113 244 2272
Website http://www.verveleeds.co.uk/

Schmazz on the Move

The 25th February marked a new chapter in the history of Newcastle promoters Schmazz when they moved their monthly gigs to the recently refurbished Jazz Café.

Schmazz was established in 1999 by the late Keith Morris with the intention of booking emerging bands (mostly, though not exclusively, young) playing entirely original material. It merged last year with Jazz North East, but the distinctive programming policy has been retained.

Its home for the first 13 years of its existence was the Cluny, but the organizers have for some time been looking for a more central location, and when the Jazz Café re-opened its doors it was the perfect fit. The fact that it’s blessed with that increasingly rare accoutrement, a decent acoustic piano, was an added bonus.

So the change of venue was launched by Henrik Jensen’s ‘Followed by Thirteen’, and it proved to be a great start, with a packed house, and musicians and audience equally enthusiastic about the move. The Jazz Café’s owners were pretty pleased as well, so this could be the start of a fruitful and lasting relationship, re-emphasising the Schmazz brand as a hallmark for creative new directions in the jazz tradition.

The next two Schmazz gigs at the Café will be:
25th March – Trio Riot
29th April – Michelson Morley

Pink Lane Jazz Café  phone 0191 2229882

25-27 Pink Lane, near the Newcastle Central Station

Paul Bream

Wonderful Wigan!

Jools Holland

This year's Wigan Jazz Festival runs between Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July 2014 a weekend packed with world-class artists and featuring an eclectic range of jazz genres and styles but with the usual emphasis on some fantastic big bands.

The festival begins on Thursday with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra (tickets selling fast!)

Thu 10 Jul  Jools Holland & His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra

Fri 11 Jul  AJ Brown & His Band, Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, Clare Teal & Her Hollywood Orchestra

Sat 12 Jul Greater Manchester Schools Jazz Showcase, Free Town Centre Concerts, Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, Merseyside Jazz Showcase, Jon Faddis and Wigan Jazz Club Reunion

Sun 13 Jul  SK2 Jazz Orchestra Salutes The Music Of Stan Kenton, University Of South Florida Jazztet and  Super C Big Band

Buy tickets online covering all events on Friday afternoon, Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon. For a real treat, see everything with our all-inclusive Rover Ticket - call 01942 828271 by April 30 to get the early bird price of just £120!

More information http://www.wlct.org/wigan/whats-on/jazz/

And the new Northern Line bands are...

Nicola Farnon

Jazz North announced the names of artists who will be joining their Round 2 of the northern line roster on stage at The Liverpool Jazz Festival today (1-3-14). Northern line is Jazz North’s innovative scheme for supporting touring for northern jazz musicians across the north of England.

The scheme aims to encourage new or cautious promoters to book selected northern artists by reducing the financial risk. In the first year of the scheme 39 promoters booked northern line bands resulting in 90 gigs. This included a tour of rural village halls by Newcastle based band Djangologie in partnership with Highlight productions and Way Out West. The new roster artists are available for booking immediately.

Adam Fairhall Solo www.adamfairhall.co.uk
Dread Supreme
John Ellis Trio www.johnellis.co.uk
Mike Walker/Stuart McCallum www.stuartmccallum.com
New York Brass Band www.newyorkbrassband.co.uk
Simon Read Octet www.simonreadmusic.com/simon-read-octet
Svarc Hanley Longhawn https://svarchanleylonghawn.bandcamp.com
The Initiative www.theinitiativejazz.net
The Jazz Worriers www.thejazzworriers.co.uk
The Nicola Farnon Trio www.nicolafarnonmusic.com
The Slowlight Quartet www.theslowlightquartet.co.uk
Unfurl http://unfurl.me.uk
Zoe Gilby Quartet www.zoegilby.co.uk

More information
http://www.jazznorth.org/12-bands-and-a-solo-artist-for-northern-line-round-2-roster/