Jazz in Wales

News about gigs, festivals, famous names, new artists and more compiled by DJ Andy Roberts in Cardiff, Wales. Send your updates to andy @ jazzinwales.co.uk

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Jazz Connection - back on air

It's been confirmed that my Jazz Connection show is coming back to BBC Radio Wales in May.

As usual it'll be on Tuesday nights 7 till 8pm throughout the summer, probably starting on May 16 or 23 depending on when the domestic football season ends.

Send your CDs for airplay to the address below:

Andy Roberts
The Jazz Connection
BBC Radio Wales
44 High Street
Newport
NP20 1GF

Priority will be given to jazz artists from Wales or visiting stars due to perform in Wales during the summer, along with the best new releases and re-issues.

For more about the show and to hear some of my archive interviews with stars like Dave Brubeck, Stan Tracey, Diana Krall, Jamie Cullum and Gwyneth Herbert, go to bbc.co.uk/jazzconnection

The Jazz Packet with Andy Roberts

From April, I'm going to be hosting the monthly Jazz Packet gigs that have recently got underway at the Riverfront in Newport.

I'll be DJing and presenting some of the best bands on the Welsh jazz scene in a cabaret-style setting in the venue's studio theatre. And yes, you can take your drinks in!

I won't be hosting the March event but it's listed here for the sake of completeness. Dates beyond June are to be confirmed depending on how well these gigs are supported.

  • Thursday 30 March - Jones O'Connor Group
  • Thursday 27 April - Allegria
  • Thursday 25 May - Bluesy Susie
  • Thursday 29 June - M.E.L.


  • For more details see
    www.jazz-connection.co.uk/live.shtml and www.newport.gov.uk/riverfront

    Monday, February 27, 2006

    Porthcawl Jazz Festival - April 15

    Festival season gets underway with a one-day event at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl, on Saturday 15 April.

    The BBC Big Band tops the bill with an evening performance, following a whole day of live music starting midday from bands including Keith Smith's Hefty Jazz, the Wayne Warlow Quartet and The Liberty Street Stompers. And there's a jazz
    improvisation workshop free of charge at 10am.

    Email wayne@buffettwarlow.freeserve.co.uk for further information
    .

    Jazz Appreciation in Abergavenny

    David Price is tutoring two jazz appreciation study breaks at The Hill Education & Conference Centre in Abergavenny this year.

    The Jazz Revival runs from March 31 to April 2 and celebrates legends like Bunk Johnson, Kid Ory, George Lewis and Muggsy Spanier from the USA, along with British stars including Ken Colyer, Acker Bilk, Chris Barber and George Webb.

    The Jazz Singers from October 13 to 15 shows how vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday and others took centre stage.

    For booking information contact Hannah Watkins on 01495 333777 or email hannah.watkins@coleggwent.ac.uk

    Jazzwise - the Welsh edition??

    Don't know if it's in honour of St David's Day, but there's a definite Welsh flavour to the March 2006 edition of Jazzwise magazine.

    Singer Ian Shaw is the cover star with a wonderfully outspoken interview, while Cardiff-based pianist Dave Stapleton is featured in the Taking Off section about up-and-coming artists.

    More info at www.jazzwise.com and www.davestapleton.com

    Steve Waterman Big Band Course

    Ever seen Steve and his big band featuring some of the top Welsh players? Here's your chance to learn from the man himself as he holds a weekend course at the Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli from March 31st to April 2nd.

    Focussing on contemporary big band music, Steve will be covering ensemble, improvisation and sectional playing.

    The course is open to intermediate to advanced adult players of trumpet, trombone, saxes, bass, piano, guitar, drums and percussion.

    Places are very limited so book now - see the website at www.swjo.co.uk or phone 01446 713301.


    Glamorgan Jazz Summer School

    Booking is now open for the Glamorgan Jazz Summer School which takes place at the University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, from July 24 to August 4.

    Places fill up quite quickly, especially if you're a saxophonist, so don't delay or you'll risk disappointment.

    For details see www.glam.ac.uk/summerschool/ or phone 01443 482828.

    Cardiff - Jazz at the Conway

    James Chadwick is launching a new weekly residency on Thursday nights at the Conway, Pontcanna, Cardiff.

    His trio will be appearing with the following special guests:

    • 2nd March - Lee Goodall
    • 9th March - Ben Thomas
    • 16th March - Dick Hamer
    • 23rd March - Julian Martin
    • 30th March - Osian Roberts

    Phone the Conway on 029 2023 2797 - if you need any more convincing they also serve a good range of guest beers!

    Brecon Jazz - Jim Smith named Festival Director

    Jim Smith has been promoted to the role of Festival Director for Brecon Jazz, following two successful years as its Artistic Director.

    The mid Wales market town saw record attendances last year, with 18,000 tickets sold and 50,000 visitors for the August event.

    Jim previously launched the Cheltenham Jazz and Cardiff Worldport Festivals, and also ran the Glasgow Jazz and Ross-on-Wye International Festivals.

    This year's Brecon Jazz Festival runs from August 11 to 13, with the line-up due to be revealed in May.

    More about the festival at www.breconjazz.co.uk

    Sunday, February 26, 2006

    Jazz in Wales - welcome to the blog!

    Hi - Andy Roberts here welcoming you to the launch of my Jazz in Wales blog.I'll be using this to post news updates, gig reviews and other snippets that don't really fit the existing pattern of my Jazz in Wales pages which are more intended as webguides to jazz artists, venues and organisations in Wales.

    This evening (Sunday 26 February 2006) I'll be DJing at Meltdown, Cardiff's eclectic music club which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Although I've performed at Meltdown on many occasions as a member of Wonderbrass, this is the first time I'll be appearing on the decks. It's a particularly jazzy night as the line-up includes ska-types Funhouse and jazz funkers Michael's Breakfast.

    It's at Clwb Ifor Bach, Womanby Streeet, Cardiff - doors open 8pm and it's on till midnight - admission £3.50 or £2.50 concessions. More info at www.cardiffmeltdown.com - maybe see you there!