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

Monday, March 30, 2009

Jazz Connection playlist 30 March 2009

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 30 March on Radio Cardiff:

Harold McNair – The Hipster
Lauren Dalrymple – Stella by Starlight/Stella's Groove
Jim Barber Trio – Kaleidoscope
John-Paul Gard – Timeline
Kevin Figes Quartet – The Grind
Dave Stapleton Quintet – Second Life
Dave Stapleton Interview
Dave Stapleton – Catching Sunlight
Latin Blues Band ft Luis Aviles - (I'll Be A) Happy Man
Sarah Gillespie – How The Mighty Fall
Orchestra Baobab – Colette


Special guest Dave Stapleton was talking about an innovative way of financing his quintet's third album, and revealing some of the challenges of running a fledgling record label during the recession - you can hear this interview at www.myspace.com/jazzinwales

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff on 98.7 FM and live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Monday, March 23, 2009

Jazz Connection playlist 23 March 2009

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

Nicola Conte – Caravan
Daphna Sadeh – Reconciliation
Juliet Kelly – Back to Life
Mulatu Astatke/The Heliocentrics - Cha Cha
Zen Hussies - Kecker Rocker
Gareth Williams Power Trio - Holey Moley
Gareth Williams interview
Gareth Williams Power Trio - Seven Leaves
Oscar Brown Jr – Work Song
Ravi Coltrane – Shine
Coltrane Dedication Band – Mr PC

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

Thanks to everyone who's been sending me CDs and gig info for use on the air - keep it coming!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Toucan Club to reopen

The Toucan Club is set to reopen at new premises in Womanby Street, Cardiff, with an opening weekend party on Friday 24 April.

They're taking over the Calcutta Club, which in previous times was known as the Dog and Duck and later CF1.


One of the capital's most eclectic music venues, the Toucan has been in limbo for more than two years since its last premises on Newport Road closed.

Earlier plans to take over the former Glamorgan County Club on Westgate Street were abandoned due to problems obtaining a late licence.

See www.toucancardiff.co.uk for more about the venue.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Fans invited to finance new DSQ album



Dave Stapleton is inviting fans to get involved in the production of his quintet's new CD through a sponsorship scheme.

People will be offered a range of rewards from sleeve note credits to the chance to attend a recording session.

Dave says he's always wanted to encourage interactivity since setting up his Cardiff-based Edition Records label in 2008.

"It gives the fans a unique opportunity to follow the process from conception to final product," he says.

Read the full story on the
BBC South East Wales website or check out the Edition Records site for further details.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Jazz Connection playlist 16 March 2009

Here's what I'm planning to play on the Jazz Connection tonight - Monday 16 March - on Radio Cardiff:

The Mohawks – The Champ
Madeleine Peyroux – Instead
Gareth Williams Power Trio – Giant Steps
Wynton Marsalis – Sassy
James Taylor Quartet – Inner Mystic Love
Laura Collins – Get Happy
Laura Collins Interview
Laura Collins – Battersea Park
Daby Toure and Skip McDonald – Sinners
Huw Warren Trio – Santo Antonio
Roland Alphonso – Song For My Father
Marlene VerPlank – They Say It's Spring
London Jazz 4 – Things We Said Today

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

The Jazz Connection goes out on Radio Cardiff every Monday night 8 till 9pm - keep sending your CDs and gig infor for use on the air.

Hay asked to re-launch Brecon Jazz

The Arts Council of Wales has asked the Hay Festival to revive the international jazz festival in Brecon, including a possible event in 2009.

Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive for the Arts Council of Wales said: "The Hay Festival has put forward an exciting and compelling vision for the future.

"We've consistently argued that Brecon deserves a high quality festival that can stand proud as one of Wales's signature cultural events.

"Hay's imaginative artistic ideas and their 'blue chip' reputation for international festival management have convinced us that they are the right organisation to take Brecon Jazz Festival to new creative heights."

Although focusing largely on 2010, an important part of the Hay Festival's plans is a commitment to arranging a smaller-scale programme of activity in Brecon during 2009.


The ACW's initial announcement that it wanted to relaunch the festival in 2010 prompted a number of organisations to declare their intention of staging an event in 2009 to ensure continuity.


Commenting on the 2009 proposals, Nick Capaldi said: "The staging of events in Brecon during 2009 is a real added bonus.

"We're acutely aware of the Festival's contribution to the local economy in Brecon, and we know that the doubts we raised about mounting a festival this year caused widespread concern.

"Hay Festival has persuaded us that an exciting programme of activity is possible, and we’re happy to back their judgement.

"They've now got the green light to translate their plans into action, and we look forward to seeing them unveil programme details in due course."

Read more on the BBC News website.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Globe told to reduce the noise

The recently opened Globe music venue in Cardiff has been ordered to undertake remedial soundproofing work following complaints by local residents to the council.

The venue offers live music up to seven days a week, with jazz, blues and roots music a major part of the programme.

Last month the Point in Cardiff Bay closed its doors, with the cost of additional soundproofing being claimed by its owners to be a contributing factor to the venue's demise.

The Globe has taken over hosting some of the acts which were due to play at The Point, so musicians and fans will be hoping it doesn't suffer the same fate.

In a statement the management said: "The Globe are aware of the issues that The Point have had over the past few months and are very conscious of ourselves being in a residential area.

"We are doing everything in our power to avoid any disturbances to our local residents."

Read the full story on the BBC News website and check out the Globe's own website.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Jazz Connection playlist 12 March 2009

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Thursday 12 March on south Wales valleys station GTFM:

Alan Barnes – The Cape Verdean Blues
Gareth Williams Power Trio – A Welshman in New York
Laura Collins - Comes Love
Laura Collins interview
Laura Collins – Road
Wynton Marsalis – School Boy
Huw Warren Trio – Cowbois and Shepherds
Taffronaut v Chupacabra – Straight Outta Canton
Coltrane Dedication Band – Equinox
NYJO – When You're Ready
Dave Jones Trio – Welsh Rarebit
Dave Jones interview
Dave Jones Trio – Cracovian Duck
Miles Davis – Freddie Freeloader
Marlene VerPlank – I've Got You Under My Skin
Geoff Eales Trio – Awakening
Gilad Atzmon – April in Paris
5 Go Swing - I'll See You In My Dreams
The London Horn Sound Big Band
featuring Gwilym Simcock – Blues For Hughie


Don't forget the Jazz Connection also goes out every Monday night 8 till 9pm on Radio Cardiff.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Jazz Connection playlist 9 March 2009

Here's the playlist for the Jazz Connection on Monday 9 March on Radio Cardiff, featuring my special guest, pianist Dave Jones:

Dave Jones Trio – The Leopard
Kenny Garrett – Wooden Steps
Dave Jones Trio – Impetus
Tony Remy and Bluey - Beyond Jupiter
Laura Collins – Battersea Park
Wonderbrass – Hamba Nami
Branford Marsalis – Dienda
Dave Jones Trio – Three on Four
5 Go Swing – Douce Ambience
Klezmer Juice – Librescu Tango

The Kenny Garrett and Branford Marsalis tracks were chosen by Dave, both featuring his favourite pianist Kenny Kirkland.

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

You can also hear Dave Jones on my monthly Jazz Connection show for south Wales valleys station GTFM 107.9 this Thursday 12 March - listen online at www.gtfm.co.uk from 7 till 9pm.

Friday, March 06, 2009

Djangos opening night review

Dewi Smith sends a review of the opening night of his Djangos Jazz and Blues Club in Haverfordwest:

"If you’ve never seen the Amigos (like I hadn’t) then you must put that right. Find out where they’re playing next and get yourself along - they are a real treat.


"The musicianship is outstanding from all members, and the enthusiasm they convey through their music is unavoidably contagious.

"They were the perfect opening act for Djangos Jazz and Blues Club, a new club in the centre of Haverfordwest, that has an impressive line up of top quality acts booked to play on the first Thursday of each month.

"There was a great turn out of both local people and those who’d travelled from further afield to come to the club. The atmosphere was warm and friendly with a wide cross section of ages all enjoying the evening.

"The Amigos are going to be a hard act to follow, but next month April 2nd will see the award winning Gareth Roberts Quintet at Djangos - so come early for the comfy seats!"

Information on booking and profiles of future acts can be found at
www.djangos.biz

Monday, March 02, 2009

Jazz Connection playlist 2 March 2009

Here's the playlist for tonight's edition of the Jazz Connection on Radio Cardiff at 8pm:

Buddy Rich Big Band – The Beat Goes On
Root Doctors – Living On The Rim
Gwyn Evans and Dr Jazz – Sospan Fach
Dave Jones Trio – Welsh Rarebit
Keith Little Band – Jumping at the Woodside
Majek Fashek – Man of Sorrow
3 Square – Canteloupe Island
The London Horn Sound Big Band
featuring Gwilym Simcock – Blues For Hughie
Chet Baker – Let’s Get Lost
Xavier Cugat – One Mint Julep (Cha Cha Twist)

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

Just to let you know I've pre-recorded this show as I'm having a wisdom tooth taken out this afternoon - I may not be capable of speech let along radio presenting this evening!

Please keep your CDs and gig info coming for future shows.