The Column: Eddie Myer – Not a Dry Seat in the House
Last year’s Jazz FM awards was a memorable occasion, with both glamour and controversy being provided by those perpetual kings of louche Mick Jagger, Ron Woods and Charlie Watts, the former two as elegantly wrinkled as their expensive suits, Mr Watts as well-pressed and inscrutable as ever. The controversy arose due to the magnetic […]
A Change Is Gonna Come: Carleen Anderson and Nikki Yeoh
This year’s Brighton Festival features a special music project entitled A Change Is Gonna Come: Music for Human Rights. SJM editor Charlie Anderson spoke to the two composers behind the project: Carleen Anderson and Nikki Yeoh. I began by asking Carleen Anderson about how the project first came about. “The two organisers at […]
Jon Newey Interview
Award winning music journalist, percussionist and editor in chief of Jazzwise magazine Jon Newey has a keen interest in the history of the UK music press. He spoke to SJM editor Charlie Anderson about his career in music journalism and his initiative to encourage up-and-coming writers. What’s your background in the music press? I’ve […]
Vigleik Storaas Interview
SJM editor Charlie Anderson spoke with award winning Norwegian pianist, composer and teacher Vigleik Storaas ahead of his appearance with the legendary John Surman at this year’s Brighton Festival. You’ve obviously known John Surman for a long time, you’ve been playing together since the mid-1990s in the Nordic Quartet. “Yes, I think the […]
Jazz News (May 2018)
Love Supreme Festival have announced their full line up, including artists appearing on the Bandstand: Three Little Birds, Paul Richards Trio, Giwha and the 1618, Sonnymoon for 3, Charlotte Glasson, Roy Hilton, Rory ingham, Where Pathways Meet, Sen3, Peter Fraize, Johnny Mansfield, Pete Hill Quintet and the 9-piece Tomorrow’s Warriors Female Frontline (led by […]
Big Band Scene (May 2018)
Patrick Billingham looks at issues arising from playing outdoors. After what has seemed like a very long Winter, Spring has finally arrived. And with it the start of the festival season. The Brighton Festival and Fringe, Love Supreme among others around the county. Warmer conditions also encourage those gigs which bring live music […]
Pete Recommends…Charlie Haden Quartet West – Haunted Heart
Each month Peter Batten recommends a recording that jazz fans may wish to add to their personal library. Charlie Haden Quartet West – Haunted Heart My choice this month is a rather unusual session which you may have missed. Recorded in France in 1991 and later mixed in San Francisco, it features […]
Live Review: J-Sonics at The Ropetackle
J-Sonics The Ropetackle, Shoreham-by-Sea Saturday 7th April, 2018 Mike Flynn’s latin fusion band J-Sonics made a strong impression at last year’s South Coast Jazz Festival and their return to the Ropetackle was filled with the same high-octane energy that characterises this accomplished band. Beginning their set with Casa Forte, an upbeat samba, […]
Live Review: Rob Luft at The Verdict
Rob Luft The Verdict, Brighton Friday 20th April, 2018 Featuring mostly original material from his debut album, Riser, Rob Luft is a skilled guitarist who effortlessly creates any sound-world of his choosing, frequently adding fresh sounds, influenced heavily by Congolese rumba and soukous music. Touring with the same regular band that recorded the […]
Live Review: Martin Speake Quartet at The Verdict
Martin Speake Quartet The Verdict, Brighton Saturday 21st April, 2018 Alto saxophonist Martin Speake celebrated his 60th birthday this year by recording a new album with his long-time friend and musical associate, US pianist Ethan Iverson. Performing mostly tunes from the new album, they mixed originals with the odd bebop […]