Jazz Services - A voice for jazz

303 Sharowvale Road

Sheffield

S11 8ZF  Map

S Yorkshire

 

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Zoe Schwarz's all-star band, Blue Commotion, leans its weight on the blues side of Jazz. After eight years of playing together, it was a natural progression, as musical partnership, Rob Koral and Zoe Schwarz honed into what suits them best. It is very much jazz, with a traditional line-up making sure retaining the jazz sensibility they love whilst delving into the blues archives of songs. Earthy originals complement songs by Willie Dixon, Muddy Water, Nina Simone and Ray Charles. Described as "a world class band", Blue Commotion tour the UK in April and May. www.zoeschwarz.info Zoe Schwarz was classically trained and a graduate in the "Performing Arts" from Middlesex University. Despite Zoë's classical upbringing and studies, it soon became clear that her forte was far more suited to jazz, expressive ballads and blues. It was only three years after her first jazz gig that Zoë made her debut at Ronnie Scott's playing a week opposite Monty Alexander. She has performed with an extraordinarily wide range of musicians including Harrison Birtwistle, Emma Kirkby, Scott Stroman and Keith Tippett. Rob Koral comes from a "self-taught", more bluesy background; but subsequently made his name on the British jazz scene, performing and recording with the likes of Malcolm Creese, Robin Aspland, Gareth Williams, Roy Babbington, Lawrence Cottle, Django Bates and Bill Bruford. Rob moved to London early in his career and released several well-received albums, appeared on the Old Grey Whistle test and many BBC radio Jazz sessions. Rob has played at all major jazz venues and festivals and recent solo album "Grace Notes" was featured on Radio 3's Jazz Line Up. www.robkoral.co.uk Gareth Williams is one of the most intensely creative, dynamic and exciting pianists on the UK scene. He studied music at London's Guildhall, initially on guitar, later switching to piano. As well as his own power trio, Gareth has worked with many a great jazz name including working as pianist/MD for internationally acclaimed jazz singer Claire Martin. Williams was described by Dave Gelly, in The Observer as "a hugely gifted pianist, with an apparently endless fund of ideas, plus the detachment to organize them into coherent shapes". www.garethwilliams.biz Double bassist, Steve Thompson's colourful career, which has included stand up comedy and crooner, started on electric bass with a punk band in Brighton, up until ten minutes before the recording started he'd never played bass or any other instrument before. As well as sharing the stage with such blues luminaries as Luther Allison, he has also played with musicians such as Spike Wells, Martin Drew, Jim Mullen, Nigel Price, Matt Wates, Alan Barnes and many other great players. Drummer Paul Robinson started a working relationship with Nina Simone, when he depped for Martin Drew at Ronnie Scotts in 1984, that subsequently lasted 19 years. In addition to his extensive work with Nina, Robinson has recorded and toured with Van Morrison www.paulrobinsondrummeronline.com

 

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

8.30pm

£3.00

0114 2367570 (jazz info)