Reviews and Recommendations: jazz

I've become a huge fan of Jools and his Big Band after fist seeing them live 5 years ago. Since then, my sis and I have been to see him live every December - it's become a wee tradition now!
He immediately gets the audience clapping, tapping their feet or up... [more]

I've become a huge fan of Jools and his Big Band after fist seeing them live 5 years ago. Since then, my sis and I have been to see him live every December - it's become a wee tradition now!
He immediately gets the audience clapping, tapping their feet or up dancing as soon as he starts playing and interacts with them, getting a bit of audience participation going too! At the end of each gig, we all join in singing the same song year on year, which leaves you hungry for more. He always finds great supporting artists, whether it's his old mates from Squeeze, or relatively unknowns. His guests have included Lulu, Solomon Burke (remember 'Cry To Me' from Dirty Dancing?!), Eddi Reader and this year's fabulous surprise guest, Marc Almond. Ruby Turner always tours with him too; she has a phenomonal voice and again, has the audience up dancing and joining in.
If you love Jools but have yet to see him live, go see him on his December tour - you won't be able to stay seated! [less]

Evan Christopher and Django a la Creole played a stunning set high on emotional intensity on Monday night. What a way to finish this GB tour before heading off to record their next album! This was Le Quecumbar par excellence: as the music took hold, you could have been in... [more]

Event Date: June 15, 2009
Event Venue: Le Quecumbar

Evan Christopher and Django a la Creole played a stunning set high on emotional intensity on Monday night. What a way to finish this GB tour before heading off to record their next album! This was Le Quecumbar par excellence: as the music took hold, you could have been in simmering '30s Paris one moment, sweltering New Orleans the next. The combination of maestro of the clarinet Evan Christopher backed by such an accomplished rhythm section as Dave Kelbie and Sebastian Girardot with virtuoso guitar from David Blenkhorn provides a wonderful musical texture.
This is a wonderful match of Louisiana jazz and Carribbean influence to the Django Gypsy style with Duke Ellington and Hoagie Carmichael thrown in. The musical nuances are underpinned by a deep knowledge of the genre and deft musicianship. The whole event storms into life with the deep feeling and utter enjoyment of the music from all members of the group. [less]

Our 5th PRO show in the last 15 years and it's still one of our favourite shows. The line-up of virtuoso's has a couple of changes (the first female? - a saxophonist) but we still recognise most faces, and you'll never forget Simon Townsend the pianist who could do a... [more]

Event Date: August 22, 2009
Event Venue: The Stables

Our 5th PRO show in the last 15 years and it's still one of our favourite shows. The line-up of virtuoso's has a couple of changes (the first female? - a saxophonist) but we still recognise most faces, and you'll never forget Simon Townsend the pianist who could do a credible turn as a stand-up comedian (now a BBC radio presenter). The touch of light comedy was appreciated by all between the beautifully arranged classics swing and hot dance numbers from the 20/30s - Well known songs like Putting on Ritz, Tiger Rag, Anything goes, Love is the sweetest thing, Cotton Club, and their signature tune of course - Home in Pasadena. Supreme vocalist was Duncan Galloway. We're in the younger age bracket of audience of early 50s but have a very wide range of musical tastes leaning more to 60-90s music but this band is highly recommended as they carry you away to a different era. Check their website for CD, videos and full repertoire listings.
The Stables is an ideal venue and beautiful sound, we'll be back there soon for Roxy Music and Bee Gees, Coco Montoya and some rock! [less]

Jeff from Gateshead

Saw the mighty Stackridge at The Cluny in April - the second time the West Country wonders have played this intimate Newcastle venue. It was just as good as the first had been the previous year, and was just as well received by the Geordie faithful. Mixing old... [more]

Event Date: April 23, 2009
Event Venue: The Cluny, Newcastle

Jeff from Gateshead

Saw the mighty Stackridge at The Cluny in April - the second time the West Country wonders have played this intimate Newcastle venue. It was just as good as the first had been the previous year, and was just as well received by the Geordie faithful. Mixing old favourites from the 1970s with new tracks from the forthcoming 'A Victory for Common sense' album it was another blistering set from the eight piece band. Stackridge are a quintissentially English band that cannot be pigeon holed - and they are all the better for that. If they are in your neck of the woods miss them at your peril ! [less]

Last night was first time we'd seen her live - not even on TV. But heard one song on radio, bought CD and had to see her! Wow, what an original sound today (well admit her excellent compositions are mainly based on early 50s RnR, Rockabilly, Skiffle, C&W) and it's... [more]

Event Date: May 20, 2009
Event Venue: Wavendon, The Stables

Last night was first time we'd seen her live - not even on TV. But heard one song on radio, bought CD and had to see her! Wow, what an original sound today (well admit her excellent compositions are mainly based on early 50s RnR, Rockabilly, Skiffle, C&W) and it's a great show - yes totally agree with all said by 2 previous reviewers.
This is great perfect small venue which I've reviewd about 30 times and audiences are usually very reserved, but it was full (450?) and when all give immediate standing ovation, that is very rare, which tells its own story; she was visibly moved, never left the stage (and had to be called back like most acts) so she could cram in an extra song - she then sang an incredible version of Tainted Love (please put on her album!). Lets not forget the great 4-pce band who gave us a memorable performance, with authentic classic instruments.
If I'm going to be picky I'd say have a pianist so she can perform her 3-4 slower 'french cafe' style songs (like Madeline Peyroux). I thought the vocal was a bit lost in sound mix (possibly cos I was deafened by the support act who started loud then got louder). I'd like to see her do some move dance moves with the band members. But heh - just please come back soon and play 2 nights! Please don't make her too famous so she only plays arenas!! [less]