Jazz Services - A voice for jazz

Jazz Services PRSF Jazz Promoters Award Scheme Evaluation Report, 2006 - 2010

Jazz Services has received the following press release from our friends at the Scottish Jazz Federation - see the next issue of JazzUK for a more in-depth report on their work. 

Exciting new opportunities for young jazz musicians!

The Scottish Jazz Federation is re-launching its popular and successful Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year competition to make it even more beneficial to Scotland’s burgeoning crop of young players.

Now in its seventh year, the competition, which has proved an invaluable stepping stone for musicians including the prize-winning, Berklee School of Music-trained pianist Alan Benzie and Ruaridh Pattison, who is currently leading the internationally acclaimed Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s saxophone section, is offering entrants greater incentives and opportunities including recordings and live performances that will enhance their career expectations.

From an initial audio audition, judged purely on the quality of entrants’ musicianship, ten semi-finalists will now advance to a mentoring weekend, where they will participate in workshops and receive advice on all aspects of working in the jazz sector before performing in a concert. Following this concert, the five top players chosen by a panel of judges headed by leading saxophonist Laura Macdonald will go forward to the final, which will be held in the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen on July 31 in partnership with Aberdeen International Youth Festival and Shell UK and will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland.

The winner, as well as receiving £1000 in cash plus a further £1000 towards a demo recording, will feature in a high profile, six venue tour of Scotland. The prize will also include performances on BBC Radio Scotland’s Jazzhouse and at Glasgow and London Jazz Festivals 2014 and professional publicity materials. The Winner will also appear in a special concert on August 1 in Aberdeen’s award-winning jazz venue, the Blue Lamp, along with a number of previous winners.

Announcing the competition’s upgrade, the Scottish Jazz Federation’s Cathie Rae said: “This new format offers entrants an experience that will be both fun and valuable to them as musicians. Previous winners have all gone on to successful careers and we are confident that the main prize will really help to kick-start the winner’s career as a top jazz musician. We are grateful for the support of Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Shell UK and main sponsor, Creative Scotland.”

The time line for entrants is: all entries for the initial audio panel must be received by May 29th at 5pm. Semi-finalists will be announced on June 3 and the mentoring weekend will take place in South Lanarkshire over the weekend of June 7-9.

For further information and an application form contact email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit the SJF website at www.scottishjazzfederation.com or call the office on 01368 866895 for an application form.

Note to editors: The Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year is organised and produced by the Scottish Jazz Federation (SCIO), Charity No. SC043990, developing jazz in Scotland specifically to benefit the public by increasing the availability of high quality jazz music and education in Scotland and the level of participation as players, learners and listeners.

High Quality Photographs of previous winners: available from Cathie Rae, director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tel: 01368 866895 / 07765 005691.

9th May 2013

Sponsored and supported by PPL, the ninth annual All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group awards was held in the House of Commons’ Terrace Pavilion last night, with a large crowd of jazz’s great and good turning out to see the winners receive their awards and celebrate the cream of the UK’s jazz scene.

Hosting the evening was newsreader and broadcaster Moira Stuart, an ardent support of jazz who some may know appeared as the narrator on saxophonist Soweto Kinch’s second album, while musical accompaniment was provided by the wonderful James Pearson and the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars.

Nominations were made by the public via the Jazz Services website and whittled down to 3 nominations in each category by an independent panel.  The final winners were chosen from this list by APPJAG members themselves.

Guy Barker receives his Musician of the Year award from Elaine Delmar

 The award were presented by a selection of specially invited guests, including former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Prescott, singers Ian Shaw and Gregory Porter (in town for a gig tonight following a recent appearance at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival).  The great Elaine Delmar presented the Musician of the Year award to trumpeter Guy Barker, but was pleasantly surprised by being kept onstage to receive her own accolade, the APPJAG Special Award, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the music she has made her own.

The full list of winners is as follows:

Jazz Musician of the Year: Guy Barker

London born trumpeter Guy Barker has been a well-known musician on the UK scene for 3 decades, since his early days as a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He’s worked with many fine bands led by the likes of Gil Evans, Georgie Fame, Cleo Laine and Clark Tracey. He’s the first-call bandleader and arranger for the gala opening night concert of the London Jazz Festival, ‘Jazz Voice’ ,  working with top vocalists and matching them with songs from the jazz repertoire. He’s also a regular arranger and band leader for BBC Radio 2’s flagship live programme, ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’, working with the BBC concert orchestra, for which he’s recently been appointed Associate Composer.

Jazz Album of the Year: John Surman ‘Saltash Bells’ (ECM)

This extraordinary solo recording can be seen as saxophonist and composer John Surman’s personal sound portrait of his early years in the West Country, and with its beautiful blend of reeds and electronics summons the mists, moors and mysteries in hauntingly evocative style.

Jazz Ensemble of the Year: Impossible Gentlemen

Formed in 2010 and following from their debut album and tour, this quartet has already earned the moniker ‘jazz supergroup’.  And with much justification: the personnel boasts UK’s Gwilym Simcock and Mike Walker (joint bandleaders) with - from the U.S. -  Steve Swallow and Adam Nussbaum. The coming together of these four masters has created a band steeped with individual experience that has produced its own independent and thoroughly engaging sound.

The Impossible Gentlemen's Gwilym Simcock and Mike Walker, with Gregory Porter

Live Jazz Award of the Year: The Vortex, London

Celebrating its 25th anniversary year and volunteer-led, this not-for-profit venue promotes 400 performances a year of emerging and established talent.  Short listed by Music Week as one of the best live promoters of 2011 and voted into its Top 10 London venues by Time Out readers in 2012, notable performances in recent years have included the Portico Quartet, Three Trapped Tigers and Pete Wareham, Polar Bear and The Final Terror, Evan Parker, Dame Cleo Laine, Tim Berne and Jerry Bergonzi.

Jazz Journalist of the Year: Rob Adams

Originally a double bassist, Rob has had a distinguished career as a promoter as well as a journalist. He has been jazz columnist for The Herald since 1988 covering Scottish traditional music, Americana and world music as well as jazz. He is widely regarded as Scotland's leading jazz journalist. He is very supportive of Scottish jazz talent, and his acute ears and lively writing style – along with his perseverance - have done much to raise the profile of jazz in Scotland. In his words, “I'm currently involved in persuading the health authorities that live music should be considered as one of your five-a-day.”

Jazz Broadcaster of the Year: Mike Chadwick

The jazz DJ Mike Chadwick has broad tastes and an enthusiast’s approach on air. A popular live DJ in venues throughout the country over the years, Chadwick has acquired a cult status over 14 years at Jazz FM.  In more recent times, he has contributed some typical mixes of new releases and dance-oriented Latin and fusion music to the Jazz, and he continues to be an open-minded and innovative concert programmer as a Music Officer at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria.

Mike Chadwick with his award, presented to him by Digby Fairweather.

Jazz Publication of the Year: Catherine Tackley - Benny Goodman’s Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert

Benny Goodman’s 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall is considered to be one of the most important live moments in jazz’s history.  75 years on, Catherine Tackley examines the impact and influence of both the concert itself and the subsequent recording, released in 1950 on Columbia Records.  Exhaustively researched and of equal interest to jazz fans as well as jazz scholars, the book is a prime example of the sort of in-depth research that helps to constantly re-invigorate jazz as a musical genre and a subject of academic study.

Jazz Education Award: Nick Smart

 In his role as Head of Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music, Nick Smart has become one of the leading figures in jazz education, both in the UK and internationally. Since graduating from the Guildhall School of Music in 1998 he has been committed to education alongside a busy playing career, and already nurtured several generations of future jazz musicians. As a trumpet player Nick continues to record his own projects and play in many leading groups, touring the world as a soloist. He has recently overseen the acquisition of the archive of jazz composer Kenny Wheeler by the RAM.

 Services to Jazz Award: Stan Tracey CBE

Pianist and composer Stan Tracey is not just one of the enduring giants of British jazz - and still in scorching form at 86 - he’s an international jazz star whose artistry has been acclaimed by some of the music’s most famous creators. His 1965 masterpiece Under Milk Wood is probably his most acclaimed work, but he has also composed some of the most creative homages to the Ellington  style written since the Duke's death, led every kind of band from duos to orchestras, played free-improvisation and swing alike, and had entire festivals devoted to his work. A true original, Stan Tracey is one of a gifted handful of homegrown artists who have introduced British jazz to the world.

Stan Tracey accepts his Services to Jazz Award.

APPJAG Special Award: Elaine Delmar

A prestigious figure in the history books of UK jazz, Elaine Delmar has established herself as a singer of great acclaim and ability.  Her great versatility sees her equally at home with a small group club setting, as evidenced by her regular appearances at Ronnie Scott's, or entertaining large audiences by appearing in West End shows or guesting with ensembles such as Wynthon Marsalis' Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra.  Her fantastic contribution to the UK's jazz scene means she is a deserved recipient of the APPJAG Special Award.

"The Parliamentary Jazz Awards is the way MPs and Peers of all political parties aim to support British jazz by recognising and honouring the amazing musical talent we have in this country.  The star studded names of this year’s winners speak for themselves and we are very grateful to PPL for sponsoring the Awards," said Michael Connarty MP, APPJAG Co-Chairman.

The APPJAG has members from the House of Commons and House of Lords across all political parties.  Their aim is to encourage wider and deeper enjoyment of jazz, to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of the jazz industry, to promote jazz as a musical form and to raise its profile inside and outside of Parliament.  The Group’s officers are Co-Chairs Michael Connarty MP and Lord Colwyn, Secretary: Baroness Coussins and Treasurer, Kelvin Hopkins MP.

The APPJAG has members from the House of Commons and House of Lords across all political parties.  Their aim is to encourage wider and deeper enjoyment of jazz, to increase Parliamentarians’ understanding of the jazz industry, to promote jazz as a musical form and to raise its profile inside and outside of Parliament.  The Group’s officers are Co-Chairs Michael Connarty MP and Lord Colwyn, Secretary: Baroness Coussins and Treasurer, Kelvin Hopkins MP.

Jazz Services would like to extend its congratulations to all winners and nominees, and thanks to all individuals and parties who made this year’s awards a possibility, particularly the hardworking team at PPL.

All photos copyright of Hayley Madden: www.hayleymadden.com

WorldService Project

The above band has received a Jazz Services National Touring Support Scheme grant for their new tour.

Line-up:

Dave Morecroft – keys

Tim Ower – saxophones

Raphael Clarkson – trombone

Conor Chaplin – bass

Liam Waugh - drums

http://worldserviceproject.tumblr.com/ 

Describing themselves as ‘punk-jazz-funk specialists’, WorldService Project are embarking on their first full UK tour since 2011, taking their recently-recorded second album Fire In A Pet Shop on the road and showcasing their intense, lively and often downright funky live show.  As well as a touring and recording band, WSP forms the backbone of the acclaimed Match&Fuse initiative, which has seen the band working with similar groups and scenes throughout Europe, hosting shows and residencies and culminating in last summer’s inaugural Match&Fuse festival in London.

Led by pianist/composer Dave Morecroft, WSP’s music speaks through dark, playful building passages, winding through dissonance, complex rhythmic manipulation and downright silliness.  Other times it draws on the language of 20th Century Classical composers layered over boisterous grooves more commonly found in albums by heavy rock artists.  With influences as wide ranging as Frank Zappa, Loose Tubes, Stravinsky and Meshuggah, the result is high-octane experimental but accessible music with a smile on its face.

Dave Morecroft - keys

During his education, Dave has studied improvisation and composition under the likes of John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Julian Arguelles, Nikki Illes, Mike Walker, Jonathan Eato, John Potter, Tim Howell and Ambrose Field.  Dave also formed WorldService Project (WSP) during this time as the main focus of his compositional work, and in 2010 this ensemble won the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award, and received Jazz Services Touring support on two separate occasions for tours of the UK.  He has also curated the popular Match&Fuse festival, and aims to take this further into Europe in future years.  Since 2009 Dave has also been active on London’s improvised music scene, performing with a host of top players.  He also featured prominently at the 2011 London Jazz Festival: a solo piano set at The Forge in support of Robert Mitchell, a cross-arts trio with Leafcutter John and Gina Southgate, and a WSP performance on the Barbican Freestage.

Tim Ower - saxophones

Tim is a graduate of Leeds College of Music.  Over the last few years, Tim has had the opportunity to perform in some of the most renowned venues and festivals in the UK and Europe including the London Jazz Festival, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Vortex Jazz Club, Camden Jazz Cafe, Brecon Jazz Festival, Tomorrowland (Belgium), Awakenings Festival (Amsterdam) and Oslo Jazz Festival. He has played alongside Dennis Rollins, Gerard Presencer, Andy Milne (Ravi Coltrane), Dave Marquee (Eric Clapton), Daniel Pearce (Dizzee Rascal), Luke Slater, Zalon Thompson (Amy Winehouse) and has recorded for BBC radio, WDR radio and HMV studios (Calcutta).

Raphael Clarkson - trombone

Raph’s performing work is varied; he’s a member of the musically eclectic Blowpipes Trombone Trio, the Real Vibe pop and soul band and plays salsa with Orqesta La Rebelion (having previously played for Roberto Pla), as well as early music ensemble Charivari Agreable.  He's also played for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, the Callum Au Big Band, Chaos Collective’s Chaos Orchestra and the Overground Collective Big Band. Having studied music at the universities of York and Oxford the majority of his time is spent working with WorldService Project, who recently represented the UK at the international 12 Points Festival in Portugal.  Raph can also be found freelancing and teaching in London; as well as performing work, he runs educational projects for Match&Fuse as well as the BeCreative Workshop organisation, which he co-founded.

Conor Chaplin - bass

Conor is currently studying at Trinity College of Music and has always been involved in a variety of musical genres and styles.  Aside from WSP he is a member of a number of other groups including fusion quartet Outboard Motor, afro-beat/funk outfit Benin City, and the Laura Jurd Quartet.  Alongside his work with Laura, he has also worked closely with Corrie Dick and Elliot Galvin to develop the Chaos Collective.  Not limited to the arena of jazz, Conor has played in numerous settings including musical theatre productions in London and the south, pantomimes, and classical concerts, including playing tenor saxophone with the New London Sinfonia.

Liam Waugh - drums

Liam Waugh studied in New York at the world renowned Drummers Collective under the direction of Kim Plainfield, Frank Katz, Matt Garrison and Pat Petrillo. On returning to the UK he moved to London where he studied at Drumtech with Paul Elliot and Darryn Farrugia. His drumming is a subtle mixture of heavy pocket playing and fierce chops, inspired by the groove masters of the James Brown era to the more recent groove influences of The Roots, J-Dilla and Robert Glasper. Aside from working with WorldService Project, Liam also tours regularly with UK, west end and international theatre productions as well as working in the studio.

“WorldService Project sound capable of injecting some good old-fashioned fun into the younger UK jazz scene” – Jazzwise

“…tight, deftly structured and grittily grooving music” – John Fordham, The Guardian

“…sensational young band…play contemporary jazz that vaults over stylistic boundaries and SHOULD NOT BE MISSED.” - The Crack Magazine.com 

END

Theo Jackson

The above band has received a Jazz Services National Touring Support Scheme grant for their new tour.

Pic: Mark Bassett

Line-up:

Theo Jackson - piano, vocals

Shane Allessio - double bass

Jason Reeve - drums

Nathaniel Facey - saxophone (duo and quartet only)

www.theojackson.com 

A charismatic singer and pianist, Theo Jackson frames his original contemporary material with a strong respect for and knowledge of the jazz tradition.  The Theo Jackson Band in its current form came together in early 2011 with Theo’s first booking at the famous 606 Jazz Club.  Saxophonist Nathaniel Facey joined the group for the first time that night and Jason Reeve had occupied the drum chair for a couple of months. Two weeks later Shane joined the fray as a last minute stand-in and soon became the regular double-bassist.

Since then the group has gone on to form a tight unit with great interaction both on and off stage.In September 2011 the group recorded their first album featuring nine of Theo’s original tunes, joined in the studio by guitarist Jamie McCredie and saxophonist Brandon Allen. The album was released to a sold-out Pizza Express Jazz Club in January 2012.Nathaniel and Theo have since also set up a duo project which has been well received at jazz clubs and festivals alike.  They performed for a sold-out audience at Oxford Jazz Festival in 2012, and and all tickets have already gone for their appearance at this year's Cheltenham Jazz Festival. 

Their Jazz Services tour will see them build on the momentum they have already established in the capital by touring nationally and plan to record a second album towards the end of the year, continuing to explore, and enjoy, the music they love

Theo Jackson – vocals, piano

Over the last year Theo has continued to establish a growing reputation as a fascinating song-writer and performer. His debut album Jericho features original material exclusively and was released to a sold-out Pizza Express Jazz Club in January 2012. Since then Theo’s new duo project with Nathaniel Facey was introduced at Oxford Jazz Festival. He then toured to New Zealand where he made his debut TV appearance and opened for saxophone legend Bob Mintzer.  He will be appearing at Cheltenham Jazz Festival this year, where he has been invited to give a workshop on songwriting.

Nathaniel Facey - alto saxophone

As a soloist Nathaniel has been celebrated with the 2013 Jazz FM Awards ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ and the 2010 Worshipful Company of Musicians ‘jazz medal for young musicians’ award. As one of the co-founding members of Empirical he has also won a MOBO and a Parliamentary Jazz Award.Nathaniel is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music.  Studying with former Jazz Messenger Jean Toussaint and Julian Siegel, he also gained early recording experience and toured extensively with Denys Baptiste among many others.

Shane Allessio - double bass

Shane Allessio is an improvising acoustic/electric bassist, composer/arranger, bandleader and educator.He studied in New England at both Berklee College of Music and the Stinnett Academy of Music, where his teachers included Jim Stinnett and Rufus Reid.His playing has taken him on many international tours of North America, South America, Europe and Asia.  He was formerly the principal bassist with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, and section bassist with the Cape Ann Symphony.

Jason Reeve - drums

Jason Reeve is a highly sought after drummer and percussionist with a wide range of performing and recording experience.  He has shared a stage with such luminaries as Joshua Redman and Randy Brecker whilst studying at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he achieved a Masters Degree in Music.  A student of legendary teacher Bob Armstrong, he has toured the UK and Europe extensively performing at major festivals in different genres and has recorded radio sessions at Maida Vale Studios for BBC Radio 1, Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music.

“One of the most interesting jazz vocalists and composers to emerge on the British scene in recent years.  Jackson can flit between ballads and rapid-fire scatting in the blink of an eye.” - The Telegraph

"Soulful, earthy vocal-led jazz from this impressive young singer with a powerful yet subtle voice, Jackson also has a knack of penning Stevie Wonder-esque originals that avoid the usual crooner clichés…Jackson's one to watch out for." - Time Out

"Theo Jackson leads his band from the piano, with a confidence and assurance that comes from being a true musician, and the trust and knowledge that the other guys on the stand are too." - LondonJazzNews

* duo, w/ Nathaniel Facey

**quartet, w/ Nathaniel Facey

The Dixie Ticklers

The above band has received a Jazz Services National Touring Support Scheme grant for their new tour.

Line-up:

Dom James – clarinet/vocals

William Rixon – trumpet

Nicholas Costley-White – guitar

Tommy Antonio – double bass/vocals

Daoud Merchant – drums/washboard

Zands Duggan – percussion

website

Led by clarinettist and composer Dom James, this unique six piece ensemble combine a deep love and understanding of the feel, templates and language of early jazz styles whilst expressing each instrumentalist’s own musical voice.  Their debut album Standing Pat is an in-depth study of the classic New Orleans sounds, and the band has put today's date on early jazz, teaming it up alongside groove-based shuffles and thoroughly modern treatments whilst staying true to the polyphonic sound that shaped the music of the initial pioneers such as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton.

Meeting originally through the University of London Big Band and Guildhall School of Music, this hard working group has built a fierce live reputation over the past six years within jazz, blues and the acoustic scene.  2012 took them to many of the great musical events in UK and Europe including Green Man festival and the Swanage, Bury St Edmunds and London Jazz Festivals, along with three weeks in Australia playing some of the key jazz venues and festivals along the East Coast.  A must for anyone with an ear for the past and an eye on the future, The Dixie Ticklers are a very exciting live prospect.

Dom James – clarinet/vocals (leader)

A prolific player and composer, Dom James has performed all over the world with various groups and most recently with The Jazz Vipers (New Orleans).  Having studied with Mark Van de Wiel, Pete Ripper and Evan Christopher, he has a broad musical knowledge and output.  He is the founder and leader of The Dixie Ticklers, and his compositions and arrangements have made their way into the repertoires of a few UK big bands and jazz groups.  Dom also writes music for media, and has numerous film and television credits.

Daoud Merchant – drums/washboard

Daoud began playing in secondary school and spent his childhood studying at the Junior Royal Academy of Music.  He later graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was in the winning band for the 2008 Guildhall School Jazz Award, and was awarded a Scholarship for Outstanding Jazz Musicians by Yamaha and JazzWise Magazine upon graduating, while in 2010 he was nominated for the Musicians' Company Young Jazz Musician Award. Daoud has performed in various venues in the UK and abroad with artists such as John Law, Juliet Kelly, Michael Garrick, Roby Lakatos and Emprical, and has recorded in a variety of genres and ensembles for television broadcast and CD release.

Nicholas Costley-White - guitar

Nick is a guitarist based in London who studied jazz guitar at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Phil Robson and John Parricelli where he graduated with a first class Honours Degree. Nick has had a wealth of performing experience leading his own quartet playing original compositions as well as freelancing in a variety of ensembles including the Dixie Ticklers and the Tommy Andrews Quintet. Nick has performed in some of the city’s best venues including the Barbican, LSO St. Luke’s, the Vortex, King’s Place, the 606 Club has had the opportunity to perform internationally. In 2011 Nick was awarded the Yamaha Parliamentary Jazz Scholarship, and in 2010 won the UK Jazz Radio "Band of the Year" award with the Sam Braysher Quartet.

William Rixon - trumpet

William graduated from the Guildhall School of Music having studied both jazz and classical trumpet with Steve Fishwick, Martin Hathaway, Nick Smart, Noel Langley and Anne McAneney. He represented the school at the 2009 IASJ jazz meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland, with David Liebman and they subsequently performed some of Will's original compositions and arrangements together back in the UK. William writes for and leads various projects as well as playing with some of London's most vital ensembles, including the London Jazz Orchestra, Gillespiana and the Gareth Lockrane Big Band. He has also performed and recorded with Katy B, Ghostpoet, Lianne La Havas, the Ronnie Scotts Big Band and the BBC Big Band with whom he was a featured soloist on Radio 3, and he has recently played in the horn section for Joss Stone’s world tour.

Tommy Antonio – double bass/vocals

Tommy is a double bassist, vocalist, songwriter and composer. He is the assistant director of the jazz and gospel choir The London Vocal Project and has performed with artists ranging from Cleo Laine, Bobby McFerrin to Kenny Wheeler.  As a composer Tommy writes and arranges for his a capella vocal group The Renegade Vocal Pilots, and commercially for internet based advertising.  He is currently writing and producing a solo EP entitled 'Tender Oh' due for release in 2012.

Zands Duggan – percussion

A graduate from Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Zands Duggan is one of the most in demand hand percussionists in the UK.  He has played all over the world, most recently with Karl Jenkins and the 2011 world tour of The Old Vic’s production of Richard III staring Kevin Spacey.

“The Dixie Ticklers are one big, refreshing and fun dose of music making. They make it look and sound easy. I love them!” - Stewart Collins, Henley Festival UK

“The band manages to bring in a deep scholarly understanding of New Orleans and Dixieland jazz without letting it undermine their enthusiasm for performing, and they manage to bring a contemporary London edge to the music while being true to its origins. It really is a fresh re-invention driven by joy.” - The Jazz Breakfast

Sam Leak’s Aquarium

The above band has received a Jazz Services National Touring Support Scheme grant for their new tour.

Line-up:

Sam Leak – piano

James Allsop – saxophone

Calum Gourlay – double bass

Joshua Blackmore - drums

www.samleak.com 

Aquarium was formed in 2008 by pianist and composer Sam Leak.  The group features James Allsopp on reeds, Calum Gourlay on double bass, Joshua Blackmore on drums, and Leak on piano.  In 2009 they recorded their debut album which was subsequently released to great critical acclaim in 2011.  The album received rave reviews in the national press and extensive radio play on Jazz FM, and BBC Radio 2 and 3 in particular. The group was tipped by Selwyn Harris and Mike Hobart as Jazzwise’s ‘Ones to Watch in 2012’ and the album was listed as the 6^th top album in MOJO Magazine’s International Jazz Chart for 2011.

In April 2012 they returned to the studio to record their second album, entitled Places.  The recently released album superbly showcases the wonderful sympathy between each of the players as well as their own individual talents.  Leak named the album to evoke sensations and memories of various important places in his life, and as such the resulting recording that invites the listener to explore a very personal musical world.

Sam Leak – piano

Sam is a pianist based in Greenwich, and has performed with musicians including Gareth Lockrane, Martin Speake and Stan Sulzmann, and has played in the bands of musicians including Anita Wardell, NYC Saxophonist Arun Luthra and the UK-based Australian Saxophonist Ray Warleigh. He has performed at most of the best known venues and festivals within the UK, including Ronnie Scotts, The Southbank Centre, and Brecon Jazz Festival. He has been described by broadcaster Helen Mayhew as “one of the brightest young stars in the jazz piano galaxy, a heavenly improviser, and a brilliant prospect for the future.”

James Allsopp – saxophone

Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and composer Allsop has received a great deal of critical acclaim for his own bands Fraud and The Golden Age Of Steam, and has played with a number of notable jazz musicians including Django Bates, Polar Bear, Kit Downes and Kenny Wheeler. He has won numerous awards including the 2007 BBC Jazz Award for best record, the 2008 BBC Jazz Award for Innovation, and the Ronnie Scott Award for Best New Act.

Joshua Blackmore – drums

Joshua is a highly regarded drummer and a co-founder of the hugely popular trio Troyka, which also features organist Kit Downes and guitarist Chris Montague. He has played with many of the best known names in UK jazz including Tom Cawley, Mike Outram and Martin Speake, as well as having played with the US saxophonist Seamus Blake. With his group Curios he won the BBC Radio 3 Jazz Line-up Best Band Award in 2008, and the same group was described by MOJO Magazine as “the most formidable piano trio in the UK.”

Calum Gourlay – double bass

Double bassist and composer Calum Gourlay is a leading light amongst the new generation of jazz musicians in Europe. As a bassist, he is already known for his deep warm tone, controlled execution as both supporter and improviser, and rock solid time and pulse. He plays in many of the best loved bands in the UK including the Kit Downes Quintet, the George Crowley Quartet and the Josh Arcoleo Quartet.

“Leak is a committed musician, expertly constructing flowing, natural, singing lines and also unafraid of taking risks. His careful touch allows him to draw a distinctive, personal sound from the piano." – Music OMH 

“Multi-faceted and smart as a pin, this is poetic chamber jazz of a very high order" - MOJO 

“an artist of comparable promise...Leak is a subtle storyteller who keeps the grooves and colours changing.” - The Guardian 

The Lyric Ensemble

The above band has received a Jazz Services National Touring Support Scheme grant for their new tour.

Line-up:

Nette Robinson – vocals

Tony Woods – saxophone/alto clarinet/flute

Nikki Iles – piano

Matt Ridley – double bass

www.lyricensemble.co.uk

The Lyric Ensemble was the last creative endeavour of the late Michael Garrick MBE, the celebrated composer and pianist who sadly passed away in 2011.  Prior to his death, Garrick had been working with singer Nette Robinson on a wide range of his compositions and arrangements involving poetry and music, often writing specifically for her voice.  The partnership resulted in the creation of The Lyric Ensemble, which combined Garrick and Robinson’s elegant collaboration with the skills of saxophonist Tony Woods and bassist Matt Ridley.  Following Garrick’s untimely death, pianist Nikki Iles lent her talents to the line-up.

The group has to date has released two outstanding albums, 2010’s Remembered Time – Garrick’s final recording - and 2012’s Home Thoughts, both of which stand as fitting reminders of Michael’s life and work as well as excellent releases in their own right.  This tour will showcase music from both albums, and the group has also begun writing new material in a similar vein, setting poetic lyrics to music.

Nette Robinson – vocals

Nette Robinson began a musical collaboration with the legendary composer/pianist/arranger/educator Michael Garrick MBE in 2009. From that year up until his untimely death in November 2011, they worked closely and performed and recorded many of his songs. They performed all over the UK, including at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and the Pizza Express Jazz Club. The first album, Remembered Time (2010), received great critical acclaim, including a 4 star review in MOJO Magazine. She was the vocalist for the BBC Radio 3's live broadcast of Michael Garrick's Peter Pan Suite.

Tony Woods – saxophone

A graduate of Keele University, Leeds College of Music and The Guildhall School of Music Tony received awards for saxophone, outstanding performance and the soloist's prize at the Dunkirk International Jazz Festival. To explore the possibilities of improvising on English classical music, Tony formed the Avalon Trio. The debut album Forlana was released in 2011 to great critical acclaim, resulting in air play and interviews on BBC Radio 3 and Jazz FM. With Tony Woods Project he has recorded three highly commended albums of original, folk inspired compositions: High Seas, Lowlands and Wind Shadows.  TWP has toured the UK extensively, performing at festivals across the UK.

Nikki Iles – piano

Nikki Iles was a founder member of the Creative Jazz Orchestra.  In 1996 she won a Special BT British Jazz Award for contributions to jazz and recorded an acclaimed CD, Treasure Trove, with Stan Sulzmann. Recordings with Tina May and Martin Speake followed and this was the beginning of three important musical relationships.

Nikki is also a composer who has had several nominations from the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Award and commissions from the Creative Jazz Orchestra, the London Sinfonietta, the London Philharmonic and Tim Garland's Northern Underground Orchestra.  She was also nominated for the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, her own group, The Printmakers.

Matt Ridley – double bass

Matt trained at the Academy of Contemporary Music, where he graduated with Distinction and was awarded the 'Bass Student of the Year' award.  Following this he went on to study at Trinity College of Music, picking up the college’s award for excellence as well as the Archer's Scholarship for big band.

He plays in all of Mike Garrick's many ensembles, including quartet with Martin Hathaway, Mike Garrick Jazz Orchestra, and the 'MJQ Celebration'. He has recorded and toured extensively with Darius Brubeck. He is a founder member of the SE London Jazz Collective, a community of musicians in South East London hosting innovative, improvised live music.

“A great vocalist I’ve just discovered, Nette Robinson who does a terrific job on some difficult melody lines…beautifully sung and played by Michael Garrick’s Lyric Ensemble.” - Claire Martin, BBC Radio 3 Jazz Line Up

“A suitable closing statement from Garrick, a well-crafted album of great beauty and sensitivity that showed him to be in rude creative health until the end.” - The Jazz Mann

Kevin Figes Quartet

The above band has received a Jazz Services National Touring Support Scheme grant for their new tour.

Line-up:

Kevin Figes - Saxes and compositions

Jim Blomfield - Piano

Will Harris – Bass

Mark Whitlam – Drums

www.kevinfiges.co.uk

Kevin Figes' Quartet plays the saxophonist’s own distinctive compositions and has performed all over the UK for many years to enthusiastic audiences.  The group has to date released two well-received albums, “Circular Motion” (Edition) and “Hometime” (Pig), which have garnered widespread critical acclaim and airplay.  There is a striking level of empathy and interplay within the Quartet that comes from a combination of highly accomplished players, all great improvisers in their own right who have worked closely together for some time.

The compositions are constantly developing to produce work which is challenging and contemporary.  Influences include David Binney, Dave Holland and Chris Potter but also many more spread across many musical genres.  With a tight rhythmic focus that retains its melodic emphasis at all times, Figes and co. produce personal music in a fearless and constantly evolving way.  The tour will showcase music from their recently released album ‘Tables And Chairs’

Kevin Figes - saxophones, compositions

Kevin began studying saxophone with Elton Dean and later attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama studying with Tim Garland. He composes for his own quartet which has released two CDs and tours the UK regularly.  He also writes for the 15 piece big band Resonation which features some of the finest musicians from the west and beyond.  He has a notable connection with Keith Tippett, performing in his big band Tapestry in Portugal and Canada and in his Octet including broadcasts on Radio 3 and a CD release on Ogun.  Kevin has also performed with Dave Stapleton and recorded an album for his label (Edition).  More recently he formed the band “4 Sided Triangle” which included guitarist Mike Outram, and their first CD was released on Pig records in July 2012.

Jim Blomfield - piano

Since moving to Bristol in 1991, Jim has often been the pianist of choice to accompany many of the UK’s finest jazz musicians including Bobby Wellins, Andy Sheppard and Pete King.  Somewhat a specialist in Latin piano styles, he was described by the Independent On Sunday’s Phil Johnson as, “the best British pianist you've never heard of and an absolute marvel.”  Jim’s recording work includes his own album ‘Peaks and Troughs’ (ASC Records), containing both quartet and septet original pieces.  His arranging skills for larger ensemble include compositions commissioned by the Bristol Brass Consort and The Bristol Ensemble, the latter involving collaborations for the contemporary/crossover ‘Elektrostatic’ concerts at Bristol’s Colston Hall.  In addition to his trio, recent projects include co-leading and composing for acclaimed contemporary big band ‘Resonation’ alongside Kevin Figes and bassist Jeff Spencer.

Will Harris - bass

Will's dynamic, versatile and comprehensive approach to the double bass guaranteed he has become an in-demand musician in the South West, having played with the likes of Bobby Wellins, Alan Barnes, David Newton, Tina May and Anita Wardell.  His playing has taken him to venues and festivals across the UK including Brecon, Cheltenham and Oxford jazz festivals, as well as Glastonbury Festival.  Recent studio work has included albums with the Andy Hague Quintet, Jake McMurchie (Get The Blessing) trio, Dom Franks' Strayhorn, and singer Emily Wright's Moonlight Saving Time.

Will developed his skills as an arranger for the Hornstars big band, and now arranges for popular Latin jazz band The Magnificent Seven.  As well as running his own improvising workshops Will worked as a tutor on Nia Lynn's songwriting summer school.  Will was musical director of a big band on BBC Points West, and musical theatre work has taken him to the Theatre Royal Bath as well as London's Soho Theatre and Arcola Theatre.

Mark Whitlam - drums

Mark is also hugely in demand and has performed many of the UK's finest jazz musicians including Alan Barnes, Gareth Williams, Tina May, Dave Newton, Jim Mullen, Mike Outram and Chris Biscoe.  He also plays in the Jim Blomfield Trio, the Nick Malcolm Quartet, Moonlight Saving Time and Jake McMurchie's trio and has recordings coming out with each of these groups.  Mark has appeared at most of the UK's leading jazz festivals including Brecon, Cheltenham, Manchester and Swanage and also Glastonbury Festival, having received air play on BBC Radio 3 'Late Junction' and Radio 6 'Introducing ...' programmes.  As an educator, he tutors undergraduate students as a member of the drum faculty at BIMM Bristol.

“a very smart piece of work” - Jazzwise 

“It’s this combination of rich writing with an outstanding band that gives Figes' solo LP such distinction” - Independent on Sunday

Greyish Quartet

The above band has received a Jazz Services National Touring Support Scheme grant for their new tour.

Line-up:

David Austin Grey - piano/compositions

Sam Wooster - trumpet

Nick Jurd - double bass

Jim Bashford - drums

http://davidaustingrey.com/projects/greyishquartet/ 

Formed in Birmingham in 2008, Greyish Quartet play original compositions written by pianist and band leader David Austin Grey.  Their music is rooted firmly in the contemporary jazz idiom and Grey and his cohorts are not afraid to take on compositions by established jazz composers such as Wayne Shorter, Dave Douglas and Stan Sulzmann, but collectively the group nevertheless draws on influences from hip-hop and rock to minimalism and modern classical music.

The quartet have recently released 'The Dark Red Room', a set of compositions inspired by film, photography and cinema, and have also started work on new material, building on their previous success, but fresh with new ideas and taking on board deeper elements of composition and performance.  Coupling their diverse range of influences with a contemporary mindset and approach, Greyish Quartet are an increasingly enticing prospect on the UK’s jazz scene.

David Austin Grey - piano/compositions 

David Austin Grey is a UK based pianist, composer and educator who studied music at The University of Birmingham and Birmingham Conservatoire with such musicians as Hans Koller, Liam Noble & Mike Williams. Aside from GQ, David is the founder of One Many People, a jazz/reggae band (initially) commissioned to play music inspired by pianist Wynton Kelly.  Over the last few years David has worked with a number of well-respected musicians including Soweto Kinch, Martin Speake, Yazz Ahmed, Gemma Weekes and Michael Fletcher.  As an educator, writer and leader his previous and current clients include Birmingham Jazz, THSH, Birmingham Conservatoire, Jazzlines, EC Arts, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Nu-Century Arts & The University of Birmingham, and as a performer he has appeared at numerous venues and festivals across the country including Harmonic Festival, Birmingham Town Hall, The Flyover Show, and Glasgow International Jazz Festival.

Sam Wooster – trumpet

Sam grew up Bristol and took an interest in music from an early age.  In 2005 Sam moved to Birmingham to study on the BMus Hons Jazz course, graduating in 2009 with first class honours and later winning the 2009 Yamaha/Classic FM scholarship for outstanding musicians.  Since graduating Sam has become a staple of the Midlands jazz scene and regularly performs around Europe.  Currently he is working with a newly formed trio entitled Cabal and leads his own quartet Husk; a dark plethora of chaotic noise whose emergence into the worlds of jazz, rock and free improvisation has caused quite a stir.

Jim Bashford - drums

Jim’s early influences included both the rock/progressive rock and jazz scenes.  He studied at Birmingham Conservatoire under tutors such as the great Tony Levin, Jeff Williams, Gene Calderazzo, Stephen Keoghn and Malcolm Garrett, as well as studying with Hans Koller, Mike Williams and Jeremy Price.  James now works on the faculty after being given an offer to work there during his 3rd year on the course.  He runs logistics and facilities at the Birmingham Conservatoire and organises workshops with highly acclaimed artists on the jazz scene in Europe and the U.S.

Nick Jurd - double bass

Nick grew up in Grantham, Lincolnshire where he started playing bass guitar at 12.  His interest in the bass became more serious when he switched to double bass having been inspired by the records of Charles Mingus and Ornette Coleman.  Having decided to pursue music as a career Nick went on to study at Birmingham Conservatoire, where he learnt from such musicians as Dave Holland, John Taylor, Tony Levin, Arnie Somogyi, Mark Hodgson and Hans Koller.  Nick is currently working regularly in Birmingham both as a highly in demand sideman and as a leader of his own quartet and as part of Cabal, a new Birmingham based trio.

“What is most impressive, apart from the sophisticated writing, is the clear and personal sound and style Grey has developed, together with the highly sympathetic playing of these young musicians.” - The Jazz Breakfast

“A great debut album” - Mike Chadwick/Jazz FM

“Great ability as a band leader.  The music has a cohesion and intent.” - Julian Joseph