LIVE REVIEWS
2022
NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL - 15th to 19th July 2022
Remarkably the Nice Jazz Festival had kept going through the crisis with live performances albeit in a much reduced form. Musicians, audiences and organisers were delighted that this year the festival could return to a format of five nights and the six acts a night split between two stages. The festival as before also had off-site events not only in the city but in villages and small towns. On display at the main site were posters celebrating the festival created by 40 different artists. This added to the general joie de vie, and the crowds were back, a total of 42,500 according to official figure .On the three days I was there certainly there were large numbers the site never felt over-crowded... continue reading
Remarkably the Nice Jazz Festival had kept going through the crisis with live performances albeit in a much reduced form. Musicians, audiences and organisers were delighted that this year the festival could return to a format of five nights and the six acts a night split between two stages. The festival as before also had off-site events not only in the city but in villages and small towns. On display at the main site were posters celebrating the festival created by 40 different artists. This added to the general joie de vie, and the crowds were back, a total of 42,500 according to official figure .On the three days I was there certainly there were large numbers the site never felt over-crowded... continue reading
MICHEL PORTAL QUINTET
Théâtre de Verdure, Nice Jazz Festival, 19 July 2022
Michel Portal (bass & B-flat clarinets); Bojan Z (Piano, Keyboards, Electronics); Bruno Chevillon(double bass); Robinson Khoury ( trombone); Lander Gyselinck (drums)
This was my favourite gig of three nights at Nice Jazz Festival 2022. As a fan of the bass clarinet I had been looking forward to Michel Portal’s set but didn’t know what to expect not being a follower of him and because the composer, saxophonist and clarinettist is 86 years old...
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Théâtre de Verdure, Nice Jazz Festival, 19 July 2022
Michel Portal (bass & B-flat clarinets); Bojan Z (Piano, Keyboards, Electronics); Bruno Chevillon(double bass); Robinson Khoury ( trombone); Lander Gyselinck (drums)
This was my favourite gig of three nights at Nice Jazz Festival 2022. As a fan of the bass clarinet I had been looking forward to Michel Portal’s set but didn’t know what to expect not being a follower of him and because the composer, saxophonist and clarinettist is 86 years old...
continue reading
PAT METHENY - 'Side Eye’ project
12th June 2022, Hammersmith Event Apollo
On arriving at the venue, the first impression was of an electric anticipation: the name on the billing simply read ‘Pat Metheny’ - and from the atmosphere generated by those milling about outside, the uninitiated could be forgiven for assuming that this Metheny character was ‘the new big thing’, about to be witnessed for the first time! Of course, this was so far from the case. Metheny has been touring the world, pretty much incessantly, since the mid 1970s and this buzz of anticipation was in itself, a testament to the stature of, and the respect for Metheny, the consummate guitarist/composer. Inside the theatre, the packed house fizzed with an excitement that defied the genre that Pat’s music is generally pigeon-holed into: jazz... continue reading
12th June 2022, Hammersmith Event Apollo
On arriving at the venue, the first impression was of an electric anticipation: the name on the billing simply read ‘Pat Metheny’ - and from the atmosphere generated by those milling about outside, the uninitiated could be forgiven for assuming that this Metheny character was ‘the new big thing’, about to be witnessed for the first time! Of course, this was so far from the case. Metheny has been touring the world, pretty much incessantly, since the mid 1970s and this buzz of anticipation was in itself, a testament to the stature of, and the respect for Metheny, the consummate guitarist/composer. Inside the theatre, the packed house fizzed with an excitement that defied the genre that Pat’s music is generally pigeon-holed into: jazz... continue reading
JOHN SCOFIELD / BILL STEWART / VICENTE ARCHER
Cadogan Hall London - 16th May 2022
Support: Robin Nolan & Chris Quinn
Disappointing not to see and hear Steve Swallow, Vicente Archer took his place. Big shoes to fill but Vicente did not attempt to emulate the great man. He played bass throughout and mysteriously did not appear for the encore. His playing was unexceptional throughout except for one solo when he repeated one short phrase a number of times. The blend that Scofield has achieved with Swallow in the past sadly was not present.
Scofield calls on a wide range of jazz and American music. His steely tone improvisations can sound conventional but he can soar off rather like a Denny Zeitlin or occasionally Art Tatum on one of his complex runs. Some of his more daring leaps occasioned whoops of pleasure from the audience. Recently, Scofield has started to explore classic bop anthems and show tunes... continue reading
Cadogan Hall London - 16th May 2022
Support: Robin Nolan & Chris Quinn
Disappointing not to see and hear Steve Swallow, Vicente Archer took his place. Big shoes to fill but Vicente did not attempt to emulate the great man. He played bass throughout and mysteriously did not appear for the encore. His playing was unexceptional throughout except for one solo when he repeated one short phrase a number of times. The blend that Scofield has achieved with Swallow in the past sadly was not present.
Scofield calls on a wide range of jazz and American music. His steely tone improvisations can sound conventional but he can soar off rather like a Denny Zeitlin or occasionally Art Tatum on one of his complex runs. Some of his more daring leaps occasioned whoops of pleasure from the audience. Recently, Scofield has started to explore classic bop anthems and show tunes... continue reading
CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL 2022
Friday 29 April - CORINNE BAILEY RAE
One of the most human-facing of pop stars, singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae’s Friday night show at Cheltenham Jazz festival brought intimacy at scale with an intimate band. Since her 2006 mega-selling crossover debut album she has reached across musical genres but generally tends toward smooth soul/R&B, wide-eyed soul with a classic flavour... continue reading
Reviewed by AJ Dehaney
Photo copyright John Watson/jazzcamera.co.uk
Friday 29 April - CORINNE BAILEY RAE
One of the most human-facing of pop stars, singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae’s Friday night show at Cheltenham Jazz festival brought intimacy at scale with an intimate band. Since her 2006 mega-selling crossover debut album she has reached across musical genres but generally tends toward smooth soul/R&B, wide-eyed soul with a classic flavour... continue reading
Reviewed by AJ Dehaney
Photo copyright John Watson/jazzcamera.co.uk
2020
GAZ HUGHES QUARTET
Kendal Jazz Club, Wednesday 11th March 2020
Alan Barnes (alto & soprano saxophones); Andrezi Baranek (piano); Ed Harrison (bass); Gaz Hughes (drums)
Following on from the release of his debut album, Gaz Hughes Sextet Plays Art Blakey, Hughes has taken the band out on the road delighting audiences around the country, and last night it was the turn of an appreciative audience at Kendal Jazz Club to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Comprising of a stellar cast of UK players along with some of the great compositions associated with Art Blakey, the Sextet are onto a winner and this was once again borne out in their performance at The Kentdale Suite at Kendal Rugby Club where the local jazz club host their monthly concerts... continue reading
Kendal Jazz Club, Wednesday 11th March 2020
Alan Barnes (alto & soprano saxophones); Andrezi Baranek (piano); Ed Harrison (bass); Gaz Hughes (drums)
Following on from the release of his debut album, Gaz Hughes Sextet Plays Art Blakey, Hughes has taken the band out on the road delighting audiences around the country, and last night it was the turn of an appreciative audience at Kendal Jazz Club to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Comprising of a stellar cast of UK players along with some of the great compositions associated with Art Blakey, the Sextet are onto a winner and this was once again borne out in their performance at The Kentdale Suite at Kendal Rugby Club where the local jazz club host their monthly concerts... continue reading
2019
CARLA BLEY TRIO
Kings Place, London: Monday 7th October
Kings Place like ECM is a natural home for Carla Bley’s trio. Hall One has clean lines and does not draw attention to itself, allows music to bloom., Similarly ECM is notable for its promotion of aural clarity allowing music to be forefront in its recordings. This evening nothing detracted from the music. The concert, lasting just over 90 minutes, explored some new work. For those with long memories, the atmosphere was a little like attending a concert by the Modern Jazz Quartet... continue reading
Kings Place, London: Monday 7th October
Kings Place like ECM is a natural home for Carla Bley’s trio. Hall One has clean lines and does not draw attention to itself, allows music to bloom., Similarly ECM is notable for its promotion of aural clarity allowing music to be forefront in its recordings. This evening nothing detracted from the music. The concert, lasting just over 90 minutes, explored some new work. For those with long memories, the atmosphere was a little like attending a concert by the Modern Jazz Quartet... continue reading
PETER BROTZMANN
Final Day of Four Day Residency, Cafe Oto
This was the final night of Peter's 4 day residency at Oto. He had brought musicians from across the globe to play with him including Han Bennink, Heather Leigh, Alexander Von Slippenbach, Camille Emaille and others. This night the players would be Matana Roberts on alto sax, Takeo Moriyama on drums, Masahiko Sato on piano, John Edwards on double bass and Peter on clarinet and tenor sax for the first set, with Pat Thomas taking over the piano for the second set... continue reading
Final Day of Four Day Residency, Cafe Oto
This was the final night of Peter's 4 day residency at Oto. He had brought musicians from across the globe to play with him including Han Bennink, Heather Leigh, Alexander Von Slippenbach, Camille Emaille and others. This night the players would be Matana Roberts on alto sax, Takeo Moriyama on drums, Masahiko Sato on piano, John Edwards on double bass and Peter on clarinet and tenor sax for the first set, with Pat Thomas taking over the piano for the second set... continue reading
AMBLESIDE DAYS 2019
Contemporary Music Festival- Zeffirellis, Ambleside, Lake District
GWILYM SIMCOCK / TOMMY SMITH QUARTET
Friday 30th August
TIM GARLAND'S WEATHER WALKER / THE IMPOSSIBLE GENTLEMEN - REVISITED
Saturday 31st August
Contemporary Music Festival- Zeffirellis, Ambleside, Lake District
GWILYM SIMCOCK / TOMMY SMITH QUARTET
Friday 30th August
TIM GARLAND'S WEATHER WALKER / THE IMPOSSIBLE GENTLEMEN - REVISITED
Saturday 31st August
KATE WILLIAMS' FOUR PLUS THREE meets GEORGIA MANCIO - Finding Home
Bolton Abbey, Skipton - Saturday 13th July, 2019
The magnificent setting of Bolton Abbey in Skipton was a perfect location for the final concert in the Finding Home tour. A project that has been more than two years in the making for Kate Williams and Georgia Mancio, and I'm sure for those that were fortunate enough to catch one of the live dates one that will live long in the memory as one of those special performances.
If the album released at the beginning of June wasn't special enough, the music when heard live was even better. Kate and Georgia present their music with a charming and informative nature, taking it in turns to talk to the audience about the compositions and the inspiration and often inspirational stories behind them. As if the music itself wasn't powerful enough, when heard in such an awe inspiring location, the emotional impact of the music was magnified, and the audience held in rapt attention... continue reading
Bolton Abbey, Skipton - Saturday 13th July, 2019
The magnificent setting of Bolton Abbey in Skipton was a perfect location for the final concert in the Finding Home tour. A project that has been more than two years in the making for Kate Williams and Georgia Mancio, and I'm sure for those that were fortunate enough to catch one of the live dates one that will live long in the memory as one of those special performances.
If the album released at the beginning of June wasn't special enough, the music when heard live was even better. Kate and Georgia present their music with a charming and informative nature, taking it in turns to talk to the audience about the compositions and the inspiration and often inspirational stories behind them. As if the music itself wasn't powerful enough, when heard in such an awe inspiring location, the emotional impact of the music was magnified, and the audience held in rapt attention... continue reading
CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL 2019
Chris Baber reports on this year's festival.
Reviews of concerts by Sunlight, Partisans, and more...continue reading
Chris Baber reports on this year's festival.
Reviews of concerts by Sunlight, Partisans, and more...continue reading
HENRIK JENSEN FOLLOWED BY THIRTEEN
1000 Trades, Birmingham - Friday 15th February 2019
As I was walking to the 1000 Trades pub, I saw Henrik Jensen man-handling his double bass from cab to curb to door and then up the stairs to the venue. I asked why he didn't have a roadie to move his kit and his smile in reply says as much about his approach to music as tonight's excellent gig. When you meet musicians who carry their own kit for the pleasure of playing live, you know you'll be in for a great evening of entertainment. To complicate things a little further, the line-up of the band differed from that which had recorded the marvellous CD 'Blackwater', that I had the pleasure of reviewing last year. Before explaining this, the CD (and the first album by Jensen's band) contain spell-binding compositions that develop simple, easy to listen to themes combined with rich, layered bop textures...continue reading
1000 Trades, Birmingham - Friday 15th February 2019
As I was walking to the 1000 Trades pub, I saw Henrik Jensen man-handling his double bass from cab to curb to door and then up the stairs to the venue. I asked why he didn't have a roadie to move his kit and his smile in reply says as much about his approach to music as tonight's excellent gig. When you meet musicians who carry their own kit for the pleasure of playing live, you know you'll be in for a great evening of entertainment. To complicate things a little further, the line-up of the band differed from that which had recorded the marvellous CD 'Blackwater', that I had the pleasure of reviewing last year. Before explaining this, the CD (and the first album by Jensen's band) contain spell-binding compositions that develop simple, easy to listen to themes combined with rich, layered bop textures...continue reading
2018
TOMMY SMITH QUARTET
Zeffirellis, Ambleside - Friday 9th November, 2018
Zeffirellis is a located in the heart of the Lake District, and offers its very own Jazz Bar where one can partake of good food and drink and of course enjoy some great music. This was especially true last Friday, when Tommy Smith and his Quartet presented their Embodying The Light programme celebrating the music of John Coltrane.
If the album of the same name, released last year marking the fiftieth anniversary of Coltrane's passing and also Smith's fiftieth birthday, was good it in someways still did not prepare us for the sheer force of nature that is the quartet when heard live and in such conducive environment as the intimate venue as this...continue reading
Zeffirellis, Ambleside - Friday 9th November, 2018
Zeffirellis is a located in the heart of the Lake District, and offers its very own Jazz Bar where one can partake of good food and drink and of course enjoy some great music. This was especially true last Friday, when Tommy Smith and his Quartet presented their Embodying The Light programme celebrating the music of John Coltrane.
If the album of the same name, released last year marking the fiftieth anniversary of Coltrane's passing and also Smith's fiftieth birthday, was good it in someways still did not prepare us for the sheer force of nature that is the quartet when heard live and in such conducive environment as the intimate venue as this...continue reading
SUNDAY @ THE HERTS JAZZ FESTIVAL
7th October, 2018
Letchworth was the first garden city in the world. There was a rumour that Lenin came to look at it. More surprising, and not many people know this, but Letchworth has a colony of black squirrels. They are rare but they really are there, skipping around the trees making people doubt their eyes. Jazz lovers, also quite rare, were making their way to the Broadway Cinema in the centre of Letchworth. Opened in 1936 the Art Deco Broadway now serves as an arts centre, cinema and theatre, to the Garden City. For the Hertfordshire Jazz Festival this was a new venue for their great music. The theatre where the concerts were held has liberal raked seating, generous leg room and an excellent sound system. So what about the music?... continue reading
7th October, 2018
Letchworth was the first garden city in the world. There was a rumour that Lenin came to look at it. More surprising, and not many people know this, but Letchworth has a colony of black squirrels. They are rare but they really are there, skipping around the trees making people doubt their eyes. Jazz lovers, also quite rare, were making their way to the Broadway Cinema in the centre of Letchworth. Opened in 1936 the Art Deco Broadway now serves as an arts centre, cinema and theatre, to the Garden City. For the Hertfordshire Jazz Festival this was a new venue for their great music. The theatre where the concerts were held has liberal raked seating, generous leg room and an excellent sound system. So what about the music?... continue reading
CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL 2018
Chris Baber reports on this years Festival. Read reviews of concerts by
LUCIA CADOTSCH’S SPEAK LOW / ENEMY / IAIN CHAMBERS & DAN NICHOLLS; BILL FRISELL & THOMAS MORGAN; KADRI VOORAND
Chris Baber reports on this years Festival. Read reviews of concerts by
LUCIA CADOTSCH’S SPEAK LOW / ENEMY / IAIN CHAMBERS & DAN NICHOLLS; BILL FRISELL & THOMAS MORGAN; KADRI VOORAND
SNOWPOET
Hare and Hounds, Birmingham 19th April 2018
Touring their new CD, ‘Thought you knew’ (reviewed on Jazzviews here: http://www.jazzviews.net/snowpoet---thought-you-knew.html), Snowpoet played a bostin set on the Hare and Hounds (to use a brummie phrase). As well as the new CD, the set drew on their eponymous first CD. They opened with ‘Mermaid’, from the first CD and closed with ‘Love again’ from the recent one – which ought to be the chill-out hit of the summer. The acoustics in the room gave space for Lauren Kinsella’s vocal range, as she swept from whispering to speaking to richly textured singing. Live, the interplay between her singing and Josh Arcoleo is brought more to the fore than on their recordings; in several of the songs, he shadowed the notes of her song and she modulated her singing to match the sound of his sax...continue reading
Hare and Hounds, Birmingham 19th April 2018
Touring their new CD, ‘Thought you knew’ (reviewed on Jazzviews here: http://www.jazzviews.net/snowpoet---thought-you-knew.html), Snowpoet played a bostin set on the Hare and Hounds (to use a brummie phrase). As well as the new CD, the set drew on their eponymous first CD. They opened with ‘Mermaid’, from the first CD and closed with ‘Love again’ from the recent one – which ought to be the chill-out hit of the summer. The acoustics in the room gave space for Lauren Kinsella’s vocal range, as she swept from whispering to speaking to richly textured singing. Live, the interplay between her singing and Josh Arcoleo is brought more to the fore than on their recordings; in several of the songs, he shadowed the notes of her song and she modulated her singing to match the sound of his sax...continue reading
PARTIKEL
1000 Trades, Birmingham - Friday 9th, March
After a week or two of wintery weather, it is beginning to feel more like Spring as temperatures begin to creep slowly up. You might even start thinking about heading off to warmer climes for the annual holiday or, if you’re in a band, perhaps to start thinking of tours and festivals. Before their first set, Duncan Eagles explained that the band weren’t currently on tour. But in their opening few numbers, they took us on a trip to different parts of the world... continue reading
1000 Trades, Birmingham - Friday 9th, March
After a week or two of wintery weather, it is beginning to feel more like Spring as temperatures begin to creep slowly up. You might even start thinking about heading off to warmer climes for the annual holiday or, if you’re in a band, perhaps to start thinking of tours and festivals. Before their first set, Duncan Eagles explained that the band weren’t currently on tour. But in their opening few numbers, they took us on a trip to different parts of the world... continue reading
SOUTH COAST JAZZ FESTIVAL
Ropetackle Arts Centre - 20th - 27th January 2018
The South Coast Jazz Festival kicked off its 4th year with The Jazz Repertory Company performing 100 Years of Jazz in 99 Minutes. In the pre-concert Q&A, drummer and bandleader Richard Pite quoted jazz writer Whitney Balliett who described jazz as ‘the sound of surprise’, and this became a theme for the evening as Nick Dawson performed his rendition of the ragtime classic Maple Leaf Rag followed by a New Orleans-style parade through the Ropetackle auditorium. Other surprises included authentic reproductions of jazz classics such as Livery Stable Blues, So What and Weather Report’s Birdland, intertwined with lots of humour and informative asides from Richard Pite, Pete Long, Enrico Tomasso, Dave Chamberlain. Star trumpeter and vocalist Georgina Jackson also contributed some of her jazz favourites paying tribute to Billie Holiday and Chet Baker...continue reading
Ropetackle Arts Centre - 20th - 27th January 2018
The South Coast Jazz Festival kicked off its 4th year with The Jazz Repertory Company performing 100 Years of Jazz in 99 Minutes. In the pre-concert Q&A, drummer and bandleader Richard Pite quoted jazz writer Whitney Balliett who described jazz as ‘the sound of surprise’, and this became a theme for the evening as Nick Dawson performed his rendition of the ragtime classic Maple Leaf Rag followed by a New Orleans-style parade through the Ropetackle auditorium. Other surprises included authentic reproductions of jazz classics such as Livery Stable Blues, So What and Weather Report’s Birdland, intertwined with lots of humour and informative asides from Richard Pite, Pete Long, Enrico Tomasso, Dave Chamberlain. Star trumpeter and vocalist Georgina Jackson also contributed some of her jazz favourites paying tribute to Billie Holiday and Chet Baker...continue reading
TRISH CLOWES - MY IRIS
Birmingham Eastside Jazz Club - 25th January, 2018
Trish Clowes quartet My Iris continues to surprise. Having delivered one of my favourite albums of last year, I was anticipating them to play a faithful reproduction of the delightful set of tunes it contained. What they actually delivered was something quite different. Yes, the tunes were there and Clowes’ complex compositions were very much retained, but the delivery couldn’t have been more different. Each player seemed intent on wringing changes out of their instrument so that the pieces had a resemblance to, but not repetition of, the CD tracks. Clowes herself, on soprano and tenor saxophones, was exploring some of the variations that these instruments could produce...continue reading
Birmingham Eastside Jazz Club - 25th January, 2018
Trish Clowes quartet My Iris continues to surprise. Having delivered one of my favourite albums of last year, I was anticipating them to play a faithful reproduction of the delightful set of tunes it contained. What they actually delivered was something quite different. Yes, the tunes were there and Clowes’ complex compositions were very much retained, but the delivery couldn’t have been more different. Each player seemed intent on wringing changes out of their instrument so that the pieces had a resemblance to, but not repetition of, the CD tracks. Clowes herself, on soprano and tenor saxophones, was exploring some of the variations that these instruments could produce...continue reading
2017
KIT DOWNES & TOM CHALLENGER
St. Paul’s Hall, Huddersfield - 25TH November, 2017
Imagine that you are stranded in an alien and hostile environment. The sound you hear is constant, yet every changing. It evolves, creeps, terrifies and fascinates. A slow rumble resonates through the air like the mechanical revolutions of a distant engine. Organic sounds emanate from the church organ. Downes patiently manipulates the instrument to draw out a succession of pulse accelerating frequencies and violent distortions. Brisk forays across the keyboard come and go. The notes run across your path like a creature, so quick they are almost unidentifiable...continue reading
St. Paul’s Hall, Huddersfield - 25TH November, 2017
Imagine that you are stranded in an alien and hostile environment. The sound you hear is constant, yet every changing. It evolves, creeps, terrifies and fascinates. A slow rumble resonates through the air like the mechanical revolutions of a distant engine. Organic sounds emanate from the church organ. Downes patiently manipulates the instrument to draw out a succession of pulse accelerating frequencies and violent distortions. Brisk forays across the keyboard come and go. The notes run across your path like a creature, so quick they are almost unidentifiable...continue reading
Reviews of some of the concerts from this years EFG London Jazz Festival
HUW WARREN - Dylan Thomas: Do not go gentle
Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham; Sunday 5th November 2017
Huw Warren composed his suite for Dylan Thomas’s centenary and it was premiered at the Brecon Jazz Festival in 2014. We are fortunate that he is now touring this marvellously evocative set of pieces. The set opened with Warren’s gently rolling piano over which Bellamy played sax that had a vaguely calypso feel at times buoyed on by France and Watts swinging behind him. This piece, ‘Do not go gentle’, called to mind driving through lush countryside of South Wales and there were several occasions during this set when I was struck with the ways in which Warren’s composition not only capture the rhythm of Thomas’s poetry but also the countryside around Swansea where both Thomas and Warren were born and raised...continue reading
Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham; Sunday 5th November 2017
Huw Warren composed his suite for Dylan Thomas’s centenary and it was premiered at the Brecon Jazz Festival in 2014. We are fortunate that he is now touring this marvellously evocative set of pieces. The set opened with Warren’s gently rolling piano over which Bellamy played sax that had a vaguely calypso feel at times buoyed on by France and Watts swinging behind him. This piece, ‘Do not go gentle’, called to mind driving through lush countryside of South Wales and there were several occasions during this set when I was struck with the ways in which Warren’s composition not only capture the rhythm of Thomas’s poetry but also the countryside around Swansea where both Thomas and Warren were born and raised...continue reading
GEORGIA MANCIO'S HANG
KATE WILLIAMS’ FOUR PLUS THREE MEETS GEORGIA MANCIO (early show) IAN SHAW and GEORGIA MANCIO (late show) @ PIZZA EXPRESS JAZZ CLUB SOHO - Friday 6th October 2017
It is three years since Georgia Mancio’s iconic Revoice! Festival bit the dust. It expired not because of a lack of support from the powers that be. Far from it. It takes a massive of amount of time to direct and curate a festival of this kind (in the five years of its existence Revoice! hosted over 160 musicians from all over the globe in a series of exciting collaborations: Carmen Lundy, Gregory Porter, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Lianne Carroll, Christine Tobin, Claire Martin and Ian Shaw to mention just a few). The decision to pull the plug was Mancio’s alone. As she said: “I realised that due to my commitment to other writing and performing projects I no longer had enough time to do justice to running ReVoice! So for now there are no plans for future editions but I’m hoping that one day we will return”. And so the day has finally come. Three years after the demise of ReVoice! the phoenix has risen from the ashes and has been transformed into another collaborative beast – a “hang”... continue reading
KATE WILLIAMS’ FOUR PLUS THREE MEETS GEORGIA MANCIO (early show) IAN SHAW and GEORGIA MANCIO (late show) @ PIZZA EXPRESS JAZZ CLUB SOHO - Friday 6th October 2017
It is three years since Georgia Mancio’s iconic Revoice! Festival bit the dust. It expired not because of a lack of support from the powers that be. Far from it. It takes a massive of amount of time to direct and curate a festival of this kind (in the five years of its existence Revoice! hosted over 160 musicians from all over the globe in a series of exciting collaborations: Carmen Lundy, Gregory Porter, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Lianne Carroll, Christine Tobin, Claire Martin and Ian Shaw to mention just a few). The decision to pull the plug was Mancio’s alone. As she said: “I realised that due to my commitment to other writing and performing projects I no longer had enough time to do justice to running ReVoice! So for now there are no plans for future editions but I’m hoping that one day we will return”. And so the day has finally come. Three years after the demise of ReVoice! the phoenix has risen from the ashes and has been transformed into another collaborative beast – a “hang”... continue reading
EMPIRICAL
Birmingham Symphony Hall - Wednesday 4th October 2017
For this gig, the audience sat on the stage, with the band positioned between them and the auditorium. You could, I guess, read something of a metaphor into this, in terms of the niche that jazz music occupies - with a band in front of an empty theatre. Alternatively, you could take this in the way that band did and relish the possibility of the sounds to be explored in a near empty theatre with perfect acoustics. Several of the pieces were extended as the band revelled in the quality of the sounds they were producing and that the theatre was bouncing back to them. At least one piece had more endings than the audience had anticipated, with applause breaking out and then dying away as the band put in a few more endings to the piece...continue reading
Birmingham Symphony Hall - Wednesday 4th October 2017
For this gig, the audience sat on the stage, with the band positioned between them and the auditorium. You could, I guess, read something of a metaphor into this, in terms of the niche that jazz music occupies - with a band in front of an empty theatre. Alternatively, you could take this in the way that band did and relish the possibility of the sounds to be explored in a near empty theatre with perfect acoustics. Several of the pieces were extended as the band revelled in the quality of the sounds they were producing and that the theatre was bouncing back to them. At least one piece had more endings than the audience had anticipated, with applause breaking out and then dying away as the band put in a few more endings to the piece...continue reading
ÖRJAN HULTÉN'S ORION
1000 Trades, Birmingham - 22nd September 2017
Anyone who is still labouring under the misapprehension that there is a single, homogeneous genre of "scandijazz", and that it is dark and brooding, really must get to an Orion gig. This is powerful, positive, uplifting music of the highest order. Of all the various musical styles that jazz employs, the use of major chords in 5/4 time is a core aspect of the style of bop of which this group are masters. What they also bring is a strong Balkan flavour in some of their tunes that gives their sound a uniqueness and freshness... continue reading
1000 Trades, Birmingham - 22nd September 2017
Anyone who is still labouring under the misapprehension that there is a single, homogeneous genre of "scandijazz", and that it is dark and brooding, really must get to an Orion gig. This is powerful, positive, uplifting music of the highest order. Of all the various musical styles that jazz employs, the use of major chords in 5/4 time is a core aspect of the style of bop of which this group are masters. What they also bring is a strong Balkan flavour in some of their tunes that gives their sound a uniqueness and freshness... continue reading
MIKE GIBBS @ 80 - A Tale of Two Venues
The Vortex London 25th September & CBSO Centre Birmingham 28th September 2017
Mike Gibbs’ eightieth birthday tour is not about survival, it is about achievement. The excitement of a Gibbs’ concert is wondering what he will produce and what sounds he will conjure; what will come from the past, what will be shining new.
Form and structure have always been important to Gibbs. He has often been compared to Gil Evans but he differs from that great man in that Gibbs has retained his belief in great writing and tone colours. His work in recent times with the orchestra in NDR Hamburg, the Berklee Concert Orchestra, The Upper Austrian Jazz Orchestra and the UK group has developed his considerable skills. For this tour Michael Janisch of Whirlwind Records and Hans Koller have recruited the musicians and put them before Mike Gibbs. They chose well and soon Gibbs was praising them for their cohesion and musicianship. They ranged from Henry Lowther who has worked with Gibbs from the beginning to Andrew Bain who had not worked with Gibbs before... continue reading
The Vortex London 25th September & CBSO Centre Birmingham 28th September 2017
Mike Gibbs’ eightieth birthday tour is not about survival, it is about achievement. The excitement of a Gibbs’ concert is wondering what he will produce and what sounds he will conjure; what will come from the past, what will be shining new.
Form and structure have always been important to Gibbs. He has often been compared to Gil Evans but he differs from that great man in that Gibbs has retained his belief in great writing and tone colours. His work in recent times with the orchestra in NDR Hamburg, the Berklee Concert Orchestra, The Upper Austrian Jazz Orchestra and the UK group has developed his considerable skills. For this tour Michael Janisch of Whirlwind Records and Hans Koller have recruited the musicians and put them before Mike Gibbs. They chose well and soon Gibbs was praising them for their cohesion and musicianship. They ranged from Henry Lowther who has worked with Gibbs from the beginning to Andrew Bain who had not worked with Gibbs before... continue reading
SAM BRAYSHER / MICHAEL KANAN QUARTET
Live At The Verdict Jazz Club Brighton - 8th September 2017
Alto saxophonist Sam Braysher came to the highly acclaimed Verdict Jazz Club in Brighton's Kemp Town district alongside American pianist Michael Kanan as part of an eight gig launch tour to promote his debut album "Golden Earings" (Fresh Sound New Talent FSNT 1007) which was reviewed by Eddie Myer in our August listings. A graduate of The Guildhall School Of Music, the twenty eight year old has performed with UK A listers Barry Green, John Warren, Mark Nightingale and many others in a freelance career that has not only covered many jazz genres but taken him to performance spaces at The Royal Festival Hall, Barbican and Kings Place plus Ronnie Scotts and The Vortex...continue reading
Live At The Verdict Jazz Club Brighton - 8th September 2017
Alto saxophonist Sam Braysher came to the highly acclaimed Verdict Jazz Club in Brighton's Kemp Town district alongside American pianist Michael Kanan as part of an eight gig launch tour to promote his debut album "Golden Earings" (Fresh Sound New Talent FSNT 1007) which was reviewed by Eddie Myer in our August listings. A graduate of The Guildhall School Of Music, the twenty eight year old has performed with UK A listers Barry Green, John Warren, Mark Nightingale and many others in a freelance career that has not only covered many jazz genres but taken him to performance spaces at The Royal Festival Hall, Barbican and Kings Place plus Ronnie Scotts and The Vortex...continue reading
THE MINGUS BIG BAND
Ronnie Scott’s Club - 11th August, 2017
‘Would Mingus approve?’ is a question worth asking about this band. He was a really difficult man to please. Tetchy? Sometimes. Grumpy? Not really. Angry? Definitely. Passionate? Certainly. Furious? Yes.
There was little political edge to this performance at Ronnie Scott’s but politics was never far from the surface with Mingus...continue reading
Ronnie Scott’s Club - 11th August, 2017
‘Would Mingus approve?’ is a question worth asking about this band. He was a really difficult man to please. Tetchy? Sometimes. Grumpy? Not really. Angry? Definitely. Passionate? Certainly. Furious? Yes.
There was little political edge to this performance at Ronnie Scott’s but politics was never far from the surface with Mingus...continue reading
LOVE SUPREME JAZZ FESTIVAL
Glynde Place, Sussesx - 30th June to 2nd July 2017: A Jazz Fans View
It was the first weekend in July so it just had to be the 5th running of Britain's largest ever outdoor Jazz Festival in the grounds of Glynde Place which was built in 1569. Nestling at the foot of the South Downs, 5k from the County Town of Lewes and 72k from London. The village at the last count in 2011 boasted a population of 249, a Railway Station a shop, a pub plus a fine cricket ground which is home to one of the most successful village cricket teams in England( they recently played in a Lords Final !) Glynde & Beddingham. The population increases 50 fold for three days when the annual jazz jamboree that takes place in mid summer has it has done since 2013. With six performance areas and a host of other entertainments the show has grown year upon year to the spectacular event it has now become...continue reading
Glynde Place, Sussesx - 30th June to 2nd July 2017: A Jazz Fans View
It was the first weekend in July so it just had to be the 5th running of Britain's largest ever outdoor Jazz Festival in the grounds of Glynde Place which was built in 1569. Nestling at the foot of the South Downs, 5k from the County Town of Lewes and 72k from London. The village at the last count in 2011 boasted a population of 249, a Railway Station a shop, a pub plus a fine cricket ground which is home to one of the most successful village cricket teams in England( they recently played in a Lords Final !) Glynde & Beddingham. The population increases 50 fold for three days when the annual jazz jamboree that takes place in mid summer has it has done since 2013. With six performance areas and a host of other entertainments the show has grown year upon year to the spectacular event it has now become...continue reading
JOHN ZORN / STEVE COLEMAN / CHRISTIAN McBRIDE / TSHAWN SOREY
The Village Vanguard, New York - Sunday 28th May 2017
This was the first ever concert of a new grouping featuring two alto saxes (Zorn and Coleman), bass (McBride), and drums/percussion (Sorey). The performance - about 80 minutes in a single set - was entirely improvised, and organised in familiar energetic form on stage by Zorn into a series of short duets, trios and quartets.
In Coleman and Zorn, this band has a horn pairing of two of the most influential improvising musicians in America in the last three and a half decades. Both possess an instantly recognisable tone and have developed diverse but equally unique and recognisable harmonic and rhythmic language. Both are walking definitions of the benefits that flow from being a restless polymath as an improvisor... continue reading
The Village Vanguard, New York - Sunday 28th May 2017
This was the first ever concert of a new grouping featuring two alto saxes (Zorn and Coleman), bass (McBride), and drums/percussion (Sorey). The performance - about 80 minutes in a single set - was entirely improvised, and organised in familiar energetic form on stage by Zorn into a series of short duets, trios and quartets.
In Coleman and Zorn, this band has a horn pairing of two of the most influential improvising musicians in America in the last three and a half decades. Both possess an instantly recognisable tone and have developed diverse but equally unique and recognisable harmonic and rhythmic language. Both are walking definitions of the benefits that flow from being a restless polymath as an improvisor... continue reading
OLIVER LAKE ORGAN QUARTET
Smalls Jazz Club, New York - Saturday 27th May 2017
Jared Gold – Organ; Oliver Lake – Sax; bruce Williams – Sax; Chris Beck – Drums
Oliver Lake has always placed emphasis in his discussions of the traits required in the personal development of a jazz musician on the importance of nurturing your own ‘voice’ as a performer. In Jared Gold - the Downbeat Magazine award-winning organist who has lit-up the US scene with his work with Lake, John Abercrombie, David Stryker and many others over the last decade - he has in his band the perfect example of what can be achieved by dedication to that pursuit. Lake has also often emphasised that this band exists because of Gold, because of the potential he saw for his music and their collaboration, and that call has fully borne fruit... continue reading
Smalls Jazz Club, New York - Saturday 27th May 2017
Jared Gold – Organ; Oliver Lake – Sax; bruce Williams – Sax; Chris Beck – Drums
Oliver Lake has always placed emphasis in his discussions of the traits required in the personal development of a jazz musician on the importance of nurturing your own ‘voice’ as a performer. In Jared Gold - the Downbeat Magazine award-winning organist who has lit-up the US scene with his work with Lake, John Abercrombie, David Stryker and many others over the last decade - he has in his band the perfect example of what can be achieved by dedication to that pursuit. Lake has also often emphasised that this band exists because of Gold, because of the potential he saw for his music and their collaboration, and that call has fully borne fruit... continue reading
TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON’S MOSAIC PROJECT LOVE AND SOUL
Birmingham Town Hall, Sunday 21st May 2017
The evening began with a support slot by local drummer Romarna Campbell and her quintet which featured bass, piano and double- saxophone lead. They played a tight, well-balanced set with some interesting compositions.
After the interval, Carrington began the first of two quiet sets. The set began with pieces from the current CD and, regarding a sterling performance of Geri Allens’s ‘Unconditional Love’, Carrington said “It is important to claim new standards”. To underline this, they then launched in Kenny Baron’s ‘A voyage’ that Tineke Postma had arranged. Throughout the set, Carrington played as if each piece was a drum solo, working the kit to produce complex polyrhythms but never over-shadowing her band members. Carrington’s upright posture and relaxed swinging of the sticks across the kit has something of the grace of Art Blakey, while her rhythmic sensibilities are more up to date and her own. In each piece, she switches rhythm and musical style almost on a bar by bar basis, while developing the whole into a completely coherent and clear statement of the tune... continue reading
Birmingham Town Hall, Sunday 21st May 2017
The evening began with a support slot by local drummer Romarna Campbell and her quintet which featured bass, piano and double- saxophone lead. They played a tight, well-balanced set with some interesting compositions.
After the interval, Carrington began the first of two quiet sets. The set began with pieces from the current CD and, regarding a sterling performance of Geri Allens’s ‘Unconditional Love’, Carrington said “It is important to claim new standards”. To underline this, they then launched in Kenny Baron’s ‘A voyage’ that Tineke Postma had arranged. Throughout the set, Carrington played as if each piece was a drum solo, working the kit to produce complex polyrhythms but never over-shadowing her band members. Carrington’s upright posture and relaxed swinging of the sticks across the kit has something of the grace of Art Blakey, while her rhythmic sensibilities are more up to date and her own. In each piece, she switches rhythm and musical style almost on a bar by bar basis, while developing the whole into a completely coherent and clear statement of the tune... continue reading
CARLA BLEY TRIO
Pizza Express Soho London - 1st June 2017
‘She’s so elusive and ever changing.’ Steve Swallow once said about Carla Bley: He was right of course. The music recently has become more so.
Carla Bley used to talk more at her concerts but over the years she has become more reserved, more private in her public appearances. Bley does not live in the past and re-cycle past successes but her fey humour of the early 80s has been replaced by a self-deprecating wit that denigrates her piano playing. Nevertheless, the past was rich.
You can’t go back but there are regrets. No more the wonderful rasping trombone of Gary Valente, the piercing brassiness of Lew Soloff, the idiosyncratic Kurt Weill crossed with Satie mischief melodies are no more... continue reading
Pizza Express Soho London - 1st June 2017
‘She’s so elusive and ever changing.’ Steve Swallow once said about Carla Bley: He was right of course. The music recently has become more so.
Carla Bley used to talk more at her concerts but over the years she has become more reserved, more private in her public appearances. Bley does not live in the past and re-cycle past successes but her fey humour of the early 80s has been replaced by a self-deprecating wit that denigrates her piano playing. Nevertheless, the past was rich.
You can’t go back but there are regrets. No more the wonderful rasping trombone of Gary Valente, the piercing brassiness of Lew Soloff, the idiosyncratic Kurt Weill crossed with Satie mischief melodies are no more... continue reading
SOWETO KINCH
CBSO Centre, Birmingham - 6th May, 2017
London-born, Brummie-bred Kinch is such a regular on the Birmingham jazz scene that this is a local gig for him (and, as he said, one of many over the coming months). The appreciative audience enthusiastically lapped up the music, even joining in a couple of the rap numbers – calling ‘What’s it all for’ (quite often they were almost on cue) and chanting from one side to the other ‘I know you, you know me.’... continue reading
CBSO Centre, Birmingham - 6th May, 2017
London-born, Brummie-bred Kinch is such a regular on the Birmingham jazz scene that this is a local gig for him (and, as he said, one of many over the coming months). The appreciative audience enthusiastically lapped up the music, even joining in a couple of the rap numbers – calling ‘What’s it all for’ (quite often they were almost on cue) and chanting from one side to the other ‘I know you, you know me.’... continue reading
SEB ROCHFORD / NICOLE MITCHELL / NEIL CHARLES & MARIUS NESET
Parabola Arts Theatre, Cheltenham Friday 29th April 2017
SEB ROCHFORD / NICOLE MITCHEL /NEIL CHARLES
Prior to the set there was a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to Roanne Dods, who directed the Jerwood Charitable Foundation which had played such an important role in the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and in schemes such as Take Five, Serious Talent, the Wapping Project (for composition) and the Jerwood Next Generation Strand. It was fitting, therefore, that one of the original beneficiaries of the latter award should play after this.For many people in the audience Seb Rochford, although a prime mover in the recent developments of the UK jazz scene in a variety of bands, is associated with Polar Bear.
Parabola Arts Theatre, Cheltenham Friday 29th April 2017
SEB ROCHFORD / NICOLE MITCHEL /NEIL CHARLES
Prior to the set there was a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to Roanne Dods, who directed the Jerwood Charitable Foundation which had played such an important role in the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and in schemes such as Take Five, Serious Talent, the Wapping Project (for composition) and the Jerwood Next Generation Strand. It was fitting, therefore, that one of the original beneficiaries of the latter award should play after this.For many people in the audience Seb Rochford, although a prime mover in the recent developments of the UK jazz scene in a variety of bands, is associated with Polar Bear.
MARIUS NESET
One of the many strengths of the Cheltenham jazz festival is its ability to bring a broad range of acts together in one place. Marius Neset is one of the key players in the burgeoning Danish jazz scene (albeit originally from Norway) returned to a packed house for this year’s Cheltenham festival. On this tour he is playing with quartet of UK musicians (albeit most of whom are expats), including the phenomenal Jim Hart on marimba and vibraphone. The rhythm section of Joshua Blackmore (drums), Phil Donkin (bass ) and Dan Nicholls (piano) provided sterling support, with Blackmore and Nicholls taking solos, but the set was built around Neset, on tenor and soprano, and Hart. At times, Hart toyed with bowing the edges of the keys using what looked like wooden coat-hangers strung with a cello bow, but for most of the set he was content to work the keys with two sticks in each hand... continue reading
One of the many strengths of the Cheltenham jazz festival is its ability to bring a broad range of acts together in one place. Marius Neset is one of the key players in the burgeoning Danish jazz scene (albeit originally from Norway) returned to a packed house for this year’s Cheltenham festival. On this tour he is playing with quartet of UK musicians (albeit most of whom are expats), including the phenomenal Jim Hart on marimba and vibraphone. The rhythm section of Joshua Blackmore (drums), Phil Donkin (bass ) and Dan Nicholls (piano) provided sterling support, with Blackmore and Nicholls taking solos, but the set was built around Neset, on tenor and soprano, and Hart. At times, Hart toyed with bowing the edges of the keys using what looked like wooden coat-hangers strung with a cello bow, but for most of the set he was content to work the keys with two sticks in each hand... continue reading
JAZZ IN THE ROUND @ THE COCKPIT THEATRE
Gateforth Street, London. NW8 - April 24, 2017
Sun Ra Special : Jez Nelson presents a night in tribute to one of jazz’s most mysterious and magnificent icons
7pm screening of the Jez Nelson produced Sun Ra documentary Space is the Place;
Alexander Hawkins: solo piano
Sun Ra tribute: Irregular Galaxy; Gilles Peterson in conversation about his rare Sun Ra vinyl collection to celebrate the release of a brand new 7 inch vinyl on Gearbox Records; Where Pathways Meet (Alex Kaner-Lidstrom-trumpet; James Mollison-tenor sax; Joe Elliot-alto sax; Mark Mollison- guitar; Amane Suganami-piano/keyboards; Maria O-harp; Mutale Chaoi- bass guitar; Jake Long-drums; Kianja Harvey-Elliot-vocals)
Sun Ra was one of the weirdest, wackiest, wildest, most eclectic, eccentric, esoteric, theatrical, inscrutable figures in the entire history of black music. Yes – I have used quite a lot of adjectives here to describe this iconoclastic maverick. But, a man of such complexity and depth cannot be easily described by using one or two words. Ra needs a lexicon all of his own to help us fathom this unique polymath: an “out-there” pianist, organist, keyboard player, improviser, composer, arranger, poet, philosopher, Egyptologist, alchemist, visionary, altruist, pacifist. But, like the great Sphinx itself, we may never be able to fully solve the puzzle, the riddle, the mystery...continue reading
Gateforth Street, London. NW8 - April 24, 2017
Sun Ra Special : Jez Nelson presents a night in tribute to one of jazz’s most mysterious and magnificent icons
7pm screening of the Jez Nelson produced Sun Ra documentary Space is the Place;
Alexander Hawkins: solo piano
Sun Ra tribute: Irregular Galaxy; Gilles Peterson in conversation about his rare Sun Ra vinyl collection to celebrate the release of a brand new 7 inch vinyl on Gearbox Records; Where Pathways Meet (Alex Kaner-Lidstrom-trumpet; James Mollison-tenor sax; Joe Elliot-alto sax; Mark Mollison- guitar; Amane Suganami-piano/keyboards; Maria O-harp; Mutale Chaoi- bass guitar; Jake Long-drums; Kianja Harvey-Elliot-vocals)
Sun Ra was one of the weirdest, wackiest, wildest, most eclectic, eccentric, esoteric, theatrical, inscrutable figures in the entire history of black music. Yes – I have used quite a lot of adjectives here to describe this iconoclastic maverick. But, a man of such complexity and depth cannot be easily described by using one or two words. Ra needs a lexicon all of his own to help us fathom this unique polymath: an “out-there” pianist, organist, keyboard player, improviser, composer, arranger, poet, philosopher, Egyptologist, alchemist, visionary, altruist, pacifist. But, like the great Sphinx itself, we may never be able to fully solve the puzzle, the riddle, the mystery...continue reading
ARILD ANDERSEN WITH 'ARINADA
Ronnie Scott’s - Monday 24 April 2017
It’s a Monday night, out of season, and ‘Ronnie Scott’s’ has very impressively staged ‘Arinada’ - the large Norwegian ensemble with Arild Andersen featuring as soloist and originator (though not arranger) of not just the themes, but in part the whole ‘sound’, trail-blazed since the 60s alongside Jan Gabarek (’67 – ’73) as a member Gabarek’s original pre-Jarrett quartet.
Having established their credentials in the first set, the ensemble is both focused and relaxed enough to have fun in the second. The delay effect of JENS THORESEN’s guitar and the drum ‘n’ bass sensibility of drummer TORSTEIN LOFTHUS on the opener call to mind the airy textures hallmarked by Mike Gibbs [‘Word of Mouth’ – Jaco Pastorius] and ‘Loose Tubes’. Solo duties are enthusiastically taken up by tenor, ATLE NYMO, trumpeter MARIUS ‘Super Mario’ HALTLI as the ensemble’s thick textures continue...continue reading
Ronnie Scott’s - Monday 24 April 2017
It’s a Monday night, out of season, and ‘Ronnie Scott’s’ has very impressively staged ‘Arinada’ - the large Norwegian ensemble with Arild Andersen featuring as soloist and originator (though not arranger) of not just the themes, but in part the whole ‘sound’, trail-blazed since the 60s alongside Jan Gabarek (’67 – ’73) as a member Gabarek’s original pre-Jarrett quartet.
Having established their credentials in the first set, the ensemble is both focused and relaxed enough to have fun in the second. The delay effect of JENS THORESEN’s guitar and the drum ‘n’ bass sensibility of drummer TORSTEIN LOFTHUS on the opener call to mind the airy textures hallmarked by Mike Gibbs [‘Word of Mouth’ – Jaco Pastorius] and ‘Loose Tubes’. Solo duties are enthusiastically taken up by tenor, ATLE NYMO, trumpeter MARIUS ‘Super Mario’ HALTLI as the ensemble’s thick textures continue...continue reading
ALISON RAYNER QUINTET
Friday 31st March, Jazz Lines Free Gig, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Performances Birmingham Limited (PBL), the charity that runs Town Hall and Symphony Hall, organises a free jazz gig every Friday. These gigs are usually well attended, but occasionally there is standing room only and, with an audience of 150 or so people, the Alison Rayner Quartet played to one of the biggest audiences I’ve seen there. Hardly anyone gets rich from jazz nowadays, but if the warmth of an audience’s reaction was currency then this group would be very wealthy indeed. At one point, a piece had a false end and the audience began applauding only to be hushed as the group continued. ‘Don’t worry about clapping in the wrong places’, said Rayner, ‘we love it when you clap.’ And this enthusiasm for provoking a strong response from the audience was evident in the smiles of the band members throughout the gig. There was, at times, even some reluctance for pieces to end – rather than a strong finish, several just faded as the applause grew. Rayner personable and engaging compere and proud band leader, smiling at the applause the soloists garnered. Her own solos were succinct and subtle bridges between themes that didn’t get the applause, but drew lots of admiring nods in the audience...continue reading
Friday 31st March, Jazz Lines Free Gig, Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Performances Birmingham Limited (PBL), the charity that runs Town Hall and Symphony Hall, organises a free jazz gig every Friday. These gigs are usually well attended, but occasionally there is standing room only and, with an audience of 150 or so people, the Alison Rayner Quartet played to one of the biggest audiences I’ve seen there. Hardly anyone gets rich from jazz nowadays, but if the warmth of an audience’s reaction was currency then this group would be very wealthy indeed. At one point, a piece had a false end and the audience began applauding only to be hushed as the group continued. ‘Don’t worry about clapping in the wrong places’, said Rayner, ‘we love it when you clap.’ And this enthusiasm for provoking a strong response from the audience was evident in the smiles of the band members throughout the gig. There was, at times, even some reluctance for pieces to end – rather than a strong finish, several just faded as the applause grew. Rayner personable and engaging compere and proud band leader, smiling at the applause the soloists garnered. Her own solos were succinct and subtle bridges between themes that didn’t get the applause, but drew lots of admiring nods in the audience...continue reading
NEIL COWLEY TRIO - SPACEBOUND APES
Saturday 4th March CBSO Centre, Birmingham
In Birmingham’s CBSO Centre (the acoustically balanced space in which the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra rehearse) a packed audience sat on bleachers waiting for the sound mixer to stop playing London Grammar and the concert to start. Just after 8pm, the MC announced ‘the Neil Cowley Trio’ and, to the applause of the audience, four people walked onto the stage. It is part of the teasing relationship that Cowley and his antipodean brothers in arms (Rex Horan on bass and Evan Jenkins on drums) have with the straight jazz world, that this additional person is not acknowledged nor the relaxation of the term ‘trio’ commented upon. The 4th Man, to give him a name, took on the responsibility of drenching the trio’s sound in the electronic wash that sweeps their Spacebound Apes concept album. The first half of the set involved the entire hour or so of this CD (one of the best releases of last year). What would have made this an even better experience would be to have had Sergio Sandoval’s stunning images projected above the band as they played the set...continue reading
Saturday 4th March CBSO Centre, Birmingham
In Birmingham’s CBSO Centre (the acoustically balanced space in which the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra rehearse) a packed audience sat on bleachers waiting for the sound mixer to stop playing London Grammar and the concert to start. Just after 8pm, the MC announced ‘the Neil Cowley Trio’ and, to the applause of the audience, four people walked onto the stage. It is part of the teasing relationship that Cowley and his antipodean brothers in arms (Rex Horan on bass and Evan Jenkins on drums) have with the straight jazz world, that this additional person is not acknowledged nor the relaxation of the term ‘trio’ commented upon. The 4th Man, to give him a name, took on the responsibility of drenching the trio’s sound in the electronic wash that sweeps their Spacebound Apes concept album. The first half of the set involved the entire hour or so of this CD (one of the best releases of last year). What would have made this an even better experience would be to have had Sergio Sandoval’s stunning images projected above the band as they played the set...continue reading
AN EVENING WITH AVISHAI COHEN WITH THE BBC CONCERT ORCHESTRA
Barbican - 7th February 2017
The evening starts with the restraint and decorum proper to a classical concert - the correct formalities of applause for the first violin and conductor are observed, the baton is tapped on the lectern, and the 57-strong orchestra launch into Cohen’s compositions ‘Noam’ and ‘Hayo Hayta’. We’re placed firmly in the sound world of 19th century romanticism, with a passing suggestion of Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’ emerging briefly from the sweeping strings - the effect is soothing rather than sublime. Cohen emerges from the wings; pianist Omri Mor and percussionist Itamar Douari follow, black-clad like their leader. After a spoken tribute to his late friend, London promoter John Ellson, Cohen picks up the bass that lies centre stage and the orchestra launch into a sombre waltz...contiue reading
Barbican - 7th February 2017
The evening starts with the restraint and decorum proper to a classical concert - the correct formalities of applause for the first violin and conductor are observed, the baton is tapped on the lectern, and the 57-strong orchestra launch into Cohen’s compositions ‘Noam’ and ‘Hayo Hayta’. We’re placed firmly in the sound world of 19th century romanticism, with a passing suggestion of Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’ emerging briefly from the sweeping strings - the effect is soothing rather than sublime. Cohen emerges from the wings; pianist Omri Mor and percussionist Itamar Douari follow, black-clad like their leader. After a spoken tribute to his late friend, London promoter John Ellson, Cohen picks up the bass that lies centre stage and the orchestra launch into a sombre waltz...contiue reading
JIM MULLEN ORGAN TRIO (FEATURING NIGEL PRICE) & SARAH JANE MORRIS AT THE SOUTH COAST JAZZ FESTIVAL
Ropetackle Arts Centre, Sussex - 28th January 2017
With two highly successful years behind them, Claire Martin OBE along with Saxophonist and Educator Julian Nicholas took the bold step of extending their eclectic jazz festival to two full weeks and three venues for 2017. Things kicked off with the highly exciting fusion giants ‘Incognito' who brought their crowd pleasing brand of Soul, Funk and Jazz to the launch concert at The Old Market Theatre in Hove way back on 17th December. The festival proper utilised the critically acclaimed Verdict Jazz Club in Brighton for nine gigs, alongside The Ropetackle Arts Centre just down the coast at Shoreham-by-Sea for the headline concerts, workshops and DJ sessions.First up during my visit on the second Saturday was The Jim Mullen Organ Trio...continue reading
Ropetackle Arts Centre, Sussex - 28th January 2017
With two highly successful years behind them, Claire Martin OBE along with Saxophonist and Educator Julian Nicholas took the bold step of extending their eclectic jazz festival to two full weeks and three venues for 2017. Things kicked off with the highly exciting fusion giants ‘Incognito' who brought their crowd pleasing brand of Soul, Funk and Jazz to the launch concert at The Old Market Theatre in Hove way back on 17th December. The festival proper utilised the critically acclaimed Verdict Jazz Club in Brighton for nine gigs, alongside The Ropetackle Arts Centre just down the coast at Shoreham-by-Sea for the headline concerts, workshops and DJ sessions.First up during my visit on the second Saturday was The Jim Mullen Organ Trio...continue reading
JAZZ IN THE ROUND @ THE COCKPIT THEATRE
Gateforth Street, London NW8 – January 30. 2017
Headliner: Dinosaur – Laura Jurd (trumpet/keyboard), Elliot Galvin (keyboards), Conor Chapman (electric bass), Corrie Dick (drums)
Solo: Jasper Høiby (bass)
Opening Duo: Elliot Galvin (piano), Mark Sanders (drums)
It was the first gig of the year for Jazz in the Round and I’ve never seen the Cockpit so packed. The bar was heaving at 7.30pm and there was still half-an-hour to go before kick-off. The atmosphere was electric, and this was before the music even started. I shuffled into the auditorium with ten minutes to go but could hardly find a vacant seat. However, I did manage to squeeze into a small space near the top of the raked seating at the back of the room. It’s an area I always head for since it gives me a great view of the keys of the cottage upright and where I can observe the moving hands, facial expressions and body movements of the pianist...continue reading
Gateforth Street, London NW8 – January 30. 2017
Headliner: Dinosaur – Laura Jurd (trumpet/keyboard), Elliot Galvin (keyboards), Conor Chapman (electric bass), Corrie Dick (drums)
Solo: Jasper Høiby (bass)
Opening Duo: Elliot Galvin (piano), Mark Sanders (drums)
It was the first gig of the year for Jazz in the Round and I’ve never seen the Cockpit so packed. The bar was heaving at 7.30pm and there was still half-an-hour to go before kick-off. The atmosphere was electric, and this was before the music even started. I shuffled into the auditorium with ten minutes to go but could hardly find a vacant seat. However, I did manage to squeeze into a small space near the top of the raked seating at the back of the room. It’s an area I always head for since it gives me a great view of the keys of the cottage upright and where I can observe the moving hands, facial expressions and body movements of the pianist...continue reading
2016
CHARLIE HADEN'S LIBERATION MUSIC ORCHESTRA DIRECTED BY CARLA BLEY
Cadogan Hall, 20th November 2016, EFG London Jazz Festival
Politics, sex and religion, we are told, are the three things that you should not talk about in public. Charlie Haden had no regard to that when he started the confrontational Liberation Music Orchestra. Politics has been at the soul of their music across the years: songs from the Spanish civil war, dedication to Che Guevara, the anthem of the ANC. Since 1969 Haden and Bley have produced music that has a particular political vision, an anti-fascist stance. In 1971 Haden played in Portugal with Ornette Coleman, then a fascist state, and he dedicated his piece ’Song for Che ‘ to freedom fighters. The police arrested him, interrogated him and escorted him to the airport.
Ruth Cameron, Charlie Haden’s wife, opened the concert by talking about Charlie, introducing the musicians and explaining the running order. From then the concert went forward with no interval and without any further words. Carla Bley’s composing and arranging has been essential to the work of the orchestra. Her unique voicings have given the music a vinegary, astringent edge...continue reading
Cadogan Hall, 20th November 2016, EFG London Jazz Festival
Politics, sex and religion, we are told, are the three things that you should not talk about in public. Charlie Haden had no regard to that when he started the confrontational Liberation Music Orchestra. Politics has been at the soul of their music across the years: songs from the Spanish civil war, dedication to Che Guevara, the anthem of the ANC. Since 1969 Haden and Bley have produced music that has a particular political vision, an anti-fascist stance. In 1971 Haden played in Portugal with Ornette Coleman, then a fascist state, and he dedicated his piece ’Song for Che ‘ to freedom fighters. The police arrested him, interrogated him and escorted him to the airport.
Ruth Cameron, Charlie Haden’s wife, opened the concert by talking about Charlie, introducing the musicians and explaining the running order. From then the concert went forward with no interval and without any further words. Carla Bley’s composing and arranging has been essential to the work of the orchestra. Her unique voicings have given the music a vinegary, astringent edge...continue reading
STEVE GADD BAND
Ronnie Scott’s - 7th October 2016
Steve Gadd is 71 this year, but the relaxed, dapper figure settling with a businesslike nonchalance behind the drumkit looks barely aged since his 70s heyday - the trademark swept-back hair is greyer, but little else seems changed. Centre stage, at the helm of a formidable Yamaha kit equipped with four toms, and surrounded by a band of venerable American hipsters, he’s in full command from the outset.
Opener is a funky rendition of Keith Jarret’s ‘The Wind-up”, first heard on the latter’s seminal ECM record that introduced his Jan Garbarek-centered European band - Gadd’s arrangement eschews any Nordic chilliness and instead rides on the tune’s implicit gospel flavour to create a slick, soulful country funk groove, over which the band demonstrate their perfect appreciation of each other’s pocket, until the leader builds up to a super-fly solo, completely controlled, technically flawless but earthy at the same time - a perfect demonstration of what it means to be Steve Gadd...continue reading
Ronnie Scott’s - 7th October 2016
Steve Gadd is 71 this year, but the relaxed, dapper figure settling with a businesslike nonchalance behind the drumkit looks barely aged since his 70s heyday - the trademark swept-back hair is greyer, but little else seems changed. Centre stage, at the helm of a formidable Yamaha kit equipped with four toms, and surrounded by a band of venerable American hipsters, he’s in full command from the outset.
Opener is a funky rendition of Keith Jarret’s ‘The Wind-up”, first heard on the latter’s seminal ECM record that introduced his Jan Garbarek-centered European band - Gadd’s arrangement eschews any Nordic chilliness and instead rides on the tune’s implicit gospel flavour to create a slick, soulful country funk groove, over which the band demonstrate their perfect appreciation of each other’s pocket, until the leader builds up to a super-fly solo, completely controlled, technically flawless but earthy at the same time - a perfect demonstration of what it means to be Steve Gadd...continue reading
ROSANNA BRANDI QUARTET AT THE SPEAKEASY JAZZ CLUB
TOORAK HOTEL TORQUAY TQ25JS DEVON 28th SEPT 2016
Moving from their recent long term residency at another Torquay hotel (recently compared to Faulty Towers by a National newspaper) the Speakeasy Jazz Club settled into the plush surroundings of the Arlington Room at the prestigious complex of the Toorak for their late September session.
On the bill was Italian singer Rosanna Brandi, appearing as part of a UK tour to promote her debut album "One Day". Usually you can tell the class of an unknown artist (to me anyway) by the company they keep. In this case it was absolutely true as she had recruited a stellar trio from the top echelons of British contemporary jazz, although being married to the bass player probably helped in this direction...continue reading
TOORAK HOTEL TORQUAY TQ25JS DEVON 28th SEPT 2016
Moving from their recent long term residency at another Torquay hotel (recently compared to Faulty Towers by a National newspaper) the Speakeasy Jazz Club settled into the plush surroundings of the Arlington Room at the prestigious complex of the Toorak for their late September session.
On the bill was Italian singer Rosanna Brandi, appearing as part of a UK tour to promote her debut album "One Day". Usually you can tell the class of an unknown artist (to me anyway) by the company they keep. In this case it was absolutely true as she had recruited a stellar trio from the top echelons of British contemporary jazz, although being married to the bass player probably helped in this direction...continue reading
HARMLESS FUNK
Pizza Express Maidstone Jazz Club, 12th August 2016
Jake Wilson - guitar; Brandon Allen - sax; Jamie Salisbury keyboards composer; Dave Marks - Bass; Jack Pollit drums
An unexpected evening at Maidstone Pizza Express Jazz Club, introduced me to jazz funk outfit, Harmless Funk.
A collective of some of the best jazz musicians London has to offer, they took us through a journey of classic and contemporary funk, delicious jazz, exhilarating rock, tinged with snippets of Latin for good measure...continue reading
Pizza Express Maidstone Jazz Club, 12th August 2016
Jake Wilson - guitar; Brandon Allen - sax; Jamie Salisbury keyboards composer; Dave Marks - Bass; Jack Pollit drums
An unexpected evening at Maidstone Pizza Express Jazz Club, introduced me to jazz funk outfit, Harmless Funk.
A collective of some of the best jazz musicians London has to offer, they took us through a journey of classic and contemporary funk, delicious jazz, exhilarating rock, tinged with snippets of Latin for good measure...continue reading
JAZZ IN THE ROUND @ THE COCKPIT THEATRE
Gateforth Street, London NW8 – July 25, 2016
Headliner: Ant Law’s Art of Rhythm Trio – Ant Law (guitar); Matt Ridley (double bass); Asaf Sirkis (drums)
Solo: Zoe Rahman (piano)
Opening Band: Seed – Miguel Gorodi (trumpet); Sheila Maurice-Grey (trumpet); Cassie Kinochi (alto sax/leader); Chelsea Carmichael (tenor sax); Nathaniel Cross (trombone); Theon Cross (tuba); Joe Arman-Jones (piano); Oscar Laurence (guitar); Rio Kai (double bass); Patrick Boyle (drums)
I have been documenting events at this monthly series for a couple of years now and have never been disappointed with the music on display. J.I.T.R. is a kind of microcosm of all that is great about the current London jazz scene. Once again, these three contrasting performances really hit the mark...continue reading
Gateforth Street, London NW8 – July 25, 2016
Headliner: Ant Law’s Art of Rhythm Trio – Ant Law (guitar); Matt Ridley (double bass); Asaf Sirkis (drums)
Solo: Zoe Rahman (piano)
Opening Band: Seed – Miguel Gorodi (trumpet); Sheila Maurice-Grey (trumpet); Cassie Kinochi (alto sax/leader); Chelsea Carmichael (tenor sax); Nathaniel Cross (trombone); Theon Cross (tuba); Joe Arman-Jones (piano); Oscar Laurence (guitar); Rio Kai (double bass); Patrick Boyle (drums)
I have been documenting events at this monthly series for a couple of years now and have never been disappointed with the music on display. J.I.T.R. is a kind of microcosm of all that is great about the current London jazz scene. Once again, these three contrasting performances really hit the mark...continue reading
JAMIE CULLUM
Greenwich Music Time Festival - 10th July, 2106
The God’s were kind for the Sunday night performance of the Greenwich Music Time Festival.
We were lucky to have seen Jamie Cullum before at Love Supreme, so we knew what a show man he is.
Walking demurely on stage trade mark jeans and sneakers he launched straight into “The Same Things” punching the keys like a man possessed, leaping off the piano to whack a snare drum at the front of the stage, this is just the first number
...continue reading
Greenwich Music Time Festival - 10th July, 2106
The God’s were kind for the Sunday night performance of the Greenwich Music Time Festival.
We were lucky to have seen Jamie Cullum before at Love Supreme, so we knew what a show man he is.
Walking demurely on stage trade mark jeans and sneakers he launched straight into “The Same Things” punching the keys like a man possessed, leaping off the piano to whack a snare drum at the front of the stage, this is just the first number
...continue reading
LOVE SUPREME FESTIVAL - 1 to 3 July 2016
Read our reviews of this years Love Supreme Festival featuring Grace Jones, John Scofield & Brad Mehldau, Melody Gardot and Kamasi Washington among others, with comments from Jane Bonotto, Jim Burlong and Julian Nicholas...continue reading
Read our reviews of this years Love Supreme Festival featuring Grace Jones, John Scofield & Brad Mehldau, Melody Gardot and Kamasi Washington among others, with comments from Jane Bonotto, Jim Burlong and Julian Nicholas...continue reading
YAZZ AHMED @ SOUNDHUB SHOWCASEYAZZ AHMED @ SOUNDHUB SHOWCASE Jerwood Hall, LS0 St Luke’s, Old Street, London EC1 – 19th June 2016
Based at LSO St Luke’s, Soundhub provides a marvellous environment for composers to explore, collaborate and experiment. It welcomes composers from a rich variety of backgrounds such as contemporary classical, jazz, electronica, multi-media etc. Genres are blurred, boundaries pushed. Ambitious projects are developed in collaboration with LSO musicians and music industry experts.
This midsummer evening’s concert was a living testament to the success of the project which is still in its infancy. Phase 1 showcased the supreme talents of four composers: Yazz Ahmed, Ben Gaunt, Oliver Leith and Lee Westwood. However, since Jazz Views is essentially concerned with all things jazz as opposed to all things music, I decided to discuss Ahmed’s very important contribution to the event rather than to review the entire concert.
Based at LSO St Luke’s, Soundhub provides a marvellous environment for composers to explore, collaborate and experiment. It welcomes composers from a rich variety of backgrounds such as contemporary classical, jazz, electronica, multi-media etc. Genres are blurred, boundaries pushed. Ambitious projects are developed in collaboration with LSO musicians and music industry experts.
This midsummer evening’s concert was a living testament to the success of the project which is still in its infancy. Phase 1 showcased the supreme talents of four composers: Yazz Ahmed, Ben Gaunt, Oliver Leith and Lee Westwood. However, since Jazz Views is essentially concerned with all things jazz as opposed to all things music, I decided to discuss Ahmed’s very important contribution to the event rather than to review the entire concert.
THE CLOGGZ
At The Old Market Hove Sussex 10th April 2016
Fresh from their recent debut CD launch of Stardust & Spangles at Chelsea's 606 Club, pianist and leader Mark Edwards brought his seven piece genre bending band back home to the South Coast on Sunday. With recent Radio Two air play on The Clare Teale programme alongside another great show, it is hoped that this collection of multi-instrumentalists will be able to bring their exotic brand of jazz to the widest possible audience...continue reading
At The Old Market Hove Sussex 10th April 2016
Fresh from their recent debut CD launch of Stardust & Spangles at Chelsea's 606 Club, pianist and leader Mark Edwards brought his seven piece genre bending band back home to the South Coast on Sunday. With recent Radio Two air play on The Clare Teale programme alongside another great show, it is hoped that this collection of multi-instrumentalists will be able to bring their exotic brand of jazz to the widest possible audience...continue reading
THE BUTTON BAND & THE ANT LAW TRIO
At The Golden Hynde Clink Street, London SE1 9DG 31st March 2016
The reproduction of St Francis Drake's Tudor ship "The Golden Hynde" has become one of the most eccentric and iconic jazz venues in the capital. From humble beginnings under a railway arch The Jazz Nursery, as it is called, opens it's decks on the last Thursday of each month to the very best in contemporary jazz and improvised music. As the vessel is an exact replica of the original from the circumnavigation of the globe (1577- 1580) access for the maximum 100 patrons is anything but easy, "mind your ahead and hold on to the ropes" is the clarion call. However once safely on the lower deck the atmosphere is all but electric (something Drake never experienced)...continue reading
At The Golden Hynde Clink Street, London SE1 9DG 31st March 2016
The reproduction of St Francis Drake's Tudor ship "The Golden Hynde" has become one of the most eccentric and iconic jazz venues in the capital. From humble beginnings under a railway arch The Jazz Nursery, as it is called, opens it's decks on the last Thursday of each month to the very best in contemporary jazz and improvised music. As the vessel is an exact replica of the original from the circumnavigation of the globe (1577- 1580) access for the maximum 100 patrons is anything but easy, "mind your ahead and hold on to the ropes" is the clarion call. However once safely on the lower deck the atmosphere is all but electric (something Drake never experienced)...continue reading
SOUTH COAST JAZZ FESTIVAL
21st - 24th January 2016
Following it's highly successful launch by Claire Martin OBE and saxophonist Julian Nicholas in 2015 this years festival promised even greater things and delivered on all counts. Supplementing the seven live performances over four nights at this superb venue were workshops for up and coming musicians by pianist Gareth Williams and saxophonist Julian Nicholas along with an introduction to the music "For Absolute Beginners" by the highly acclaimed journalist and speaker Kevin Le Gendre.
21st - 24th January 2016
Following it's highly successful launch by Claire Martin OBE and saxophonist Julian Nicholas in 2015 this years festival promised even greater things and delivered on all counts. Supplementing the seven live performances over four nights at this superb venue were workshops for up and coming musicians by pianist Gareth Williams and saxophonist Julian Nicholas along with an introduction to the music "For Absolute Beginners" by the highly acclaimed journalist and speaker Kevin Le Gendre.
2015
JAZZ IN THE ROUND @ THE COCKPIT THEATRE
Gateforth Street, London NW8 – November 30, 2015
Headliner: Food - Iain Ballamy (tenor/soprano saxophones/electronics), Thomas Strønen (drums/percussion/electronics)
Duo: Grew and Watts – Stephen Grew (piano), Trevor Watts (soprano/alto saxophones)
Opening Band – J -Sonics - Mike Flynn (bass guitar), John Newey (percussion), Gabor Dornyei (drums), Andy Davies (trumpet), Matt Telfer (tenor saxophone), Clement Regert (guitar)
There are so many things to love about the Jazz in the Round Series. I absolutely subscribe to its core values which cherish diversity, all-inclusiveness, tolerance and the belief that jazz is, and indeed should be, a very broad church...continue reading
Gateforth Street, London NW8 – November 30, 2015
Headliner: Food - Iain Ballamy (tenor/soprano saxophones/electronics), Thomas Strønen (drums/percussion/electronics)
Duo: Grew and Watts – Stephen Grew (piano), Trevor Watts (soprano/alto saxophones)
Opening Band – J -Sonics - Mike Flynn (bass guitar), John Newey (percussion), Gabor Dornyei (drums), Andy Davies (trumpet), Matt Telfer (tenor saxophone), Clement Regert (guitar)
There are so many things to love about the Jazz in the Round Series. I absolutely subscribe to its core values which cherish diversity, all-inclusiveness, tolerance and the belief that jazz is, and indeed should be, a very broad church...continue reading
Photograph by Roger Thomas
COURTNEY PINE & ZOE RAHMAN
Nottingham Arts Theatre - 26th November 2015
Pine and Rahman played a fantastic gig before a packed crowd at the Nottingham arts theatre. If sometimes the East Midlands can seem to lack a real passion for jazz this was not in evidence tonight. Mostly playing material from their 2015 album ‘Ballad Book’ it was interesting how the sound translated live. If the part of the charm of the album was in its relative simplicity then with Pine’s passion for improvisation a more challenging musical experience greeted the crowd...continue reading
Nottingham Arts Theatre - 26th November 2015
Pine and Rahman played a fantastic gig before a packed crowd at the Nottingham arts theatre. If sometimes the East Midlands can seem to lack a real passion for jazz this was not in evidence tonight. Mostly playing material from their 2015 album ‘Ballad Book’ it was interesting how the sound translated live. If the part of the charm of the album was in its relative simplicity then with Pine’s passion for improvisation a more challenging musical experience greeted the crowd...continue reading
LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL
Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd November 2015
Click on the image to read reviews of concerts by GoGo Penguin, Keith Jarrett, Marie Schneider and others.
Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd November 2015
Click on the image to read reviews of concerts by GoGo Penguin, Keith Jarrett, Marie Schneider and others.
GOGO PENGUIN
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KAMASI WASHINGTON
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MARIA SCHNEIDER ORCHESTRA
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KEITH JARRETT
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ALEX GARNETT'S BUNCH OF 5
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NEW YORK STANDARDS QUARTET
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photo by Rob Blackham
MATT RIDLEY QUARTET - At The Royal Festival Hall (Central Bar) South Bank Centre, London - 13th November 2015
There were at least two hundred patrons crammed into the performance area adjacent to The Clore Ballroom to see one of Britain's very finest contemporary quartets as part of the "Friday Tonic" series on the first night of the EFG London Jazz Festival.
This band is highly creative and exciting, working in a genre somewhere between free form and advanced lyricism and containing four talented musicians who have developed an almost telepathic musical understanding. Matt Ridley the leader and bassist is a graduate of The Trinity College Of Music and has established a solid place in the UK scene. He is the heartbeat of The Darius Brubeck Quartet as well as leading his own groups with whom he is also the principal composer...continue reading
There were at least two hundred patrons crammed into the performance area adjacent to The Clore Ballroom to see one of Britain's very finest contemporary quartets as part of the "Friday Tonic" series on the first night of the EFG London Jazz Festival.
This band is highly creative and exciting, working in a genre somewhere between free form and advanced lyricism and containing four talented musicians who have developed an almost telepathic musical understanding. Matt Ridley the leader and bassist is a graduate of The Trinity College Of Music and has established a solid place in the UK scene. He is the heartbeat of The Darius Brubeck Quartet as well as leading his own groups with whom he is also the principal composer...continue reading
photo by Louis de Carlo
JULIAN ARGÜELLES' TETRA
Live at the Bonington Theatre, Nottingham, 5th November 2015
Since the 1960s jazz has progressively detached itself from artistic modernism. More lately the artistic soundscape of contemporary jazz is increasingly a celebration of the local and the global. The new age of cosmopolitan jazz is concerned to explore complex identities and patterns within music drawing from a range of influences. Julien Arguelles is a wonderful expression of contemporary trends at their most lyrical and exploratory...continue reading
Live at the Bonington Theatre, Nottingham, 5th November 2015
Since the 1960s jazz has progressively detached itself from artistic modernism. More lately the artistic soundscape of contemporary jazz is increasingly a celebration of the local and the global. The new age of cosmopolitan jazz is concerned to explore complex identities and patterns within music drawing from a range of influences. Julien Arguelles is a wonderful expression of contemporary trends at their most lyrical and exploratory...continue reading
SHERYL BAILEY
At The Clocktower Cafe Croydon 29th October 2015
Widely known as "The New York Guitar Goddess", this was the third gig of Sheryl Bailey's annual UK tour taking in the likes of Ronnie Scott's, Brighton's Verdict Jazz Club and The Crypt in Camberwell alongside workshops and tutorials. For The Clocktower performance she was joined by Alex Garnett on alto and Simon Woolfe on bass...continue reading
At The Clocktower Cafe Croydon 29th October 2015
Widely known as "The New York Guitar Goddess", this was the third gig of Sheryl Bailey's annual UK tour taking in the likes of Ronnie Scott's, Brighton's Verdict Jazz Club and The Crypt in Camberwell alongside workshops and tutorials. For The Clocktower performance she was joined by Alex Garnett on alto and Simon Woolfe on bass...continue reading
CLEVELAND WATKISS
The intersecting musical spheres of Cleve Watkiss and his Song Diasporas
Virrtuoso singer, DJ, actor and composer, Cleveland Watkiss, treated his appreciative audience to a vocal tour de force at London’s St James Theatre Studio on October 26th. The occasion was the launch of the CD, Song Diasporas, co–created by himself, pianist Jonathan Gee and acoustic bassist, Larry Bartley.
Arguably the best male jazz vocalist in Britain, Watkiss artfully wove jazz, jungle, Brazilian, reggae, rock and European classical compositions into a multi-textured musical tapestry...continue reading
The intersecting musical spheres of Cleve Watkiss and his Song Diasporas
Virrtuoso singer, DJ, actor and composer, Cleveland Watkiss, treated his appreciative audience to a vocal tour de force at London’s St James Theatre Studio on October 26th. The occasion was the launch of the CD, Song Diasporas, co–created by himself, pianist Jonathan Gee and acoustic bassist, Larry Bartley.
Arguably the best male jazz vocalist in Britain, Watkiss artfully wove jazz, jungle, Brazilian, reggae, rock and European classical compositions into a multi-textured musical tapestry...continue reading
IAN SHAW QUARTET At The Ropetackle Arts Centre Shoreham By Sea 16th October 2015
Home of the highly successful South Coast Jazz Festival, The Ropetackle host's some of the most forward thinking and progressive jazz acts from all over the UK in a cabaret or concert style setting. This modern building is just across the road down the harbour, and includes a well appointed cafe and bar.
Double BBC Jazz Award Winner Ian Shaw has been a class act for many years and must now be in the top rank of "real" jazz singers alongside the likes of Kurt Elling and Mark Murphy. His delivery is uncompromising and his choice of material excellent. The groups latest album " The Theory Of Joy" has just been released on on the Jazz Village label following hard on the heels of the excellent "A Ghost In Every Bar" Ian's 13th studio release and a fine interpretation of lyricist Fran Landesman's works...continue reading
Home of the highly successful South Coast Jazz Festival, The Ropetackle host's some of the most forward thinking and progressive jazz acts from all over the UK in a cabaret or concert style setting. This modern building is just across the road down the harbour, and includes a well appointed cafe and bar.
Double BBC Jazz Award Winner Ian Shaw has been a class act for many years and must now be in the top rank of "real" jazz singers alongside the likes of Kurt Elling and Mark Murphy. His delivery is uncompromising and his choice of material excellent. The groups latest album " The Theory Of Joy" has just been released on on the Jazz Village label following hard on the heels of the excellent "A Ghost In Every Bar" Ian's 13th studio release and a fine interpretation of lyricist Fran Landesman's works...continue reading
BIG BAND BRITANNIA: THE MUSIC OF TUBBY HAYES & STAN TRACEY - Live at the Herts Jazz Festival: 20th September 2015
Loose Tubes to open the Festival! Big Band Britannia to close! Quite a coup! Bookends do not come better than this! The compere of the last evening of the Festival, with a relaxed, almost sardonic, style was Simon Spillett who plays the Tubby Hayes archive as well as a tenor. Spillett’s admiration of Tubby Hayes extends well beyond writing the biography; he even plays like Tubby. ..continue reading
Loose Tubes to open the Festival! Big Band Britannia to close! Quite a coup! Bookends do not come better than this! The compere of the last evening of the Festival, with a relaxed, almost sardonic, style was Simon Spillett who plays the Tubby Hayes archive as well as a tenor. Spillett’s admiration of Tubby Hayes extends well beyond writing the biography; he even plays like Tubby. ..continue reading
LOOSE TUBES - Live at the Herts Jazz Festival: 18th September 2015
‘What is a Loose Tube?’ Overheard a woman asking her boyfriend in the queue for the bar before the concert. Didn’t catch his reply. Most people at the Herts Jazz Festival approached the Loose Tubes concert with a mixture of hope, anticipation and concern that a twenty five year gap would have eroded their invention, vitality and humour. The first chords of ‘Sad Afrika’ swept all that away, music that was exuberant, boisterous, diverse, unique poured out....continue reading
‘What is a Loose Tube?’ Overheard a woman asking her boyfriend in the queue for the bar before the concert. Didn’t catch his reply. Most people at the Herts Jazz Festival approached the Loose Tubes concert with a mixture of hope, anticipation and concern that a twenty five year gap would have eroded their invention, vitality and humour. The first chords of ‘Sad Afrika’ swept all that away, music that was exuberant, boisterous, diverse, unique poured out....continue reading
RADIO BANSKA - Live At St Ives Jazz Club: 25th August 2015
St Ives Jazz Club has recently been given the Parliamentary Award as the Jazz Venue Of The Year. Naturally therefore I felt it only right to take a look during a recent holiday in Cornwall!
The club is situated in the Western Hotel on Gabriel Street, and it does not take long to appreciate why such an award has been bestowed upon the club. Known locally as "The Last Jazz Club Before New York" the room is on two levels set out in cabaret style with standing room as well as candle lit tables and low lighting. A deep red dominates the colour scheme making for an intimate ambience and atmosphere. Capacity looks to be well over one hundred patrons...continue reading
St Ives Jazz Club has recently been given the Parliamentary Award as the Jazz Venue Of The Year. Naturally therefore I felt it only right to take a look during a recent holiday in Cornwall!
The club is situated in the Western Hotel on Gabriel Street, and it does not take long to appreciate why such an award has been bestowed upon the club. Known locally as "The Last Jazz Club Before New York" the room is on two levels set out in cabaret style with standing room as well as candle lit tables and low lighting. A deep red dominates the colour scheme making for an intimate ambience and atmosphere. Capacity looks to be well over one hundred patrons...continue reading
VEIN & THE CHIHIRO YAMANAKA TRIO - Ronnie Scott's Club Soho 15th August 2015
"Sold Out" notices were in evidence long before the doors opened on the last night of the week long "International Piano Trio Festival" at Britain's most famous jazz club .
The house was packed to the doors to see and hear the phenomenon that is Chihiro Yamanaka...continue reading
"Sold Out" notices were in evidence long before the doors opened on the last night of the week long "International Piano Trio Festival" at Britain's most famous jazz club .
The house was packed to the doors to see and hear the phenomenon that is Chihiro Yamanaka...continue reading
THE MATT WATES SEXTET & THE FRANK GRIFFITH NONET - At The Ealing Jazz Festival Friday 31st July 2015
Now in it's 31st year The Ealing Jazz Festival draws large crowds to Walpole park for five days over the first weekend in August. Compered by genial host, drummer and leader of The Sound of Seventeen Big Band Dick Esmond the festival this year boasted fifty eight performances over three stages plus fringe events.
Most of the musicians are based in West London including a number of the "A" listers helping to give the festival a warm,friendly and relaxed feel. Although enjoying Duo sessions in the Piano Bar along with up and coming bands on the South Stage my prime purpose was to review two acts in the Main Arena during the evening...continue reading
Now in it's 31st year The Ealing Jazz Festival draws large crowds to Walpole park for five days over the first weekend in August. Compered by genial host, drummer and leader of The Sound of Seventeen Big Band Dick Esmond the festival this year boasted fifty eight performances over three stages plus fringe events.
Most of the musicians are based in West London including a number of the "A" listers helping to give the festival a warm,friendly and relaxed feel. Although enjoying Duo sessions in the Piano Bar along with up and coming bands on the South Stage my prime purpose was to review two acts in the Main Arena during the evening...continue reading
Julian Siegel of Partisans - Photo Credit Tabatha Fireman (Getty Images)
THE LOVE SUPREME JAZZ FESTIVAL Glynde House Nr Lewes Sussex - 3rd/4th/5th July 2015
Sponsored by Jazz FM the third year of the jazz world's answer to Glastonbury took place over this Summer weekend adjacent to the famous Glyndbourne Opera House deep in the Sussex countryside . Those with weekend camping or even glamping tickets (five levels available) were entertained on the Friday evening In The Arena, Blue in Green Bar and Jazz Lounge. The heavyweight acts commenced over two full days from Saturday, the day I attended.
Having been to one day each year from the start I must say that the experience , unless you are still in the first phase of youth can be really hard on the body but ultimately worth it.On the day thirty six events were scheduled to take place over four stages plus two smaller venues...continue reading
Sponsored by Jazz FM the third year of the jazz world's answer to Glastonbury took place over this Summer weekend adjacent to the famous Glyndbourne Opera House deep in the Sussex countryside . Those with weekend camping or even glamping tickets (five levels available) were entertained on the Friday evening In The Arena, Blue in Green Bar and Jazz Lounge. The heavyweight acts commenced over two full days from Saturday, the day I attended.
Having been to one day each year from the start I must say that the experience , unless you are still in the first phase of youth can be really hard on the body but ultimately worth it.On the day thirty six events were scheduled to take place over four stages plus two smaller venues...continue reading
JAZZ IN THE ROUND @ THE COCKPIT THEATRE
Gateforth Street, London NW8 - June 29, 2015
When I’m not gigging on the last Monday of every month (with the exception of August) I am ever so pleased as it gives me chance to check out the latest Jazz in the Round event. Invariably I am able to savour an embarrassment of riches. The quality of the musicianship is always top-notch whether the players are fresh out of college or seasoned old pros.
The latest incarnation of JITR had a distinctly straightahead/boppy flavour to it, though this could hardly be said of John Etheridge’s solo set which wasn’t defined by any particular genre, his free-flowing imagination taking us on a wondrous journey through the entire history of the guitar...continue reading
Gateforth Street, London NW8 - June 29, 2015
When I’m not gigging on the last Monday of every month (with the exception of August) I am ever so pleased as it gives me chance to check out the latest Jazz in the Round event. Invariably I am able to savour an embarrassment of riches. The quality of the musicianship is always top-notch whether the players are fresh out of college or seasoned old pros.
The latest incarnation of JITR had a distinctly straightahead/boppy flavour to it, though this could hardly be said of John Etheridge’s solo set which wasn’t defined by any particular genre, his free-flowing imagination taking us on a wondrous journey through the entire history of the guitar...continue reading
NIGEL PRICE - GUITAR
The Snowdrop Inn, 119 South Street, Lewes, Sussex BN7 2BU - 15th June, 2015
Nestling under the chalk cliffs of the South Downs this picturesque hostelry has been presenting Monday night jazz for over five years. Gigs are hosted by Brighton pianist,organist,band leader and jazz tutor Terry Seabrook.A warm welcome is guaranteed from the jazz loving landlord and staff serving great food and a vast range of real ales...continue reading
The Snowdrop Inn, 119 South Street, Lewes, Sussex BN7 2BU - 15th June, 2015
Nestling under the chalk cliffs of the South Downs this picturesque hostelry has been presenting Monday night jazz for over five years. Gigs are hosted by Brighton pianist,organist,band leader and jazz tutor Terry Seabrook.A warm welcome is guaranteed from the jazz loving landlord and staff serving great food and a vast range of real ales...continue reading
JAZZ IN THE ROUND @ THE COCKPIT THEATRE
Gateforth Street, London NW8 - April 27, 2015
I reviewed the Jazz in the Round gig for the first time at the end of February. It was a hugely memorable experience – but then every performance I attend there seems to be a special one. Tonight was no exception....continue reading
Gateforth Street, London NW8 - April 27, 2015
I reviewed the Jazz in the Round gig for the first time at the end of February. It was a hugely memorable experience – but then every performance I attend there seems to be a special one. Tonight was no exception....continue reading
GEOFF
SIMKINS QUARTET @ THE VERDICT, BRIGHTON
APRIL 17th 2015
Geoff Simkins (alto saxophone), Gareth Williams (piano), Simon Woolf (double bass), Martin France (drums)
Brightonian Simkins is one of the UK’s finest alto saxophoinists, very much in the Lee Konitz mould. His sound is pure and lovely, his execution clean and immaculate. He extols the virtues of post-bop West Coast “cool”. He never over-blows and doesn’t over-solo. Coltraneish “sheets of sound” and Ornette free-blow are out of bounds for this player. Instead, everything is beautifully relaxed and lucid. ..continue reading
APRIL 17th 2015
Geoff Simkins (alto saxophone), Gareth Williams (piano), Simon Woolf (double bass), Martin France (drums)
Brightonian Simkins is one of the UK’s finest alto saxophoinists, very much in the Lee Konitz mould. His sound is pure and lovely, his execution clean and immaculate. He extols the virtues of post-bop West Coast “cool”. He never over-blows and doesn’t over-solo. Coltraneish “sheets of sound” and Ornette free-blow are out of bounds for this player. Instead, everything is beautifully relaxed and lucid. ..continue reading
TROYKA - Live at the Hot House, Morecambe
February 28th 2015
As I approach the venue, a lovingly restored Victorian show house in the heart of Morecambe, West End, the stormy weather sets a scene of moody melancholia. After listening to ornithophobia (perhaps a little too zealously) none stop for the past 24 hours, something about the mood just feels right...continue reading
February 28th 2015
As I approach the venue, a lovingly restored Victorian show house in the heart of Morecambe, West End, the stormy weather sets a scene of moody melancholia. After listening to ornithophobia (perhaps a little too zealously) none stop for the past 24 hours, something about the mood just feels right...continue reading
JAZZ IN THE ROUND - THE COCKPIT THEATRE
Gateforth Street, London NW8 February 23, 2015
The “Jazz in the Round” series is one of the most precious jewels of the current London jazz scene. It takes place on the last Monday of every month, with a summer break in August, at Marylebone’s iconic Cockpit Theatre. Those of us of a certain age will well remember the 18-month London Weekend Television series “Music in the Round” presented by Humphrey Burton from The Cockpit which...continue reading
Gateforth Street, London NW8 February 23, 2015
The “Jazz in the Round” series is one of the most precious jewels of the current London jazz scene. It takes place on the last Monday of every month, with a summer break in August, at Marylebone’s iconic Cockpit Theatre. Those of us of a certain age will well remember the 18-month London Weekend Television series “Music in the Round” presented by Humphrey Burton from The Cockpit which...continue reading
MAURIZIO MINARDI - Interview / Album Launch
The Vortex Jazz Club, London N16 - February 18, 2015
I had the pleasure of reviewing Minardi’s new album Piano Ambulance a few weeks ago for Jazz Views. Of the seven albums I received just before Christmas, this CD seemed to stand out from the rest. Yes the Chick Corea 3-album collection gave me great joy and there were lovely moments in some of the other CDs but Piano Ambulance was extra-special...continue reading
The Vortex Jazz Club, London N16 - February 18, 2015
I had the pleasure of reviewing Minardi’s new album Piano Ambulance a few weeks ago for Jazz Views. Of the seven albums I received just before Christmas, this CD seemed to stand out from the rest. Yes the Chick Corea 3-album collection gave me great joy and there were lovely moments in some of the other CDs but Piano Ambulance was extra-special...continue reading
ISSIE BARRATT’S 50th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION CONCERT
KINGS PLACE, 90 YORK WAY, LONDON N1 9EG JANUARY 24, 2015
Issie Barratt is one of the most dynamic forces on the contemporary world music stage today. Composer, arranger, lyricist, record producer, baritone saxophonist and educator, she is a lady of many talents. She established Trinity College of Music’s Jazz Faculty in 1999 and in 2007 founded NYJC (National Youth Jazz Collective). She is passionate about jazz education...continue reading
KINGS PLACE, 90 YORK WAY, LONDON N1 9EG JANUARY 24, 2015
Issie Barratt is one of the most dynamic forces on the contemporary world music stage today. Composer, arranger, lyricist, record producer, baritone saxophonist and educator, she is a lady of many talents. She established Trinity College of Music’s Jazz Faculty in 1999 and in 2007 founded NYJC (National Youth Jazz Collective). She is passionate about jazz education...continue reading
YOUTH JAZZ IN PORTCULLIS HOUSE feat. NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ COLLECTIVE plus special guest DAVE HOLLAND - WED 21 JANUARY 2015
During the last few years I've attended quite a few events sponsored by APPJAG (All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group) and PPL at the House of Commons. They are always hugely enjoyable occasions but this latest was extra special...continue reading
During the last few years I've attended quite a few events sponsored by APPJAG (All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group) and PPL at the House of Commons. They are always hugely enjoyable occasions but this latest was extra special...continue reading
2014
JAN GARBAREK & THE HILLIARD ENSEMBLE - OFFICIUM (The Final Concert)
Kings College Chapel Cambridge - 6th December 2014
The Hilliard Ensemble
David James (counter tenor); Steven Harrold, Rogers Covey-Crump (tenors); Gordon Jones (baritone);
Guest John Potter (tenor); Jan Garbarek (soprano saxophone)
Kings College Chapel Cambridge - 6th December 2014
The Hilliard Ensemble
David James (counter tenor); Steven Harrold, Rogers Covey-Crump (tenors); Gordon Jones (baritone);
Guest John Potter (tenor); Jan Garbarek (soprano saxophone)
LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL 2014
Jack Kenny reviews some of the concerts from this year's Festival. Click on the images to read what he has to say about performances from:
Jack Kenny reviews some of the concerts from this year's Festival. Click on the images to read what he has to say about performances from:
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