tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-230578842024-03-06T05:42:35.812+00:00Jazz in WalesNews about gigs, festivals, famous names, new artists and more compiled by DJ Andy Roberts in Cardiff, Wales. Send your updates to andy @ jazzinwales.co.ukAndy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.comBlogger556125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-21503373134404092142013-12-18T18:25:00.003+00:002013-12-18T18:25:48.450+00:00Blog closing - please follow me on social media<br />
Since I launched this blog many years ago, the explosion in social media has now rendered it pretty much obsolete. <br />
<br />
I'm still involved in the music scene, but now I'm as much involved in blues, rock'n'roll, skiffle and gypsy punk as jazz these days. <br />
<br />
And as you know all the latest information is generally shared via Facebook and Twitter these days. <br />
<br />
Please join me there! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/jazzy_andy">@jazzy_andy</a>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-71773843510490940072012-12-22T16:27:00.002+00:002013-03-28T10:56:21.296+00:00Jazz venues in Wales<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Here is a guide to venues in Wales offering jazz gigs on a regular basis. It's intended as a general day-by-day guide for fans seeking the music and bands looking to put together a short tour.<br /><br />If you know of any venues I should include please email andy @ jazzinwales.co.uk with the relevant details - also if any of the information below needs correcting.<br /><br />Please check with the venues concerned in case of any short notice changes, and for details of specific gigs. <br /><br /><u><b>Monday</b></u><br /><br />Cardiff – Café Jazz, St Mary Street<br /><a href="http://www.cafejazzcardiff.com/">www.cafejazzcardiff.com</a><br />Occasional gigs, various styles<br />029 20387026<br /><br />Cardiff - Gwdihw Cafe Bar, Guildford Crescent<br /><a href="http://www.gwdihw.co.uk/">www.gwdihw.co.uk</a><br />Second Monday of the month, alternative/fusion<br />029 20397933<br /><br /><u><b>Tuesday</b></u><br /><br />Cardiff – Café Jazz, St Mary Street<br /><a href="http://www.cafejazzcardiff.com/">www.cafejazzcardiff.com</a><br />Weekly, Preservation Jazz Society (traditional)<br />029 20387026<br /><br />Cardiff - Jazz at Dempsey's, Castle Street<br /><a href="http://www.jazzatdempseys.org.uk/">www.jazzatdempseys.org.uk</a><br />Modern/contemporary/free/alternative/big band/progressive<br />029 20496802<br /><br />Cardiff - The Gate Arts Centre, Keppoch Street, Roath<br /><a href="http://www.thegate.org.uk/">www.thegate.org.uk</a><br />Last Tuesday of the month, Jazz Cafe open mic with house trio<br />029 20483344<br /><br />Abergavenny - Black Mountain Jazz at the Swan Hotel<br /><a href="http://bmjazz.tumblr.com/">bmjazz.tumblr.com</a><br />Occasional gigs, various styles<br />Open mic first Tuesday of the month<br />Mike Skilton 07958 612691<br /><br />Brecon - Jazz in the Bar at Theatr Brycheiniog<br /><a href="http://www.breconjazzclub.org/">www.breconjazzclub.org</a><br />Monthly, most styles<br />01874 611622 or 07710 294159<br /><br /><u><b>Wednesday</b></u><br /><br />Cardiff – Café Jazz, St Mary Street<br /><a href="http://www.cafejazzcardiff.com/">www.cafejazzcardiff.com</a><br />Weekly, various styles<br />029 20387026<br /><br />Cardiff - Jazz at Dempsey's, Castle Street<br /><a href="http://www.jazzatdempseys.org.uk/">www.jazzatdempseys.org.uk</a><br />Modern/contemporary/free/alternative/big band/progressive<br />029 20496802<br /><br />Swansea – St James Social Club<br /><a href="http://www.swanseajazzland.co.uk/">www.swanseajazzland.co.uk</a><br />Weekly, various styles<br />07802 912789<br /><br />Conwy - Old White House<br /><a href="http://www.oldwhitehouseconwy.com/">www.oldwhitehouseconwy.com</a><br />Weekly - River City Jazz Band, traditional dixieland<br />01492 573133<br /><br />Narberth, Pembrokeshire - Span Jazz at The Dingle Club<br /><a href="http://www.span-arts.org.uk/">www.span-arts.org.uk</a><br />Every 3rd Wednesday, various styles<br />01834 861408<br /><br /><u><b>Thursday</b></u><br /><br />Cardiff – Café Jazz, St Mary Street<br /><a href="http://www.cafejazzcardiff.com/">www.cafejazzcardiff.com</a><br />Weekly, various styles<br />029 20387026<br /><br />Porthcawl - Grand Pavilion Stage Door Bar<br /><a href="http://www.grandpavilion.co.uk/">www.grandpavilion.co.uk</a><br />Bi-monthly, various styles<br />01656 815995<br /><br /><u><b>Friday</b></u><br /><br />Pontypool - Panteg House, Griffithstown<br /><a href="http://www.torfaenjazz.org.uk/">www.torfaenjazz.org.uk</a><br />Weekly, modern/blues/funk<br />Andrew Fawcett 07771 941394<br /><br />Cardiff - Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama<br /><a href="http://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/">www.rwcmd.ac.uk</a><br />Weekly during term time, modern/contemporary - 5.30pm<br />029 20342854<br /><br />Porthcawl - Grand Pavilion Stage Door Bar<br /><a href="http://www.grandpavilion.co.uk/">www.grandpavilion.co.uk</a><br />Occasional gigs, various styles<br />01656 815995<br /><br /><u><b>Saturday</b></u><br /><br />Pontypool – Comrades Club, Market Street<br /><a href="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/brenda.obrien1/ppjazz/">homepage.ntlworld.com/brenda.obrien1/ppjazz/</a><br />Monthly, various styles<br />Gary Stone 01495 762504<br /><br /><u><b>Sundays</b></u><br /><br />Monmouth – Queens Head<br /><a href="http://www.queensheadmonmouth.co.uk/">www.queensheadmonmouth.co.uk</a><br />Weekly, jazz/blues/folk/roots<br />01600 712767<br /><br />Abergavenny - Black Mountain Jazz at the Swan Hotel<br /><a href="http://bmjazz.tumblr.com/">bmjazz.tumblr.com</a><br />Occasional gigs, various styles - lunchtime or evening<br />Mike Skilton 07958 612691<br /><br />If you're in a band using this guide in order to put together a tour please note that many of these venues confirm their programmes weeks or months in advance.<br /><br />For a more comprehensive guide to jazz gigs in Wales, see the Live Jazz pages of the Jazz Services UK website at <a href="http://www.jazzservices.org.uk/">www.jazzservices.org.uk</a><br /><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1356192231652_4920" style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1356192231652_4920" style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-78731671738358706332012-12-22T15:55:00.005+00:002012-12-22T15:57:11.259+00:00Christmas Jazz radio show<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />Want to hear some festive tunes in a jazz style?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Check out the Christmas Jazz Connection show as heard on Radio Cardiff.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hear it now at <a href="http://www.djandyroberts.co.uk/radio.shtml">www.djandyroberts.co.uk/radio.shtml</a> along with other radio highlights from over the years.</span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-83100884884126573762012-10-31T11:46:00.000+00:002012-10-31T11:46:47.570+00:00Wonderbrass win grant for new music<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Cardiff's funky big jazz band Wonderbrass have been awarded £10,000 by the BBC Performing Arts Fund to commission new pieces under the fund's Community Music Scheme. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Claude Deppa, Paula Gardiner and Wonderbrass leader Rob Smith will be the composers working with the band on new tunes over the coming months.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scheme, which launched in May, aimed at encouraging grassroots music groups to take on more challenging projects through commissions and working collaboratively with other local organisations as well as professional artists.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wonderbrass are still recovering from a busy summer touring their Cultural Olympic commission Skip, Dash, Flow written by Jason Yarde.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/performingartsfund"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.bbc.co.uk/performingartsfund</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for more about the scheme and </span><a href="http://www.wonderbrass.org.uk/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.wonderbrass.org.uk</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for more about the band. </span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-66077494494870913182012-10-19T11:34:00.003+01:002012-10-22T14:24:20.825+01:00New home for jazz in Abergavenny <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Swan near Abergavenny bus station is the new home of Black Mountain Jazz sessions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first jazz gig will be the Ray Butcher Trio at 8pm on Tuesday 20 November 2012, although Black Mountain Jazz will also be promoting Open Mic nights on the first Tuesday of every month starting on 6 November covering all musical styles.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the new year they'll be launching Sunday Jazz Buffet lunches from 6 January 2013, starting at 12.30pm with food from 1pm. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For further details contact Mike Skilton on 01873 832043 or the Swan on 01873 852829.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-23394894873341966002012-10-01T15:40:00.000+01:002012-10-01T15:41:21.420+01:00Django a la Creole live dates in Wales<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojL8bO6fFPXxLYPmWQ2-ksTnW8lqwTWgdyYMTsWgRBw7kC3ApBt-S-u-65sBCS_tG_uvXDwUZ9RrhdYoyR_zyRy-j-brK4sefdzAVcxvBXa6TQ10nkBkkykQd6YQyrGIOWnI/s1600/evan400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojL8bO6fFPXxLYPmWQ2-ksTnW8lqwTWgdyYMTsWgRBw7kC3ApBt-S-u-65sBCS_tG_uvXDwUZ9RrhdYoyR_zyRy-j-brK4sefdzAVcxvBXa6TQ10nkBkkykQd6YQyrGIOWnI/s320/evan400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br clear="all">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clarinetist Evan Christopher brings his Django a la Creole project to Wales for two dates of a four date tour during which he'll record a new live album.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They'll play </span><a href="http://www.mwldan.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Theatr Mwldan in Cardigan</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on Wednesday 24 October 2012 and the </span><a href="http://www.gwynhall.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gwyn Hall in Neath</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on Thursday 25 October.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New Orleans-based Evan was hailed by Atlantic Records supremo Ahmet Ertegun as one of the greatest jazz clarinetists of all time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See </span><a href="http://www.lejazzetal.com/web/content/artist.php?artist_id=17"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Le Jazzetal website</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for more info.</span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-9108600578235520902012-08-17T19:00:00.006+01:002012-08-17T19:02:05.000+01:00New York museum to show Klezmer parsnip video<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Strange but true - the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York is to show a short video of me playing Hava Nagila on a parsnip at KlezFest in London in 2009.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CPE3AqPX6S4" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This video will be shown as part of an exhibition of "modern" versions of the well-known Jewish tune. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thanks again to Amy Sampson for playing along with me, and to Paul Tkachenko for showing us how to customise the vegetables!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Check the <a href="http://www.mjhnyc.org/findex.html">Museum of Jewish Heritage website</a> in the coming weeks for details.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-87782180177230575922012-07-18T12:32:00.005+01:002012-07-18T12:34:09.465+01:00Monmouth pub calls time on weekly jazz<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The Queens Head in Monmouth says poor attendances are forcing it to end its weekly jazz sessions on Wednesday and Thursday nights. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The Sunday 'Rootz' nights will continue weekly throughout the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
They added that Music in Monmouth would welcome continued support in their efforts to bring new music to the town.</div>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-797165107489187302012-07-16T12:11:00.002+01:002012-07-16T12:13:23.426+01:00Hot Club jazz with Benoit Viellefon in Cardiff Friday 20 July<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OMlpfjfl7qfxYf01ctb6tyOejOMlsNVcD_dXOJO1Zy-bXHe88ysf06a9cElcOS8esGEtJmz_Nd2mITFxTV6T2Uy-jtjgBL7MM41Zac0ZGt7o_iSRt_uSRxJZInVix1LffWI/s1600/benoit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OMlpfjfl7qfxYf01ctb6tyOejOMlsNVcD_dXOJO1Zy-bXHe88ysf06a9cElcOS8esGEtJmz_Nd2mITFxTV6T2Uy-jtjgBL7MM41Zac0ZGt7o_iSRt_uSRxJZInVix1LffWI/s320/benoit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<clear="all">
</clear="all"><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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).</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The live CD features a guest appearance by Cardiff's very own Arthur Foxaque.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">More details at </span><a href="http://www.benoitandhisorchestra.com/%20" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">www.benoitandhisorchestra.com </a>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-2370439922601394472012-06-28T10:37:00.004+01:002012-06-28T10:38:42.295+01:00Jazz at Llandeilo - July 6-8<br />
<div class="info-block first" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Eddie Martin, the Jiveoholics and the Numbers Racket are among the stars of the first ever jazz festival in the Carmarthenshire town of Llandeilo from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 July 2012.<br />
<br />
Three local pubs - the White Horse, the Cawdor and the Angel - are the venues taking part in the event sponsored by the Evan-Evans Brewery which includes a Sunday afternoon concert in Penlan Park.</div>
<div class="info-block first" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />
Musical styles range from traditional to contemporary jazz, gypsy, ragtime, blues, soul and jive.</div>
<div class="info-block first" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="info-block first">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />See <a href="http://www.jazzatllandeilo.co.uk/">www.jazzatllandeilo.co.uk</a> for full details. </span></div>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-10092026723090138092012-06-20T17:09:00.002+01:002012-06-20T17:15:23.658+01:00Osian Roberts plays Rochester Jazz Festival<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />The Osian Roberts/Steve Fishwick Quintet fly the flag for Wales at the 2012 Rochester International Jazz Festival in the USA later this month.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">They're one of the feature acts in the Made In The UK series of concerts, funded by Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, and organised by ESIP in association with Jazz Services UK.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt;">Get the Blessing, Liane Carroll, Breach, Fraser Fifield, NeWt, Mark McKnight, the Orlando Le Fleming Trio and Arun Ghosh also appear in the concerts at the Christ Church Rochester in New York state from 22 to 30 June. Osian, Steve and the band appear on 27 June.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">See <a href="http://www.rochesterjazz.com/">www.rochesterjazz.com</a> for more details.</span></span></div>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-7058030761518223812012-06-07T10:30:00.000+01:002012-06-07T10:31:42.942+01:00Roy Ayers, Dionne Warwick and Ginger Baker for Brecon Jazz<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />
A programme of 22 concerts has been unveiled for a new look Brecon Jazz Festival running from 10 to 12 August 2012. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Roy Ayers, Dionne Warwick and Ginger Baker are among the big names signed up within a matter of weeks after Cardiff-based promoters Orchard were given the job of staging this year's festival. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Claire Martin, Neil Cowley, Lighthouse, Soweto Kinch, and a tribute to Thelonious Monk by Stan Tracey and Bobby Wellins are also included in a line-up put together with advice from artist-in-residence Huw Warren. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Orchard director Pablo Janczur said: "We aimed to recover the Mojo that people feel Brecon has lost in recent years, and hopefully we've put together a bill that is attractive to both a local audience in Wales and to the legions of travelling fans who have made Brecon Jazz such a special, and economically beneficial event over the years. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
"Given the time constraints, 2012 was always going to be an interim year, but we have well over 20 gigs in the classic Brecon town venues, with colour and atmosphere returning to the streets of this beautiful part of Wales." </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Venues include Theatr Brycheiniog, the Market Hall and the Guildhall, with workshops at Christ College. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
See <a href="http://breconjazz.com/">breconjazz.com</a> for the full line up and the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-18344471">BBC News website</a> for more about the festival. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Meanwhile the Brecon Fringe will start on Thursday 9 August 2012 offering hundreds of gigs at more than 30 pubs and clubs around the town - see <a href="http://www.breconfringe.co.uk/">www.breconfringe.co.uk</a> for details. </div>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-3610541682755691182012-06-05T23:38:00.002+01:002012-06-05T23:42:13.606+01:00Byron Jones: a radio tribute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOCLBZCoh_RiUuc817RZFzzit-MOaz72qzC2dNJuONGjFgBS24tBBzsowzmcXDy6tdvGfrzyNJGqBvaNFcslmTTWaWeae058UQ-bgvtSgmIH_TtVMGR7mOQB4YyHLHSdUVCs/s1600/byronjones2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOCLBZCoh_RiUuc817RZFzzit-MOaz72qzC2dNJuONGjFgBS24tBBzsowzmcXDy6tdvGfrzyNJGqBvaNFcslmTTWaWeae058UQ-bgvtSgmIH_TtVMGR7mOQB4YyHLHSdUVCs/s320/byronjones2007.jpg" width="320" /></a><br clear="all" />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Rhys Phillips pays tribute to jazz big band leader Byron Jones following his death with a special radio programme.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
He recorded an interview with the trombonist from Ystrad Mynach a few weeks ago in front of a live audience from the South Wales Big Band
Society at Whiteheads Sports and Social club in Newport.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
It was broadcast as part of Rhys' Jazz Special on Radio Cardiff as planned on Sunday 3 June 2012, at the request of Byron's family.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
You can hear the programme online until 10 June at <a href="http://www.jazzspecial.co.uk/">www.jazzspecial.co.uk</a> </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
(Byron is shown in this picture I took at the 2007 Jazz in the Park festival in Pontypool conducting his big band) </div>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-66137090309675380442012-05-19T12:31:00.004+01:002012-05-19T12:31:56.653+01:00Wonderbrass Olympic music on BBC Radio 3<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Cardiff-based jazz band Wonderbrass can be heard on BBC Radio 3's Hear and Now programme on Saturday 19 May 2012.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
It's the first transmission of Skip, Dash, Flow - composed by Jason Yarde as one of twenty pieces of new music commissioned to mark the London Olympics.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The programme, broadcast at 10.30pm, will also feature some of the other pieces written for the 20x12 project.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
All twenty pieces will be performed at the Southbank in London from 13 to 15 July 2012 in the run up to the Games.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">See the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01hq1v9">BBC Radio 3 website</a> for more about the programme.</span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-38715279913754652972012-05-14T09:33:00.001+01:002012-05-14T09:34:38.550+01:00Summer jazz at Powis Castle<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />A series of open air jazz concerts are to take place in the courtyard of Powis Castle, Welshpool, on Sunday afternoons during the summer.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The concerts, organised by the team behind Jazz in the Bar in Brecon, take place from 2 till 4pm with entry free of charge.</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Sunday 27 May - Sarah Smith Gypsy Swing Trio</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />
Sunday 24 June - Andrew Fawcett and Dave Price Trio</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />
Sunday 29 July - Gardenia Swing with Ruth Bowen <br />
<br />
Sunday 26 August - Dick Hamer Trio<br />
<br />
Sunday 30 September - Swing Street and Paul Munnery</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The full address is Powis Castle & Garden, Welshpool, Mid Wales SY21 8RF.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For more details call 01952 551929 or see <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis">www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis</a></span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-52252611893976045002012-05-08T21:40:00.001+01:002012-05-08T21:41:24.369+01:00Friends of Brecon Jazz plea to festival promoters<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br />
The Friends of Brecon Jazz have welcomed the naming of Cardiff-based event management company Orchard as the preferred bidder to run the 2012 Brecon Jazz Festival from 10 to 12 August.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
In a letter to members, chairman Mike Talbot says that through his membership of the Festival Stakeholder Group he will urge Orchard to create a firmly jazz-based programme using a range of venues.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
He says he'll also ask them to reinstate the Stroller programme, run workshops, talks and family events, and to maintain a permanent presence in Brecon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">See <a href="http://www.friendsofbreconjazz.com/">www.friendsofbreconjazz.com</a> for more details.</span></div>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-57743114487313314952012-05-05T16:08:00.004+01:002012-05-05T16:09:16.496+01:00Butetown Bay Jazz Festival - Sunday 6 May 2012<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />
The musical heritage of Cardiff's docklands is celebrated in the annual Butetown Bay Jazz Festival taking place at the Wales Millennium Centre on Sunday 6 May 2012.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Attractions include Geoff Eales, Tomorrow's Warriors, the Gareth Roberts Quintet, and the Floor Technicians jazz dancers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Admission is free of charge.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">See <a href="http://www.butetownbayjazz.co.uk/">www.butetownbayjazz.co.uk</a> for full details. </span><br />
<br />
<br />Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-20534722131764630612012-05-02T06:58:00.000+01:002012-05-02T07:00:32.809+01:00Jazz funeral in Cwmbran for Norman Thatcher<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A 30-piece New Orleans style parade band has been put together to play at
the funeral of Newport-based jazz trumpeter Norman Thatcher today (Wednesday 2 May 2012).</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Originally from Corsham in Wiltshire, Norman played regularly with his bands in Cardiff, Newport, Bristol and beyond.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">He died in April aged 69.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The band will perform at the funeral at Gwent Crematorium in Cwmbran from 11am. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Read more about him at <a href="http://www.normanthatcherjazz.com/">www.normanthatcherjazz.com</a></span></div>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-15641250058302988262012-05-01T12:54:00.002+01:002012-05-02T07:00:55.428+01:00New promoter for Brecon Jazz named<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Cardiff-based event promoters Orchard have been named as the preferred operator for this year's Brecon Jazz festival in August.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
The company won the tender after the Arts Council of Wales and Powys County Council invited bidders to take over from the Hay Festival organisation, which did not want to seek a renewal of its three-year agreement.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />
Orchard director Pablo Janczur said: "Brecon Jazz is a heritage brand with a worldwide reputation. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
"We are fans as well as music promoters and event managers, and so this a real thrill to have the opportunity to be part of what we see as an exciting future for one of Wales' premier events. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
"We're looking forward to sharing our ideas with the people of Brecon and the jazz world in the near future."</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />
David Alston, arts director for the ACW, said: "Orchard is a Wales based event company who conveyed to us both their capacity and enthusiasm to run the event. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
"We were impressed by the dynamism of their ideas, their headline ambitions and their respect for Brecon Jazz's longstanding reputation." </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br />
Paul Griffiths, speaking for Powys County Council, added: "We are acutely aware of the distinctive contribution made by Brecon Jazz to cultural life in Powys over many years. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
"We want to try and ensure that this continues. Brecon Jazz is not just an important event for Brecon town and Powys, it's important for Wales too. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
"We're delighted to be working in partnership with the Arts Council of Wales to ensure summer 2012 sees a new chapter in Brecon's history."</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Orchard, which has staged events including the Ryder Cup Welcome to Wales concert and Ponty's Big Weekend, will host a local launch of their plans in Brecon in the coming weeks. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
See <a href="http://www.thinkorchard.com/">www.thinkorchard.com</a> for more about the company and the <a href="http://www.artscouncilofwales.org.uk/37443">ACW website</a> for the full announcement. </div>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-21991840496355029602012-04-05T11:49:00.003+01:002012-04-05T11:58:31.653+01:00Seven bidders for Brecon Jazz<span style="font-family:verdana;">The Arts Council of Wales says it's received seven applications from organisations interested in running the 2012 Brecon Jazz Festival.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Details of the bidders are not being confirmed, although a number of groups have previously declared their interest in taking it over.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">It follows a decision by the Hay Festival organisation not to extend its three-year management of the August event. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The ACW says the bids will be considered at a meeting on April 17, and the applicants invited to give presentations.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The winning submission is due to be announced by the end of April.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The <a href="http://www.breconfringe.co.uk/">Brecon Fringe</a> has already been confirmed as taking place from August 9 to 12.</span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-37614438982164499742012-04-04T20:13:00.002+01:002012-04-04T20:25:00.166+01:00Jazz summer school returns to south Wales<span style="font-family:verdana;">A jazz summer school which originally launched in Barry in the 1960s is returning to south Wales.<br /><br />The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff will stage the course, which moved from Barry to Porthcawl and later the University of Glamorgan.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">In 2008 the Treforest-based college dropped the summer school, which was then hosted by Trinity College of Music, London.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The course, run by Dave Wickins and Buster Birch, features many tutors familiar to participants in the former Glamorgan Jazz Summer School - including Dave Hassell, Pete Churchill, Alison Rayner and Chris Batchelor.<br /><br />The course runs for one week from Sunday 29 July to Friday 3 August 2012.<br /><br />See </span><a href="http://www.theoriginalukjazzsummerschool.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">www.theoriginalukjazzsummerschool.com</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> for details. </span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-45405611561256366382012-03-30T16:24:00.002+01:002012-03-30T16:28:40.328+01:00Brecon jazz bidders deadline passes<span style="font-family:verdana;">Interested groups had until today to submit their plans to run the Brecon Jazz Festival. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Arts Council of Wales invited tenders after the Hay Festival organisation decided not to renew their three-year agreement to manage the August event.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">A new operator will be appointed by the end of April. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">See </span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-17566341"><span style="font-family:verdana;">today's report on BBC Wales Today</span></a>.Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-89398120827708996572012-03-07T15:24:00.003+00:002012-03-15T08:08:18.351+00:00Scott Hamilton flies in for Jed Williams tribute gig<span style="font-family:verdana;">Tenor saxman Scott Hamilton will fly into Cardiff on April 5 for a concert to raise funds for a bursary supporting young Welsh jazz talent.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">It's run by Jazz4Jed, a charity set up in honour of the late Jed Williams, founder of the Brecon Jazz Festival at which Hamilton has been a regular attraction.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Hamilton will play Cafe Jazz, St Mary Street, Cardiff on Thursday 5 April 2012 to launch this year's bursary worth £1,000 to a young Welsh jazz musician.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">He'll be backed by three leading figures of the Welsh jazz scene - Paula Gardiner on bass, Paul Jones on piano and Mark O'Connor on drums.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Promoter and Jazz4Jed founder Geoff Amos said: "Scott Hamilton is a big name for this intimate setting, and he jumped at the chance to honour Jed Williams who he worked with many times in the heyday of Brecon Jazz. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">"The gig will be a fundraiser for the 2012 bursary to help jazz talent in Wales - a cause that was always close to Jed's heart." </span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">The first bursary winner in 2011 was Jenny Bradley, a sax player and member of Wonderbrass who used the money to travel to New York to study with musician, producer and performer Jeff Baker (aka King Django).</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Jazz4Jed will also be setting up jazz workshops for young musicians in Wales.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">See </span><a href="http://www.jazz4jed.co.uk/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">www.jazz4jed.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> for more details.</span></p>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-76217782718063452972012-03-05T07:03:00.002+00:002012-03-05T07:06:33.801+00:00Charleston/Bellydance Fusion in Hereford - 25 March<span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Alanya is hosting a Cheeky Charleston Choreography Workshop on Sunday 25 March 2012 at Bodenham Parish Hall, Hereford, HR1 3LB.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Learn basic Charleston steps and a fun Charleston/Bellydance fusion routine - suitable for those with some dance experience.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The workshop runs from 2 till 4.30pm and costs £9, including tea/coffee and cake.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Contact Abbie Mason on 07962 161081 or email info @ alanyabellydance.com<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">See </span><a href="http://www.alanyabellydance.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">www.alanyabellydance.com</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> for more about her work. </span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23057884.post-71182584759372064692012-02-19T17:45:00.006+00:002012-02-19T17:53:14.157+00:00Bluesy Susie Big Swing workshops<span style="font-family:verdana;">Bluesy Susie is launching a monthly series of community big band workshops at the Comrades Club in Pontypool starting this Saturday 25 February 2012.<br /><br />She's inviting players with a bit of experience to come along and play from a pad during the workshop part of the evening, which also includes an open mic section and a live performance by Bluesy Susie and the Jazz Junkies to end the night.<br /><br />Aspiring singers are also welcome, as she's hoping to launch an adult gospel choir as a complement to her children's choir.<br /><br />Doors open 7.30pm and admission for audience members is £5. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Future workshop dates are March 3 and April 14.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />See </span><a href="http://www.bluesysusie.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">www.bluesysusie.com</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> for details of the workshops, which are in addition to the monthly <a href="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/brenda.obrien1/ppjazz/">Pontypool Jazz</a> live music nights. </span>Andy Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08088206125221321859noreply@blogger.com0