UK Jazz Venues In The North
The Jazz Scene - York
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.
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 running 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.
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 running 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.
In the first in a series of articles highlighting some of the UK's venues, John Marley picks out ten of his favourite venues from the North of England.
The north of England has its fair share of jazz festivals. Manchester, Scarborough, Burton Agnes & Gateshead are just some of the towns & cities which host national & international talent annually. These well attended festivals bring jazz in a variety of guises to music lovers young & old.
Jazz fans do not have to wait until the summer for their fix of live music. The north is littered with music venues which programme live jazz regularly. Here are ten of the best northern jazz clubs.
Seven Seven Arts, Leeds
The Seven Arts has seen many great jazz musicians pass through its doors over the last few years. This fashionable arts venue in Chapel Allerton has a relaxing bar to the front & an auditorium to the rear. Jazz concerts take place every Sunday afternoon from 1.30pm. Special events & workshops are held at various times throughout the year. Seamus Blake, Steve Swallow & Liane Carroll are just some of the illustrious names to have graced this venue which is the most recent winner of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards ‘Venue of The Year’. (www.sevenjazz.co.uk)
The Phoenix Inn, York
Situated just within the city walls, The Phoenix Inn is an award winning real ale pub which lay derelict for many years. Brought back to life in 2009, this cosy pub has been hosting jazz ever since. The Phoenix Inn now has live jazz 4 nights a week with resident bands including the Chris Moore Trio & the Firebird Quartet. The popular Wednesday evening jam session is always packed full of musical talent and an appreciative audience. (www.phoenixinnyork.co.uk)
Pave Bar, Hull
As the current UK City of Culture, a spotlight is shining on Hull’s art & music scene. Pave Bar, situated in the bustling area known to locals as ‘The Avenues’, has been hosting a popular jazz jam session for over a decade. The Tuesday night session sees a plethora of local talent join the house band led by pianist Rob Law. The local jazz legend ‘Blind Lemon’ never fails to win over the audience with his infectious take on the blues. Duo’s and trio’s entertain the diners on a Sunday afternoon with the music ranging from jazz to soul. (www.pavebar.co.uk)
Wakefield Jazz, Wakefield
Tucked away from the town centre, Wakefield Jazz has its home at Wakefield Sports Club. Although the venue may be somewhat traditional, the music is certainly not. The club has consistently welcomed many of the UK’s most well respected jazz musicians across the scope of the genre. Running every Friday evening, you are always guaranteed world class musicianship. (www.wakefieldjazz.org)
The Cask Inn, Scarborough
Not only is Scarborough the home of a long running annual jazz festival, it also has a weekly jazz session at The Cask Inn. Running for over 30 years, guest musicians join the house band to entertain a loyal audience. Full bands from across the north also visit the club on a Wednesday evening to play in this cosy basement bar. Scarborough jazz is perfect for a trip to the coast, first rate pub grub & high quality live jazz. (www.scarboroughjazz.co.uk)
The Lescar, Sheffield
Run by one of the most welcoming jazz promoters in Yorkshire, The Lescar never fails to deliver a consistently varied programme of live jazz. On a Wednesday evening throughout the year, the pub pleases its regulars with cutting edge touring bands as well as more mainstream outfits. Based in the student area of the city, The Lescar is a real ale pub with a youthful atmosphere. (www.jazzatthelescar.com)
The Jazz Cafe, Newcastle
Newcastle has a reputation for producing genre bending jazz musicians such as Chris Sharkey & ACV. The city’s live jazz programming has been boosted by the work of The Sage and promoters such as Jazz North East. The Jazz Cafe has a busy live jazz schedule which covers everything from free jazz to accessible vocal quartets. (www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk)
Matt & Phreds, Manchester
Based in the fashionable Northern Quartet of the city, Matt & Phreds has built a reputation for hosting high quality jazz, latin & funk music throughout the week. The venue serves great pizza and has a fantastic party atmosphere over the weekend. Having played host to household names Adele & Jamie Cullum, it is no surprise that Matt & Phreds’ reputation for live music continues to grow. (www.mattandphreds.com)
Zeffirelli’s, Ambleside
Not only a jazz venue but a cinema & restaurant, Zeffirelli’s is situated in the picturesque Cumbrian town of Ambleside. The town has a strong jazz pedigree due to the title of pianist John Taylor’s famous composition Ambleside Days. If you like to listen to jazz whilst enjoying some excellent food then Zeffirelli’s is the ideal venue. (www.zeffirellis.com)
Cafe Lento, Leeds
No bigger than most peoples living rooms, Cafe Lento is situated in the Headingley area of Leeds. How does such a small venue consistently attract some of jazz music’s most well known names? Due to the buzzing atmosphere, generated largely by the charismatic owner Richard Lindley. A genuine music lover, you can’t fail to catch the bug of Richard’s enthusiasm for the music heard within the tiny walls of his venue. Cafe Lento delivers a truly intimate live music experience. (www.cafelento.co.uk)
The north of England has its fair share of jazz festivals. Manchester, Scarborough, Burton Agnes & Gateshead are just some of the towns & cities which host national & international talent annually. These well attended festivals bring jazz in a variety of guises to music lovers young & old.
Jazz fans do not have to wait until the summer for their fix of live music. The north is littered with music venues which programme live jazz regularly. Here are ten of the best northern jazz clubs.
Seven Seven Arts, Leeds
The Seven Arts has seen many great jazz musicians pass through its doors over the last few years. This fashionable arts venue in Chapel Allerton has a relaxing bar to the front & an auditorium to the rear. Jazz concerts take place every Sunday afternoon from 1.30pm. Special events & workshops are held at various times throughout the year. Seamus Blake, Steve Swallow & Liane Carroll are just some of the illustrious names to have graced this venue which is the most recent winner of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards ‘Venue of The Year’. (www.sevenjazz.co.uk)
The Phoenix Inn, York
Situated just within the city walls, The Phoenix Inn is an award winning real ale pub which lay derelict for many years. Brought back to life in 2009, this cosy pub has been hosting jazz ever since. The Phoenix Inn now has live jazz 4 nights a week with resident bands including the Chris Moore Trio & the Firebird Quartet. The popular Wednesday evening jam session is always packed full of musical talent and an appreciative audience. (www.phoenixinnyork.co.uk)
Pave Bar, Hull
As the current UK City of Culture, a spotlight is shining on Hull’s art & music scene. Pave Bar, situated in the bustling area known to locals as ‘The Avenues’, has been hosting a popular jazz jam session for over a decade. The Tuesday night session sees a plethora of local talent join the house band led by pianist Rob Law. The local jazz legend ‘Blind Lemon’ never fails to win over the audience with his infectious take on the blues. Duo’s and trio’s entertain the diners on a Sunday afternoon with the music ranging from jazz to soul. (www.pavebar.co.uk)
Wakefield Jazz, Wakefield
Tucked away from the town centre, Wakefield Jazz has its home at Wakefield Sports Club. Although the venue may be somewhat traditional, the music is certainly not. The club has consistently welcomed many of the UK’s most well respected jazz musicians across the scope of the genre. Running every Friday evening, you are always guaranteed world class musicianship. (www.wakefieldjazz.org)
The Cask Inn, Scarborough
Not only is Scarborough the home of a long running annual jazz festival, it also has a weekly jazz session at The Cask Inn. Running for over 30 years, guest musicians join the house band to entertain a loyal audience. Full bands from across the north also visit the club on a Wednesday evening to play in this cosy basement bar. Scarborough jazz is perfect for a trip to the coast, first rate pub grub & high quality live jazz. (www.scarboroughjazz.co.uk)
The Lescar, Sheffield
Run by one of the most welcoming jazz promoters in Yorkshire, The Lescar never fails to deliver a consistently varied programme of live jazz. On a Wednesday evening throughout the year, the pub pleases its regulars with cutting edge touring bands as well as more mainstream outfits. Based in the student area of the city, The Lescar is a real ale pub with a youthful atmosphere. (www.jazzatthelescar.com)
The Jazz Cafe, Newcastle
Newcastle has a reputation for producing genre bending jazz musicians such as Chris Sharkey & ACV. The city’s live jazz programming has been boosted by the work of The Sage and promoters such as Jazz North East. The Jazz Cafe has a busy live jazz schedule which covers everything from free jazz to accessible vocal quartets. (www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk)
Matt & Phreds, Manchester
Based in the fashionable Northern Quartet of the city, Matt & Phreds has built a reputation for hosting high quality jazz, latin & funk music throughout the week. The venue serves great pizza and has a fantastic party atmosphere over the weekend. Having played host to household names Adele & Jamie Cullum, it is no surprise that Matt & Phreds’ reputation for live music continues to grow. (www.mattandphreds.com)
Zeffirelli’s, Ambleside
Not only a jazz venue but a cinema & restaurant, Zeffirelli’s is situated in the picturesque Cumbrian town of Ambleside. The town has a strong jazz pedigree due to the title of pianist John Taylor’s famous composition Ambleside Days. If you like to listen to jazz whilst enjoying some excellent food then Zeffirelli’s is the ideal venue. (www.zeffirellis.com)
Cafe Lento, Leeds
No bigger than most peoples living rooms, Cafe Lento is situated in the Headingley area of Leeds. How does such a small venue consistently attract some of jazz music’s most well known names? Due to the buzzing atmosphere, generated largely by the charismatic owner Richard Lindley. A genuine music lover, you can’t fail to catch the bug of Richard’s enthusiasm for the music heard within the tiny walls of his venue. Cafe Lento delivers a truly intimate live music experience. (www.cafelento.co.uk)
