QUIVER AT RUSH HOUR BLUES

Birmingham’s own hot international Latino-jazz-funk-fusion band, Quiver, appears at Rush Hour Blues, Symphony Hall on 30th May at 5.30pm. An eclectic repertoire of Casey Greene’s original compositions, inspired by icons such as: Weather Report; Santana; Tito Puente; and Pat Metheny, will deliver inspiration and groove. The band comprises Casey Greene, Simon King, Edgar Macias, Roger Inniss, Eddie McGuire and Carl Hemmingsley. Don’t miss it!

www.quiver.org.uk

NEW THURSDAY GIG AT EARLSDON COTTAGE, COVENTRY

The Earlsdon Cottage has launched a Jazz night which promises free Jazz every Thursday night in Coventry. Up-and-coming acts include John Bartram and Danny McCormack on 8th May and the wonderful Gypsy Jazz band Fret & Fiddle on the 15th.

Contact 02476 670 123

ANDY GAYLE - SUNDAYS AT THE LORD CLIFTON, HOCKLEY

The Earlsdon Cottage has launched regular Sunday evening gig at the Lord Clifton Pub, Great Hampton Street, Hockley. Andy really is a very gifted Sax player. More familiar to most Brummies busking in New Street, he has studied Jazz at the Guildhall School of Music and spent a period in the Tomorrows Warriors Big Band (after Denys Baptiste and before Soweto Kinck). Recently he has headlined at Birmingham Jazz's Rush Hour Blues and toured with The Beat

www.andygaylejazz.co.uk/

FESTIVALS FOR EVERY TASTE

UPTON UPON SEVERN – 27th 28th 29th JUNE 2008

Musical fun and mayhem ideal for all the family comes to the Upton Jazz Festival, 27-29th June, in the shape of the Bob Kerr Whoopee Band (pictured) 2008.

On the Saturday and Sunday Bob Kerr and his Whoopee Band, more than just a funny band, will amaze festival goers with their musical ability and split second timing. They are a cross between Spike Jones, the Marx Brothers and Monty Python.

Bob served his apprenticeship with Temperance Seven, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, who had a No 1 hit with “The Urban Spaceman” in 1968 and The New Vaudeville Band who had a hit with “Winchester Cathedral.

Special star guest joining Bob at the festival is multi-talented Vernon Dudley Bohay-Nowell, also a former member of The Bonzo Dog Band, who will surprise audiences with his antics and vocals. Another exciting band, who give high-level entertain ment in a similar style for all age groups, is The Budapest Ragtime Band from Hungary, and you can see them on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For more information about Upton visit www.uptonjazz.co.uk

COVENTRY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra appear at the Warwick Arts Centre as part of the Coventry Jazz Festival, 22-26th May.

Other big names at Coventry include Jazz Jamaica, Randy Brecker,Hugh Masekela,
and the BBC Big Band with Liane Carroll and Alan Barnes.
www.coventryjazzfestival.com
02476 553055 (Box Office)

PAUL MUNNERY’S HARLEM

Paul Munnery's Harlem, a very popular big band, will be performing a Cotton Club show at Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival, 12-15th June. Harlem are also appearing at Ellington 2008, a spectacular Festival and Conference in London, 23-26th May.

THE BEST OF BRITISH PLAY ELLINGTON

From Friday May 23rd to Monday 26th 12 bands will play in honour of the greatest master of jazz, Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ Ellington at London’s Ellington Festival 2008 at the Royal National Hotel, WC1. Duke began musical life as a ragtime pianist to become America’s leading 20th century composer.

Throughout, three stillplaying members of Duke’s Orchestra, Art Baron, Buster
Cooper & John Lamb, will make special appearances.

The first night welcomes John Law (solo piano), and the Orchestra of Britain's pre- eminent jazz composer Michael Garrick with the premiere of his extended
portrait, A Life of Duke. Saturday 24th features two English regional Big Bands recreating Ellingtonian sounds through the years, and on Sunday 25th, two groups play earlierstyle Duke accompanying a sumptuous Banquet.

Holiday Monday 26th sees a marathon 12-hour Festival Session with 6 bands: 3 Small and 3 Big. Brian Priestley presents The Ellingtonians, Martin Litton plays & Val Wiseman sings, and Alan Barnes & David Newton explore Ellingtonia in duet. Birmingham's own Harlem kick off the Big Band side, the Guildhall Jazz Band plays the Queen's Suite and Echoes recreate the Newport ’56 programme which almost sparked a riot.

Don’t have the BLUES TO BE THERE – plan to be there! For details: 0208 270 1061,

Kinda Dukish at Ellington 2008

Birmingham based big band Kinda Dukish (above), who specialise in original Ellington arrangements, will have the opportunity on May 24th to share the stand with some of their music’s original interpreters when they play at Ellington 2008, a 4-day international conference in London organised by the Duke Ellington Society UK to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Duke’s British debut in 1933.

Guests of honour, and sitting in with the participating bands, will be ex-Ellingtonians Buster Cooper & Art Baron (trombone) & John Lamb (bass). The 15 piece band, whose repertoire covers all parts of the Ellington spectrum, will be previewing their conference programme at Northfield British Legion on Thursday May 15th.

KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL, 12-15 JUNE 2008

The scene is now set for the 11th annual Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival. A programme of bands has been confirmed playing a varied selection of hot, swinging, toe-tapping music which will appeal to a wide audience. Held in the picturesque harbour and artists’ town, the festival will feature a record number of top-line bands and performers, promising a real feast of musical entertainment.

The Festival show cases the talents of some of Britain’s top “traditional” jazz performers together with the sensational rhythm and blues Red Stripe Band (above), a “Cotton Club” show from Paul Munnery’s Harlem, with Gypsy Jazz and Swing from Keith Stephen’s Hot Club Trio and from Tam and Tom of Swing Guitars. Other great bands include Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band, Millennium Eagles, Martin Bennett’s Old Green River Band, Dave Donohoe Band, Yorkshire Stompers, Papa Joe’s All Stars, Sheila Fawkes and the Guys, Bill Salmond’s Louisiana Ragtime Band, Dave Kei r Hot Five and Sulwath Syncopators. On Saturday morning the Kirkcudbright All Stars Band, marshalled by Sheila Fawkes, will lead a decorated Brolly parade through the town.

Building on the success of previous festivals, this year’s event promises to again provide Kirkcudbright with an exciting, vibrant weekend of superb music and musicianship in an extravaganza of entertainment for all.

Tel 01557 330467

19th LICHFIELD REAL ALE JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
JUNE 26-29th

If you are looking for soulful searing saxophones, electrifying drummers, pulsating pianists and wonderful guitarists then Lichfield Arts have all of these plus more at this years’ exciting Lichfield Real Ale, Jazz & Blues Festival to be held at Lichfield Rugby Club.

Festival Director Brian Pretty said “After 18 years of this Festival I am still surprised at the magical, wonderful innovative music created by British musicians”. He added “We have many regulars who come back each year to enjoy the excellent music, relaxed atmosphere and fine beers”.

Tickets are available from the Box Office 01543-262223, or book online at
www.lichfieldarts.org.uk.

“SO WHAT!” . . .

. . . THEY’RE BACK . . .

. . . THAT’S WHAT!

Mike Beaumont’s excellent “So What” Big Band reformed and live at Bearwood Corks Club on Thursday 8th May

Following their extremely successful gig when, together with the Steve King Big Band, they raised £600 for the Selly Park Hospital in memory of the late Steve Francis “So What!” are taking to the road again.

After a four year break prior to their reunion for the Steve Francis concert this exciting 18 piece have decided to re-unite again for one or two concerts each year and the first venue is “Corks Club” in Bearwood on Thursday 8th May.

With all of their music arranged by leader Mike Beaumont, their unique sound swings effortlessly with many fine soloists including Linda Washington, Charles Wright and Martyn Brown. All are given ample space to express themselves as you would expect in a true jazz ensemble.

The inclusion of French Horn and Tuba within their ranks adds substantially to this very special sound. Standards like ‘Over the Rainbow’, Jazz standards such as Clifford Brown’s ‘Joy Spring’ and Mike’s own compositions are all given a very special twist of his pen making this a concert not to miss. Why wait another year!

STOP PRESS GIGS JUST IN

KIRSTY & KENNY @ THE SCARLET PIMPERNELL

Acoustic Blues duo Kirsty (Vocals) and Kenny (Resonator Guita) will be entertaining the crowd at The Scarlet Pimpernel on Thursday 8th May. Starts 8pm, admission free - full details in listings

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