Monthly Archives: December 2016

Sun 11 Dec 2012 | Special Jazz gig at The Retreat | In memory of the late Dave Curwell who was a regular supporter of jazz gigs in and around Reading. Dave was everyone’s friend and you could not meet a nicer guy | Dave remained cheerful to the last despite suffering months of intensive chemopherapy | Many jazz musicians who all very much appreciated Dave’s faithful support at their gigs will be playing at this gig | Reading | Retreat Pub | Time 6.00pm onwards | No charge, but there will be a collection in aid of Cancer Research

John Critchinson’s Xmas Special | Ascot

Jam in Reading – Mark Burton Quartet | Reading

Nigel Price’s Organ Trio plus Vasilis Xenopoulos | Marlow

Louis Alexander, Jon Bone and Marc Wilde | Reading

Phil Craddock Trio plus guests | Burnham

Fleur Stevenson/Hugh Turner | Caversham

Alec Dankworth’s World Spirit | Maidenhead

Jazz at Progress | Empirical | Buy tickets

empirical-pic

Cafe Zazous duo | Beech Hill

Jazz at Progress | Empirical | Buy tickets

empirical-pic Photo by Steve Pringle

Empirical are the coolest UK jazz group, known for producing forward-looking, risk-taking, creative music. Each member has a uniquely equal role in the musical direction of the band, brought together through the core ethos of experimentation.

This is a band that we have been wanting to feature for some time and with the release of their latest album Connection in May this year, we have the right timing. Debuting in 2006 as a quintet, but settling on the present line up in 2008, the band has won numerous awards, including this year’s Parliamentary Jazz Award for best Ensemble.

So, of the starting line-up, Tom Farmer on bass and Shaney Forbes on drums, were joined by Nathaniel Facey on reeds in 2007 and Lewis Wright on vibes completed the new quartet in 2008. From inception, the band have released five albums, all of which have won critical acclaim and have something original to say. Some maintain the band’s influences to be Eric Dolphy and because of Lewis Wright’s vibraphone element, the late Bobby Hutcherson. However, these guys, who have their jazz education rooted in bebop, do have their own sound and concepts which is very evident in Connection.

The recording was made in February 2015 after six gigs at Foyles book shop in London and is inspired by a desire to connect with an audience, some of whom may not be jazz aficionados, rather than just cater for the converted. The result is original compositions and playing summed up by Guardian jazz critic John Fordham: ‘Wright’s “Mind Over Mayhem” is a hip mix of knotty composition and bop-fuelled swing and “Lethe” is a haunting fusion of luxurious vibes chords and soulful sax laments. The rhythmically layered, fitfully spiky “Stay the Course”, meanwhile, powerfully showcases Wright’s grace and Forbes’s inventively supportive drums. This fine set is a significant renewal of Empirical’s commitment to giving 1960s hard bop and free jazz (probably still their deepest loves) a 21st-century identity.’

Buy tickets

Rebecca Poole Trio| Henley

Barb Jungr Gets Festive Again | Newbury

Dinner Jazz at The Angel: Judy Vaughan | Woolhampton

judy2

Hugh Turner Funk Workout | Reading

Sunday Jazz | Stuart Henderson Trio | Reading

Fleur Stevenson hosts Jazz Singers Night | Reading

Jazz at The Bullingdon, Oxford

Natalie McFarlane and Lawrie Wright | Reading

Roy Williams & Judy Vaughan with the Clive Burton Quintet | Hedsor

Steve Morano/Hugh Turner | Reading

Christmas Day – Sax in the City Charity Event | Reading

Jam in Reading: Ken Thompson Trio | Reading

November & December

2017 draws to a close and the World does not get any saner. So those of that can, may as well enjoy ourselves and what can be better than listening to top class jazz musicians strutting their stuff. We have quite a few visiting stars who will light the way over both remaining months of the year, bringing gigs, funkiness and mirth.

November. Friday 4^th sees a first time to Reading for the Ben Holder Quartet at Progress Theatre. Ben is that rare breed. A young jazz violinist, influenced by Stuff Smith and Grappelli, he swings and sings with gusto. A foot tapping start to the month will ensue if you get along.

The NYJO makes it’s annual visit to Henley on 11th and tickets go like proverbial hot cakes for this gig. Jazz stars of the future adorn the ranks of this famous band.

Gilad Atzmon, reeds supremo, has a couple of gigs coming up. Goring on the 11 November evening and Jagz in Ascot Sunday 13^th lunch time. Gilad is a forceful player and composer with a big personality who will blow you away.

Marlow Jazz Club hosts a guest from the USA with the first date of his UK tour, Harry Allen on the 15^th November. An international name who plays with a tone reminiscent of Coleman Hawkins and tours with many of the big names in the states. He covers the gambit of jazz standards and has a great rhythm section backing him including, from Italy, Andrea Pozza who is Harry’s pianist for the tour.

This promises to be one hell of a gig.

Chris Barber is a phenomenon really. Still touring at 86 years of age and since the early 1950s with his own bands. Lonnie Donegan started the skiffle craze from within the first band’s ranks before breaking away to start his fantastic career . Chris brought many, then unknown in the UK, Blues and Rhythm and Blues artists over, well before the Stones were even thought of and these tours influenced them and others to form bands. His place in the history of UK music of the 1960s is assured. Catch him on the 27^th at The Mill, Sonning.

You can find all these events listed on the gig’s calendar with links to the venues for tickets.

My choice for December will be added soon.

Stay cool,

Bob

Jazz n Stuff

December

The town of Reading and area is actually quite well served when it comes to Jazz. Apart from the professionals who earn a crust visiting various venues, we have our regular musician enthusiasts who keep pubs, clubs and restaurants humming. So, well done all of you and I say thank you for the music.

Here are the highlights for me over December, with apologies for not choosing sooner.

I have to start on the 16^th with the Jazz In Reading gig that I am hosting at Progress Theatre. The reason is simply that EMPIRICAL are so rarely in our part of the World that I do not want you to miss the date and opportunity to catch this outstanding band. They have been together as a quartet for eight years, which is unusual these days for young jazz musicians, but means that their improvisational understanding is highly developed. Their latest album, “Connections”, as with previous releases, is original and highly praised. I’ll stick my neck out by saying that I guarantee an exciting gig. So I look forward to seeing you there!

Alan Barnes joins the Skelton & Skinner All Stars on the 6th at Fleet Jazz Club for a swinging gig of favourite standards. I believe Ellington and Basie feature heavily and with an octet packing a punch like a big band it will be a great pre festive season gig.

Speaking of big bands, Chris Barber brings his to Goring on the 9^th. Live near there? If so, no excuses.

Steve Waterman is always a pleasure and he brings an oustanding septet to Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, also on Friday 9^th. With Clarke Tracey and Andy Clyndert around, what is not to like?

Local musicians including Stuart Henderson, are holding a JATP like session on Sunday 11 December in honour of local jazz lover Dave Curwell, who died recently. I did not know Dave, which is my loss, as everyone who did, thought highly of him. The free entry gig at The Retreat from 6:00 PM will be a fund raiser for Cancer Research. Please give generously to the collection.

Jagz in Ascot gets in the festive mood on Sunday 11^th over lunch time, with the John Critchinson Xmas Special. Apart from the former Ronnie Scott pianist, we have the ever affable sax supremo, Art Themen. Bassist, who has played with all the greats in the UK, plus many of those visiting our shores over the past umpteen years, Dave Green. Augmented by Matt Holme on drums and Jacqui Hicks vocals. Attendances have picked up over the last few gigs and the music food and atmosphere is really good at Jagz.

Nigel price Organ Trio with Vasilis Xenopoulos will no doubt bring the house down as they did recently at Progress in Reading. Those Marlow Jazz Club fans will have a great evening on the 13^th. Why not join them?

In fact, it is one great line up after another this month. Norden Farm on the 15^th hosts Alec Dankworth’s World Spirit which also features the sax of Brandon Allen, uniquely expressive percussionist Paul Clarvis on drums, plus Emily Dankworth who continues in the family tradition of being an outstanding vocalists.

You can find all these events listed on the gig’s calendar with links to the venues for tickets.

I wish you all the very best for 2017 and a Happy Christmas.

Bob

Jazz n Stuff

Sax in the City Dinner-jazz & Dancing | Wokingham

December 2016
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
« Nov				Jan »
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31

December 2016
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
« Nov				Jan »
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31