The names change; the music carries on

Bari town: Colin Mills (Picture: Garry Corbett)

First the Sugarbeats, purveyors of club-friendly nu-jazz with a grin on its face, lost full time trumpeter/singer Leo Altarelli to the South and tenor saxophonist Ed Johnston to the West, and one of their two kit drummers to who knows where. No worries. The band, under the leadership of bassist Chris Mapp, changed their name to Sub Ensemble, added percussionist Mark “Magoo” Robertson, bari player Colin Mills, and brought in guest singers Sara Colman and Leo (when he can make it). Their sound is tighter and packs a more concerted punch – and they have a neat little CD EP to show off. Hear them on their blog site here.

Now we have the news that from the ashes of alto saxophonist Mary Wakelam’s jazz/hip hop hybrid Summary a new band, Maylight, is arising. And it too will boast a top flight singer in the form of Lizzy Parks. Early days yet so no link I can give you for Maylight. Watch this space.

You can hear both bands, and Soweto Kinch too, at Late Night Light Night, a Birmingham Jazz contribution to Birmingham’s annual arts showcase ArtsFest, on Friday 12 September. It starts at 9pm in Birmingham Town Hall and entry is free.