The newly independent Birmingham Jazz is putting its membership at the centre of its activities with its new autumn season.
Alongside an exceptionally strong programme of national performers, Birmingham’s longest established promoter of jazz will also be hosting a series of unique, less formal, club evenings.
The idea is that Birmingham Jazz members and visitors will be able to enjoy great music from local musicians in a more relaxed pub atmosphere – along with the fine selection of real ales and great food provided by jazz-friendly management – all at their new ‘home’ of The Red Lion in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.
The programme of mainline artists confirmed so far for the Birmingham Jazz autumn concert season is:
The Power Cats featuring Gilad Atzmon
Sunday 23rd September at: The Bartons Arms, Aston
Combines the sound of that great original Gilad Atzmon on saxophone with the unmistakable tones of the Hammond organ played by the keyboard master Ross Stanley. With long-time collaborator Asif Sirkis on drums. Featuring an all-new repertoire of high-intensity funky soul orientated jazz
Christine Tobin: A Thousand Kisses Deep
Sunday 7th October at: The Red Lion, Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham Jazz presents Christine Tobin with her own group on Sunday 7th October
One of UK’s most distinctive voices, with Phil Robson on guitar and Dave Whitford on double bass. The evening will feature music from ‘A Thousand Kisses Deep’ – Christine’s re-interpretation of songs by Leonard Cohen.
John Law Trio
Sunday 28th October at: The Red Lion, Jewellery Quarter
For the first time in Birmingham, one of the UK’s foremost and innovative keyboard players, with a great rhythm section of Jon Scott on drums and Yuri Goloubev on bass. Playing original material as well as some more familiar tunes from jazz and pop – in unfamiliar treatments.
(presented with support from Jazz Services)
Great Wee Band
Sunday 11th November at: The Red Lion, Jewellery Quarter
Four legends of British jazz: Jim Mullen on guitar, Henry Lowther on trumpet, Dave Green, bass and Stu Butterfield, drums. With a set from their new album ‘Light Blue’.
Chamber
Friday 30th November at: The Red Lion, Jewellery Quarter
An exciting new foray in acoustic jazz with a line-up of violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar and percussion led by the award winning Nick Tyson. Drawing on a wide range of influences, from jazz, classical, folk and middle-east tradition.
All mainline programme concerts start at 7.45pm. Ticket prices: £10 (£8 for members).
The series of Birmingham Jazz Club Nights at The Red Lion scheduled for this autumn will be featuring the following Birmingham-based artists:
Me & 3 Others
Friday 14th September
An ‘Itchy Fingers’ style saxophone quartet led by Conservatoire graduate Joey Walter-Lane, with Ben Markland, Anna Brooks and Tom Martin
From Scratch
Friday 12th October
Carrying on the Andy Hamilton inheritance, a bluesy jazz ensemble led by Ralph DeCabrie late of The Blue Notes,
The Chris Corcoran Quintet
Friday 16th November
A return to Birmingham Jazz from Chris, leader of the legendary Svengali big band, with a small group of his regular associates
Christmas Party: Artists to be confirmed
Friday 14th December
A jazzy choice for the beginning of the party season. Good company and good music guaranteed.
All Friday Club Nights start at 7.45pm. Birmingham Jazz is asking for a contribution of £3 towards expenses.
During the course of club evenings, Birmingham Jazz organisers will be inviting members and visitors to discuss their ideas, likes and dislikes and suggestions for Birmingham Jazz programmes and how they can get involved in helping Birmingham Jazz put on future events and keep jazz live in Birmingham.
So get down one evening, Birmingham fans of live jazz, and become involved if you want to keep jazz live in Birmingham!
For more information visit: www.birminghamjazz.co.uk, email: info@birmingamjazz.co.uk or call: 0121 507 9550
Birmingham Jazz has been presenting the best in jazz in Birmingham since 1972. It is totally voluntary organisation, which since the recent re-organisation of the funding of the arts is now operating independently and without support from the Arts Council or Birmingham City Council.