I caught up with Jazz at the Grove Inn to check out the Autumn 2013 listings:
Oct 27th:
Dee Byrne
Heavy grooves juxtaposed with outbreaks of swing, tight arrangements framing open-ended improvisation and abstract harmony mixed with melodic departures.
Sax: Dee Byrne
Trumpet: TBC
Piano: Rebecca Nash
Bass: Paul Baxter
Drums: Matt Fisher
Nov 10th: Alec Robinson Group Stirring and lyrical melodies, a mixture of striking original compositions with influences of John Taylor and Kenny Wheeler, and arrangements of both well-known standards.
Nov 24th:
Matt Anderson Quartet
Original music played with a unified ensemble sound and shared musical vision. Smooth and fluid writing with a contemporary twist.
Matt Anderson: sax
Jiannis Pavlidis: Guitar
Simon Read: Bass
Sam Gardner: Drums
Dec 8th:
Stuart McCallum
Manchester guitarist Stuart McCallum returns to the Grove Inn. Featuring Stuarts own music which incorporates interesting timbres and effects created on his guitar and multitude of pedals.
So if your around Leeds on these dates there is some great music going to be played
An on line community of jazz enthusiasts hoping to promote the work of local talent. Features include album and concert reviews, as well as interviews with local (and not so local) artists and previews of jazz related events in the area. Contributions and suggestions are always welcome. John Toolan (@MrToolan) Mark Beirne-Smith (@jazzphotosmbs)
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
John Bailey Quartet – “Heart Horizons” album review
Remember the aesthetic of the album cover, and the days where
a 12” vinyl album cover could be a work of art in itself, and often the entry
point into an artists music even before a note has been heard? The sepia imagery
on the cover of the latest release from the John Bailey Quartet is, in many ways, reminiscent of the striking
cover art of ECM, the label set up in 1969 by Manfred Eicher, and home to a catalogue of jazz, improvised and
classical music, with a sophisticated level of musicianship, production and
cover art work. The artwork on “Heart Horizons” perfectly reflects the music
within.
The quartet features Steve Hanley on drums, Gavin Barras on bass, Richard Iles on flugelhorn and John Bailey on guitar, and will be of
interest to anyone familiar with the refined, elegant production of labels such
as ECM or Rune Grammofon. “Proceed with Caution” and Painters” feature
tantalising interplay between the four instruments, around cheerful and buoyant
themes, whilst “Laura” and “First Throw” are meditative and haunting. The
acoustic guitar throughout, particularly on a piece such as “Ted’s Entrance”,
is illustrative of how a sound so delicate and fragile, when set alongside
other more authoritative sounding instruments, can possess a commanding voice
of its’ own. One cannot help but consider how the album would sound so very
different if the guitar sound were laden with ethereal effects and loops. The
clean, organic sound of the acoustic guitar, however, adds an element of honesty
and modesty, which allows the listener access to the intimate creative
processes. “Regression” features stunning flourishes of classical guitar that
bring to mind the work of Al Di Meola,
John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia. Whilst comparisons are
being made, to help contextualise the sound, the plaintive, considerate and
economical phrases of Kenny Wheeler
are reflected in the contributions here from Richard Iles. The mood lifts on “Lightning Workshop” and allows
each player room to stretch and embrace a funkier sound, whilst “A Harlot of a
View” drifts gently over simmering percussion. Closing with “Terraced”, which
appears to round up all the elements previously employed and package them into
a stirring finale.
So, as one considers the moorland terrain on the cover of
“Heart Horizons” and allows the music to lead the way across the landscape, each
individual track is a story being told over and beyond the panorama suggested
at. For anyone fortunate enough to allow him or herself time to listen to the
album, here is justification to remove oneself temporarily and consider the world
around them.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Preview - Something for the weekend sir?
This coming weekend will be something of a weekend jazz spectacular in Leeds with Seven Jazz Leeds promoting not one but two award winning bands
On Saturday evening 19th October 8pm there is Anglo American supergroup THE IMPOSSIBLE GENTLEMEN who were recently voted “Best jazz group 2013” in the Parliamentary Jazz awards. Inspirational, dazzling, melodically enthralling music from two of the UK’s finest musicians with two great stars of the US jazz scene. Multi award winning pianist Gwilym Simcock has been named checked as a "genius" by no less Chick Corea. Mike Walker is one of Europe's most exciting guitarists and a big favourite of the Leeds audience. Steve Rodby has been the bassist with the Pat Metheny Group for the past 30 years. Drummer Adam Nussbaum’s work with Michael Brecker won him a Grammy in 1988
@Seven Arts, 31 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton
Then on Sunday afternoon 20th October 3-5pm there is the ZOE RAHMAN QUARTET appearing in an afternoon concert at the Clothworkers Hall, University of Leeds as a joint promotion between the University and Seven Jazz Leeds. Zoe is one of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene -a vibrant and highly individual pianist/composer with a style deeply rooted in jazz yet reflecting her classical background, her British/Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste. Having played sell-out shows this year with her Kindred Spirits album, pianist Zoe Rahman has just won Best Jazz Act in the prestigious 2012 MOBO awards.
Good to see live jazz is flourishing in the north!
On Saturday evening 19th October 8pm there is Anglo American supergroup THE IMPOSSIBLE GENTLEMEN who were recently voted “Best jazz group 2013” in the Parliamentary Jazz awards. Inspirational, dazzling, melodically enthralling music from two of the UK’s finest musicians with two great stars of the US jazz scene. Multi award winning pianist Gwilym Simcock has been named checked as a "genius" by no less Chick Corea. Mike Walker is one of Europe's most exciting guitarists and a big favourite of the Leeds audience. Steve Rodby has been the bassist with the Pat Metheny Group for the past 30 years. Drummer Adam Nussbaum’s work with Michael Brecker won him a Grammy in 1988
@Seven Arts, 31 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton
Then on Sunday afternoon 20th October 3-5pm there is the ZOE RAHMAN QUARTET appearing in an afternoon concert at the Clothworkers Hall, University of Leeds as a joint promotion between the University and Seven Jazz Leeds. Zoe is one of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene -a vibrant and highly individual pianist/composer with a style deeply rooted in jazz yet reflecting her classical background, her British/Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste. Having played sell-out shows this year with her Kindred Spirits album, pianist Zoe Rahman has just won Best Jazz Act in the prestigious 2012 MOBO awards.
Good to see live jazz is flourishing in the north!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Paul Edis - "Not Like Me"
Paul Edis can
claim to have been composing and performing for most of his life, although his
formal training began at the London College of Music in 2003, training under
the supervision of Kit Turnbull, Paul Robinson, Francis Pott and Laurence
Roman. Progressing further into the academic world he completed an MA and PhD
in Composition at the University of York. Over the years he has been involved
with a variety of musical projects, including the Nocturne String Quartet and
the Paul Edis Sextet and Trio. He has utilised his musical skills and passion
in a diverse range of teaching posts both privately and for a number of
regional academic institutions. This cornucopia of influences and experiences
both in the field of classical and jazz music has informed the work on his
latest release “Not Like Me”, recorded, mixed and engineered at the Literary
and Philosophical Society, Newcastle. Turning his hand to an assortment of solo
piano pieces, nine of which are original compositions, “Not Like Me” showcases
how versatile his playing is in a variety of compositional settings. Opening
with “Pulse”, a contemplative piece based around a pulse, one cannot but help
but be reminded of the improvisational work of players such as Keith Jarrett in the interplay between
the theme and the opportunities for spontaneous accompaniments.
Melancholia radiates out from “From Nothing to Nowhere”, a
piece in which, again, the juxtaposition between the worlds of classical music
and jazz forms a meditative cohesion. To take on such an absolute jazz
“standard” as “’Round Midnight” by Thelonious
Monk and give it an imaginative character is singularly courageous, and
thankfully the arrangement here infuses the original motifs with precisely the
amount of originality appropriate within the context of the album. The
leitmotif is suggested and teased out, whilst the tunes basic themes are skirted
around and toyed with, not disrespectfully, but almost with a naïve joy only
available to someone who is proficient at structural composition and
improvisation. . The other familiar tunes that are deconstructed here are given
similar treatment. “My Favourite Things” becomes almost unrecognisable apart
from the opening phrases, whilst “Bring Me Sunshine” (most identifiable as the
signature tune for comedians Morecambe and Wise) is strident and witty, and
again illustrates how Paul Edis is
so adroit at gauging how far to push a tune so ingrained in popular
culture.
Of the original compositions, the title track “Not Like Me’
is brisk yet uncluttered and the delicate “For Bill” is luxuriously romantic
very much in the style and delivery of its’ namesake. “Vignette” has a tender
childlike quality that would have even the most hard to please listener
considering their own sentient being, whilst “Olivier” diplays a layer of
dissonance which leads the casual listener temporarily outside of their comfort
zone, as any true progressive music should be attempting to do. As the album
closes with “Sunrise”, another achingly provocative piece, the faithful
listener has been taken along a journey of melancholia, dissonance, humour and
romanticism, and what more could you expect from one man and his piano?
Thursday, September 26, 2013
News - Seven Jazz Autumn Seasons kicks off
Keeping the theme with Seven Jazz, the autumn evening season starts this Saturday with Beats and Pieces a big band from the other side of the Pennines.
There is a exciting mix of acts ranging from duet through to The Ronnie Bottomley Jazz Orchestra with the fabulous Lee Gibson.
Something for everyone, definitely worth checking out!
http://www.sevenjazz.co.uk/component/content/article/38-general-news/945-seven-jazz-autumn-evenings
Thursday, September 5, 2013
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
Monday, September 2, 2013
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.
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
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
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
22nd Oct Spirit Of New Orleans
29th Oct Jazz Gentlemen
5th 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
24th 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
September 27th - Sam Watts/Mike Fletcher Duo
October 12th - Apollo Collaboration
November 30th - Standard Deviation Quartet
December 14th - Al Morrison's Blues Experience
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!
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