Not Under The Bus

When I got to The Vortex it was pretty crowded, and I was late, but not too late to see the seven piece Jazz band do what it did, from 9-10 or so, The Robert Mitchell band features Tom Mason, Deborah Jordan, Julian F and Ben Davis. The Vortex is a nice place to get a drink and spend the evening. You don’t have to have too much money to buy a drink and enjoy yourself. I found the night inspiring. As a person who writes creatively, there was enough togetherness for the evening to be remembered. The 7 of them one missing played songs such as Quantum and The Red Bridge; sitting as I did in the corner, they played well.

Rebel Music took action with Not under the bus, a women’s rights organization which works to prevent torture and share information on legal action. They can be followed on twitter. On stage were Drum’s, Cello, bass guitar, piano and a vocalist. The CD is available for £9.99. Travelling from the Triangle by bus and train, and getting the bus home allows for the experience of outdoors to contrast the world in the room of The Vortex. I carry a pen and a bag, walk with an iPod to fill the silence between stares. It took about an hour and a half to get there. A great break from the rush of football fans and the cold outdoors.

If you haven’t been to The Vortex to see a band play it is located in Dalston, not too far from the station. I recommended, it to first time jazz listeners or those of experience. The square is tucked away from the high road. This is the second time I have been and I expect, if I go again then there’ll be some kinda miracle, having a great time again. It’s typical technology and you tend to get the money if you decide to take the step forward by going.

I left as it was over, but there was still time and enough jazz residue to stay and chat, Deborah Jordan is similar to Julia Biel, in-they both do a good job of not demanding too much attention. Robert Mitchell opened by saying some words on Haiti, which was the topic of the day. Every other instrument was in tune, every other person had a good time I would say for the money. It’s the type of place where the drums could go no louder, but then they shouldn’t really have to; to have people entertained. It’s not so social, not too prying, by which I mean overall there is not so much concern. A good night for the money, a good place to go get a drink and hear see sounds. The music was a fusion of low tempo, smooth melodic, creative, climactic. Professional musician’s being one. I wouldn’t say too much more than the night being a UK Jazz experience. I listen to some chill out music on the way, Robert Mitchell at The Vortex a good night.

Jaie Miller

Rebel Music Ltd

,Not Under the Bus.

The National Youth Jazz Collective is delighted to launch its Jazz Summer
School 2010, funded by Youth Music and parented by Sound and Music

This week long summer school will be held at
The Yehudi Menuhin School, Stoke d’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey
22nd - 28th August 2010

With a FREE public performance in the Menuhin Hall on 28th August 2010 at
6pm - 8.30pm and a pre-concert public seminar  in “Good practice for young
jazz musicians” at 4.30pm

Tutors include Issie Barratt, Alec Dankworth, Nic France, Mark Hodgson, John
Hollenbeck, Mark Lockheart, Liam Noble, Jeremy Price, Nick Smart, Martin
Speake, Rowland Sutherland and Mike Walker.

The focus of the National Youth Jazz Summer School is to develop
improvisatory and interactive skills within the context of small group
playing, as well as offering a high level of performance experience and
professional guidance.

Summer school participants will be asked to pay a registration fee of £150
Free regional auditions, open to all young jazz musicians aged 14 - 18 and
residing in England, will be held at the following venues between 27th March
and 17th April 2010.

Leeds College of Music
Saturday 27th March 2010

Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
Sunday 28th March 2010

The Sage Gateshead
Monday 29th March 2010

Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
Tuesday 30th March 2010

Richard Attenborough Centre, Leicester
Wednesday 31st March, 2010

Birmingham Conservatoire of Music
Thursday 1st April 2010

Hills Rd Sixth Form College, Cambridge
Tuesday 6th April 2010

Centre for the Performing Arts, UWE, Bristol
Wednesday 7th April 2010

Dartington Hall (c/o South West Music School), Devon
Thursday 8th April 2010

Truro College, Cornwall
Friday 9th April 2010

Royal Academy of Music, London
Saturday 10th April 2010

Royal Academy of Music, London
Sunday 11th April 2010

West Norfolk Professional Development Centre, Kings Lynn
Saturday 17th April 2010

The closing date for applications is 19th February 2010.

For more information and the on-line application form please visit the
National Youth Jazz Collective’s website www.nyjc.co.uk or contact the
National Youth Jazz Summer School Project Manager
on summerschool@nyjc.co.uk or c/o the National Youth Jazz Collective, PO Box
63162, London, SE14 9AB

www.eddiekadi.com

www.yolandabrown.co.uk

www.guvnab.com

www.blackgrapelive.com

Supa Fine offers a superb intimate venue with LIVE jazz, soul, poetry, folk, classical, hip-hop, latino performances which are oozing raw talent with passion.
 
Performing on 30th January 2010 @ Smugglers Tavern, 28 Warren Street, London W1
Entry Free B4 8PM after £2

Akua Tu

Akua Tu started singing in the school choir and at the tender age of 9 was singing in the equivalent of the Royal Festival Hall in Germany and Hong Kong. At the age of 14 she sang and played Bass Guitar in her own Reggae band performing at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre in London on several occasions.

During her time singing background vocals in a 16-piece African Jazz/Funk band, Akua auditioned for a Gospel band and found herself performing alongside The Sounds of Blackness and other well known artistes.

Forever moving forward she then sang background vocals with a five-piece Jazz/Funk band and then lead vocals in a 3-piece R’n’B band performing in the presence of Trevor Nelson who were offered an independent record deal.

Having achieved the highest accreditation in World Music for Live Musicianship and Rehearsal/Performance, she then went on to achieve the highest accreditation at the British Academy of New Music as Vocal Artist and Performing artist at the end of 2007.

She performed, for the first time as a solo artist, with guitar in hand in January 2007, to a packed audience at the Vocals@Vortex in Dalston, with the Bob Stuckley Trio and was told by an audience member that she blew everyone out of the water. At a recent British Academy Of Songwriters, Composers and Authors song writing critique (June 2009) Tim Fraser, Phil Pickett and Peter Cunnah (D:Ream), were very impressed with her piano and vocal track “Mother Nature”, due to be released from her new album ‘Introspection’ out now.
Jules Rendell

Julie trained under the direction of Barbara Robotham at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester until July 2003. Julie performs and records a variety of music with her accompanist Charlotte Wilson, from the early sacred songs of Purcell to the light cabaret songs of Britten from 20th century.

Jules has broadened her musical horizons, working with not only classical musicians, but in the genres of jazz, gospel and soul. Some highlights of the contemporary side of her work have been recording and promoting her new cd to follow up her debut four track EP

Other notable events have been singing with the Gorillaz as part of the Manchester Community Gospel Choir for their five date tour in 2005; presenting two short films for VideoJug, “How To Sing: The Basics” and “Learn To Sing Pop”.

Her classical career in itself has been varied. She has been privileged to perform premieres of new works by Hannah E. Jackson: So, written for mezzo-soprano and orchestra, Rain comes, All change for mezzo, piano and bass, and ground breaking techno-opera, Fragile Existence. Opera roles that she has studied and performed include Rosina (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Smeton (Anna Bolena), Hansel (Hansel and Gretel) and Diana (La Calisto). Performing song-cycles is where she is most at home though. Her favourite recitals have been of Da Falla’s Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas with guitar, Britten’s Cabaret Songs and Cinco Canciones Negras by Montsalvatge.
Emily O’Hara

Emily O’Hara is a recent graduate classical guitarist of Trinity College of Music. This site is dedicated to her classical music. Performed at venues tha include The London Palladium (Dec 2008), and Royal Naval College Chapel (March 2009). Emily is one half of the acclaimed guitar and mandolin duo ‘Cancion’; specializing in Latin and Brazilian classical music (Audio track ‘Tango’). Other projects include a soprano and guitar duo and flute and guitar duo.

A Personal appeal from the editor of jazzreloaded magazine on behalf of the Haitian people in Haiti and around the world.

Mr Taylor, editor, Jazzreloaded magazine

Having worked closely with musicians from Dominica and Cuba for the last five years, and having played music strongly influenced by Haiti in the last year in particular, I’ve come to understand that the influence of Cuban, Dominican and Haitian music, lifestyle, culture, tourism and industry on global consciousness is inestimable, incessant, and essential. From the Caribbean food we eat, the holidays we take, through the music, dance, literature and drama we enjoy, and to the intellectual and physical talents of those who work around the world towards our common wealth.

Yet the recent earthquakes in the region are in danger of overshadowing this. In particular, the integrity of Haitian communities and the self determination of its people are still under threat, despite the rapid and welcome responses from aid organisations worldwide.

I urge those of you who can consider  Haiti in one of its many hours of need to:

1. Get curious: This is probably the most important step for Haiti’s long term future. Read a little bit about Haiti from books or online, so that you can understand where the people are coming from, and what they have been going through.

1. Make a donation: This is probably the most important step for Haiti’s short term future. I will be making my cash donations through www.dec.org.uk and www.yele.org , and there are a number of other organisations who are accepting both cash donations and physical goods (Whoever you choose to partner with, please check for a registered company number and/or a registered charity number before you donate your money or goods).

Thanks very much for your support, past present and future.

"And the World Stood Still and Prayed" Song by Pinestone Music. Photo by Tom Hurley.

Mr Taylor

Editor in Chief

Jazzreloaded.com

Bernie Grant 1944 - 2000

So here it is, late in terms of the new year, but still early in terms of the new decade,   the review of the NYE gigs at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham. The ones that I was involved in anyway. We were away in Germany for a day in between gigs,  and so I missed Yolanda Brown’s set again, and also that of Soweto Kinch, he of the golden alto and mercurial tongue. Although he did make a nice cameo appearance on New Years Eve on the tune AfroPean, a high tempo floor filler penned by Courtney Pine, based on rhythms for the African township of Soweto, as deftly nuanced by Black Star drummer Robert Fordjour and Dominican guitar maestro Cameron Pierre.  but more on that later.

Robert Fordjour. Photo by Richard Kaby

Cameron Pierre. © Helena Dornellas

The rest of the line up: Oscar Martinez joins his Cuban compatriot for the introductory set, and  his steady congas provide the true latin pulse as we play music From There to Here, the title of Omars debut album. People did not wait until Omar’s second appearance of the night – as a member of Courtney’s band – to mob him for CDs.

Omar Puente, Oscar Martinez, and rhythm section

The usual suspects Maxine Gilmore, Sahan Satis and Steve Reece, sound engineers par excellence, struggled with another below par PA system. ( I had to do the gig without a monitor, but as usual my trusty Mark Bass 2×10 Traveller and Little Mark II was up to the task. Zoe Rahman finally made her appearance at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, after being much feted by one the programme managers at its opening a little over two years ago, but found that the piano hasn’t arrived. And when it did turn up, it was far from the concert Steinway Robert Mitchell might now reasonbly expect – it was an upright piano that I think Chas and Dave would have reasonably turned their noses up at!

Zoe Rahman with NYE Party poppers at the ready. © Helena Dornellas

As the soundcheck overran, tempers got frayed and people started losing interest, it gave me cause to reflect on the reason why the event was staged in the first place; the commemoration of the 10^th year since the Rt Honourable Bernie Grant - MP for Tottenham, after whom the Arts centre is named – passed from the mortal plane. I wondered to myself, as I’m sure others did, what sort of a tribute was this for the first ever AfroPean head of a Local Authority in EUROPE, let alone the UK?

Bernie Grant MP (right)

It turned out to be an excellent tribute. As the people of Tottenham have learned from Bernie’s example, it’s not about getting it all right; it’s about getting it going. And that’s not a wishy washy way of excusing a lack of prior preparation. It’s a way of saying that, like true Tottenhamites, Bernie was never held hostage to incompetence, apathy, neglect. He didn’t hang around waiting for people to make things perfect for him before deciding whether he should give his community 100% effort. He knew that detractors were waiting for him to give up, fall, or fade away. But Bernie could see the bigger picture, could roll his sleeves up, could get involved.

And that’s exactly what promoter Ray Hendricks and Centre Manager Juliet Alexander did in daring to arrange “Jazzmthology” the first of three nights of International AfroPean music from the likes of Yolanda Brown, Soweto Kinch Omar Puente and Courtney Pine CBE , which got the audiences dancing into the new decade, and celebrating the achievements through his “International Performing Arts Centre” as he had envisioned.

Bernie Grant Arts Centre, main hall.

The Bernie Grant Arts Centre is in Tottenham.  Tottenham is in Haringey, the most multicultural borough in Europe; it’s a place of high migrant populations accompanied by low social expectations. Having lived here all my life, I understand that I’ve inherited the local tradition of living and working in defiance of those low expectations every day, in everything I do. Now I have heard – and continue to hear - all sorts of comments – some from people in low places, but perhaps more surprisingly from some people in high places – bemoaning white elephants and inherent (institutional) failures in the system, and berating that which can or can’t be done in North London because of the same.

Courtney Pine brings power to the people. © Richard Kaby

When I hear these things, I can only smile, secure in the knowledge that if Bernie Grant - a single politician - had given up hope for North London after two years, the cultural landscape of Britain would look very different. If people like Bernie had hidden when things looked a little grey, it would have been that much harder for you to be sat here reading this now.  The free local IT courses and music education grants that Bernie pushed for would have been scrapped, or never introduced. Similarly,  without an African rebel like Bernie working back stage back in the day, would it have been possible to help incubate an exceptional North Londoner like Courtney Pine CBE? Without Bernie’s trieless campaigning for equality, would it have been possible for two-time MOBO award winner Yolanda Brown to also get fledgeling restaurant business and live venue off the ground? When the bean counters come, it’s difficult to precisely measure the benefit of preserving Grant’s vision , but without the support of people like him it’s all too easy to calculate the cost of a divided society.

Bernie Grant Centre's NYE crowd. © Richard Kaby

As the clock counted down to the dawn of a(nother) new age, we counted his success in terms of the length and grace of the human conga, of all nations and hues, dancing around the band, singing South Africa’s blues.  I’ve noticed that every ten or so years, we look (back!) to Jazz to at least reflect on life’s problems, if not to try to solve them. It can definitely soothe the chakras, but sometimes the roots to change run a little deeper. Rest In Peace Bernie. You did not live to see it, but in the last ten years, things have gotten a little better for jazz musicians in North London any case. And the other artisans are starting to see the bigger picture.

Courtney Pine and Soweto Kinch © Richard Kaby

Article by Taylor,

When I got asked if I was interested in doing a review on the Ladies Unplugged, I said yes immediately because I am all about women empowerment and I believe the 21^st century is all about women. I remember checking the line up and I just knew I could not miss it, plus I heard lots of positives about the event and the ladies.

Up and coming artist SHEZAR opened the show with a brilliant mic check. What made it brilliant was the fact that she got to show off her powerful melodious voice and she still kept it together during her performance. She is a natural born performer, singer, song writer, she can dance and boy… the girl has style! What I liked about Shezar is that she is confident and comfortable, she enjoys being on stage and she’s not afraid to put out her crazy but cool personality out there.  www.myspace.com/shezar1

Second artist to take the stage was another up and coming artist; she goes by the name KATY B, also known as the First ‘Lady of Funky House’. I am not really a funky house fan but I was amazed with her voice and her ability to deliver such high notes for such a tiny person; that was just the icing on top of the cake. I found myself nodding my head to her music and if there was a dance floor, I’d probably be the first one up there.

www.myspace.com/katyblondon

YOLANDA BROWN… Wow!!!!!! This had to be the most memorable introductions I’ve ever seen. There was a cluster of thick pink smoke, red and white lights, the theatre lights dimmed and there she was; in the middle of the pink smoke. We could barely see her but saw the outline of her figure. She stepped out like a diva. I was blown away with her performance because it is very rare to see a woman playing instruments, women either sing or dance. I really enjoyed this performance. It was soulful, relaxing and even though she wasn’t singing, I could feel what she was trying to say. The smoke was too much, she could barely see the audience but the day was saved thanks to a lady in the audience who threw a packet of tissue on stage; two ladies had to fight- not physically- with eachother for Yolanda’s attention. It just goes to show that no matter how famous you are, you are still human at the end of the day because you’d expect her entourage to help her out but she still needs the support of her fans.

www.myspace.com/yolandabrown

MS DYNAMITE nicknamed ‘The First Lady’ because every guy needs one. I really enjoyed her performance, she sang reggae and reggae is my thing. She brought back the smash hit ‘Dy-na-mi-tee’ and made the audience dreams come true by performing an unrehearsed ‘Boo’ which was requested by the audience. ‘Bad Gyal’ was dedicated to the independent women out there. What I like about Ms Dynamite is that she speaks about real issues. One of the songs she sang ‘Pop off’ was about gun violence. Nowadays, teenagers are dying because of gun violence and knife crimes; and I think the only way these issues could be dealt with is if we talk about it and stop being ignorant. It’s real; it’s happening… so let’s all come together and take a stand against gun and knife violence. Together we can stop it from happening. She had an encore… the first encore of the night but couldn’t come back on stage.

 www.myspace.com/msdynamiteuk

The last performance of the night was SHOLA AMA. I got a chance to see her perform at London Stand Up, an event hosted by dv8 students and I happened to be back stage so I got a good glimpse of her. She is one of the best singers the UK has to offer and once again she managed to pull out an outstanding performance.  Her first song choice ‘Dj Play’ got the audience moving their shoulders left to right in their seats and some weren’t afraid to stand up and dance. Her last song, the song that first made her famous ‘You might need somebody’ had a good response with the crowd; not one person in the audience didn’t know the lyrics to the song. I found myself singing along as well.

www.myspace.com/sholaama

Ladies Unplugged was definitely a night to remember because it was all about the ladies and they made me really proud to be one. If there is another Lady Unplugged next year, I know it’s going to be bigger and better, and hopefully I get to review it again (hint hint…)

 - Talisa du-Pont -

Tygahoney Music CIC is searching for Music Mentors, Professional tutors &
Performers for its community & school music projects for paid positions,UK
wide. If interested please email resumes/enquiries to:
projectwe@tygahoneymusic.co.uk. Tygahoney gives back through its projects,
to find out how get in touch. ACTIVELY CHOOSE to BE positive!! Tygahoney

Jazzmo’thology @ The Bernie Grant Arts Centre presents The Dream Team GB (Jazz)

Tuesday 29 December 2009

Courtney Pine Band supported by Omar Puente Band

Virtuoso Courtney Pine with superb band showcasing new album

‘Transition in Tradition’

7.00pm – 12 midnight

Tickets £25

Wednesday 30 December 2009

Soweto Kinch Band and YolanDa Brown Band

Charismatic Freestyle Hip Hop Jazz innovator shares the headline with Mobo 

award-winning saxophonist, who is arguably the face of modern urban Jazz. 

7.00pm – 12 midnight 

Thursday 31 December - New Year’s Eve,

Courtney Pine Band with Soweto Kinch, supported by The Omar Puente Band, DJ Kevin Legendre.

The ultimate New Year’s Eve Celebration, The JazzMen Cometh!

7.00pm – 2.00am 

Tickets £40

Tickets £25

Greetings,

As the wet and cold weather gathers strenght, join us for Afrobeat Vibration the new series!
7 Hour action packed performance, live and direct to rock you, following a 4 month plus break!

Looking forward to see you there!!!

Sosue Soulkomplex Remixes of ”Wahala Identity Mix” still warming dance floors across Europe!!! Check it out & buy on link:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=307839691&s=143444act=show&fc=tpage&cr=titles&cv=31314
Pick up Identity on link below:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/delesosimi

Original article courtesy of Charles Alexander -   Jazzwise Magazine

Jeff Clyne 1937 – 2009 Image © David Sinclair / The Independent

Jeff Clyne, who died of a heart attack on 16 November, was one of the UK’s greatest jazz bassists. Born in London on 29 January 1937, Jeff was renowned for his excellent sound and execution on the double bass and was first choice for many jazz artists, British and American.

In 1958 he joined the Jazz Couriers, led by Tubby Hayes and played on the classic 1965 Stan Tracey album Under Milk Wood. Very much at the sharp end of the 1960s jazz scene, he was interested in the free jazz movement and played with Spontaneous Music Ensemble and Amalgam alongside John Stevens and Trevor Watts and was the bassist on Gordon Beck’s album Experiments with Pops, which also featured John McLaughlin.

After taking up the electric bass he joined Ian Carr’s newly-formed Nucleus in 1969, appearing on its three first albums Elastic Rock, We’ll Talk About It Later and Solar Plexus, and later played with Keith Tippett’s sextet, with Gary Bole’s Isotope before forming Turning Point with vocalist Pepi Lemer and keyboardist Brian Miller. Jeff accompanied many singers including Blossom Dearie, Marion Montgomery, Annie Ross and Norma Winstone, and worked with many visiting US musicians, including Lucky Thompson, Zoot Sims, Phil Woods, Jim Hall, Eddie Lockjaw Davis and Tal Farlow.

From the late-1960s, Jeff was active in education teaching at the Barry Jazz Summer School, at the Wavendon courses and at the Marion Montgomery-Laurie Holloway courses. He was on the faculty of the Guildhall School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. He worked regularly with drummer Tomkins, both on the bandstand and in the classroom and was often to be heard with pianist John Horler and guitarist Phil Lee. A lifelong Arsenal fan, he had a wide circle of friends and musicians and took a keen interest in all the new players on the scene.

Hi Afro-people

It’s been a minute and so AFRI-KOKOA is back with to get you in the mood for the xmas.

The AFRI-KOKOA Xmas Fundraiser Party to raise money for Amnesty International and the Mwanzo Mwema Charity takes place on Sunday 13th December 2009 at the Big Chill House257-259 Pentonville Road, King’s Cross, London, N1 9NL (Northern Line, Victoria Line and Thames Link, Next door to Thames link and Scala).

AFRI-KOKOA continues to push the boundaries of cutting edge African contemporary music & arts with a special headline act of UK legendary dance producer and disco house pioneer DJ Joey Negro (Z Records) playing a unique blend of Afro-House and funky infusions

Also on this special night we present live the phenomenally talented 9 piece afro group ‘Afrikbawantu’ led by the well known Ghanaian percussionist ‘Afla Sackey’. A brilliant and professional line up that consists of an amazing horn section plus funky bass, guitar, drums, vocals and a full set of African percussion. Their music is a dance floor filling blend of jazz, funk, afrobeat and highlife.
           
DJ Eric Soul (Afrogroov, Components)
DJ Chief Commander Yaaba

Resident Afri-kokoa DJs
AJ Kwame  and Baggy

Before this though is the first AFRI-KOKOA acoustic session featuring Randolph Matthews and DJ Africathy joining resident AJ Kwame on Wed 2nd Dec@3 Blind Mice in Shoreditch. More info on both events on our Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/AFRI-KOKOA/33666522547#/photo.php?pid=3090961&id=33666522547

Peace

Baggy

After scanning the programme for this year’s London Jazz Festival
there was only one session I had to check - Cleveland Watkiss’ 50 at
the QEH. If there’s one person that embodies a genuine London jazz
sensibility it’s Cleveland and as part of his birthday celebrations
this unique vocalist and Jazz Warrior was definitely intent on taking
his audience on a journey.

As the editor Straight No Chaser for nigh on 20 years I commissioned
numerous features on Cleveland. He was there in the beginning and
there at the end. It was the vision that he - and a host of other
world class UK musicians billed to play at his 50th - were committed
to, in terms of linking the jazz to their own cultural reality, which
became a crucial factor in our launching Chaser in the first place.
Our lives were entwined. I wasn’t planning to write about this
session, I was simply planning to sit back and enjoy! But as the
lights went up I felt compelled to put something down on paper.
on-line. so here we go.

As we waited in the dark for a burst of applause to get into the hall,
the warm melodic groove of ‘Spoken Word’ filtered through the heavy
doors. Once in there, we were launched back in time to the early
Eighties and Blakes in Soho. Cleveland was sharing the stage with
pianist Marin Speake’s swinging band. Cleveland sparred effortlessly
with trumpet player Steve Sidwell while Gene Calderazo’s drums were
absolutely killing.

Punctuating each section of the show, while the stage was re-aligned
for different musical configurations, we were treated to a backstage
projection of the singer talking about different aspects of his
prolific career. It was different. It was littered with characteristic
humour. Images of early influences graced the screen - Dennis Brown,
The Wailers, U Roy, I Roy. We learned that his first pro-gig was in
the musical Hair. He put the jazz influence down to his dad and
history shows that it’s Cleveland’s ability to connect the jazz
tradition and the “Songbook” with ever changing sounds of the
underground - from roots reggae to drum & bass - that makes him
totally unique.

Each turn of this concert provided testimony to his restless and
creative spirit. The vibe of those original Jazz Warriors sessions at
Atlantic in Brixton was locked into a joyous rendition of Pharoah
Sanders’ jazz dance classic, ‘You’ve Got To Have Freedom’ that
featured Adrian Reid, Mark Mondesir, Jean Toussaint, Orphy Robinson,
Byron Wallen, Jason Yarde, Brian Edwards and Larry Bartley. A black &
white film played behind them conjuring up the past with images of
Warriors not present.. Mamadou Kamara, Philip Bent, Courtney Pine. To
say that the Jazz Warriors changed the face of Britain would be no
understatement.

Cleveland happily shared his birthday honours with be-bop veteran and
fellow singer, 82 year old Sheila Jordan and then, after an
intermission, proceeded to confound the audience appearing onstage
dressed a la 17th Century. It was left to the piano vituoso Julian
Joseph to explain that the attire and the nature of this character
resided in Bridgetower - an opera he’d written and in which Cleveland
had performed.

Aside from the jazz circuit Cleveland has constantly engaged in
London’s ever evolving clubland. He was a regular at Talking Loud &
Saying Something/ Dingwalls and was a fully fledged member of Goldie’s
Metalheadz crew. His Project 23, with Marque Gilmore and DJ La Rouge
(guesting on turntables at Cleveland 50!), highlighted his commitment
to putting his own stamp on the drum ‘n’ bass scene. It was through
the Warriors and through the club, Anohka, that he developed a working
relationship with young, master percussionist Talvin Singh. This
relationship was beautifully conveyed at the QEH through a trio
setting where the singer engaged with Talvin’s rippling tabla riffs
and the sublime, pristine rhythms and melodies of Tunde Jegede’s kora.
It was down to the spoken word of Vayu Naida to lift this trio to
brand new heights.

Spoken world also found its way into the set via playwright and
novelist Bonnie Greer and then it was down to beat boxer Schlomo, who
joined Cleveland, trumpeter Byron Wallen and drummer Shaney Forbes, to
articulate a whole other approach to rhythm and sound. The impact of
these performances along with those of stellar pianists Jason Rebello,
Alex Wilson (you are b-a-a-ad!) and Nicky Yeoh (beautiful duets) will
resonate with me for time to come.

The spirit of exchange is an elemental force in this music and
Cleveland Watkiss - Jazzman, Junglist. Outer-nationalist! - reflects
his roots 100%. Hackney was in the house at the QEH, Believe! A
refusal to be boxed into any one genre underpinned the whole session.
As we drew to a close the slightly twisted Cuba-Brasil collision on
‘Torch of Freedom’ had Cleveland and Heidi Vogel enjoying a
freewheeling lyrical exchange over a sweet montuno. It provided the
perfect place to call it day and sent us off happy and reflective into
a windswept November night.

- Paul Bradshaw -

‘The War in A Rack’ is a completely different approach to reaching target audiences, and it also signifies the launch of Soweto Kinch Productions as an independent recording and production company.

THURSDAY 26th November 2009
8pm-10pm
Birmingham Launch @ Hockley Bar and Kitchen

SUNDAY 29th November, 2009
6pm-8pm
@ Richmix
35-37 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch
E1 6LA
Admission FREE

We will also be releasing a 6 track E.P (The War in A Rack Mix tape) featuring both national and international artists. including Verbal Kent, Tumi (Tumi and the Volume) and C4sey (Pentalk).

This completely bespoke date features his core quartet (Femi Temowo - guitar, Karl Rasheed Abel - bass, and Graham Godfrey - drums).

Admission is free for these completely one off gigs! and he will be signing CDs (at £6) at the event.
Moreover! Soweto regularly incorporates jpegs, sent via bluetooth into an improvised freestyle in shows. This performance however
will extend that principle allowing his audience to send in relevant information and pictures weeks in advance, shaping the format of the show.

Since December 2006 when Soweto first blogged on the difficulties of getting his music filed under the correct category in music retailers the landscape of music distribution and the reach of independent artists has completely changed.

The War in A Rack Mixtape will feature new and original material. This will be the first time since A Life in The Day of B19, and the frustrated release of Basement Fables pt2 that Soweto Kinch will present new work. It therefore marks his emergence as an independent artist and signifies his material breaking free both from his record label and an industry fascination with categorising creativity.

Next Week Tuesday 24th Nov @ The Moors Bar

The Kush “Film Boutique” is back with regular monthly film screenings!

Event Starting on:
Tuesday 24^th November 09
(Then restarts in January 2010 on Tues 26th Jan).

Time:
7.00pm – 1.00am (Films: 8:00pm – 10.30pm) 
(Bar closes at 1.00pm – stay & have a drink & network)

Kush Promotions in association with the “Moors Bar” is pleased to announce regular monthly
“Kush Film Boutique” indie screenings on the “Last Tuesday of Every Month”.

The Film Boutique concept: A place where a select group of film lovers come together in perfect harmony to watch Exclusive & Premier independent film releases in a pleasurable atmosphere with guest celebrity hosts, Q & A’s & Film Master Classes, once the films are finished it’s time to network & party amongst the film industry peers from the UK and the US until lock down!

It is hoped the concept of the Film Boutique will encourage established film industry personnel to mentor young aspiring filmmakers by relaying their experiences thus helping to develop our future in the British film Industry.

* Q&A’s with either producer/director/actors will follow all films screened

* Each month there will be a special film selection from the Kush Archives.

* Invited aspiring guest artiste will also perform each month prior to films.
(Are you an aspiring artiste then send in your demo CD & you may chosen to perform
on one of the nights). 

Guest celebrity film industry personnel will also be in attendance
To show their support towards the ” Kush Film Boutique”.

CALL FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS:
If you are an aspiring or experienced filmmaker with a short or feature film previously unscreened by Kush and want additional widespread exposure, then send your film in to us now (DVD Format only!

Post a copy of your film (which will not be returned) & synopsis  to:
Kush Promotions
PO Box 33899
London
N8 OYX

You can also call us on:
Tel: 0800 999 3033 or 07961 977 749

Venue Details:
Moors Bar
57 Park Road, Crouch End, London, N8 8SY
020 8348 4161

Transportation:
Train – Crouch Hill & Hornsey
Buses: 41, W7, W3, 91  

Come along and also enjoy the fine Mexican menu in the warm surroundings of the splendid Moors Bar in affluent Crouch End! 

Special guest performances from
Poetress “Rythemz” & young rapper Detar X

A Great Night Out - With A Difference !
 

For further info or to join our mailing list send your contact details to us at:
email:  info@kushfilms.com
tel: 0800 999 3033 / 07961 977 749

Also checkout:
www.moorsbar.com

For all your urban film DVD needs visit the super-cool site:
www.iluvblackfilms.com

Film Programme:

One Of Us
The dynamic pace of Quincy’s basketball match soon clams when he is faced with a life-changing dilemma.
Director: Clint Dyer
Starring: Alexis Rodney
DVD / 2007 / UK / 13 min

Cereal Killer
A young man is totally bored with life and doesn’t know what he wants to be in life – one day he suddenly believes he has found what he has been put on the earth to do. What else is there to do, but become a serial killer….  Best European short 2000.

Directed & Produced by: Rob Heath
DVD / 2000 / UK / 12 mins

Franklin Haywire
For one-man crime is too much and he decides to take matters into his own hands in a very wicked way – revealing the deep scars he hides inside.

Starring: Wil Johnson (Waking The Dead, Babyfather) / Director: Sinclair Obiora
DVD / 2007 /UK / 14 mins 

Who Can I Trust
The boss Calvin sends his two workers to do a job for him ….to steal a large amount of cash: but when they both turn up empty handed, Calvin’s not happy and wants answers or else…

Written and directed by Andy Frith.
DVD / 2007 / UK / 12 mins, 39 secs

Blood, Sweat & Tears
Aaron was part of that percentage with a degree.
Being a young confident brother he had love for the ladies, but love led him to a failed relationship that burnt him bad. Aaron’s life was his friends, music, games and cars.

You could say life was treating this popular young man well, until he received some unsettling news…

Introducing; Aaron Brown, Ty Bankinson, ‘Limz’ The comic
and a host of new British acting talent. 

Written, produced & directed by hot new filmmaking sensation Sam Addo
DVD / 2009 / UK / 11 minutes, 30 secs

Gully
A young thug is confronted about his life choices by an unforgiving accuser.
Starring Tyson Beckford.
Directed & Produced by Roderick Giles / Written by Craig Boogie

Cast: Shiek Mahmud-Bey,  Shakim, Tyson Beckford Man, / Stu ‘Large’ Riley.
DVD / 2004 /US / 13 mins

More Kush Events Coming Up……………

The Ultimate Search For The Next Breakthrough Filmmaker…..

ARE YOU READY??

presents 
“Digital Disciple” ©
at the
Kush “Film Boutique”

Digital Disciple – Future Filmmaker!
 The ultimate search for the next breakthrough indie filmmakers

 9 months of gruelling competition culminating in a grand final and one ultimate filmmaker to be reborn as the “Digital Disciple” ©…

Preliminary rounds will serve to find new filmmakers and select entrant films
for the start of competition rounds in March 2010.

Starting on
Wednesday 2nd December 09
(Then on the first Wednesday of Every month)
 
At yet another fantastic independent venue in North London,

The “Chapter One” Screening Room,
143 Stroud Green, Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3PZ

Doors Open: 7:00 pm – 1:00 pm
(Films – 8:00 pm – 10.30 pm)

Admission: Only £4 (before 8.15 pm / £6 there-after)
 

Come along and take part in this different and fun new night out.

There will be exclusive & premier independent short films, Q&A’s,

DVD giveaways, After-screening music & networking & of course drinking!

We will also have special guest performers to warm up the audience prior to the start of films.

Are you an aspiring young artiste  (Poetry, Rapping, Comedy, Singing, Bands etc)
 – then get in contact with us now for
your starring role!

Support independent urban filmmakers showcasing the best independent films you will ever see!

Out of competition events will include showcasing a wide range of films from the UK and
around the world.

It’s going to be a night out with a difference – go on do something different for a change!!

No need to eat before you arrive, try the wonderful Tai food
available for sale.

Transportation: Finsbury Park Tube (Victoria & Piccadilly line)
Buses: W3, W7, 210

Call All Filmmakers – Send Us Your Films For Screening:

Are you an indie filmmaker – then send us your film, you may just be selected for
“Digital Disciple” at the very least your film could be screened at one of our
regular screening events.

Let us put your film on the big screen
and gain you much wider exposure.

Pls send a DVD COPY of your film to:

Kush Promotions

PO Box 33899, London, N8 OYX

Tel: 0800 999 3033 / Mob: 07961 977 749

 More info coming soon….

For all your cool DVD film needs – Go To…

www.iluvblackfilms.com

(Probably the coolest online DVD store in the world!)

Kush: Making a difference in the community since 1998! 

©The Kush Media Group 2009 

Look out for our special xmas week exclusive film screening & party! . more info coming soon…..

Kush is a non-funded organisation - in control & doing it for ourselves

Kush Promotions
PO BOX 33899

London

N8 OYX

0800 999 3033

+44 (0) 7961 977 749

info@kushfilms.com

www.kushfilms.com

www.iluvblackfilms.com

Saxophonist, Percussionist, Singer of Yoruba African Caribbean Folklore music, Kevin Haynes is an established African jazz musician on the world stage, performing Afro Brazilian styles of music
only £5 entry

you wont be disappointed!

WWW.URBANSPECIES.CO.UK presents- THE ART OF DES TAYLOR EXHIBITION

Monday, December 7, - Sunday December 13^th 2009 @ MAVERIK SHOWROOM,

68-72 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP (Nearest tube- LIVERPOOL STREET)

THE EVENT:

Urban Species present a week - long exhibition of the art of Des Taylor at the Maverik showroom.

Limited edition Prints and Exclusive Canvases will be on sale

Also Des will be signing copies his debut Graphic Novel-’THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS’.

With private viewing by invitation only on Tuesday 8^th December  AND *Thursday 10^th December 5pm – 8.30pm

All enquiries – including gallery opening hours - contact angelo@maverikagengency.com 0207 739 6002

The artist Des Taylor

“My Girl drawings are sassy, cool, funky and desirable. Always leaving something to the imagination. My drawings reflect the power of the female form on a street level. My inspiration comes from girls and fashion of the street, 50’s Pin ups and cheesecake models, my friends, the Comic book artists Bruce Timm and Jack Kirby and the great artists Toulouse Lautrec and Roy Lichtenstein.”

Des Taylor

Des was born 18 April 1971 in Tottenham to parents from Montserrat, West Indies. He started drawing as a child after watching his older sister paint. Upon seeing Star Wars in 1977, he was drawn into fantasy art. Des studied art, English and drama at Southgate College in Enfield from 1990-91, took an art foundation course at the College of North East London from 1991-92, and graduated in 1994 from West Herts College in Watford, following studies in graphic design.

One of his first early professional clients in Watford was Geri Halliwell (before she became an international star with the Spice Girls). Des’s illustration of Halliwell is included in her autobiography If Only.

Since then clients have included Celebrity Jeweller Theo Fennel, Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Ministry Of Sound, The House of Rhythm, Company Magazine, The Victoria and Albert Museum, FHM, Just 17, Fabric magazine, Jazzreloaded.com, Cafe de Paris, China White, La Perla -Milan, PINK, Stardust Pictures, Aura- Mayfair, and Michael Jackson;

Michael Jackson Illustration by Des Taylor

in 1990 Adrian Grant, publisher of Off The Wall, the official UK Michael Jackson fan magazine, tapped Des to provide original illustrations of the King of Pop. Des subsequently met Jackson backstage and the “King of Pop” told him how much he loved Des’s cartoons. In June 2002 Des presented Jackson onstage at the Killer Thriller party at Equinox, Leicester Square, London.

In the summer of 2005, whilst recuperating from a serious sporting injury, Des started to flesh out the comics character Katie Rogers.

The character is a fictional English-born publicist working in Manhattan. Des took inspiration from his visits to New York City, mixed with his experiences around the girls he had met working as a freelance illustrator on glossy women’s magazines. Many of the character’s traits and personality quirks are based on Des’s friends.

Katie Rogers debuted on the social networking site Myspace in 2006 at http://www.myspace.com/katiesparty , and gained an army of more than 7,000 followers. This led Des to launch Katie’s Party, live events held in various nightclubs in Soho, London. The online character entered the real world in parties that featured cocktails, dancing and top London DJs.

In 2009 San Diego-based Ape Entertainment published the first Katie Rogers graphic novel. It is split up into a magazine format with an 88-page story, short stories and character interviews. In the book’s opening month of sale, it became the No.1 requested comic in top European comic store Exclamation comics. Store owner Vincent Tjims commented; “All we did was add the book to our online catalog and it then managed to hit the #1 spot by its own merit.  There are a lot of people interested in the book, which is why it has managed to stay on top for almost a month now.  It’s great to see alternative titles do that, really. It’s been surprising to see stuff like Katie Rogers …scoring high on incoming search keywords.  [The Trouble With Katie Rogers] even managed to keep a distance to the Star Trek graphic novel, which was going strong after the release of the new movie.”

Des subsequently attended his first book signings for The Trouble Katie Rogers at this year’s San Diego Comicon, and saw the graphic novel published to the iPhone format via http://www.iversecomics.com/

Des is represented in London by Private View Artists Agency.

MEDIA LINKS:

Des Taylor on Myspace

www.myspace.com/artofdes

Wikipedia entry for Des Taylor:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Des_Taylor

Katie Rogers Graphic Novel trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=187ibYncho0

Des Taylor interview on Katie Rogers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdLfKMvz-Ko

Des Taylor on Private View

http://www.pvuk.com/artist/des_taylor-portfolio96_1.html