Jazz – such a catchy little word. Just four letters; the irresistable double zee at the end. In a way it’s easy to understand the attraction for the marketers, the “product” namers. Everyone likes jazz – there are just not… Read More ›
jazz
Steve Tromans mixes philosophical talk and jazz piano in a fresh format
He’s been sharing his Deep Thoughts on this website for a while, but now Birmingham-based Steve Tromans is doing his double thing – philosophical discourse and jazz performance – on Soundcloud. He writes: “I’ve recently recorded an improvised talk on jazz… Read More ›
My top 10 Midland gigs – May 2016
Here are the 10 gigs I consider to be the most attractive/exciting/worth-a-listen this month. Thursday 5 World Service Project Jazzlines, The Hare And Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham, 8.30pm, £10 Punchy Brit-jazz with a punk spirit from Dave Morecroft and crew…. Read More ›
May/June 2016
The monthly diary listings which have appeared here have been superseded by a new initiative called Jazz In Birmingham, a bi-monthly listings pamphlet produced by a group of Birmingham jazz promoters to which I am contributing. Look out for the pamphlets… Read More ›
March/April 2016
The monthly diary listings which have appeared here have been superseded by a new initiative called Jazz In Birmingham, a bi-monthly listings pamphlet produced by a group of Birmingham jazz promoters to which I am contributing. Look out for the… Read More ›
Final Jazz On 3 Recording
Cockpit Theatre, London 29-02-2016 Jazz On 3 has broadcast for the last 18 years on its Monday night 11pm slot on BBC Radio 3 and has been a leading influence in the development of the UK scene over that period…. Read More ›
The 58th Grammy winners – jazz and some others
Lots of good music had gongs awarded last night. Here are the relevant winners with links to thejazzbreakfast reviews of them where appropriate: Best Improvised Jazz Solo Cherokee – Christian McBride, soloist, from Live At The Village Vanguard by the Christian… Read More ›
When we watch the All Blacks we’re watching jazz
They’ve beaten the ‘Boks since the article in question was written, and they played quite a few bum notes in that game which resulted in a fair few penalties, in the first half at any rate, but hey, when was jazz… Read More ›
Who’s wearing the badge of honour?
Garry Corbett has been taking pictures and talking to jazz people for thejazzbreakfast, and the latest in his series Stolen Moments is a man who shares his twin passions: music and photography. Find out a bit about him and his 5-a-day recommendations for… Read More ›
There are now over 1,000 CDs reviewed on this site
Between August 2008 and May 2015 I have reviewed well over 1,000 CDs on this site. There’s bound to be something to interest you – a recording you missed and wonder if it’s worth catching up with; an album you… Read More ›
Who are you calling a pussy?
It’s easy to overlook the old reliables – those website pages that have always been there. But little bits get added all the time. So pop across to the Breakfasts page – it’s in the a la carte menu on… Read More ›
Good news for the jazz exclusivists
Increasingly esoteric. An ever-narrowing niche. More exclusive than ever before. Are these statements that bring a light to your eye and a spring to your step? Well, you’re in luck because the 2014 Nielsen Music U.S. Report has announced that… Read More ›
Birmingham Conservatoire presents music with that Frontiers spirit
The mixing up of the worlds of contemporary “classical” music and jazz has always appealed to me, which is why I liked the collaboration called The Series which mixed some of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s programming with some of Birmingham… Read More ›
Topology and Trichotomy – Healthy
(Topology/Trichotomy Music) The Australian jazz piano trio Trichotomy is familiar – three of the band’s albums have been reviewed on this site; the Australian contemporary chamber music ensemble Topology – a quintet of saxophone, violin, viola, piano and double bass – is not…. Read More ›
Change of detonator ensures the Fizzle continues
One of the Birmingham jazz/improv scene’s most enduring nights has been the appropriately-named Fizzle, at the Lamp Tavern in Digbeth. For 10 years or so Mike Hurley has been running a couple of Tuesday sessions a month, featuring jazz at… Read More ›
Joining the Dots – new models for independent music | TheHub
A one-day conference at Cecil Sharp House in London is coming up that seems to focus on two crucial concerns for jazz musicians, as it does for all independent musicians: The event has a strong focus on two key areas… Read More ›
Monocles and Moonlight Saving in the jazz week ahead
Monocled Man is no Edwardian smarty-pants, but instead is the name of a jazz trio comprising trumpeter Rory Simmons, guitarist Chris Montague and drummer Jon Scott. Simmons is part of the contemporary big band Fringe Magnetic, while Montague is familiar… Read More ›
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