Stratford Jazz have asked us pass on to you the news that they now have four free entry gigs in their current scheule. The also have a fabulous looking gig featuring Swiss guitarist Nick Meier (below) with Sax star Dave O'Higgins. This looks like fabulous value for money by todays prices at just a tenner in. We've published their full press release below.
August 2009 - NOW WITH FOUR (That's 4!) £FREE! Entry Gigs BACK IN THE OAK ROOM
02 Aug - Ray Butcher Quintet with Ian Hill £FREE! Entry
In the Oak Room at the front of the White Swan.
Ray Butcher (t) Ian Hill (s) Tim Amman (p) Mike Green (b) Miles Levin (d)
Could not choose a better gig to open our return to the Oak Room. Ray Butcher has not appeared at the White Swan for some time but friends tell me he went down a storm at the 606 Club in London recently. This stellar line-up will provide exciting swinging jazz of the highest quality. Come and support live jazz at its best.
09 Aug - Lee Jones Quartet £FREE! Entry £FREE! Entry
In the Oak Room at the front of the White Swan. .
Lee Jones (g) Dom Franks (s) Dave Cranenberg (b) Ian Russell (d)
If there is a more exciting young guitarist on the jazz scene at present I have yet to meet him. Lee Jones is rapidly becoming a staunch favourite with Stratford Jazz and it is easy to see why, from the rivetting excitement of Hendrix to the sensitivity of Metheny, this young man has got it all.
23 Aug - Steve Tromans info Quartet: play Thelonius Monk
£FREE! Entry - In the Oak Room at the front of the White Swan.
Steve Tromans (p) Aaron Diaz (t) Mike Green (b) Miles Levin (d)
A quick welcome return to Steve Tromans this time with a quartet. Steve intends to devote most of tonight's programme to the works of his idol Thelonious Monk. Many of our regulars reckon that Steve Tromans is the best pianist around at present so another evening of quality is expected. Aaron Diaz on trumpet is a new nameto Stratford Jazz but the reports are very positive.
30 Aug - Pete Canter Quartet £FREE! Entry £FREE! Entry
In the Oak Room at the front of the White Swan.
Pete Canter (ts) Jim Blomfield (p) Erika Lyons (b) Mark Whitlam (d)
"Straight-ahead, swinging jazz at its best", that was the accurate description one of our regulars offered at Pete Canter's previous gig. A mixture of classic jazz standards with the odd original piece thrown in. Jim Blomfield on piano is an exciting addition to the scene. If you like uncomplicated swinging jazz this isfor you.
THE WHEATSHEAF, LECKHAMPTON
283 OLD BATH ROAD
GL53 9AJ
01242 525371
BBQ, BEER, WINE, SOFT DRINKS, & GARDEN
Over 30 different local ales, open midday to midnight, music from JB Jazz & Blues. On Sunday night we have our regular Jazz Jam with the House Trio.
Music Saturday 8pm - 11pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm, 8pm - 11pm - Entry to jazz jam only £2 - Entrance to Festival £4 inc. a free drink on entry and a donation to Acorns Charity
HOPE TO SEE YOU!
Friday July 3rd – Sunday July 12th
There will be at least 160 performances, with free admission to around 90% of the gigs. Stars will include Pee Wee Ellis (above), Simon Spillett, Alan Price and Mark Nightingale alongside a host of other new names and old favourites. To find out more go to Features or visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com
This is the one you’ve all been waiting for! The line-up is now 170 performances with 157 of them free.
Tenor sax star Art Themen joins the All Star Jam Session at The Botanical Gardens on Thursday 9th July at 7pm, with Digby Fairweather, Enrico Tomasso, Robert Fowler, Mark Nightingale, Ian Bateman, Jim Hart, David Newton, Dave Green, Ralph Salmins and acclaimed vocalist Val Wiseman. Tickets for this celebration of 25 years of the Jazz Festival, price £10, are available from 0121 454 1860. Star City is the venue for some fantastic free concerts including The Kenny Ball Jazzmen at 7pm, July 3rd, The Alan Price Set 7pm, July 4th, and leading U.S. funkster Pee Wee Ellis 7pm, July 5th.
The hot news of the day is the signing of the sensational gypsy swing combo from Eindhoven, Holland, The Nomy Rosenberg Trio (see picture of Nomy). For full programme pick up a brochure from B’ham Central Library or any festival venue, www.birminghamjazzfestival.com or phone 0121 454 7020.
Drummin’ Man
Eric Delaney will be joining The Gary Allcock All-Stars Big Band for a tribute to Gene Krupa and the Swing Era at Birmingham Town Hall on Saturday 4th July.
This event is part of 2009’s 25th Birmingham International Jazz Festival.
Watch out for Oleg Kireyev,
“the Revolutionary Reedman”
Dubbed “the revolutionary reedman from Ufa in the Urals” Oleg Kireyev is one of the most exciting Tenor players around. This Summer he is doing a tour of the region with the Tim Amann X-tet and the Ray Butcher Quintet which takes in both the Birmingham and Marlbprough Jazz Festivals. His Birmingham Jazz Festival itinerary also includes a re-union gig with Andy Hamilton & The Blue Notes at Bearwood Ciorks on Thursday 9th July.
Oleg in Brum
Russian tenor sax star Oleg will be in Birmingham during the Jazz Festival and will be playing at The Public, West Bromwich (July 5, 1pm), Ju Ju’s Restaurant, Brindley Place (July 7, 6.30pm) and K2 Restaurant, Moseley (July 8, 8.30pm), all with the Tim Amann Xtet.
On July 9, 9pm at Bearwood Corks he will be reunited with Andy Hamilton and the Blue Notes. Other dates: July 10 Marlborough Jazz Festival with Ray Butcher Quintet, July 12 Scarlet Pimpernel, Harborne with Tim Amann, July 15 K2 Restaurant, Moseley.
Music in the Garden - Weekends June 20-July 19
High quality live entertainment hosted by John Dankworth and Alan Barnes, set in the delightful Old Rectory Gardens, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU. Phone 01908 280800, www.stables.org
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Jazz and Jive Music Evening - Sunday August 2, 6.30pm
Jazz vocalist Esther Miller announces the release of her latest recording “A Place in the Sunlight” on July 10th.
The album is in collaboration with pianist/composer Steve Melling who has been working very closely with Esther over the past year and features Steve Waterman (trumpet), Steve Melling (piano), Zoltan Dekany (bass), John Perry (drums) and special guest Peter King (alto sax). Recorded in September last year, the material covered on this release is mostly original with a few modern standards.
For more information, please visit Esther’s website at www.esthermillersings.co.uk “You won’t find a jazz vocal standard on this album but a dozen less familiar, though endearing arrangements of songs that Esther delivers with consummate skill. Her intonation, diction, phrasing and time combine to make this, her third and very impressive album release.”
Brian Hennessy
Osbornes The Stationers Support Jazz
If you need photocopies, whether you are advertising your Band, Festival or Club, we can heartily recommend you to Osbornes Stationers. We at JazzWestMids use our local branch in Erdington regularly to photocopy our compliment slips, flyers etc, and we find the staff extremely helpful and courteous. Nothing is too much trouble for them!
Of course Osbornes are a lot more than just a photocopying service. They stock stationery in bright modern colours to appeal to all ages, account books, filing systems, envelopes, printer paper and cartridges, and arts and craft materials. What’s more, if you can’t find what you want they have access to 1000s more items with their next day catalogue ordering service.
Below is a list of branches, so we’re sure you will find one convenient for you. Take a look at their website, www.osbornestationers.co.uk
Marlborough International Jazz Festival - July 10-12
Treat yourself to three days of lively jazz featuring artists from around the world.
Enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of this lovely market town which becomes a mini New Orleans. Box Office 01672 515095. For full programme visit www.marlboroughjazz.co.uk
Wigan Jazz Fest, July 11th - 18th
A fantastic array of Big Bands including Mark Nightingale BB, Pete Long Allstars, Gene Krupa Centenary Celebration, Carol Kidd, Eleanor Keenan's All Girl Swing Orchestra (above), Ray Gelato and the Giants, and many more.
Fans of Esther Miller will be delighted to see that she is booked for Wednesday 15 July. You can read their Press Release in below. For tickets and info tel 01942 825677, for full programme www.wiganjazz.net
Big Bands Are Back!
THEY’RE British, they’re big and they’re back in Wigan! Wigan International Jazz Festival will celebrate all that’s great about British big bands at this year’s festival in July.
Organisers have announced this year’s line-up will include some of the country’s biggest big band names including the Mark Nightingale Big Band, the Al Wood Big Band and Pete Long’s All Star Goodmen Orchestra.
Also making a welcome return to the festival is one of Britain’s finest vocalists Carol Kidd, who will be appearing in concert with guitarist Nigel Clark.
Ian Darrington MBE, director of the festival, said: “We have developed a reputation over the years for presenting and promoting quality shows featuring the big names in big band and we’re returning to that formula. “We’ve held big band bonanzas like this twice in previous years and felt this was the right time to revisit that theme.”
Ian is hoping their relaxed social feel and visually strong performances will boost attendance at this year’s festival despite the current economic downturn.
Ian added: “Over the last 20 years we’ve become known around the world for putting on some of the top American bands but this year every big band will be British. “There’s definitely a situation now in the UK where the big band scene is as strong as anywhere in the world. “There’s a real quality here in this country that’s second to none. “We have the cream of British jazz coming to Wigan in July and we believe that despite the current recession this could be one of our best years yet.”
Highlights of the festival also include Broad Band, Eleanor Keenan’s new all girl swing orchestra; Ray Gelato and the Giants; and Kings of Swing – a tribute to Gene Krupa America’s Ace Drummer Man A Centenary Celebration.
Tickets for the 24th Wigan International Jazz Festival are available from Wigan’s Tourist Information Centre, call 01942 825 677.
Stars In Her Eyes as Shaine Dorsey Wins Through To The Final of Thomas Cook X-Factor
Thomas Cook's very own X-Factor was a huge success when the company launched it's very own version of the popular competition to all staff based across the UK & Ireland. While the judges were not the likes of Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh, everything else about the company's competition mirrored ITV's famous X-Factor and it was certainly successful in highlighting the wealth of talent that was hidden away during working hours.
Shaine Dorsey, who works for Thomas Cook as a Ticket Desk Consultant at Birmingham Airport, was one of the contestants in 2007 and we've been lucky enough to have a chat with her to find out more about her experience and how her passion for singing Jazz took her to the finals in Turkey. Shaine said: "I am normally a Jazz singer as this is my great passion and my hobby in my spare time. I would never have thought of entering this competition if it wasn't for my Duty Manager, who put me forward. Thank goodness he did!"
There was a real abundance of talent at the audition Shaine attended in November 2007 and it was set to be a tough competition. Shaine commented: "It was just like the real thing! We had to stand on the X cross and sing in front of 4 judges. I felt nervous! It was a great experience though."
Shaine chose to sing "From LA to New York" and "It Had To Be You" which were clearly a good choice as, after a nail-biting and stressful day, she was selected as one of the five outstanding finalists who flew off to Turkey. Shaine said: " We all got to know one another on the flight and when we arrived in Turkey we were whisked to our 5-star all-inclusive hotel. I felt like a superstar!"
The group worked harder than they ever had before until the show, stretching their talents to new limits. This included working out in the gym every morning, vocal training, dance rehearsals, learning the words for the songs the judges had chosen for them to sing. Shaine was given "From LA to New York" and "My Guy".
The group were not allowed to see the stage until the day of their performances. “Good job really as we were speechless when we saw it! When we performed it was like Stars in your Eyes, coming out of the fog that was blowing on the stage!”
Shaine concluded: "It was an incredible event and a wonderful experience, especially as we raised so much money for the charity Thomas Cook was supporting at the time, the children's charity The Variety Club. Maybe Thomas Cook can do a Strictly Come Jazz next, I'd be first in the queue to enter!"
Europe’s Biggest One-Day Sixties Music Festival
9th August 2009 - The Bowl, Burntwood, Nr Lichfield, WS7 3PH
Artists appearing include - these are the genuine artists, not tributes. GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS, THE SEARCHERS, THE MOVE, PJ PROBY, ALVIN STARDUST, THE NEW AMEN CORNER (above), CHIP HAWKES (The Tremeloes), MIKE D’ABO (Manfred Mann).
After the success of the 2008 show, the Sixties Summer Festival returns to the natural amphitheatre, The Bowl, at the side of the Chase. With a new line-up and some of last years favourites the day promises to be even better. Book early to avoid disappointment. Doors open 2pm, Concert 3pm–10pm.
Tickets: £28 in advance, £30 on the day, Weekend Ticket (incorporating the Proms) £40, VIP Tickets £80. To book phone 01543 412121 or www.theticketfactory.com
Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival - July 10-12
There may still be time to book yourself into Whitley Bay and we suggest you look at their website www.whitleybayjazzfest.org or phone 0191-643 7093 for this most international of festivals. Latest addition to the stunning line-up is Paul Asaro from the USA, recognized internationally as one of the leading exponents of the Stride piano style as well as ragtime and the classic jazz of Jelly Roll Morton..
Burntwood Proms In The Park
Saturday 8th August 7pm, Doors 6pm, The Bowl, Burntwood, Nr Lichfield, WS7 3PH
The hugely popular Proms In The Park Concert returns to Burntwood Wakes on Saturday night 8th August with a great program of classical and popular British favourites. The concert is performed by the 50-piece City Concert Orchestra, conductor Adrian Jackson, and the Midland Symphony Choir with soloist Elizabeth MacDonald. The show is presented by two of The Midlands’ best loved comedians Don Maclean and Malcolm Stent. Nothing compares to the magic of this wonderful music performed outdoors.
STEVE AJAO, BIRMINGHAM’S BIONIC BEBOP ALTO-MÆSTRO @ BEARWOOD CORKS TONITE
Thursday 13th August
If you're looking for some great Jazz on a Summers evening then Bearwood Corks Club in Bearwood Road is the place to be tonight. The band is the Steve Ajao Quartet, the venue is Bearwood Corks Club, 558 Bearwood Road, Smethwick B66 4BT, admission is £4 with a £3 concession and the music starts at 9pm. To whet your appetite we've posted a bit of video below!
If you're in Brum a day early for the Jazz Festival and you're looking for something to get you in the mood, then come along to Bearwood Corks Club where you can take in the Steve King Big Band with their US vocalist, Lynn Dawes. Doors 8.30pm, Showtime 9 o’clock, Admission £6(£5 concession)
For an idea of how good they are you can play the videos below, but remember, they're even better live!
- STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS -
CALLING ALL MUSICIANS, MANAGERS AND RECORD COMPANIES- NOT JUST THE JAZZERS!
The Birmingham Jazz Festival are hosting a free seminar in conjunction with the Musicians Union, at the Wine Republic on Tuesday 7th July at 5pm.
“Promoting Your Music Online” is open to everyone interested in generating an income from music via the internet, and although it is a Birmingham International Jazz Festival event it is open to people from all musical styles. Heading the panel is the celebrated Scott Cohen, founder and CEO at the leading internet music aggregator The Orchard. Leading man-about-jazz, the saxophonist Soweto Kinch is a man with stimulating ideas and interesting viewpoints and will prove to be an ideal panellist alongside Paul Birch [M.D. of Revolver Records], Darren Taylor [jazzreloaded.com] and Rod Thomson [DA Recordings and EMUSU.com].
For further information please call 0121 454 7020
Address: PO Box 944, Birmingham, B16 8UT
Email: admin@bigbearmusic.com
JUNE ’09 FEATURES
All the latest
news, views and developments in the jazz world:
Marlborough International Jazz Festival
July 10–12, 01672 515095 Three days of lively jazz featuring artists from around the world. Enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of this lovely market town.
Music in the Garden
The Old Rectory, Wavendon, MK17 8LU
June 20–July 19 Hosts John Dankworth and Alan Barnes have lined up one of their best collections of high quality jazz stars for their annual season of garden gatherings.
Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival
July 10–12, 0191-643 7093 The very best in classic jazz, from Ragtime to Swing. 29 hot bands from many countries including 6 Big Bands.
Swanage Jazz Festival
July 10–12, 01929 422215 Great Jazz on the beautiful Jurassic Coast.
Wigan International Jazz Festival
July 11–18, 01942 825677 Celebrating all that’s great about British Big Bands.
This celebration of classic jazz promises a weekend of hot, swinging, toe-tapping music.
Highlights will include Dennis Armstrong’s Oliver Band recreating the sounds of King Oliver’s Creole Jazz band, and Ken Mathieson’s Classic Jazz Orchestra paying tribute to the music of Bix Beiderbecke. The very popular and entertaining Red Stripe Band (pictured) is sure to attract a lot of attention.
The 20th Lichfield Real Ale Jazz & Blues Festival, June 25th - 28th Lichfield Rugby Club, Tamworth Road, Lichfield WS14 9JE This festival is a great favourite among many of our readers and this year includes big names such as Chris Farlowe and Dennis Rollins.For more information, brochure, or to book tel. 01543 262223 www.lichfieldarts.org.uk
Among many great bands are Matt Schofield Band and Zappatistas:
Matt Schofield Band
Brian Pretty, Festival Organiser, says “This is the band I have been wanting to bring to the festival for many years - and it is now going to happen.” Matt Schofield has been described as 'head and shoulders above the herd. The best blues guitarist to have emerged from any country in decades'.
The band line-up is: Jonny Henderson on Hammond organ, Jeff Walker on bass and drummer Alain Baudry. With their huge sound, multi-layered and rhythmically infectious delivery this band are unlike anything else on the blues scene today. They have been compared to a cross-over of Cream and The Hendrix Experience but it is their powerhouse sound and infectious rhythms that make them stand out from the crowd. www.mattschofield.com
The Zappatistas
Rapidly becoming Lichfield’s favourite Jazz Rock band this bunch of very talented musicians are simply awesome with their electrifying, driving exciting jazz. Led by the brilliant guitarist John Etheridge they are Steve Lodder piano/keyboards, Annie Whitehead trombone, Simon Bates saxophones, Paul Jayasinha trumpet, Rob Statham bass, Mike Bradley drums and Jez Wyles percussion.
If your tastes range from rock to jazz this concert is for you. www.johnetheridge.com
UPTON UPON SEVERN JAZZ FESTIVAL
26th to 28th June 2009
Join the Midlands’ Biggest Annual Jazz Party ‘Down by the Riverside’
This year’s exciting programme includes New Orleans and Traditional Jazz, Gypsy, Swing, Hot Club, Jump Jive and Comedy performed by over fifty bands during the weekend. Highlights include Les Haricots Rouges (France, above), a huge hit at the festival some years ago, the ever popular Lamarotte (Holland) and Bourbon Street Stompers (Germany). UK bands include Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen with Paul Jones ‘Rockin’ in Rhythm’, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys and Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band.
The jazz sessions take place in three marquees on Fish Meadow by the River Severn. You can also cruise on the M.V. Conway Castle with band on board. The Saturday morning parade through the town provides a feast of colour from the decorated umbrellas of the ‘Secondliners’ who follow the parade bands from the Parish Church to the Riverside.
Children 14 and under are welcome free accompanied by an adult. Free parking is
available to ticket holders on Fish Meadow. Camping and Caravan areas, at £20 per person for ticket holders only, are available from 2pm Thursday to Monday morning.
On the hill that is Wavendon above the city of Milton Keynes lies the oasis that is the Old Rectory, country home of oft quoted jazz royalty, the Dankworths (pictured below). The Music in the Garden festival offers an unique opportunity to share their garden and its amenities. Sit with the audience in the undercover bandstand or share a gazebo with friends and family whilst you listen to the concert programme of quality live music played by national and international stars.
Between concerts picnic on the lawns. Enjoy a chat over a Pimms at the bar or savour an ice cream. Wander round the stalls of curios and musical memorabilia.
Musical highlights:
Co-hosts John Dankworth and Alan Barnes, The National Saxophone Choir, Bob Wilber, Cleo, John and friends, Bobby Wellins, Mark Crooks, John Etheridge & Gary Potter, Kenny Wheeler, Mike and Kate Westbrook and the fi nale with the Frank Griffi th Nonet.
- WHITLEY BAY INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL - SPECIAL EXTRA EVENT FOR 2009
THE SAGE GATESHEAD presents
“YOUNG LOUIS”
the first five years of his brilliant recording career, recreated by Bent Persson and a hand-picked band of International stars
Special event in association with Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival
The years 1923-1929 were when young Louis Armstrong’s extraordinary talent first burst upon the popular music world via his playing and recording with King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, with Fletcher Henderson’s Orchestra and of course the immortal Hot Five and Hot Seven sessions. All these and more (for instance his recordings with Clarence Williams’ Blue Five, Jimmy Bertrand’s Washboard Wizards and the Red Onion Jazz Babies) will be covered in this fully-narrated concert led by Sweden’s Bent Persson, probably the best living exponent of Armstrong’s early style.
The all-star band Bent has assembled are all steeped in the classic jazz idiom: the personnel includes clarinettist Matthias Seuffert from Germany and banjoist Jacob Ullberger from Sweden, plus, from the UK, trombonist Paul Munnery, pianist Martin Litton, drummer Nick Ward and Phil Rutherford on brass bass. This concert forms a musical prelude to Bent’s programme of 1930’s Armstrong recreations at the Jazz Festival itself.
Hall Two, Thursday 9th July at 7.30pm
PLEASE NOTE:
Tickets for this concert are on sale only from The Sage Gateshead. You can book online (www.thesagegateshead.org) or by phone at (0191) 443 4661.
- JULY 3RD TO 12TH -
Here’s some Festival news hot off the press - and there will be more to come from now on, on a regular basis.
It’s no secret that most UK jazz festivals, in common with many other events, have taken a particularly hard beating from the recession, with several important and high profile jazz festivals biting the dust. Birmingham’s is not immune from the cutbacks, but it only really shows in a slightly reduced number of events and in a reduced number of foreign attractions. Blame the weak pound for that one!
There will be at least 160 performances, with as many as possible free admission - around 90% we estimate.
The initial list of confirmed artists is: Alan Barnes, Alan Price Set, Art Themen, Becky Brine, Bruce Adams, Dave Green, Dave Newton, Dave Shepherd Quintet, Digby Fairweather, Enrico Tomasso, Eric Delaney, Europa Jazz Band, Fabulous Boogie Boys, Garry Allcock All-Stars Big Band, Greg Abate [USA], Hot Djazz of Krakow [Poland], Ian Bateman, Indigo Blues Band, Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen, King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys, Kings Bruton Big Band, Mark Nightingale, MJHQ, MYJO, Nearly Dan, Pee Wee Ellis [USA], Petra Ernyei [Czech Republic], Ralph Salmins, Simon Spillett, Tipitina, Val Wiseman - and there are a lot more awaiting confirmation!
Star City is hosting a trio of big name artists over the first weekend: Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen [July 3rd], Alan Price Set (4th) and ex James Brown bandleader Pee Wee Ellis (above) (5th). It is free admission, free parking and each show kicks off at 7pm.
The Jazz Festival is set to go back to its roots on Thursday 8th July with the All Star Jam Session Volume 2. Back in 1984, Humphrey Lyttelton and Digby Fairweather headed such a Jam Session in Cannon Hill Park , featuring jazz luminaries Dick Morrissey and Peter King among the 12 man line-up. The success of that Jam Session directly inspired the creation of the Birmingham International Jazz Festival the following year, with Humph its guiding light and Patron for the next 23 years. Now Digby has taken up that banner. The Jam Session tradition as part of the festival continued for many years until the sponsorship wound down to such a level as to make it financially unfeasible. But to celebrate the first 25 years landmark, the City Council’s Culture & Environment Directorate are supporting its revival! The date is Thursday 9th July at 7PM in Birmingham ’s splendid Botanical Gardens. Headed by the inspirational Digby Fairweather the musicians will line up in the classic Eddie Condon format with two hot front lines swapping choruses and exchanges over the same rhythm section. It will be hotter than hot with the classiest of mainstream and swing musicians in the frame.
New venues added this year include: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Old Contemptibles, The Mint, Rose Villa Tavern, The Vine in Ladywood, The Lord Clifden, Bohemia , Vertu, The Wellington, The Varsity in Harborne and Lee Longlands.
PHESTIVAL PHOCUS NUMBER ONE
From Prague , Czech Republic PETRA ERNYEI
Petra, born 1975, is a Czech citizen, growing up in a jazz-conscious family. She made her debut in America in the Sacramento Jazz Festival when she was 18. Back in Prague she immediately joined the Original Prague Syncopated Orchestra led by Jan Matousek, with whom she still performs.
She also works with smaller groups, including the quartet of Jakub Šafr with whom she is currently recording a CD. She released her debut CD in 1999- “Who Loves You”-in an authentic 1930s style while her second CD [2003] “Blue And Sentimental” was more classic 1940s-resonant of her main influence, Peggy Lee. She featured at the 2003 Birmingham International Jazz Festival with the J.J. Jazzmen of Prague. She now regularly appears in Prague at jazzclubs Zelezna, U Stare Pani and the Be Bop Bar of The Radisson Hotel. Petra will play The Birmingham International Jazz Festival on July 10th, 11th and 12th.
For further information, details of hotel deals etc, call Sarah Yang at 0121 454 7020 - Address: PO Box 944 , Birmingham , B16 8UT - Email: admin@bigbearmusic.com
Drummin' Man:
Tribute to Gene Krupa and The Swing Era - The Gary Allcock All-Stars Big Band with Very Special Guest Eric Delaney
Sat 4th July, 8 pm at Town Hall, Birmingham
This year we are celebrating 100 years since the birth of the man who almost single handedly brought the drum kit, as we know it today, out from the back of the band and into the limelight. That man was of course the one and only Gene Krupa (above).
This is a tribute to him and the bands of the Swing Era, including; Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman and Woody Herman.
Eric Delaney
In 1940 a 16 year old Eric Delaney (above) won the title of ‘Britain’s Best Swing Drummer’– the rest is history. He has played with every name that you can think of and is still as popular as ever. His new book The Magnificent Eric Delaney has just been published.
Come along and hear him playing on his double bass drum kit, his timpani and marching snare drum.
Tickets available from Box Office 0121-780 3333 - £12.50, £16.50, £19.50; Add £2 fee per transaction for phone and online bookings.
This event is part of 2009’s 25th Birmingham International Jazz Festival.
- JUNE GIG NEWS - JUNE GIG NEWS -
Bryan Corbett & Chris Bowden together in the Ben Markland Quintet @ the White Swan, Stratford, Sun 7 June, 8pm, Could Be Standing RoomOnly
News has just come in from Stratford Jazz that the “Tomorrow Band” gig sheduled for Sunday 7th June has been upgraded to include Bryan Corbett on Trumpet and Pete Harris on Guitar as well as the Tomorrow band line-up of Chris Bowden (Sax), Ben Markland (Bass) and Neil Bullock (Drums).
For the “Tomorrow Band” now read “The Ben Markland Quintet”. This sensational band featuring some of the very best contempoaryJazz Stars in the Midlands really is one “not to be missed”, so get there if you possibly can, by bus, train, car, bike or good old shanks’s pony.
Expect a mixture of standard jazz classics and Ben's original tunes and arrangements; this will be one of the best gigs of the year. Not to be missed!
White Swan Hotel, Rother St., Stratford upon Avon; Sunday 7th June at 8pm; Admission £8
While we're in the process of reminding people of great gigs Bearwood Corks Club in the Bearwood Road wolud like us to remind you that Peter King, the undoubted king of UK Bebop is playing at their venue this Thursday (4th June).
Admission is £5 (£4 concession) and the show starts at 9pm. See www.bearwoodjazz.co.uk for details
The Trumpet, Bilston, has also announced 3 alterations all on Sundays:
Sunday 7th June is now John Sparry RSJ
Sunday 14th June is now Henry Newman Quartet
Sunday 28th June is now Bryn Venus Trombone Summit.
And they asked us to remind you all that Alan Barnes (right) is playing there on Saturday 6th June. Check our venue listings for their full programme
& Trumpet Gaffer, Musti is @ Bearwood Corks on Thursday 11th June
For those of you who’ve never seen Musti play with Andy Hamilton, Musti (left) is a great percussionist. Expect to be entertained as he joins Andy Hamilton & The Blue Notes on some of Andy’s smooth Caribbean grooves. The following week (the 18th) it's Jamaican guitarist, David Lloyd Henry
21 June Sara Colman (Tribute to Sara Vaughan) - Sara Colman (v) Chris Bowden (s) Al Gurr (p) Ben Markland (b) Carl Hemmingsley (d) £8 Buy One, Get One Free! See Website:www.stratfordjazz.org.uk
*28 June Steve Tromans £6
*June 28th is a change from the Magazine
The annual Midsummer Big Band Music Evening will be held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3TR on Sunday 21st June 2009 from 6.30 pm. Entertainment will be provided by the N C Big Band and Singers and the supporting act is the wonderful Ralph Allin Trio led by virtuoso violinist Ralph (above). The whole event is a wonderfully relaxing evening in a beautiful setting. Bring your friends, a picnic and chairs or blankets to sit on, and a great evening is guaranteed. Phone 0121-454 1860 or visit www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk for tickets.
MAY ’09 FEATURES
All the latest
news, views and developments in the jazz world:
This celebration of classic jazz promises a weekend of hot, swinging, toe-tapping music.
Highlights will include Dennis Armstrong’s Oliver Band recreating the sounds of King Oliver’s Creole Jazz band, and Ken Mathieson’s Classic Jazz Orchestra paying tribute to the music of Bix Beiderbecke. The very popular and entertaining Red Stripe Band (pictured) is sure to attract a lot of attention.
BRANFORD MARSALIS, born in New Orleans in 1960, is touring Britain and will be appearing at the Birmingham Town Hall on Tuesday 26th May.
The three-times Grammy winner is renowned as a saxophonist, composer and bandleader and is a member of the famous Marsalis family, which includes his brother Wynton. You can also see Branford at the Bath Music Festival,which runs from 22nd May to 6th June. Birmingham Town Hall Box Office, 0121-780 3333, www.thsh.co.uk Bath Music Festival, 01225 463362, www.bathmusicfest.org.uk
GILAD ATZMON AT SHREWSBURY
JAZZ NETWORK
The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury SY1 1TE Saturday 9th May Multi-instrumentalist Gilad plays soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes, clarinet and more.
For improvisational fireworks, invention and humour, he is practically unique. Backed by Paul Sawtell, Tom Hill and Miles Levin this is an evening not to be missed. For info ring 01743 234970 or 01743 281281.
- WHITLEY BAY INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL - SPECIAL EXTRA EVENT FOR 2009
THE SAGE GATESHEAD presents
“YOUNG LOUIS”
the first five years of his brilliant recording career, recreated by Bent Persson and a hand-picked band of International stars
Special event in association with Whitley Bay International Jazz Festival
The years 1923-1929 were when young Louis Armstrong’s extraordinary talent first burst upon the popular music world via his playing and recording with King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, with Fletcher Henderson’s Orchestra and of course the immortal Hot Five and Hot Seven sessions. All these and more (for instance his recordings with Clarence Williams’ Blue Five, Jimmy Bertrand’s Washboard Wizards and the Red Onion Jazz Babies) will be covered in this fully-narrated concert led by Sweden’s Bent Persson, probably the best living exponent of Armstrong’s early style.
The all-star band Bent has assembled are all steeped in the classic jazz idiom: the personnel includes clarinettist Matthias Seuffert from Germany and banjoist Jacob Ullberger from Sweden, plus, from the UK, trombonist Paul Munnery, pianist Martin Litton, drummer Nick Ward and Phil Rutherford on brass bass. This concert forms a musical prelude to Bent’s programme of 1930’s Armstrong recreations at the Jazz Festival itself.
Hall Two, Thursday 9th July at 7.30pm
PLEASE NOTE:
Tickets for this concert are on sale only from The Sage Gateshead. You can book online (www.thesagegateshead.org) or by phone at (0191) 443 4661.
Bournville Club Celebrates
Benny Goodman Centennial, Tuesday 26th May
Benny Goodman, born in Chicago on 30 May 1909, was the ‘King of Swing’. The Goodman band, with guests like Count Basie, made history by appearing at Carnegie Hall, New York in 1938. Goodman remained throughout his life a superb hotjazz clarinettist. His other big contribution was to pioneer racially integrated jazz groups in the 1930s with the likes of Teddy Wilson and Lionel Hampton. Joe Lees (clt), Harry Walton (vibes) and friends will be celebrating that aspect of Goodman’s heritage on May 26th at Bournville Club, Birmingham.
THE OLD BROWN JUG
Presents:
The Stan Tracey Quartet featuring Bobby Wellins, Andy Cleyndert (bass) & Clark Tracey (drums) on Monday 25th May
Showtime 3.00pm - Doors open 1.00pm - Admission by ticket only price £10 - Credit card booking 01782 711393 fee £1
This event is part of the Newcastle-Under-Lyme Jazz & Blues Festival 2009
Other events @ The Old Brown Jug:
Saturday 23rd May midday to 9pm Mike Carnie Jazz Allstars Old Fashioned Love Band The Coffin Dodgers Free entry all day
Sunday 3pm 24th May Climax Blues Band £6
Sunday 930pm 24th May King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys £10
Coventry Jazz Festival 21st–25th May 2009
Headliners include some of the world’s most renowned artists such as Maceo Parker, Robert Fripp & Theo Travis, Jacqui Dankworth, The Don Weller Big Band and Portico Quartet.
Mike Turner, clarinettist and soprano saxist, died on Monday 20th April. Mike played with many traditional and mainstream bands in the Midlands, but was probably best known for his long association with "Swing Parade" at the Trumpet in Bilston on Friday nights.
Mike and the band accompanied the likes of Roy Williams, John Barnes, Marty Grosz, Bruce Adams and Jim Galloway. They struck up a particularly close relationship with US cornettist Tommy Saunders. Only a couple of weeks before his death, Mike struggled out to the Trumpet to meet with proprietor Musti and have a supportive discussion about the music and future plans of the pub he loved so much.
As well as being a first rate and highly individual reed man, Mike was one of the nicest people you could hope to meet, with a wicked sense of humour that enlivened any gig he was on. His music tastes ranged from Thelonious Monk to King Oliver and his clarinet and sax favourites included Bruce Turner, Wally Fawkes, Kenny Davern, Sidney Bechet, Herb Hall, Lee Konitz and...Mezz Mezzrow. That list tells you a lot about Mike: broad minded, erudite and humourous. Our thoughts go out to his wife Moniq and the rest of his family.
Rock Away Your Blues @ The Scarlet Pimpernel
There's exciting things happening at The Scarlet Pimpernel, Tennal Road, Harborne, B32 2JE. The pub, now famous for it's Sunday Lunchtime Jazz sessions have Ann Duggan's Blues Band and 70s Rock 'n ' Roll legend, Steve Gibbons (left) on successive Saturdays along with other great events listed below.
Friday May 8th: Soul & Motown Night with Phil Joseph 8.30pm £2 on door
Saturday May 9th: Ann Duggan (right) Band 8.30pm £3 tickets
Saturday May 16th: Steve Gibbons Band 8.30pm £10 tickets
First Tuesday of each month: Comedy Night Free
Every Wednesday: Quiz Night 8.30pm
For all enquiries please phone 0121-426 0930
Gilad Atzmon was born in Israel in 1963 and had his musical training at the Rubin Academy of Music, Jerusalem (Composition and Jazz) A multi-instrumentalist he plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxes, Clarinet, Sol, Zurna and Flutes.
Coming to the UK in 1994, Atzmon recovered an interest in playing the music of the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe that had been in the back of his mind for years. Playing over 100 dates a year, he has been called "surely the hardest-gigging man in British jazz".
His Orient House Ensemble, formed in the 1990’s ago, has consistently attracted top reviews wherever they appear.
Atzmon was the recipient of the HMV Top Dog Award at the Birmingham International Jazz Festival in 1996–1998. Also, Atzmon's Exile was the BBC’s choice for jazz album of the year in 2003.
For sheer improvisational fireworks, quirky humour and genre-defying invention, one will be hard-pressed to find a musician as unique as Gilad Atzmon. On this occasion, Gilad appears as a guest musician backed by a group of top local musicians, Paul Sawtell on keyboard, Tom Hill on bass and Miles Levin on drums.
This is definitely an evening not to be missed.
9th May @ The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury SY1 1TE
01743 234970 or 01743 281281 www.shrewsburyjazznetwork.co.uk/
Tickets £10/£8 from above or at the door
Passport to Leisure Holders £7
Under 16s Free
UP-AND-COMING
Hot tip for Thursday 14th May. John Ruddick (photographed above by Garry Corbett) is playing at Bearwood Corks Club. This is your chance to see the MYJO Bandleader playing in his own right with his own quintet.
UPTON UPON SEVERN JAZZ FESTIVAL
26th to 28th June 2009
Join the Midlands’ Biggest Annual Jazz Party ‘Down by the Riverside’
This year’s exciting programme includes New Orleans and Traditional Jazz, Gypsy, Swing, Hot Club, Jump Jive and Comedy performed by over fifty bands during the weekend. Highlights include Les Haricots Rouges (France, above), a huge hit at the festival some years ago, the ever popular Lamarotte (Holland) and Bourbon Street Stompers (Germany). UK bands include Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen with Paul Jones ‘Rockin’ in Rhythm’, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys and Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band.
The jazz sessions take place in three marquees on Fish Meadow by the River Severn. You can also cruise on the M.V. Conway Castle with band on board. The Saturday morning parade through the town provides a feast of colour from the decorated umbrellas of the ‘Secondliners’ who follow the parade bands from the Parish Church to the Riverside.
Children 14 and under are welcome free accompanied by an adult. Free parking is
available to ticket holders on Fish Meadow. Camping and Caravan areas, at £20 per person for ticket holders only, are available from 2pm Thursday to Monday morning.
After a hugely successful sell-out album launch at the Glee Club in September last year, April sees the official release of Sara Colman’s album ‘Ready”. This release was unavoidably delayed, but from April 13th it will be available worldwide!
‘Stuck In The Middle With You’, from the album, was included by Alyn Shipton in his January in-flight radio show on Cathay Pacific Airlines, and Sara and her trio will be performing for Birmingham Jazz at the Jam House on April 21st. This replaces the previously advertised Levi French Trio.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival runs from 28th April to 4th May and includes big names such as the Nigel Kennedy Quintet, Madeleine Peyroux and Hugh Masekela, as well as local hero Chris Bowden with his Tomorrow Band.
To check out the full line-up look at: cheltenhamfestivals.com
or phone the Box Office on 0844 576 7979.
- STOP PRESS -
US Guests @ Old Silhillians
Old Silhillians, home of George Huxley's monthly Jazz Club have very special guests Jeff and Anne Barnhart from the USA on Thursday 30th April.
This addition to the line up has been made at very short notice. Venue is the Old Sillhillians Clubhouse, Knowle, Solihull near junction 5 of theM42. Members £7 each, visitors £8 each. Pay on door, club starts 8.30 pm. All enquiries: 01564 730098
KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL
11th to 14th June 2009
This year’s festival is a celebration of Traditional Jazz, New Orleans, Dixieland, Rhythm and Blues and swing. Bands include Mart Rodgers Manchester Jazz, Dave Donohoe Band, Sussex Jazz Kings, Red Stripe Band, Millennium Eagle, and many more. Known as the artists’ town, this picturesque and historic town, only an hour’s drive north of Carlisle, is an ideal centre for exploring the beauties of Scotland.
There may still be time to book yourself into the Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton for the April weekend.
If you enjoy dancing this will be the perfect break for you, with bands like John Whitlock’s Rags and Strides, the Carlton Swing Band, JB Jazz & Blues, Millennium Eagles, and more.
Birmingham musicians and jazz fans alike were shocked to hear of Peter’s sudden death on 17th March.
Peter first appeared on the Birmingham scene some years ago at Ty’s restaurant. Together with Sylvia, they were fixtures at every local jazz venue, where they were ardent jazz fans. Also, Peter soon established himself as a distinguished jazz singer, based mainly on Frank Sinatra and the other jazz greats, but also taking in other diverse influences, such as Billy Joel.
His voice was instantly recognizable: he always took time and trouble to learn songs properly, and amassed a good number of professional chord charts, which made working with him very easy. He was equally at home working with backing tracks, solo piano and small bands.
He was also great company: always lively, cheerful and humorous: he enjoyed a drink and musicians’ chat and banter. I never met anyone on the local scene who had a bad thing to say about him. He will be greatly missed.
A tribute by Andy Peate.
A Summer Idyll
On the hill that is Wavendon above the city of Milton Keynes lies the oasis that is the Old Rectory, country home of oft quoted jazz royalty, the Dankworths. The Music in the Garden festival offers an unique opportunity to share their garden and its amenities. Sit with the audience in the undercover bandstand or share a gazebo with friends and family whilst you listen to the concert programme of quality live music played by national and international stars.
Between concerts picnic on the lawns. Enjoy a chat over a Pimms at the bar or savour an ice cream. Wander round the stalls of curios and musical memorabilia.
Musical highlights:
Co-hosts John Dankworth and Alan Barnes, The National Saxophone Choir, Bob Wilber, Cleo, John and friends, Bobby Wellins, Mark Crooks, John Etheridge & Gary Potter, Kenny Wheeler, Mike and Kate Westbrook and the fi nale with the Frank Griffi th Nonet.
This year’s festival, featuring the very best in classic jazz from Ragtime to Swing, takes place at the splendid four-star Village Hotel & Leisure Club (0191-270 1414), with four stages running from noon to midnight. There are 29 hot bands from many countries and, of particular note, six big bands playing charts ranging from instrumental ragtime to mid-period Ellington and late-1930s Count Basie. Plenty of small bands too!
Box Office: Saville Exchange, Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1SE. Phone 0191-643 7093.
MARCH ’09 FEATURES
All the latest
news, views and developments in the jazz world:
SCOTT HAMILTON JOINS ANDY’S 91st BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS @ CORKS
Andy Hamilton celebrates his 91st birthday this March with a schedule that would tax a man half his age, with three gigs in four days.
The celebrations start with a great night on Thursday 26th, his actual birthday, at Bearwood Corks Club, where his guest will be the brilliant American saxophonist Scott Hamilton. The visit of Scott Hamilton is always hugely popular and fans are highly recommended to arrive early at Bearwood Corks to enjoy the two Hamiltons along with John Patrick, Tom Hill and Tony Richards, doors open at 8.30pm.
The following night, Friday 27th March, Andy will be at The Public in West Bromwich (8.30pm). After one day's rest he will invite his young big band, The Notebenders, to share the stage at The Drum in Newtown on Sunday lunchtime.
article by Alan Cross
JWM would like to thank Garry Corbett for the use of these fabulous photos. Bearwood Corks Club have made a poster with Garry's photography available to download on their website, but they do request you display it somewhere prominently if you can.
WALSALL JAZZ ORCHESTRA
wins Audience Poll at Rush Hour Blues
John Hughes writes:
Winning was a bigmsurprise and a great boost to the band's morale. To be chosen by a local audience made it even more rewarding. We have worked hard at trying to produce a contemporary feel into the music by using Jazz Standards alongside original rockorientated compositions. It seems the move from the known to the unknown has paid off with the audience. I am delighted for all the musicians and composers involved.
You can see the band at Birmingham Symphony Hall Foyer, Friday 27th March, 5.30 - 7pm, The Lighthouse, Wolverhampton, Monday 23rd March at 8.30pm or at Bearwood Corks on Thursday 2nd April.
Bryan Corbett Quartet at Huntingdon Hall
Bryan Corbett has a reputation as one of the finest trumpet players in Europe. He will be appearing at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester on Saturday 7th March at 8pm, along with the wonderful Levi French on keyboards, Ben Markland on bass and Neil bullock on drums.
Courtney Pine & Afropeans Jazz Warriors
Birmingham Town Hall Thursday 26th March
Afropeans Jazz Warriors pick up where the original Jazz Warriors left off. This seminal big band, formed in the 80s to celebrate the rich heritage of Afro-Caribbean jazz that contributed massively to the UK jazz scene since the 50s, is re-invented for a new century.
The concert at Birmingham Town Hall features Courtney Pine (saxophone & clarinet) Chris Storr, Colin Graham, Mark Crown (trumpets), Trevor Edwards (trombone), Jason Yarde, Shabaka Hutchins (reeds), Omar Puente (violin), Ayanna Witter- Johnson (cello, voice), Alex Wilson (piano), Samuel Dubois (steel pan), Darren Taylor (bass), Robert Fordjour (percussion) and Donald Gamble (percussion). Box Office 0121-780 3333, www.thsh.co.uk
Tommaso Starace at Lichfield Guildhall
Friday 13th March
Italian saxophonist Tommaso Starace, acclaimed for his dynamic bebop style and melodious compositions, brings his quartet to Lichfield Guildhall for the first time for a great concert of hard-swinging no-nonsense jazz. For tickets 01543 262223 or visit www.lichfieldarts.org.uk.
Attention all Musicians in and around Cheltenham, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival is running a competition - details below:
The Budvar Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the Morning Advertiser are running an excellent joint competition in conjunction with headline sponsor Budweiser Budvar (Czech Original Lager) to find the UK’s best musical talent and give them the opportunity to appear on stage at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival – 28th April to 4th may 2009.
We are inviting licensees from pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafés to nominate their local band or bands or single performer. Each entry will be judged by the Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s Artistic Director and 3 groups will be selected for the competition final which will take place at the Festival.
A winner will be selected by a panel of industry experts and will be invited to perform on stage at the Jazz Festival during the Festival weekend.
In addition they will also be invited to perform on stage on the main stage at PUB IN THE PARK in London in September alongside a number of high profile acts.
To enter performers, or licensees can send in a CD with a short selection of the performers music OR give details of their myspace page featuring their tracks with a completed application form. The type of performance does not have to be just traditional Jazz. The type of acts at the jazz Festival has long covered a very broad spectrum
The closing date for entries is 31st march 2009.
There will of course be lots of media coverage and press PR for the performers and the Licensee and outlet that nominates them.
This brand new Festival will take place at the Royal British Legion, Union Road, Solihull, on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd April 3pm till midnight. The emphasis is on real ales - 15 of them, including Church End and Wye Valley Ales - and card-carrying members of CAMRA will get their first pint free. Can't say fairer than that!
The music will be mainly sea shanties and lively folk songs, a minimum of three sessions each afternoon and four each evening. There will also be some singarounds.
Top bands performing include Monkey's Orphan, who have performed at many Folk and Maritime Festivals at home and abroad, Monkey's Fist, a shanty band from Leeds, Bitter End and One Sheet Short. For the very modest price of £7 per day you are invited to come along and enjoy some excellent ales and some rousing music.
For details and bookings phone 0121-705 0742.
March 12th marks the anniversary of the death of Charlie Parker. Jim Denham, organiser of Jazz at the Bournville Club, was kind enough to contribute the following:
CHARLIE PARKER - BORN 29 AUG 1920, DIED 12 MARCH 1955
It’s difficult, fifty four years after his death, for most of us to appreciate the amazement, wonder and (in some cases) anger that Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker caused amongst jazz fans and musicians in his lifetime.
These days, the musical language of bop that Parker, together with fellow rebels Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Clarke and Thelonious Monk, developed in the 40s, has permeated jazz to the degree that its rhythmic and harmonic innovations now seem almost clichés.
The very term bebop was, of course, onomatopoeic, referring (as Gary Giddons puts it) to 'the two note phrases (frequently the interval of a flatted fifth) that capped many of the melodic figures used by Parker, Gillespie and their associates. Parker’s alto playing was legendary for its speed and he lived life just as fast. When he died aged 34 it is said that the doctor who examined the body estimated his age as 60. A week before the heroin and the booze destroyed him Parker told his follower, Sonny Stitt, “Man, I’m handing you the keys of the kingdom.” Actually, he handed them to all of us.
The Starlites
at Kings Heath Cricket Club
Friday 13th March will be a lucky night if you and your friends head down to the Kings Heath Cricket Club, 247 Alcester Road South, to see a great rock'n'roll band called The Starlites. You will enjoy an evening's entertainment listening and dancing to the best of the 1950s with music from Elvis, Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, and many more rock'n'roll legends - including special tributes to Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison in full costume.
With a refreshing approach to rock'n'roll you can look forward to the most popular songs of the era in an authentic, upbeat and spectacular performance. So put on your blue suede shoes for a night to remember with the sounds of the Fabulous Fifties!
The evening starts at 8pm, tickets £6 on the door.
Coventry Jazz Festival
21st to 25th May 2009
From the beginning of March visitors to many Coventry City Centre bars and restaurants will see photographs of the last ten years of the Festival on display.
OXFAM STOMP
We hear that this year's Oxfam Stomp raised the magnificent sum of £1,800 for the charity. Full credit goes to the organisers of this fantastic event.
TRIBUTE TO THE GREAT SONG STYLISTS
STEVE KING BIG BAND
FEATURING LYNN DAWES & GARY LEWIS
Hot in the wake of their appearance last year the Band is back at Birmingham Library Theatre by popular demand, with their two star vocalists paying tribute to some of the greatest artists of the last fifty years.
If you enjoy the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Sarah Vaughn, Bobby Darin, Liza Minnelli, Robbie Williams, Barbra Streisand et al, all accompanied by a great big band sound, this concert is for you. Birmingham Library Theatre is an intimate 200-seat venue in the city centre, right next to the Adrian Boult Hall.
The concert takes place on Sunday 8th March at 7.30 pm. For tickets phone 0121-303 2323.
SPAGHETTI JUNCTION BIG BAND
at Leamington
Big Band fans are invited to the St Patrick's Irish Club, Adelaide Road, Leamington Spa on Friday 6th March for an evening of classic swing and fresh modern big band sounds. Concert starts at 8pm, parking is available.
Tickets are £7 on the door, £5 in advance. Contact Patrick on 07960 017546
UPTON UPON SEVERN JAZZ FESTIVAL
26TH-28TH JUNE 2009
This year's Festival will feature a wonderful array of jazz bands including returning favourites like the Bourbon Street Stompers, Lamarotte and the Sussex Jazz Kings, and new attractions like Tim Kliphuis and Ben Holder's Djangology.
If you've never been to Upton at Festival time we heartily recommend you to try it this year. If you're a regular, as many of our readers are, we're sure you will find new bands to enjoy as well as supporting all your old favourites.
TWO TRAD JAZZ LEGENDS TOGETHER
BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL THURSDAY 26TH MARCH
Hugely popular jazz legends Acker Bilk with his Paramount Jazz Band and The Big Chris Barber Band will be appearing in a double header at the Symphony Hall. Chris
Barber celebrates his 60th year as a bandleader in 2009, having played more than 10,000 concerts and made thousands of recordings. We saw him at Upton Jazz Festival in 2007, an unforgettable evening.
Acker Bilk became a household name in 1962 with his international hit record Stranger on the Shore (in the charts for 55 weeks), and has continued to thrill audiences ever since. Birmingham Symphony Hall is a very stylish, comfortable, modern venue in which to enjoy an evening of great jazz.
Bruce Adams at The Trumpet, Bilston on Friday 6th March -
We've just had an email from Musti at the Trumpet to tell us that Bruce Adams will be performing with Swing Parade on Friday 6th March at The Trumpet in Bilston.
This date came in too late to be listed in the magazine, but Bruce Adams is one of the top trumpeters anywhere, so we thought you'd want to know all about it. (01902) 493723
Garry Allcock’s Allstars Big Band Sunday 8th March
Featuring Special Guest Vocalist, Dave Chance, Garry Allcock's Allstars will be appearing at The Barn Social Club, Brookvale Road, Witton on Sunday the 8th of March.
The show kicks off at 8pm and admission is only £5. For info 0121-356 5706 or Garry on 0121-475 7524
PATSY AS ROCK CHICK!!
Looking every inch the Rock Chick here's Patsy Fuller (left) at Bearwood Corks Club. She turned up to sing a number with Andy Hamilton & The Blue Notes on 5th March as a warm-up for her gig with Dr Harp's Medicine Band on Thursday 12th, also at Corks. Expect a fabulous blend of Jazz, Gospel and Blues which found success in the iTunes Blues chart a year or two ago. More info at www.bearwoodjazz.co.uk
This photo is by our own Dick Jones and if you click on it you go straight to his Flickr to see what else he's got on offer
HOWARD SHELDON ENSEMBLE @ OLD WAGON & HORSES; SUNDAY 29th MARCH
In a change from the magazine listing which placed the event under Tuesdays JWM can confirm that the Howard Sheldon Ensemble will play The Old Wagon and Horses on Sunday 29th March and every last Sunday of the month. The band features Dutch Lewis on reeds/flute and Jim Marchent on trumpet, with the Howard Sheldon trio.
The Old Wagon & Horses at Stourbridge Road, Ismere, DY10 3NX - 8.30pm - Free - 01299 823278
FEB ’09 FEATURES
All the latest
news, views and developments in the jazz world:
Get ready to have your toes tapping when Clare Teal, one of Britain’s favourite female jazz singers, makes a welcome return to Worcester’s Huntingdon Hall on Friday 27th February at 8pm.
Voted British Jazz Vocalist of the Year 2007 and blessed with a stunning voice, the ability to write songs that promise to be classics and a wonderful warm humour, Clare is a rare commodity - in every way the major star.
The concert features brilliant musicians, sparkling new material, inspired interpretations of the great American songbook, plus a liberal sprinkling of Clare’s crowd favourites.
Also at Huntingdon Hall on Saturday 7th March will be the Bryan Corbett Quartet.
VALENTINE’S NIGHT IN WESSEX
Take a Valentine’s weekend break in Scenic Somerset and enjoy some great jazz as well. The weekend includes Saturday evening with the legendary Temperance Seven, overnight accommodation at the Wessex Hotel, Street, and Sunday brunch with Debbie Arthurs’ Sweet Rhythm.
For tickets and details of this and other weekend breaks at the Wessex Hotel in 2009 phone 01458 443383.
FRIENDS OF UPTON HOST THE CHARLESTON CHASERS
The Charleston Chasers return to Upton on Severn for this year’s Valentine's Night Concert, Saturday 14th February at Hanley Castle High School.
The band, led by percussionist and vocalist Debbie Arthurs, play hot vintage music from the 20s and 30s. Their repertoire features well known tunes of the day, including numbers by Fats Waller, George Gershwin, Charlie Kunz and Hoagy Carmichael. The Chasers have appeared at International Arts and Music Festivals throughout the UK and have visited Switzerland twice, Holland and Denmark to rapturous receptions.
For full details phone 01684 593794.
THE BEST FRONT LINE
IN THE BUSINESS
This star-studded concert, organised by Tim Lord on behalf of Bridgnorth Jazz, will take place at the Down Inn, Ludlow Road, Bridgnorth on Friday 27th February at 8pm. The Front Line includes Julian Marc Stringle, who is now recognised as one of the most stylish clarinet players in Europe, trombonist Roy Williams known for his inventive improvisation and fluid swinging style, award-winning trumpeter Enrico Tomasso and highly respected saxophonist Alan Barnes.
Special guest vocalist Carole Westwood and the Paul Sawtell Trio will ensure a memorable evening.
For more information phone Tim Lord on 01746 765737.
JAZZ AT THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, HARBORNE
Jazz at the Pimpernel is really taking off with a very varied programme of excellent musicians. Recent gigs have been very well supported and the atmosphere is one of great respect for the music. We certainly recommend you pay a visit to the Pimpernel on a Sunday afternoon between 3 and 6pm. You can have great food as well, and seafood is a particular speciality.
STEVE KING BIG BAND & BUFFET: £5!
Long time promoters of live jazz Halesowen Cricket Club present a credit crunch special on Friday 27th February. The Steve King Big Band will be performing in concert and the admission price of only £5.00 includes a buffet!. For that price it has got to be well worth checking out. The concert starts at 8 pm. (Pictured: Steve King)
For more details ring the club on 0121 550-2744.
...AND OTHER VENUES REDUCE THEIR PRICES TO ENCOURAGE SUPPORTERS
It's great to hear of some bands and venues offering reductions to attract more listeners.
Pier 39, a very elegant gourmet restaurant in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, is reducing the prices of its Friday Jazz Night set menu to £13 for 2 courses and £15 95 for 3 courses, including coffee. It's perfect for a special night out or just a pick-me-up treat.
Garry Allcock's Allstars are offering a Sunday night concert at the Barn, Witton, for £5 admission, a great price to hear this exceptional band.
JOSCHO STEPHAN AT
LICHFIELD GUILDHALL
The Joscho Stephan Trio plays at the Lichfield Guildhall for the first time on Sunday 1st March. Joscho is one of the world’s best acoustic guitarists today.
His music is deeply rooted in the Gypsy Swing of the 1930s mostly associated with famed guitarist Django Reinhardt, and he combines this great influence with his other interests from Swing to Latin Jazz. He has performed all over the world at all the major festivals and his album “Swinging String” was elected CD of the month in Guitar Player Magazine.
For more information phone 01543 262223 or visit
www.lichfieldarts.org.
THE ORIGINAL BACKROOM
BOYS AT KINGS HEATH
One of our favourite duos, Dave and Owen, will be playing at the Kings Heath Cricket and Sports Club on Sunday lunchtime 1st March from 12.30pm. Lunch is available, either bar food or a carvery, or you can just have a drink. This is a new venture organised by Polly, who works tirelessly to promote music at the venue
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
From Harry Swinburne, Maghull Jazz Club
By the time you read this 2008 will be a memory. Happy memories I hope, and fond memories of some treasured personalities who have left us. In 2008 we lost that giant of jazz Humphrey Lyttelton and I lost a much loved personal friend and a superb jazzer - Campbell Burnap.
In my city, Liverpool, we have just completed our capital of culture year. However as in other media events jazz and swing were completely overlooked. Never mind, let’s think positive. We jazz and swing lovers still have a regular supply of very talented musicians playing for us. In Merseyside there is jazz or swing every night if you know where to find it. During this recession pubs and jazz clubs are closing, but do not despair, jazz was born out of deprivation, it will survive and go into musical history.
Good luck to musicians, promoters, clubs, jazz magazines etc. You, the general public, have the most important role to play. Support your local live jazz and keep turning up. Keep it going and here’s to 2009 - good luck to all.
Unfortunately we had to edit Harry’s letter due to restriction of space in the magazine. Harry organises very popular jazz weekends at Chatsworth House Hotel, Llandudno.
Jazz on a Winter's Weekend
Southport 6th to 8th Feb 2009 at the Royal Clifton Hotel
Enthusiasm is running high for this festival. For all details or to book call 01704 541790 or visit www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk
GIGS
Feb 1 - the fabulous Steve King Big Band play the Artrix in Bromsgrove. Ring 01527 577330 for tickets
Feb 1 - Steve Ajao (left) Birmingham's favourite Bebop artist kicks off February at the Scarlet Pimpernell in Tennal Lane, Harborne B32 2JE
Feb 1 - KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS (above) make a rare local appearance at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa CV32 4HN. Tickets £13.50 - Tel 01926 334418
Feb 4 - Burton Big Band at Henhurst Social Club
Feb 5 - Bassman and New Style Radio DJ Delano Mills brings the music of Grover Washington to Bearwood Corks Club. The band features Saxophonist Alvin Davis who enjoyed considerable commercial success Stateside in the '90s when a couple of albums were picked upby Sony.
Sun 22nd Martinique Jazz Band - Patshull Park Hotel.
Tues 24th Millennium Jazz Band - The Harp, Albrighton.
Tues 24th New Orleans Wanderers - Bournville JC
Thurs 26th Andy Hamilton & The Blue Notes - Bearwood Corks Club.
Fri 26th Millennium Eagle Jazz Band - Burton Jazz Club
Fri 27th Steve King Big Band - Halesowen Cricket Club
Fri 27th Maria LP - Pier 39, Sutton Coldfield
Fii 27th The Best Front Line in The Business - Bridgenorth Jazz, Down Inn
Sat 28th New Orleans Wiggle with Carolyn Topsy Hilton - Waterworks JC at their new venue; Nautical Club, Bishopgate St, B’ham.
JWM Home
16 Aug - Nic Meier with Dave O'Higgins 
Drummin’ Man
A Place in
A fantastic array of Big Bands including Mark Nightingale BB, Pete Long Allstars, Gene Krupa Centenary Celebration, Carol Kidd, Eleanor Keenan's All Girl Swing Orchestra (above), Ray Gelato and the Giants, and many more.
The hugely popular Proms In The Park Concert returns to Burntwood Wakes on Saturday night 8th August with a great program of classical and popular British favourites. The concert is performed by the 50-piece City Concert Orchestra, conductor Adrian Jackson, and the Midland Symphony Choir with soloist Elizabeth MacDonald. The show is presented by two of The Midlands’ best loved comedians Don Maclean and Malcolm Stent. Nothing compares to the magic of this wonderful music performed outdoors.
The 20th Lichfield Real Ale Jazz & Blues Festival, June 25th - 28th Lichfield Rugby Club, Tamworth Road, Lichfield WS14 9JE This festival is a great favourite among many of our readers and this year includes big names such as Chris Farlowe and Dennis Rollins.For more information, brochure, or to book tel. 01543 262223 
The Zappatistas
From Prague , Czech Republic PETRA ERNYEI 
PETER KING @ Bearwood Corks Thursday 4th June
The Trumpet, Bilston, has also announced 3 alterations all on Sundays:
BRANFORD MARSALIS, born in New Orleans in 1960, is touring Britain and will be appearing at the Birmingham Town Hall on Tuesday 26th May. 
The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury SY1 1TE Saturday 9th May Multi-instrumentalist Gilad plays soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes, clarinet and more.
Coventry Jazz Festival 21st–25th May 2009 
Mike Turner, clarinettist and soprano saxist, died on Monday 20th April. Mike played with many traditional and mainstream bands in the Midlands, but was probably best known for his long association with "Swing Parade" at the Trumpet in Bilston on Friday nights. 
Rock Away Your Blues @ The Scarlet Pimpernel
Saturday May 9th: Ann Duggan (right) Band 8.30pm £3 tickets
Gilad Atzmon was born in Israel in 1963 and had his musical training at the Rubin Academy of Music, Jerusalem (Composition and Jazz) A multi-instrumentalist he plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxes, Clarinet, Sol, Zurna and Flutes.
Bryan Corbett Quartet at Huntingdon Hall
Hugely popular jazz legends Acker Bilk with his Paramount Jazz Band and The Big Chris Barber Band will be appearing in a double header at the Symphony Hall. Chris
Long time promoters of live jazz Halesowen Cricket Club present a credit crunch special on Friday 27th February. The Steve King Big Band will be performing in concert and the admission price of only £5.00 includes a buffet!. For that price it has got to be well worth checking out. The concert starts at 8 pm. (Pictured: Steve King)
