“Silver Screen Success” Steamboat Jazz Band Special, The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, 30th May!

 

On stage at Astor Community Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, Kent

On stage at Astor Community Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, Kent, on 14th May.

Richard Elmes and his Steamboat Jazz Band are heading for The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, on 30th May, after the enthusiastic response to their “Silver Screen” success at
The Astor Theatre, Deal, on 14th May. Best book quickly!

Saturday, 30th May, 8.00pm stageL
Main Theatre, Stag Community Arts Centre,
London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 1ZZ
Ticket Price: 
£15, £13c/FoS, £10
A £2 administration fee is charged per sale.
Tel: 01732 450175
Book: Tickets

Deal-Photo-2

Full story at “Silver Screen Jazz” A Steamboat Jazz Band Special.

“When Jazz Meets Gospel” Part 3: “Go Down Moses”

Gary Wood

L to R: Gary Wood; Roger Evan, keyboard; Chris Green, bass; Ronnie Fenn, drums: Dan Foster, sax

Continuing Gary Wood’s Swing Band Presentation and slide show featuring the influence of the African/American tradition on Jazz.

“When Jazz Meets Gospel”

 

Part 3: “Go Down Moses

The Negro spiritual “Go Down Moses” dates back to the mid 1800s and relates how God sent Moses to Pharaoh demanding that he “Let my people go”, i.e. release of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. “Israel” represents the African-American slaves while “Egypt” and “Pharaoh” represent the slave masters:

When Israel was in Egypt’s land: Let my people go,
Oppress’d so hard they could not stand, Let my People go.
Go down, Moses,
Way down in Egypt’s land,
Tell old Pharaoh,
Let my people go.

View the complete set:
Gary Wood’s “Jazz Meets Gospel” Compilation: Parts 1 to 11

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz

Photo & YouTube © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz

Jazz at The Bedford, Thursday 28th May: Vasilis Xenopoulos with Tad Newton’s Jazzfriends

Vasilis Xenopoulos

Vasilis Xenopoulos

Saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos was born in Athens and began playing the saxophone at 13. He studied music at Athen’s Philippos Nakas Conservatory, gaining experience by playing with some of the top names on the Greek jazz scene. In 1999 he was awarded a jazz scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston MA and later that year he represented Greece in the European Jazz Youth Orchestra.

He moved to London in 2002 and by 2005 he had formed his Quartet, soon establishing himself as one of London’s up and coming jazz saxophonists. He has worked with some of the best musicians on the British jazz scene and on an international level, he has appeared with a variety of top performers such as sensational pianists Hiromi and Jason Lindner.

In 2009 Vasilis formed his current ensemble “The Xtet”. They released their  debut album “Loud City” in 2011 to huge acclaim. He has appeared as guest soloist, band leader and as saxophone section leader in jazz venues and festivals throughout the UK and he is currently lead tenor with the Steve Taylor Big Band and with the Ealing based Sound of 17 Big Band.

“One of the most fiery young saxophonists around blazes a path through the hard bop repertoire” (The Times) 

”A bright newcomer on alto and tenor saxist Vasilis Xenopoulos”… (Evening Standard)

Vasilis’ explosive style places him in great demand. Plus he will be starring with
Tad Newton’s Jazzfriends, a dynamic band with a great line up, ever popular at The Bedford. 

As ever at The Bedford, seats are shifting fast so best book quickly for
8.00pm, Thursday, 28th May.
Telephone Bedford Golf Club: 01234 320022

JazzBedford

“When Jazz Meets Gospel” Part 2: Louis Armstrong


Continuing Gary Wood’s Swing Band Presentation

“When Jazz Meets Gospel”

 

Part-2-Louis

Left to Right: Satchmo; Gary Wood; Roger Evan; Chris Green.


Part 2: Gary’s slide show presentation features the influence of the African/American tradition on Jazz and Louis Armstrong’s role in this, demonstrated by
“Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen”.

View the complete set:
Gary Wood’s “Jazz Meets Gospel” Compilation: Parts 1 to 11

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz

Photo & YouTube © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz

New Orleans Z’hulus Storm Soho’s Blue Posts

 

Band

Emile Martyn, Philippe de Smet, Dan Vercruysse, Jesper Capion Larsen

Emile Martin was heard to exclaim “I told you!” during Brian Turnock’s introduction to The New Orleans Z’hulus’ session at The Blue Posts, Rupert Street, Soho, on Tuesday, 12th May. It was a phenomenally successful gig and the pub was packed full with fans.

Bee-Ororo

Bee Ororo with Philippe de Smet, Jesper Capion Larsen and Brian Turnock

Filming for YouTubes would have been nigh on impossible had I not arrived early enough to claim a bar stool and perch precariously at the very front within feet of the band. Even then there was little room to swing a cat let alone a camera such was the crush. But Emile encouraged me when he said: “You’ll manage it, Peter. You usually do!” and later on he arranged it for me to film from behind the bar just in time for guest singer, Bee Ororo.

It was all great fun and my one regret is that I was so close to clarinetist Jesper Capion Larsen during his brilliant rendition of “Burgundy Street Blues” that it was simply impossible to film him. And yet it was a regret tempered by the wonderment of watching really close up his fingers glide smoothly over the keys.

Not to be left out, Emlle Van Pelt behind the bar!

Not to be left out, Emlle Van Pelt behind the bar!

The Blue Posts was the Z’hulus third pitstop during their extensive 2015 UK tour. Get your skates on and you’ll still be able to catch them before the tour ends on 22nd May at Farnborough Jazz Club. Visit The New Orleans Z’hulus 2015 UK Tour Dates

So thank you Brian Turnock, Dan Vercruysse, Philippe de Smet, Emile Van Pelt, Emile Martyn, Jesper Capion Larsen and guest vocalist Bee Ororo.

But now for the YouTube Close Ups and it was such an enthralling gig I can’t resist featuring several of them!

A joyous jazz time was had by one and all!

BeeOroroBand

Emile Martyn, Bee Ororo, Philippe de Smet, Jesper Capion Larsen & Band Leader Brian Turnock

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz

(Photos & YouTubes © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz)

“When Jazz Meets Gospel” Part 1: The Gary Wood Swing Band

Left to Right: Roger Evan, keyboard; Chris Green, bass; Gary Wood; Ronnie Fenn, drums: Dan Foster, sax

L to R: Satchmo; Roger Evan, keyboard; Chris Green, bass; Gary Wood; Ronnie Fenn, drums: Dan Foster, sax

“When Jazz Meets Gospel” Part 1

 

Gary Wood developed an early interest in jazz, joining his first band in 1986. He has built
a solid reputation as a trumpeter and vocalist and now works as a freelance musician appearing with bands in a variety of jazz & swing styles. He has performed at festivals
in the UK and Europe and has played with many top musicians such as Alan Barnes,
John Dankworth and Roy Williams and Tad Newton.

His latest, recently launched presentation is a “Gary Wood Swing Band” special entitled
“When Jazz Meets Gospel” and I count myself highly privileged to have enjoyed one its
first showings at Olney Jazz Club early in May.

So what better than to promote “When Jazz Meets Gospel” in serialised Jazz&Jazz posts featuring YouTubes I was privileged to take on the night. In each post the YouTube featured will show Gary telling the inspiring story of Jazz and the Gospel dating back to those earliest days in New Orleans. It’s a combination of slide show, narration and iconic jazz from past eras.

Thank you Gary for such a wonderful evening and, Jazzers, here is the introductory YouTube.

View the complete set:
Gary Wood’s “Jazz Meets Gospel” Compilation: Parts 1 to 11

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz

(Photo & YouTube © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz)

Philippe Briand’s Memories of Jazz from the 1950s to the Present Day

Papamutt, Michel Goldberg Au Pub Le Paddy, Vannes, juin 2006

Michel Goldberg, Philippe Briand (Papamutt) & Marc Fossett (Au Pub Le Paddy, Vannes, juin 2006)

Last year I was very fortunate to befriend Philippe Briand through Fest Jazz, Chateauneuf-du-Foau in Brittany, and since then we have kept in touch online. Philippe hails from Carhaix in Brittany. Although he doesn’t play so much these days, not only is he a jazz musician, he is also a jazz historian and his memories of jazz range from way back in the 1950s right up to the present day.

What’s more, he features them on his wonderful website, LA JAZZ-ITUDE DE PAPAMUTT CARHAIX (with the option of English translations).

Michel Goldberg, Papamutt, Philippe Dardelle, (Au Manoir des Indes, Quimper)

Michel Goldberg, Philippe Dardelle, Philippe Briand (Papamutt) Au Manoir des Indes, Quimper.

The subhead to Philippe’s site states: “My memories of jazz since the 1950s , with texts (some in English), unpublished translations , audio files, videos, photos.” And they are incredible memories and amazing photos!

So Jazzers everywhere, here is the link to La Jazz-itude de Papamutt Carhaix.

I’m sure you find it as well worth visiting as I did – plus he has included a link to Jazz&Jazz!

But Philippe, you’ll need to translate  “PAPAMUTT” for us!

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz

Opera North Presents Proclaimed Italian Jazz Pianist Stefano Bollani

 

Stefano Bollani

Stefano Bollani

“Stefano Bollani is an Italian pianist and composer of ebullient charm and uncommon sensitivity, whether performing solo or in landmark collaborations with Enrico Rava and Chick Corea. Of his latest release, “Joy in Spite of Everything”, All About Jazz said ‘like a kind of musical contortionist, Stefano Bollani keeps repositioning himself with eye-popping ease. The diversity and eclecticism of Bollani’s projects are reflected in the sweeping breadth
of his vocabulary’
.”

The vivacious stage presence of Italian jazz pianist Stefano Bollani is unlike any other. Renowned for his dynamic performances and abundant personality, Bollani will lift the spirit taking the audience on an incredible musical journey through tracks from his album “Joy in Spite of Everything” on Thursday 21 May in Opera North’s Howard Assembly Room.

Stefan“Bollani is a spirited performer who can switch from lively off-beat showmanship to uncommon sensitivity at lighter moments charming the audience with his infectious persona.  Notorious for his collaborations with big-named artists including Enrico Rava and Chick Corea, “Joy In Spite of Everything” was originally recorded with the legendary Bill Frisell, saxophonist Mark Turner, bassist Jesper Bodilsen and drummer Morten Lund.” The Guardian

“Anyone who’s had the pleasure of watching Stefano Bollani in concert… knows that, above all, joy is fundamental to the music he makes.” All About Jazz

Stefano Bollani “…makes the instrument sound as if it functioned with liquids rather than hammers.” The Guardian

OperaNorthLogoW

A top name on the European jazz scene, a UK visit from Stefano Bollani is a rare thing
and one you need to be part of!
Be sure to book early: http://www.operanorth.co.uk/productions/stefano-bollani

To book under Opera North’s multi-buy please call 0844 848 2727 Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm.

Please note the time indicated is the actual start of the performance. Doors to the event will open approximately 15 minutes before.

Whats-On

Barry Martyn & Burgundy Street Press

 

barry

John A Dixon recently caught my attention in a post on my Facebook Jazzers Group.
He included a link to Burgundy Street Press and a feature entitled
BURGUNDY STREET PRESS & BARRY MARTYN 

I was privileged to paint Barry’s portrait on drums during his final appearance at London’s famous 100 Club on Oxford Street. And then I had the even greater privilege of meeting him in New Orleans in 2010.

Barry doesn’t do email so I was all the more pleased to receive his handwritten letter:

“Dear Peter
“You have embarked on a lonely road. There have been few people painting New Orleans musicians over the years. There was one guy named Frank Caunce … in the 1965 – 72 period who was very good but not as organised as you. So keep doing what you are doing.”
Barry Martyn
New Orleans

Burgundy Street Press wrote In their item entitled “Burgundy Street Press & Barry Martyn”:

‘WHAT A LUXURY FOR A PERSON WHO DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE INTERNET, NOR EVEN OWNS A CELL PHONE, TO HAVE HIS OWN DEDICATED “WEBSITE” FOR HIM AND HIS PRODUCTS. IT IS CALLED BURGUNDYSTREETPRESS.COM’

The post includes this tribute to Barry:

“DRUMMER, RECORD PRODUCER, BANDLEADER… jazz researcher, and cigar-chomping raconteur Barry Martyn is a New Orleans original who happens to have been born in England. This might seem implausible, but it makes perfect sense to members of the New Orleans traditional jazz community, who view themselves as an extended family based on merit as much as nativity. One earns a place through a combination of musical talent, good works, and attitude, fueled by a desire to be “in that number.” Martyn found his way to New Orleans because he knew in his heart that he belonged there. In responding to the music of sage practicioners such as the clarinetist George Lewis, he arrived with a sense of purpose, determined not only to learn from his musical heroes but also to really get to know them.”
— Bruce Boyd Raeburn, Curator Hogan Jazz Archive, Tulane University

The You can read the entire post at: http://www.burgundystreetpress.com/#about-us

BandDewDrop2

Wonderful memories of Dew Drop Hall!

Thank you Barry for such wonderful memories!

…… and John Dixon, I owe you this for alerting me to the post:

https://squareup.com/market/shotgun-jazz-band/algiers-strut

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz

French Quarter Festival 2010.

French Quarter Festival 2010.

(Photos © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz)

Portrait Link

Focus On Fest Jazz, Châteauneuf-du-Faou, 24th – 26th July, 2015

 

Trevor Stent has emailed me:

“Hello Peter, here is the Teaser Video for Fest jazz 2015.  It was made by Mathilde, our young Director of Communications and is deliberately aimed at the “younger market”.  I will be interested to hear from your readers what they think…Too brash?  Vulgar? Or an interesting attempt to get more young people to a Jazz Festival?  We’d love to have your readers’ reactions! 

“Thanks, Trevor”

Sean Moyses

Sean Moyses

Only too pleased to do so, Trevor.

In fact, Sean Moyses, one of your star performers this year, beat me to it with this scoop on my Facebook Jazzers Group: “Now if you are going to advertise a festival of jazz to a wider audience, THIS is a great example of professionalism in marketing. Looking forward to being part of the fun!!!”

So I am delighted to post the YouTube Promo. Tell Mathilde it’s brilliant!

…… and here is the link to my earlier promo post for this brilliant Festival:

Focus on Youth at Fest Jazz, Châteauneuf-du-Faou, 24th – 26th July, 2015

PS Trevor, despite setbacks, if I possibly can I will be at Fest Jazz again this year so keep a small corner for me just in case!

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor Jazz&Jazz

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