Jazz at The Lescar programme

As ever we're really proud to put on a really varied set of gigs, and music with influences from across the globe. This time we've got a focus on some amazing and truly distinctive vocalists, with bands led by Joy Ellis, Inês Loubet, and Yuko Yukoi. Bringing a strong NYC influence we have Crescent Trio (featuring award-winning vibes player Jonny Mansfield), more music from Berlin, with the return of a really special band led by Israeli pianist Eyal Lovett, and we're also delighted that guitarist Rob Luft is bringing his incredible music to The Lescar, one of best albums in recent years.

 At the end of May we have two unique concerts, the first a duo from two of the foremost musicians on the NYC and European scenes, with Reinier Baas and Ben Van Gelder. They've just recorded an album with the Grammy award-winning Metropole Orkest, but we decided it was best to keep it to a duo at The Lescar (where would we put a whole orchestra!), and finally we're delighted to welcome the Sheffield Indian Music Ensemble, led by John Ball and with a really special guest Vijay Venkat, exploring the improvisational potential of Indian music.


10th April: Joy Ellis / £8
Soulful music with a groove from pianist, singer and composer Joy Ellis, and a wonderful band featuring some of the finest musicians on the London jazz scene, including Rob Luft (guitar), Henrik Jensen (double bass) and Adam Osmianski (drums).

17th April: Caravela / £8
Mixing Afro-Brazilian with improvised jazz, we’re delighted to welcome Caravela, led by Inês Loubet (voice), with Telmo Sousa (guitar), Joseph Costi (piano/keys), Greg Gotlieb (bass) and Ben Brown (drums).

24th April: Crescent Trio / £8
From London via New York; heady, interactive, rhythmic and intense contemporary jazz from three acclaimed and award-winning musicians, Jonny Mansfield (vibraphone), Will Sach (bass), and Boz Martin-Jones (drums).

1st May: Eyal Lovett Quartet / £8
From the vibrant and creative Berlin jazz scene, Israeli pianist Eyal Lovett brings a wonderful touch, allied to a strongly rhythmic drive and expressive compositions. He brings a sublime and intuitive quartet, featuring Eran Har Even - guitar, Thomas Kolarczyk - double bass, Aidan Lowe - drums.

8th May: Rob Luft / £8
Rob Luft brings the band of incredible talents that made his debut album ‘Riser’ one of the best of 2017. Rob Luft (guitar), Joe Wright (tenor sax) Joe Webb (keyboard), Tom McCredie (bass guitar), Corrie Dick (drums & percussion).

15th May: Yuko Yokoi / £8
Vocalist Yuko Yokoi interprets compositions by Brazilian legends like Hermeto Pascoal and Egberto Gismonti, as well as her own originals, she’s joined by a first class band featuring Matt Robinson (piano), Ife Tolentino (guitar), and Alua Nascimento (percussion).

22nd May: Reinier Baas & Ben Van Gelder / £8
A unique chance to hear two of the foremost musicians on the European and NYC jazz scenes. Guitarist Reinier Baas’ music is idiosyncratic and focused, full of unexpected rhythmic and dynamic turns.

29th May: Sheffield Indian Music Ensemble and Guests / £9
We’re delighted to welcome back an unsung hero of the Sheffield music scene; tabla and santoor player and educator John Ball. With John are Ford Collier (Tabla), Kate Griffin (Banjo), Alex Lyon (Clarinet), Manon McCoy (Flute), Zenonas Economides (Guitar), Aida Zhakhanbekova (Dombra). The ensemble are joined by special guest Vijay Venkat, a multi-instrumentalist  and vocalist

Jez Matthews

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

The Lescar Hotel
Sharrowvale Road
Sheffield
S11 8ZF

www.thelescarhuntersbar.co.uk

Chris Barber Big Jazz Band at the Ilkley Kings Hall

The Chris Barber Big Jazz Band is appearing at the Ilkley Kings Hall on Wednesday 3rd April.

 Chris Barber OBE this year celebrates his 65th year as leader ofhis band on a full-time professional basis. In fact,his career began even earlier -in 1949 –when he started his first amateur band whichincluded Alexis Korner on guitar. Little could either Chris orAlexis have known that they were destined, in their respective ways, to become major figures in bringing blues and gospel music to audiences of the UK and Europe.That first band, known as Chris Barber’s New Orleans Jazz Band, gave way to Chris Barber’s Jazz Band who played their first professional engagement in December 1953 following a spell when known as Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen. This ‘co-operative’ band gave it Ken’s name because he had gainedpublicity by jumping ship in New Orleans to play his trumpet alongside many of the local pioneers of the music. A policy disagreement led to the band ‘voting out’ Ken and he was replaced by Pat Halcox who remained with the band until his retirement in 2008.

By 1954 Chris Barber’s Jazz Band was performing at major concertvenues such as The Royal Festival Hall and their first LP ‘New Orleans Joys’ included a skiffle track, ‘Rock Island Line’ featuring their banjoist Lonnie Donegan. Released as a single, it topped the charts both sides of the Atlantic and paved the way, not only for Lonnie Donegan’s solo career, but also for USA concert appearances by Chris Barber’s Jazz Band. So, as we can see,Chris Barber’s Band were ‘taking coals to Newcastle’ several years before The Beatles were acclaimed (and honoured!) for similar achievements.Chris Barber, from out of his own pocket, financed the introduction to the UK and Europe, of numerous American artistes. The UK promoters weren’t interested because the band was selling out “without the need for guests”!

The first visiting artistes to appear with Chris Barber’s Jazz Band arrived in 1958 in the form of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee. Sister Rosetta Tharpe followed shortly afterwards. Tommy Tucker, Alvin Alcorn, Professor Alex Bradford,James Cotton & Dr John are just a few examples of U.S. artistesintroduced to Europe by Chris Barber in the ensuing years.During this time the bands of Chris Barber have been enrichedby those experiences and influences. On record,Chris’ career hasbeen skillfully encapsulated by Proper Records with their Double CD release ‘Memories Of My Trip’ (PRP CD 073). The aforementioned historical encounters are reflected on this recording, along with more recent collaborations with Van Morrison, Paul Jones, Eric Clapton, Andy Fairweather Low and others.The Chris Barber Jazz Band of 1953 was a six piece line up. These days -known as The Big Chris Barber Band -it is ten in number. Chris’ explanation for that is interesting: “Throughout theyears we have always enjoyed playing the music of Duke Ellington.From time to time we have brought to Europe the artistes we admire and who would enable us to perform larger arrangements than could be achieved by a six-piece band.

Chris Barber’s OWN ‘trip’ has so far extended well beyond 65years and you can bet he’ll still be ‘blowing strong’ at his 70th Anniversary concerts

All  details and tickets can be found on our website at  http://www.friendskhandwg.ilkley.org  

North East gig listings for April

 Apr 6 Bill Lawrence

April 2019 North East gig list

Lunchtime gigs*

Apr 1 Red Hot Rhythm Makers Prohibition Bar, Newcastle NE1 5DW

Apr 1 The Comet is Coming Sage Gateshead NE8 2JR

Apr 4 Ushaw Ensemble Ushaw, Co. Durham DH7 9RH

Apr 4 Remi Harris Duo Wingates Village Institute, Wingates NE65 8RW

Apr 5 Paul Edis Trio St Cuthbert’s Centre, Crook DL15 9ND

Apr 5 Ian Chalk Quartet Saltburn Community Hall & Theatre TS12 1JW

Apr 5 Remi Harris Duo BURC, Spital, Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1RD

Apr 6 Savannah Jazz Band St Augustine’s, Darlington DL3 7TG*

Apr 6 Remi Harris Duo Edmundbyers Village Hall, Co. Durham DH8 9NL

Apr 6 Bill Lawrence Sage Gateshead NE8 2JR

Apr 10 Zoë Gilby & Alan Law Jazz Café Mezzanine, Newcastle NE1 1SG*

Apr 11 Richie Emmerson Quintet Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough TS5 5DT

Apr 12 Noel Dennis Quartet Lit & Phil, Newcastle NE1 1SE*

Apr 12 Meraki + Early Bird Band Lit & Phil, Newcastle NE1 1SE

Apr 12 James Taylor Quartet Middlesbrough Theatre TS5 6SA

Apr 13 Shades of Jazz St Augustine’s, Darlington DL3 7TG*

Apr 14 Hot Club du Nord Hurworth Village Hall, Co. Durham DL2 2AQ*

Apr 16 Triptych Blank Studios, Newcastle NE2 1BB

Apr 17 Triptych Blank Studios, Newcastle NE2 1BB

Apr 18 Hand to Mouth Courtyard Café, Durham DH1 3RN

Apr 18 Francis Tulip Quintet The Globe, Newcastle NE4 7AD

Apr 18 Archipelago + Paul Taylor Lit & Phil, Newcastle NE1 1SE

Apr 19 Sue Ferris Quintet Traveller’s Rest, Darlington DL3 9ER

Apr 20 Strictly Smokin’ Big Band Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle NE3 3HD

Apr 21 Swing Manouche Black Bull, Blaydon NE21 4JJ

Apr 23 Budtet Fox Inn, Hexham NE46 3DB

Apr 24 The Horne Section Theatre Royal, Newcastle NE1 6BR

Apr 25 Paul Donnelly Quartet Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough TS5 5DT

Apr 26 James Birkett & Emma Fisk Old Low Light, North Shields NE30 1JA

Apr 27 Mike Lovatt with Fishburn Band Elvet Church, Durham DH1 3HL

Apr 28 Lindsay Hannon & Mark Williams Red Lion, Newbrough, Northumberland NE47 5AR*

Apr 28 Dean Stockdale Quakerhouse, Darlington DL3 7QF

Apr 20 International Jazz Day The Globe, Newcastle NE4 7AD        

North East April 2019 jazz preview

Eliot Smith Dance 'Triple Bill' 

From Russell Corbett

A new album launch concert, a festival launch evening, a brass masterclass, a two-day live CD recording session, not one but two theatrical comedies, not one but two dance companies, jam sessions, workshops, oh, and the little matter of International Jazz Day - these just some of the events to get along to during April.

The Ushaw Enseme's new album launch (Thurs 4) is at what could be described as the band's spiritual home. Formerly a seminary, Ushaw, a couple of miles from Durham, is the setting for the unveiling of Paul Edis' new work. Tickets are likely to go like seasonal hot cross buns so don't delay, book now - 0191 334 5119.

In the middle of the month pianist Paul Edis links up with Triptych colleagues Paul Susans, bass, and percussionist Rob Walker to record an album over two nights (Tues 16 & Wed 17) at Blank Studios in Newcastle. The good news is you can go along and be part of the occasion (admission £8).

DJazz: Durham City Jazz Festival (June 7-9) has emerged as a major asset on the local scene and a tidal wave of publicity begins with a launch event at the Courtyard Cafe in Palace Green Library in the shadow of Durham Cathedral (Thurs 18). A fiver admission, a set from Hand to Mouth (Lindsay Hannon and Bradley Johnston) and all the info you could possibly want for the three-day summer festival - support your local jazz festival!

Fancy a laugh? Crooners is the laugh-a-minute theatre show created by dyed-in-the-wool jazz musicians (the Hibbards are on board) and veteran theatrical hoofers. The production has toured provincial venues up and down the land and its latest stop in the region is at Billingham's Forum Theatre (Fri 12). The successful Radio 4 comedy series The Horne Section takes to the road from time to time and on Wed 24 Alex Horne and his A-list jazz band tread the boards at Newcastle's Theatre Royal.

Dance is big business and this month two very different shows - one commemorating the sacrifice of WWI, the other celebrating the 50th anniversary of the recording of an iconic album - come to the region. Eliot Smith Dance 'Triple Bill' includes trombonist Jason Holcomb's commissioned piece 'Poppy'. There will be two performances of the thought-provoking piece (Sat 13 & Sun 14) at Gosforth Civic Theatre. In marked contrast be sure to catch one of only two performances at Newcastle Theatre Royal (Fri 26 & Sat 27) of Pepperland by the Mark Morris Dance Group. The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper album is fifty! To celebrate the milestone Mark Morris' company is touring Britain and what's more Ethan Iverson is the on-stage MD of a NYC-based seven-piece band!

Finally, at the end of the month (Sat 27, 3:00pm) trumpet virtuoso Mike Lovatt conducts a (free admission!) brass masterclass at Elvet Church in the heart of Durham City followed by an evening concert as guest soloist with Fishburn Brass Band. On the last day of the month (Tues 30) it just happens to be International Jazz Day and, good for them, the Newcastle Jazz Co-op is putting on a free admission party featuring a slew of regional bands.

April jazz in Boston Spa

Fret & Fiddle 6 April

 

From Les and the team in Boston Spa - their April Jazz listing

6th – Fret & Fiddle – a natural follow on from a very successful session last year. A really swinging outfit from the Midlands led by the classically trained Sally Minchin on violin and vocals. Award winning musicians, whose sounds are based on the Hot Club of France and the subsequent career of Stephan Grappelli. “Entertaining, refreshing, quirky and imaginative” are only some of the positive comments applied to the group.

13th – Shades of Jazz – probably the best combination of talented musicians on the circuit. This band swings like fury. John Hallam on reeds, Gary Wood on trumpet, Martin Veasey on trombone, Jim Douglas (ex Alex Welsh and Clyde Valley Stompers) on guitar/banjo, Bruce Rollo on bass and Graham Smith on drums. Chicago style traditional jazz and swing at its very best. Don’t miss this one!


27th – Amy Roberts + John Hallam + Tom Kincaid – and to make up for no jazz over Easter Weekend – the inspired combination of our two superb saxophonists plus the magical, melodic notes of the Tom Kincaid Trio. Subtle sounds – beautifully rendered – guaranteed!

Thanks for your support – it’s what keeps music live!
Spread the word – JITS is live, fun and friendly – no better way to spend Saturday evening.



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.

Lucas Orvek Quartet at Ribble Valley

This pre-Ribble Valley Jazz Festival gig brings international Slovakian trumpeter, Lukas Oravec to UK with a with a very accessible Slovak/UK band. His high quality band, formed by Lukas in 2012 has won several Slovak awards. His recent album,’ALI,’ featuring Bob Mintzer won the Esprit 2016 Award for Best Album of the year. The Lukas Oravec Quartet often performs alongside European jazz luminaries; including Bob Mintzer & Any Schofield! His trumpet playing is distinctively creative & reminiscent of the great Polish trumpeter, Tomasz Stanko.

Lineup: Lukas Oravek-trumpet/flugal horn, Jamil Sheriff-piano, Pete Turner-dbl bass, Marek Doreik-drums.

Friday 12 April 2019   From 7:00pm, Stage: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Venue: Clitheroe Rugby Club, Littlemoor Rd, Clitheroe BB7 1EW Tel: 01200 422261 | Web: www.clitheroerugby.com | Tickets: Adv £12 / £10 members | Book Now: from The Grand's website

From Big Band to Piano Trio at the Globe

Customs House Big Band 31 March

From the Jazz Co-op

Over the next few weeks we've got jazz large and small at the Globe in Newcastle

Sunday 31 March - Customs House Big Band with Ruth Lambert
Thursday 4 April - Alan Glen Trio
Saturday 6 April - Belta Blues Party with Niffi Osiyemi
Thursday 11 April - Indigo Jazz Voices
Sunday 14 April - Sudden Jazz Quintet
Thursday 18 April - JR Trio
Sunday 28 April - Blue Jazz Quintet
Tuesday 30 April - International Jazz Day

Our regular jam sessions continue with the monthly Am Jam and More Jam and the weekly Take It To The Bridge. There are Play Jazz! workshops at the Sage on Saturday 6 April (with Steve Glendinning and Julija Jacenaite) and Saturday 4 May (with Stu and Fi Finden)

Gigs are at The Globe, Railway Street, Newcastle NE4 7AD. Visit the website to see all gigs at the Globe and much more jazz.coop/whats-on
.