Musician Julia Biel released her latest album Black and White, Vol. 1 last year to critical acclaim. Here the vocalist and pianist talks to Charlie Anderson about her current work and upcoming projects. How did you first get into singing and playing music? I always loved to sing and got some encouragement early on from […]
Spike Wells is known for his enthusiasm, particularly behind the drum kit. On the day we spoke, the day after Ron Mathewson’s funeral, his sense of frustration was evident. Last summer he was able to officiate the funeral of long-time friend Peter King, which featured fitting tributes from Julian Joseph and Henry Lowther. In […]
The August issue of SJM is available to download, for free, here: SJM August 2020 The front cover shows Mark Kavuma and Ruben Fox performing for New Generation Jazz TV, filmed at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea (photo by Lisa Wormsley). Inside the magazine we have an interview with musician Mike Potter of Harry’s […]
The June issue of Sussex Jazz Magazine is now available and free to download here: SJM June 2020 Our 101st issue features the following: The cover features a painting of cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson by artist Gina Southgate. Interview with trumpeter Avashai Cohen by SJM writer George Richardson. Columns by Simon Spillett and Gina Southgate. […]
The Verdict Receives Crisis Grant Brighton’s The Verdict have received a crisis grant to help ensure its survival during the current coronavirus pandemic. The much-needed funds were confirmed in late April. Roxanne Checkley said, “I am immensely relieved and grateful, my thoughts are with the other 500+ venues that face potential closure in this crisis.” […]
Promoters of young jazz talent, Jazznewblood are celebrating their 5th year. Founder Patricia Pascal spoke to Charlie Anderson about its history and successes. What gave you the idea to start Jazznewblood? I first started my contact with the youth jazz scene in 2012 through my personal experience of raising two precocious young musicians and […]
Saxophonist, composer and bandleader Alabaster DePlume launches his new album and talks to Charlie Anderson I arranged to meet Alabaster DePlume at the Total Refreshment Centre in Dalston. As Emma Warren notes in the opening chapter of her book Make Some Space, the entrance is simply a black door with TRC stencilled on it, and […]
Double bassist and promoter Marianne Windham spoke to Charlie Anderson during her preparations for the Guildford Jazz Festival in March. How did you first get into music? “In the very beginning I played cello when I was at school aged 12 and did all of the classical grades. I stopped playing in my 20s […]
Trumpet player Freddie Gavita spoke to Charlie Anderson about his journey in jazz ahead of his appearance at Chichester Jazz Club, paying tribute to his musical hero Clifford Brown. Tell us about your upcoming gig in Chichester entitled ‘The Music of Clifford Brown’. It’s not been a major frontline project of mine but it’s […]
Emergence Festival Returns to Hastings Emergence Festival returns to St. Mary in the Castle, Hastings between Thursday 23rd and Sunday 26th April. The line up announced so far includes London collective Steam Down, Jason Yarde Trio, Edifice Dance, James Beckwith Band, Jessica Lauren and Hastings-based sextet Hexagonal. Love Supreme Line Up Announcement Added to […]