“Anyone lucky enough to receive the Performing Rights Society’s regular magazine will no doubt have been intrigued to see an article headed ‘What’s going on in British Jazz?’, and even more intrigued by the following introductory quote from saxophonist Pete Wareham: ‘Jazz? I don’t know much about it. I haven’t been following it for ages…… […]
Saxophonist Jean Toussaint proudly proclaims to be a ‘Jazz Messenger for life’ and this is reflected in his performing, as he helps keep the tradition alive through his extensive teaching and bringing younger players through. Like many former Jazz Messengers, he’s grateful for his time with the band. “It was one of those experiences […]
Trumpeter and vocalist Sue Richardson is best known for her Chet Baker tribute show, Too Cool, that interweaved a biographical narrative with classic tunes he’s associated with, together with some of his less well-known compositions. The successful show resulted in a critically acclaimed album released back in 2013. For her new show she’s chosen […]
Charlie Anderson rounds up the latest jazz news. Click on the blue links for more information (links take you to third party websites). September sees Splash Point Jazz Festival coming to 3 separate venues around Eastbourne on Sunday 30th September, whilst Jazz In The Round host the Emergence Festival in Hastings over the […]
A new big band called “Some Like it Hot” is looking for trombonists. Rehearsals are on the fourth Wednesday of each month in Herstmonceux. If you can help, please contact Jo Wood for further details, jowood01@gmail.com, 07545 305690. The Mark Travers Project, created in 2017, is a twelve piece small big band, formed to […]
Peter Batten recommends a recording that jazz fans may wish to add to their personal library Artie Shaw & his Gramercy Five Summit Ridge Drive Last month I focussed on one of the key moments in the development of our music. This month I want to offer a suggestion to those who may be […]
Floating Circles Quartet Eleven Yesterdays Ago (self-released EP) Floating Circles Quartet is essentially a vehicle for composer and clarinetist Aidan Pearson, a student of Tomorrow’s Warriors and the Guildhall School who has self-released this new EP. Whilst Pearson cites Brian Eno as an influence and describes the band as ‘jazz/ambient’ the band is […]
Tim Whitehead Quartet The Verdict, Brighton Friday 17th August, 2018 It’s been a while since Tim Whitehead performed in Brighton so it was a joy to see him performing with his longtime associate Milo Fell on drums and eminent local bassist Nigel Thomas. Beginning with a latin version of Invitation, followed by […]
WOMAD Festival 2018 Charlton Park, Wiltshire Thursday 26th – Sunday 29th July, 2018 Pre-festival publicity for this year’s WOMAD festival was clouded by news regarding cancellations due to stricter visa controls, forcing a number of bands to cancel performances and workshops. But this didn’t impact on the atmosphere of the festival which remained […]