Hello all,

“The Steve King Big Band have just released their sixth studio album “60 NOT OUT”.

The CD features as guests well known Midlands Jazzers Andy Shillingford and Bryan Corbett, together with top USA vocalist Lynn Dawes.

It has already received considerable airplay on several radio stations and is available at all their gigs plus via post. (See the band’s website for details).

The band are holding an official release party on Sunday 17th May at the Townend Social Club in Halesowen.As well as great music, there will be prizes, giveaways and a chance to get your copy autographed by the band.

The fun starts at 8 pm and admission is only £8 on the door”

Good news for all Blues and Jazz fans. The Lichfield Blues and Jazz Festival is coming to the city on June 25th –28th presented by Lichfield Arts

It will feature top national bands plus some of regions finest musicians at various venues across the City Centre including the Cathedral, Guildhall, George Hotel, Lichfield Library plus over six pubs and restaurants.

Tickets are available for the festival you can book online on www.lichfieldarts.org.uk or ring 01543-262223

There's a new venue for George Huxley's monthly event, from Thursday 28th May it will be held at Solihull British Legion, Union Rd B91 3DH enquiries 01564 730098

The Fiddle & Bone
is Back

We've just had a message from Richard Heath:

He is starting an Open Mic at the Fiddle and Bone on the canal in Birmingham, next to the NIA, on Tuesday 21st April at 7.30pm. Fiddle and Bone is a lovely newly refurbished venue.

All welcome, performers and listeners alike.

More news on the recently re-opened venue to follow, but for now see their website at fiddleandbone.co.uk

•       Thursday 21st May 8pm      •
The Chris Gumbley Quintet

•       Thursday 18th June 8pm      •
The Simon Spillett Quintet
“Standard Miles” Celebrating Miles Davis

£12 on the door
The Albany Club
10 Earlsdon Street, Earlsdon
Coventry, CV5 6EG
www.jazzcov.co.uk
To book tickets in advance contact Neil McGowan 07811 203727 or neil.mcgowan@btconnect.com

---

Hello all,

Following last year’s successful ‘sold out’ Birmingham Old Rep Theatre WW1 & D-Day commemorative concert, vocalist Gary Lewis and the Don Mather Big Band are returning to the city on September 5th. This time the venue will be the stunning Science Museum ’thinktank’ at Millennium Point.

2015 is the 75th anniversary of the Battle Of Britain and the 70th anniversary of V.E. Day. The concert will feature related music plus tributes to Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra, it will also give the unique opportunity to dance to the sound of Glenn Miller under the museums Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft. Working closely with the museum Gary said “ This concert will not only be commemorating those great historical events and the people who took part, but also help highlight the opening of the museums new ‘Spitfire Gallery’.

Over 60% of all wartime Spitfires produced were built in Birmingham at the old Castle Bromwich works, Gary added “I can’t think of a more appropriate venue to host this very special anniversary concert”.

Good News Stratford Jazz at No.1 re-opens in April. Stratford Jazz restarts with a real blockbuster on Wednesday, 8th April at 8pm.

Featuring the cream of the Midlands jazz talent, bassist Ben Markland brings his excellent quintet On the front-line is saxophonist Chris Bowden with trumpeter Bryan Corbett, sterling support from Al Gurr on piano and Neil Bullock on drums completes this prestigious quintet. For more information about fortnightly live jazz on Wednesday evenings visit www.stratfordjazz.org.uk.

Southside Big band, have a very special guest at the April Concert, Eleanor Keenan.

Ellie spent nine years as featured vocalist with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra and with the BBC Big Band, the Joe Loss Orchestra and the Great British Big Band. She also toured extensively as a supporting artiste with Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck.

The ever popular Edgar Marcias is back in Birmingham for a few weeks in April, he will be performing at The Blue Piano on Wed, 15th, 22th, 29th

The Fiddle & Bone
is Back

We've just had a message from Richard Heath:

He is starting an Open Mic at the Fiddle and Bone on the canal in Birmingham, next to the NIA, on Tuesday 21st April at 7.30pm. Fiddle and Bone is a lovely newly refurbished venue.

All welcome, performers and listeners alike.

More news on the recently re-opened venue to follow, but for now see their website at fiddleandbone.co.uk

...LONDON... ...CARDIFF... ...BEARWOOD... ...PHILADELPHIA... ...NEW YORK...

Gilad Hekselman Wows Bearwood

The last minute Gilad Hekselman solo gig at the Silvershine Jazz Club was an amazing success. So much so that the club are considering more Friday night gigs with top artists.

Garry Corbett has written an excellent revue in The Jazz Breakfast.

International Jazz Day
in Leamington

Interplay jazz group is very proud to be welcoming South African trumpet star Claude Deppa to share the stage at the Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa, to celebrate International Jazz Day. Claude's fiery and direct style will add dynamic energy and range to Interplay's distinctive sound, and Adrian Litvinoff, the group’s leader and composer, is writing new arrangements to make the most of his presence in the front line.

Claude came to the UK from South Africa and immediately made an impact. He was a founder member of Jazz Warriors, Courtney Pine's hugely influential all black big band. He was MD for Julian Bahula's Jabula Orchestra and Louis Moholo's Viva La Black, and has also worked with Andy Sheppard and Carla Bley for many years. His other credits include appearances with many giants of global jazz such as Hermeto Pascoal, Manu Dibango, Tony Allen, Miriam Makeba, Jonas Gwangwa and Chris McGregor.

Claude has also been a long-standing member of the Grand Union Orchestra, the unique multi-cultural jazz orchestra and music education ensemble run by Tony Haynes. Claude and Grand Union worked extensively in Warwickshire schools and colleges during 1988 - 90, which is how he and Adrian first met.

Interplay features Alan Wakeman (reeds) Richard Baker (trombone) Neil Hunter (keyboard) Adrian Litvinoff (basses) and Dave Balen (drums, percussion). Based in Leamington, the band puts out an infectious blend of expressive jazz, global rhythms and original ideas. Gilles Peterson called their last album ‘Global’ a ‘beautiful record’, and Ian Mann (aka TheJazzMann) described them as having ‘a distinctive group sound and philosophy’ and ‘potentially more than a ‘regional’ outfit’.

Interplay has been together for over 7 years and all the members are well known in their own right. Alan Wakeman can often be heard in company with Mike Westbrook, and Neil Hunter is frequently called on to accompany players such as Tony Kofi and Greg Abate. Richard Baker is a popular guest soloist around the Midlands; Adrian Litvinoff’s other involvements reflect his wide-ranging musical interests, from Celtic fusion to Blues and Soul; and Dave Balen enjoys a growing reputation as a Tabla player.

Also on the bill is Three Way Split featuring Ian Hill, Wayne Matthews and David Anderson. This new trio performs original compositions by Ian Hill merging soul, reggae, jazz and other genres. Ian Hill, (saxes, voice) is very well known to Midlands audiences for his melodic and inventive playing. Wayne Matthews is a much-in-demand bassist with a very personal, fluid style, while David Anderson is a highly experienced drummer with credits on both sides of the Atlantic, currently working with The South (formerly the Beautiful South).

Now in its fourth year, International Jazz Day is becoming a major milestone in the Jazz Calendar all around the world. It was established by jazz piano supremo Herbie Hancock in his role as UNESCO Cultural Ambassador, and is supported by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (USA).

The event is on 30th April at 7.30pm at The Pump Rooms, Parade, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA.

Tickets £10 can be bought online at http://tinyurl.com/ouy5h9x or by phone 01926 334418

This is an ‘In The Moment’ production and is generously supported by Warwick District Council.

...LONDON... ...CARDIFF... ...BEARWOOD...
...PHILADELPHIA... ...NEW YORK...

Gilad Hekselman Solo (NY Guitar)

Friday 3rd April - at The Silvershine Jazz Club, Bearwood Corks Club, 558 Bearwood Road B66 4BT - 8.00pm - Admission £5 One Price

The Silvershine Jazz Club in Bearwood got an umissable opportunity to book the amazing New York based guitarist, Gilad Hekselman, at very short notice as a late addition to his tour of the US and Europe. Gilad is a young New York based Jazz guitarist you will be hearing a lot more of in the future.

It's on the Friday (3rd April) and this really is a must see gig. They will be having a Jam Night on their usual Thursday that week making it a fabulously Jazzy start to the Bank Holiday weekend. For more info go to www.bearwoodjazz.co.uk

•       Thursday 30th April 8pm       •
The Bryan Corbett Quartet
With Alan Barnes

•       Thursday 21st May 8pm      •
The Chris Gumbley Quintet

£12 on the door
The Albany Club
10 Earlsdon Street, Earlsdon
Coventry, CV5 6EG
www.jazzcov.co.uk
To book tickets in advance contact Neil McGowan 07811 203727 or neil.mcgowan@btconnect.com

---

Hello all,

March already, spring is on the way, lots of great music to look forward to, whether its the regular clubs, holdidays or Festivals, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

Jazzstrata has been resident Band at the Malt House in Birmingham since 2008. The policy has been to gather together a group of excellent musicians from which bandleader, Peter Carlton, is are able to select week by week a different combination of players for the regular Sunday lunchtime sessions.

The music is generally Mainstream and Dixieland with the occasional inclusion of original compositions. Guest are always welcome and there is an opportunity for those who are developing their skills to take part. A big thank you must go to Mark Phillips for all his help with the charity raffle.

Jazzstrata is Gary Bell trpt Derrick Brown bs Ray Brown bs. Allan Jones drms. Robert Lloyd trbn. Trevor Lines.bs. Andy Peate trpt and p.John Smith gtr. and of course Peter Carlton cl.and saxophone.

Thanks should also go to thank John Bell, the Malt House manager, and his team for their continued support.

•       Thursday 26th March 8pm      •
The Kieron Garrett Quartet
Featuring Dave O’Higgins

•       Thursday 30th April 8pm       •
The Bryan Corbett Quartet
With Alan Barnes

£12 on the door
The Albany Club
10 Earlsdon Street, Earlsdon
Coventry, CV5 6EG
www.jazzcov.co.uk
To book tickets in advance contact Neil McGowan 07811 203727 or neil.mcgowan@btconnect.com

---

 

Happy New year!!

Corner Pocket Jazz Club has moved premises to the Standard Triumph Club.It is just off the A45, not far from the village Hotel roundabout Herald Avenue. Tile Hill. Coventry. CV5 6UB 2nd Tuesday of each month.

What a great success the Oxfam Stomp was, raising over £2000. The committee thank all the musicians, who gave their time for free, for taking part and for the support of all jazz fans, Les and his wife on the door and the raffle sellers Dee and Aud.

Ben Holder has started a new Jazz Club in Dunchurch Village Hall, which is a lovely village just on the edge of Rugby. It will usually take place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, but for February it will be on Friday the 6th Feb featuring Richard Exhall Quartet.

Jazz Lunches at the Waterside Brasserie

Every third Sunday of the month

Enjoy a lazy lunch to the soothing sounds of Jazz- the perfect way to round off your weekend!
Jazz from 12.30pm until 3.00pm Sunday lunch served from 12pm untl13pm
Sunday 15th February - David Austin Gray on piano with Nick Jurd on double bass.
Our next Jazz date is Sunday 15th March
The Arden, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BA - T: 01789 298682
/thearden @ardenhotel

Sun 1st March

Stafford Jazz Society

White Eagle Club
Riverway, Stafford
ST16 3TH
12.30 pm

Info: 0121 550 1564
www.stevekingbigband.co.uk

Greetings and a

warm welcome to

our Christmas issue.

Thank you very much for all message of encouragement your support is much appreciated. Keep supporting live music, there is plenty to choose from in our Listings section.

RIP Mike Burney, who died on Nov.13th. He faced his long battle with cancer with strength, optimism and his indefatigable sense of humour.

He was loved and respected both as a great musician and a very nice man. He will be sadly missed

Please note Stafford Jazz Society has a new NEW VENUE: White Eagle Club, Riverway, STAFFORD ST16 3TH. The first concert at the new venue will be on Sunday 14th December at 12-30pm

The sad news is Knowle Jazz club is no longer able to keep going, increased cost and lower attendance have forced closure.

The good news is George Huxley Old Sills Jazz Club us up and running after the closure for club refurbishment.

... keep Jazzin’
Stella

Sheila Waterfield, Ben Holder Roy Forbes and Patsy Gamble, just some of the acts due to appear at The Trumpet, Bilston (See Listings for details)...


 
       ...and below it’s Musti and Reg who run the show
 

Watch out for John Ethridge and Chris Garrick at Stratford Jazz on 10th December

They’re playing the club following the release of their second album together, "Men on Wire".

The duo provides a feast of interplay, improvisation and eclectic repertoire. Both players make extensive use of looping and other effects-creating exotic tapestries of sound, almost orchestral at times, yet can seamlessly switch to the most acoustic sound. They can evoke Reinhardt and Grappelli and then summon up the spirits of the electric avant-garde, atmospheric and hypnotic. They can roar, seduce, whisper. Jazzwise described their relationship as "one of the most potent in European Jazz".

Full details in the advert below or on our Listings page

Shrewsbury Jazz Network Correction

We posted in our Listings (magazine & web) that the Martin Speake Trio are playing at Shrewsbury Jazz Network in January. This is a mistake. They aren’t.

However the other gigs - Annual Jazz Jam on Dec 7 & the Wild Flower Sextet Jan 17 are very much on.

Click on the advert to download the Oxfam Stomp fler and Booking Form

The Brian Newton
Big Band

Triplex Social Club
Eckersall Road
Birmingham
B38 8SR
Every first Monday
at 8.30pm
Next concerts
3rd November 2014
1st December 2014
2nd February 2015
0121 777 2944
bnbigband@hotmail.co.uk
briannewtonbigband.com

CORRECTION FROM MAGAZINE AD

02/12  INTERPLAY QUINTET.  £8 online/£10 door.    **Note Tuesday evening!
Adrian Litvinoff (b) Alan Wakeman (reeds) Richard Baker (tb) Richard Hughes (p)
Dave Ballen (d )

CORRECTION FROM MAGAZINE AD

CONCERT AWARD SUCCESS

Congratulations to Midlands vocalist Gary Lewis who been awarded the coveted Birmingham City Council ‘Platinum’ award in recognition of him organising the ‘sell out’ concert held at the Old Rep Theatre Birmingham on Sat July 5th to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One and the 70th anniversary of D-Day .The Don Mather big Band provided the musical backing, joining Gary on vocals were Mark Carter and Colin Jordan .

We've just had this message from The Drum about an Album Launch by Bernard Taylor on Sun 26 Oct, 7pm - Tickets: £4 (£3)

Join Bernard Taylor for the launch of his new album I'll Wait on You, fusing Jazz, Classical, Samba and Latino with rich traditional Gospel sound performed with a contemporary flare. Join us for an evening of inspirational and uplifting music. - http://www.the-drum.org.uk/single-event/?id=BT

Also watch out for BOTOWN !!

It's a night of sensational Soul, Funk and Bollywood fusion, as the incredible London collective Botown return to The Drum on Sat 1 Nov, with tickets only £15. One of the most exciting and engaging music acts to emerge from London in recent years, an eight-piece fusion band that have given lovers of Bollywood and Soul music a brand new groove.

Thursday 6th November 8pm • The Dave O’Higgins Quartet
Thursday 4th December 8pm • The Art Themen and Don Weller Quintet
£12 on the door
The Albany Club, 10 Earlsdon Street, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6EG
www.jazzcov.co.uk • Neil McGowan: 07811 203727