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	Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our Readers from all at JazzWestMids

Jazz on a Winter’s Weekend Southport, 5-7 February 2010

This major event is set fair to be highly successful and enjoyable for all involved. Weekend and individual concert tickets are still available. Our picture shows Croatian piano genius David Gazarov whose trio, featuring Martin Drew and Andy Cleyndert, will be appearing on Saturday.

For full programme details visit www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk and for accommodation and bookings tel 01704 541790 or e-mail matthewsjazz@sky.com

Roysters Jazz Weekend
21-24 January 2010

If you fancy a break after Christmas why not join Roy Upham for a great weekend of happy jazz in Torquay. Bands include the newly booked Steve Graham’s Classic Jazz Band, Reeds United, George Huxley, JB Jazz & Blues, Tony Oreshko, John Shillito (pictured) and Judy Eames Kaminsky Connection.

See www.roystersjazz.co.uk or phone Roy on 01803 311291.

Jazz Weekend with John Hallam
& Friends 16-18 April 2010

April 2010 sees the first of a series of Jazz Weekends to be held at the luxurious Burnside Hotel, Bowness on Windermere,

in the heart of the Lake District. John Hallam invites Alan Barnes, Roy Williams & the Tom Kincaid Trio to join him over the weekend, which will have a relaxed, informal party atmosphere with excellent music.

The Burnside Hotel offers superb accommodation, a fine restaurant, spectacular views, leisure facilities and is within walking distance of the Lake and the bustling village centre.

- STELLA IN CHARGE -

Many of you may have seen a new face around on JWM. That will be Stella Draper who has taken over from Linda as Editor of the magazine. Linda and Barry are still involved and helping Stella as she finds her feet.

SJN Gig of the Month Saturday 23 January 2010

John Turville Trio

John Turville - piano
Chris Hill - bass
Ben Reynolds - drums

The John Turville trio play original music that has a rhythmic vitality and openness while maintaining a deep lyricism and collective empathy. In February 2008 they recorded their first album 'Midas' in Artesuono Studio, Udine, Italy, and will be released and toured in January 2010.

John Turville is an experienced composer as well as a trained classical pianist, and wrote many orchestral, chamber and piano works from an early age. He received the Ted Heath arrangers prize for a big band arrangement in 2000, and currently runs the E17 big band, which is due to commission Liam Noble to write a suite for a festival in the summer. Having studied music at Cambridge University and London's Guildhall, he has since toured the UK and Germany and recorded with Gilad Atzmon, and currently plays regularly with Tim Garland, Tim Whitehead, Guillermo Rozenthuler's folkloric quartet 'Rioplatenses', Dog Soup (recently featured in Jazzwise), and the Koby Israelite Group, with which he toured the UK, Poland, Bulgaria, Portugal and Austria in 2008. John is also the pianist for many tango groups, including the Birmingham-based 'El Ultimo Tango' and Transtango, a multimedia project featuring Tim Garland and Eduardo Vassell as well as recently working with Lighthouse trio.

Ben Reynolds is one of the most in-demand and versatile drummers in London, currently performing with the Joe Stilgoe Trio (Candid), Jez Frank's 'Compassionate Dictatorship', and the BBC award-winning band 'Fraud'. He has also toured extensively with Jackie Dankworth, Stan Suizmann, Claire Teal and Mark Lockheart.

Chris Hill is probably the busiest and most in-demand bass player in the UK. He is currently touring with Jamie Cullum, and has played for some major pop artists including Damon Albarn and Katie Melua. In the jazz world, he has appeared with the Mingus Big Band, Joe Stilgoe, Martin Taylor, Gilad Atzmon, Stacey Kent and Dylan Howe.

Tickets £10/£8 from above or at the door
Passport to Leisure Holders £7
Under 16s Free
Doors open 7 pm
Performance starts at 8 pm

CHRISTMAS WITH THE STEVE KING BIG BAND

Christmas is coming early for big band fans as the Steve King Big Band appear at Halesowen Members Club at lunchtime on Sunday 13th December for a special seasonal concert. They will be joined by top American vocalist Lynn Dawes singing some Christmas favourites.

The club has recently had a “makeover” after many years as the local Labour club, and is now open to anyone turning up on the day. The concert starts at midday and admission is £6.

The Pimpernel has become renowned for some great mainstream jazz on Sunday afternoons, 3 to 6pm (most events are free).
Here are some highlights of the Dec/Jan programme:

• Dec 13
  Special Christmas Jazz Concert with SIMON SPILLETT (pictured above) & Edgar Macías Trio
  with Miles Levin (drums) - £2 admission charge for this one!!
• Dec 20
  Christmas Party with Brenda Scott, Mike Alexander (piano), John Porter (bass) & John Gibson (drums)
• Jan 10
  Celebrating the New Year 2010 with the Scarlet Pimpernel All Stars:
  Brenda Scott, Roy Forbes, Frank Leadon, Jim McAllister, Tony Rome, Phil Phillips, Chris Bowden, Ray Butcher, Andy Peate, Kenny Mac, Richard Adey, Les Hemmings, Seamus Denver, Edgar Macías, Bill Coleman, Miles Levin, Richard Sealey

GUMBLES JAZZ CLUB XMAS BASH

We're delighted to announce the appearance of the great UK saxophonist Dave O'Higgins + Trio and Guests for our annual Christmas Jazz Extravaganza.

Dave is certainly one of this country's most outstanding players, working in the past with Kyle Eastwood, BBC Big Band, Meier Group, John Serry, US 3, Incognito, Salif Keita, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, Martin Taylor, Jim Mullen, Matt Bianco, Sarah Jane Morris, The National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Mezzoforte, Roadside Picnic, Jason Rebello, Clark Tracey Sextet, Itchy Fingers, Interzone, Matthew Herbert, Peter Gabriel, Jamie Cullum……and many more........though one of the most prominent moments of his career (& arguably the one of least artistic merit!) was as the busker in "The Return of Mr Bean"

Here are the finer points:

• Sunday 20th December 2009
• Doors Open 7.30pm (band plays at 8pm) - yes, really! at the County Officers Club, Eastgate St, Stafford ST 16 2NG
• Admission £8 (£6 students)

'Santa' will be there to present a bumper raffle (All poor quality donations welcome) and there will be hand-pumped beer at 1980s prices. There should be more space than at the Gilad gig - physical as well as musical.

This is in addition to Dan Nicholls' concert on Sunday 13th December.

If you need any further info, please contact, Chris Gumbley, on 07779 721717. (Yule be nuts - nay, crackers - to miss it!)

 

7th Bridgnorth Jazz Festival
October 23-25

Alan Barnes (pictured) and his All Stars with Bruce Adams, Roy Williams and the Craig Milverton Trio open the Festival. On the Saturday the exciting Jazz Trail is followed by A Night in New Orleans at the Down Inn with guest star Martin Litton. On Sunday Karen Sharp and Robert Fowler pay tribute to Al Cohn and Zoot Sims at the Swan, Knowle Sands

Ticket hotlines 01746 765737 or 07710 242446.

Bridgnorth Jazz Festival, Jazz Trail

On Saturday October 24th many top quality artists, including Alan Barnes, Craig Milverton, Bruce Adams, Roy Williams, Erika Lyons, Dee Daly, Mike Piggott, Spats Langham, Casey Greene, Paul Degville, Karen Sharp, Carole Westwood and many more, will be performing at venues throughout Bridgnorth and on the Severn Valley Railway. Stroller tickets £12 for the entire Jazz Trail, railway tickets separate but at a discount. E-mail tim.lord01@btinternet.com for full information.

CLEO LAINE AND JOHN DANKWORTH @ STRATFORD ON AVON MUSIC FESTIVAL

Friday 9 October, Civic Hall, Rother Street, 7.30pm

Cleo Laine and John Dankworth need no introduction to jazz fans. Often described as the ‘Royal Couple’ of British Jazz, they show no signs of stopping. Back from a tour of the US the couple return to Stratford for what will undoubtedly be a show-stopping evening. A New York critic recently wrote: “Dankworth‘s alto sax and clarinet sound as gossamer as ever, while Laine’s voice remains a wonder of agility.” At 81 Cleo and John are still performing to sell-out audiences the world over.

Tickets from Civic Hall Box Office on 01789 207100 or online at www.civichall.co.uk Full details of Festival at www.stratfordmusicfestival.com

PAUL VERNON CHESTER QUARTET

Sunday 4 October, White Swan Hotel, Rother Street, Stratford on Avon, 8pm

If you hanker for the pulsating music of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli this evening is for you. Paul Vernon Chester is renowned on the world stage as a leading exponent of gypsy jazz in the Django tradition.

Tickets from 01789 298607 or on the door.

DIFFERENT VENUE FOR STRATFORD JAZZ QUINTET OF THE YEAR

On Sun 08 Nov Stratford Jazz's Quintet of the Year will be in the Upstairs Function Room at No1 Shakespeare Street. They are:

• Greg Abate (left - reeds)
• Alan Barnes (pictured below right - reeds)
  Tom Hill (bass)
• Paul Sawtell (keyboard)
• Neil Bullock (drums)

This band went down a storm when they played at the White Swan last November and such enormous interest has been shown in the re-booking that we have decided to transfer the gig from the White Swan to No.1 Shakespeare Street. Please note all other events are at the White Swan as per Listings.

Sun 08 Nov, 8pm - £10 On Door & 1st Drink £FREE! - www.stratfordjazz.org.uk - www.shakespearestreet.co.uk

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS...

... Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival; 10, 11, 12 and 13 June 2010

Bands interested in appearing at this Festival and wishing to be considered should send full contact details (Name, Address, Tel/Fax Number, Email Address, Website) and, if possible, some demo music for Committee assessment to Leon McCaig, 90 St Mary Street, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4EJ.

Bands which have previously played the Festival need not do this as they will automatically be considered for 2010

Would you Adam & Eve it

Sunday Jazz comes to Digbeth

with The Steve King Big Band

On 22nd Novembeer the Adam & Eve pub in Digbeth, an already well established music venue, will be starting Sunday lunchtime jazz with the Steve KIng Big Band. Music will be from 1 - 3 pm and admission will be free.

For more information and future events go to www.theadam.co.uk. For more on the band go to www.stevekingbigband.co.uk

Summersault Jazz Diner, Rugby

Live Jazz & Nosh on Friday & Saturday Nights

Summersault Jazz Diner has live jazz bands every Friday night and live jazz piano on Saturday nights. Music starts at 7pm, food available from 6.30pm.

Summersault is a unique and atmospheric restaurant and coffee house where everything is cooked in house using organic, meat free ingredients to produce real food and drink; Summersault's excellent reputation for good food has been developed since 1989.

To find out more about the Jazz programme or any other information see contact details and website below:-

Summersault Restaurant, 27 High Street, Rugby, CV21 3BW - 01788 543223
www.summersault.ltd.uk

Stella Joins us as Co-Editor

We are delighted to welcome our new co-editor Stella Draper. Linda has broken her leg so she is particularly grateful to her husband Barry, and to Stella, for their help in producing this magazine. If you would like to be part of our team please phone Linda on 0121-241 6751 or e-mail jazzwestmids@yahoo.co.uk.

JAZZ ON A WINTER’S WEEKEND, 5-7 FEBRUARY 2010.

Southport Melodic Jazz has announced the programme for their 6th ‘Jazz on a Winter’s Weekend’. The festival has an essentially contemporary Brit-Jazz flavour with 11 concerts and 3 workshops packed into a busy weekend. Friday opens with the young and dynamic 6 Pac and the evening sees Martin Drew’s New Couriers with Robin Aspland, followed by the Joe Stilgoe Trio (pictured).

Saturday starts with the Iain Dixon-Mike Hall Quintet followed by Croatian piano genius David Gazarov with Martin Drew and Andy Cleyndert. Multi instrumentalist Al Wood leads his big band into the evening session with Alan Barnes guesting, and the late spot goes to the David Newton XSK band.

The final day includes the Royal Northern College of Music Big Band with guest guitarist Mike Walker. Top UK jazz vocalist Cleveland Watkiss’s trio in the afternoon is followed by Steve Waterman’s star-studded tentet with music from Gerry Mulligan to Chick Corea. The weekend ends with Mike Hall on tenor sax with piano star Dan Whieldon, Alec Dankworth and Clark Tracey.

Tickets from SMJC on 01704 541790 or www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk
For accommodation call 01704 533771 or www.theroyalcliftonhotel.co.uk

George Huxley Quartet with Caz at Wilmcote

A special event at the Village Hall, Glebe Rd, Wilmcote, on Saturday October 24th from 7.30pm. Ticket only, including supper. Tel 01789 293340 after 6pm.

GWYNETH HERBERT

@ Lichfield Guildhall
Friday 9^th October

Gwyneth has been described by The Observer as "A voice that’s a knowing mix of honey, steel and gravel… Her voice vibrating over the lyrics in a way that makes your toes curl and your hair stand on end."

8.30pm
Tickets: £14/£13 concs /£12 members/£7 students
Phone 01543 262223 or click here to book online

Jaga Jazzist Hit Leeds & London

Norwegian jazz-rock group Jaga Jazzist will be coming to the UK for the first time since 2005, would you be able to post this up as news? The band will be doing just two UK shows: Leeds (as part of Brainwash Festival IV) at TJ's Woodhouse Club on Thursday 29th October, and the night before at the Barbican in London. For more information please got to www.brainwashleeds.co.uk

Advance tickets for the Leeds show are priced at £15.00, with support coming from Brighton's prog-rock 7 piece Diagonal.

Mike Burney & Friends at the White Lion

The White Lion, Sandwell St. Walsall WS1 3EQ presents Mainstream Jazz on the 1st Monday of each month, featuring The Little London Jazz Quartet. The quartet consists of Tony Hooper on keyboards, Mike Burney (right) on sax and flute, Tyrone Bishop on bass, and Rick Tams on drums. The music will be in the lounge of the White Lion, a large Victorian pub just outside Walsall town centre.

Come and relax and enjoy their award winning range of real ales and traditional ciders. Next date is Monday 5th October, admission free. For information 01922 628542.

 

LEGENDS OF SWING

@ Kings Heath

On Friday October 2nd at the Kings Heath Cricket Club Alan Becks presents his show Dean Martin & Legends of Swing. There will be songs from all the great singers of the Rat Pack era: Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr, Tony Bennett etc. plus Buddy Holly. Come along and enjoy a great evening!

For more information contact Polly on 0121-444 1362.

7th SCARBOROUGH JAZZ FESTIVAL
18-20 September

This year’s Festival sparkles with some great American jazz stars: Kyle Eastwood, Steve Grossman, Ken Peplowski and Mike Janisch, and much of the cream of UK jazz. Named in The Guardian as one of the top five UK jazz festivals, we are lucky to have in Scarborough Spa a grand Victorian venue with superb sound and lighting set against the beautiful backdrop of harbour, castle and seaside.

Highlights include: on Friday evening the incredible Jazzcotech dancers with the Dave O’Higgins Septet, Liane Carroll (pictured), playing on the Spa Bosendorfer grand, Ken Peplowski and Alan Barnes with the Dave Newton Trio (American reeds virtuoso with British award winners), Andy Panayi’s Big Band, Arnie Somygi’s ‘Scenes in the City’, John Etheridge and Christian Garrick, Trudy Kerr and Michael Garrick, Killer Shrimp, Mike Janisch Quintet, Nicolas Meier Group featuring Gilad Atzmon, and the Steve Grossman / Damon Brown Quintet.

Full information from 01723 357869 or www.scarboroughjazzfestival.co.uk

Herbert Spliffington Allstars

@ Bearwood Corks

This coming Thursday, September 24th, a sensational 7 piece outfit that combines Ska, Reggae and other Jamaican rhythms with Jazz will play it's first Birmingham gig at Bearwood Corks. The band is fronted by Singer and Percussionist, Satch Dixon who actually saw Corks Club resident Jazz legend Andy Hamilton play while they both were still living in Jamaica.

The band is led by Jazz Pianist, Pete Beresford, and also features Fuzz Townsend (ex Pop Will Eat Itself and Bentley Rhythm Ace - now with Pama International) on Drums along with Simon King (guitar), Jamie Brownfield (trumpet), Geraint Davies (trombone) and Kevin Willoughby (bass guitar), who has worked with Ismael Lo, Sekou Keita and Baaba Maal.

Quite a vibe is building up around this gig which will be boosted by the presence of some outstanding guests. Expect to be entertained.

Bearwood Corks Club 558 Bearwood Rd, B66 4BT £5/4
0121 429 2091 - www.bearwoodjazz.co.uk

NOW OUT

A PLACE IN THE SUNLIGHT

BY ESTHER MILLER

"A Place in the Sunlight" is in collaboration with Pianist/Composer, Steve Melling who has been working very closely with me over the past year and a half and features Steve Waterman on trumpet, Steve Melling on Piano, Zoltan Dekany on Bass, John Perry on Drums and special guest, Peter King on Alto Sax.
Recorded in September last year, the material covered on this release is mostly original with a few modern standards.

To celebrate the release she has recorded 2 videos from the song list.
The first one is of “Lament”- the final track on the album; beautifully arranged by Steve Melling for just voice and piano and filmed in HD by Ben Walker. You can view it below in standard quality or click here to view in HD

“You won't find a jazz vocal standard on this album but a dozen less familiar, though endearing arrangements of songs that Esther delivers with consummate skill. Her intonation, diction, phrasing and time combine to makes this, her third and very impressive album release .” – Brian Hennessy

Fat Chops Big Band Welcome Their Special Guest Vocalist Lee Gibson

Sunday September 13th, 12.30pm at Tascos Club, Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley

Lee Gibson is a ‘jazz vocal sensation’ (The Independent). A nationally and internationally acclaimed singer who has delighted critics and fans alike with her wonderful voice, innate sense of swing and dynamic stage presence. ‘She is that rarity, a swinging singer who has also reached the highest standards of musicianship.’ (Time Out).
‘As far as I am concerned there can never be too much Lee Gibson…she lights up any song with her musicality.’ (The Observer) ‘She is, without doubt, the best jazz singer this country has produced in the last 40 years.’ (Digby Fairweather)

SPOTLIGHT ON FUNKTIONAL

Young band Funktional recently played at the Actress & Bishop, Ludgate Hill, B'ham. The Actress has live jazz and R'n'B every Sunday afternoon from 3 to 6pm, and it's free. The artists are always high quality and well worth listening to.

Funktional have a regular spot at the Kings Head, Lichfield on Thursday 1 October Thursday 5 November and Thursday 3 December, where they have lots of fans.

Roysters Jazz Weekends are now at the Bancourt Hotel, Torquay.

Late bookings are now being taken for 25-27 Sept. Bands appearing over the weekend are Paul Munnery's Harlem, JB Jazz & Blues (pictured), Matt Palmer's Millennium Eagles, and Bob Dwyer's Hot Seven. More information on www.roystersjazz.co.uk or phone Roy on 01803 311291.

Join in a friendly jazz weekend at the Chatsworth House Hotel, Llandudno, 16-18 Oct. See advert page 5 or call Harry 0151-520 1633.

Jazz on the Water

Jazz on the Water put on leisurely cruises on the Birmingham canals, complete with music, bar and friendly relaxing atmosphere.

This Saturday (Sept 5) their Special Guest Vocalist is Carole Westwood (left) accompanied by pianist Archie Cotterell.

Cruises start from Gas Street Basin, Birmingham at 2.30pm (be there by 2.15), returning at 5.30pm

Price is £7 per person
To book or for more details call Sam on 0121-236 7057

More Jazz on the Water gigs are:

• Sat Sept 12 James O’Hara (Blues)
• Sat Sept 19 Gary Bywater (sax) & Gerry Spencer (piano)
• Sat Sept 26 Fret & Fiddle