Twenty years ago, ravaged and worn, not long before the end of his life, Chet Baker performed at the old-look Ronnie Scott’s, a little frayed at the edges but still a haunting performer. 25.09.06

Fresh from receiving a Ronnie Scott's award at the Soho club on Monday night, Van Morrison takes to the stage at the Roundhouse in London tonight for his first major London gig this year. Billed as a "Van Morrison at the Movies show" it coincides with the release of a compilation of his hits used in films over three decades by a wide range of directors, so expect 'Moondance', 'Brown Eyed Girl', 'Into the Mystic', 'Gloria' and many more. 11.05.07

Van Morrison is to release his new album Keep It Simple in March. The new album, his first studio album since Pay The Devil, comes hard on the heels this month of seven mid-price reissues of deep back catalogue including Tupelo Honey and the classic live album It’s Too Late to Stop Now all with bonus tracks and three compilations last year. 16.01.08

30.06.08

After opening last May in its new premises in Dalston the Vortex jazz club has carefully built up an eclectic and challenging programme that last week saw the last ever gig by the Gilad Atzmon Orient House Ensemble shortly to be followed by two rare gigs by John Taylor on 23 and 24 January, one with the trio of Palle Danielsson and Martin France and the other a solo set. Tickets are bound to go fast so book early! 18.01.06

The Ochre Works, a new bar, restaurant and performance space opens today below the Vortex in the space previously used by the Little Sardegna restaurant. Will Gresford, manager of the London club, says: “It’s going to be a great place to grab a drink before heading upstairs for the gig. We’re serving a simple menu with great coffee and we will also be able to host gigs down there, and eventually also broadcast shows upstairs down to a flatscreen in the bar.” 29.04.08

Jazzwise readers are invited to vote in two jazz newcomer categories for the inaugural Ronnie Scott’s Jazz awards, with the winners announced at the club’s Awards show on Monday 7 May. Known as The Ronnie’s the awards, exclusively announced in Jazzwise in December, will be hosted by TV and radio’s Michael Parkinson. The awards will acknowledge some of the world’s biggest names as well as up and coming UK and International artists. Among the 36 award categories will be Singer of the Year, Instrumental Album of the Year, Vocal Album of the Year, Jazz Crossover Artist and Album of the Year, William Morris Agency Award For Best Live Act, Greatest Living Jazz Musician Award and UK and International Most Promising Newcomer Award Voted for by Jazzwise Readers. Tony Bennett, who makes a special appearance at the club on 5 May, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. 13.03.07

The Parliamentary Jazz Awards have been announced for 2007 and will take place at the House of Commons on 24 April. The awards, now in their third year, are organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group and sponsored by leading music industry copyright body Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) in conjunction with Jazz Services and the Jazz Section of the Musicians Union.
12.12.06