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28TH BIRMINGHAM
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ
& BLUES FESTIVAL 2012

JULY 6TH - 15TH 2012 - REAL MUSIC - PROPERLY PLAYED - HOT JAZZ & COOL BLUES - 130 FREE SHOWS ACROSS THE CITY AND BEYOND

Phone: 0121 454 7020 Email festival@bigbearmusic.com for information and mailing list. www.birminghamjazzfestivaltv.com

Birmingham International Jazz and Blues Festival, July 6th-15th, now with 180 performances, all but 12 of them free, in 78 venues across the City and beyond, presenting jazz and blues of every hue played by bands and musicians from UK, USA, Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, France, Italy and China – even from Birmingham!

Way back in the 1960s’ Henry’s Blueshouse in Birmingham was the first then termed ‘progressive’ music venue outside of London. Status Quo, Led Zeppelin, Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy and a host of legendary American bluesmen graced the stage of the tiny Station Street venue, and of course, it was the site of the first ever Black Sabbath gigs. Venue and Sabbath were both managed by Jazz Festival director Jim Simpson who will host two pre-gig talk-ins during the Festival: Remembering Henry’s. Tel: 0121 454 7020 Fax: 0121 454 9996. www.bigbearmusic.com

Twinwood Festival 2012, 25th, 26th & 27st August 2012 featuring Swing, Jazz, Jive and Rock ‘n’ Roll atTwinwood Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire. Over the past ten years there has been one unique music festival that has stood out from all the rest. This August Bank Holiday Twinwood Festival at Bedford celebrates its eleventh happening with over three days of relentless dancing to the music of the 20s to the 50s.

Twinwood, was the last place that Glenn Miller was seen alive and where he flew from on that last fateful flight and also where he performed his only outside concert to an RAF audience. It was the departure point for stars such as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, The Andrew Sisters, David Niven,and many more as they flew out on a daily basis to entertain the troops. It was Bedford that all these stars, including Miller, and in fact the BBC were based during World War II.

The range of music from the best live bands around is huge, from the Weimar era and the exquisite Max Raabe and Palast Orchester to Campfire Gypsy Jazz from bands such as King’s Cross Hot Club and Moscow Drug Club, to the big Rock’ n ‘Rollers of today such as Si Cranstoun and Oo-Bop-Sh’Bam, and of course the Glenn Miller swing as played by Glenn’s nephew, John Miller, with his Orchestra.

Find out more on: www.twinwoodfestival.com or phone 01923 282725 for your free colour brochure or find us on Facebook

JAZZ ON THE WATER: Live music and real ale cruises operate on many Saturday afternoons throughout the year, featuring talented musicians from around the Midlands and elsewhere. Trad Jazz, Rock, Modern Jazz, Blues, Celtic, Folk, Gypsy Jazz & much more…The Birmingham Canal runs straight through Birmingham’s newly created “West End”, past numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, apartments, Convention Centre, Indoor Arena and Sea Life Centre. Great music and interesting scenery to provide a wonderful afternoon outing ! Set sail from The Gas Street Basin. Ring Graham 0121-236-7057 for more details.

Apologies for printing error last month, The Hive , Shrewsbury Jazz network Alan Barnes and Davis Newton are Playing on July 7th NOT July 15th as printed

Have fun!

Stella

Andrew Raphael Thomas Hamilton MBE,
born 26 March 1918; died 3 June 2012

Photo by Garry Corbett

At JazzWestMids we are saddened to hear of the death of saxophonist Andy Hamilton who passed away peacefully on Sunday 3rd June aged 94. Born in Port Maria Jamaica in 1918 he came to the UK in 1949 and settled in Birmingham where he has been a leading light on the local Jazz scene ever since. He only recorded his first album ‘Silvershine’ at the age of 72 after recovering from a diabetic coma, but it went on to become the biggest-selling UK jazz album of the year. There was a second album ‘Jamaica By Night’ and a string of honours including an Honorary MA from Birmingham University, a Fellowship of the Birmingham Conservatoire, the Prime Minister’s Medal for services to Jamaica and, to coincide with his 90th Birthday, an MBE.

It is almost impossible to write up in full the extraordinary life of Andy Hamilton, but the stories of how he made his first saxophone out of bamboo and went on to become Musical Director for Errol Flynn at his Jamaican hotel The Titchfield and aboard his yacht the Zaca are now the stuff of legend.

Andy’s life has always been about crossing boundaries and bringing people together through music and over the years his reputation has enabled him to bring the likes of Dizzy Reece, Art Farmer, David Murray and Harry “Sweets” Edison to his Jazz Club in Bearwood. He leaves behind him The Notebenders Big Band and the Ladywood Community School of Music, both of which he founded.

Our thoughts go out to his wife Mary and all the family.

ANDY HAMILTON MBE CONTINUES TO MAKE THE NEWS

In death as in life Birmingham Jazz legend Andy Hamilton is still making the news. Below we've embedded footage of the BBC and ITV coverage of his Funeral Service and the “Celebration of his Life” that followed.

Also here are links to just a few tributes and obituaries that have gone out across the media so far:

• Matthew Bannister on Last Word (BBC Radio 4)
• Val Wilmer in the Guardian
• Daily Telegraph
• The Independent
• BBC Regional News
• The Jazz Breakfast
• Express and Star
  
• Birmingham Post
• Birmingham Mail

On behalf of Out of the Blue Jazz Orchestra, we wish to say how sad we all are to hear of the passing away of Andy Hamilton.

He bought most of our band together in the early 1990s, in a Jazz workshop he ran on Saturday afternoons at The Mac.

We are still going strong today. Andy was a great inspiration, to people of all ages, he helped them to play and enjoy music.

To the Jazz world he will be sadly missed.

 
Marlborough International Festival 13th, 14th, 15th July 2012
Blues • Trad • Afro • Fusion • Swing • Latin • Bebop . . .

100 performances, 20 venues, 3 days and 1 ticket to see them all. Join us in the picturesque market town of Marlborough Wiltshire for a music extravaganza 13, 14, 15 July 2012. The music varies from Blues through Traditional Jazz, African Rhythms, Swing, Latin, Bebop to Fusion and everything in between. The venues are all within easy walking distance of each other. Set your own programme and see as many performances as you like in whichever venues you choose. It would cost hundreds of pounds to see all of these bands separately.

Stroller Tickets are also available for individual days or combinations of days. Children aged 14 and under go free if accompanied by a ticket-paying adult.Bands are being booked all the time, so bookmark the website, www.marlboroughjazz.com to follow developments.

Marlborough Jazz Box Office: 01672 515 095 or 08443 350 822 (calls cost 5ppm from a landline) Email: boxoffice@marlboroughjazz.com

Featuring:

THE NOTEBENDERS

Inspired by the legendary Andy Hamilton, a number of Andy’s students met regularly to practise their skills at Ladywood Community Centre in Birmingham. Their desire to develop their skills and musical confidence egged on by Andy drew in more and more musicians to a point where the band grew from a small number to over 25 members. The band now consists of members from all ages communities and skill levels (below).

KIND DUKISH

A band that plays original arrangements by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Their repertoire ranges from the Cotton Club era of the 1920s to the suites of 60s and 70s (below)

MIKE FLETCHER BIG BAND

Under the leadership of Jazz@ The Spotted Dog’s very own Mike Fletcher, MFBB comprises of some of UKs finest young Jazz Musicians, many of whom are regular faces at the Tuesday night Jazz@TSD sessions. Playing from a repertoire spanning the entire spectrum of classic Big Band music.

Schedule

• 1pm – 2.30pm Jazz Films

• 3pm – Notebenders

• 4.15 – Kinda Dukish

• 5.30 – Mike Fletcher Big Band

7pm onwards – Jazz Jam sessionTickets - £10 (consessions £5). Advance tickets – £5 (from Spotted Dog) under 16s free (accompanied by an adult)

STEVE PACITTO (1926 - 2012)

JWM regret to announce the passing of another popular West Midlands Jazz musiciain. Accordion player Steve Pacitto passed away on Tuesday June 19th at New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton

Photo curtesy of The Trumpet

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

THURSDAY 12th JULY @ 11.30 am.
St. MARY & JOHN’S CHURCH.
SNOWHILL, WOLVERHAMPTON.
INTERMENT @ DANESCOURT CEMETERY.
RECEPTION AFTERWARDS AT CONNAUGHT HOTEL, WOLVERHAMPTON.
Steve’s Sister Maria wants all his friends to know that they are all welcome at the Connaught afterwards.

TRUMPET TRIBUTE TO STEVE PACITTO.

TUESDAY 10th JULY (Starting approx. 8.45 pm).
THERE WILL BE A SMALL TRIBUTE NIGHT AT THE TRUMPET, TO THE MEMORY OF STEVE PACITTO.
It will be his band members plus some guest musicians.

Steve is well known for his distinctive electronic accordion playing. He first played the accordion at the age of five years, and made his first radio broadcast whilst in the Royal Navy, in a programme called "Navy Mixture" with Jack Warner and a host of other stars including Alfred Marks and Paddy O'Neil.

From 1945 he was a regular broadcaster with the BBC Midlands Light Orchestra and the Harold Rich Quartet, and in 1948 won three Melody Maker Awards for his unique playing. Steve liked playing all kinds of Jazz and joined Europa Jazz Band in 1990 where he gets a great thrill laying down the chords and solid bass line

He was a well known musician at The Trumpet Bilston

SYMPHONY HALL TURNS 21 - 10 MILLION AUDIENCE MEMBERS - 7500 EVENTS - 21 YEARS OF BRINGING GREAT MUSIC TO BIRMINGHAM

Anniversary Festival is brought to a close in style on 20 July with New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Celebrating the presence in Birmingham of the US Olympic track and field team.

Town Hall Symphony Hall Box Office: 0121 780 3333 - On-Line Booking www.thsh.co.uk - (£2.50 fee per transaction on all bookings except those made inperson at the box office)

Over 500,000 people visit Town Hall and Symphony Hall annually, and a thriving Education and Community department reaches a further 10,000 people of all ages.

July/Aug12 - June12 - May12 - Apr12 - Mar12 - Feb12 - Aug/July11-Jan12 - June11-Feb11 - July10-Jan11 - Feb-June10 - Sep09-Jun10 - Feb-Aug09 - Sep08-Jan09 - Feb-Aug08 - Jul07-Jan08 - Jan-Jun07 - Jul-Dec06 - Jun-Jan06 - Dec-Jul05 - Jun-Feb05

Symphony Hall 21st Anniversary

The Symphony Hall are celebrating 21 years of bringing great music to Birmingham.

As part of the celebrations on Friday 20 July legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis brings the Olympians of American jazz to Symphony Hall for a very special concert to celebrate the presence in Birmingham of their sporting counterparts, the US Olympic track and field team. They’re the best big band in the world, and their athleticism, energy and sheer joy make this an unmissable event. These outstanding musicians are under starter’s orders: it’s ready, steady, go for a foot-tapping, feel-good concert of the very best of American bigband swing by the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and more.

Check the Symphony Hall website for other great Anniversary acts inclding George Benson on 29th June.

BIRMINGHAM JAZZ LEGEND ANDY HAMILTON MBE DIES

At JazzWestMids we are saddened to hear of the death of saxophonist Andy Hamilton. Andy had been unwell for a while, but he still turned up and played his Saxophone at his Birthday Party at Bearwood Corks Club in March. He passed away early on Sunday morning (3rd Jun) aged 94.

Andy, seen here playin at last year's Mostly Jazz Festival, has been a leading light on the Birmingham Jazz scene sine he came to the UK from Jamaica in 1950. In 1990 he had the best selling UK Jazz album of the year with Silvershine and he received the MBE on the occasion of his 90th Birthday.

Our thoughts go out to his wife Mary and all the family at this sad time. A full obituary will appear in our next issue.

Photo Andrew Jackson

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The funeral of Andy Hamilton MBE will take place at 10.00am on Tuesday 26 June 2012 at the Birmingham Christian Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands B1 3QQ.

The Hamilton family invite attendees to wear colourful accessories to the funeral, in honour of Andy’s love of wearing colourful ties.

Please note that there is no parking facility at the church on the day of the funeral. Attendees are advised to avoid parking in the immediate vicinity of the Birmingham Christian Centre or to use public transport where possible.

Flowers will be gratefully received and proceeds from donations at both events will be donated to The Ladywood School of Music, Moseley Hall Hospital, The Andy Hamilton Trust (The Notebenders) and The Karis Medical Centre, Ladywood.

ANDY HAMILTON MBE (1918 – 2012):
A CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE

SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM
2.30PM TUESDAY 26 JUNE 2012
FREE ADMISSION

www.thsh.co.uk/event/andy-hamilton-a-celebration-of-his-life

A celebration of the life and work of the legendary Jamaican-British jazz musician and community figurehead Andy Hamilton is to take place at Symphony Hall on Tuesday 26 June at 2.30pm.

The afternoon event, featuring a number of performances and tributes from musicians and friends including the Notebenders Big Band, the Blue Notes, David Murray, Jean Toussaint, Gary Crosby, Nana Tsiboe, Helen McDonald and Winston Clifford, will be compered by Prof Carl Chinn. Further guests are to be announced.

Admission is free to members of the public on a first-come, first-served basis (subject to availability). Doors open at 1.45pm.

A display of photos by Smethwick-based photographer Russ Escritt will also be on show in Symphony Hall’s foyer throughout Tuesday 26 June. From the early 1990s, Russ documented Andy Hamilton’s gigs with the Blue Notes and guests at his various residencies in Bearwood in Birmingham, and the photos originally appeared in the Symphony Hall exhibition Andy Hamilton is 90 in 2008.

There will be an informal opportunity to pay tribute to Andy after the event, and a collection will be held for several organisations that he was closely involved with.

Photo by Russ Escritt

There are lots of Festivals and outdoor music events to enjoy. I will be at Upton Jazz Festival again this year with my music gift stall so please come along and and have a chat. Hopefully I will have some CDs from King Pleasure and Tipitina in stock.

Upton House, Banbury

Upton Hose and Gardens are famous for their “ Jazz Evenings” this year on Saturday June 2nd. Richard Leach 7 Stars of Jazz band are performing. A perfect setting to enjoy the Jazz and relax with a picnic. There is also a 2nd Jazz evening on July 28th where you can do it all again with the Charleston 5 !

A Traditional Jazz Concert In Moseley Park

A special one off show featuring Trad Jazz legends Acker Bilk & His Paramount Jazz Band and The Big Chris Barber Band. This Fathers Day inspired show will take place in Moseley Park, Birmingham on 27th June 2012 directly before this years Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival.

Following a packed out show at the Town Hall earlier this year the Duo of Trad Jazz legends return to Birmingham with their respective bands to play in the idyllic outdoor setting of Moseley Park. With Fathers Day only 10 days before the event this will serve as the ideal, family orientated gift! Tickets are now on sale via www.mostlyjazz.co.uk and are priced at £20 per ticket. The organisers have also announced that there will be no booking fee charge for this show.

Stratford Jazz

Sun 17 June - Ian Hill’s ‘Taba Time’ Quartet - £8 Ian Hill (s) Neil Hunter (p) Geoff Pearson (b) Ian Beestin (double bass) Taba Time is a jazz quartet formed specifically to play the unique compositions of the USA’s Dean Taba who became one of LA’s most in-demand and respected bassists and a much sought-after musical educator. He recently moved back to his native Hawaii where Ian Hill contacted him to about developing this tribute quartet to which Dean immediately gave his blessings and best wishes - and sent new tunes.

Tamworth Jazz

Bole Hall Manor’s mainstream club on Amington Road has guesting for them on Monday, 11th June saxophonist Pete Long complemented by Paul Sawtell on piano, Bill Coleman on double bass and David Tandy on drums. Should be good
as always !

Imagine John Ruddick’s surprise when he recently opened an email from the great American band leader Gordon Goodwin, asking if there was the possibility of a concert with MYJO, on his forthcoming visit to the UK. Within a few days, John had agreed the price, booked a venue, and had begun thinking about the contents of a concert. The programme will also feature one of the world’s top lead trumpets, Wayne Bergeron, and the marvellous lead alto with the band, Eric Marienthal.

The concert will be one of the biggest events staged by MYJO in the last few years. Gordon Goodwin’s band and his arrangements are currently hot property in big band jazz throughout the world, as well as in the Los Angeles studios. This not to be missed concert, will take place on Sun. 15th. July at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall. Tickets are selling fast.!!

Friday 8th June Bonded Warehouse

Jazz Composers Spotlight. Simon Deeley trio with Ian Hill, Cormac Loane (saxes) and Richard Baker (trombone) As well as drawing heavily on standards, jazz musicians have often composed their own music, with many pieces becoming standards in their own right.

The programme includes compositions by many of the jazz greats including Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie and Bill Evans. Many of the compositions are classics whilst others are lesser
known gems which deserve more attention. An evening with jazz legends and maybe an evening with something new to discover.

Stella

Mostly Jazz are delighted to announce a special one off show featuring Trad Jazz legends Acker Bilk & His Paramount Jazz Band and The Big Chris Barber Band.

This father’s day inspired show will take place in Moseley Park, Birmingham on 27th June 2012 directly before this years Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival.

Following a packed out show at the Town Hall earlier this year the Duo of Trad Jazz legends return to Birmingham with their respective bands to play in the idyllic out door setting of Moseley Park.

With Fathers Day only 10 days before the event this will serve as the ideal, family orientated, gift!

Tickets are now on sale via www.mostlyjazz.co.uk and are priced at £20 per ticket. The organisers have also announced that there will be no booking fee charge for this show.

The Big Chris Barber Band.

Trombonist Chris Barber celebrated his 50th year as a bandleader in 1999. Inspired by the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band, Chris formed his first Barber New Orleans Band in 1949 at the age of 19. In 1953, along with Monty Sunshine and Lonnie Donegan, he joined forces with Ken Colyer. Then, with the replacement of Colyer by Pat Halcox, Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen became Chris Barber’s Jazz Band in 1954 and has been one of Europe’s most successful traditional jazz bands ever since.

Over the years, Chris Barber’s Jazz Band evolved into the Chris Barber Jazz and Blues Band, a rich eight-piece group, blending brass, reeds, and electric guitar into a unique and unmistakable mix of blues and jazz. And despite being ‘on the slide’ since 1949, having performed over 10,000 concerts and made thousands of recordings, the Chris Barber Jazz and Blues Band keeps marching on. At the end of 2001 Chris extended his band with three more musicians into The BIG Chris Barber Band.

Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band

Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band are one of the most successful British jazz groups ever. In 2001 Acker was honoured with an MBE for his services to the music industry.

Acker Bilk gained worldwide fame with his hit single Stranger on the Shore in 1962. It stayed in the charts for 55 weeks and was the first record to hit the number one spot in the UK and USA simultaneously. Acker has integrated the top young jazz talent in the UK into the band with the introduction of Enrico Tomasso (Trumpet), Ian Bateman (Trombone) and Malcolm Crease (Bass) to the line-up, which also includes Ritchie Bryant (Drums) and Colin Wood (Piano). The band has a new vitality which is guaranteed to make your event go with a swing!

 
Marlborough International Festival 13th, 14th, 15th July 2012
Blues • Trad • Afro • Fusion • Swing • Latin • Bebop . . .

100 performances, 20 venues, 3 days and 1 ticket to see them all. Join us in the picturesque market town of Marlborough Wiltshire for a music extravaganza 13, 14, 15 July 2012. The music varies from Blues through Traditional Jazz, African Rhythms, Swing, Latin, Bebop to Fusion and everything in between. The venues are all within easy walking distance of each other. Set your own programme and see as many performances as you like in whichever venues you choose. It would cost hundreds of pounds to see all of these bands separately.

Stroller Tickets are also available for individual days or combinations of days. Children aged 14 and under go free if accompanied by a ticket-paying adult.Bands are being booked all the time, so bookmark the website, www.marlboroughjazz.com to follow developments.

Marlborough Jazz Box Office: 01672 515 095 or 08443 350 822 (calls cost 5ppm from a landline) Email: boxoffice@marlboroughjazz.com

Jubilee Weekend

Solihull Jazz & Blues Festival -
1st-4th June 2012

Solihull is celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee in style with a weekend full of entertainment to beenjoyed by all.

A fantastic selection of acts are lined up to take part in Solihull’s first ever Jazz & Blues Festival. The fun will begin with a launch party on Friday 1st June from 4pm in Jubilee Gardens, Touchwood.

There will be two stages, one in Jubilee Gardens and another in Mell Square, featuring some of the hottest names on the Jazz & Blues circuit as well as a packed programme of family entertainment.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic Jubilee weekend in Solihull, so make sure the date is in your diary!

Gigs and News:

THIS WEEKEND IT’S
MOSTLY JAZZ IN MOSELEY

BOOK A BAND

NEW!!

• Steve Clayton, Am Einfang 9/2,
  88630 Pfullendorf, Germany. +49 (0)7552 5504
  www.steve-bigman-clayton.com
   
• N.C. BIGBAND
  4-18 piece band - Swing music up to present day
  0121 459 5510
   
• George Huxley’s Jazzmen
  with vocalist Caz
  enquiries ring 01564 730098
   
• 
  Carol: 01299 822751 gus@jazzpzazz.co.uk
  www.jazzpzazz.co.uk/gus.htm
   
• BROWNFIELD/BYRNE HOT 6
  Tel Jamie: 01691 780058
  or 07786803777
  www.jamiebrownfield.co.uk
   
  
  
• New Orleans - Big Band - Bebop
  JAMIE BROWNFIELD- Jazz Trumpeter
  Tel: 01691 780058 or 07786803777
  www.jamiebrownfield.co.uk
  
  
  
• Vocalist, Jazz, Swing, Blues
  CLAIRE TAYLOR - Available as a solo artist or to guest with bands
  www.clairesingsjazz.co.uk
  www.myspace.com/clairesingsjazz
  tel 01922-619896 07507426833
   

• Jazz & Swing with
  THE APEX JAZZ & SWING BAND
  TEL 01543 276428 robin539@btinternet.com
   
  
• Let the Good Times Roll with
  THE JB JAZZ & BLUES BAND
  TEL: 01452 862328 www.jbjazzandblues.co.uk
   
  
• Gipsy Jazz with
  THE SWING MUSEUM
  Tel: Andrew Rackham 01788 574099, 07766037115
   

• Contemporary Fun Quintet
  INTERPLAY
  Adrian Litvinoff 01926 424206
  http://interplayjazz.wordpress.com
   
  
  
• Top Midlands Trad & Swing Band
  THE BANK STREET SYNCOPATORS
  STEVE: 01902 842720 scmsempre@aol.com
   
  
• Presenting the music of Duke Ellington
  KINDA DUKISH BIG BAND
  Mike Fletcher 0121 444 4129
  
  
• Any size for any Occasion visit
  MILLENNIUMJAZZ.COM
  MATT PALMER 0115 921 2464 or 07973 882235 www.millenniumjazz.com
   
  
• Jazz & Blues for all your Functions
  CLIVE ALLSOPP QUINTET
  Tel: 0121 240 1584 - clivetheslide@blueyonder.co.uk
   
  
• Traditional Jazz & Blues
  BARBARA AND ALL THAT JAZZ
  BARBARA: 01543 502997 batotaylor@talktalk.net
   
  
• Wedding Band, Playing Jazz And Pop Standards
  JAZZ NOT JAZZ
  Mob: 07946 392736 andrew.davey2@tesco.net
   
  
• Saxophone, Flute & Clarinet
  CASEY GREENE
  01743 356789 or 07966 719715
  www.caseygreene.com

Jubilee Weekend

Solihull Jazz & Blues Festival -
1st-4th June 2012

Solihull is celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee in style with a weekend full of entertainment to beenjoyed by all.

A fantastic selection of acts are lined up to take part in Solihull’s first ever Jazz & Blues Festival. The fun will begin with a launch party on Friday 1st June from 4pm in Jubilee Gardens, Touchwood.

There will be two stages, one in Jubilee Gardens and another in Mell Square, featuring some of the hottest names on the Jazz & Blues circuit as well as a packed programme of family entertainment.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic Jubilee weekend in Solihull, so make sure the date is in your diary!

Solihull town centre will be jumping and jiving with the sounds of hot, swinging jazz and cool, melodic blues at the first-ever Solihull Jazz and Blues Festival which runs from Friday 1st- Monday 4th June. The weekend kicks off with a launch party on the outdoor terrace by Jubilee Gardens, at the back of Touchwood, from 5pm on Friday 1st June. Perfect to get the weekend started! A special stage is being built and there will be bands performing all evening – and plenty of Pimms, bubbly and real ale.

The Trevor Burton Band will be playing a series of Wednesday nights in Birmingham starting from May at The Brown Lion, in the Jewellery Quarter. The dates confirmed so far are: May 2nd, May 30th, June 13th & June 27th. 8.30pm

If these dates are well attended the theme will continue on alternate Wednesdays. So go along and support the boys and let’s make this a regular thing.

Stella

Mostly Jazz are delighted to announce a special one off show featuring Trad Jazz legends Acker Bilk & His Paramount Jazz Band and The Big Chris Barber Band.

This father’s day inspired show will take place in Moseley Park, Birmingham on 27th June 2012 directly before this years Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival.

Following a packed out show at the Town Hall earlier this year the Duo of Trad Jazz legends return to Birmingham with their respective bands to play in the idyllic out door setting of Moseley Park.

With Fathers Day only 10 days before the event this will serve as the ideal, family orientated, gift!

Tickets are now on sale via www.mostlyjazz.co.uk and are priced at £20 per ticket. The organisers have also announced that there will be no booking fee charge for this show.

The Big Chris Barber Band.

Trombonist Chris Barber celebrated his 50th year as a bandleader in 1999. Inspired by the King Oliver Creole Jazz Band, Chris formed his first Barber New Orleans Band in 1949 at the age of 19. In 1953, along with Monty Sunshine and Lonnie Donegan, he joined forces with Ken Colyer. Then, with the replacement of Colyer by Pat Halcox, Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen became Chris Barber’s Jazz Band in 1954 and has been one of Europe’s most successful traditional jazz bands ever since.

Over the years, Chris Barber’s Jazz Band evolved into the Chris Barber Jazz and Blues Band, a rich eight-piece group, blending brass, reeds, and electric guitar into a unique and unmistakable mix of blues and jazz. And despite being ‘on the slide’ since 1949, having performed over 10,000 concerts and made thousands of recordings, the Chris Barber Jazz and Blues Band keeps marching on. At the end of 2001 Chris extended his band with three more musicians into The BIG Chris Barber Band.

Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band

Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band are one of the most successful British jazz groups ever. In 2001 Acker was honoured with an MBE for his services to the music industry.

Acker Bilk gained worldwide fame with his hit single Stranger on the Shore in 1962. It stayed in the charts for 55 weeks and was the first record to hit the number one spot in the UK and USA simultaneously. Acker has integrated the top young jazz talent in the UK into the band with the introduction of Enrico Tomasso (Trumpet), Ian Bateman (Trombone) and Malcolm Crease (Bass) to the line-up, which also includes Ritchie Bryant (Drums) and Colin Wood (Piano). The band has a new vitality which is guaranteed to make your event go with a swing!

 
Marlborough International Festival 13th, 14th, 15th July 2012
Blues • Trad • Afro • Fusion • Swing • Latin • Bebop . . .

100 performances, 20 venues, 3 days and 1 ticket to see them all. Join us in the picturesque market town of Marlborough Wiltshire for a music extravaganza 13, 14, 15 July 2012. The music varies from Blues through Traditional Jazz, African Rhythms, Swing, Latin, Bebop to Fusion and everything in between. The venues are all within easy walking distance of each other. Set your own programme and see as many performances as you like in whichever venues you choose. It would cost hundreds of pounds to see all of these bands separately.

Stroller Tickets are also available for individual days or combinations of days. Children aged 14 and under go free if accompanied by a ticket-paying adult.Bands are being booked all the time, so bookmark the website, www.marlboroughjazz.com to follow developments.

Marlborough Jazz Box Office: 01672 515 095 or 08443 350 822 (calls cost 5ppm from a landline) Email: boxoffice@marlboroughjazz.com

JAZZ AT HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER

Buddy Whittington

Thursday 19th April at 8pm
Tickets £14.50
Buddy Whittington has been described by his ex-boss of 15 years as ‘possibly the greatest Bluesbreaker of them all’. Considering that the boss is John Mayall and the ‘all’ includes Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor, this is not an accolade to be taken lightly. With his thought-provoking lyrics delivered with strong, honest vocals Buddy Whittington is one of the most original exponents of contemporary blues working today.

Acker Bilk and His Paramount Jazz Band In Association with Worcester Jazz

Saturday 26th May at 8pm
Tickets £16.50
In 2001 Acker was honoured with a well-deserved MBE for his services to the Music Industry. Although Acker will always be synonymous with the famous bowler hat and waistcoat he is a very serious and dedicated musician, and exceptionally professional. From Acker : ‘I can’t believe I actually get paid for doing what I love most in the World’. This Great Master of the Clarinet has a style that is unique.

Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen

Friday 22nd June at 8pm
Tickets £16
The greatest test of an Artiste’s success is his durability - over 53 years and still going strong is pretty good. Plus hits such as Samantha; then Midnight in Moscow, which was top two in both UK and USA charts. Now in 2011 Kenny receives reviews such as "Congratulations to Kenny for his outstanding performance which everybody enjoyed immensely" confirms his musical talent, and continuing popularity, playing to packed houses all over the UK and Europe.]

For more information or to book tickets please call the Box Office on 01905 611427 or visit www.huntingdonhall.co.uk

Gigs and News:

RAY ON TELLY

We have just received the following message from Ray Butcher:

“Hi friends- catch my band (Ray Butcher Band, featuring birmingham jazzers) on Channel 4's new comedy V.I.P, next friday (4th may) at 930pm-look out for the Barak Obama scene-we play him in with my tune 'Lion's Den'.

Blessings. Ray”

Ray is a local Jazz Trumpeter with an impressive CV, who is now based in London. Oh, and don't forget; if you miss it you can always get it on Channel 4 On Demand on t’internet.

Late gigs in May:

• 

  Phil Phillips at Northfield CEM on Monday 28th
   

• John Smith (right) Trio at the Trumpet, Bilston on Tuesday 29th
   

• New Orleans Wanderers at Bournville Social Club on Tuesday 29th
   

• Trevor Burton Band at theBrown Lion, Hockley on Wednesday 30th
   

• Mike Turner Band at the Trumpet, Bilston on Wednesday 30th
   

• Graham Woodhouse Allstars at Sutton Coldfield Trad Jazz Club on Wednesday 30th
   

• John Shillitoe’s Select Six at Burton Jazz on Thursday 31st
   

• Young vibes player and percussionist Julian Powell (below) at Bearwood Corks Club on Thursday 31st May - Band features on vocals Susannah Westwood, who has just released a new EP ‘Live Like This’ on iTunes

Much to go out and enjoy this month including an exciting New Orleans Jazz Parade festival at The Wessex Hotel, Street, nr.Glastonbury Friday 6th to Sunday 8th April with a great jazz line-up. Starting this month is a series of jazz and bluesevents at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester: first-off is a visit from bluesman Buddy Whittington on Thursday 19th - see inside for details.

What a haven of jazz and bigband music is to be found between Kings Heath and Northfield ! 4 venues within 3 miles! Southside Big Band have guest vocalist Gary Rutter Wednesday 11th April at Wheelers Lane. Fat Chops Big Band with Matt Ford are away on the 7th at Nidd Hall Country Hotel, Harrogate, Yorkshire, part of a 3-day weekend break, whilst in Northfield the RBL Charles Engelbach Memorial Club (CEM) in Quarry Lane, Northfield have an excellent line-up of jazz & swing bands every Monday and then, flying over to the Bournville Club for regular Tuesday enjoyment we have Henry Newman with Janice Williamson on the 3rd, Bryn Venus and friends on the 10th, Frank Partridge’s Swing Session on the 17th with The New Orleans Wanderers playing an away match on the 24th! Happy Easter, Bournville! Chocs away! Steam Chicken & Becky Wolf are likely to feature heavily in the festival season and launch their new CD on April 10th at Taylor John’s House, Coventry CV1 4LY. “

Keep smiling Kat”. Congratulations to Kat at The Brown Lion celebrating her 21st birthday on the 15th! Should be some party at this Sunday afternoon venue in Hall Street, Hockley! Lunch is available till 4pm with live music 5-8pm (and that’s every Sunday with free admission!)

Sorry to end on a sad note .... Condolences to Alan & Tim Jones on the loss of Wendy. I shall miss our cheery chats at The Malt House, Sunday lunchtimes.

And a sad loss for members and fans of The Southside Big Band when much-admired bass player Ray Biddle passed away February 19th. A tribute concert for Ray featuring The Selly Park Big Band, Arthur Brown’s Jazz Band and invited guests will take place Sunday 22nd April at 12:30pm at Mount Pleasant WMC, Reservoir Road, Edgbaston B16 9DS, tickets £10, all proceeds to Ray’s family. Tickets from Garry Alcock 0121 475 7524 and Nichola 01675 442050

Stella

Summersaults Shop Front

MUSIC AT SUMMERSAULT

27 High Street, Rugby. CV21 3BW. Telephone: 01788 543223

Live music at Summersault has become a major part of the local live Jazz scene; They showcase a wide range of musicians from a range of jazz styles ranging from gypsy jazz through stride and swing to interpretations of jazz standards. 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.

Latest Gig News:

Yes, the April Listings are now up so you can plan your gigging for the coming month. However the March Listings are still available so you can check up on the best gigs in your area in the next few days.

These include: 

• Dominic Narcross (rt) at Stratford Jazz on Sunday 25th March

• Apex Jazz & Swing at Northfield CEM Club on Monday 26th
   

• New Orleans Wanderers at Bournville Jazz Club on Tuesday 27th
   

• Gambit at Sutton Coldfield Trad Jazz Club on Wednesday 28th
   

• The prodigious young talent that is Reuben James at Bearwood Corks Club on Thursday 29th March. Reuben started as a young teenager in the Notebenders and has gone on to play in Birmingham Youth Jazz and tour with Abram Wilson. He plays piano, sings and scats and he wowed the audience with both his ability to make music and his ability to entertain when he played the Corks back in January.
   
  

• in Chaddesley Corbett - Thursday 29th March @ 8.30pm - Grand Union Syncopators
   

• Remi Harris Trio (rt) at Summersault in Rugby on Friday 30th - Remi is another great young talent on the way up. His speciality is Gipsy Jazz Guitar
   
  

• More great entertainment with King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys at the Prince Of Wales in Cannock on Saturday 31st

• Something at The Trumpet in Bilston every night except Monday, including Mike Turner on Wednesday 28th, Trevor Emeny on Thursday 29th and Ron Hills & Tony Pipkin on Saturday 31st.

July/Aug12 - June12 - May12 - Apr12 - Mar12 - Feb12 - Aug/July11-Jan12 - June11-Feb11 - July10-Jan11 - Feb-June10 - Sep09-Jun10 - Feb-Aug09 - Sep08-Jan09 - Feb-Aug08 - Jul07-Jan08 - Jan-Jun07 - Jul-Dec06 - Jun-Jan06 - Dec-Jul05 - Jun-Feb05

SPECIAL GUEST BRUCE ADAMS

Joins Fat Chops Big Band on 11th March @ Tascos

Fat Chops Big Band: With members drawn from the professional scene in the Midlands, gigs always deliver in terms of style, swing and power. Performing monthly at the Tasco’s Club, Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham, Sunday Lunch time 12.30 start.

Performing music from the modern big band era and featuring the best Jazz soloists from across the UK. Sunday 11th March their guest artist is trumpeter Bruce Adams. See advert for details.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY
ANDY HAMILTON”

from all at Jazzwestmids

Andy Hamilton’s 94th Birthday will be celebrated at the Corks on Thursday 22nd March and the special guest will be multi-award winnng Brummy sax star Soweto Kinch

Steam Chicken, & Becky Wolf

Launch their new album on 10th April at Taylor John’s House, Coventry, CV1 4LY. This album is an exiting mix of youthful exuberance and experienced maturity, combining, contemporary, jazz and folk influences, a refreshing, uplifting album not to be missed.

15 April - Milestones Sextet -

Tickets £15 adv. Advance tickets will be available during early January at £15, maybe more on the door.

Tickets: info@stratfordjazz.org.uk (Students ½-price)The amazing Milestones Sextet which plays the music of Miles Davis is booked at Stratford Jazz for the Sunday, 15th April 2012, at 8pm.

The stellar line-up includes Graham Flowers (trumpet) Alan Barnes (alto & baritone) Ian Price (tenor) Terry Seabrook (piano) Paul Whitten (bass) and Spike Wells (drums). Music will include numbers from the famous Kind of Blue album including, of course, ‘So What?’

Their latest album had a 4* rating in the Jazzwise Mag., See ‘Reviews’ at: http://www.milestonesjazz.co.uk Tickets From Roy at Stratford Jazz on Sundays or please send a cheque for £15/ticket (payable to: Stratford Jazz) with a stamped & addressed reply envelope to: Mrs P Ratcliffe, 7 Wetherby Way, Stratford-upon- Avon, Warks. CV37 9LU

Stratford jazz benefit gig for Bryan Corbett on Sunday 27th Nov 2011 proved to be a great success they managed to raise £1620 for Bryan.

Sodbury Jazz Festival 2012 events Just to let you know that tickets are now available for the two forthcoming jazz events presented by Sodbury Chamber of Commerce: 10 March - Dixieland clarinettist Pete Allen accompanied by Cass Caswell’s Combo.

Also featuring South Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra (above) Tickets: £10.50 or £8 for Under 16’s 7 May - Brian Carricks’s International New Orleans Band Tickets: £12.50 Both events take place at Chipping Sodbury Baptists Church.

Tickets can be purchased from Swagger in Chipping Sodbury High Street and at Rounceval House in Rounceval Street. For further information please contact us or visit www.visitchippingsodbury. com. Chipping Sodbury Jazz Festival is is on from 28th to 30 September 2012.

Stella

Latest Gig News:

• Hre's an update from The Swan in Chaddesley Corbett (above) which failed to make the March magazine:
  Thursday March 15th @ 8.30pm - Roy Hubbard with Friends - Tony Pipkin, Martin Veasey, Ken Freeman, Roy Dutton, Len Thwaithes
   
  Thursday 29th March also @ 8.30pm - Grand Union Syncopators

July/Aug12 - June12 - May12 - Apr12 - Mar12 - Feb12 - Aug/July11-Jan12 - June11-Feb11 - July10-Jan11 - Feb-June10 - Sep09-Jun10 - Feb-Aug09 - Sep08-Jan09 - Feb-Aug08 - Jul07-Jan08 - Jan-Jun07 - Jul-Dec06 - Jun-Jan06 - Dec-Jul05 - Jun-Feb05

Sutton Coldfield Trad Jazz Club
held at Walmley Social Club

December 21st saw the first night at Walmley Social Club, coinciding with the Christmas Party.

The Walmley Social Club is an excellent venue, it is easily accessible for fans and bands, being located within 3 miles west of Junction 9 of M42 motorway and 2 miles north of Junction 5 of M6 motorway and it has a large car park The venue is comfortable, easily accommodating 150 people. It has a good size dance floor; the bar is well stocked with facilities for both hot and cold drinks as well as sandwiches
and other food, which is provided by an excellent bar staff. Keep jazz alive and well at Sutton Coldfield. Walmley Social Club, 4 Fox Hollies Road, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, B76 2RJ

The Prince of Wales, Cambridge St. has now reopened, under new management, their Sunday gigs are continuing.

Date for your diary: It’s King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, Venue - Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock, Staffs. Date March 31st 2012. Tickets are on sale now on 01543 78762 (box office)

Fat Chops have 2 special guests performing at their Sunday gigs at Tascos, Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley B30 2PR both at 12.30 Sunday lunchtime. On 12th Feb it’s vocalist Sara Colman and 11th March it’s Bruce Adams.

Pleae note an earlier get-together for The Actress & Bishop at Ludgate Hill: it’s now 3pm on Sunday afternoons.

NEW SUNDAY VENUE: The Brown Lion, 18 Hall St., Hockley B18 6BS, only a short walk from The Actress & Bishop. Sunday afternoons in Birmingham have just become even more lively with this new venue you could call the gem of the Jewellery Quarter!

The Brown Lion at the corner of Caroline St and Warstone Lane is putting on rock’n’roll bands, rock/ blues and more from 5-8pm on Sundays. Free admission with a range of real ales and ciders, the pub is linked to the famous Two Towers Brewery so it’s well worth checking out! The menu, available till 4pm on Sundays, caters for carnivores, vegetarians and vegans. And there’s even a vegan ale!

For band information phone 0121 241 6751 and see their ad, then come and join their friendly crowd, especially for their Special Event with freebuffet on Sunday Feb 19 from 3pm and featuring Steve Ajao Blues Giants striding forth at 5pm!

And finally, following their sell-out December show, The Southside Big Band have super singer Matt Ford guesting on Wednesday, February 15th at The Stadium Club, Wheelers Lane, Kings Heath B13 0ST. You may have seen Matt on TV at the BBC Proms Hooray For Hollywood!

                                    What a show that was!

What a night is promised in Kings Heath !

Stella

ARCHIE COTTERELL (1930 – 2011)

It is with great sadness that we say farewell to yet another great and unique musician. Archie passed away at home last December at the age of 81. He was playing up until just two weeks before! Having turned professional in 1967 his career took him all over the world, from cruise ships to broadcasting on BBC and as a studio musician for Central TV. He worked with American stars such as Sonny Stitt and Johnny Grifffin as well as many British Jazz stars. He developed a huge following throughout the Midlands and beyond and made regular appearances at The Trumpet in Bilston. A truly explosive and spontaneous player, you would never hear the same tune twice!

God Bless Archie you will be greatly missed by all.

Carole Westwood

Latest Gig News:

• OK, so it's not all Jazz & Blues but...

  ...it's live music and it's a new venue. The Brown Lion get's it's official launch with the Steve Ajao Blues Giants on Sunday Feb 19th. Other events include hillbilly music with the Clarkesville Mountain Band (above).

  The next few gigs at the Brown Lion are:

  Sun  Feb 12 - Restless Dog, rock, blues, Indie, all your favourite numbers
   
  Sun  Feb  19 - A special event, the Official Launch of Sunday Live Music at the Brown Lion - Starting at 2.30pm - with THIRSTY WORK, tasteful, melodic rock band. -  FREE BUFFET!! - 5pm-8pm - STEVE AJAO BLUES GIANTS and 8pm more music from Thirsty Work!
                    
  Sun  Feb 26 - The Lady and the Sax
                    
  Sun March 4 - Clarkesville Mountain Band  (beloww) (inc Richard Heath and Steve Layton)
   
  All gigs 5-8pm at The Brown Lion, 18 Hall St. Hockley B18 6BS on the corner of Warstone Lane and Caroline St. Tel. 0121 233 2285 - Admission Free - Parking is good.
  Lots of Real Ales and Ciders ( inc vegetarian and vegan!) Also alcohol-free for drivers. Food available till 4pm,( inc vegetarian)

• KING PLEASURE & on Friday 17th February 8pm

  
  

• Jazz, blues and swing - ‘A joyous jamboree of Jazz. - King Pleasure? King Wonderful!’ - Living proof that Swing doesn’t wholly belong to the States - Suitable for age 16+. £13 /£12
  
  Box Office 01584878141 - book on line www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
  
  

• CHRIS BARBER & ACKER BILK AT BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL - Friday 3rd February
  

  Acker Bilk and Chris Barber return to Town Hall following on from their popular concert there last year.

  Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band gained worldwide fame with his international hit singles Stranger on the Shore in 1962 and Aria in 1976. Having toured the world for nearly 60 years, Acker and his Paramount Jazz Band return to Symphony Hall.

  Chris Barber leads his 11-piece band, playing a wide selection of his favourite music. From his roots in New Orleans style with his signature tune Bourbon Street Parade, to the early music of Duke Ellington and Sidney Bechet. Then on to blues by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee and the soulful music of Miles Davis.

  A night of phenonmenal trad-jazz from these true legends; and, of course, true Jazzaholics will be able to take in the ush Hour Blues in the Foyer Bar beforehand.
  

  http://www.thsh.co.uk/event/two-trad-jazz-legends-together-0212