Gateshead Jazz Fest full line up...

Joshua Redman 

Gateshead International Jazz Festival is delighted to announce an exciting international line-up for its 11th edition with its trademark mix of UK, European and international jazz icons, hot new talent and some of the best of the thriving Northern jazz scene between 10-12 April 2015.

The programme is packed with something for jazz fans of all kinds – from the casual listener to the hard-core jazz devotee. There’s also lots to tempt fans of funk, soul and blues.

Headliners include; American saxophonist David Sanborn, guitar legend John Scofield, vocalist/pianist Jon Cleary, jazz funk lynchpins the James Taylor Quartet, UK soul, gospel and R&B diva Ruby Turner, legendary British big band Loose Tubes, American saxophonist Joshua Redman, rising star Jarrod Lawson and a unique performance of Stan Tracey’s Under Milk Wood

The full line-up list is below.

Friday 10th April 
Take The Green Train - A seminar on sustainability in music 11am
New York Brass Band 6.30pm
Double Bill: David Sanborn Band plus John Scofield and Jon Cleary 7.30pm
Stan Tracey's 'Under Milk Wood' 7.30pm
Late Night Jam at The Globe 9pm
Jarrod Lawson 10.30pm
Jazz vs Opera – a Tenor Battle: Håkon Kornstad 10.45pm

Saturday 11th April
Gwilym Simcock and Royal Northern Sinfonia 2pm
PlayJazz! Workshop with Iain Ballamy 2pm
Tin Men and The Telephone Family Show 2.30pm
A Living Legacy: talk with Kevin Legendre 5.30pm
King Bee 6.30pm
Double Bill: Ruby Turner and James Taylor Quartet 7.30pm
Double Bill: Zoe Gilby and Alice Zawadzki  7.45pm
Joshua Redman Trio 8pm
Late Night Jam at The Jazz Cafe 9pm
The Necks 10.30pm
Beats and Pieces 10.45pm

Sunday 12th April
The Cookers 2pm
Tin Men & The Telephone 2.30pm
What's the score? Exploring free improvisation -Cath Roberts and Rachel Musson 3pm
Vocal workshop with Alice Zawadski  3pm
Jambone and Beats and Pieces 6.30pm
Loose Tubes plus Andy Sheppard and Rita Marcotulli 7.30pm
Double Bill: Sloth Racket and Musson-Kjaer-Marshall 7.45pm
Davina and The Vagabonds 8pm

Save with the Jazz Multi-Buy – book for two, three or four concerts and save £2, £3 or £4 off each ticket, saving of up to £16 (excludes Tin Men and The Telephone Family Show and festival workshops). Contact Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661 for more details

Online information -
http://www.sagegateshead.com/tour-dates/gateshead-international-jazz-festival-2015

Big names at RNCM

David Sanborn

Upcoming jazz dates at Manchester's Royal College of Music, Manchester this Spring 2015

5 March Gilad Atzmon and The Orient House Ensemble
20 March The RNCM Big Band with Tina May and Nikki Iles
22 March Courtney Pine presents "Song - The Ballad Book" with Zoe Rahman
13 April David Sanborn
17 April Polar Bear

More details and bookings
http://www.rncm.ac.uk

Royal Northern College of Music
124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD
T 0161 907 5200
E  info@rncm.ac.uk

Line up announced for Scarborough Jazz Fest

Ian Shaw and Guy Barker

Mike Gordon writes "I’m really gratified that as I write this at the beginning of February almost two hundred people have bought weekend festival tickets without knowing the programme content. The almost complete line-up is below and I hope they feel their faith is justified.

Again we have a mix of well-established performers, chosen because I feel their jazz is continually developing, and younger bands with a diversity of musical agendas.  Big sounds will come from the 26-piece Engines Orchestra, led by Phil Meadows, and Beats & Pieces.

There’s some strong vocal jazz.  Ian Shaw, a long time festival favourite, is joined by the world class trumpeter Guy Barker.  Recently on the scene and making a great impression is singer Ben Cox and from the North we are delighted to have the charismatic Zoe Gilby.  Our cover picture is the superb vocalist Vimala Rowe, a member of the intriguing Jazz @ Café Society project.

We have some very classy musicians from the USA:  Jean Toussaint (ex Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, McCoy Tyner, Gil Evans, Horace Silver …); Darius Brubeck, highlight of a previous festival; two New York stars making up pianist Barry Green’s trio; and Michael Janisch, who has done so much to promote jazz links between America and the UK, with Paradigm Shift.

Our compere will again be Alan Barnes who will join up with pianist Dave Newton and saxophonist Tony Kofi to display his usual inventive versatility.  Add flautist  Gareth Lockrane’s cracking Grooveyard Unplugged and the unusual tongue-in-cheek Pigsfoot and I hope there is enough variety and quality to please everyone.

The morning swim awaits you!"

Mike Gordon Director, Scarborough Jazz Festival

LINE UP!

Barry Green's New York Trio
Beats & Pieces
Ben Cox Band
Darius Brubeck Quartet
Dave Newton/Alan Barnes Duo
The Engines Orchestra
Gareth Lockrane's 'Grooveyard Unplugged'
Ian Shaw & Trio with very special guest Guy Barker
Jazz @ Cafe Society
Jean Toussaint: The Blakey Project
Michael Janisch's Paradigm Shift
Phil Meadows Group
Pigfoot
Tony Kofi/Alan Barnes Quintet
Zoe Gilby Quartet
Compere: Alan Barnes
+ more acts to be confirmed.

'A Classy Jazz Three Dayer'- The Guardian
'A  Line Up That Always Packs A Punch'-Jazz Uk

Earlybird Weekend Tickets are now on sale priced at £85 (until 1st June)

http://www.scarboroughspa.co.uk/

Jam at the Thirsty Scholar, Manchester

News about the jazz jam in Manchester fortnightly on 2nd and 4th Wednesday in the month at the The Thirsty Scholar on 50 New Wakefield Street, Manchester M1 5NP just off Oxford Road. Next one Wed 11 March... open to all!

New jazz venue in Leeds!

Guitarist Adam Frost writes "A new jazz venue is opening in Leeds at The New Headingley Club, Saint Michael's Road, Leeds LS6 . If it's a success it could lead to regular jazz returning to the venue"

The Adam Frost Trio takes on the classic guitar-piano-bass line-up and gives it a fresh slant. Expect swinging arrangements of tunes by some of the best jazz artists of the 50's/60's including Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Benny Golson and more...

Featuring Adam Frost -guitar, Matt Aplin -piano Sam Jackson - bass

“A fine young musician.” Nick Weldon
“Catch them when you can… a great evening.” Headingley Music Festival

The Adam Frost Trio at The New Headingley Club, 56 Saint Michael's Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS6 3BG  Fri Mar 6th, doors open at 7.30pm, music from 8pm. Entry £6.

Post-punk, psychedelia, electronica, alt-pop at the Globe

Redemption

Wow! There's a very wide range of music in the Jazz Bar at the Globe, Newcastle over the next fortnight. When we started the co-op we were determined to be open all genres of improvised music and not to engage with the 'what is real jazz' debate.

And so on Friday 27 February there's Endless Window a new venture offering a combination of live acts and DJs described as ' post-punk, psychedelia, electronica, alt-pop'. It's being arranged by a local independent music promoter and Jazz.Coop is very happy to encourage this kind of creative venture.

Next up, on Saturday 28 February, Redemption come to the Globe for the first time. This powerful quartet has been wowing North East audiences with original high-energy jazz-funk for several years.

On Thursday 5 March there's a real experiment: Folk Meets Jazz. It's an open mike evening or maybe a jam session aimed at folkies, jazzers and anyone with open ears. It's free entry to performers and audience so please come and support this rare cross-genre project. If it's a success it could become a monthly event.

Saturday 7 March is set to be a good-time blues hootenanny with the R J Feathers Blues Band featuring one of our members on drums. They have a retro blues sound modelled on a mixture of the Stax, Chess and Sun records sound.

On Sunday 8 March there's our popular Am Jam session designed to give opportunities to less experienced jazz musicians. Come along and give it a try.

That's all happening at the Globe, but also we have a monthly jazz session in Durham arranged in partnership with Empty Shop. On Thursday 5 March it's Budtones playing a mixture of standards and original compositions from bebop to ballads.

The Jazz-Coop Newcastle
The Globe
11 Railway St,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne and Wear
NE4 7AD
0191 222 2222

Bone-time in Leeds

Two gigs in Leeds this week featuring jazz trombonists. Tonight (Monday 23rd) Tom Green's Septet at Wharf Chambers on Wharf Street  (23-25 Wharf St, Leeds LS2 7EQ) - the very groovy artspace just round the corner from the Duck and Drake and Kirkgatge Market. They were deservedly a sell out at Seven Arts yesterday - so this is another chance to catch them in Leeds

Then Thus 24th Andy Hillier guest on trombone along with bossman trumpeter Richard Hardy and the Quartet at another groovy venue (it was where Snake Davis started his career after all) at the Central, Wellington Street Leeds LS14LT. 

Jazz improvisation for young people

Kim Macari writes...

Jazz North are delighted to announce the third annual Jazz Education Conference & Networking Day on Tuesday 17 March, 11:00am - 4:00pm at Leeds College of Music. The event is aimed at music educators of all levels, including
● Music Education Hub leaders & staff
● Peripatetic tutors
● KS1 & 2 teachers
● Freelance music educators
● Secondary teachers
● Youth band leaders
● Youth music leaders
● Community music leaders

The event offers the opportunity for members of the music educator sector across the North of England meet and discuss ideas, share experiences and build networks. Throughout the day there will be talks by fellow educators and invited guest speakers as well as practical workshop sessions and discussion groups.

Speakers
● Pete Churchill (Professional musician & educator, winner of 2007 Parliamentary Award for Jazz Education)
● Issie Barratt (Director of National Youth Jazz Collective, winner of 2014 Parliamentary Award for Jazz Education)
● Dr Kathy Dyson (MU Chair, winner of 2012 Parliamentary Award for Jazz Education)
● Gerry Godley (Principal of Leeds College of Music, former director of Improvised Music Company)
● Helena Summerfield (One Education, Manchester Youth Jazz Collective)
● Colette Dutot (Sheffield Music Hub)
● Sonia Mellor (Rotherham Music Service)
● Jamil Sheriff (Professional Musician, Head of Jazz at Leeds College of Music)
● Jeremy Platt (Professional Musician, Youth Jazz Orchestra Director)

How to Attend
The event is free to attend but sign-up is required. A limited number of travel bursaries of up to £50 can claimed to support attendance from across the region.

Directions
Leeds College of Music
3 Quarry Hill
Leeds
LS2 7PD

Booking your place - please email kim@jazznorth.org to secure your place.
You can also visit www.jazznorth.org to read reports on our two previous education conferences for further information on content.

Kit Downes and Lucy Railton @Dean Clough

From Vic Allen

Friday, March 13th 2015 sees the premiere of a new suite of music inspired by the history, aesthetics and acoustics of Dean Clough Mills, the nationally renowned business and arts centre in Halifax.

The suite will be devised during a four-day residency at Dean Clough by leading musicians Kit Downes (piano) and Lucy Railton (cello), aided by electro-acoustic expert Alex Killpartrick.

Kit Downes has played in Dean Clough's International Jazz season on several occasions – at the last of which he unexpectedly premiered a piano and cello suite with Lucy Railton that received rapturous applause from the audience.

It was this that led Kit to suggest a residency where he and Lucy would befriend some of Dean Clough’s 4,000 workers, explore the atmosphere and acoustics of its extraordinary Victorian architecture and seek to learn something of its industrial past (it was once the world’s largest carpet mill).

Working on Dean Clough’s Fazioli grand piano, Kit and Lucy will compose a musical suite to be premiered and simultaneously recorded (...so that the audience can receive a free digital download) on Friday, March 13th 2015.

“I thought it would be great to write, perform and document a suite especially for Dean Clough," said Kit. "It’s an exciting challenge for Lucy and me to work on a site-specific project like this. I really expect it to produce some great work and a genuinely unique set of music.”

"We've got our faithful and discerning jazz audience to thank for this," said Vic Allen, Dean Clough's arts director. "It's hard to advise curious audiences what to expect, of course, but – while there's sure to be a light-touch of jazz improvisation – it's more likely to have a concert ambience that draws on minimalist lyricism. Oh. And some quintessential Dean Clough quality that Alex Killpartrick will no doubt have a hand in.

"Either way, we're really looking forward to it. Kit and Lucy may be two of the UK's finest musicians – but they are also great company. On their last visit they dragged Dean Clough's arts team down to a karaoke session in the local pub. We hope to return the favour with a few surprises of our own this time..."

Kit Downes and Lucy Railton: A Dean Clough Suite
Friday, March 13th 2015 at 8.00pm
Crossley Gallery, Dean Clough HX3 5AX
Tickets £20/£15 concs (inclusive of free download via email)
Box Office: 01422 255266
On-line Booking: www.deanclough.com

Paul Smith’s Jazz Collective

Kyran Matthews

Paul Smith writes

Latest listings at the Head of Steam in Huddersfield...

Feb 18th      Kyran Matthews (sax), Nick Walters (trumpet)

Feb 25th      James Lancaster (trumpet), Stuart McDonald (sax)

March 4th     Rod Mason (sax), Jez Platt (guitar)

March 11th   Matt Holborn (violin), Adrian Ingram (guitar), Ronnie Bottomley (drums)

March 18th   Jim Corry (sax), Al Morrison (guitar)

March 25th   Nick Svarc (guitar), Matt Anderson (sax)

Fixer Paul Smith (drums) musicians include Andy Cholerton or Andrzej Baranek (keys) Paul Chamberlain or Paul Baxter (bass)

"An eclectic mix of Jazz/Blues & Latin"

Wednesday Head of Steam

Huddersfield’s Premier Jazz Venue

St George’s Square, HD1 1JB

Gig starts 8.30pm 

Do support the music with your raffle participation

Ribble Valley lines up

From Geoffrey Jackson

"Ribble Valley Jazz Festival flyer for 1/4 May - Excellent line-up - Stacey Kent - Alan Skidmore - Andy Sheppard - Soweto Kinch - Northern Jazz Orchestra with Georgina Jackson - Dread Supreme - Baked a la Ska - Walker/McCallum - Eric Ainsworth - I have a Duck who can Roar!

Workshops inc pBones, Improvisation, Drumming in Jazz, Rhythm Section workshop - Cor blimey! Do you want a flyer - here's one - brochure out in a couple of weeks".

Virtuosos in Durham...

Customs House Big Band

Ushaw College in Durham also has a series of Friday night Jazz events organised by Paul Edis - dates as follows

27th February 7.30.p.m. Jazz Paul Edis Sextet

6th March  7.30.p.m. Virtuoso Jazz Trio

17th April 7.30.p.m. Customs House Big Band

1st May 7.30.p.m. James Birkett and Bradley Johnston

http://ushaw.org/events.html

Ushaw College, Durham, DH7 9RH

Spring at the Gala

Bruce Adams 

Paul Edis writes about jazz at the Durham Gala venue Friday lunchtime concerts

Feb 20 – Dean Stockdale Trio  
Dean Stockdale is a jazz pianist and musician based in the North East of England. He is in great demand as a jazz teacher and performer for weddings, corporate events and jazz recitals. He has recently completed an eight month residency at the Savoy Hotel, London. His Influences are drawn from Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Kenny Barron and has studied with renowned jazz pianists Keith Tippet and David Newton.
An established figure on the Northern jazz scene the Dean Stockdale trio is completed with the formidable talents of James Birkett (guitar) and Mick Shoulder (double bass).

March 20 – Bruce Adams and Paul Edis
 Not only is Bruce one the jazz scene’s most dramatic and stimulating performers, he is also a tremendously affable companion. A band-room with the Glaswegian Mr. Adams present is a happy and riotous place. His stream of jokes, anecdotes, and hilarious observations reflect an early immersion in show-biz, and a keen eye and ear for the many quirks of human nature. He has been a regular jazz poll-winner and with his spectacular range and power on the instrument has been in demand as a lead, and jazz trumpet man.

April 17 – Ruth Lambert Trio  
"It's all about the intimacy of the trio. Three voices, each one as important as
the other" The Ruth Lambert Trio takes it's main influence from the early recordings of Julie London's Trio. With the intimate accompaniment of Giles Strong's guitar and Mick Shoulder's bass, Ruth
swings, improvises and transforms each song into something distinctive and personal.

Gala lunchtime concerts - all Gigs are 1-2pm in the Studio, tickets £4

Gala Theatre
Millennium Place,
Durham
DH1 1WA

Your gig at Scarborough Jazz?

Al Wood

Mike Gordon writes - welcome to our Spring programme 2015! Three of our gigs have been generously sponsored: A J Brown by the management of the Spa, SIV (Sheffield International Venues), and the Heavy Horns and the Hoggard/Jackson Sextet by birthday celebrators Marian Gordon and our resident drummer Mike Hoggard. As we have lost most of our funding this is really appreciated.  Got a birthday coming up?  Feel like supporting Scarborough Jazz? Yes you do!

4 March Julia Wray
Saxophonist Julia Wray is well known and respected on the local music scene. Julia has a wide range of musical influences.  In jazz these include Cannonball Adderley, Michael Brecker, San Grover Washington and Art Pepper.  She will be backed by Mark Gordon on keyboards.  £4

11 March Joel Purnell 
‘Fire breathing solos!’  wrote Jazzwise.  ‘Amazing fire and energy!’ said Jerry Bergonzi.  Tributes to Joel Purnell whose latest album ‘Red Shift’ has won international critical acclaim. A popular performer at Scarborough Jazz Joel will be backed by the Mike Gordon Trio (MG3) £4  www.joelpurnell.com 

18 March Firebird Quartet
The Firebird is an exciting combo playing contemporary jazz, exciting funky grooves and their own modern take on standards. They deliver enough sophistication for any jazz audience but with a sense of groove that everyone will enjoy. £6 (£5 advance)  www.ianchalk.net 

25 March Derrick Harris & Kevin Holbrough 
Derrick Harris is not only an in-demand jazz guitarist but he has worked with the orchestras of Opera North and the Halle.  Trombonist Kevin has toured the UK and Europe at major venues and lectures at Leeds College of Music.  MG3 £5 www.derrickharris www.kevinholbrough.moonfruit.com 

1 April A J Brown
With supporters including Clare Teal and Sheila Tracy it seems likely that the singer/songwriter/saxophonist, dubbed “Britain’s Buble”, is destined for Stardom. AJ will be accompanied for his eclectic mix of jazz, swing and original compositions, by his own finely tuned trio.  £7 (£6 advance) www.aj-brown.co.uk

8 April Matt Ball
Whilst highly respected as a big band player, and in demand as a soloist, trombonist Matt Ball is also well regarded as a composer and educator.  Peter Elsdon will be on keys for this gig.  £4 matt@gourmetmusic.co.uk

15 April Al Wood
Sax player Al is well known for his ability to play many instruments well. He has graced the bands of Ken Mackintosh and Maynard Ferguson and both the BBC Big Band and The NDO.
Swinging, melodic jazz tonight with The MG3.  £4

22 April Rev Ray, Jenny Bray & Students
Jazz pianist Ray Eveleigh has become very much a jazz educator since retiring from the “cloth” in 2002.  He is well known for his association with Burton Agnes Jazz and, with his daughter Jenny Bray, runs jazz courses there.  Jenny, whilst a fine pianist, is a noted vocalist and music teacher.  Tonight is a showcase of their work and features some of their students.  Expect a very entertaining evening! £5
www.revraymusic.com

29 April The Heavy Horns
Fronted by reed players Jim Corry, Stuart Macdonald and Rod Mason, this six piece are probably one of the most powerful bands you will ever hear at The Cask.  Featuring soprano, alto. tenor and bass saxes you can expect some great arrangements and fine solos from this popular line up.  £5

6 May The Shannon Reilly Trio
Pat McCarthy is one of the UK’s leading guitarists and his musical liaison with vocalist Shannon Reilly is captivating.  Shannon has developed her own style while listening to classic singers like Peggy Lee. Pat has written film and television music.  £6 (£5 advance) www.shannonreillytrio.co.uk www.patmccarthyjazz.co.uk 

13 May Jazz Aesthetic
This group, returning to Scarborough jazz by popular request, is an 11 piece band formed of young musicians who are studying at the music department of Hull University. As it is always exciting to hear young players this should be a great evening for the club.  £5.

20 May Pete Lyons
Tonight sees a welcome return to the club of saxophonist Pete Lyons.  A composer  and educator he plays in a wide variety of styles.  He is a major figure in the very successful Sheffield Jazz workshop.  He has a special interest in the music of Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh.  Mark Gordon will replace Mike on keyboards.  £4

27 May The Jackson/Hoggard Sextet
Our resident drummer Mike Hoggard and double bassist Brian Jackson bring an outstanding sextet to Scarborough Jazz with Stuart Macdonald tenor sax, Jim Corry alto sax, Trevor Vincent trumpet and Peter Elsdon piano.  £5

Scarborough Jazz @ The Cask Inn

Cambridge Terrace, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 2LQ

01723 500570

For more info go to www.scarboroughjazz.co.uk

Globe seeks investment

Dave Parker from the Jazz-Coop Newcastle writes

"Now we’ve bought the Globe we need more people involved and more money invested to make it the best possible venue. As often happens with old buildings, the refurbishment cost more than we expected. We need further investment for
• Buying  music and sound equipment
• Refurbishing the kitchen
• Renovating the roof terrace
• Improving the exterior of the building
• Repaying the money we borrowed to install the lift (we are proud to be one of the few small music venues in Newcastle to be fully accessible on both floors).

But we don’t just need money. We want people to play an active part in making this unique venture work. For more information visit http://jazz.coop/invest-2/"

The Jazz-Coop Newcastle
The Globe
11 Railway St,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
Tyne and Wear
NE4 7AD
0191 222 2222

Northern Jazz promoters agree touring programme

NorvolJazz, the Northern Jazz promoters network met at the Southport Winter Jazz weekend at the Royal Clifton Hotel on 7 Feb and agreed to back a proposal to develop a programme of visits of national and international jazz artists and ensembles to Northern Jazz venues over the course of 2-3 years. The programme will be facilitated by the Leeds based Apollo jazz network.

Paul Bream, who chaired the network event also expressed the sadness of the group in hearing of the recent death of NorvolJazz promoter Dave Hatfield - “Fusebox “organiser and leading light in the former Leeds Jazz. He also congratulated Norvol  member and Scarborough Jazz organiser Mike Gordon for his nomination under “Services to Jazz” section in the current Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2015. For a full copy of the minutes see the link on the Norvol Jazz Website http://www.norvoljazz.org/

Pictured left to right- Steve Crocker- Seven Jazz Leeds, Gill Wilde -Grimsby Jazz/Cleethorpes Jazz Festival, Emma Lloyd - Atkinson Centre Southport ,Paul Bream - Jazz North East, Newcastle, Jean Watson - Seven Jazz Leeds, John Quail – Marsden Jazz Festival, Kim Macari – HEART Leeds, Mike Gordon - Scarborough, Jazz/Scarborough Jazz Festival, Barney Stevenson – Marsden Jazz Festival , Jez Matthews - Sheffield Jazz/Jazz at the Lescar, Peter Woodman – Marsden Jazz Festival , Geoff Jackson – Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues, Geoff Matthews -Southport Melodic Jazz. (Photo c Robert Burns)

Arve Henriksen in Leeds

Award-winning Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen delivers his unique style of jazz on Thus 12 March in a rare UK gig at the Howard Assembly Room. Inspired by the Japanese shakuhachi flute, the high pitch flute-like sound that emanates from his trumpet fills the room with hauntingly beautiful music.
‘…innately spiritual and extraordinarily captivating music’ - All About Jazz

Joined on stage by electronic musician Jan Bang and guitarist Eivind Aarset, the trio will present music from album Places of Worship - a bewitching series of tracks inspired by religious buildings and ruins. Renowned for his experimental, textured music and use of his eerily enchanting soprano vocals, Places of Worship has been hailed by critics and audiences alike. Originally classical trained, Henriksen’s playing defies boundaries, and transforms the familiar sound of the trumpet into something truly breathtaking – after all ‘nobody plays a trumpet quite like the plaintively expressive Norwegian Arve Henriksen’ (The Guardian).

Alongside the ensemble, a specially commissioned film by visual artist Anastasia Isachsen will be shown. This cinematic critical reflection of place and space (mixed live) works in harmony with the music, eking out the subtlety of Henriken’s sound.

‘…sublime reflections on religious sites and buildings’ - The Guardian
An esteemed musician, over the years Henriksen has collaborated with Howard Assembly Room favourite Dhafer Youssef, Mats Eilertsen and vocal ensemble Trio Mediaeval to name but a few.


Tickets are £12.50 and can be booked online or by calling Leeds Grand Theatre on 0844 848 2727.

More details here...

http://www.operanorth.co.uk/howard-assembly-room

Howard Assembly Room
Leeds Grand Theatre
Upper Briggate
Leeds
LS1 6NU

Lit and Phil lunchtime gigs

James Birkett and Bradley Johnston

Paul Edis writes about the lunchtime jazz series at the Lit and Phil, near Newcastle rail station.

March 27th – James Birkett (Guitar) and Bradley Johnston (Guitar)
From Eddie Lang, through Django Reinhardt, to Pat Metheny and beyond, the guitar continues to have a universal appeal. James and Bradley present a programme of music by some of the most influential players of the last hundred years – taking the audience on a musical journey which moves from early jazz and blues, through swing and bebop, to cool and contemporary jazz.

April 24th – Paul Edis (Piano) and Graham Hardy (Trumpet)
Graham Hardy is an extremely versatile and talented Trumpeter, composer and
arranger, well known on the local scene as a sideman in the Sue Ferris Quintet, the Paul Edis Sextet and the Mick Shoulder Quintet as well as leading his own band the Northern Monkey Brass Band. He teams up for this gig with Paul Edis, described as a ‘brilliant young pianist’ (Alyn Shipton, The Guardian) to perform a concert that includes music by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis alongside original material from the duo.

May 22nd – Triptych – Paul Edis (piano) Paul Susans (bass) and Rob Walker (drums)
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 19th – Mo Scott Trio – Mo Scott (voice) Paul Edis (piano) and Neil Harland (bass)
Mo, who has established a reputation through performances at major jazz and blues festivals, is regarded as one of the most exciting female singers around. Carrying on in the tradition of the great female vocalists, she perform a variety of music ranging from the most ‘delicate' of jazz ballads to ‘hot' blues. This trio, with pianist Paul Edis and bassist Neil Harland sees Mo leading a band that can truly swing and groove and provide the perfect back drop for some great songs.

July 17th – Sue Ferris Trio – Sue Ferris (sax/flute) Paul Edis (piano) and Neil Harland (bass)
Talented Saxophonist and Flautist Sue Ferris has performed in numerous groups in the North East and beyond. Her trioplays swinging straight ahead jazz rooted in the music of the 'Great American Songbook'.

The Literary and Philosophical Society, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 1SE.

All concerts are 1-2pm, tickets are £4 on the door

Firebird rising...

Richard Hardy writes : Contemporary jazz and grooves at the Central in Leeds this Thursday 12 Feb with Ian Chalk's "Firebird" - free entry! 9pm start

Ian Chalk  - trumpet, John Marley -bass, Martin Longhawn - piano, Tim Carter - drums
Listen to their  ep 'Risen' at www.firebirdquartet.bandcamp.com

Central
88 Wellington St
Leeds
LS1 4LT
 

Frank Brooker and more at The Cask

Frank Brooker

February's programme at the Cask in Scarborough - Mike Gordon writes

Wednesday 11th February - Frank Brooker makes a welcome return to The Cask. His beguiling and fluid skills on clarinet and tenor sax have earned Frank great popularity throughout the North.  He works as sideman and soloist in an area that roughly takes in Newcastle, Manchester and Hull.  He also leads his own quartet and trio. Frank now presents a wide and interesting programme that spans many decades.  He has played often with The Mike Gordon Trio and has developed a good rapport with them.  Mike says, " Frank's playing sounds effortless and fluent, we love to play with him". With his wonderful sense of swing, occasional vocals and his championing of unfairly neglected numbers, Frank's gig is not to be missed.The music starts at 8.45pm and admission is £4.

Wednesday 18th February - the swinging and melodic guitarist Jim Birkett who has played with Scott Hamilton, Guy Barker, Alan Skidmore and Snake Davis.After studying at The Leeds College of Music at the same time as David Newton and Alan Barnes, Jim went on to gain a Phd in teaching jazz improvisation. Since retiring from his educational work, Jim is even more active on the jazz scene, leading trios, working as a duo and playing with the gypsy jazz group Djangologie. Jim is backed by the resident trio.  The music starts at 8.45pm and admission is £4.

Wednesday 25 February - The Tom Green Septet. Tom Green won the Dankworth composition prize in 2013 and was mentioned 3 times as Jazzwise "One to Watch 2014" in the January issue.  They have had some great press from some major figures in UK jazz including Dame Cleo Laine ("some of the most exciting original new music I have heard for a long time"), and Evan Parker (“Remarkable… only the very best arrangers can get a sound like that from four horns”). They play original compositions - melodic contemporary chamber jazz with influences from folk, flamenco and New Orleans.

Scarborough Jazz @ The Cask Inn
Cambridge Terrace, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 2LQ

01723 500570

For more info go to www.scarboroughjazz.co.uk

Glorious Gateshead!

With its trademark mix of UK, European and international jazz icons, hot new talent and some of the best of the thriving Northern jazz scene, the Gateshead International Jazz Festival 10-12 April 2015 programme is packed with something for jazz fans of all kinds – from the casual listener to the hard-core jazz devotee. There’s also lots to tempt fans of funk, soul and blues.

Headliners include; American saxophonist David Sanborn, guitar legend John Scofield, vocalist/pianist Jon Cleary, jazz funk lynchpins the James Taylor Quartet, UK soul, gospel and R&B diva Ruby Turner, legendary British big band Loose Tubes, American saxophonist Joshua Redman, rising star Jarrod Lawson and a unique performance of Stan Tracey’s Under Milk Wood and more

FRIDAY 10 APRIL 
Hall One, 7.30pm Double Bill: David Sanborn plus John Scofield and Jon Cleary 
Hall Two, 7.30pm Under Milk Wood suite
Hall Two, 10.30pm Jarrod Lawson 
Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 10.45pm Tenor Battle: Jazz vs Opera with Hakon Kornstad 

SATURDAY 11 APRIL 
Hall Two, 2 pm Gwilym Simcock and Royal Northern Sinfonia 
Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 2.30 pm Tin Men and The Telephone Family Show
Hall One, 7.30pm Double Bill: Ruby Turner and James Taylor Quartet 
Hall Two, 8pm Joshua Redman Trio 
Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 7.45pm Women Make Music: Zoe Gilby and Alice Zawadski 
Hall Two, 10.30pm The Necks 
Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 10.45 pm Beats and Pieces 

SUNDAY 12 APRIL 
Hall Two, 2pm The Cookers Billy Harper, Eddie Henderson, Jaleel Shaw, David Weiss, George Cables, Cecil McBee and Billy Hart
Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 2.30pm Tin Men and The Telephone 
Hall One, 7.30pm Loose Tubes plus Andy Sheppard and Rita Marcotulli 
Northern Rock Foundation Hall, 7.45 pm Women Make Music: Sloth Racket & Musson-Kjaer-Marshall 
Hall Two, 8pm Davina and The Vagabonds

The full line up can be found here on our website http://sagegateshead.com/tour-dates/gateshead-international-jazz-festival-2015 

Latest from Liverpool..

Go Go Penguin

Liverpool International Jazz Festival 2015 runs between Thus 26 Feb and Sun 1 Mar 2015. 

Headliners are Barclaycard Mercury Award nominees GoGo Penguin, jazz rock super-trio Troyka, Dennis Rollins’ Velocity Trio and the James Taylor Quartet plus a packed programme of both free and ticketed concerts, and Sunday workshops .

The musical emphasis of LIJF is on cutting edge jazz, creativity and innovation in music-making but also on widening accessibility of jazz related music to general music audiences. The forthcoming 2015 Festival is no exception to this ethos.

Gogo Penguin - Thursday 26th February 8pm @The Kazimier 

Troyka - Friday 27th February, 7.30pm @Capstone Theatre

Marley Chingus Jazz Collective - Friday 27th February, 10pm @The Caledonia,

Svara Kanti - Saturday 28th February, 1pm @Capstone Theatre

Foyer Concerts - Saturday 28th February (3-7pm) @Capstone Theatre

LiverpoolJazz presents Dennis Rollins Velocity Trio - Sat 28th February, 7.30pm @Capstone Theatre

Jazz North and LiverpoolJazz present North West Jazz Showcase - Sunday 1st March, 1pm @Capstone Theatre

James Taylor Quartet - Sunday 1st March, 8pm @The Kazimier

See more at: http://www.thecapstonetheatre.com/jazzfestival

LIJF was established in 2013 by Liverpool Hope University, based at the University’s Capstone Theatre at its Creative Campus (17 Shaw Street, Liverpool L6 1HP). Previous years have seen performances from Courtney Pine, Denys Baptiste, Roller Trio, Get the Blessing, Impossible Gentlemen, Kit Downes, Led Bib and Jason Rebello, alongside a plethora of amazing local artists.

Venues: 

Capstone Theatre Liverpool Hope University, 17 Shaw Street, Liverpool L6 1HP

The Kazimier 4-5 Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool L1 4JJ

The Caledonia, 22 Caledonia St, Liverpool, Merseyside L7 7DX

Wide awake in Wigan...

Swingshift Band

Forthcoming Wigan Jazz Club concerts

22/02/2015  SWINGSHIFT BIG BAND featuring PETE CATER
Phil Shotton directs one of the North’s top bands with special guest PETE CATER the UK’s number one big band drummer/bandleader. Pete has received worldwide acclaim as the leading living interpreter of the iconic big band music made famous by the legendary Buddy Rich

29/03/2015   LINLEY HAMILTON QUARTET + WIGAN Y.J.O.
We are delighted to welcome Linley Hamilton back to Wigan. Linley has been a part of the Irish music scene for over twenty years and since then he has juggled a career as a trumpet player with being a BBC Jazz Broadcaster and an educator with Making Music Workshop. He is celebrating success with his own recent album 'Taylor Made' with his quartet which features Johnny Taylor piano, Dan Bodwell bass and Dominic Mullen drums

26/04/2015  THE DEBONAIRES + WIGAN Y.J.O.
"Our passion is the popular music of the jazz era including Gatsby, Broadway, classic Hollywood and the Big Bands , from the energy of the roaring 20’s, the determination of the 30’s, the defiance of the 40’s and the glamour of the 50’s.The concept of the Debonaires came from a desire to perform and bring to the public the great jazz and swing based music of the Dance Band days when music was made by Composers,

31/05/2015   SK2
playing the music of STAN KENTON. Following their acclaimed performance at the 2014 Wigan International Jazz Festival, we are delighted to bring this exciting band to Wigan Jazz Club. Led by Dave Tyas, and featuring such great players as Munch Manship, Dale Gibson, Steve Parry and Lee Hallam, SK2 bring the Kenton repertoire to life.

28/06/2015   THE JAZZ WORRIERS (Dean Masser/Neil Yates)
By bringing back a simple combination of witty banter and musical seriousness that Britain became famous for in the 1960s,  through the genius of national treasures such as Humphrey Lyttelton and Ronnie Scott, The Jazz Worriers are inviting the populace back in to enjoy the creativity of swing and jazz, with a twist of 21st century innovation...

Wigan Jazz Club is been based at Whelley Ex-Servicemen's Club, VAUXHALL RD, WIGAN, WN1 3LU
WJC concerts are normally held on the last Sunday of each month (Sept-June) from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, doors open 12 noon

For further information, telephone 01925 727408 or 01942 243974, or email wigan.jazz@virgin.net
web: www.wiganjazzclub.co.uk
Unless stated, these events are not ticketed - pay on the door

Lescar Spring line-up...

Tam De Villiers Quartet

Jez Mathews writes

A diverse range of local regional and national touring artists every Wednesday night this Spring

11th Feb 2015
Jazz Worriers in association with Jazz North
Uplifting and unashamed good swinging jazz, mixed with a good dose of banter, and backed by a great rhythm section in Dan Whieldon (piano) Ed Harrison (double bass), Marek Dorcik (drums).

18th Feb 2015
Tipping Point
Bursting with energy, their music is complex, yet also melodic, placing reflective ambience next to intense aggression, and with influences from jazz and contemporary music, as well as North Indian classical music.Matthew Bourne (Fender Rhodes), Michael Bardon (double bass)and Joost Hendrickx (drums).

25th Feb 2015
George Crowley's Can of Worms £6
Anarchic group improvisations, original compositions, taut grooves and free jazz, sure to be an intense, joyful experience.Tom Challenger (Loop Collective, Brass Mask, Dice Factory) tenor sax, Dan Nicholls (Strobes, Andrew D’Angelo) piano, Sam Lasserson (Jeff Williams, Julian Argüelles) bass, and Jon Scott (Karios Quartet, Mulatu Astatke) drums.

4th March 2015
Tom Green Septet £6
Winner of the 2013 Dankworth Prize trombonist/composer Tom Green tours with his brilliant young septet mixing influences from flamenco, folk, and New Orleans, and wonderful harmony and melodies, featuring Tommy Andrews - Alto/Soprano Saxophones, Sam Miles - Tenor Saxophone, James Davison - Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Sam James - Piano, Misha Mullov-Abbado - Double Bass, JJ Wheeler - Drums

11th March 2015
Jamie Taylor’s Outside Line
One of the finest jazz guitarists in the UK, Jamie Taylor returns with his outstanding group Outside Line, featuring three great Northern talents including former Yorkshire Young Jazz Musician of the Year, Matt Anderson (tenor sax), the driving bass of Garry Jackson, and the reactive drumming of Dave Walsh,

18th March 2015
Tam De Villiers Quartet
Based in Paris, British-born guitarist Tam de Villiers brings his French quartet as part of a tour promoting their third album ‘Panacea’ . Featuring David Prez (Tenor Saxophone), Frédéric Chiffoleau (Double Bass), Karl Jannuska (Drums) their music mixes up rock and minimalist influences with jazz.

25th March 2015
Montuno
Montuno return to blow the roof off The Lescar once more, with a potent mix of deep funk, latin jazz and Nuyorican soul, and featuring the fabulous vocals of Dora Goddard, Dave Hockham drums, Kent Roach tenor & baritone saxes, Errol Francis on hammond/keys, Steve Black guitar, Alex Henderson bass, Jon Hibbard alto sax, and Ali Mac percussion.

1st April 2015
Tom Harrison Quartet
An emerging star, tenor sax player Tom Harrison brings a quartet featuring Jamil Sheriff, one of the UK’s finest pianists, Irish Jazz Musician of the Year 2011 drummer David Lyttle, and from Laura Jurd’s quartet, Conor Chaplin on bass.

8th April 2015
Engine Room Favourites
A rare appearance from this superb jazz avant garde band, led by sax player and musical explorer, Martin Archer. Comprising some of the most energetic and independently minded creative musicians in the North. Full line-up: Martin Archer - Sopranino, alto, saxophones, bass clarinet, bass recorder, Mick Beck - Tenor saxophone, bassoon, Graham Clark - Violin, Laura Cole - Piano, Corey Mwamba - Vibraphone, Seth Bennett - Double bass, Peter Fairclough - Drums and percussion.

15th April 2015
Vula Viel £8
Sure to be a highlight of this year, classically trained percurssionist/leader Bex Burch spent several years with the Dagaare People of northern Ghana, learning in a traditional apprenticeship to make and play gyilli, similar to xylophones. Her band features some of the best young UK jazz talent - George Crowley (tenor sax), Dan Nicholls (keys), and two drummers, Simon Roth and Dave de Rose.

22nd April 2015
YANA £6
Risk-taking, edge of the seat music, on the boundary between composed and improvised. A trio of equals - Corey Mwamba is a wonderful, communicative vibes player with a UK-wide reputation, having played on albums by Quantic, Nat Birchall, Arun Ghosh and Ty. Dave Kane is one of the UK’s finest improvising bass players, and Joshua Blackmore is the incredible drummer with Troyka and Tom Cawley’s Curios.

Entry £5 (unless otherwise stated). Music starts at 9pm, doors 8.30pm.

Contact Jez Matthews Email: lescarjazz@gmail.com Telephone: 0774 020 1939

The Lescar Hotel
Sharrowvale Road
Sheffield
S11 8ZF
www.jazzatthelescar.com