I was advised by the entirely trustworthy Steve Crocker (SevenJazz, Leeds 7) that Kasseldown Quintet were a quite exceptional band. Noted jazz traveller, Tom Gallagher, further advised that he had been forced to eat his hat on the matter of composition tuition having seen them. No indecision then in adding Kasseldown Quintet to the JATPjazz schedule. Jumping Jehosephat!! What understatement! Harry Orme is a composer of great rarity and talent. Somewhat untypical of a guitarist / composer, he is so highly sensitive and sympathetic to the other instruments, it is almost unbelievable. I tell you it is a crime that these guys are not 'on record' and they sit in the shadow of none of their possibly more famous counterparts from the south. DO get to see this band. Their pad is variegated, but so pleasingly so - barely a genre untouched but it all alloys together so seamlessly - not a fracture plane in sight. Bloody Terrific!! As a leader and 'frontman', the
delightful Harry Orme - a real credit to this generation in ALL seriousness! - is such a lovely young man, it fills the heart of an old(er) Curmudgeon that all
is certainly not lost for the future of humanity and jazz. Likewise Harry's bandmates. Harry Orme – g, Will Howard – ts, Martin Longhawn – p, Simon Read – db, Matt Parkinson – d
http://harryormemusic.com/
https://soundcloud.com/harry-orme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdZ76BiQ07c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjjZUA6H_VI
28 November 2014 - John Etheridge's Trio North
.. completely 'wasted' a numerous and appreciative crowd of jazzers and axe-freaks from far and wide with a thrilling, rejuvenated performance leaving one and all enthralled with a staggering display of the timeless talents which have made John Etheridge one of the UK's True Leading Guitarists, going from strength to strength, and for which we are all grateful, not least John himself.Both JETN and Glyde House were cock-a-hoop with the whole gig and long may ECGJazz gigs continue in such vein
www.johnetheridge.com
www.jazz-cat.com
07 November 2014 - LOCUS
The LOCUS front line have been variously described in complementary terms, such as 'electric'. In fact I reckon it's more like fision! Kim, Leah and Riley complement and support each other sublimely, each in their own way to a very wide-ranging and intense effect.
Of course the front line always gets first mention, yet this should not infer that the rhythm section is not equally and similarly talented. Surely it follows, they would have to be at least their equal and in fact they are and it is this 'super jazz glue' which holds this EXCELLENT band together. Terrifically varied sets leaving ne'er a genre untouched almost, made for a HIGHLY entertaining evening of super quality jazz which I thoroughly and heartily endorse.
Kim Macari - tr, Leah Gough-Cooper - as, Riley Stone-Lonergan - ts, Sam Leak - p, Tom Wheatley - b, Jay Davis - d
http://kimmacari.wordpress.com/locus
24 October 2014 - Samadhi
Samadhi are a very beguiling almost hypnotic band who surprise in unexpected ways in 'jazz' terms. Their music is thrilling in both ensemble and improvised solos with the whole piece amounting to a musical experience easily in excess of the sum of the parts. Of course, given the ages of these guys, there's bound to be an injection of modern music, not necessarily jazz, yet the outcome is surely none the worse for it, so deftly is it applied. OK so it's not another regurgitation of 50's / 60's USA jazz - that is it's beauty - this is adventurous stuff yet it frightens no horses, so, all you Be-Boppers, climb on board Samadhi's musical extravaganza to experience the musical pleasure which can exist on such well-laid foundations. Their 'Giant Steps' is an excellent example of how 'the music' develops - A Cracker!
Nick Jurd stepped in on bass here at some short notice and demonstrated with ease and skill what a terrific bassist he is fast becoming - power, sensitivity and discretion - admirable qualities for the guy 'hiding' at the back, dots or not! The rest of this excellent band amply lived-up to their 'rightly' growing reputations - this is SOME Band and well worth the seeing. Catch them on tour now
Krzysztof Urbanski - ts , Dominic J Marshall - p, Nick Jurd - b, Sam Bell - p,
Sam Gardner - d
www.samadhimusic.co.uk
03 October 2014 - Ollie Howell Quintet
WHAT AN ABSOLUTE "Grab you by the lugs" band this is. They were 'crackin' last time out and we expected no less this time of course. Three late changes might squash their 'mojo' a bit? one might have thought. Well not a bit of it - this is one terrific, highly engaging and ultra-listenable band and I do believe it is the quality and attractiveness of composition which ensures that the joy abounds almost regardless of line-up.And then there is the mortar binding the courses together which is Ollie - what a composed composer he is! his intros and reasoning for the tracks are eloquently, effortlessly and entertainingly delivered ensuring that audience engagement is a continuous and delightful process.
Do go see them - “Sutures and Stitches” is an incredibly album - it's 'live' manifestation really is spectacularly good! so good I shall have to adjourn whilst I adjust my scale of vertigineity.
Henry Spencer – tr, Krzysztof Urbanski – ts, Tom Millar – p, Max Luthert – db, Ollie Howell – d
www.olliehowell.com
19 September 2014 - The Allsorts
Jazz Musicians 'The Allsorts presented Saltaire Festival with a high-quality set covering a wide range of moods and emotions, exuding the joy of making music together. An impressive array of soloists who support and bring the best out of each other. KP’s compositions build on traditions of modern jazz, combining tight, enticing ensemble playing with expressive and expansive soloing. I am tempted to say Weather Report meets Art Blakey...except Katie's smile is even bigger.' -Eddie Lawler Katie Patterson - d, Russ Henderson - ts, tbc -g, Peter Gavin - b, Oli Cadman - keys
www.theallsortsband.com
05 September 2014 - Dominic J Marshall Trio
I and a good few others judging by post gig comments and compliments (to the band of course) thoroughly attest Mr Parker's assessment ...
"...a considerable pianistic talent...pleasingly self-absorbed but consistently communicative and inventive piano solos that really impress...featuring an intense, fiercely interactive trio." (Chris Parker - LondonJazz) ....
Notwithstanding a perceived, occasional nod to Bill Evans, Dominic J Marshall Trio's adherence to convention stops there - these young men are ejecting the rote of jazz trio and taking the form in new, exciting and highly unexpected direction with much invigoration and delight, and all power to their scrawny elbows, says IDominic J Marshall - p, Sam Vicary - b, Sam Gardner - d
www.dominicjmarshall.com
22 August 2014 - John Fleming Quintet
Sadly owing bereavement, Andy Bunting was unable to make this gig, so Tom Ford stepped into the void replacing piano with guitar.
WHAT A NIGHT! Scottish Young Jazz Musician of the Year, John Fleming sure knows how to compose both music and bands and Percy Pursglove - fh, Tom Ford - g, Nick Jurd - b, and Jonathan Silk - d certainly know how to play and to superb effect. It would be unfair to highlight individuals, such was the broad contribution to the magnificent end result and so I urge you to take this band in when next in your region - nay!, whenever any of these musicians are on the stand - they are the real deal and got ECGjazz off to the best possible start. Suffice to say, this band will be on JATP's roster as soon as I can fit them in.
Also, Many Thanks to the JATPjazz faithful for adding to this gig. Your interest and support is much appreciated and, of course, we hope more join your splendid company
04 July 2014 - Brian Acton Quartet
In typical, and might I add 'forecast', style, Brian Acton eagerly and energetically set about an eclectic 'pad' displaying his broad talents for all forms of music capable of being 'jazzed' - rock, pop, American Songbook - something for everyone in fact and much to the appreciation of the assembled audience (and one absentee) who left sated and looking forward to JATPjazz' new season starting in September 2014.
Thanks all for your invaluable support.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZhjS5zHcOA
06 June 2014 - Richard Iles' Microscopic with Jazz North
It may well have been 'austerity' which stimulated the formation or 'distillation' of Microscopic from Richard Iles' Miniature Brass Emporium but I can tell you that there is nothing remotely 'austere' about the music which is so spectacularly beautiful in it's composition and virtuosic performance (across the piece) that one is completely transported away from the manacling misery of the very measures which brought it about. I hope this does not form a case for such further misery, though I fear this has later come to pass : http://www.londonjazznews.com/2014/07/news-arts-council-announces-2015-18.html and http://www.jazzservices.org.uk/index.php/jazzedblog/item/914-jazz-services-supports-the-isms- .
So for all your uplifting and spirit-rejuvenating musical elixir, look out for a Microscopic incarnation near you
Richard Iles - trumpet, Mike Williams - alto sax, Percy Pursglove - bass (confined there by 'The Boss' who freely concedes that Percy is a 'demon' trumpeter, Les Chisnall - piano
PS! you don't notice the absence of percussion until they quit the premises in a remarkably short period16 May 2014 - HSQ + 2 with Jazz North
An invigorating, nay, uplifting, nay refreshing saxophonic blast swept through Glyde House gathering cobwebs and all in it's vortex, and with the excellent and delightful punctuative injections of percussion and harp, neural networks were left tingling and anew. A band worth checking out for sure, as are Mr Wilson's Second Liners, whom might catch you unawares at any sun-soaked (Yes! I know - 'scary' isn't it? that golden orb traversing UK skies?) outdoor event giving a refreshing jazz treatment to all manner of music from which you might otherwise have 'fled'http://mrwilsons.org.uk/players/4581447087
Jim Collins - flute, alto sax, baritone sax, Will Lenton - tenor sax, Helen Pillinger - alto sax, tenor sax, Helena Summerfield - baritone sax, soprano sax, Hugh Lawrence - perc, Rachael Gladwyn - harp
https://www.facebook.com/hillarystepquartet
http://hillarystepsaxquartet.tumblr.com/biog
02 May 2014 - JJ Wheeler Quintet
What a bristling band! A highly accomplished collection of musicians - right on the money and the beat all night long, collectively and individually, playing a good 20 minutes over the norm and endlessly entertaining, alloying the past with the present beautifully. The JJ Wheeler Quintet are a cracking outfit comprising highlights of the UK Jazz 'new wave' and highly recommended for a viewing.
JJ Wheeler - drums, Chris Maddock - alto sax, Nadim Teimori - tenor sax, Sam James - piano, Paul Trippett - Bass
04 April 2014 - Tessa Smith Quintet
Well I reckon the be-legged and be-tailed reptiles of Bradford must be so malnourished now as to have attracted the attentions of the RSPCA as the quality of jazz at JATPjazz maintains such a high level as to cause yet another "STARVE THE LIZARDS!". Reptilean owners! - this is exclamatory, not instructive, yet highly suitable for the absolutely knock-out band which is the Tessa Smith Quintet - this band has got the lot - a leader who engages the audience with song, wit and utter charm and a band to die for which is given most ample opportunity to shine - and shine they did.
http://tessasmith.wordpress.com
07 March 2014 - Ben Crosland Qrt
WHAT A BLINDING evening of Jazz we had from the Ben Crosland Quartet. All expectations as previously expressed came to pass in glorious musical abundance.
Rather than prattle on as I often do, the words of one of JATPjazz's newcomers, a very nice American Lady, say it all. "I've just returned from 4 weeks in Florida, visiting family and vacationing and I've seen lot's of great jazz bands whilst I was there - but none of them were a patch on the Ben Crosland Quartet". This summoned the question from Ben as to whether Jet2 'do' Florida. We are quite happy with you here, me old Mucker!
Check-out Rod Mason - saxes, flute, Paul Kilvington - piano, Ben Crosland - bass, Dave Tyas - drums
www.jazz-cat.com/home/front-page
07 February 2014 - Josh Kemp Qrt
Josh Kemp is :-- a smashing bloke
- a very subtle wit
- exceedingly likeable and accessible
- a BLINDINGLY GREAT saxophonist ..
.. who treated the JATPjazz faithful to an evening of musical delights and thoroughly blew his socks off into the bargain. Most ably supported and augmented on this occasion by Jamil Sheriff - piano, Pete Turner - bass, Dave Walsh - drums who, throughout the evening, were invited to the musical fore to excellent and varied effect with subtle punctuation from Josh and on many such occasions double heading on tenor and/or alto and/or soprano. Scintillating stuff which must surely pack the houses on Josh's current UK-wide tour - do get along to one of the gigs which you'll find at www.joshkemp.com - it will money well spent, but not quite so well, possibly, as at JATPjazz
An interesting and varied composer .. showed that there is still plenty of life in the post-bop tradition - Jazz UK
The music breathes beautifully with subtle light and shade and it is shot through with feeling. This is mature, fully realized jazz of a high order, and a pleasure to hear - Ian Carr
17 January 2014 - GOGO PENGUIN
To those good people who have supported JATPjazz through thick and thin and who we could not admit owing to Fire Cert restrictions, our sincere apologies. This is the first time ever we've had to do this, and whilst we do love a big crowd, we hope it is something we do not have to repeat, but then Friday was Gogo Penguin.
** Originally scheduled for 05 July 2013 **
OK, I keep bleating-on about this reschedule? Well that's because these guys, possibly despite the advice of their Manager, honour their word. This trio were the canine's reproductive organs last time yet still they go from strength to strength, a point endorsed by the crowd, not only in their number, but also their vigorous, enthusiastic response. GgP's star has surely ascended to the firmament propelled by the likes of Jamie Cullum and head-turning performances at some big UK and European festivals, so £7 / £5 Members and NUS, was an absolute 'steal' and let me tell you, 'the robbers' were out. A crowd of 84 (with 4 + 10 sat in the foyer on audio only) arrived to be slaughtered by some epic trio jazz. Oft are these guys compared to EST (as is the Critic's wont to compare all jazz music with what has passed in large sales previously) but I observe that their nod to EST has turned into something of a musical 'Glasgow Kiss'. These guys have moved it on and up various gears, if not a full box. Their music is energised, vital, fully and beautifully textured and plain bloody THRILLING - there wasn't a knodding head in the house - a musical caffeine, or codeine even and all with grins like cats overdosed on catnip.
You've got to see this band - simple as that, but £7 will not cover it, unless of course, like a tight Yorkshireman, the promoter wisely 'booked early.
Absolute Jazz Nirvana - Knockout!
Chis Illingworth - piano, Nick Blacka - bass and Rob Turner - drums
gogopenguin.co.uk
03 January 2014 - THE WEAVE - a Jazz North ‘northern line’ gig.
The Weave may be a new project in it's early days but they have a terrific foundation in Smith's playing, writing, on-stage persona and leadership and absolutely all the components in terms of band mates, their abilities and attitudes and a collective love and 'feel' for the music that the rapid progress I've detected in the past 8 months is staggeringly good. The Weave have run their brand new motor in and continue to up the revs with such an excellent, and in a few cases surprising, variety of music, genres and tempos, they have the audience hanging on their every musical word. The Weave's is not a simple 'jazz', but it is hugely effective and benefits from the variety of experiences of it's source - breaching the conventional bounds of 'jazz' which puts these guys in a different ball park, and a vitally refreshing one.
Brian Bicat (80-something !!) - previous JATPjazz Organiser for 10 years, said afterwards that Tony Ormesher had completely restored his jaded faith in the splendour of 'jazz guitar' - citing him as the best f******g guitarist he's ever heard - not a loop or a pedal in sight. Brian has 'been about' in international jazz terms, and can be a curmudgeonly old git who saves his compliments till they're almost rotten, so this is high (and certainly to me justified) praise and typical of all these guys
Martin Smith - trumpet, Tony Ormisher - guitar, Tilo Purnbaum - drums, Rob Stringer - piano, Hugo Harrison - double bass, Tony Peers - trumpet
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