UNESCO’S International Jazz Day, Osaka, Japan, April 30, 2014


My good Jazzers friends, Yoshio and Keiko Toyama, emailed me today about UNESCO’S International Jazz Day on Wednesday 30th, April, in Osaka, Japan, which has been selected as the “2014 Global Host City”.

 

“International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognised for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.”
(International Jazz Day Website)

unesco-1

Bokova “Jazz makes the most of the world’s diversity, effortlessly crossing borders and bringing people together. From its roots in slavery, this music has raised a passionate voice against all forms of oppression. It speaks a language of freedom that is meaningful to all cultures.”
Irina Bokova,
UNESCO Director-General

“Jazz has the power toQuincy-Jones
make men forget their differences and come together… Jazz is the personification of transforming overwhelmingly negative circumstances into freedom, friendship, hope, and dignity.”
Quincy Jones

Wynton“Certain music, jazz in particular, has the ability to make you a better citizen of the world. It helps you expand your world view and gives you more confidence in your cultural achievements. Improvisational jazz teaches you about yourself while the swing in jazz teaches you how to work with others.” Wynton Marsalis

Celebrations are to include an “All Star Global Concert” to be webcast live around the world. Hit these links for full details and timings:
The International Jazz Day Global Concert 2014
Global Celebrations

UNESCO and The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz have organised a day long series of educational programs as part of the official events which will be opened with a solo performance by non other than Yoshio, who is deservedly announced as “renowned trumpet player and President of the Wonderful World Jazz Foundation Nihon Louis Armstrong Kyoukai”

Yoshio Toyama and Sammy Rimington, Chilham, 2013 (Photo © Peter M Butler)

Yoshio Toyama and Sammy Rimington, Chilham, 2013 (Photo © Peter M Butler)

Yoshio tells me that the Trumpet Fanfare he has selected will be “West End Blues”!

Herbie-Hancock

Herbie Hancock

Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller

This will be followed by a series of topics, including a discussion with UNESCO Artist for Peace Marcus Miller and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock focusing on the ability of musicians and other artists to effect positive social change where it is needed most.

I have only included highlights here so be sure to spend time exploring the brilliantly informative website. It includes great videos and wonderful photos. A job truly well done: http://jazzday.com

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor
Jazz&Jazz

Ramsgate Seaside Shuffle Gears Up for the Summer Season

Seaside-Shuffle-LogoSince it’s launch in 2011 Ramsgate Seaside Shuffle has gone from strength to strength. Besides their Festival held in July, Seaside Shuffle now hosts regular club nights at The Ramsgate Small Boat Owners Club and it’s seasonal “Harbourside Jazz” sessions opposite The Belgium Bar are drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Jazz&Jazz has been involved with Seaside Shuffle since its inception and is only too pleased to continue publicising and supporting their events.

All ENQUIRES: Ron Sheldrake 01843 596789 & John Morgan 01227 361238
Always quote: “Seaside Shuffle”

Club-Nights

Sussex-Kings

The Sussex Jazz kings at The 100 Club

Trefor Williams

Trefor Williams

Harbourside

Festival

The Golden Eagle Jazz Band starring at the November, 2013, Shuffle Club Night.

Photos & YouTube © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz

Visit Ramsgate Seaside Shuffle on Facebook

MORE POWER TO JAZZ, TINA MAY SPECIAL SOLD OUT!

Tad Newton and Jazz&Jazz ecstatically announce that the
Tina May Concert is fully booked. 

If you’ve missed out you could always telephone Tad on 01604 858549
in case of cancellations!

TINA-MAY-SOLD-OUT

From New Orleans to Avant-Garde

JamieLogoJazz&Jazz aims to capture, share and promote the unique ethos of the early days of jazz. We treasure the origins of jazz, nowadays referred to by some as New Orleans Revivalist Jazz. In the UK and Europe jazz steered a somewhat different path in the much loved Traditional Jazz era of the 1950s and 1960s but it was still based on early New Orleans jazz.

Sammy Rimington recently emailed me: “Hi Peter, You are doing a great job promoting the real traditional jazz and we are sure many other musicians are very thankful for all the time and work you put in.”

Jazz Has Evolved
But over the years, like other art forms, like it or not jazz has “evolved” and diverged into other directions. We have mainstream jazz, modern jazz, avant-garde jazz and improvised jazz.

In recent months, Jazz&Jazz has grown in popularity and these days I receive requests to help promote these different genres of jazz. So occasionally I will, particularly if I consider a musician or band is truly worthy of mention. After all, if they are skilled improvisers, surely they could be lured back to including real jazz in their repertoires.

JamieSmithFJamie Smith UK Jazz Pianist
One such musician who recently contacted me is Jamie Smith, a UK jazz pianist based in Edinburgh. He has released a new solo piano EP entitled “Kinesis – Four Improvisations on Piano”.

To discover more about Jamie and his music take a look at his online Kinesis pdf.

Feedback
I’m sure Jamie would appreciate feedback on his music as would I. Particularly as nowadays I’m receiving more and more requests to feature all types of jazz, bands and musicians.

I am giving serious consideration to the impact this is having on Jazz&Jazz and even ways in which it can help in promoting our core aims. I will shortly announce my conclusions.

Opera North Presents “Sunrise, A Song of Two Humans” Saturday April 26

JoannaFAward-winning jazz saxophonist Andy Sheppard and outstanding pianist Joanna MacGregor OBE join forces to create a magnificent live performance of their newly commissioned soundtrack for the silent film Sunrise, F.W.Murnau’s 1927 masterpiece. A story about innocence and experience, about urban and rural American and about love and violence, their performance, especially arranged for Opera North’s Howard Assembly Room, will make a sensational night out.

Andy1Made in the twilight of the silent era, Sunrise became a swan-song for the vanishing medium and one of its greatest expressions. In creating their new live score, Joanna MacGregor and Andy Sheppard took inspiration from the music of Tom Waits, Johnny Cash and traditional American spirituals.

‘Inspirational, intense and deeply moving’  The Arts Desk on Joanna MacGregor

Supported by the Opera North Future Fund

Howard Assembly Room,
Opera North Grand Theatre,
46 New Briggate,
Leeds, LS1 6NU

Saturday 26 April 7.30pm • £15

Phone: +44 (0)113 243 9999
Email: [email protected]

Book Now:
www.operanorth.co.uk

Jazz Singer René Marie Joins Opera North for an Evening of Songs to Her Beautiful Homeland, Wed April 23

ReneElectrifying American jazz singer René Marie will dazzle with her powerhouse vocals and smooth tones as she joins Opera North for a night of songs from her album, Voice of My Beautiful Country. The evening will draw together jazz, soul, gospel and Americana in a stunning one-off concert. Make this a must for your diary.

‘It’s her ability to step inside the song and make the lyrics come alive that sets her apart’ The Arts Desk

“A brilliantly conceived package of Americana, focusing on folkloric material” The Wall Street Journal

“Electrifying and life-enhancing, René Marie draws
together jazz, soul, gospel and Rene2Americana to powerful effect. With her incredible range of vocal ability, emotional resonance and strong independent streak, she brings to life original songs, jazz standards and folk songs alike. Her music both celebrates and interrogates American culture and her position within it. With a snowballing career that began only when she was in her 40s, René Marie is an artist of rare honesty and commitment and one of today’s most individual voices.” American Routes

René Marie sings “Meadowlark”
René Marie talks about her album Voice of My Beautiful Country”

Opera North Grand Theatre,
46 New Briggate,
Leeds, LS1 6NU

Wednesday 23 April 7.45pm • £12.50

Phone: +44 (0)113 243 9999
Email: [email protected]

Book Now: www.operanorth.co.uk

 

Opera North Presents An Evening with Dave Douglas & Uri Caine, Friday 2nd May

images-1

Uri Caine

Two highly influential jazz musicians from across the pond, distinguished trumpeter Dave Douglas and keyboard wizard Uri Caine, unite in a compelling evening of vivacious, fierce and phenomenal playing. 

Jaw-droppingly talented, the duo will treat you to a special selection of songs, hymns and improvisations ahead of their 2014 CD release in summer 2014. Having worked together in various forms for over 30 years, their new album and tour brings out the very best of their collaboration.

True improvisers, you never know where the night may take you so get booking those tickets now.

images-2

Dave Douglas

 

 

Opera North Grand Theatre,
46 New Briggate,
Leeds, LS1 6NU

Phone: +44 (0)113 243 9999
Email: [email protected]

Friday 2 May 7.45pm
£15

www.operanorth.co.uk

 

Featuring the Spring Issue of Kent Jazz News

KentJazz1Kent Jazz News is compiled and edited by jazz devotee Harry Stubberfield and is well worth taking the time to read.

It’s packed with news about the jazz scene in Kent and beyond.

Harry kindly supplied me with this pdf of the Spring Issue: AAkjnspring

To receive your personal copy email Harry at: [email protected]

 

 

The Midnight Choo-Choo Arrives at Blisworth! Next on the Timetable, The Frenchman Street Band!

AlabamBand

The Millennium Eagle Jazz Band. Matt Palmer (reeds), Terry Williams (trombone), Brian Lawrence (bass), Peter Brown (trumpet), Chris Etherington (banjo), Jack Cotterill (drums).

Gone are the days when Blisworth Hotel accommodated passengers on Robert Stephenson’s first, now defunct, railway line between London and Birmingham. Gone too are the days when the hotel’s ballroom was one of Northamptonshire’s popular night spots, promoting artists such as Gary Moore, Hawkwind and Deep Purple.

But not so Jazz!

Now known as The Walnut Tree Inn, the hotel is home to Live Jazz every Sunday lunchtime, along with Jazz Specials throughout the year, presented by Tad Newton.

The very next session is this coming Sunday, 20th April at 12.00 noon – with Chris Pearce’s Frenchman Street Jazz Band and special guest trombonist Richard Leach. An Easter Special with lunches available so don’t miss out!  Just £8 – pay on the door. 

Chris Pearce's Frenchman Street Band

Chris Pearce’s Frenchman Street Band

But what of that Midnight Choo Choo?

None other than Matt Palmer’s Millennium Eagle Jazz Band starred at Blisworth back in March and “The Midnight Choo Choo” was just one of their numbers which Jazz&Jazz was privileged to capture on YouTube.

I’ve posted two versions of this YouTube. The first version is High Definition and the second version is Standard Definition. I would would be interested in receiving opinions on the quality of each version.

High Definition:

Standard Definition:

Photos & YouTubes © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz

Millennium Eagle will be starring at Big Bear Music’s 3rd Solihull Jazz Festival:
23rd / 26th May.
For further information please contact Big Bear Music, PO Box 944, Birmingham, B16 8UT
Tel: 0121 454 7020 Email: [email protected]

 

Introducing New Orlean’s Sweet Substitute Jazz Band

SweetSubstitute

Good News from New Orleans is always welcome, particularly
during the French Quarter Festival in full swing this weekend.
And especially when it’s introducing a brand new band playing early New Orleans jazz. This comes from Nita Hemeter, a very good friend of Jazz&Jazz.

 

“Wanted to let you know The Sweet Substitute Jazz Band is performing at the French Quarter Festival’s Battle of the Bands. We will be playing some of the songs we perform on Friday nights at Buffas. Buffas is always fun with great traditional Jazz and of course tasty food and cheap drinks!”

  • Ryan Robertson – Trumpet and Vocals
  • Chad Mo Moore – Clarinet
  • Nicholas Snyder – Banjo and Vocals
  • Brandon Brunious – Bass
  • Nita Hemeter – Drums
  • Janice Medlock – Trombone, Piano and Vocals
  • Li’l Josephine – Bass
  • Bob Marquart – Trumpet and Vocals

 Call us any time at 504-865-9792.

To listen to a selection of Sweet Substitute’s tracks visit:

http://sweetsubstitutes.wordpress.com

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