Birmingham Jazz

The next week sees a very busy and rich period for Birmingham Jazz with three top class and differing gigs. The first is with Zed-U as part of Birmingham Jazz’s regular Jazz Club series on Wednesday 25th November (doors at 8.30). ......

I was lucky enough to get a ticket for the Sonny Rollins concert at the Barbican on Saturday on the second night of the London Jazz Festival. I had only heard Sonny play live once before a good ten years ago at least......

Read Peter Bacon’s review here. I think the review captures the essence of the concert extremely well, and I don’t have too much to add. But I do want to say that the recorded readings at the beginning of each set worked extremely well and set an appropriate mood. I ......

I am delighted to report that trumpeter and composer Chris Batchelor has won a Paul Hamlyn Composer Award. This was announced at the Awards ceremony in London last night......

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Steve Tromans’ latest project is inspired by Victor Jara, the Chilean singer songwriter and political activist. ......

I really enjoyed last night’s concert (7th November) with Portico Quartet and Sweet Billy Pilgrim. ......

There is a very thoughtful review by John L Walters of the Portico Quartet recent concert at the Koko venue in London in today’s Guardian. He says: The group don’t build their music like a rock band with volume and big gestures. Nor do they sprawl like jazzers with themes and long solos. Ra......

Here we are referring to events that are free entry to the public. Peter Bacon on his Jazz Breakfast site has launched a very interesting debate on this question. You can read his piece here. Tony

There is a very interesting concert in the Recital Hall in Birmingham Conservatoire this Wednesday, 4th November, with a double bill featuring Blink, the trio featuring Alcyona Mick on piano, Robin Fincker on sax and Paul Clarvis on drums. It’s a double bill with the Lluis Mather Quartet opening. ......

Last night’s Rush Hour Blues session presented a fine set from the Sam Crockatt Quartet. It’s a great group with Kit Downes on piano, Oli Hayhurst on bass and Ben Reynolds on drums, and the music was mostly selected from their debut album Howeird on the Loop Label. T......

Sam Crockatt is a fine young saxophonist who has recently brought out an excellent album Howeird on Loop Records. He was in town recently with Mike Janisch and impressive with a very distinctive voice that is not too far out, but always maintains interest......

Read Peter Bacon’s review of the Sam Wooster Quartet gig at at The Rainbow last night here. I think the review captures the gig extremely well. Tony