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

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Monmouth pub calls time on weekly jazz


The Queens Head in Monmouth says poor attendances are forcing it to end its weekly jazz sessions on Wednesday and Thursday nights. 

The pub - working in conjunction with community arts group Music in Monmouth - have staged a programme of visiting artists and local performers on Wednesday nights with jazz jam sessions on Thursdays for several years.

They warned in spring that declining attendances were making it difficult to stage high quality live music, free of charge to the public, as the pub could no longer bear the cost.

They say that as matters haven't improved since their plea, the final Thursday jam night will take place on July 22, and the last regular Wednesday night jazz gig on August 22.

There will be occasional jazz gigs every six weeks or so featuring major touring bands who approach the venue, if funds are available to guarantee their fees.

The Sunday 'Rootz' nights will continue weekly throughout the year.

Neill Bell from the Queens Head, together with Lyndon Owen and Caractacus Downes from Music in Monmouth, said they wanted to thank everyone who'd supported their live music over the last six years.

They added that Music in Monmouth would welcome continued support in their efforts to bring new music to the town.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Hot Club jazz with Benoit Viellefon in Cardiff Friday 20 July



French guitarist Benoit Viellefon brings his Hot Club Orchestra back to Cardiff on Friday 20 July 2012 for a free gig in the foyer of the Wales Millennium Centre at 6.30pm.

Benoit and co recently took part in the city's Diamond Jubilee celebrations as part of the line-up of live music on an outdoor stage in St Mary Street (as pictured above).

He'll be promoting his new limited edition CD Live at the Quecumbar - Benoit delivers a distinctive take on the Hot Club/gypsy jazz style with accordion and brass adding a rich, Balkanesque flavour to the mix.

The live CD features a guest appearance by Cardiff's very own Arthur Foxaque.

More details at www.benoitandhisorchestra.com