Autumn Winter Season in Leeds

The Season has started again! Here is the first of our listings in and around Leeds...
If you know of any other venues and clubs please let us know!
Jazz in Leeds (Seven Jazz) - Autumn/Winter Programme
Seven Jazz in Chapel Allerton Leeds have announced their Autumn/Winter programme which starts off with the Chapel Allerton Festival Jazz Sunday on 31 August in Regent Street and runs through to the Christmas Party at Inkwell on Sunday afternoon 21 December with the Nicola Farnon Trio
2014 marks the seventh anniversary of Seven Jazz – the club started on the 30 September 2007. Seven Jazz now run international fortnightly concerts on Thursdays at Seven Arts and weekly showcase events for local bands at both Seven Arts and Inkwell, along with two fortnightly jazz workshops for musicians and a jazz choir. Since 2007 Seven Jazz (which is run by volunteers) has run over 500 gigs. In 2015 will embark on yet another venture, the Leeds Jazz Festival

The Leeds International Jazz Concert series at Seven Arts includes appearances from the Nigel Price trio with Alex Garnett (our Seventh Anniversary party) on Thursday evening Oct 2nd, a rare appearance from one of the finest jazz pianists in the world, Enrico Pieranunzi with his trio on Thursday evening Oct 16, the first performance of Indo Jazz saxman Jesse Bannister’s new band “Play Out” that features pianist Zoe Rahman on Thursday evening Nov 6, a rare Leeds appearance by Julian Siegel /Phil Robson’s band “ on Partisans” on Thursday evening Nov 20th and finally the legendary Stan Sultzmann with his band “Neon” on Thursday evening 4 December.

The Sunday afternoon showcase gigs feature international rising stars too - the likes of saxman Dan Shout from South Africa, guitarist Steve Buckley with “Wagon Train” (Steve was the first musician to appear at Seven Jazz in 2007 so it is good to see him back), the legendary Leeds improv pianist Matt Bourne in a trio setting with Gary Jackson on bass and Sam Hobbs on drums, the “Eyes Shut Tight” Trio and Sam Gardner’s “Samadhi” featuring top Polish saxman Krzysztof Urbanski and Dutch based pianist Dominic J Marshall – also the last gigs Sam will do in Leeds before moving to London Details of all of the gigs can be found on the Seven Jazz website www.sevenjazz.co.uk and are listed below. The evening international concert series start at 8.30pm, and the Sunday afternoon showcase gigs run between 1 and 4pm; ticket prices are detailed on the website; evening gigs are typically £16/14 concessions with a £5 standby ticket for full time students, Sunday lunchtime gigs are £7/5 concessions.

International Evening Jazz Concert Series at Seven Arts :
Thursday evening Oct 2 Nigel Price trio with Alex Garnett: 8.30pm @Seven Arts £16/14
Thursday evening Oct 16 Enrico Pieranunzi trio: 8.30pm @Seven Arts £16/14
Thursday evening Nov 6: Jesse Bannister’s “Play Out” – 8.30pm @Seven Arts £16/14
Thursday evening Nov 20 : “Partisans” 8.30pm @Seven Arts £16/14
Thursday evening Dec 4 : “Neon” Quartet 8.30pm @Seven Arts £16/14


Showcase Jazz gigs in Chapel Allerton
Thurs evening 4 Sept: Jazz Concert to launch the National Centre for Race Walking sports charity 8.30pm @Seven Arts £10/8
Jean Watson’s Jazz Collective, the JoeLuca Ensemble and Will Powell’s “Short Stories”: 



Sunday afternoon 14 Sept: Ros Lewis and friends – 1.30pm @Inkwell £7/5
Sunday afternoon 21 Sept: Dan Shout+Martin Longhawn trio –1.30pm Seven Arts £7/5
Sunday afternoon 28 Sept: Paul Edis Sextet -1.30pm @Seven Arts £7/5
Sunday afternoon 5 Oct: Matt Parkinson Quintet@Inkwell £7/5
Sunday afternoon 12 Oct: “The Jazz Worriers” 1.30pm @Seven Arts £7/5
https://soundcloud.com/yates-neil/skylark

Sunday afternoon 19 Oct: Steve Buckley’s 'The Wagon Train' -1.30pm @Inkwell £7/5
Sun afternoon 26 Oct: Matt Bourne, Gary Jackson, Sam Hobbs - 1.30pm @Seven Arts Sunday afternoon 2 Nov: Nicki Allan/Rod Mason quartet - 1.30pm @Inkwell £7/5
Sunday afternoon 9 Nov: “Eyes Shut Tight” - 1.30pm @Seven Arts £7/5
Sunday afternoon 16 Nov: Johnny Hunter quartet - 1.30pm @Inkwell £7/5
Sunday afternoon 23 Nov: Sam Gardner’s “Samadhi” - 1.30pm @Seven Arts £7/5
Sunday afternoon 30 Nov: Zoe Gilby Quartet - 1.30pm @Seven Arts £7/5
Sunday afternoon 7 Dec: Robin Porter Quartet - 1.30pm @Inkwell £7/5
Sunday afternoon 14 Dec: Autumn Jazz Café - 1.30pm @Seven Arts £7/5
Sunday afternoon 21 Dec: Nicola Farnon Trio - 1.30pm @Inkwell – our Xmas Party £7/5

Gig update

The Abstract Hip Hop Orchestra are now supporting Soweto Kinch at Seven Arts on Thursday 23 January:

Gig Details

Soweto Kinch, saxes, reed, voice with Nick Jurd double bass and Shane Forbes drums.

Support from the Abstract Hip Hop Orchestra: (8pm start) Jim Corry/Russ Henderson/Athol Ransome - saxes, Malc Strachan/JamesHamilton/Si Denis -trumpets, Rosie Nicol/Kevin Holbrough/Pete Johnson -trombones, Izzy Flynn -keys/Fatty -bass and Matt Davis -drums

Award-winning jazz alto saxophonist and hip hop star Soweto Kinch celebrates the release of his studio double album titled ‘The Legend of Mike Smith’- featuring his new... trio Karl Rashid-Abel (double bass) and Shaney Forbes (drums). It tells the tale of a young MC caught in a very modern world of temptation.

Hear Soweto talking about his new album, inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins on BBC Radio4.

“I’m really excited about these shows; the stripped trio format allows me more harmonic freedom and space to deliver lyrics. Moreover, I’m excited about integrating new things into the show, such as tenor sax and live looping” Soweto Kinch

“..a scalding display of post-Coleman alto-sax improvising, a virtuosic and intelligent exposition of political rap, and a visually riveting event into the bargain…A real tour de force – a contemporary take on The Seven Deadly Sins.” John Fordham The Guardian

Music here- www.soweto-kinch.com

Abstract Hip Hop Orchestra

The Abstract Hiphop Orchestra are a 13 piece ensemble with a big brass section, rappers and 4 piece rhythm section who play big band arrangements of classic 80s and 90s hiphop. The band leader is saxman Rob Mitchell (The Haggis Horns) who has arranged the music of Jay Dee, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde and many other golden era hiphop artists into a big band format .


Soweto Kinch ‘The Legend of Mike Smith’ - International Jazz Concert Series@Seven Arts Thursday evening 23 January 8-11pm £16/14 conc.

Full details and tickets
http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/whats-on

Mark

News - 2013

Happy New Year from us!
Well it is that time of year for reviewing what has gone and looking forward to what is to come.

Locally Seven Jazz have listed their top gigs from last year, it would be great to know if you agree? It is great to see a mix of local and touring acts listed.
The full list is here:
http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/component/content/article/38-general-news/1008-our-gigs-of-the-year-
On a more national level there is the parliamentary all parties jazz awards with 2 new categories to vote for. It would be great to see some Northern, Yorkshire or even Leeds nominations! To vote its free and anyone can do it!
www.jazzservices.org.uk

I will update you with what’s next to come in my next post! Have a great 2014
Mark

Gig Preview and Interview with Ronnie Bottomley

Gig Preview and Interview with Ronnie Bottomley

Lee Gibson and RBJO@Leeds Irish Centre,
York Road, Leeds, LS9 9NT 
Thursday evening 12 December 8-11pm
£16/£14 concessions

This year Seven Jazz have moved their big band spectacular to the Irish centre York Road Leeds because the previous venue always sold out! I caught up with Ronnie for a chat (by email). Most people in Yorkshire who know about the jazz scene will have encountered Ronnie Bottomley, who was the inaugural winner of the Jazz Yorkshire Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ronnie who has years of experience as a jazz drummer, is also an educator and a band leader. Now in his 80s, it appears that he is working as hard as ever in all 3 guises.

On the 12th December he brings a fresh set of arrangements for the first set and then internationally acclaimed jazz singer, Lee Gibson joins the band in the second set.

Was it always going to be music for you or did you have other occupations before or during?

RB -  If I numbered all the jobs that I had had from being ten years of age to when I turned pro in 1960 you wouldn't believe it - looking back, even I can't believe it. At ten I had two paper rounds and washed mill owner's cars on Saturday morning. When I was twelve I added to all this by caddying on the golf course all Saturday afternoon then from midnight until Sunday lunchtime I cleaned inside mill chimneys and de-scaled mill boilers. When I came out of the navy I couldn't settle, I worked at Covent Garden as a potato porter , then at Billingsgate Fish Market pushing barrows up the hill opposite the gate, then sold Encyclopaedias door to door and on and on - I had twentyfive jobs in just over two years. I took a hairdressing course open to ex-servicemen and, as I'd had selling experience, ended up working for Raymond, better known as 'Mr Teesie Weesie', the TV personality. Due to befriending drummer Phil Seaman when I was in the navy in Portsmouth (and everyone who is a jazz fan should know who he was) I was playing around the North London area as a semi-pro during all this and, eventually, music won me over.

Has it always been Jazz that you have played?

RB - No, although jazz has always been my first love, as a pro one has to go where the money is so during the 60s, 70s and 80s I played for a variety of stars on the cabaret circuit from Matt Munroe, Johnny Ray, The (original) Drifters, Howard Keel, Edmund Hockridge, Alma Cogan, Ruby Murray, Dorothy Squires, The Beverley Sisters, Bruce Forsyth, Bob Monkhouse and toured Europe and Australia five times with Gene Pitney, at the time. I was also doing regular TV work on the Les Dawson Show, Emmerdale, The Royal and Stay Lucky. Added to which, fusion, or jazz/rock, emerged in the early 70s and I loved it and embraced it whole- heartedly.

How does running a big band differ from when you started?

RB - Well, every town and city had one, if not more, Palais de Dance halls like The Mecca and The Majestic Ballroom in city square where people danced nightly, so running a big band was quite different then (in the Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Harrogate and Leeds area there were over forty, full time, seven nights per week drummers working, if the cabaret clubs are included). Now, to run a big band, it has to have in it, at least, sixteen members who, because they love jazz, are willing to travel miles and work for next to nothing just to play. These are now known as 'rehearsal bands' and, usually meet once a week to play, sometimes before an audience, sometimes not. My Jazz Orchestra is full of the top soloists in the country and travel from as far away South Wales, North wales, Cheshire, Nottingham and Doncaster, plus the local people from Leeds and Harrogate. All this means that we can't rehearse and so in all the concerts that have been attended in the past the musicians have had no more idea of what the arrangements were going to be like than the audience. It's all 'seat of your pants' stuff and makes for a very exciting performance but, they're all excellent readers and, so far, it's always gone without a hiccup.

How did you meet Lee Gibson?

RB - I first worked with her on a concert in Rotherham when I played in the Colin Yates Big Band twenty-three years ago. I then met Lee Gibson through her association with LCM as an external examiner. I worked there for thirty-three years and during that time whenever she came up she would bring quintet charts then we'd play somewhere locally in the evening or lunchtime in college or whatever.

What do you feel sets her apart from the other big band singers?

RB - Most other jazz vocalists usually sing with small groups which allows them more freedom but Lee is equally at home with both small groups and big bands.

What songs can we expect to hear on the night and why have you chosen those particular songs?

RB - I have yet no idea which songs Lee will choose sing on the night (I did mention that we didn't rehearse, earlier, didn't I) before the concert we will all meet to have a quick look at the programme and, perhaps, blow through some of the more tricky numbers and get the sound engineer to make any adjustments where necessary. For the first half I've written entirely new arrangements that feature certain members of the band, "Without A Song" (Joel Purnell, tenor sax); "Emily" (Neil Yates, flugel horn); "Prelude To A Kiss" (Tony Harper, baritone sax); "West Side Story Medley" (Dave Walsh, drums); "Billie's Bounce" (Derrick Harris, guitar); "I'm Not Yet Over The Hill"- very fitting - (a blues featuring Graham Hearn, piano) plus a whole lot of other numbers. Bill Charleson has arranged "A House Is Not A Home" which features Bill, himself, on alto sax).

Do you like marmalade?

RB - I do like marmalade, the one that has all bits in it like was originally. 

For more details of the gig please check:

http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/whats-on

For a taster of the gig here is a youtube clip from last year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-bAyFlXAX4

If you are looking for Ronnie he can be found on facebook!
Lee Gibsons website is:
 http://www.leegibson.co.uk/

Hope to see you all at the gig
Mark

.

News - Seven Jazz Choir

I have just had a note through from Seven Jazz: Nicki Allan has just got back from Cuba, inspired by Cuban music - which is sung in three part harmony, so come along and join the fun in our Jazz Voices choir!. Either just come along to Inkwell Arts, 31 Potternewton Lane LS7 3LW or contact Jean Watson jeanwatsonlifeskills@hotmail.com. There are a couple of gigs lined up too. The first class is Monday week, 16th September 7pm-9pm. Cost £5 each, or if you want the complete autumn that’s £25 for all six. Dates for your diary… Mon 16 Sept, Mon 30 Sept, Mon 14 Oct, Mon 28 Oct, Mon 11 Nov, Mon 25 Nov, See you at Inkwell – don’t be late! http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/component/content/article/38-general-news/938-jazz-voices-choir-is-back

News - Autumn round up of gigs

Autumn is fast approaching…

Which means that the listings for Leeds Jazz clubs are coming in!

I thought I would have a roundup of jazz gigs in and around Leeds, get your diaries out!

Please let me know if I have missed any that are open to the general public.

Jazz at the Grove - http://www.thegroveinn.com/ have the following acts on:

Sept 8th:         Standard Deviation Quartet

Sept 22nd:     Paul Baxter Quartet

Oct 13th:         Laura Jurd Quartet

Oct 27th:         Dee Byrne

Nov 10th:        West Coast Project

Nov 24th:        Matt Anderson/Jiannis Pavlidis  Quartet

Dec 8th:          Stuart McCallum Trio

With the changes to Seven Jazz (3 new and the old venues being used) - http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/:

Evening international concert series 8-11pm   

28 Sept          “Beats&Pieces” big band                                                    - Seven Arts

10 Oct             Alan Barnes-Bruce Adams Quintet                                     - Seven Arts

19 Oct             “The Impossible Gentlemen”                                                - Seven Arts

2 Nov              Jerry Bergonzi quartet featuring Gareth Williams - Seven Arts

21 Nov            Art Theman + Dave Newton                                                 - Seven Arts

12 Dec           Lee Gibson with Ronnie Bottomley Jazz Orchestra - Leeds Irish Centre

Sunday afternoon concert series 1-4pm:

8 Sept             Steve Hanley Quartet “Orion”                                               - Inkwell Arts

15 Sept          Eirik Svela Trio                                                                      - Inkwell Arts

22 Sept          Kit Downes Trio                                                                    - Seven Arts 

6 Oct               “Taba Time”                                                                           - Seven Arts

13 Oct             Derrick Harris Trio                                                                - Inkwell Arts 

20 Oct             3-5pm Zoe Rahman Quartet                                    - University of Leeds 

27 Oct              “The Weave”                                                             - Seven Arts

10 Nov            Matt Anderson “Standard Deviation Quartet”                    - Inkwell Arts

17 Nov            Nicki Allan Quintet                                                                 - Seven Arts

24 Nov            Richard Iles “Microscopic”                                                   - Seven Arts

1 Dec              Autumn Jazz Café and Jam Session                                  - Inkwell Arts

8 Dec              Simon Beddoe Quintet tribute to Donald Byrd                  -Seven Arts

15 Dec           Festive Jazz                                                                           - Inkwell Arts

22 Dec           Dudley Nesbitt and “Pan Jumby”                                         - Seven Arts

Prices and venues may vary so please check the website, the addresses are:

Inkwell Arts, 31 Potternewton Lane Chapel Allerton

Seven Arts, 31 Harrogate Road Chapel Allerton

Leeds Irish Centre, York Road   

University of  Leeds,  Clothworkers Hall, Cavendish Road LS2 9DL

The Leeds Jazz Club – Armley http://www.leedsjazzclub.com/ 8.30 – 11pm

3rd Sept         Gambit JB (Party Night)

10th Sept       Wabash Jazzmen

17th Sept       Spats Langham & Hot Fingers

24th Sept       New Orleans Heat

1st Oct            Armstrong Oliver Band

8th Oct            White Eagles JB

15th Oct          Harlem Hot Stompers

22^nd Oct          Spirit Of New Orleans

29th Oct          Jazz Gentlemen

5^th Nov            Savannah JB

12th Nov         Dave Mott's Jazz Classics

19thNov          Gavin Lee's New Orleans

26th Nov         Sussex Jazz Kings

3rd Dec          Tame Valley Stompers

10th Dec        Swingamathing (7 piece Swing Band)

17th Dec        Merseysippi JB + Leeds C Stompers 

24th Dec        No Jazz

31st Dec        No Jazz

The Fuse Box - http://www.fuseboxleeds.org.uk/

Special gig at Hyde Park Picture House, Brudenell Road, LS6 1JD

5th Sept,         4pm* Doors Open at 3.30pm.

6th Sept,         7.30pmDoors Open at 7.15pm.

9 Burley Street; Fox and Newt; Leeds LS3 1LD

24^th Sept        FBCOrchestra Open Rehearsal

4th Oct            Silence Blossoms & friends

More to be updated

Sela Bar, 20 New Briggate, Leeds, LS12 1UN. Sun 15 Sep – Stuart McCallum Trio Tue 15 Oct – Compassionate Dictatorship - £7/£5 - 8pm Sun 20 Oct – Jiannis Pavlidis Trio (+ support from The Qul Project) Sun Nov 17 – Joel Purnell Quartet (+ support from Calvin Travers Trio) Tue Nov 26 – Martin Speake Trio with Mike Outram and Jeff Williams - £9/£7 - 8pm Fri Dec 15 – Jamie Taylor's Outside Line (+ support from Peter Johnson Quintet) Unless otherwise stated, all gigs start at 10pm and are free entry. Support bands (where applicable) start at 8:30pm. http://www.selabar.com/index.html

More to be updated

On Thursdays there is always Brendan Duffy’s Something Else at The Victoria Hotel LS1 3BB 

Jazz At Heart – Headingly

http://jazzjeff.wordpress.com/

September 27th - Sam Watts/Mike Fletcher Duo

October 12th - Apollo Collaboration

November 30th - Standard Deviation Quartet

December 14th - Al Morrison's Blues Experience

The Venue Leeds http://www.lcm.ac.uk/whats-on/Highlights-Concert-Season

Ask on their web site to check the first week of September for the autumn-winter programme

Well that’s 83 or more gigs in 4 four months across many styles of jazz, should keep the most enthusiastic music goer busy! I have given the web addresses as the prices vary, so please check before you go.

 It would be great to hear from you which gigs you are looking forward to catching or have been to!

Gig Preview and Review - Georgia Mancio and Ian Shaw at Seven Jazz

Its been called ‘the vocal jazz concert of the year with Ian Shaw and Georgia Mancio’ this sounds like a treat for all Leeds vocal jazz fans. Ian Shaw is well known to the audience at Seven Jazz, having been previously and having held a workshop there.



Ian Shaw with Jean at the 2011 workshop

I caught up with Georgia Mancio, via the power of social media (twitter @GeorgiaMancio) and email to have a chat before the concert.

　

 

Photo Credit Laura Leigh 2013
　

Mark Beirne-Smith – I read (I think Jazz Journal) that you started in Jazz at Ronnie Scotts London, could you tell me how your journey in jazz progressed from there?

Georgia Mancio – Yes I worked as a waitress there for a few years. Music was in my blood (both my grandparents were professional classical musicians) but I was actually studying film-making at the time. What happened though was not only did I get to see, hear and talk to heroes like Betty Carter, Jon Hendricks, Andy Bey, Cedar Walton etc but I met local musicians. Encouragement and practical advice from great players like guitarist, Mike Eaves, and bass player, Andy Cleyndert, demystified the leap from fan to performer and gave me the confidence to give it a go. I took courses and studied privately but really I feel I learnt (am learning) the old fashioned way by gigging with highly talented and experienced players who were always generous with their knowledge and time.

Mark Beirne-Smith – Your website www.georgiamancio.com tells me you were in Yorkshire  5 years ago, when was the last time you came to see us and when is the next planned visit after this gig?
Georgia Mancio –Then I must update my website as the last time was only 3 years ago as part of my 'Silhouette' album tour! I played at Wakefield Jazz Club and actually I'll be back there on 24 May with my quartet (Tim Lapthorn - piano, Julie Walkington- bass, Dave Ohm - drums). It's part of a 20 date Jazz Services/Arts Council tour and Wakefield was the first club I called when I started putting it together a year ago!

Mark Beirne-Smith – I know you for your solo albums (Peaceful Place, Trapeze and Silhouette) but not of any vocal duets, is this a new thing for you?

Georgia Mancio –I work in the duo format quite a lot now - something that I've concentrated on as part of my opening sets at ReVoice! Festival. Last year I did a set with Liane Carroll which was absolutely magical but really in terms of vocal duets it's mainly been with Ian. He sang a duet on my album 'Silhouette' (the title track written by Kate Williams and myself) and we've done quite a lot of shows together in the last 3 - 4 years.

Mark Beirne-Smith – Will the gig at Seven Jazz be well known standards, interpretations of more modern songs or originals written by both of you?

Georgia Mancio – It will be a mix of standards and great pop songs that Ian has made me see in a whole different light. We've not written anything together yet but Ian will be performing from his recent album 'A Ghost in Every Bar' which is a beautiful tribute to the songs of Fran Landesman.

Mark Beirne-Smith  – What is the line up, are you bringing some other musicians with you?

Georgia Mancio – It's just the two of us as Ian will be playing piano too but given that he is also a gifted comedian it sometimes feels like there's a whole band on stage!

Mark Beirne-Smith – What is next for this project, more gigs, recording?

Georgia Mancio – We never seem to plan ahead but I'm always so delighted when the opportunity arises to work together again. It's unlike anything else I do - working so closely with another singer and one as talented as Ian really stretches me. Our shows are pretty spontaneous and yet I know I am in the safest of hands - always great, supportive accompaniment and an inspiring sparring partner. I'm (slowly) putting together an album of duets so naturally I'd love to include something with Ian.

Mark Beirne-Smith – Where’s the next gig for you and Ian?

Georgia Mancio – We're doing a special late set at the Pizza Express Jazz Club in London on 18th May although actually it's not late at all...10.30pm start.

Mark Beirne-Smith – How are the plans shaping up for this years Revoice festival?

Georgia Mancio – Very well thank you! It's number 4 unbelievably and looks set to be our longest yet - 10 days 10-19 October. I've nearly finished the programming and there are already 2 or 3 UK premieres lined up and some very interesting new projects from artists we have featured in the past. So I think it will be partly a retrospective and partly something new. I'd actually love to do a pop up edition - ReVoice! North.

Mark Beirne-Smith – Do you like Marmalade?

Georgia Mancio – The idea of it but no, there's something not quite right about it for me. Which might be how some people feel about jazz....!

For more info and tickets please check the Seven Jazz website
http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/

To hear some tracks an read more about Georgia Mancio check out her website
http://www.georgiamancio.com/

And of course Ian Shaws website
http://www.ianshaw.biz/

The gig review is to follow… after the gig!
Which is here and now....

‘Straight from planet jazz’ Ian Shaw and Georgia Mancio landed in Leeds, well actually they came by train from Kings Cross. For a chilly evening in Leeds, there was a good turnout filling the theatre at Seven Jazz with a very appreciative audience.

Ian Shaw started the proceedings with a swinging ‘Feet Do Your Stuff’, a Fran Landesman song, followed by Joni Mitchell’s ‘The Last Time I Saw Richard’, ‘Making Whoopee’ including a extra verse from Ian and ‘Love Go Round’ another by Fran Landesman, which is no surprise as Ian Shaw’s latest album ‘A Ghost In Every Bar’ is songs by this writer. Georgia Mancio was then introduced with ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ followed by ‘The Masquerade Is Over’. Ian then sang one of my favourites of the night, a stripped down version of ’All I Want Is A Room Somewhere’ from the musical My Fair Lady, showing Ian Shaw at his best, a moving, intimate interpretation. To finish the first set there was a medley of weather related Jazz standards with an extra treat of Georgia Mancio’s whistling skills providing an intriguing and fun solo leading on from ‘Singing In The Rain’.

Both singers merged beautifully, the songs and their voices, to create a dynamic and entertaining show. The song choices, solo’s and connection between the two was apparent, especially in the medley’s. Song’s that stood out for me in the second set were, the Hal David songs ‘House is not a home’ with ‘Alfie’ and the first song introduced as a rude song by Ian, showing his flare for comedy and Georgia’s warmth shone through on the ballad ‘Moon River‘. A wonderful, entertaining gig.

For more going on at Seven Jazz - http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/


Mark

Jamil Sheriff Quintet, Seven Arts, Leeds February 3rd 2013

Jamil Sheriff Quintet, Seven Arts, Chapel Allerton, Leeds Sunday February 3^rd 2013

It is often an integral part of the creative process that personal life experiences can be drawn upon to help shape the finished product. Leeds College of Music course leader and pianist Jamil Sheriff brought a new quintet to Seven Arts in Leeds and showcased a set of mostly new material, some of which was influenced by his life with his young daughter. Supported by Richard Iles on trumpet, Matt Anderson on saxophone, Sam Vicary on bass and Sam Gardner on drums, this quintet of contemporaries and ex-students cut through a grey and wintry Sunday afternoon with disparate set of compositions of such density and warmth that the outside world could be forgotten for a few engaging hours.  Opening with a Sheriff composition “Pink Triangle” (not as uncouth a title as it may sound), each piece helped to highlight the number of influences at work at any one time, from Latin-American flavoured phrases, to classical composition, to dark, baleful passages of melancholy. At times the character of saxophonist Wayne Shorter shone through, whilst at others the playing of McCoy Tyner seemed to illustrate the mood.

The second set of the afternoon could be argued to have been the more dynamic of the two with “Matticulous” (?), in particular, managing to infuse its lines with wit and eccentricity. “Sfumato” saw Sheriff produces passages that were not only reminiscent of Keith Jarrett, but make the facial expressions and noises that brought that virtuoso pianist to mind. Sfumato, it seems, is a painting technique often associated with the artist Leonardo da Vinci and refers to the fine shading that is used to create soft transitions between colours and tones. Not only an afternoon of thoughtful music but also an education it seems. With song titles that allude to his relationship with his daughter, such as “Porridge Head”, an intimacy and empathy was created between composer and audience, which goes some way to bring the two together. Throughout each tune there was a palpable sense that the musicians were confidently enjoying the music which again, translates to the audience.

As the last unlucky raffle ticket was discarded the afternoon closed with a Miles Davis “Nefertiti” inspired “For T W”, which featured a repeating expression over which Gardner’s drums added the dynamics to push the tune forward, and one could be confident that the fifty or so members of the audience were not only happy with the afternoon, but expectant of what else Sheriff has to offer in the future. 

6 For 7 Thursday 22nd November 2012 Seven Jazz, Seven Artspace, Chapel Allerton, Leeds

Wind and rain lashed the streets of Chapel Allerton in Leeds as, within the confines of Seven Artspace, the faithful Seven Jazz audience waited good-naturedly for events to unfold. Seven Artspace has, for a number of years now, provided a home for a variety of events that would probably have not found an outlet within the city. This evening was part of a two evening event to mark the fifth anniversary of Seven Jazz who have helped nurture both established and new jazz talent in the area.

Seven Jazz run a series of instrumental workshops on a regular basis from Seven Artspace, to provide a platform for, and encourage, scholars of jazz music. The evening began with three tunes performed by the twelve piece Saturday afternoon workshop band under the umbrella of the “English Songbook”. The band itself, made up of players from an astounding range of ages, tackled “You Were Born to Smile”, Lennon and McCartney’s “Norwegian Wood” (or “Gledhow Valley Wood”) and Limehouse Blues. Under the direction of a number of participants, including Kim Macari, the players were allowed the opportunity to display their personal prowess within the framework of these tunes and gain experience in a performance setting.

New music made up the remainder of the evening programme, commissioned specially by Seven Jazz, directed and composed by trumpet player Kim Macari. Macari moved to Leeds in 2008 and studied Jazz at Leeds College of Music. She has had occasion to play alongside a veritable who’s who of musicians including Tommy Smith, Kenny Wheeler, Mike Gibbs and Arild Anderson. The ensemble for tonight’s 6 For 7 performance comprises Macari on trumpet, Riley Stone-Lonergan on tenor and soprano saxophone, Ant Law on guitar, Declan Forde on piano, Tom Wheatley on bass and Steve Hanley on drums.  “It’s Cold Outside” begins with a meditative bass solo, before developing into a series of melodic passages that illustrate how easy it is for these musicians to move among intelligent melodies, inspirational and rousing solos and the experimental and avant-garde. Each improvisation displayed a level of sympathy between the individual musicians which was both a pleasure and a privilege to be part of. 

The lullaby “I Need You Here” featuring trumpet, bass, drums and piano conveys a fragility of playing which at times became reminiscent of Chet Baker in its naivety and purity. If circumstances allowed, this would be essential cigar smoking music. “Puella Aeterna (Eternal Girl)” is measured, yet brimming with hope and expression. A tune concerned with bees and ants such as Macari’s “Hive Mind” one would expect to be hectic and demanding, and, hanging on hysterical piano lines, one was reminded at times of the free form performances of pianists such as Cecil Taylor. Intimate saxophone and piano, an almost caricature of the husband and wife relationship, characterises “Delius”, whilst the concluding arrangement of the evening “Settled” is good-natured and blissful.  The obligatory encore was, good humouredly, provided by “The Usual Suspects” which, again, was agreeable yet mischievous and frenzied. 

The atmosphere within the venue was welcoming and gracious, and made more so by a raffle during the interval, which helped draw musicians and audience together as one. For the thirty or forty people present, an intimacy was created which was entirely conducive to creating and listening to these intelligent and wholly gratifying arrangements.