On Sunday July 7th the Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston present a fabulous evening of midsummer music with the NC Big Band and Gipsy Jazz from violin virtuoso Ralph Allin.

Starting at 6.30pm it's a 1940s themed evening celebrating 175 years of Botanical Beauty. There's even a free bottle of bubbly for the best turned out group. You can Bring a picnic, rug or low chair and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of your Botanical Gardens.

THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham - Tickets £12.50 in advance (£15.00 on the night subject to availability)
TEL: 0121 454 1860
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

IT’S FESTIVAL TIME AGAIN

The Upton Festival organisers have assembled a great many top-line acts to celebrate their 22nd Festival of New Orleans, Hot Club, Dixieland, Comedy, Trad and Swing styles of jazz on 22-24 June 2007. Their advice is not to miss Saturday's spectacular “Mardi Gras” procession from 11am. And bring your decorated brollies!

Acclaimed vocalist Tina May (below right) . . .

. . . and her Trio, including the award-winning pianist Nicky Iles, will be at Wavendon Festival, in Sir John Dankworth’s Garden, near Milton Keynes on Sunday 17 June at 12 noon. For bookings and details tel 01908 280800 Also the excellent Bobby Wellins Quartet will be performing at 2.45pm on the same day.

World renowned saxophonist Scott Hamilton (left) . . .

and his Quartet will be appearing at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich on Saturday 30 June, tel 01905 770154.They also perform at the Marlborough International Jazz Festival on 13- 15 July in company with an all star line-up (more below).

MARLBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 13-15 July 2007

Lovers of great jazz will find the lure of this year’s Marlborough International Jazz Festival irresistible. The musical boundaries have been extended to include the whole spectrum of jazz (trad, mainstream and modern), blues, elements of folk, world music and even a medieval jazz orchestra.

The Festival, founded in 1986, features on Tower Records’ list of the top events of its kind in the British Isles. As well as individual concerts, a major feature is the “ Stroller”. These tickets enable the holder to see a large number of bands in over 20 locations on Friday evening from 6pm and Saturday from before 12 noon until after midnight.

Bands range from famous touring stars – and many of the home-grown variety – to young and up-and-coming groups. Over the years Marlborough has built its reputation on booking bands that are on the way to the top, and these return year after year. For the artists it represents a real opportunity to get close to their audience.

As Chris Jagger put it, “ normally we play in a place and clear off, but at Marlborough we meet old and new friends year by year”.

Main artists include Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band, Dutch Swing College Band, Gwyneth Herbert, Scott Hamilton’s All Star Quartet, Michael Roach, Julie Felix, African band Zambula, Ed Jones Quartet with Harvey Thompson, John Bunch Trio, Gilad Atzmon, Swarb’s Lazarus, Chris Jagger and the Atcha Band, Geoff Eales Trio, Red Stripe Band, Roland Perrins, Steve “Big Man” Clayton and the 44s, Bobby Carcassee, 3G – The Gospel All Stars, Sticky Wickett Little Big Band, Paddy Milner and the Big Sounds, Renato D’Aiello and many many more.

You can visit their website at www.marlboroughjazz.co.uk. For tickets / brochures contact the box office on 01672 515095 or write to Marlborough Jazz, 132 High Street, Marlborough, Wilts. SN8 1HN.

BARFOTA JAZZMEN (SWEDEN)
AT KIRKCUDBRIGHT FESTIVAL

Formed in the mid-70s and still going strong with many of the original members in place, the band features musicians steeped in classic New Orleans Jazz and Ragtime.

Although members of the band admit to many musical influences from the early jazz days, each has developed his own individual style which contributes to the overall sound of the band.

You can enjoy this band at this year’s Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival from the 14th to 17th June. Other bands appearing include the Climax Jazz Band from Canada, Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz, The Red Stripe Jazz Band and the Chicago Teddy Bears plus many others. For details tel: 01557 330467.

NEWS IN BRIEF

KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL 14-17 June, provides a great opportunity to visit this picturesque harbour town and to see the beautiful scenery of South West Scotland. There’s also excellent local food to be enjoyed. Based on trad jazz, this year the festival also includes boogie woogie, jump jive etc. For further info tel 01557 330467.

THE BARTONS ARMS, High Street, Aston, Birmingham, a well-known listed building, has a Thai restaurant as well as awardwinning Oakham Ales and Blues on alternate Sunday afternoons.
tel 0121-333 5988 for info.

THE NORBURY THEATRE Jazz Spotlight at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich Spa – presents a programme of exceptional quality featuring Alan Barnes and Bruce Adams on Thursday 7 June and the Scott Hamilton Quartet on Saturday 30 June. To book tel 01905 770154.

LICHFIELD REAL ALE JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, 21-24 June, has a star-studded line-up including Kent Duchaine and Jacqui Dankworth. Tickets and enquiries tel 01543 262223.

THE RECORD CENTRE is now mail order only. Tel Ray on 0121-476 9619.

PIER 39 Friday is Jazz night at Pier 39 Restaurant, Sutton Coldfield. For enquiries and reservations tel 0121-323 4600 or www.pier-39.co.uk

ACKER BILK and Walsall Youth Jazz perform at Walsall Town Hall on Wednesday 6 June. Don’t miss this great evening. Box office 0845 111 2900. Also online at www.walsall.gov.uk/walsallLive.

TINA MAY

Since forming her first quartet in the early 1990s, Tina May’s astonishing vocal ability and hypnotic stage presence has won her worldwide acclaim. Nominated for Best Vocalist at the BBC Jazz Awards, she is also winner of the Best vocalist award and Critic’s Choice award at the BT Brit Jazz Awards.

An astonishingly gifted vocalist famous for performing standards to contemporary song, from Kern and Gershwin, to Paul Simon and Chick Corea. A gifted lyricist, Tina’s wonderful threeoctave, dusky soprano voice will already be familiar to ITV viewers from the catchy theme tunes of the popular series Infidelity and Airline, and television Commercials for Easyjet and Dove.

‘ One of the best jazz vocalists anywhere today’ The Observer. ‘With Tina May around who needs another singer?’ The Scotsman.

You can see Tina when she appears at the Wavendon Festival on Sunday, June 17th.

 

DIXI (NORWAY) COMES TO SUTTON COLDFIELD

On Wednesday 6th June Sutton Coldfield Trad Jazz Club are presenting DIXI, a young band from Norway.

DIXI is an exciting 6-piece Trad Jazz Band whose young talented members are some of their country’s finest musicians. Their music is inspired by New Orleans in the 1920s, still with a fresh approach creating their own unique sound. In September DIXI celebrated their 10th anniversary.

They have appeared in many top rate TV shows in Norway, Denmark and Sweden, played on radio shows and have received excellent reviews in major newspapers.They were widely acclaimed at Birmingham Jazz Festival two years ago, and had a great rapport with the audience.

A capacity crowd is expected at Sutton Coldfield so the evening will be ticket only (still only £3), tickets will be on sale each Wednesday at the Club based at Sutton Town FC, Coles Lane from Wednesday 9th May

NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME

JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

SUNDAY 27th MAY - MONDAY 28th MAY 2007

Watch out for the second annual Jazz and Blues Festival which takes place in Newcastle-Under-Lyme on Sunday 27th May and Monday 28th May. The gigs take place in various venues around the town.

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys return, having confessed that they had a “brilliant” time here last year. They will be ‘giving pleasure’ once again at The Old Brown Jug on Sunday evening. At The Full Moon, the Blues Blasters, Commitments Too and The Jalapenos are included in a packed programme of entertainment taylor-made to raise the rafters.

Most of the gigs are free, but you are recommended to contact the venue for ticket and/or entry fee details. Parking is also FREE on all Council car parks on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

The bands pictured above are King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, Climax Blues Band, Commitments Too and Toy Hearts in descending order.

To contact the Council regarding the festival call Janet Baddeley on 01782 742605 or by email on janet.baddeley@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk - Alternatively you can check-out the website at
www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/jazzandblues

It’s Bearwood Corks to the Glasgow Jazz Festival for Andy Hamilton and Dennis Rollins

The somewhat quirky photo above was taken at Bearwood Corks Club recently when Dennis Rollins joined Andy Hamilton & the Blue Note recently. The excellent and well supported gig is symptomatic of a Jazz Club on the up.

Gigs coming up in May include the Steve King Big Band (Thursday 10th) and a Corks Club first for Carole Westwood (Thursday 24th) while one to watch out for on 7th June is Gospel influenced singer, Carol Brewster, who bring with her a band featuring the excellent Alvin Davis on Sax.

Meanwhile Andy Hamilton and Dennis Rollins are off to the Glasgow Jazz Festival where Rollins has been asked to put together a gig featuring some of the best Jazz veterans to come out of Jamaica.

VIDEO... VIDEO... VIDEO...

Bearwood Corks Club have uploaded Video from the Rollins gig to their own site and to YouTube . Let us know if you have video of your gigs up on the web!!

WATCH OUT FOR
TINA LAW

Tina Law will be singing with the Garry Allcock's Allstars Big Band directed by Paul Drakeley at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Shady Lane, Great Barr, on Sunday May 13th at 8pm.

For further information ring Garry on 0121 475 7524 or Paul on 01902 441 600

SOUTHPORT INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2007

4 days, 4 nights, 25 venues, 65 gigs, 175 artistes JUST ONE DESTINATION; 31st MAY - 3rd JUNE 2007

Southport’s impressive Jazz Festival is a growing success story. Visitors can listen to excellent quality music throughout the town and, to make it even more attractive, 90% of the 65 concerts are free. Major artists and bands appearing this year include Courtney Pine, gypsy jazz guitarist Angelo DeBarre (France), Sierra Maestra, Cuba’s leading Son group, Liane Carroll, Gilad Atzmon, Munch Manship, the award winning West Midlands based Fat Chops Big Band (above) and the Zappatistas featuring John Etheridge.

Enjoy the delightful seaside town of Southport with its great shops, restaurants and hotels. For further information please phone 01704 533333 or visit www.southportjazz.com. There is also a bigger article in our archived features.

Quiver at the Norbury

Birmingham’s new Latin Jazz Sextet CD launch “Cous Cous” May 19th.

What do you get if you combine the melodic integrity of a great jazz standard with the primal pulse of a Cuban mambo? What if you mix the complexity of a Be Bop harmony with the simplicity of a Brazilian folk song. What happens if you combine the influences Weather Report, Irakere, Pat Metheny, Sergio Mendes, Tito Puente, Dexter Gordon, Herbie Mann? You get a band like Quiver.

Australian reed man Casey Greene has been playing Jazz and Latin music over a 20 year international music career. He is now busy creating his own music that has a unique, fresh sound combining the talents of Birmingham’s finest musicians.

“Cous Cous” is the new CD from quiver that will be launched at the Norbury Theatre on May 19th. www.myspace.com/quiverlatinjazz

COVENTRY JAZZ FESTIVAL

This ever-popular festival will have Jazz lovers waiting with baited breath as a
host of prestigious artists take to the stage on the 24th - 28th May in the historic Cathedral ruins.

Artists performing include The Pirates, Tony McPhee, the Michael Roach Band, Andy Sheppard (left), the acclaimed Mingus Big Band, Gwyneth Herbert (above), Henri Texier, Bheki Mseleku, the Stan Tracey Big Band, and Abram Wilson of New Orleans with an explosive line up of three bands in one.

The Press and PR ManagerMick McLaughlin, said: “ The Coventry Jazz Festival is firmly established as one of the premier festivals in the jazz world and once again we have attracted a who’s who of top-class performers.”

Tickets from Coventry Tourist Information Centre, 4 Priory Row, Coventry, telephone 024 7622 7264/66 or visit www.coventryjazzfestival.com

NAT KING COLE REMEMBERED

Phil Joseph (above) is a Nat King Cole fanatic. With the help of his musical arranger John Smith, he has compiled a show featuring the music of the great singer in its original style.

His band, the Supertones, comprises John Smith (guitar), Paul Sawtell (keyboard), Zoltan Dekany (double bass) and Dave Wilkes (drums).

His next gig is at the Longbridge Social Club, Northfield on May 18th at 7.30pm. Tickets £4, tel 0121-475 2627 or on door. To book Phil Joseph for your event please call John Smith on 0121-476 9335.

LICHFIELD REAL ALE, JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL 2007

“BIG MAN” Clayton will appear at the Lichfield Real Ale, Jazz & Blues Festival; 21st - 24th June.Star studded line-up for the Real Ale, Jazz & Blues Festival, June21st-24th, at Lichfield Rugby Club:

Opening the festival on Thursday will be a great night of electric blues with the Sleaze Brothers and the Climax Blues Band. On Friday evening Kent Duchaine drops in from Louisiana to present some classic blues. Saturday's stars include Rod Mason, flamenco jazz guitarist Eduardo Niebla, Time Zone, Steve “Big Man” Clayton with some great boogie-woogie and The Big Easy with their special brand of good time rhythm and blues. Sunday’s line-up includes Mercury nominee Zoe Rahman, wonderful guitarist John Etheridge, exciting young band Empirical and top jazz vocalist Jacqui Dankworth with her all star band.
 

SOUTHPORT INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2007

4 days, 4 nights, 25 venues, 65 gigs, 175 artistes
JUST ONE DESTINATION31st MAY – 3rd JUNE 2007

Every year the Jazz Festival in Southportgrows: the numbers attending, the array of venues, the amount of musicians and International artistes, exhibitions and book signings, the list is endless. Providing good quality music throughout
the town (and now even some venues outside the town centre hub), the festival prides itself on making the experience accessible for all - NINETY PERCENT of the concerts are FREE. Since winning Best Event of the Year at the Mersey Partnership Annual Tourism Awards in 2003, the Festival has continued to grow and gained a successful reputation amongst visitors to the event and musicians alike. The Southport International Jazz Festival launched it’s new look and it’s Arts Centre line-up for 2007, at the Jazz on a Winter’s Weekend event. Appearing this year are Courtney Pine, gypsy jazz guitarist Angelo DeBarre, Sierra Maestra Cuba’s leading son group, award-winning Liane Carroll, Gilad Atzmon presents Artie Fishel and the Promised Band, Munch Manship, Fatchops and the Zappatistas featuring John Etheridge. With people visiting from as far away as Canada, we think the word is out that the Southport International Jazz Festival is the place to be…

COURTNEY PINE

“ In A Class of His Own” THE TIMES

It’s almost two decades since Courtney Pine released a shock-and-awe debut album that put contemporary jazz in the British Top 40 album charts for the first time. Pine’s debut was a feverish statement of intent, it’s still profoundly redolent of the excitement surrounding British jazz’s revitalisation. 2007 sees the re-release of his classic ‘ Modern Day Jazz Stories’ (a Mercury Music Prize Album of The Year) so expect to hear old favourites alongside first airings of new album material and gems from his current ‘ Resistance’ set. *For Tickets Tel: 01704 500036 southporttheatre.boxoffice@clearchannel.co.uk

THE ANGELO DEBARRE QUARTET (France/UK)

“ Debarre is something else” John Walters, The Guardian

The foremost Gypsy guitarist in the world and alegend amongst European Gypsies, Debarre has astonished British audiences with his virtuosity for the last four years. He tours the UK this summer to record a live album.

SIERRA MAESTRA (Cuba - see top)

Cuba’s leading son group Sierra Maestra return to the UK. Amongst the leading exponents of one of the world’s most seductive musical forms and one of the greatest dance bands in the known universe, Sierra Maestra are an
Experience-with a capital ‘E’!

GILAD ATZMON presents ArtieFishel & The Promised Band.

Atzmon’s latest project sees him assuming the character of Jewish jazz man Artie Fishel, a brilliant but mad saxophonist who’s convinced that jazz isn’t a black American art form but was born in the ghetto’s of Eastern Europe. Expect twisted Klezmer versions of the Great American songbook, mashed up drum ‘n’ bass, fake smooth and even some burning jazz as Atzmon and co take you on a journey through Fishel’s madcap musical world.

ZAPPATISTAS

John Etheridge is one of the world’s finest and most versatile guitarists, so who better to lead this awesome collective of musicians paying tribute to the extraordinary compositions of Frank Zappa.

FAT CHOPS

A startling epithet for new big band with a trumpet section that rivals any in the UK (and beyond), a trombone section that brilliantly underpins the quality of the trumpets and a saxophone section that has the sort of authority you associate with the best American bands and with Neil Bullock in the drum chair, you have the impact of Buddy Rich and more. Great keyboard and bass. This band just keeps going from strength to strength.

For tickets call 01704 540011 - www.southportjazz.com

Bath International Music Festival Jazz Weekend

Friday 25 – Sunday 27 May 2007

Bath has long featured a strong programme, renowned for its eclecticism and championing of European jazz long before it became fashionable. This years line-up includess:

Odetta (above)/ Jazz Jamaica: MotorcityRoots: Monday 28 May
Mingus Big Band: Saturday 26 May
Henri Texier Strada Quartet/ John Taylor & Tom Arthurs Duo: Friday 25 May
In the Country/ Hanne Hukkelberg: Saturday 26 May
Michiel Bortslap & Bill Bruford: Sunday 27 May
Mari Boine & her band/ Kimmo Pohjonnen & Samuli Kosminen Kluster: Sunday 27 May… and more!

For more information and to book tickets visit www.bathmusicfest.org.uk or call 01225 463362.
 
 

GREAT SALE AT THE RECORD CENTRE

After over 30years of retailing Jazz & Swing music from Loveday Street, Birmingham, proprietor Ray Purslow who is past retiring age, has decided to drop counter sales and concentrate solely on his Mail Order activities that has supplied collectors worldwide ever since he first started selling Jazz Records and associated music in 1971.

Shop customers who have heard the news, are saddened by the fact that his is the only shop in Birmingham where you can browse through hundreds of specialist product CD's that are hardly ever seen elsewhere, and also discuss their merits, while music is being played that is not alien to their tastes.

All good things have to come to an end sometime, and although we agree that it is sad to see yet another music retailer disappear, collectors should take note that Ray will still be supplying Jazz/Swing, Big Bands and Quality Vocalists via his Mail Order where he can be contacted after May either via telephone on 0121 476 9619 or email: raypurslow@blueyonder.co.uk

New release lists are obtainable free via email, or by sending the postage cost(1st or 2nd Class Stamp) to 43 Presthope Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 4NJ

Ray has chosen to reduce his stock considerably by lowering the cost of product dramatically.

We suggest you pop in and take a look at his fantastic offers any Tuesday, Friday or Saturday between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Easy parking on Saturdays, and it is also cheap(50p per hour) on whatever day you choose!

UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL JUNE 2007

The last full weekend of June, 22nd-24th, sees the picturesque Midlands town of Upton-upon-Severn again reverberate to the sounds of its annual International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival, now in its 22nd year.

With a programme of over fifty bands featuring New Orleans, Dixieland, Hot Club, Comedy, Traditional and Swing, visitors will not lack for variety. Also included are Riverboat trips on M.V. Conway Castle with band aboard and this year a special 'jive all day' session on Saturday in The Memorial Hall. Festival favourites Lamarotte from Holland will again lead the Saturday morning parade.

The Big Chris Barber Band returns as headliners on Saturday evening. With no increase on ticket prices from last year the Festival provides incredible value and is not to be missed 'Down by the Riverside'.

Tel: 01684 594 200 - www.uptonjazz.co.uk

Coventry Jazz Festival May 24-28

An international array of artists will be heading to Coventry to perform at one of the UK 's top festivals. The Coventry Jazz Festival 2007 has announced a major lineup of stars who will be entertaining the crowds over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Top artists include the Mingus Big Band from New York, the Stan Tracey Big Band, Gwyneth Herbert (above) and the powerful Bheki Mseleku Quartet among many others.

Tickets from Monday April 9 from the Tourist Information Centre, Priory Row,or phone 024 7622 7264. www.coventryjazzfestival.com

DON REYNOLDS
- A TRUE JAZZ ENTHUSIAST -

Jazz lovers in the Midlands will be saddened at the news of the death of Don Reynolds on 21st February 2007 after losing his battle with cancer. Don was the popular organizer of the Lichfield Jazz Festival and subsequently the West Midlands Jazz Club.

Don had an enormous enthusiasm and love of jazz, which, coupled with his extensive knowledge of the art form and theartistes, enabled him to produce programmes for these events which were full of quality and originality.

He was irrepressible. Nothing seemed to daunt him. Not even the first Lichfield Jazz Festival, held in June in the open under weeping skiesand a north-easterly wind when the heat-wave which we had been experiencing had come to an abrupt end the day before, could dampen his spirits. Back he came to organize the Lichfield Jazz Festival in the pubs and various other venues in Lichfield the
very next year!

A lot of Don’s success originated in his ability to form lasting friendships with those around him. Ask the many musicians who have worked for him! Players who appeared in the very first Jazz Festival twenty-one long years ago were still performing for him this season. Don leaves a widow, Anne, two sons and four grandchildren. But we will all miss him.

Tribute by Richard Davies

WATCH OUT FOR SARAH JANE!

Sarah Jane Morris is set to play the Assembly Rooms in Ludlow on Saturday 7th April. For those of you who don't know Sarah Jane is the girl who sang Contralto to Jimmy Summerville's Counter Tenor on the Communards classic cover of "Never Can Say Goodbye".

If you've not seen her sing make sure you don't miss out this time, "cos boy, the girl can sing!

You can ring the Assembly Rooms Box Office on 01584 878 141

Isle of Wight Jazz Festival

Fancy a break in the beautiful Isle of Wight in April (13th - 15th) with great jazz thrown in? Take a look at the Jazz Festival advert below. With the attractions of sea, scenery, holiday atmosphere and many top jazz names, you can't go wrong! Check out www.jazzdivas.tv or phone 01983 856206/856200. For an accommodation brochure call the Tourist Office on 01983 813813

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL . . .

. . . goes from strength to strength
as exciting line-up for 2007 is revealed

Top national and international talents, including guitarist Martin Taylor, are being gathered to play the Aberdeen Jazz Festival which takes place over five days between the 7th - 11th March, with broadcast coverage from BBC Radio.

A highly impressive roster of jazz luminaries includes the effervescent BBC Big Band with the velvet-voiced Elaine Delmar, jazz guitar virtuoso Ulf Wakenius, and darlings of the current London scene Polar Bear and the Neil Cowley Trio. Home grown acts come in the form of leading Scottish trumpeter Colin Steele and world-famous Scottish sax star Tommy Smith.

The festival is also a strong supporter of aspiring new talent. A performance by pianist Gwilym Simcock will be broadcast live to the nation, and a number of instrumental workshops will provide expert tuition for hundreds of music students.

Spread over five venues the festival’s rapidly growing reputation shows no signs of slowing. Ticket hotline:– Tel. 01224 619 769 www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com

Jazz on a Winter’s Weekend Triumph

We’re delighted to hear from Geoff Matthews that the weekend was a great success, very well supported and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Congratulations to Geoff and the team from Southport Melodic Jazz Club. If you missed it this year make a mental note for next year. Check out
www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk for their regular jazz events.

DAME CLEO, SIR JOHN AND
ACKER BILK AT PORTHCAWL

International jazz stars Dame Cleo Laine and husband Sir John Dankworth make a rare appearance in Wales on Saturday 21st April when they top the bill at the extended 2007 Porthcawl Jazz Festival. Running from 20th to 22nd April, the 3-day Festival kicks off on Friday 20th with an evening of pure enjoyment at the Porthcawl Grand Pavilion delivered by the hugely popular Mr Acker Bilk (above) and his Paramount Jazz Band. On Saturday 21st, again at the Grand Pavilion, a jazz workshop, masterclass and a full programme of bands lead up to the Dankworths’ evening performance.

Add to all that a jazzbrunch on Sunday 22nd at Porthcawl Rugby Football Club and a great event is guaranteed. Calls for tickets have surprised even the Organising Committee.

Committee Chairman Wayne Warlow says “By presenting a wide range of quality jazz the Festival is attracting ever more national and international attention. Our aim is to stage a very special event for the people of Porthcawl and beyond.”

Fertile Ground at the Drum

Fertile Ground are performing at The Drum on Saturday 17 March, this internationally recognised urban collective have sold thousands of albums worldwide and have a huge underground following. Their unique sound combines Nu-soul, Jazz and world beats, influenced by Gil Scott-Heron, the music of Marvin Gaye and the early work of Jon Lucien.

Fertile Ground have received widespread acclaim for their electric live performances and plaudits for their albums – Black Is (2004) and Seasons Change (2002).

OLA ONABULE

On Friday 16 March cool rhythmic and bluesy soul artist Ola returns to the Artrix at Bromsgrove. New venue the Artrix has a fantastic programme of dance, films, theatre and live music.

To book or to receive their brochure tel 01527 577330 or book online at www.artrix.co.uk

Aberdeen Jazz Festival...

...from 7th to 11th March features the BBC Big Band with Elaine Delmar (right), Ulf Wakenius, Martin Taylor, Polar Bear, the Neil Cowley Trio, Colin Steele, sax star Tommy Smith and pianist Gwilym Simcox among many others. More on this in our Jan/Feb Features!

Ticket Hotline 01224 619769 www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com

WATCH OUT FOR SARAH JANE!

Sarah Jane Morris is set to play the Assembly Rooms in Ludlow on Saturday 7th April. For those of you who don't know Sarah Jane is the girl who sang Contralto to Jimmy Summerville's Counter Tenor on the Communards classic cover of "Never Can Say Goodbye".

If you've not seen her sing make sure you don't miss out this time, "cos boy, the girl can sing!

You can ring the Assembly Rooms Box Office on 01584 878 141

The Yardbird Has Landed in Brum

The Stage, Paradise Place, has changed hands, had a make-over, and has now reopened as The Yardbird Jazz Club. There’s live music Wed, Thurs, Sat and Sun ranging from Jazz to Latin, Soul and Funk and DJs on Mon, Tues and Friday. Food is served from 11am to 5pm.

Saturday nights are £5 (members £4), other nights are free. The Cobweb Collective is putting on Jazz sessions every Thursday from 8pm till late. On Thursday 1st March the special guest will be Bobby Wellins.
Tel 0121-212 2524 - www.myspace.com/theyardbirdbirmingham

Spring festival bonanza for Esther

Jazz vocalist Esther Miller will be appearing at 3 Festivals this spring. On the 31st of March she appears at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival with New York trumpet maestro, Jeremy Pelt as her special guest.

Next up is the Isle of Wight Jazz Divas festival on April the 13th and finally, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival on the 3rd of May with Karen Sharp on tenor sax.

Charity Event for Brum

Children’s Hospital. On Sunday 1 April the afternoon slot, 3 to 7pm, at the Prince of Wales, Cambridge Street (behind ICC), Birmingham will be devoted to a fundraiser for the Birmingham Children's Hospital. Acts will include Doctor Johnny's Blues, rising pop star Matt Tyler and Diamond duo. Free entry, special fundraising CDs on sale and raffles. Come and enjoy the super-friendly atmosphere of the Prince of Wales, great real ales too!

For info phone Linda on 0121-241 6751

Tommy Burton’s Memories

Well loved entertainer and singerpianist Tommy was a Black Country legend. Now new CDs, Ma, He's making eyes at me and Live at the Raglan, are available from Dottie Burton at £10 each including P&P. Phone Dottie on 01902 850734

Huntingdon Hall in Worcester...

... has a great programme of jazz lined up beginning with Girl Talk on Tuesday 6th March “three singers give their all in silk, sequins, pinnies and rubber gloves, an hysterical, fabulously sung show performed by Britain's best-dressed divas.”

Further events: Friday 23rd March: Stacy Kent and Jim Tomlinson, following their latest successful album “ The Lyric.” Friday 30th March: King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, a great night of swing. Saturday 14th April: Martin Taylor, one of the most gifted guitarists from the world of jazz and on 11th May it's Snake Davis (above), the former Sax player in M People.

Special discounts for JazzWestMids readers. Quote our advert and receive 10% off ticket prices for all events advertised in JWM.
Box Office 01905 611427 www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Esbjorn Svensson Trio

Thursday 22nd March, 7.30pm at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Innovative Swedish jazz band E.S.T. bring the jazz piano trio into the 21st century, with electronics, drum 'n' bass, funk and catchy melody all contributing to a sound that captivates audiences around the world.
Box Office 0121 780 3333
Online booking at www.symphonyhall.co.uk/boxoffice

Isle of Wight Jazz Festival

Fancy a break in the beautiful Isle of Wight in April with great jazz thrown in? Take a look at the Jazz Festival advert below. With the attractions of sea, scenery, holiday atmosphere and many top jazz names, you can't go wrong! Check out www.jazzdivas.tv or phone 01983 856206/856200. For an accommodation brochure call the Tourist Office on 01983 813813

Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival

The 10th Festival has an international dimension provided by the Climax Jazz Band from Toronto, Canada, and the Barfota Jazzmen from Sweden. Home grown talent is ably represented by Hokum, Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz, Antique Six Jazz Band and West Jesmond Rhythm Kings all from England and by Bill Salmond's Louisiana Ragtime Band and Dave Keir's Hot Five from Scotland - and that's only a few of the bands appearing! Although firmly rooted in " traditional" jazz this year's Festival exceptionally features the boogie-woogie, jump jive and rhythm and blues sounds of the Red Stripe Band. With jazzdining in local restaurants, a stunning brolly parade and a swinging, singing jazz church service this is a weekend not to miss. The picturesque harbour and artists' town of Kirkcudbright is set amongst beautiful scenery in SW Scotland. You can see the harbour and fishing fleet, admire the brightly coloured houses and savour the artistic heritage of artists such as Hornel Oppenheimer, Taylor and Jessie M King. Sample local beef and fresh seafood in the town's restaurants and enjoy the friendliness of the townspeople.

LICHFIELD GARRICK FOR
JACQUI DANKWORTH & MYJO

Jacqui Dankworth, who will be joining MYJO at the Lichfield Garrick.

The Lichfield Garrick Theatre will be presenting a very special event at 7.30pm on Wed Mar 21 with the acclaimed Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra and their star guest, vocalist Jacqui Dankworth.

For further details contact Nichola Ruddick on 01675 442050. For bookings please contact the Box Office on 01543 412121 Don’t miss this concert - it will be an evening to remember!

The legendary Rosemary Squires . . .

will be performing with the Four Oaks Big Band on Thursday March 22 at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, a concert organised by Sutton Coldfield Rotary Club.

Courtney Pine @ THE DRUM

Sat 10 Feb 2007, 8.30pm

The welcomed return of one of the world’s most celebrated saxophonists – Courtney Pine (above). Making his annual visit to The Drum, the venue he affectionately calls ‘home’, Pine is embarking on a national tour to coincide with the re-release of Modern Day Jazz Stories, his Mercury Prize winning album plus extracts from his forthcoming album.

The gig coincides with the pre-Valentine weekend and we plan to create a laid back, romantic atmosphere with a three-course meal in our Frontiers Café Bar before the concert. Decked out with balloons, flowers and the silky-smooth sounds of a live pianist, giving the whole affair an intimate feel, The Drum has all the ingredients to make sure you’re Valentine’s event is truly special!

OUT AND ABOUT IN FEBRUARY

Ralph Allin, pictured here performing a truly wonderful gig at Bearwood Corks Club on the 1st of February, will also be playing Jazz Connection on the 21st, Stafford Jazz Society on the 25th & the Harp, Albighton on the 27th.

Allin is one of the very best Gypsy Jazz violinists anywhere and he lives in Birmingham. He plays a selection of standards interspersed with the occasional self-penned number, a Tango, and a smidgen of Folk and Classical. If you missed him at the Corks be sure to catch him at one of the other venues. He's sensational.

See Monday, Wednesday & Thursday Venues Listings. Gypsy Jazz lovers can also catch Fret & Fiddle at The Prince of Wales (behind the Birmingham Rep) on Sunday 11th Feb.

LICHFIELD GARRICK FOR
JACQUI DANKWORTH & MYJO

Jacqui Dankworth, who will be joining MYJO at the Lichfield Garrick.

The Lichfield Garrick Theatre will be presenting a very special event at 7.30pm on Wed Mar 21 with the acclaimed Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra and their star guest, vocalist Jacqui Dankworth.

For further details contact Nichola Ruddick on 01675 442050. For bookings please contact the Box Office on 01543 412121 Don’t miss this concert - it will be an evening to remember!

ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL . . .

. . . goes from strength to strength
as exciting line-up for 2007 is revealed

Top national and international talents, including guitarist Martin Taylor, are being gathered to play the Aberdeen Jazz Festival which takes place over five days between the 7th - 11th March, with broadcast coverage from BBC Radio.

A highly impressive roster of jazz luminaries includes the effervescent BBC Big Band with the velvet-voiced Elaine Delmar, jazz guitar virtuoso Ulf Wakenius, and darlings of the current London scene Polar Bear and the Neil Cowley Trio. Home grown acts come in the form of leading Scottish trumpeter Colin Steele and world-famous Scottish sax star Tommy Smith.

The festival is also a strong supporter of aspiring new talent. A performance by pianist Gwilym Simcock will be broadcast live to the nation, and a number of instrumental workshops will provide expert tuition for hundreds of music students.

Spread over five venues the festival’s rapidly growing reputation shows no signs of slowing. Ticket hotline:– Tel. 01224 619 769 www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com

The legendary Rosemary Squires . . .

will appear at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich on Saturday February 3, tel 01905 770154. She will also be performing with the Four Oaks Big Band on Thursday March 22 at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, a concert organised by Sutton Coldfield Rotary Club

Deep in a Dream - Vic Evans

The best comment I've heard about this album is “It sounds like Vic”. Not bad, as Vic Evans is a remarkably good Jazz Singer. “Deep in a Dream” is a long overdue first studio album for Vic Evans, a singer who has been at the forefront of the West Midlands Jazz scene since he arrived from Jamaica in 1960.

The album, which really kicks in with the second track, “Ghost of a Chance”, is a collection of standards, Vic’s stock of trade and the rhythm section led by pianist Tim Amman are the perfect vehicle to showcase his sumptuous voice and easy charm.

If you like Vic Evans you’ll be “Deep in a Dream” when you hear this.

Available at The Record Centre, Loveday Street and the record shop in the ICC by the Symphony Hall, or at any Vic Evans or Andy Hamilton & the Blue Notes gigs.

The Pete Allen Jazz Band

The Pete Allen Jazz Band will be the headline artists at a Spring Jazz Festival at the Royal Hotel, Weston Super Mare on 23-25th February.The Band, who have many T.V. and radio broadcasts to their credit, play an exciting and entertaining selection of happy traditional jazz.

Here's a pretty cool looking photo by Dick Jones of Kenny from Blues duo Kirsty & Kenny playing at the Prince of Wales in Brum, on a Sunday Afternoon once upon a time.