Jazz in Wales

Jazz Connection playlist 23 November 2009

2009-11-23T11:08:00.002Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 23 November on Radio Cardiff:

Tony Kofi Quartet – If I Spoke My Mind
Havana Cultura – Roforofo Fight
Sensorium – The Two Sons of Iona
Chris Hodgkins Quartet – King's Birth Night
Husnu Senlendirici – Oyun Havasi (Dance Mood)
Bobby Wellins – Fascinating Rhythm
Kitty Bevan – A Foggy Day in London Town
Mike Markey & Nick Jones – My Pencil Won't Write No More
George Melly/Digby Fairweather – Winin' Boy Blues
Kora Jazz Trio – Chan Chan

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night 8 till 9pm - tune in at 8pm on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Heavy Quartet album launch

2009-11-18T15:10:00.003Z

The Heavy Quartet launch their new CD Hardware this Friday 20 November at Dempseys in Cardiff.

This is their 13th release and their first new album in five years - the band will be playing it in its entirety as well as some old favourites.

The CD will be available from www.jazzcds.co.uk online purchasing or i-Tunes download, also from Spillers Records, Cardiff.

Expect the usual genre busting, unpredictable jazz mix that the eight piece "Quartet" are famous for.

Doors at 8.30, first set 9.30, cost £5 or £4 concessions.

More info and clips at www.myspace.com/heavyquartet

You can also hear the opening track - Bailey Dan y Bws - at the start of the latest edition of my Jazz Connection show - hear it now at www.jazz-connection.co.uk

Jazz Connection playlist 16 November 2009

2009-11-16T11:22:00.005Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 16 November on Radio Cardiff:

Heavy Quartet – Bailey Dan y Bws
Random Heroes – C'Mon & Get It (Soul Harmonics Remix)
Michael Janisch – Milestones
Asaf Sirkis Trio – Stoned Bird
Mark Latimer – Rainstorm
Jim Hart's Gemini – Crunchy Country
Tubby Hayes Quintet – Down in the Village
Imperfect Tenth - Birdland

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff.

Tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz Connection playlist 9 November 2009

2009-11-08T13:49:00.001Z

There's another chance to hear a special funky edition of the Jazz Connection this Monday 9 November at 8pm on Radio Cardiff.

Featured artists include King Curtis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Brian Auger and some home grown Welsh talent.

Tune in at 8pm on 98.7 FM or listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

New jazz sounds at the Hen and Chicks

2009-11-05T11:06:00.003Z

Bob Duck and Steve Tarmer have taken over the running of the Sunday lunchtime jazz sessions at the Hen and Chicks in Abergavenny.

They'll be appearing with a variety of special guests over the coming months with Trevor Davies, Colin Tunney, Martha Skilton and Kathy Marshall among the performers lined up.

The music starts at 1.15pm and continues till 3.45pm every week - admission is free with Sunday lunch also available.

The Hen and Chicks is in Flannel Street, just off the High Street in Abergavenny - click here for full details.

Drummer Bob and bassist Steve will also be joining contemporary classical and jazz pianist Mark Latimer for a special one-off trio gig at the Queen's Head in Monmouth on Wednesday 18 November under the name LTD (Latimer Tarmer and Duck).

See Mark's website for more about his work.

Jazz Connection playlist 2 November 2009

2009-11-02T11:26:00.004Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 2 November on Radio Cardiff 98.7:

Claire Martin – So Twentieth Century
Soulive ft Nigel Hall – Too Much
Jan Garbarek Group – Paper Nut (Live in Dresden)
Bhakti Jazz – Eastern Moods
Azhaar Saffar – Pura Vida
Taffronaut vs Chupacabra – Straight Outta Canton
Harry Beckett – Rolli's Tune
Harry Connick Jr/Carla Bruni – And I Love Her
Dunkelbunt ft Boban i Marco Marcovic Orkestar – Cinnamon Girl
Graham Watkins Quartet ft Claire Hingott – It's Alright With Me
John Etheridge Sweet Chorus – When You're Smiling
The New Mastersounds – Dusty Groove

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen online at www.radiocardiff.org.uk

Check out that website to vote for me in the Radio Cardiff Music Awards - I'm nominated for Best Male Specialist Presenter (Jazz Connection) and Best World Music Show (A Night in Tunisia).

Jazz Connection playlist 26 October 2009

2009-10-26T11:16:00.006Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 26 October on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM:

Duke Pearson – The Fakir
Martin Speake – I Didn’t Know What Time It Was
Sinto – Man On The Banks
Huw Warren – Harmonia sem Chronologia
John Paul Gard – Beef Dumplin' Stew
Abram Wilson – Breaking Point
Stu Brown Sextet – Devil Drums
Alison Burns & Martin Taylor – I'm Confessin'
Peter King/Philippe Briand Trio – Star Eyes
Shirley Bassey – Light My Fire
5 Go Swing – Coquette

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Click here to cast your vote in the Radio Cardiff Awards - I'm nominated for Best Male Specialist Presenter (Jazz Connection) and Best World Music Show (A Night in Tunisia).

Chris Hodgkins on tour in Wales

2009-10-21T16:09:00.003+01:00

Cardiff-raised trumpeter Chris Hodgkins returns to Wales to play five dates with his quartet in November 2009.

Tues 24 Nov - Theatr Brycheiniog Bar, Brecon - 01874 611 622
Weds 25 Nov - The Carreg, Narberth - 01834 869 323
Thurs 26 Nov - Café Jazz, Cardiff - 029 2038 7026
Fri 27 Nov - The Copper Beech, Abercrave - 01639 730 565
Sat 28 Nov - Comrades Club, Pontypool - 01495 762 504

Chris will be joined by Alison Rayner on bass, Max Brittain on guitar and Diane McLoughlin on soprano and alto sax.

They'll be playing a selection of originals from Chris' trio and quartet albums, new originals by Henry Lowther and Diane McLoughlin, and favourites by Fletcher Henderson, Peggy Lee, Benny Goodman and Johnny Hodges.

Chris was a founder member of the Welsh Jazz Society before moving to London to take the helm of Jazz Services.

See www.chrishodgkins.co.uk for more about his work.

Jazz Connection playlist 19 October 2009

2009-10-19T10:16:00.006+01:00

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 19 October on Radio Cardiff:

Georgie Fame – Yeh Yeh
Geoff Eales Trio – Song For My Mother
Stan Getz and Luiz Bonfa – So Danco Samba
Lokkhi Terra – Mela
Cape Town Opera – Porgy & Bess Overture/Summertime
3 Square – Cracovian Duck
Les Triaboliques – Gulaguajira
Tinariwen – Tenhert
Be Bop Da Jig – Minor Swing Unswung
The Amigos – Honeysuckle Rose

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in at 8pm on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz Connection playlist 12 October 2009

2009-10-12T12:54:00.004+01:00

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 12 October on Radio Cardiff:

Omar Puente – My Mrs
Robert Mitchell Trio – Cumulus
Elisa Caleb – Bring Back Spring
James Chadwick Trio – Beetroot 2 Me
Deep Street Soul – Homebound
Empirical – So He Left
Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich – Bernie's Tune
Geoff Gascoyne – The Happening
Zoot Money – The Uncle Willie
Mahala Rai Banda – Mahalageasca

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in at 8pm on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Empirical star on tour in Wales

2009-10-07T13:26:00.002+01:00

Nathaniel Facey, the alto saxophonist with acclaimed post-boppers Empirical, embarks on a short tour of Wales this month.

He'll appear at the following venues backed by the John Gibbon Trio:

Weds 14 October - Pembroke House Hotel, Haverfordwest
Thurs 15 October - Cafe Jazz, Cardiff
Friday 16 October - Sebastopol Social Club, Pontypool
Saturday 17 October - Harp Inn, Glasbury, near Hay-on-Wye
Sunday 18 October - Cripple Creek Inn, Raglan

Contact the venues directly for further details.

Empirical have just released their second album Out'n'In, inspired by the music of Eric Dolphy.

See www.myspace.com/empiricalmusic for more about the band.

Jazz Connection playlist 5 October 2009

2009-10-05T19:15:00.005+01:00

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 5 October on Radio Cardiff 98.7:

The Jiveoholics - Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
Jimi Tenor/Tony Allen - Against The Wall
Terence Blanchard ft Dr Cornel West - A New Note/A New World
Cleo Laine/Alec Dankworth - Dreams of Castilla
Brother Jack McDuff - The Shadow of Your Smile
Kit Downes Trio - Jump Minzi Jump
Art Blakey Quintet - A Night in Tunisia (Live at Birdland)
Brass Jaw - Our Love Is Here To Stay
Root Doctors ft Li Harding - You Can Have My Husband
Mabon - Rough Crossing on the Munter Express

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM at 8pm or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz Connection playlist 28 September 2009

2009-09-28T12:26:00.007+01:00

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 28 September on Radio Cardiff:

Kylie Auldist – Made of Stone
Dominic Norcross Quartet – Quick, Hide
Kitty Bevan Duo – If I Were a Bell
Abram Wilson – Snake in the Grass
George Benson – Living in High Definition
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club – Buena Vista Social Club (Live)
Yasmin Levy – El Amor Contigo (Loving You)
Will Butterworth – Stella by Starlight
Jazz ExTempore Orchestra – Café Calypso
Curtis & Phelps – What Are You Feeling
Kevin Figes Quartet – The Grind

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday at 8pm - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Digby's gig for Melly sculpture appeal

2009-09-28T10:28:00.004+01:00

Digby Fairweather will be playing a special concert at Brecon Cathedral on Saturday 28 November to raise funds for the George Melly Sculpture Appeal.

One of the UK's leading trumpeters, Digby will be supported by supported by Mike Britton on guitar, John Gibbons on drums and Clive Morton on bass.

The concert will be followed by an aftershow party including a buffet, wine and live music from Mike Markey and Nick Jones.

Tickets cost £11 for the concert and £25 for the concert and party, available by telephone on 01874 712016.

The George Melly Sculpture Appeal was launched at the 2008 Brecon Jazz Festival to commission a permanent memorial to the man who supported the event from its earliest days until his death in July 2007.

See www.georgemellysculpture.org.uk for details.

Globe appeal against loss of licence

2009-09-21T17:32:00.005+01:00

A music promoter is to appeal after Cardiff Council revoked the live music licence from one of the city's top venues.

The authority's licensing committee took the action against The Globe in Albany Road, Roath, following complaints from local residents about the level of noise.

The Globe recently hosted the inaugural Cardiff Jazz Awards and has staged gigs by the Average White Band, Acoustic Ladyland, Tim Kliphuis, the Root Doctors, the Amigos and Top Shelf Jazz.

The former cinema was reopened last year as a 300-seater music venue by Alan Jones, a former member of 60's chart toppers Amen Corner.

Mr Jones told the BBC he'd spent thousands of pounds trying to insulate the building to prevent any noise pollution, and added that the work is continuing.

"It's proved to be a successful venture. It's an eclectic programme of music that appeals to everyone from 18 to 60. It's diverse in its appeal and has been trouble free," said Mr Jones.

"We've had two complainants, local residents, one at the front and one behind the venue," he added.

"We're undertaking the work to avoid the problem. Essentially, it's insulation for the building. We had hoped they would extend the time to allow us to finish."

A spokeswoman for Cardiff Council confirmed that the licensing committee had revoked the licence last Friday during a meeting at City Hall. She was unable to say how the long the appeal to the city's Magistrates would take.

In the meantime, gigs at the Globe will continue, with acts including Wishbone Ash and Curved Air booked for concerts this autumn.

Read more on the BBC News website - for details of gigs at the venue see www.theglobecardiff.com.

Jazz Connection playlist 21 September 2009

2009-09-21T13:06:00.004+01:00

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 21 September on Radio Cardiff:

Down To The Bone ft Roy Ayers – Good To Me
Jacqui Dankworth – Underline Our Love
Osian Roberts/Steve Fishwick Quintet – The Knife
Kenny Dorham – Afrodisia
Perfect Pitch ft Peter King – Body and Soul
Yaron Herman Trio – Lamidbar
Mahala Rai Banda – Hora Din Mahala
Tony Bennett/Bill Evans – Waltz for Debby (alternate take)
5 Go Swing – I'll See You In My Dreams
Lynn Taitt – Bog Walk

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz Connection playlist 14 September 2009

2009-09-14T11:33:00.003+01:00

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 14 September on Radio Cardiff:

London Jazz 4 - Things We Said Today
Randa and the Soul Kingdom – Not Gonna Let You
Michael Janisch – Love Is a Many Splendoured Thing
Portico Quartet – Paper Scissors Stone
Breakestra – No Matter Where You Go
John Paul Gard – Les is Mo
Threeway – Crystal Morning
BBQ (Brownfield Byrne Quartet) – Split Kick
EST – Seven Days of Falling
Ian Shaw – If Love Were All
Top Shelf Jazz – Puttin' on the Ritz
Coltrane Dedication Band – Mr PC

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz Connection playlist 7 September 2009

2009-09-07T12:51:00.004+01:00

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 7 September on Radio Cardiff:

Pee Wee Ellis – Chicken
Bluesy Susie – Don't Know Why
Stefon Harris and Blackout – Gone
Gilad Atzmon – What Is This Thing Called Love
Wonderbrass – Dunkin' With Rich T
John Etheridge Sweet Chorus – When You're Smiling
George Benson – Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Colosseum – Beware the Ides of March
Claire Martin – Love Is Real
Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band – Buona Sera
Average White Band – Pick Up The Pieces

Tune in every Monday at 8pm on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz For Fun at the Norwegian Church

2009-09-04T12:10:00.002+01:00

Beverley Gough is hosting an introductory course for musicians who are new to jazz, swing and blues at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff Bay from September.

The workshops are for people who are interested in learning swing rhythm, and basic jazz and blues improvisation. It's open to all instruments and all ages.

The course is designed to make playing in a group a fun and enjoyable experience, and to learn some new skills too.

Music reading will be needed on the course, but can be taught to those who are not familiar with reading.

The first workshop takes place on Tuesday 29 September from 7 till 9pm - cost £10 or £6 for under 16s, unwaged, tax credits, and over 60s.

Email Beverley on saxforfun @ gmail.com to book your place.

Click here to see Bev teach the saxophone to Mal Pope of BBC Radio Wales.

Pee Wee leads a Never Ending Song in Cardiff

2009-09-03T17:46:00.003+01:00

Pee Wee Ellis will lead the Cardiff leg on Wednesday 9 September of the Never Ending Song being performed at Pizza Express restaurants around the UK next week.

The tenor saxphonist best known for his time in James Brown's band will be joined by leading lights of the south Wales jazz scene including Glen Manby, Gareth Roberts, Paula Gardiner, Paul Jones, Jonny Bruce and Lara James.

They'll be taking part in the challenge to keep a specially composed 12 bar blues going non-stop for 168 hours across seven cities and 1,100 miles from Tuesday 8 to Sunday 13 September.

The band will perform two sets from 5 till 7pm and 7.30 till 10.30pm at the High Street branch of Pizza Express near Cardiff Castle.

All are welcome to book a table to see the gig but please note it's not an open jam session - there'll be opportunities for everyone to get involved in busking sessions in Cardiff during the day.

See www.neverendingsong.co.uk for more information.

The Real R&B playlist 31 August 2009

2009-08-31T20:32:00.002+01:00

On August Bank Holiday Monday the Jazz Connection slot on Radio Cardiff was filled by a one-off special called The Real R&B. Hope you enjoyed the show if you heard it - here's the playlist:

Muddy Waters - Got My Mojo Working
Junior Parker - Feeling Good
James Brown - Night Train
Rolling Stones - Route 66
The High Numbers - I'm the Face
Zoot Money - The Uncle Willie
Ruth Brown - 5-10-15 Hours
Richard Berry - Louie Louie
Alan Price's Rhythm & Blues Combo - Boom Boom
Jimi Hendrix - Hoochie Coochie Man
Fleetwood Mac - Shake Your Money Maker
Howling Wolf - The Killing Floor
Otis Rush - Homework
Bo Diddley - You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover
The Hi-Fis - I Keep Forgetting
The Plebs - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
Georgie Fame - Get On The Right Track Baby
Tommy Tucker - Hi Heel Sneakers
Tom Jones - Lawdy Miss Clawdy
Manfred Mann - Got My Mojo Working

The Jazz Connection returns next Monday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Pembrokeshire Jazz 'n' Blues 2009

2009-08-24T14:41:00.000+01:00

Michael Janisch and Asaf Sirkis are among the attractions of the 6th Pembrokeshire Jazz 'n' Blues Festival taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend of August 27 to 31.

Most of the events are taking place in Fishguard, with some gigs in Goodwick, Mathry and Newport.

Many of the gig are free of charge, and a range of percussion and vocal workshops are also on offer.

See www.aberjazz.com for full details.

Jazz Connection playlist 24 August 2009

2009-08-24T11:41:00.004+01:00

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 24 August on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM - most of the tunes are by bands playing at next month's Pontypool Jazz Festival:

Sirius B – High 'n' Dry
Heavy Quartet – Skaface
Keith Little Band – Basin Street Blues
Bluesy Susie – Ramblin' on my Mind
3 Square – Canteloupe Island
Mike Markey & Nick Jones - Filthy Rich
Root Doctors – Assume the Position of Love
Dominic Norcross Quartet – A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
Laura Collins – Battersea Park
Ray Thompson & Jim Barber - Moon River
Wonderbrass – La Vie en Rose
The Amigos – Music for a Found Harmonium

Next week's show will be a Bank Holiday Monday special called the Real R'n'B - tune in at 8pm on 98.7 FM or live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Pontypool Jazz Festival - Sept 4 to 6

2009-08-20T12:00:00.002+01:00

The cream of stars from the Welsh jazz scene will be on show for the Pontypool Jazz Festival from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September.

Formerly known as Jazz in the Park, the event will now take place indoors, mainly at the Active Living Centre with a couple of gigs at the Comrades Club.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan will officially open the event on the Friday night with an opening concert by the Root Doctors at the Comrades Club.

The Amigos, Keith Little, Sirius B, Wonderbrass, Jim Barber and Bluesy Susie are among the attractions on Saturday and Sunday.

There'll also be a number of workshops allowing visitors to get involved.

The festival is being moved indoors to save costs and as a precaution following the heavy rain and flooding which forced the cancellation of last year's event.

Tickets for the opening concert cost £5, and admission to all concerts on Saturday and Sunday is by a stroller wristband costing £5 per day.

See www.pontypooljazzinthepark.org.uk or contact the Congress Theatre box office on 01633 868239.

There'll be a special festival preview edition of the Jazz Connection on Radio Cardiff this coming Monday 24 August at 8pm featuring tracks by many of the artists appearing.

Tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Musicians invited to join Never Ending Song

2009-08-19T15:48:00.003+01:00

Jazz FM and Pizza Express are inviting musicians to take part in a never ending song to be performed non-stop, 24 hours a day for a week across Britain.

The tune will evolve as it's shaped by collaborations with local talent from London, Brighton, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh.

The Cardiff leg of the event takes place at the High Street branch of Pizza Express on Wednesday 9 September from 5 till 7pm and 8 till 10pm.

See www.neverendingsong.co.uk for details of how to get involved.