The Column: Eddie Myer – Paco de Lucía
This week brought the sad news of the untimely passing of Paco de Lucía. In his native Spain he was a cultural figure of immense importance, and his uniquely successful career conferred such stature upon him that his fame had spread far beyond the confines of flamenco enthusiasts (admittedly a global constituency). I don’t […]
Mark Edwards Interview
Brighton pianist Mark Edwards talked to Charlie Anderson about his latest album, In Deep, and his ensemble Cloggz. What first drew you to the piano as an instrument? “I don’t remember a time when playing the piano was not a part of my daily life. It was there in the home. My dad loved […]
Ornate Quartet Interview
Drummer Pete Hill interviewed by Charlie Anderson How did the band come about? “We were all studying on the jazz programme at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London and we had all played together in various different outfits but never as a band. There was a project as part of the course in which […]
The Residency: The Bristol Bar
How did the gig come about? Jack Kendon: “In May 2011 I just went in there and said “It looks like you need some jazz’.” What have been the most memorable moments? Jack: “My Dad’s leaving do was fun and memorable. It was packed and Rod Hart and Imogen Ryall came down. Loads of […]
Improv Column: Terry Seabrook’s Jazz Tip of the Month No. 7
Pianist Terry Seabrook’s Jazz Tip of the Month No. 7 A Beginner’s Guide to Bass Lines It is often required that players of instruments such as keyboards and guitar be able to play a suitable bass line if for example there isn’t a bass player present. And in my foray into the Hammond organ […]
The Column: Eddie Myer – What’s In A Name?
Last Friday I managed to get myself along to see much-favoured youngbloods Empirical playing at the Pavilion Theatre to an appreciative crowd. It was a rare chance to see something from the current forefront of jazz-and-related-musics on our doorstep, and I was pleased not to recognise any local players among the audience, as everyone […]
Heather Cairncross Interview
Sussex vocalist Heather Cairncross met up with editor Charlie Anderson at The Brunswick in Hove to talk about her experiences in jazz. You recorded your first jazz album with acclaimed jazz pianist Dave Newton. How did that come about? “I met Dave Newton at the Hare & Hounds in Worthing. I went along […]
Alan Barnes Interview
I first saw you playing with Tommy Chase back in the Eighties. What are your memories of working in that band? “Working with Tommy Chase was, at that time, a real learning experience for me. He certainly knew what he did and didn’t want! He’d tell me to play shorter, more sing-able phrases […]
Improv Column: Wayne McConnell – The Modern Jazz Piano Trio
Pianist Wayne McConnell examines The Modern Jazz Piano Trio The art of playing in a trio is very dear to my heart as a pianist. I’d say it is my most favoured format. I enjoy the textural combinations of bass, drums and piano but also the space between the instruments. It allows for focus […]
The Column: Eddie Myer – Embracing the Mediocre
Just the other day, whilst busily avoiding my self-imposed practice routine by aimlessly browsing through Facebook, my attention was caught by a link to a site called Jazz Advice, and specifically a page therein entitled “How to be a mediocre jazz improvisor”. It sets out a bullet-point list of approaches guaranteed to hinder rather […]