Gig Guide

27 Glenn Miller Orchestra, Slammers Maximum Jive Band, Julian Marc Stringle Quintet
Spencers Gardens, Great Yeldham, Essex

27 Ethiopiques plus The Either Orchestra
Barbican Hall, London EC2
No one could have predicted the outpouring of critical praise and general feelings of affection for this amazing selection of Ethiopian funk and soul artists, recalling the fanatical response the Buena Vista Social Club elicited in the 1990s. Reflecting the unparalleled musical melting pot that was Ethiopia during the 60s and 70s, local musicians embraced every style with out a second thought for whether or not the styles had anything in common; it was this lack of preconceptions that enabled such a phenomenal blend of music to emerge. French musicologist Francis Falceto salvaged much of much of the classic work of the Buda Musique label and it’s this that forms the core of tonight’s exclusive UK concert from five of the best-known names from this uniquely divergent scene. Among those appearing will be singer Mahmoud Ahmed, arranger and composer Mulatu, saxophonist Gétatchèw Mèkurya – a giant of the instrument in modern Ethiopian music, both musically and physically – his striking stage presence is matched by his own pioneering brand of fiery African free jazz. Not only a truly momentous occasion for lovers of this amazing music that effortlessly combines the ancient and modern side of African music, but also for the fact it ushers in a new chapter in its rich and increasingly illustrious history.

27 Julia Biel
Charlie Wright's, Pitfield Street, London N1

27 Gilad Atzmon
Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean Street, London W1

27 Dylan Howe's Unity 4: Tony Kofi, Mike Outram, Ross Stanley
Victoria Theatre, Settle, North Yorkshire

27 PD3 with Dick Pearce
Carswell Golf and Country Club, Oxford

27 Femi Temowo Trio
TSolo Jazz Bar, Norwood Road, London SE24

27 Jem And Paul
Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club, Tib Street, Manchester

27 GHS Swing Foundation Big Band
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Northgate, Wakefield

27 The Bad Plus
Queen’s Theatre, Boutport Street, Barnstaple, Devon

27 Pharoah Sanders
Ronnie Scott's, Frith Street, London W1

27 The Baddest Blues Band Ever
Real Ale Jazz and Blues Festival, Lichfield

Ronnie Scott's, Frith Street, London W1
see 30.06.08 Led Bib

Gallery Cafe, Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple, North Devon,
see 25.06.08 Julia Biel

Charlie Wright's, Pitfield Street, London N1
see 27.06.08

Jazz FM To Return In The Autumn

Radio station Jazz FM will be relaunched later this year as a DAB station. The Local Radio Company, run by Jazz FM former chief exectutive Richard Wheatly has signed a three-year licensing deal with Guardian Radio to run the station GMG bought Jazz FM several years ago, relaunching it as Smooth FM, but retaining the rights to the name.
01.07.08

Vienne Opens with James Brown Tribute, Avishai Cohen and Diana Krall

The French jazz festival season got underway over the weekend with the start of the Jazz a Vienne festival in the small town of Vienne just a stone’s throw away from Lyon. The main concerts take place in the Theatre Antique Roman Amphitheatre that dominates the town. The opening night’s concert was themed around a tribute to James Brown and featured Rose Ann Diamalante and her band and then a fantastic band put together by Pee Wee Ellis and Fred Wesley featuring Cheikh Lo and singer Simphiwe Dana.

30.06.08

Soweto Kinch and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Set For Durham Brass Festival

A 15-day celebration of brass-inspired music draws Soweto Kinch and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble to Durham next month for the genre-defying festival Brass, featuring brass bands, classical brass ensembles as well as folk and jazz groups.

27.06.08