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DEC 2005 FEATURES |
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05 - Oct 05 - Sept 05 - Aug 05 - July 05 - Jun-Feb09
Sep08/Jan09 - Aug/Feb08 - Jan08/Jul07 - Jun/Feb 07 - Dec/Jul06 - June/Jan06 - Jun/Feb05
Birmingham's own King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys will be the special attraction at the Lichfield Guildhall on Sunday 18th Dec. A great Christmas night out! Box Office 01543 262 223 Website www.lichfieldarts.org.ukBIRMINGHAM MUSIC AWARDS 2005The newly established Birmingham Music Awards have honoured Midlands Jazz legend, Andy Hamilton with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Carole Westwood and the Archie Cotterell Trio picked up the award for best Jazz/Blues act in the unsigned category. JazzWestMids wishes to congratulate these two worthy winners. More info on www.birminghammusicawards.com
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WARREN DORSEYWe are sorry to report that well known and respected Midlands Singer and Bandleader Warren Dorsey died on 6th November 2005 in Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield. An Obituary will be published in our next magazine. |
LAST ORDERS Roy
Forbes & Fresco (JazzVibes) This CD features new songs by Roy and the band along with old favourites like Moondance, Mustang Sally and Stand By Me. Highly recommended. Pre-release copies available at Roy's gigs (see listings) www.royforbes.com
If you're looking for some unusual, unique Christmas gifts here are some suggestions. If you like hand made pottery pay a visit to the Gailey Pottery at the Old Church Studios, Watling Street, Gailey, Staffs. Potter and Blues Guitarist Paul Gooderham runs the Gallery. Tel: 01902 790078 for info.
The Purple Gallery at 229 Mary Vale Road, Bournville is very close to Bournville Jazz Club and is run by Colin and Jane Carruthers. Colin is an Artist and a Guitarist. The Gallery includes paintings, ceramics, jewellery etc. Phone 0121 459 0941
Staffordshire based Artist, Carole Baker is holding workshops in 2006 starting with "Watercolours for the Beginner" on Sat 28th Jan. To find out more about Carole's art phone 01543 676 895 or visit www.carolebaker.com
Future issues will feature more on Art and Artists who work with Jazz.
The newly established Walsall Blues, Jazz and Dance Club is held at the Walsall Deaf People's Centre, 59a Lichfield Street. Their next date is a Party Night with the Tim Ward Trio and Dee Daley on Wed 14th Dec. They are also promoting a "signed Musical" called Signs of a Diva starring Caroline Parker. Contact Kat on 01922 614794
Caroline Parker is the leading
deaf actress and sign songstress in the UK today. Signs of a Diva is
a one woman show written specially for her:
"Tammy (formerly Susan but had her name changed by deed poll) has to make a life changing decision. Does she consult Tarot cards, read endless horoscopes, discuss things with her therapist or talk to her friends?"
1st of December 2005 @ Forest
Community Centre 7pm. Tickets available NOW! Please contact Kat Wright
@ Walsall Deaf People’s Centre on 01922 614794 or Email
kathrynw@walsalldeaf.org.uk
Tickets = £2.50 Book now to avoid disappointment!!!!
Six years ago pianist Simon
Deeley had a vision to bring live Jazz to his home town of Stourbridge.
Realising the potential of the 200 year old renovated Bonded Warehouse
in the heart of town he started up Friday evening concerts. Soon to
appear are Ralph Allin (left) on the 18th Nov and on 2nd Dec Canadian
singer Katya Gorrie. So successful was he that he has been able to
extend his campaign and bring live Jazz to the Music Gallery at
Kidderminster Library. Here Guests appear with the Simon Deeley Trio
(above) and include artists such as Ron Hills and Tony Pipkin (right),
who will be appearing on Thursday 24th Nov. Bonded Warehouse: 01384 395
216 Gallery Jazz Nights: 01562 824 500 Sponsored web site:
www.quests.freeuk.com/warehouse.htm
See the full article sent in by Simon Deeley at the bottom of
the page
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Southport Melodic
Jazz is presenting the Club's second jazz weekend following a hugely
successful event in 2005.
Over the course of three days visitors will be entertained by
big name artists including Martin Taylor, US pianist Joyce DiCamillo
(left), Ti Kliphuis, Anita Wardell, Bruce Adams, Alan Barnes and more.
Styles range from Gypsy to Mainstream to Big Band All this, along with
tuition sessions from top musicians, and events and exhibitions on Jazz
in the visual and literary arts, will take place in the luxury of the
Royal Clifton Hotel (above) from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th February. For
more info see the ad (centre pages), ring 01704 541790 or go to
www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk and click on JAZZ WEEKEND
Leading exponents of the New Orleans style,
the Sammy Rimington International Band will be doing a whistle-stop
tour of the Midlands during November. Venues include Bishops Castle
(16th - Ted on 01588 630 357), Friends of Upton (18th - 01684 593 794)
and the Waterworks Club (19th - 0121 354 6059). Sammy Rimington has
dedicated his life to playing New Orleans Music and has performed with
many great musicians including his friend and teacher George Lewis,
Jabbo Smith, Trummy Young, Al Grey, Doc Cheatham, Henry Red Allen,
Muddy Waters, Kid Thomas, Jim Robinson, Capt. John Handy, The Chris
Barber Band and many others. His band is truly international, with
musicians from right across Europe. For more information check the
relevant adverts.
JazzWestMids have a new person doing their
artwork. Dick Jones took over from Benny Semp about three months ago.
Dick is a Fine Artist, and works with Andy Hamilton to promote the Jazz
at Bearwood Corks Club. He also does freelance design work for
musicians, including CD covers and websites. Anyone wishing to find out
more can visit his website at www.dickj.co.uk
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Photo by Dick Jones, from the Steve Ajao night at Corks Club |
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Benny Semp worked on the magazine from January to June 2005, burning the midnight oil on many occasions. Our thanks go out to Benny for all his hard work. He now has a proper job in the Arts! Linda S. Editor
The Plough in School Lane, Trysull, near Wolverhampton is starting a Mainstream and Modern Jazz night on Wednesdays. The new Jazz night kicks off with Carole Westwood and Archie Cotterell on 2nd Nov. Admission is free. For more details see advert on page 7.
Even though we are in cold November and
Christmas isn't too far ahead you may like to think about which
Festivals you will be visiting in 2006. Below are a selection to give
you food for thought, from Aberdeen, Southport and Keswick in the North
to Upton-Upon-Severn and Cheltenham in the Midlands. All offer their
own special attractions of sea, scenery, riverside etc and to find out
more about their Jazz programmes you can check their websites or phone
for details. L'Esprit Manouche organisers tell us they are planning a
Festival in 2006. More on this and the other Festivals will appear in
future issues.
KENNY BALL AND HIS JAZZMEN - will be at the Robin 2, 26/28 Mount Pleasant, Bilston, West Mids ob Sunday 20th Nov (Box Office 01902 401 211 or on line at www.therobin.co.uk).
The totally restored two hundred year-old Bonded Warehouse, in
the heart of Stourbridge, is a focal point for canal barge enthusiasts
and the centre for many social and cultural activities. The second
floor is a large function room with excellent acoustics.
Realising its potential in an area lacking good venues, popular
Stourbridge pianist and teacher Simon Deeley, had the vision to start
Friday evening concerts there in 2000. His main concern was to provide
a platform for Midlands jazz musicians to perform their music "live" to
the public and attract new fans. The Friday night sessions feature
Simon’s Trio with guest artists plus many top bands from around the
region. With the help of a band of loyal supporters "Music at The
Bonded Warehouse" is now in its sixth successful year.
The format of running the venue in concert style beginning early at
7.30pm. with no smoking and tea or coffee served in the interval has
proved to be popular. The ambience and acoustics of the oak-beamed room
are greatly appreciated by musicians and audiences alike.
Simon has also extended his campaign to present live jazz to the public
to Kidderminster, putting on concerts at the library’s purpose built
Music Gallery with it’s magnificent grand piano. In this fine modern
concert room Simon now presents about six "Gallery Jazz Nights" each
year, featuring his trio and invited guest artists.
Guests appearing early in 2006 include Trevor
Emeny, Lizzy Parks, Ian Hill, and Percy Pursglove.
Sponsored web site
www.quests.freeuk.com/warehouse.htm
HELP WANTED with the
production of JWM Magazine. Contact Linda 0121 241 6751 or jazzwestmids@yahoo.co.uk
West Midlands residents have a
choice of three Jazz festivals to visit in October.
Bridgnorth (28-30 Oct) has an array of top names including Tommy Whittle, Craig Milverton, the Pizza Express All Stars, Keith Nichols, Liane Carroll and Carole Westwood. The festival also features its very own Jazz Trail. Ring Malcolm Wain on 01746 789 628
Bishops Castle (7-9 Oct) features a range of Trad and Mainstream acts including the Antique Six, Dick Pearce, Geoff Grimes, Charlie Mason and John Williams. Ring Ted Wyatt on 01588 630 357
Stratford Music Festival (14-22 Oct) got a big mention last time, but for good reason. They celebrate their 10th Anniversary with lots of great Jazz, including Sid Jacobs (right), Esther Miller with a high powered sextet, Dave Newton with Liz Fletcher and Alan Barnes, and Daby Touré. Ring Box Office on 01926 496 277.
Lichfield Arts start
their new Jazz and Blues season with The Zappatistas (left) on Sunday
16th October followed by Tony McPhee on the 30th. Ring 01543 262 223
Jazz at The Drum in Birmingham has recommenced with an exciting programme and a red hot new Caribbean menu in the Frontiers Bar. Acts include a monthly slot for Andy Hamilton (see advert on page 15) Ring 0121 333 2444
HUMPH AND CAROLE AT ROBINJazz singer Carole Westwood sends us this personalised review of her recent gig with Humphrey Lyttelton:
"What a fantastic night we shared at the Robin 2 in Bilston,
(11th Sept). At a place normally reserved for rock bands it was a rare
night for jazz fans to enjoy such a superb concert venue, and a chance
to catch the legendary Humphrey Lyttelton in action.
Humph is still as witty and entertaining as ever and his 7 piece line up played some wonderful compositions and stylish interpretations.
For my part, we (Carole Westwood and the Archie Cotterell Trio) performed a 40 minute slot to start off the evening and were very well received, I had a blast using an amazing sound system, a large stage and... ...lighting! (not used to that!) It was over all too quickly, I could have stayed up there all night, but I hope Mike Hamblett decides to put more jazz into the Robin2.
And the best bit... ...Humph phoned me personally to tell me that he will be playing a track off our latest CD on his BBC Radio 2 programme on Monday 19th September!"
The following review of the same gig was emailed in by Chris Carmell:
It was with some trepidation that I went to see Humphrey Littleton and his Band at the Robin 2 club in Bilston. Humph has long been a hero of mine (I first heard him at Birmingham Town Hall in 1953) and I didn't want to find that my idol could no longer cut the mustard. I needn't have worried. The trumpet playing isn't quite what it was, of course, (at 84, are we surprised?) but Humph the bandleader, wit and raconteur is as good if not better than ever. He kept the audience entertained all evening with his humourous slant on life and at the end the doorman was heard to remark "Blimey! I've never heard anyone be as funny as that without swearing".
The seven piece band was first class too. The programme ranged from old standards like Indiana and Frankie and Johnny, through Humph's own compositions to Ellington numbers such as the haunting Black Butterfly.
The supporting band, Carole Westwood with the Archie Cotterell Trio, showed that local bands can also play fine music and they got the evening off to a cracking start.
On Friday 30 September @ 7.30pm All Rise by
Wynton Marsalis will be performed at the Symphony Hall:
It will feature the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis , the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Adventist Chorale and conductor Kurt Masur .It's been described as a fabulous fusion of jazz, classical and world music that mirrors the extraordinary career of Wynton Marsalis featuring jazz orchestra, symphony orchestra, chorus & gospel choir. Box Office 0121 780 3333 www.symphonyhall.co.uk/boxoffice
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM LICHFIELD! Brian Pretty from Lichfield Arts is inviting us to "get into the groove" with his exciting January 2006 programme which includes Kent Duchaine (Fri Jan 13) and a Big Band Special on Jan 20th with the Netherstowe Big Band & Walsall Jazz Orchestra.
HELP WANTED with the
production of JWM Magazine. Contact Linda 0121 241 6751 or jazzwestmids@yahoo.co.uk
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Andy Hamilton’s reputation in the Jazz world helps Corks Club book some of the brightest talent from home and abroad, and on September 8th we'll be playing host to Bobby Wellins, whose collaboration with Stan Tracey on the classic album "Under Milk Wood" helped launch him as one of the brightest Jazz stars in the UK.
It's over two years since Andy Hamilton moved his Jazz club along the road to Bearwood Corks Club from the Bear Tavern. As the club's reputation has grown more and more musicians drop in for a blow. Surprise guests include Nashville Sax sensation, Brian Cumming, Esther Miller, top Hit Factory session singer Lisa Carter and US trumpeter Lester Carnegie who works a lot in France, but regularly drops in to play with the Blue Notes.
This couldn't have happened without the full support of Corks who allowed us time to build.
There’s more Jazz than ever at this year’s Stratford Music Festival, with more variety too. It runs from 14th to 22nd of October, tickets can be bought from the Festival Box Office, Pageant House, 2 Jury Street, Warwick (Tel: 01926 496277). For further details about these events and other Festival concerts log on to www.warwickarts.org.uk
Humphrey Lyttelton
and his band play at the Robin 2, Bilston on Sunday 11th
September, supported by Carole Westwood
Box Office/Enquiries 01902 401211 or book online at www.therobin.co.uk.
THE JAMES PASS MUSIC SHOP has moved from Birmingham City Centre to 151 Whetstone Lane, Aldridge. They also run a mail order service (01922 743770)
It is almost exactly 4 years since the Heart of England Jazz Band issued it's last CD, so the recording session at the Thistle Hotel on the 11th and 12th August was long overdue.
In many respects it was one of the easiest recording sessions the Band has experienced. This was in no small part due to the expertise of Raymer Sound and the rapport the Band has established over the years with Neil and Margaret Raybould. The success of the occasion was further enhanced by the kindness and cooperation of Will Owen and the staff of the Thistle Hotel. The Band was afforded every courtesy in terms of ideal facilities and gourmet refreshments.
The new CD is likely to be issued in late September.
Thanks to Selwyn Newton for this article.
The Sharmanaires are an 18 piece band playing in the style of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, Ted Heath and Tommy Dorsey to name a few, and their repertoire is based on popular songs and music written over the years, mainly from the 40's and 60's.
Their vocalist is the excellent Maggie Farmer who performs the hits of Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and others.
The band is led and coached by Phil Phillips and have a guest conductor
and coach in the well known and respected John Ruddick. They appear
regularly at the Dovehouse Theatre and at the Solihull Royal British
Legion. To find out more visit their website, www.sharman aires.org.uk
or ring the Solihull RBL on 0121 705 0742
Bass player Roger Inniss is best known to most of us as a wonderful musician in other people's bands. Now he has put his own band together, 'thEROGINNISSZONE', a group of musicians with a varied musical experience who share a deep commitment to jazz at its more creative.
The album was founded on inspiration born out of the frustration Roger experienced in session work where the bass line was usually laid down very early on. Here he tries to give each instrument a full vocabulary of expression. Inniss directs the musicians minimally, allowing them to use their instinct and musical prowess to develop the compositions.
The band features Carlton Romillie (sax), Martin Williams (sax), Rod Youngs (drums), Mark Fletcher (drums), Chris Storr (trumpet), Phil Robson (guitar) and Gabriel Nuzzoli, all impressive musicians in their own right. "LINES" is available from www.jazzcds.co.uk Price £14 (incl p&p) - www.rogerinniss.com
Many thanks to Suki for this review
Bridgnorth Jazz Festival -takes place from 28th to 30th October, featuring Liane Carroll (left) with her trio. A protegée of Ronnie Scott, Liane has just won two awards in the BBC Jazz Awards 2005 - the Best of Jazz award and the Best Vocalist award. This is a unique achievement.
Other artists include Tommy Whittle, Craig Milverton, Keith Nichols, Martin Litton, Enrico Tomasso, Roy Williams, Julian Stringle, Carole Westwood. On Saturday 29th Oct the Pizza Express Allstars are at the Theatre on the Steps from 8pm.
There's also a Sunday night tribute to Satchmo and the Duke. Tickets: Malcolm Wain - 01746 789628 or Tanners Wine Shop - 01746 763148.
SPARKLING SCARBOROUGHIn one of the many highlights of the Festival star pianist Julian Joseph teams up with one of the great jazz guitarists, Martin Taylor (right), for their first ever-joint festival appearance.
Other guests include Stan Tracey, Clare Teal, Jacqui Dankworth and the New Warriors. It's from 23 - 25 September. Info: 01723 357869 / 376774 www.scarboroughjazzfestival.net
(7th to 9th October) will centre around the Three Tuns Pub, Salop Street, Bishops Castle, Shropshire. It will include the Southern Sounds marching jazz band, the Antique Six and many other trad and mainstream acts.
For further information watch this space!
The organising committee are putting on a couple of taster concerts at the Three Tuns on Sunday 11th September featuring the Southern Sounds Jazzmen (2-5pm £3.00), and a mainstream gig with Geoff Grimes, Charley Mason, John Williams and guests (6-9pm £3.00).
Contact Ted on 01588 630357
For one weekend only, from 9 Ð 11 September, the streets of Birmingham will be taken over by the UKÕs largest free arts festival - ArtsFest 2005. ArtsFest usually features some good free Jazz often on centre stage. Performances take place at venues such as Symphony Hall, BÕham Art Gallery, Brindleyplace, St MartinÕs Church and the Rep, along with the main stages in Centenary and Chamberlain Squares. ArtsFest is a great opportunity for local performers to showcase their work, so come and support them and Birmingham and be part of ArtsFest 2005! For updated information visit the ArtsFest website at www.artsfest.org.uk
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On a beautifully sunny day many of Birmingham's best Jazz, Rock, Reggae and Blues musicians turned out to perform in the biggest of several benefits for Steve Ajao, who was so badly hurt when he was hit by a car in June.
There were three Jazz sets, led by pianists Edgar Mac’as, Tim Amman and Steve Sherriff with musicians who included Esther Miller, Tom Hill and Ray Butcher. Other acts included a barnstorming set from legendary Brummie rocker Trevor Burton, of Move fame, the Blues Giants (including Edouard Maison who flew in from Paris for the gig) and reggae from Dready and the Mighty Steppers.
There were even a few words from Steve Ajao himself, relayed from his hospital bed via mobile phone and the gig was finished off by 70's Rock 'n' Roll stars the Steve Gibbons band. The all-day event exceeded all expectations and raised over £7,500 which will help support Steve who will be unable to walk for months to come.
The next Ajao benefit will be at Bearwood Corks Club on Thursday 4th August (see ad) and will feature Mike Burney (of Wizard and Syd Lawrence Orchestra fame) along with Andy Peate, Ray Butcher and Luke Shingler.
Carole
Westwood won the 'Shrewsbury Jazz Singer of the Year 2005' at
Shrewsbury Music Hall on Wed 13th July. Carole was one of seven
finalists who won through from heats at Owens Bar in Shrewsbury. The
finalists were mostly local, but featured at least one Londoner.
The competition was adjudicated by jazz singer Norma Winstone and the singers were judged on intonation originality, musicality, technique and presentation. Carole sang Summertime, At 17 and I Got Rhythm.
Carole says "I'm absolutely thrilled and hope that I can use this to raise my profile and get gigs in places that haven't been interested 'cos they have never heard of me!!"
Carole wins £50 plus 4 gigs at the Mytton & Mermaid and 2 showcase gigs at the Music Hall. So far so good then. Last years winner Becky Biggins is now working in London and sings for NYJO. 3rd place went to Sadie Hopkins and 2nd to Emily Floyd.
PERSHORE Jazz fans in The Vale are in for a sparkling weekend of jazz from September 1st to 4th when Pershore hosts its 4th annual Jazz Festival, offering an unbeatable opportunity to catch some of the best musicians and bands on the British jazz scene.
These include The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Garry AllcockÕs Midlands All Stars Big Band, Tina Law, Denise Lawrence, Mike BeaumontÕs Ellingtonia, The Alan Gresty-Brian White Ragtimers and the Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra with The Antique Six.
Some events will be free. Tel 01386 554 235
TOP ACTS AT
NAIRNNairn near Inverness offers a unique International Jazz Festival from 7th to 13th August. Beneath Ò360 degrees of open skiesÓ they host some top acts who canÕt often be seen in the UK.
These include Californian, Nikki Harris (pictured above). Nikki is famous as Madonna's right hand lady - backing vocalist, choreographer and dancer for the last seventeen years. Other acts include the Count Basie Orchestra, Jazz legend Mulgrew Miller and Marty Grosz.
Contact: 01463 234 234 or visit www.nairnjazzfestival.com
Birmingham diva, Gwen King, pictured above recently performed in the Birmingham Jazz Festival, and at the Prince of Wales music venue, Cambridge Street with pianist Peter Beresford and Brian Smith on Sax.
Windworld, the Birmingham based woodwind and brass specialists are seeking a Woodwind Instrument Repairer. If you have the necessary skills and enjoy helping customers please phone Mark McCabe on 0121 772 7889 or send your CV to Mark at Windworld, 1 Gibb St, Digbeth, BÕham B9 4AA
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For one weekend only, from 9 - 11 September, the streets of Birmingham will be taken over by the UK's largest free arts festival - ArtsFest 2005. ArtsFest usually features some good free Jazz often on centre stage. Performances take place at venues such as Symphony Hall, BÕham Art Gallery, Brindleyplace, St Martin's Church and the Rep, along with the main stages in Centenary and Chamberlain Squares. ArtsFest is a great opportunity for local performers to showcase their work, so come and support them and Birmingham and be part of ArtsFest 2005! For updated information visit the ArtsFest website at www.artsfest.org.uk
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The Festival season is back again. In this issue we feature a wide range for you to choose from, starting with L’Esprit Manouche.
L'Esprit Manouche is a top Gypsy Swing festival with over 20 hours of live music from the best players around, all on 9th & 10th July at Moseley Park, Birmingham. This years line up includes the Rosenberg Trio (first ever UK performance), Dotschy Reinhardt, Lollo Meier, Moreno, Dominique Pierard & Benjamin Clement, Les Doigts de l'Homme, Fred T. Baker as well as local talent such as Trio Gitano and Fret & Fiddle.
A line-up of this calibre attracts audiences from all over the world and if the weather holds it should be the perfect Summer Festival. Music starts at 12.30 and goes on to about 11pm both days. Master Classes are available from Jonny Hepbir (Guitar) and Tim Kliphuis (Violin) over the weekend (price £25)
For more info go to: www.lespritmanouche.com or phone 0121-249 2303.
DON LUSHER FOR SALVATION ARMY
BENEFITFred Devereux bass, trombonist with Brian Newton band sent news of a charity concert in aid of the Salvation Army, featuring star Trombonist Don Lusher. Fred writes:
Don Lusher has agreed to give a concert in aid of the work of the Salvation Army in Birmingham, which consists of services for families, older people, young people, addicts, homeless etc. Their current building is inadequate and plans are in hand to extend it through a fundraising programme.
Don is known worldwide as one of the best trombonists ever. He will be accompanied by the Brian Hadley trio, three local guys with exceptional talent.
The concert is on 9th of July at the Salvation Army St Chads Queensway at 7.30 pm. Donation tickets are available at £7 and concession £5. Telephone numbers for tickets are 0121 236 5776 (office) or 0121 357 1018 my home or 07905 704 907 my mobile.
DRUMMING ACE ON A ROLLBritain's Ace Drummin' Man, John Petters, has a busy time ahead, with a season of Louis Armstrong Riverboat Shuffles, and a series of residential jazz festivals to organise.
Having recorded with American stars, Wild Bill Davison, Art Hodes, Yank Lawson, Kenny Davern and Al Casey, as well as notable Brits, Ken Colyer, George Chisholm and Humphrey Lyttelton, Petters now spends most of his time promoting jazz events.
On Sunday 17th July, his Jazz'n'Swing Band plays a riverboat cruise on the Conway Castle at Upton-upon-Severn with former Acker Bilk cornetist, Ken Sims.
In September (16th - 19th) it's the Louis Armstrong Celebration Festival at South Downs Holiday Centre with Sammy Rimington and the father of British Jazz, George Webb.
November finds the drummer fronting the Fourth William Shakespeare Jazz Festival in Stratford.
Further details or brochures on 0800 496 0673, www.traditional-jazz.com e-mail: tjpost@traditional-jazz.com
FUNDRAISER FOR FALLEN GIANTMusicians from all over the Midlands will be joining together to raise funds to help Jazz and Blues giant, Steve Ajao.
The top Alto Sax and Blues Guitarist who suffered serious head and leg injuries when he was hit by a car while crossing the road is one of the major players on the local Jazz and Blues scene.
Fellow musicians are coming together to play concerts in his benefit, and an all day gig is being held in the beer garden at one of Steve's favourite pubs, the Prince of Wales in Moseley, on Sunday 3 July. Doors open at 12.30 and there will be a full day of fantastic Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Rock and Acoustic music with many top names from across the Midlands already lined up.Admission is £5.00 with everybody paying (even the caterers and musicians).
More events have been planned or are in the pipeline including a Birmingham Jazz Festival gig, "Blues in the Night - A Fundraiser For Steve Ajao" in the Moulin Rouge, Centenary Square on July 9th.
Info at www.steveajao.com or contact Ade Wakelin: 07831 099 951 ade@smokinguitars.co.uk
The Jazz Connection at Ryton on Dunsmore near Coventry are putting on a "unique occasion" at their regular venue to celebrate their 5th Anniversary. Originally based at the Eathorpe Park Hotel they had to find a new venue and 5 years ago they moved to the Leisure Centre at the Sports Connection, where they have continued to enjoy many evenings of great Jazz.
Committee member Derek Goode says there is always a convivial atmosphere and bands love to play there. The Jazz on offer is New Orleans, Dixieland and Mainstream. Other Committee members who help to run the Club are Terry, Geoff and Mike.
For the Anniversary event the All Stars Band was put together by Derek and musician, Jonny Boston.
Price (£10) includes an excellent buffet, great young musicians and a celebration atmosphere. If you would like to be involved in this unique occasion, and have a very enjoyable evening phone Derek on 024 7633 5273 or Terry on 01926 832 306. Don't delay as it"s tickets only and numbers are limited. Past supporters and new members welcome.
Will Owen, Head Chef from the Thistle Hotel, Edgbaston (formerly "The Strath") is an inspiration to anyone thinking of starting regular Jazz sessions. Will began a Jazz programme on alternate Sundays and has now become a really solid Jazz fan. On Tuesday 5th July Will has booked the Heart of England from 8pm and he is providing a free sandwich buffet
Further to last month's item about difficulties at the Trumpet, Bilston we are delighted to report that things are improving. Annie tells us that they have received great support from Jazz fans and musicians alike, for which they are very grateful. Keep up the support!
The dedicated bunch of Trad enthusiasts who run the Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club have moved to a new venue, the Sutton Town Football Club in Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield. They are no longer to be found at the Royal Hotel, but events are still to be held on Wednesday evenings as before. We wish them every success and lots of great Trad Jazz at their new home. For info phone 0121 308 4660
Sam Waller reports that his first Jazz Cruise was a great success. Musicians Chris Bowden on Sax and Edgar Macías on keyboard entertained an enthusiastic audience. Sam is much looking forward to his next cruise with Fret & Fiddle on 24th July
To celebrate the first 21 years, The 2005 Starbucks Birmingham International Jazz Festival takes great pride in presenting, for the first time ever in Birmingham, the world-famous Spiegeltent, The Moulin Rouge.
The art deco pavillion was built in Belgium in 1910, and will be sited in Centenary Square from July 1st to 10th. It will be the centre point of the Festival with events taking place daytime and evening for the 10 days of the festival.
The Jazz festival is claiming a major coup with the return to Birmingham of the British Jazz Awards "the Jazz Oscars". The John Burnett Memorial Concert (in memory of Birmingham's great trumpet star) featuring The Birmingham Jazz All Stars will raise funds for The British Heart Foundation. Headline acts include Kyle Eastwood, Birmingham's Soweto Kinch and Andy Hamilton, America's Joey De Francesco Trio, Hanna Richardson Trio, legendary tenor saxist Red Holloway and singers Val Wiseman and Gwyneth Herbert.
All this and much more including regulars such as Alan Barnes and King Pleasure will be happening in and around Birmingham.
For full details ring 0121 454 7020, email festival@bigbearmusic.com or visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com
On 16th July the Tord Gustavsen Trio play their first ever concert in the West Midlands at the Lichfield Festival. The Norwegian piano trio is proving to be the quiet sensation of 21st century jazz. Their first CD on ECM, 2000's Changing Places, sold an impressive 65,000 copies in its first year, and its successor, The Ground, also on ECM, has reached number 8 in the Billboard Jazz Chart.
In explaining his popularity, Tord Gustavsen said: "We try to play music that is as honest and free as possible." The trio play the Lichfield Garrick Theatre as part of the Lichfield Festival on Saturday 16 July at 7.30pm.
Also appearing at the 2005 Lichfield Festival are Clare Teal and her band (Lichfield Garrick Theatre, Friday 8 July) and the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra with special guest Mark Nightingale (Lichfield Cathedral, Friday 15 July).
For all three concerts, call the box office on 01543 412 121 or book online at www.lichfieldfestival.org
This August, the beautiful market town of Brecon in mid-Wales will once again host the world-famous jazz festival with another packed programme of unmissable concerts by some of the finest artists from around the globe.
Brecon International Festival Of Jazz 2005 runs from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th August 2005 with its trademark mix of big name performances, stroller concerts and street music events.
Attracting fans of all kinds of jazz, from traditional to contemporary, as well as connoisseurs of great music young or old, Brecon Jazz Festival is one of Europe's top Jazz Festivals.
July 8th-10TH - An eclectic weekend in the beautiful market town of Marlborough, Wiltshire. For details phone 01672 515 095 or visit www.marlboroughjazz.co.uk
“On the edge of Heartbeat country”
25th - 30th July - Trad with some Swing. Now in it's 18th year it takes place at the Memorial Hall in Pickering, (nr Whitby and Scarborough) Contact Norval Jackson on 01347 878 642 for further information.
As part of the Droitwich Spa Music Festival there will be a number of excellent free Jazz events. The festival runs from Monday 4th to Sunday 10th July and includes the Louisiana Dixie Trio (4th July) and Tom Hill's mainstream outfit ZZ Bop (5th July). THe Louisiana Strollers will be at the Salters Centre on 7th and 14th July and the Worcester Youth Jazz Orchestra will be in the Lido Park on Sunday 10th July. Full details from Jill Campbell: 07977 493 445 or jill.campbell@wychavon.gov.uk
“Great Jazz on the beautiful Dorset Coast’
Swanage is unusual among British Festivals in putting on Jazz in most of the styles played in Britain today - New Orleans, Dixieland, Swing, Mainstream, Bebop, Postbop and contemporary.The Festival is from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July. For tickets and further information call 01929 422 215 (www.swanagejazz.org.uk)
At the Bull Hotel, 14 Bull Ring, Ludlow SY8 1AD. From Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd July includes big names such as Scott Hamilton, Alan Barnes, Digby Fairweather and the Bryan Jones Big Band For details phone Sally Maile on 01584 873 611 or write to the address above
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GLENN MILLER NIGHT OUT 
Sam Waller writes: 
BOURBON KICK AT BURTON
DICK CHAPMAN