Jazz in Durham's Empty Shop

Now in it's 3rd year, Empty Shop HQ plays host some of the most prolific and accomplished Jazz bands in the North East

The Jazz Sessions: Safe Sextet feat. Debra Milne
Thursday 5th October
Doors from 7:00pm // Music starts at 8pm // £5 / £4 students - pay on the door
We encourage anyone with an ear for discovery to come along.
 Safe Sextet Feat. Debra Milne. Hard bop sextet, playing a range of music from and inspired by the late 50’s early 60’s. Mixture of music from Stan Tracey, Mike Carr, Horace Silver, Wayne Shorter, Lee Morgan and a couple of originals from Don accompanied by the vocals of Debra Milne.

Line -up:
Don Forbes  (tmpt)
Paul Goland (tnr sax)
John Rowland (alto sax)
Peter Gilligan (piano)
Paul Grainger (double bass)
Russ Morgan (drums)
Debra Milne (Vocals)

Doors from 7:00pm // Music starts at 8pm // £5 / £4 students - pay on the door

Autumn / Winter programme
October 5th         SAFE SEXTET feat. DEBRA MILNE
November 2nd    LICKETY SPLIT                                                 
December 7th     RIVIERA QUARTET
February 1st        NOT NOW CHARLIE
March 1st            STU COLLINGWOOD TRIO feat. MO SCOTT

The Empty Shop 35c Framwellgate Bridge Durham, Durham DH1 4SJ

Zoe Rahman's Jazz Director band dates in the north

From Mike Flynn

Leading UK pianist Zoe Rahman is set to head up the third edition of Band On The Wall's Jazz Directors series, with the band chosen from an open audition process to select an ensemble of emerging jazz talent. Following in the illustrious footsteps of Terence Blanchard and Chris Potter, Rahman will provide music for the ensemble that she wrote for a Guildhall School of Music and Drama project, alongside new material never previously performed live.

The open selection process has been completed and the musicians who successfully auditioned include many emerging talents from Tomorrow's Warriors, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, as well as alumni of the Royal Brussels Conservatoire, Royal Northern College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Cambridge University and Leeds College of Music. The band now includes alto saxophonist Aleksandra Topczewska, tenor saxophonist Arnaud Guichard, trombonist Daniel Mitchell, clarinettist Faye MacCalman, tuba player Hanna Mbuya, trumpeter James Brady, flautist Maria Rehakova, bassist Roz McDonald and drummer.

Commenting on the newly assembled band Zoe Rahman said, "I'm really excited to be working with such a fantastic group of musicians and I can't wait to share the stage with them. Many thanks to everyone who applied to work on this project, it was great to see such a wealth of talent out there."

They will be performing at the following northern dates and venues: More Music, Morecambe (19 Oct); Alhambra Studio, Bradford (20 Oct); Pyramid Studio, Warrington (21 Oct) and Band on the Wall, Manchester (22 Oct).

– Mike Flynn

For more info visit www.bandonthewall.org

September/October jazz programme at Cullingworth

Dolly James 20 September

From Dave Lee - the September/October  jazz programme at Cullingworth in West Yorkshire

20 Sept Dolly James vocals with James Boyes sax Mike Conliffe keys Dave Lee drums

27 Sept Julie Edwards vocals Ed Barnwell keys Kevin Dearden bass Dave Lee drums

4 Oct Michaela Smith vocals Stuart MacDonald sax Paul Conway keys Phil Kampen bass Dave Lee drums

11 Oct Loretta Scott vocals Jon Taylor sax Chris Lloyd keyboard, Steve Crocker bass Dave Lee drums

Free entrance, raffle contribution
9pm start
Cullingworth Conservative Club
21/23 Station Road,
Cullingworth,
Bradford,
BD13 5HN

Tel: 01535 272432 ; cullingworthconservativeclub.co.uk

Hull Jazz Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary

Pat Metheney 11 November

Hull Jazz Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary in style this November with a special 9-day festival packed with the best in US and UK jazz talent.

20-time Grammy winner and the man who re-invented the jazz guitar sound for a new generation of players, Pat Metheny headlines on Saturday 11 November at Hull City Hall. Joined by a new quartet featuring UK pianist Gwilym Simcock, exceptional bassist Linda Oh and long-time collaborator Antonio Sanchez on drums, Metheny will perform a brand new set of music from his eagerly awaited new album, to be released soon on Nonesuch records.

Closing the festival on Saturday 18 November, Manchester-based jazz electronica trio GoGo Penguin perform their stunning new live score to Goddfrey Reggio’s cult cinema classic Koyaanisqatsi in the grand surroundings of Hull City Hall. Moving from fragile beauty to powerful frenzy, their rich new score reflects the original themes of the film, creating an intense audio-visual experience.

On Wednesday 15 November at Früit, Brooklyn-based urban power jazz trio Moon Hooch bring their pulsating, sax-driven live show to Hull for the first time. Banned from the New York subway by the NYPD when their impromptu busking shows became a public order hazard, they call their sound acoustic techno – combining years of staging underground dance parties with incredible musicianship and phenomenal crowd engagement.

The festival opens at Hull Truck Theatre on the afternoon of Saturday 11 November with A Brief History of the Coolest Instrument of the World. Created and performed by Chris Montague of Troyka, the show celebrates the milestones of 80s years of the electric guitar in popular culture, paying tribute to Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix and more guitar greats. The show also offers the chance to amateur players to join Chris on stage in a guitar ensemble brought together specially for this one-off performance.

On Sunday 12 November at the Royal Hotel, saxophonist Andy Sheppard Quartet perform tracks from their much-anticipated forthcoming album Beyond the Dancing Sun. Led by Sheppard, the quartet also features the other-worldly guitar and electronic sounds of Eivind Aarset and ace rhythm team Michel Benita on bass and Sebastian Rochford on drums.

Hull Truck Theatre plays host to clarinettist Arun Ghosh and his new quintet on Thursday 16 November. They’ll be performing tracks from Arun’s new album but where are you really from? Influenced by his Indie-kid upbringing in Manchester, the new album sees him move away from his trademark Indo-jazz sound towards more song-like structures and psychedelic textures.

A double bill in the Studio at Hull Truck Theatre on Friday 17 November kicks off with the world premiere of two new pieces, commissioned as part of the festival’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Guitarist Stuart McCallum has created a surround-sound love song to the guitar and Hull's own Revenu, featuring Liam van Rijn and Joseph Bird, present a haunting and vivid audio-visual piece inspired by the sights and sounds of Hull.

Wrapping up the Friday Studio programme, Snarky Puppy founder, composer, producer and jazz maestro Bill Laurance performs a rare intimate solo show. He'll be exploring his first love - the piano - enhanced with the addition of subtle electronics. An alumni of the University of Leeds, Laurance heads back to the region for the only Northern show in his European tour.


Full programme details are available online at www.jnight.org.

Craig Handy tour dates announced

From Jonathan Gee

Hello Friends,

I am delighted to tell you that the great saxist Craig Handy ( Herbie Hancock, Art Blakey, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Freddie Hubbard etc ) is coming to the UK for a tour with myself Jonathan Gee,  his extremely swinging Parisian bassist of choice Nicola Sabato, and the classy Rod Youngs on drums.
   
Check Craig here with The Cookers here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7avekvXES-4
and here with Herbie Hancock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWgp1tL-YLo
and here with his  current 2nd line Smith project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTtRG-kmmfg

The dates are...
        Oct 4th   Pizza Express Jazz Club,  Dean St, London                
                       www.pizzaexpresslive.com
       Oct 5th    Seven Arts, Leeds   www.sevenjazz.co.uk
       Oct 6th    The Jazz Bar, Edinburgh  www.thejazzbar.co.uk
       Oct 7th    Crookes Social Club,  Sheffield   www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk
       Oct 8th   Hen and Chickens,  Bristol    www.jata.com

Dinosaur roam up the Ribble Valley...

From Dave Walters at Ribble Valley jazz

Dinosaur featuring Laura Jurd - Monthly Gig - Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues Club

This band showcases the creative talents of four young musicians led by the inimitable band-leader/composer and trumpeter, Laura Jurd. Now incredibly in their 7th year, having played many of the leading jazz festivals in Europe (inc the UK) Recently signed to Edition Records, their recent album 'Together as one' is one of the best new releases anywhere; exciting, formidable, compelling and modern.

Laura Jurd is a British award-winning trumpet player, composer and bandleader and BBC New Generation Artist for 2015-2017. Highly active throughout the UK scene, Laura has developed a formidable reputation as one of the most creative young musicians to emerge from the UK in recent years.

Friday 6 October 2017 From 5:00pm, Stage: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Venue: The Atrium Cafe Bar, Castle Hill, Clitheroe BB7 1BA Tel: 01200 442630 Web: www.atriumclitheroe.co.uk | Tickets: Advance: £11 / Members £9 / U18’s £5 - On the door £12 / Members £10 / U18’s £5

Sheffield Jazz Autumn Season starts on Friday

Brandon Allen 22 Sept

]

The Sheffield Jazz autumn season is back, and off to a great start on Friday 22nd September at 20.00 at Crookes Social Club with the tremendous Brandon Allen sextet.

Rated by Jazzwise as arguably the most exciting tenor player in Britain today, Brandon Allen brings his scintillating three-horn front-line sextet to Sheffield, featuring some of the finest musicians on the UK jazz scene. Formed in 2012, the band will perform exciting new melodic arrangements of much-loved standards with virtuoso solos.
featured above: Brandon Allen

Next Up: Laura Jurd's Dinosaur, 20.00 Friday 29 September, Crookes Social Club
One of the most creative ensembles in Europe today, and nominated for the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize.

Ticket Information
Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Road, S10 1TD 0114 266 0114
Doors Open 19.30 Music Starts 20.00
Full £14, Concessions £11,
Student with NUS card £7, 15-17 year olds £3, Under 15s Free
Advance tickets (no additional booking fee) from
www.sivtickets.com/event/sheffieldjazz

Sheffield Jazz Autumn Season 2017
20.00 Friday 22nd September: Brandon Allen Sextet, Crookes Social Club
20.00 Friday 29th September:  Dinosaur, Crookes Social Club
20.00 Saturday 7th October:    Craig Handy quartet Crookes Social Club
20.00 Friday 20th October:      Dave O'Higgins quartet, Crookes Social Club
20.00 Friday 27th October:      Stan Tracey Legacy octet, Crookes Social Club
20.00 Friday 10th November:  Christine Tobin quintet, Crookes Social Club
20.00 Friday 17th November:  Michael Janisch Band, Crookes Social Club
20.00 Friday 24th November: Julian Siegel quartet, Crookes Social Club
20.00 Friday 1st December:    Jason Rebello trio, Crucible

See you in the new season !

Scarborough Jazz Festival nominated for Parliamentary Jazz Award 2017

The nominees for the 2017 Parliamentary Jazz Awards have been announced and recognise a wide range of British jazz talent.

Taking place on 10 October the awards ceremony will be held at Pizza Express Live's swish new Holborn venue, the first time the awards have taken place away from the House of Commons' Terrace Pavilion, with the selection of nominees voted for by the public and the final short list selected by a panel of jazz industry experts, musicians and members of the All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG).

The nominees in the nine categories include just one northern entry - Norvoljazz network member Scarborough Jazz Festival (almost all the other nominations are London/South East based!)

Complete list is as follows

Jazz Vocalist of the Year: Georgia Mancio; Cleveland Watkiss and Alice Zawadzki.

Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year: Shabaka Hutchings; Jim Mullen and Tori Freestone.

Jazz Venue of the Year: Watermill Jazz Club; Jazz Re:Freshed; PizzaExpress Live and Scarborough Jazz Festival.

Jazz Media Award: Jazzwise Magazine; Kevin Le Gendre and Chris Phillips.

Jazz Education Award: Tomorrows Warriors; Jean Toussaint and Andrea Vicari.

Jazz Album of the Year: Dinosaur – Together, As One; Shabaka Hutchings – Wisdom Of The Elders and Tim Garland – One.

Jazz Ensemble of the Year: Partikel; Phronesis and Binker & Moses.

Jazz Newcomer of the Year: Jacob Collier; Corrie Dick; Ezra Collective and Nérija.

Services to Jazz Award: Sue Edwards; Henry Lowther; Gary Crosby and Tony Dudley Evans.

The awards are organised by the APPJAG, co-chaired by Kelvin Hopkins MP and Lord Colwyn, and supported by Pizza Express Live in conjunction with Peroni.

For more info visit www.pizzaexpresslive.com/parliamentary-jazz-awards-2017

Next

Full line-up at Marsden Jazz Festival

From Barney Stephenson

The 26th Marsden Jazz Festival, which is being supported by Arts Council England, Kirklees Council, Charlesworth Estates and Yorkshire Water, will take place between Friday 6 and Sunday 8 October.

A performance inside Britain’s longest canal tunnel and a gig featuring a Mercury Prize nominee are among the highlights at this year’s Marsden Jazz Festival.

The full line-up for this year’s festival is here http://www.marsdenjazzfestival.com/about/news It includes more than 150 hours of live music at 24 venues during one weekend, including more than 70 free gigs.

A unique gig – Sonic Transportation – will see festival goers transported into Standedge canal tunnel by boat where they will hear Norwegian cellist and composer Maja Bugge create music inspired by the three-mile long 19th century structure.

Other highlights during this year’s festival will include a gig by Mercury Prize 2017 nominee Dinosaur, a world premier from Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year Arun Ghosh, and a performance by three world-renowned trombone players – including two-time Grammy award winner Michael Dease.

Performances will take place in the village’s pubs, clubs and other buildings as well as on four outdoor stages including the Grand Central Rail Marquee on the Bridge, overlooking the River Colne. The venue will host seven free gigs featuring youth and community bands during the festival weekend.

The festival’s New Stream gigs will also showcase new and experimental artists and include a three-hour mini festival at Marsden’s Royal British Legion on the Saturday night of the festival weekend. The gig will feature a triple bill of bands from the UK, Belgium and France in partnership with Match&Fuse.

Tickets for this year’s Marsden Jazz Festival are on sale now and can booked online at www.marsdenjazzfestival.com, by calling 0800 6125 649 or at the jazz festival office in the library at the Mechanics Hall (10am-4pm, Monday-Friday).

Traditional jazz in Armley

Here's the listing for gigs at Leeds Jazz Club at Armley Conservative Club Leeds in September and October

Sep 12th at 8.00 pm - Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band @ Leeds Jazz Club
Sep 19th at 8.00 pm - Dave Donohoe's Jazz Band @ Leeds Jazz Club
Sep 26th at 8.00 pm - Riverside Jazzmen @ Leeds Jazz Club
Oct 3rd at 8.00 pm -   Big Easy @ Leeds Jazz Club
Oct 10th at 8.00 pm - Tame Valley Stompers @ Leeds Jazz Club
Oct 17th at 8.00 pm - Dave Brennan Band @ Leeds Jazz Club
Oct 24th at 8.00 pm - Dixieland All Stars @ Leeds Jazz Club
Oct 31st at 8.00 pm - Mike Lovell's Band @ Leeds Jazz Club

Conservative Club
Armley Ridge Road, Armley
Leeds LS12 3NU.
For SatNav use LS12 3LE

Doors Open 7.30pm
Band on stage at 8.00 til 10.30pm
__________________________________

Organiser Mr Malcolm Ford
Tel: 01484 715 035    (08.00 - 22.30)

York jazz scene- autumn update

Andy Sheppard Quartet NCEM 13 November

From John  Marley about the York Jazz Scene

York is not a city well known for its musical exports when compared to other parts of the county. However, it has a friendly and welcoming jazz scene which has been growing steadily in recent years. The resurgence of jazz in York could be traced to the renovation of The Phoenix Inn which is located just inside the ancient city walls.

When it was reopened in 2009, the new landlord endeavoured to promote as much live jazz as possible. The popular Wednesday night jam session found a new home at the pub and continues to the present day. All players are welcome to sit in with the house band which is fronted by trumpeter James Lancaster. The Phoenix Inn has been host to several vocalists on a Monday evening including Kate Peters, Rachel Croft & Marlena Rose. The Sunday night slot is shared by contemporary jazz outfit The Firebird Quartet, The Georg Ruschmeyer Trio and guest bands from across the region. On a Friday evening, Karl Mullen plays solo on the pub’s upright piano.  All events at The Phoenix are free entry.

Another pub which hosts a weekly jazz session is The Eagle & Child on the opposite side of the city to The Phoenix Inn. There is a regular rotation of bands led by James Lancaster, Kate Peters, Karl Mullen & Ron Burnett. Ron has been an integral part of the York jazz scene for many years having played in the city since the 60’s and written the jazz column in the York Press. He also leads bands at The Cross Keys on Tadcaster Road. This session is on a Thursday afternoon and is hosted by various traditional jazz musicians and organised by the trombonist Alan Bramley.

Gypsy Jazz is well represented in York through the Wednesday night jam session at The Victoria Vaults which is close to the train station. This fortnightly jam has been running for several years and has an atmosphere closer to that of a folk music session. Many of the musicians involved in the jam play at other venues across the city including a monthly slot at the tiny & appropriately titled bar The Nook.

The longest running regular jazz event in the city takes place at Kennedy’s Bar on Little Stonegate every Sunday at 1pm. Having taken place for the best part of a decade, the restaurant has seen hundreds of musicians pass through its doors. The instrumentalists who play there currently include guitar virtuosos Adrian Ingram, Nik Svarc and Jez Platt.

Opportunities to see touring jazz musicians come predominantly through two venues. The National Centre For Early Music always includes jazz as part of their programme. The venue is a converted church which makes it more suitable for acoustic performances. Christine Tobin & Andy Sheppard are visiting the NCEM in the coming months.

One of the success stories of 2017 is the Basement Jazz Club which is located below the City Screen cinema on Coney Street. The club brings in cutting edge bands such as Flying Machines, Perpetual Motion Machine & Taupe and just as importantly, it consistently brings in a substantial audience with many events selling out. Gigs are happening at the club with increasing regularity and they bring in a young audience which is vital to the survival of live jazz.

Another success story of the York jazz scene is the York Jazz Initiative. Spearheaded by trumpeter Ian Chalk, YJI runs several ensembles including three youth big bands, a funk band, an adult big band and a jazz choir as well as organising educational workshops. Although it has only existed for a short time, several of its alumni have gone on to study at highly respected institutions such as Leeds College of Music and Chetham’s. This has led to the YJI becoming an educational partner of Leeds College of Music and receiving funding from the Ronnie Scott’s Foundation. A monthly showcase event is held at The Post Office Club and the ensembles have also played across the regions jazz clubs and festivals.

York University also plays an important part of the city’s jazz scene. Visiting lecturers at the university include Nikki Iles, Steve Watts, Iain Dixon and Mike Walker. A weekly Monday night jam is held on campus at V Bar during term time and the night always has a lively atmosphere. The University Jazz Orchestra plays two annual concerts with guest soloists. Over the last 12 months, the orchestra has been directed by the Canadian composer John Warren. A resident of the city, John is well known for his albums with John Surman & Stan Sulzmann amongst others.

For those wishing to learn more about the York jazz scene, you can visit the website www.jazzinyork.com which lists all of the jazz events in the city. Although not as well known as its neighbours to the west, York has one of the fastest developing scenes in the north of England.

5 Gigs For Your Diary -

Tom Millar Quartet - Basement Jazz Club - 19th September

Laginha, Argüelles, Norbakken Trio - York University - 11th October

Christine Tobin Trio - National Centre For Early Music - 11th November

Andy Sheppard Quartet - National Centre For Early Music - 13th November

Kate Peters Big Band - The Post Office Club - 3rd December

September Jazz at Spa

Eugene Farrar band with Laura Jackson 16 Sept

From Les and the team at Boston Spa Jazz

9th – Mike Lovell’s Six in a Bar – many requests for a return following a knockout performance last year from this group of outstanding musicians. Led by Mike on trombone, the group features Willie Entwistle of Temperance Seven fame on reeds plus Phil Lucas on trumpet and Chris Howse from the Harmony Hounds on banjo/guitar. In other words, a band bursting with talent!

16th – Eugene Farrar Band – now here’s a gathering of Northern based talent. Led by Eugene on trombone, the band includes Andy Wallace on reeds, Laura Jackson on alto and vocals, our favourite Tom Kincaid on piano plus Phil Kampen on bass and Ken Hickey on drums. We’re told the playlist will include Dixieland, small band swing and the standards.

23rd – Shades of Jazz – formerly known as Jazz Allsorts. This is the band which has taken JITS by storm. Formed and led by Graham Smith on drums, the musos include John Hallam on reeds, Gary Wood on trumpet, Martin Veasey on trombone, Jim Douglas (ex-Alex Welsh) on guitar/banjo and Bruce Rollo on bass. A star line up by any standards. Don’t miss this! £10

30th – Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band – and rounding off the month in style, none better than the “Teds” with a rip roaring session of traditional jazz favourites and fun with the added bonus of John Hallam on reeds.

Thanks for your Support – it’s what keeps music live. Why not bring along a friend, neighbour or relative – we’d love to meet them!

Les and the team

Jazz in the Spa – Village Hall, High Street Boston Spa, Leeds, LS23 6AA. Weekly Live Saturday Traditional/Mainstream Jazz. 8.00.pm

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

Sunday afternoon gypsy jazz in Huddersfield

As part of our new Autumn & Winter line-up Huddersfield Jazz is proud to welcome to Café Society

The Andy Lawrenson Trio with their Gypsy Jazz Experience 

The Gypsy Jazz Experience is a stylish, humorous and very entertaining portrayal of a style of music originally pioneered by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli in 1930’s Paris, the distinctive style of Gypsy Jazz is instantly recognisable – acoustic, up-tempo, alternately joyous, exotic, passionate and full of pathos. The Andy Lawrenson Trio mix the instrumental style with songs from the great American Songbook, blending style, flair, astonishing dexterity and plenty of interaction to produce a show to warm the hearts and entertain any audience.

Line-Up: Andy Lawrenson – Violin & Vocals, Paul Grainger – Double Bass,  Simon O’Byrne – Guitar & Vocals

Collectively, the band have worked with a diverse range of musicians such as Albert Lee, Elvis Costello, Les Dawson, Richard Thomson, and Tim Garland – a must-see act for any fans of acoustic roots music

Accolades:
”We went to see Stephane Grappelli in 1982 – and you really do him justice!”  – Dave Roberts, Helmsley Arts Centre, February 2016
“Great Music, full house! What more could we ask for?”  – Chris Sherburn, Event management, Newcastle Jazz Cop-op, February 2016
Website / Social Media:

www.andylawrenson.co.uk
www.facebook.com/TrioGitan

Date: Sunday 24th September 2017
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Venue: Café Society - Byram Street, Huddersfield

Drinks and snacks available on the day

Gig Listings at the LS6 club in Leeds

Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat 27 September

From Ben Powling

Hi all. I'm going to stop running the LS6 Jazz Night in January. Autumn turns to winter, the waves crash onto the beach and all things succumb to the passage of time. I've had a blast, but it's someone else's turn now.

I'll be passing the night into the capable hands of Jack Wilson, so he'll be point of contact for all bookings and queries for January onwards.

I've programmed a last season featuring a load of my favourite bands, showing the scope of what Leeds has to offer. Spread the word, tell your mums and let's get loads of the new students down to play.

Thanks to everyone who's come down to play, listen, booze, lend gear and hang out over the past few years. It's been great.

06/09 – Aleks Podraza Quartet feat Jack Chandler (Tristano material and standards)
13/09 - Jasmine Whalley Quintet (Alto led quintet)
20/09 - Another Workout: A Tribute To Blue Note Records (Blue Note deep cuts)
27/09 - Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat (Engaging contemporary originals)
04/10 - Jamil Sheriff Trio (Rare LS6 appearance from stellar pianist and LCoM leader)
11/10 - Ed Jones Quartet (The tenor colossus returns)
18/10 - Steve Hanley Quintet feat Joel Purnell, Jamie Taylor, Jamil Sheriff (Material from Brecker and Metheny)
25/10 - Asaxual (Trumpet and trombone fronted bop)
01/11 - Leeds Art Ensemble (Come with an open mind, prepared for the unknown...)
08/11 - Wandering Monster (Intense, energetic compositions from bassist Sam Quintana)
15/11 - Prime Directive (Stellar Tristano influenced chordless quartet)
22/11 - Jack Garside Trio (Standards from bass-led trio)
29/11 - Morpher (wonky FX and twisted grooves drawing from hip hop and drum and bass)
06/12 - Viper Time (North African and post-punk tinged spiritual jazz)
13/12 - Open Letter To Mingus (classics and deep cuts from The Bass Baron)

September in Scarborough

 Dennis Rollins & Alan Barnes Weds 20th September

Mike Gordon writes

Our September programme at the Cask starts this coming Wednesday

AC3 - Wed 6th September | 8.45 pm | £5 on the door
The exciting music of prolific writer & piano virtuoso Adam Carpenter, brought to life with bassist Rowan Oliver and drummer Tom Townsend. The three friends bring together a love of jazz, funk, gospel and music from around the world to create a unique, foot-tapping sound that is irresistible and full of energy.

Thom Whitworth Weds 13th September | 8.45 pm | £4 on the door
It’s unusual to find a player who is fluent and creative on a brass and a string instrument. Thom is equally at home on trumpet and guitar with influences including Miles Davis and Wes Montgomery. With MG3.

Dennis Rollins & Alan Barnes Weds 20th September | 8.45 pm | £8 on the door (£7 in advance*)
In what has become a traditional pre-Festival warm-up, two of our best and best loved players team up again to get you in the mood. Award winning trombone star Dennis Rollins joins forces with the incomparable Alan Barnes on saxes and clarinet. A near-guaranteed sell-out.

The 15th Scarborough Jazz Festival 22nd - 24th September We’re 15 this year! I think we have a very special programme of top quality jazz for our fifteenth festival. Doesn’t time fly! We kick off a fantastic weekend of jazz with a bang not a whimper with the amazing New York Brass Band. Full details here...

Weds 27th September No gig (post festival recuperation!!).

Leeds Jazz scene - our autumn update..

Laura Jurd, Ben Lowman and Will Howard at Seven Arts

The Leeds jazz scene is always amazing with an ever changing list of venues and bands. Jazz clubs pop up (and some unfortunately pop down again) so frequently it is hard to keep up. The best places are often out of town but there are encouraging signs of more jazz in the city centre too this autumn. So here's (some) of what's happening - why not visit them all! Some 20-odd clubs to get you started on the Leeds jazz trail (in alphabetical order...)

Café Lento Headingley weekly jazz Fridays
Such a small place you need to get there early to get a seat but when you do the atmosphere is brilliant. The owner Richard Lindley is incredibly enthusiastic. Jazz, latin, funk, gypsy jazz, with mostly young bands from Leeds but also featuring visitors from as far away as Glasgow and London

Domino Club Leeds City Centre Grand Arcade – jazz blues and soul Tuesday - Sundays. An underground bar run by Ryan De Warne with live jazz, blues, funk and soul serving smart drinks. Entrance just behind Lord's Barbering in The Grand Arcade Leeds then down the stairs into the nightclub. Young crowd, very hip. Thursday and Fridays very busy. Not just another themed jazz bar it has good live music too

Grove -Back Row, Leeds LS11 5PL. Tricky to find until you know where you are going, but a lovely old pub. Jazz run by Brian Whittington on 3rd Sunday of every month . Residency for band "Abtuse"from 8pm, followed by jam session - all welcome.

Head of Steam Leeds City Centre, Mill Hill- every Sunday evening popular saxman and sometime singer Brendan Duffy has a residency at the Head of Steam, near the main railway station with different singers and guest players. Friendly and a bit quirky. 7.30pm start

Hyde Park Book Club Hyde Park Headingley Lane. Weekly jazz is on Thursdays. The former petrol station has been converted into a bar and Arts Centre with all sorts of dance and art/craft events. Young bands from Leeds, Manchester London who play the first set 8-9pm followed by a jazz jam till 11. Good acoustics despite the DIY look of the room. Curated by jazz pianist Alex Podraza

Jazz at Heart Headingley. Based at Heart - a community arts centre housed in the formed Bennett Road school. Monthly jazz on Saturdays from 8pm with Leeds and UK contemporary jazz bands in the main concert room, jam session on first Friday of each month in the bar and regular Monday workshops on to learn how to play jazz. Curated by jazz trumpet player Lesley Jeffries. Some jazz now also happening on Tuesday evenings.

Jazz at the Spa, Boston Spa Leeds Saturdays – one of the best traditional and mainstream jazz clubs in Yorkshire run by Les Brown and the team at Boston Spa Community Centre. Incredibly enthusiastic audience who bring their own food and drink, set the place up and clear up afterwards.

JazzLeeds - Chapel Allerton Leeds Thursday evening and Sunday afternoons. The new name for Seven Jazz Leeds, Evening gigs fortnightly on Thursdays at Seven Arts with international jazz names and Sunday lunchtime gigs for regional bands alternating at Inkwell and Seven Arts.  Also jazz workshops, a jazz choir, a Rush Hour jazz gigs monthly at Seven Arts, and Inkwell Divas singers gigs monthly at Inkwell on Saturday afternoons. Run by Steve Crocker with support of a very enthusiastic group of volunteers.

LS6 Jazz club, Hyde Park Headingley Lane. Wednesdays – young and very hip, good hangout for all the latest Leeds bands and visiting band who play 8-9pm followed by the biggest jam session in town till 11pm. Gets very busy during college term time. Run by saxman Ben Powling, at least until the end of the year when Jack Wilson takes over.

Leeds Jazz Club Armley -Tuesdays. Leeds oldest continuing jazz club started in the 1960's by John Wall, now organised by Malcolm Ford – a traditional jazz haven. Their current home is Armley Conservative Club Theaker Lane. More recently has attracted some of the younger swing dancers and jump jive bands

Salvos - Headingley. Sunday evenings, monthly. Gip Dammone from the DIG family runs this jazz session at his Leeds Italian restaurant Salvos in Headingley, Leeds

Sela Bar - now just monthly gigs remain at this famous Leeds jazz venue - on the site of the former  Studio 20 club, where people like Jimmy Rushing, Tubby Hayes and George Melly appeared in the 1950's and 1960's. Leeds drummer Steve Hanley now curates these on a Sunday evening with a mixture of local and touring contemporary bands.

Soft Pedal - Cardigan Arms on Kirkstall Road @thecardiganarms every Sunday  music starts 5pm - free. Food until late . Curated by Chris Bland and Tom Sharp

Smokestack - Town centre venue on Wednesday evenings live blues soul and funk and some jazz events - 159A Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6LY-

Sproggits - Monthly Monday cutting edge/improv syle music at the cheap n cheerful co-operative venue called Wharf Chambers 23-25 Wharf St, Leeds LS2 7EQ . The night is run by Matt Aplin

Undercurrent - White Swan (next to the City Varieties) in the Town Centre. Monthly concert curated by Jami Sheriff from leeds College of Music 8-11pm First Tuesday in the month. Lots of great musicians coming to play - free entry.

Some big names appear at these town centre venues too:

Howard Assembly Room  Upper Briggate Lovely acoustic room in the building the houses the Leeds Grand Theatre. Big touring jazz names and visiting groups eg Bill Frisell, Uri Caine. Curated by Jo Nockels from Opera North

The Wardrobe - Quarry Hill.  Monthly Monday "ReSoul" Jazz Soul and Funk promoted by Latin DJ Lubi Jovanovic. Venue for the JazzLeeds July festival 2018.

Belgrave Music Hall - Upper Briggate. Promoter Super Friendz previously put on Kamasi Washington and Robert Glasper performing here in the spring 2017, Pharaoh Sanders in the autumn

Lancaster Jazz festival 15-17 September

Dinosaur 16 September

From Matt Robinson

As ever, we have been listening to hundreds of artists from around the
country and have put together, what we really believe is, the most exciting
collection of emerging jazz musicians working in the UK at the moment. On
top of that, and thanks to pioneering support from Help Musicians UK, and
with guidance from our previous artists, audiences, members and partners,
we are now working with every artist in this programme over the long term.
In addition to an amazing performance at the festival, will be working with
them to produce: new audio and video recordings, brand new artistic works,
new collaborations between musicians and a whole bunch of other things
that are only ideas at the moment.

Lancaster Jazz Festival 2017 will be a hive of activity, with not only
the packed programme of performances listed in this programme but a
whole host of additional events, behind the scenes moments, and artist
development opportunities. Keep an eye on lancasterjazz.com for the very
latest.

So, whether you join us for cups of tea sitting in deckchairs on Sunday
afternoon in Sun Square, electric jazz rock in the Lancaster Brewery, or at
The Dukes for our utterly sublime headline performance from Dinosaur, I
really hope you enjoy it. I’m really excited

Here's the line up for this year's Lancaster Jazz Festival 15-17 Sept

FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER
10:30 - 12:00 JAZZ BREAKFAST Apothecary
19:45 - 20:35 MORPHER Lancaster Brewery
20:50 - 21:40 TOM RIVIÈRE’S FAMILY BAND Lancaster Brewery
21:55 - 22:45 THE EVIL USSES Lancaster Brewery
23:00 - LATE OPEN JAM SESSION Apothecary

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER
10:30 - 12:00 JAZZ BREAKFAST Apothecary
11:00 - 12:00 BIG BAND SUMMIT Sun Square
12:20 - 13:15 JAZZ NORTH INTRODUCES Sun Square
12:45 - 13:45 MADWORT SAX QUARTET The Hall
13:35 - 14:30 MARIA CHIARA ARGIRÒ GROUP Sun Square
14:00 - 15:00 RUN LOGAN RUN The Hall
14:50 - 15:45 WARDROBE QUINTET Sun Square
15:20 - 16:20 YJC17 / RALPH WYLD The Hall
16:05 - 17:00 BILLY MARROWS QUARTET Sun Square
19:30 - 22:00 2017 HEADLINE / DINOSAUR The Round, The Dukes
22:30 - LATE NU JAZZ AFTERPARTY Apothecary
22:30 - LATE OPEN JAM SESSION The Golden Lion

Headline Artist 2017: Dinosaur
Dinosaur is one of the most vital and creative new ensembles in Europe today. Led by trumpeter and composer Laura Jurd, Dinosaur (BBC New Generation Artist 2015 - 2107), featuring star keyboardist Elliot Galvin and the exciting young rhythm section of Conor Chaplin and Corrie Dick, they are described by All About Jazz as “a new British Jazz supergroup”. They bring together a remarkable fusion of thoughtful compositions, skilful musicianship and visceral energy, producing music that is both formidable and utterly compelling.
LAURA JURD, trumpet & synth / ELLIOT GALVIN, Fender Rhodes & Hammond organ /CONOR CHAPLIN, bass / CORRIE DICK, drums​

SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER
10:30 - 12:00 JAZZ BREAKFAST Apothecary
12:20 - 13:20 KATHARINE TIMONEY QUARTET Sun Square
13:00 - 14:00 ZEÑEL The Hall
13:40 - 14:40 ATLAS Sun Square
14:15 - 15:15 EMMA JOHNSON’S GRAVY BOAT The Hall
15:00 - 16:00 SHATNER’S BASSOON Sun Square
15:30 - 16:30 EMILY FRANCIS TRIO The Hall

Details and tickets http://www.lancasterjazz.com

Four northern dates for Gregory Porter

Soul/jazz singer Gregory Porter has announced a 12-date British tour for April 2018.

Gregory Porter, continues to perform to sell out audiences around the world and has achieved international recognition and acclaim, with  both his Grammy winning selling albums ‘Liquid Spirit’  and ‘Take Me To The Alley’.

He will be touring Britain in April 2018. Dates have just been announced and includes four northern dates in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield

April 2018
5/6 - Birmingham Symphony Hall
7 - Liverpool Empire
8 - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
10 - Nottingham Royal Court Hall
11 - Cardiff St David's Hall
12 - Manchester Apollo
13 - Leeds First Direct Arena
15 - Sheffield City Hall
17 - Bournemouth BIC
18/19 - Royal Albert Hall (with symphony orchestra)

Tickets are available from the Ticketline website. https://www.ticketline.co.uk/gregory-porter#tour

Cafe Lento goes weekly!

Matt Holborn 24 November

From Richard Lindley

This Autumn I am going for it in a big way gigwise - one every Friday! And the line-up is as good as it gets, including new bands and old favourites.

Check them out :
8/9 Tom Millar Quartet 
15/9 Zoe Gilby + Andy Champion
22/9 Nel Begley Trio
29/9 Ellie Coast + Dave Pilla
6/10 Will Powell Quartet
13/10 Kibitz
20/10 Ben Crosland Quartet
27/10 Tom Ollendorff Trio
3/11 James Mainwaring Quartet
10/11 Stuart McCallum
17/11 Jamil Sheriff Trio
24/11 Matt Holborn Quartet
1/12 Jeff Hewer Quartet

All gigs start 8ish
£6 on the door
Beers and wines on sale

Needless to say I'm very excited......

Tommy Smith and "The Breath" at Capstone Theatre Liverpool

Tommy Smith Quartet: Embodying the Light (pictured)
Wednesday, 25 October 2017  7.30pm 

Internationally acclaimed saxophonist Tommy Smith launches a new band, the Tommy Smith Quartet: "Embodying the Light".

On February 2nd, Smith and his new quartet went into the studio to record his first acoustic quartet album since 2005. Entitled Embodying the Light, the album will mark Smith’s 50th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the death of one of his greatest inspirations, John Coltrane. It features Coltrane compositions including Naima, Dear Lord and Resolution and music associated with Coltrane alongside Smith compositions written in homage to Coltrane. The new group features Smith alongside one of the UK’s leading young piano talents, Peter Johnstone, a former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year and winner, with the group Square One, of the 2015 Peter Whittingham Jazz Prize. Bassist Calum Gourlay is a young veteran of gigs with Sheila Jordan, Scott Hamilton and The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, and American drummer Sebastiaan de Krom -the drumming powerhouse behind Herbie Hancock and Jamie Cullum.

The Breath 
Thursday 26 October 2017 7.30pm

The Breath is Stuart McCallum (ex-guitarist of The Cinematic Orchestra), Irish singer Rioghnach Connolly and McCallum’s fellow Cinematic alumnus pianist John Ellis, along with drummer Elliot Bennett. Born out of Manchester’s fertile music scene they mix Irish folk influences with mesmerizing guitar riffs, anthemic themes and powerful hooks. Connolly's soulful vocals are interwoven into the electronic fabric of McCallum’s distinctive sound-world. In turns hypnotic, lush, powerfully raw and raucously punchy, their songs entrance, uplift and break your heart as The Breath conjure a kaleidoscope of sound that perfectly frames Connolly’s raw songs and soul cleansing vocals.

More tickets and details http://www.thecapstonetheatre.com/

Village Jazz Festival this weekend in Chapel Allerton!

Dave Kane's Magic Ya Ya Band 1 Sept 

The Chapel Allerton Village Jazz Festival in Leeds gets underway on  Friday 1st September  and running to Sunday 3rd September. 

There is a definite "funky feel" to the bands on offer at this second Village Jazz Festival . Dave Kane's amazing Magic Ya Ya band open the festival on Friday 1st September, then there are performances on Saturday by bluesy songstress Terry Shaltiel with guitarist Esmond Selwyn and on Sunday afternoon on the main festival Regent Street stage by rising stars Nag Champa, Dan Goldman's Elec-trio, Hyde Park Brass plus a final set from the popular James O'Hara Blues Band

Dazzling jazz sax player Dave O'Higgins will headline, with a special performance with material from his latest album, "It's Always 9.30 in Zog" at Seven Arts on Saturday 2nd September. "He plays with quite exceptional fluency and his fund of ideas never runs out" - Observer. His band will also be giving a masterclass before the concert

There are a whole host of other performances over the weekend as well including pop-up sets from the Washboard Resonators in  the cafes of Chapel Allerton village, a set from community big band, Mojo 78, popular vocalist Marlena Rose with Canadian guitarist Jeff Hewer and the latin rhythms of Tempo Feliz

All in all 4 venues with 14 different bands - plus the rest of the Chapel Allerton Arts Festival to enjoy too.

Listings

Seven Arts 

Fri 1 September Dave Kane’s Magic Ya-Ya Band @Seven Arts doors 7.30pm
Dave Kane - electric bass & composer. Chris Sharkey – guitar, Matt Bourne – keys, Si Kaylor & James Mainwaring - tenor saxes Ollie Dover - Bari sax. Joost Hendrickx & Sam Hobbs - drums.
Support from 8-8.30pm: Guitarist Will Powell’s “Chunky Indulgence” organ trio 8.00-8.30pm
Tickets on the door or in advance £12/10 tickets https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/EMFDMM

Jazz around the Willow Tree!

Sat 2 Sept @The Woods - free event with Washboard Resonators 12.45 – 1.45 Tempo Feliz 2pm- 3.30pm Terri Shaltiel and Esmond Selwyn 3.45pm- 5.30pm (£150  paid by Woods)

Sat 2 Sept @Chapel Allerton Club Nicki Allan band 2pm

Sat 2 Sept @Yorkshire Bank – Alligator Gumbo 4pm

Sat 2 Sept @Chapel Allerton Cafes (Café Opposite, Bucca di Pizza, Cafe Nero, House of Koko, Seven Arts) – The Cafe Run – see all the jazz/roots bands doing short slots

Jazz at Inkwell
Sat 2 Sept @Inkwell - free event with Jeff Hewer guitar and Marlena Rose vocals 1.30-3.30pm

Seven Arts 

Sat 2 Sept Dave O’Higgins Quartet @Seven Arts doors 7.30pmConcert (doors 7.30pm) Dave O’Higgins - tenor and soprano saxes ,Graham Harvey – piano, Geoff Gascoyne – bass, Sebastiaan de Krom - drums. Support from 8-8.30pm: pianist  Pete Rosser’s “Monk” duo feat Richard Ormrod on Bass Clarinet. Pre gig Masterclass at Seven Arts with the Dave O Higgins quartet 5-6pm £5 on the door (open to all). Tickets on the door or in advance £12/10 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/EMFEDE (tickets  masterclass £5 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/EMIJLG)

Sun 3 Sept Jazz Funk and Blues Sunday @Regent Street Main Stage –free event
12.00 Mojo 78 Big Band directed by Dave Evans,
1.15pm Hyde Park Brass https://soundcloud.com/hydeparkbrass/how-will-i-know
2.30pm Dan Goldman's Elec-trio https://jd73.bandcamp.com/track/steppin-up-live
3.45pm Nag Champa https://soundcloud.com/nagchampaband
5.00pm James O Hara Blues Band https://soundcloud.com/bencow/the-james-ohara-blues-band-1

More details here http://chapelallerton.org.uk/?page_id=465