Pimp your horn and keep it warm
A designer from Cardiff has hit the right note with her protective sleeve for trumpets which keeps the instrument warm in cold weather.
Ali Kedge devised the Warmahorn as an accessory for young musicians to decorate and protect their trumpet.
She also found that the sleeve made of wetsuit fabric helps improve the tone of cheaper instruments in all weather.
Orders for the product have come from individuals and stores across the UK and Holland with two major pop acts also showing an interest.
Ali, who works as a costume designer, came up with the idea after seeing trumpeter Jonny Bruce struggle at a cold outdoor gig with her jazz singer daughter Ruby Samba.
At Ruby's suggestion she made a little coat out of fun fur for Jonny's trumpet which soon became a hit with other musicians.
Read the full story on the BBC website.
Jazz Connection playlist 25 November 2010
Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Thursday 25 November 2010 on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM:Deodato ft Al Jarreau – Double FaceSmerins Anti-Social Club – Doctor WhoAsaf Sirkis Trio – Letting GoLee Jones – Cookin' on Gas 3 Square – Krakovian Duck John Etheridge and Sweet Chorus - Manha de Carnival
Heavy Quartet – Walking Home at MidnightNikki Yanofsky – God Bless The ChildJazz Jamaica All Stars – Liquidator Hear the latest show right now at www.jazz-connection.co.ukThe Jazz Connection goes out every Thursday 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 18 November 2010
Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Thursday 18 November 2010 on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM:Herb Alpert – Rise Tina May – In Your Own Sweet WayCourtney Pine – New OrleansMilk Biscuits – untitled Will Butterworth – Stella by StarlightNicolas Simion – Transylvanian Wood World Service Project – RelentlessJay Phelps – Out of the Blue 5 Go Swing – C'e Sole
Shez Raja ft Andy Sheppard - Carnival of Colours
The Jazz Connection goes out every Thursday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org
Welsh jazz promoters praised by Hodgkins
One of the UK's leading jazz administrators praises a "territorial army" of volunteers who ensure the music survives despite spending cuts.
Chris Hodgkins, director of Jazz Services UK, shared his thoughts as he returned to Wales for a short tour.
The Essex-born trumpeter grew up in Cardiff and helped launch the Welsh Jazz Society before moving to London.
He says politicians need to treat volunteers with respect if they expect them to make up for cuts in grants.
Read the full story on the BBC News website and hear my interview with Chris on the radio player at www.jazz-connection.co.uk
Jazz Connection playlist 11 November 2010
Chris Hodgkins, director of Jazz Services UK, was my special guest on the Jazz Connection on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM on Thursday 11 November 2010. Here's the playlist:Eddie Roberts & Freckles - I Can't Stand You Colosseum – Tomorrow's Blues Dave Jones Trio ft Lee Goodall – Creative PetrolMali Latino – Bamako 2000Bourne/Davis/Kane – De Selby's EarthGilad Atzmon & the Orient House Ensemble
– In the Back Seat of a Yellow CabVic Parker & Chris Hodgkins
– Undecided (Live at the Quebec 1976)Chris Hodgkins interviewChris Hodgkins Quartet – King's Birth NightHidden Orchestra – FootstepsJohn Paul Gard's Pedalmania – untitled new trackThe Jazz Connection goes out every Thursday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.orgYou can hear the latest show and a fuller version of the interview with Chris Hodgkins on my radio player at www.jazz-connection.co.uk
Jazz Connection playlist 4 November 2010
Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Thursday 4 November 2010 on Radio Cardiff 98.7:Nigel Price Organ Trio – MozambiqueTal Babitsky – HysteriaKiller Shrimp – Sticks and StonesTamco – River Deep Mountain High Miles Davis – Don't Lose Your MindTrish Clowes – SearchAcoustic Ladyland – Red SkyTop Shelf Jazz – Puttin' on the RitzChris Hodgkins Quartet – The Machine If you missed the show you can hear the latest edition anytime at www.jazz-connection.co.uk
The Jazz Connection goes out every Thursday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org