All of our concerts are 14+ with under 18's accompanied by an adult but please do contact the venue for full details regarding younger ages and for any further queries regarding accessibility. Click here to see the upcoming events.
TOM RAINEY TRIO
Wednesday 22nd January 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Bridge Hotel - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
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
Sunday 2nd February 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Bridge Hotel - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
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.
GET THE BLESSING + CEITIDH MAC
Friday 7th February 2020
7.30pm (Music Starts 8.00pm)
£12 / £10 Concessions
Gosforth Civic Theatre
GET THE BLESSING
Jim Barr (Bass Guitar) / Clive Deamer (Drums) / Jake McMurchie (Saxophone) / Pete Judge (Trumpet)
"THIS IS TRIP HOP-INFORMED CONTEMPORARY JAZZ-ROCK AT ITS VERY BEST" (Time Out)
"SERIOUSLY CREATIVE ... WONDERFULLY IRREVERENT " (Mojo Magazine)
"THE MOMENTUM OF CREATIVITY IS UNDIPPED" (BBC Music Magazine)
Formed back in 1999 by bassist Jim Barr and drummer Clive Deamer (rhythm section of seminal act Portishead) alongside Jake McMurchie (on sax and electronics) and Pete Judge (trumpet and electronics) Bristol-based four-piece Get the Blessing boast a truly international fan-base, having forged a unique signature sound that defies easy classification.
Following the success of their 2016 album Astronautilus, jazz-rock mavericks Get The Blessing return the road following the realease of their spellbinding new Album 'Bristopia'. Blending their mutant jazz sensibilities with spacey electronics and post rock atmospheres, 'Bristopia' ventures into new, unexplored territories.
The Bristolian quintet channel subterranean depths and soar from dizzying heights, leading the audience through a complex labyrinth of tangled melodies and sliding soundscapes of dark, immersive production. Expect brooding and absorbing, haunting melodies and jagged, interweaving brass patterns from their new tracks, on top of their genre defying, edgy and brilliant fun musical ethos.
Get The Blessing send their sonic transmission deep into the furthest corners of the universe, setting the pace for the current UK Jazz revival, demonstrating that the early pioneers of the scene still have something important to say.
CEITIDH MAC
Ceitidh Mac (Voice and Cello)
Newcastle based cellist and singer-songwriter Ceitidh Mac blends soaring vocals and the deep, hypnotic sound of the cello to create a transformative sound that puts a progressive twist on the alt-folk genre. Originally from Wales, but now based in the North East of England, Ceitidh’s honest and intriguing lyrics have been mesmerising audiences in the know across the UK for a few years now. Ceitidh Mac has opened for the likes of Lankum and Laura Misch, and has had a busy festival season including sets at Knockengorroch World Ceilidh.
VENUE
Gosforth Civic Theatre
Regent Farm Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3HD
Contact: 0191 284 3700 / info@gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk
Accessibility: Fully accessible venue for wheelchair users
Travel: Regent Centre Metro and Bus Station is just across the road
AGE RESTRICTIONS
14+ with under 18's accompanied by an adult but please do contact the venue for full details regarding younger ages and for any further queries regarding accessibility.
TICKETS
Reflex CD (Nun Street - Newcastle) 0191 260 3246
www.seetickets.com / info@jazznortheast.com
Admission is generally possible through payment on the door subject to venue capacity
Our concessionary rate is available to MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits
Seetickets
https://www.seetickets.com/event/get-the-blessing-ceitidh-mac/gosforth-civic-theatre/1471185
Eventbrite Tickets
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/get-the-blessing-plus-support-from-ceitidh-mac-tickets-85333626173?aff=efbeventtix
GARETH HUGHES SEXTET
(plays the music of Art Blakey)
Thursday 20th February 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
Gosforth Civic Theatre - Newcastle
£12 / £10 Concessions
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.
ANIMAL SOCIETY
Sunday 8th March 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Bridge Hotel - Newcastle
£8 / £6 Concessions
ANIMAL SOCIETY
Joe Williamson (Guitar and Compositions) / Alan Benzie (Keyboards) / Craig McMahon (Keyboards) / Gus Stirrat (Bass) / Graham Costello (Drums)
Animal Society is a new sound in UK jazz, somewhere in the void between Rage Against The Machine, Pat Metheny and EST. Ringleader Joe Williamson, guitarist and winner of Young Scottish Jazz Musician Of The Year 2018, presents daring new music which could be described as cutting-edge electric jazz with the uncompromising power of a stadium rock band.
Hook-driven melodies, soaring improvisations and joyful musical interplay underpin a sound rich in detail, and full of warmth and character. Their exciting live shows balance fiery grooves and heavy riffs with cinematic, ethereal soundscapes, performed by five musicians at the forefront of the new wave of Scottish Jazz.
"Combining rock energy and power with jazz chops this is music that is simultaneously viscerally exciting and intellectually satisfying" - The Jazz Mann
Animal Society photograph by Peter Stevenson
VULA VIEL
Sunday 22nd March 5.45pm
Sage - Gateshead
£5 / £12.90
VULA VIEL
Bex Burch (Gyil) / Ruth Goller (Bass) / Jim Hart (Drums)
Vula Viel are a jazz group from London, playing music based on the sound of the gyil, a wooden xylophone from West Africa, fused with elements of electronica and minimal music. Vula Viel were formed by Bex Burch and name means "Good is Good" in the Dagaaba language, Dagaare. Originally from Yorkshire, Bex Burch trained in percussion at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she was introduced to the minimalist music of Steve Reich, and then spent three years with the Dagaaba people of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Vula Viel coem to Gateshead in support of their new album 'What’s Not Enough About That'.
"One of the most exciting young UK groups I’ve heard" - Jez Nelson (BBC Radio 3)
This concert is presented by Jazz North East 'Women Make Music' is association with Sage Gateshead Jazz Festival and comes with support from the PRSF 'Open Fund'
ALTER EGO
Thursday 2nd April 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Black Swan Bar and Venue - Newcastle
£6 / £5 Concessions
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.
ZOE GILBY 'AURORA' QUINTET (Album Launch)
Thursday 23rd April 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
Gosforth Civic Theatre
£12 / £10 Concessions
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 + ALEMBIC
Sunday 26th April 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Bridge Hotel - Newcastle
£8 / £6 Concessions
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
Thursday 7th May 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Globe - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
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
Saturday 16th May 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Literary and Philosophical Society - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
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.
JEFF WILLIAMS 'BLOOM' - DEEP READING
It speaks volumes when the bustling opening track of drummer Jeff Williams’ new piano trio release, Bloom, is revealed as “just us warming up, getting our headphone mix together”! For that’s the remarkable, spontaneous quality which his partnership with pianist Carmen Staaf (Dee Dee Bridgewater MD) and double bassist (and ECM artist) Michael Formanek delivers across ten numbers individually penned by each, plus a Buster Williams interpretation.
Jeff Williams has worked alongside Stan Getz, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, and John Abercrombie, in addition to leading his own groups for some time; and for the last few years, in the States, he has played in saxophonist Dan Blake’s quartet with pianist Leo Genovese and bassist Dmitry Ishenko. “One time when Leo was unavailable, Carmen stepped in, and I felt a real connection with her playing”, recalls the drummer. “We talked about the idea of a trio, after which I ran into Michael (we first met in the 1970s, gigging together in New York). That was the eureka moment – it bloomed outta nowhere, hence the album title.”
Bassist Michael Formanek has peformed with drummer Tony Williams and saxophonist Joe Henderson; starting in the '80s he played long stints with Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Fred Hersch and Freddie Hubbard. (As a callback to those days, Formanek recorded with hardbop pianist Freddie Redd in 2013). The bassist has played a pivotal role on New York's creative jazz scene going back to the '90s when he notably led his own quintet and played in Tim Berne's barnstorming quartet Bloodcount and his album, The Distance was released in February 2016 and in addition to numerous other accolades also received a five-star review in Downbeat.
The threesome recorded Bloom in New York and released it on the Whirlwind Label in April 2019 immediately garnering enthusiastic praise from the jazz press - four and five star reviews and prestigious NPR ranking the album #7 on the iTunes jazz charts. This rare and exciting performance is part of an 8-date UK tour.
“I grew up listening to many piano trios, especially Ahmad Jamal’s from around 1958–1962 – so that influenced my playing. But there’s no fixed concept, and this was simply a case of ‘Let’s see what we can do with it’. I’ve always played with people who inspire me, enjoying the conversation, going into some depth; and often thinking about the musicians, rather than the instrumentation. So I hope Bloom will allow us to flourish in pursuing this trio further.”
"It's always a treat when the real thing comes along and this particular Jeff Williams trio is undoubtedly that." - ★★★★ Jazzwise
"... The trio excel at this kind of robust, highly virtuosic playing, and there’s a sense of freedom and fun to the proceedings." - Jazzviews
"Once you have the right tunes, then all you need is really good players who mind the material and listen to each other and make good choices in the moment. Jeff Williams's album "Bloom" is the sound of that plan coming together." - NPR
"Bloom" documents the already remarkable empathy between the three musicians and embraces a wide variety of jazz styles, while simultaneously establishing a strong group identity." - The Jazzman
"...Williams has built a truly crafty cohort to carry out his mission of nurturing spontaneity." - JazzTimes
"...though what makes you sit up and pay attention the most is Staaf’s pianism. It’s brilliant, enriched stuff, as rugged as it is lush. " - Downbeat
" In a world with so many piano trio albums released every month, "Bloom" stands out on the strengths of its compositions and the excellent musicianship of Jeff Williams, Carmen Staaf, and Michael Formanek." - Tempest Blog spot READ
"... to instantly discern the true cohesiveness of this trio, just listen to Formanek's sprightly "A Word Edgewise" or the gracefulness imbued in Staaf's bluesy "New York Landing." - ★★★★ All About Jazz
"The real joy in Bloom is to sit and listen to Jeff Williams." - Part Time Audiophile
KIRA KIRA
Friday 29th May 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Literary and Philosophical Society - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
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
Thursday 18th June 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Globe - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
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 + FAITH BRACKENBURY
Thursday 11th June 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Black Swan Bar and Venue - Newcastle
£8 / £6 Concessions
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)
Friday 3rd July 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Literary and Philosophical Society - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
Ruth Goller appears at this concert 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.
PAUL BOOTH MASTERCLASS
Thursday 9th July 7:00pm
Once registered, participants will be sent a receipt followed by an e-mail confirming the full details, including links to log into the masterclass
Full £10, student £5
Link to register https://www.strictly-smokin.co.uk/event/paul-booth-masterclass/
Alongside Jazz North East, Jazz.Coop and Gosforth Civic Theatre, Strictly Smokin' are very excited to be hosting a masterclass with Paul Booth - many of you will remember the gig SSBB had with him at Alphabetti Theatre in 2018.
In this session lasting 90 minutes, Paul will focus on harmony which gives us the tools to improvise. He will also cover melodic improvisation in a variety of musical contexts with a focus on jazz but also looking at improvisation across genres. Paul will be answering your questions also.
"From his early acclaim as a prize-winning saxophonist, Paul Booth has continually refined and expanded his talents as a solo artist, composer, arranger and bandleader, whilst establishing an elite reputation as a first-call sideman for major contemporary music artists. In 1993 Paul won the 'Best Modern Jazz Player’ category at the televised Young Jazz Player of the Year. Paul's work has seen him perform with Steely Dan, Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Jamiroquai, Gregory Porter, Ingrid Jensen, Brand New Heavies, The BBC Big Band and of course, Incognito”
Regardless of age or experience, all instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome to attend the session.
The masterclass will be held on zoom.us and you will require a free account with them. Upon registering, you will receive a receipt for your payment and a follow up e-mail with specific details of how to access the masterclass.
https://www.strictly-smokin.co.uk/event/paul-booth-masterclass/
ROBERT MITCHELL (Solo)
Friday 10th July 1.00pm (doors 12.30pm)
The Literary and Philosophical Society - Newcastle
£6 On The Door
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
Sunday 26th July 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Bridge Hotel - Newcastle
£8 / £6 Concessions
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
Thursday 15th October 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Globe - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
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
This concert is presented by Jazz North East 'Women Make Music' in association with Jazz Co-op at The Globe and comes with support from PRSF 'Open Fund'
LAUREN KINSELLA 'SAOIRSE' QUARTET
Tyneside Irish Festival
Sunday 18th October 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
Gosforth Civic Theatre - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
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)
This concert is presented by Jazz North East 'Women Make Music' in association with Tyneside Irish Festival and Gosforth Civic Theatre and comes with support from PRSF 'Open Fund'
CHARLOTTE KEEFFE QUARTET
Sunday 1st November 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Bridge Hotel - Newcastle
£8 / £6 Concessions
CHARLOTTE KEEFFE QUARTET
Charlotte Keeffe (Brass) / Moss Freed (Guitar) / Ashley John Long (Double Bass) / Ben Handysides (Drums)
Inspired by the likes of Miles Davis and Polish artist Tomasz Sta!ko, Trumpeter Charlotte Keeffe’s unique approach and passion for improvised,
experimental and jazz music has seen her performing regularly across the UK and internationally as a soloist and as part of several ensembles, duos and trios. Her music has been featured on BBC Radio 3, Resonance FM and Jazz
FM and recent appearances with her quartet include Jazz In The Round and
a sell-out performance at Lancaster Jazz Festival. With her Quartet, Charlotte explores the relationship between her compositions and
experimental improvisation, producing a unique musical experience inspiring creative freedom of expression. Bassist Ashley John Long, drummer Ben Handysides and guitarist Moss Freed join Charlotte in this latest collaboration.
"…Charlotte Keeffe’s blood-red, rasping flugelhorn and trumpet blew breathy cadences and messages as if her lungs were burning with an electricity all of her own" - Chris Searle
This concert is presented by Jazz North East 'Women Make Music' and comes with support from PRSF 'Open Fund'
JOSEPHINE DAVIES 'SATORI' TRIO
Sunday 6th December 8.00pm (doors 7.30pm)
The Bridge Hotel - Newcastle
£10 / £8 Concessions
JOSEPHINE DAVIES 'SATORI' TRIO
Josephine Davies (Saxophone) / Dave Whitford (Bass) / James Maddren (Drums)
A Portrait of Satori
Satori is a Buddhist word meaning a moment of presence and inner spaciousness away from the clutter of thought, and reflects saxophonist and composer Josephine Davies’ fascination with Japanese philosophy. It is her most recent artistic project, in which she demonstrates a continuing evolution of sound and style in both her playing and her writing. The deliberate omission of a chordal instrument as well as the frequent absence of regular harmonic sequence allows the compositions to serve as a loose base for the spontaneity and creativity of the players, giving rise to a uniquely integrated trio sound.
Featuring the irrepressible musicality of saxophonist Josephine Davies, drummer James Maddren, and bassist Dave Whitford, Satori is an ever-evolving ensemble that defies the categorization of either avant-garde or mainstream jazz, instead shifting deftly and dynamically through various imaginative soundscapes according to where their shared inspiration takes them.
The band are delighted to release their third album ‘How Can We Wake?’ this October. Inspired by the writings of the Indian sage Patanjali, this suite of pieces was recorded live in the atmospheric setting of North London’s Oxford Tavern and is a beautifully creative and magical offering from this inimitable trio.
This concert is presented by Jazz North East 'Women Make Music' and comes with support from PRSF 'Open Fund'
Reflex CD (Nun Street - Newcastle) 0191 260 3246
info@jazznortheast.com
Admission is generally possible through payment on the door subject to venue capacity
Our concessionary rate is available to MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits