Andrew McCormack Interview
Tell us about your new project Graviton. It’s a bit new and a bit different to what you’ve done before. “Yeah, it’s a bit of a change in direction. There’s more of a focus on composition with this album. I was living in New York for a few years, until quite recently and one […]
Clare Hirst Interview
Tell us about the Deppa-Hirst Band and the music that you play. “Most of us have played together for a long time. This is actually our own project. It’s the first time we’ve had our own band. We’ve been together about a year and a half now and we play a mixture of Claude […]
Misha Mullov-Abbado Interview
What was it like growing up in a musical household? “Not that I have much to compare it with, but I have certainly been surrounded by music in some form or another since before I was born. Having parents rooted in the classical world meant that I was listening to most of the standard […]
Jazz News (March 2018)
Veteran jazz photographer and SJM contributor Brian O’Connor launches an exhibition of his jazz photography at the Clocktower Cafe in Croydon next month. Having photographed a number of jazz artists since 1971, the exhibition will have its official opening on Saturday 7th April at 2pm by the deputy mayor of Croydon, with music supplied […]
Big Band Scene (March 2018)
Patrick Billingham looks at the most common big band layouts. This month’s Big Band @ Brunswick features Big Band Sounds. I had the pleasure of depping with this band recently at a rehearsal. They still need regular trombonists and a trumpeter. If you are able, and willing, to help out, please contact Darren […]
Pete Recommends…Peggy Lee – Black Coffee
Each month Peter Batten recommends a recording that jazz fans may wish to add to their personal library. Peggy Lee Black Coffee There were many great albums by singers in the 1950s as the era of the long playing record began: Billie Holiday Lady in Satin, Mel Torme with the Marty Paich […]
Live Review: Alex Hitchcock/Tom Barford Quartet at The Verdict
Alex Hitchcock/Tom Barford Quartet The Verdict, Brighton Friday 2nd February, 2018 The chordless two tenor quartet of Alex Hitchcock and Tom Barford are a relatively new group but one with an impressive and original sound. Their opening number showed their ability to perform tight unison passages and harmonies, the result of many hours […]
Live Review: Ivo Neame Quartet at The Verdict
Ivo Neame Quartet The Verdict, Brighton Friday 16th February, 2018 Pianist Ivo Neame successfully bridges the gap between contemporary classical music and contemporary jazz with compositions that have an esoteric and highly original voice. The supporting band of George Crowley, Tom Farmer and James Maddren expertly negotiated some tricky time signature changes […]
The Column: Eddie Myer – Variety is the Spice of Life
As January recedes into the chilly mists, we can warm ourselves with the memory of another triumphant South Coast Jazz Festival. Unfortunately an unforeseen host of pressing prior commitments prevented me from attending all but one of the gigs, events, panels and workshops on offer, and I must refer you to my esteemed […]
Zara McFarlane Interview
Vocalist and composer Zara McFarlane spoke to SJM editor Charlie Anderson about taking her new album on the road. You recorded your third album Arise last year, tell us about the concept of the album. “At first, I wanted to explore more rhythmical elements from Jamaica and the Caribbean at first. I knew I wanted […]