TOM RAINEY TRIO
Tom Rainey (Drums) / Mary Halvorson (Guitar) / Ingrid Laubrock (Saxophone)

While Rainey's evocative, time-morphing and occasionally implosive drumming plays a central role in the musical materiality here, his trio is very much an integrated ensemble. The commanding component parts are critical to the vibe and behavioural manner and conversational whole. Laubrock is a saxophonist of unusual textural sensitivity and intellectual savvy, who can summon up proper deposits of abandon, knowing restraint and sly references to jazz' past in the midst of her purely improvisational explorations. Halvorson, one of the important "avant-jazz" guitarists of her generation, takes the abstracting and deconstructionist influence of musicians like Derek Bailey into account, but has come up with her own way of melding that free-styling painterliness with shards of line and sonics including tasteful deployment of effects units, a well-placed vibrato effect, ring modulation or distortion blast adding to the range and contemporary relevance of what she does... together they make a refreshing and new kind of beautiful music.

Tom Rainey Trio (Photography by PETRA CVELBAR / www.petracvelbar.com)

JOE MCPHEE TRIO
Joe McPhee (Reeds and Brass) / John Pope (Bass) / Paul Hession (Drums)

Multi-instrumentalist Joe McPhee is one of free jazz’s legends, a key participant in the musical revolution that swept out from New York in the 1970s. Now aged 80, he continues to tour worldwide, playing with undiminished fire and imagination, and displaying an insatiable appetite for throwing himself into new situations.

A great example of that came at the 2018 Newcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music, when he played a memorable concert alongside bassist John Pope and drummer Paul Hession. It was a brand new trio, with no opportunity for rehearsal, but there was instantaneous chemistry, with Joe switching between tenor sax and trumpet, and John and Paul in perfect synch with his every move. The results were so good that all three agreed they’d like to do it again.

So when we heard that Joe had been booked for a gig in Edinburgh, Jazz North East immediately suggested reconvening the trio for a Newcastle appearance, and he jumped at the idea. And now it’s happening - three generations of free improvisers, led by a jazz giant, in the up close and personal space of the Bridge Hotel. It doesn’t get better than this.

GARETH HUGHES SEXTET
Alan Barnes (Alto and Baritone Sax) / Bruce Adams (Trumpet) / Dean Masser (Tenor Sax) / Andrzej Baranek (Piano) / Ed Harrison (Bass) / Gareth Hughes (Drums)

Gareth Hughes first came to wider public attention as the original drummer in the Matthew Halsall Band and featuring heavily on the early recordings of the Gondwana label. His drumming influences include the school of melodic drummers such as Max Roach, Alan Dawson and Jeff Hamilton, more specifically inspired by drummers that are able to spell out form and melody when they improvise. Most recently, Gareth Hughes recorded his first album as band leader and features the music of the great Art Blakey where he is joined by players that are considered to be some of the most influential musicians in UK scene today.

It's a great pleasure to welcome Gareth Hughes Sextet to Newcastle as part of their UK tour stretching over 23 dates.

ALTER EGO
Keith Robinson (Alto Sax) / Niall Armstrong (Tenor Sax and Flute) / Dave Hignett (Trumpet and Flugelhorn) / Paul Donnally (Guitar) / Tony Abel (Bass) / Dave Johnson (Drums)

Based in Newcastle Alter Ego is a sextet made up of talented, like-minded musicians all of whom have experience performing in a variety of musical styles. In order to develop an individual sound they have moved away from the standard jazz repertoire in favour of lesser known material originally performed by groups led by Art Blakey, Hank Mobley and Miles Davis while also introducing many new original numbers. The band present a stylistically varied programme including Uptempo Swing, Hard Bop, Funk and Latin Jazz. The instrumentation allows for tightly structured arrangements, with harmonically rich ensemble passages, exciting rhythmic interplay and inventive improvised solos.

Zoë Gilby - Aurora

Zoë Gilby (Vocals) / Noel Dennis (Trumpet - Flugelhorn) / Andy Champion (Double Bass) / Mark Williams (Guitar) / Russ Morgan (Drums)

Vocalist and songwriter Zoë Gilby has teamed up with jazz trumpet / flugelhorn player Noel Dennis, double bassist Andy Champion, guitarist Mark Williams and drummer Russ Morgan for this exciting new project. "Aurora" Inspired by the compositions of Noel’s trumpet and flugelhorn hero, Tom Harrell. This melodic, sharply conceived music has been augmented with lyrical interpretations written by Zoë. Illustrating further Harrell’s intricate ideas and serene delivery. Tom Harrell is widely recognised as one of the most creative and dynamic jazz instrumentalists and composers of our time with a career spanning nearly 50 years. The innovative unparalleled harmonic and rhythmic sophistication within Tom Harrell’s writing will be performed and lyrically heightened by this stellar line up.

“The lyrics work and this audience responded with enthusiasm. But Zoe’s voice is not just the vehicle for words but also an opportunity to be an instrument contributing to the total texture, colour and sound of the performance”

“The whole band tight and together for a ten plus minute climax to the performance, taking the audience with them to a triumphal close.”


WINNER OF PARLIAMENTARY JAZZ AWARDS JAZZ VOCALIST OF THE YEAR 2019.

Zoë Gilby is a UK based jazz vocalist and songwriter who tours internationally and throughout the UK, performing her original compositions, written with double bassist husband Andy Champion. Alongside the UK’s most innovative musicians, Zoe was selected for the prestigious artist development scheme Take Five edition. Curated by leading London music producers Serious.

Zoë is a creative, compelling songwriter and performer. Establishing critical acclaim with her adventurous approach and influences from jazz and contemporary composers from Kate Bush to Thelonious Monk. A vast array of powerful and diverse projects with a fascinating lyrical content. A successful and charismatic personality who is continuing her increasing popularity amongst audiences, press and promoters.

RAFE'S DILEMMA
Nel Begley (Vocals) / Jamil Sherrif (Keyboards) / Pete Turner (Bass) / Katie Patterson (Drums)

Rafe's Dilemma - Can you keep it together?

A family on the edge, the pressures of society, gossip, heartbreak..
Find yourself immersed in synthesised soundscapes, electronic improvisation & spoken word, exploring the multitude of emotions we all experience towards our families.

Featuring Nel Begley, Jamil Sheriff, Katie Patterson and Pete Turner, the quartet pulls influence from jazz, electronica and rock.

Inspired by Bill Naughton’s ‘Spring and Port Wine’.

"A mesmerising performance which had the audience spellbound" - Gary Ward, Darwen Music Project

"A wonderfully satisfying blend of textures, rhythms, moods and emotions" - Jez Matthews, The Lescar

Originally formed in 2017 as a commission for Bolton Worktown Festival (2018) the band went on to release their debut album ‘Rafe’s Dilemma’ with an accompanying Arts Council England supported tour (2019). They are currently part of Jazz North’s Northern Line Scheme 2019/20 and are writing new material with the endorsement of award winning playwright Leo Butler.

instagram: @rafesdilemma

ALEMBIC
Melanie Fox (Vocals, Effects and Percussion) / Paul Taylor (Keyboards)

Paul Taylor is a well-established improvising pianist on the North East Jazz Scene and is one of Jazz North's Northern Line Ambassador artists for 2018-19. Melanie Fox is a complete newcomer who, after a lifetime of listening to jazz, realised her own vocal talent in the summer of 2016. She has been working her way through the standards repertoire with a local quartet, but is ready to progress to the next level with a project that goes beyond the boundaries of jazz. Melanie already knew and loved Paul's improvisations, and when Paul heard Melanie sing he instantly felt she was a kindred spirit creatively and so this brand new collaboration was born.

Influenced by the sea, the night sky, sleeplessness, a sense of longing and an eclectic selection of different musical genres. Using excerpts from literature and Melanie's poetry, plus some left-field jazz standards as starting points, the pair weave words and melody into organic soundscapes.

This concert is presented by Jazz North East in association with Jazz North 'Northern Line' and comes with support from PRSF 'Open Fund'.

NOEL DENNIS TRIO
Noel Dennis (Trumpet) / Andy Champion (Bass) / Paul Edis (Piano)

Featuring three of the North Easts finest musicians The Noel Dennis Trio will explore a range of material from the likes of Miles Davis, Tom Harrell and Bill Evans, as well as some of the more rare standard repertoire. The trio take a creative and atmospheric approach to the materials, exploring the intricate workings of some wonderful tunes. Joining Noel are Paul Edis and Andy Champion.

This concert is presented by Jazz North East in association with Jazz Co-op at The Globe

BLOOM
Jeff Williams (Drums) / Carmen Staaf (Piano) / Michael Formanek (Bass)

When rising star Carmen Staaf (Dee Dee Bridgewater MD) stepped in for legendary drummer Jeff Williams' usual pianist the musical connection was powerful and instantaneous. Williams who resides in both London and New York himself has an impressive CV having performed with Stan Getz, Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman and the list goes on. “We talked about the idea of a trio, after which I ran into Michael (bassist Formanek and ECM artist) - we first met in the 1970s, gigging together in New York. That was the eureka moment – it bloomed outta nowhere, hence the album title.” The threesome recorded Bloom in New York and released it on the Whirlwind Label in April 2019 garnering high praise from the jazz press - four and five star reviews and NPR ranking the album #7 on the  iTunes jazz charts. This performance is part of an 8-date UK tour.

KIRA KIRA
Alister Spence (Keyboards) / Satoko Fujii (Piano) / Natsuki Tamura (Trumpet) / Peter Orins (Drums)

Explosive and beautiful, Kira Kira is a project formed by acclaimed improvisers and composers Satoko Fujii (JP), Natsuki Tamura (JP) and Alister Spence (AUS). For this performance they will be joined by French drummer, Peter Orins. Fujii, Tamura and Spence have performed together regularly in duo, trio, quartet and large ensemble settings since 2008, when Satoko Fujii Quartet and Spence’s trio shared the stage at the Tokyo International Jazz Festival. Kira Kira’s first performance was at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival 2017 with Tony Buck drums on drums. Their debut album Bright Force (Libra Records) was recorded at Knuttelhouse in Tokyo in September 2017, featuring extraordinary Japanese drummer Ittetsu Takemura, and has received consistently strong reviews world-wide.

'An absolute triumph…incredibly successful collectivism and mutual awareness of the creative process' - Roger Mitchell (AusJazz)

'Kira Kira weights layer upon layer of sound until it approaches a breaking point that never quite materializes. Instead, the music finds its way to someplace near perpetuity and how it gets there is never obvious. It’s awe-inspiring music.' - Karl Ackermann (All About Jazz)


Satoko Fujii

Critics and fans alike hail pianist and composer Satoko Fujii as one of the most original voices in jazz today. In concert and on more than 80 albums as a leader or co-leader, she synthesizes jazz, contemporary classical, avant-rock and Japanese folk music into an innovative music instantly recognizable as hers alone. Over the years, Fujii has led some of the most consistently creative ensembles in modern improvised music, including the ma-do quartet, the Min-Yoh Ensemble, and an electrifying avant-rock quartet featuring drummer Tatsuya Yoshida of The Ruins.

'One of the most original pianists in free jazz' - Steve Greenlee (Boston Globe)

'She could be the most important creative musician of our time' - Michael Nastos (allmusic)

www.satokofujii.com


Natsuki Tamura

Japanese trumpeter and composer Natsuki Tamura is internationally recognized for a unique musical vocabulary that blends extended techniques with jazz lyricism.

'Natsuki Tamura’s trumpet has some of the stark, melancholy lyricism of Miles, the bristling rage of late 60s Freddie Hubbard and a dollop of the extended techniques of W. Leo Smith and Lester Bowie' - Mark Keresman (JazzReview.com)

'You’ll never fit trumpeter Natsuki Tamura into any pre-fab category, he creates his own, then pulls you into them with him’- Dan McClenaghan (All About Jazz)

www.natsukitamura.com


Alister Spence

Pianist and composer Alister Spence is one of the most creative forces in jazz and improvised music in Australia. The Alister Spence Trio has enjoyed critical acclaim, being nominated twice for Best Australian Jazz Album at the ARIA Awards (2004 / 2007). Their 7th release, Not Everything but Enough was voted in 'Top 10 Jazz Albums 2017' in Music Magazine, Japan, and received 'Honorary Mention, Best of 2017' in the New York City Jazz Record.

'Spence is one of the most original, creative pianists working today' - Eyal Hareuveni (Salt-Peanuts)

'Spence has that priceless gift of always leaving you wanting more' - Stuart Nicholson (Jazzwise Magazine)

www.alisterspence.com


Peter Orins

French drummer, composer Peter Orins has collaborated with Satoko Fujii since 2010, when they formed the French-Japanese quartet 'Kaze' with trumpeters Natsuki Tamura (JP) and Christian Provost (FR). Kaze has released 3 CDs and toured in Japan, Israel, Germany, France, USA and Canada. Orins has also performed with the Satoko Fujii Orchestra Berlin and in numerous concerts with Fujii in the US and Japan. Based in Lille, he performs with the free-improv trio TOC, Cirum collective and Circum Grand Orchestra, is artistic director of the Muzzix collective and also leads the record company Circum-Disc. In 2019, he released his second solo album Happened by Accident.

www.peterorins.com

SHIRLEY SMART TRIO
Shirley Smart (Cello) / John Crawford (Piano) / Demi Garcia Sabat (Percussion)

Trailblazing cellist Shirley Smart is recognized as one of the UK's most versatile and creative string players. Her acclaimed album ‘Long Story Short’ showcases the vast array of her musical influences, drawing on her unique background living in Jerusalem for 10 years and working with the overlapping worlds of jazz, Arabic, Turkish and North African music, and with artists such as Avishai Cohen, Omer Avital and Yasmin Levy. It features two of the UK's leading lights in world-influenced jazz - John Crawford on piano, and Demi Garcia Sabat on percussion, as well as guest artists Nikki Iles on accordion, Orphy Robinson MBE on vibraphone and Nicolas Meier on guitar.

Smart has established herself firmly on both the jazz and world music scenes since moving back to London, working with artists including Neil Cowley, Mulatu Astatke, Robert Mitchell, Misha Mullov-Abaddo Maciek Pysz and Alice Zawadzki. She is also founder member of Issie Barratt's Interchange Dectet, whose debut album 'Donna's Secret' has just been released, and has appeared at numerous festivals in the UK and abroad.

She is a keen educator, and teaches Jazz and Improvisation for the RCMJD and City University, and gives frequent workshops for organisations such as the National Youth Jazz Collective, Jazzlines, and Trinity Laban Conservatoire.

'A superb set - a sound world that is at once rooted in the ancient and traditional musics that it draws from in an utterly contemporary manner that also incorporates modern jazz. This is an exceptionally strong leadership debut from a lady that I'm sure we are destined to hear much more from' - Jazzviews

'Long Story Short represents another impressive offering from Smart and is a worthy début under her own name. The album covers an impressive amount of musical and geographical ground with its range of styles and influences. Smart’s playing, both with and without the bow, is exceptional throughout..'

'…a stunning pizzicato solo, her playing reminiscent of a top jazz bassist. And she’s pretty handy with the bow too!' - The JazzMann

'As a cellist-composer she morphs seamlessly from Stephane Grappelli like swing and Bird-like bebop...
a charming kaleidoscope and jazzy showcase of her global folk music-inspired compositions' - Jazzwise

'Intense, lyrical and full of energy.... A thrilling range on technique on display... Smart's cello singing, snarling or pumping out bass line.... Fascinating listening, and thought-provoking entertainment for the open-eared' - The Arts Desk

'…some of the most inventive use of the cello I have heard for some time…' - Kind of Jazz

'Smarts playing is particularly remarkable..she readily demonstrates a wide range of techniques incorporating an
understanding of improvisation drawn from a jazz background and her extensive knowledge of Arabic maqam…' - Songlines

'A fascinating melting pot of musical influences' - World Music Central

This concert is presented by Jazz North East in association with Jazz Co-op at The Globe and is supported by PRSF 'Open Fund'

ARCHIPELAGO
Faye MacCalman (Saxophone, Clarinet and Vocals) / John Pope (Bass and FX) / Christian Alderson (Drums and Percussion)

Archipelago take audiences on a genre crushing journey fusing cinematic improvisation, fiery free jazz, alt-rock and the heartfelt storytelling of blues-folk songwriters into an innovative brew of new music.

Fronted by Faye MacCalman and completed by John Pope and Christian Alderson, Archipelago formed out of the North East of England’s burgeoning new music scene in 2016 after crossing paths in ‘mutant funeral jazz big band’ The Midnight Doctors.

With influences stretching from Joni Mitchell, to Don Cherry, to PJ Harvey, their songs change rapidly from one to the next as Archipelago move between instruments and electronic effects that create the illusion of a room of musicians before peeling back to their raw trio form.

Archipelago (Photograph by Alan Thorburn)


FAITH BRACKENBURY
Faith Brackenbury (Violin)

Faith Brackenbury studied violin classically at music school, diversifying into jazz, folk, rock and improvisation at Brunel University. She played in Irish folk and Hot Club bands in London in the nineties. After a hiatus in which she learned how to make and repair stringed instruments, and then being ensconced in motherhood, Faith completed the Pg dip in Jazz Performance at Birmingham Conservatoire in 2014.

Amongst many projects Faith created a series of compositions inspired by The Knife Angel sculpture which recently appeared in Gateshead, alongside this she has been working on something of an entirely different nature, called Birds’ Suite, which was inspired by reading The Conference of The Birds by twelfth-century Sufi poet Farid Ud-Din Attar, she also appears in the duo Zephyr with Martin Speake.

In 2018 Faith teamed up with the Newcastle based Archipelago for their project 'Between Waves' as one of
four female artists who were chosen to collaborate on the project.

It's a great pleasure to welcome Faith back to Newcastle this time to perform a new project of solo work.


This concert is presented by Jazz North East 'Women Make Music' and comes with support from PRSF 'Open Fund'

WARMER THAN BLOOD + RUTH GOLLER (SOLO)
Chris Montague (Electric Guitar) / Kit Downes (Piano) / Ruth Goller (Electric Bass and Voice)

Warmer Than Blood is the new trio from critically acclaimed composer and guitarist Chris Montague (Troyka, Squarepusher). It brings together the pianist, and ECM recording artist, Kit Downes and renowned electric bassist, Ruth Goller (acoustic Ladyland, Melt Yourself Down, Let Spin). The dynamite trio have collaborated extensively in recent years establishing a distinct musical intuition and bond. Montague’s latest compositions provide a fresh sonic exploration between the three artists. The unusual mix of electric bass, piano and guitar creates spellbinding soundscapes of dark textures, visceral pools of harmony, kinetic improvisation and percussive prepared piano. WTB perform the kind of music that lingers in the ears long after the tune has ended. At once foreboding and tender, composed with a scathing intricacy that belies its emotional breadth. The band will be touring their new album extensively throughout Europe in 2020 and it's a great pleasure to welcome them to Newcastle.

The concert from Warmer Than Blood will be preceded by a solo performance from Ruth Goller playing solo.

ROBERT MITCHELL (Solo Piano)

Robert Mitchell is an award-winning pianist, keyboard player, composer, songwriter, poet, and author. In Newcastle Robert will present material from his new CD "The Rainbow Mountain / Can We Care". This is his 10th album and his second solo piano recording after "The Glimpse". Released on Whirlwind Recordings in 2013 "The Glimpse" focused on Mitchell’s fascination with a number of great pianists who have defined left hand only composition, teaching and performance, alongside left hand cultural connotations, "The Rainbow…" explores these ideas furthered by his experiences and music making since, in a live, long, improvised set. He will perform original music, improvisation, left hand only music and some music by several legends.

"The astonishing Robert Mitchell (familiar as the pianist and MD for the recent BBC Four celebrates Jazz 625 For One Night Only) took the keyboard apart in every sense of the word. He uses both hands and sometimes cross-hands with equal force to build solos of unbelievable depth and complexity. Urged on by his fellow players and the awe-struck audience, his playing became ever more audacious as the evening progressed" - www.thejazzmann.com

This concert is presented by Jazz North East in association with Jazz at The Literary and Philosophical Society.

jakTar
Christophe de Bézenac (Tenor Saxophone) / Michael Bardon (Double Bass) / Paul Hession (Drums)

jakTar is a recently founded high energy improvisation trio, consisting of Christophe de Bézenac (tenor saxophone), Paul Hession (drums), and Michael Bardon (double bass). Musical ideas fly around at lightning speed but are never lost. Hession is a veteran of European free improvisation and has played with everyone from Joe McPhee to Squarepusher. His trademark dynamic, rolling, inventive and melodic drumming is utterly unique and has to be seen / heard to be believed! Bardon is equally at home building synthesisers or shredding the bass and cello with Shatner’s Bassoon and Matthew Bourne’s 'Isotach'. Restlessly creative Bardon can always be counted on to bring energy and drive whether as soloist or ensemble player. de Bézenac co-founded the influential band trioVD and divides his time equally between a career in cognitive neuroscience and performance. He is known for his signature relentlessly energetic approach to the horn, encompassing a unique range of extended techniques.

NISHLA SMITH QUINTET
Nishla Smith (Vocals) / Richard Jones (Keyboards) / Aaron Wood (Trumpet) / Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley (Bass) / Johnny Hunter (Drums)

Nishla is a singer and songwriter who defies easy categorisation: her live sets include a breathtaking variety of material, from celebrated originals to dark jazz standards and devastating ballads. Her often dreamy and melancholic aura is offset by an energetic and imaginative band of Manchester’s finest young contemporary improvisers. Formed out of a residency at Sage Gateshead, the Nishla Smith Quintet have recently performed at the Manchester and Lancaster Jazz Festivals, NQ Jazz, and The Vortex, and are currently part of Jazz North’s Northern Line artist roster. The quintet are working on an album for release in 2020.

"Nishla Smith’s original ballads sound like standards from the American Songbook … maudlin moments shoulder ecstatic reveries…" London Jazz News

LAUREN KINSELLA 'SAOIRSE' QUARTET
Lauren Kinsella (Vocals) / Benedict Taylor (Viola) / Dan Nicholls (Keyboards and Piano) / Tom Challenger (Saxophone)

Saoirse is a new collaboration that brings together four of London's foremost artists in a compelling new chamber ensemble. Featuring Irish vocalist Lauren Kinsella, she is joined by saxophonist Tom Challenger, violist Benedict Taylor and pianist Kit Downes (although for this performance Lauren will be joined by Dan Nicholls). Interested in playing in new ways with old forms, they explore Irish traditional music celebrating Connemara Sean-nós song, improvisation and original composition.

"Like an expert seamstress, Kinsella wove the contrasting threads of tradition and innovation, to conjure a striking sonic tapestry, boldly original on concept, haunting in its stark beauty" - Ian Patterson (Allaboutjazz)

"Kinsella may have come from the world of jazz and improvisation, but she has a lot in common with other contemporary Irish artists who are also forming a new Irish musical language. It is a language that draws on precisely those elements of traditional music and song that cannot be written down" -Toner Quinn (Journal of Music)