jazz changes

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.

“Periferal” is a new club night featuring and organized by British based musicians of colour and musicians originating from migrant or displaced communities. They’ll be presenting music that counters the ‘tourist mentality,’ of the so called “world music” scene where they feel their cultures of origin have been caricatured and where political sentiment is either suppressed or neutralized.

The real world is dirty. The real world is in a state of flux and Periferal will showcase music that is a reflection of all this, making use of whatever instrument, lyric, sound or noise available, ‘traditional’ or otherwise. This new, harder edged sound is performed by an array of Periferal warriors:

Badboy indo-jazz clarinetist Arun Ghosh walks a barbed wire tightrope between different musical communities. His live band is known for its energy and has been dubbed the “ADF of jazz.” His performance at PERIFERAL follows a foray into Ronnie Scotts, the heart of the British jazz establishment. Guesting with Arun will be Afro-futurist vibes player Corey Mwamba.

Kerieva is a singer, performer and Romani activist, known for her passion, intensity and dynamism. Her music is one of supreme engagement. Never afraid to court controversy, Periferal sees her debuting a new electronic based set, a radical departure that exposes hitherto un-stated influences whilst her lyrical content continues to pull no punches.

Ajah engage in hip hop folk tales, navigating their audiences through their experiences of local national & international identities, gender & sexuality, poverty, caste & class. Their performances and lyrical imagery challenge and disrupt peoples’ pre-conceptions, of what people of colour see, feel and know.

Bassist Dr Das, founder member of ADF, is known for his enormous low frequency melodies. Here he presents his ”indodub” basslines in a newer, darker environment, a dirtier form of dub –one more indicative of a world in a state of turmoil.

Dancers Saliha and Yashoda are respectively steeped in the discipline and tradtions of flamenco and Bharat Natyam. PERIFERAL sees them stepping off the beaten track and migrating towards the urban jungle with new radical movements.

Dancefloor propulsion will be provided by the excellent Black Fist DJs

Don’t miss this, Great Experience! Book now your tickets.

That great new amalgam of world talent Mali Latino play the Jazz Cafe in London tonight. With stunning new compositions like the ballad ‘Voyage’ and the vibrant ‘Congas’ (featuring Colombian Emeris Solis) they are reinforcing their rightful place on the stage of world music. Featuring Malian stars Madou Sidiki Diabaté (kora) and Ahmed Fofana (balafon/flute/guitar), together with vocalist Doussouba Diabate, the atmosphere on stage will be electric. With the amalgam of rythmes from 3 continents underscored by the brilliant Latin American percussion sounds of Emeris Solis, the magic chemistry between leader Alex Wilson on piano and Madou Sidiki Diabaté on kora is bound to be a winner. Alex brought the group together following a meeting in Australia, but the final results took five years to come to fruition and, believe me, the wait was well worthwhile. With a new album in the pipeline, this grouping is one to keep your eye on because the sound is electric. Don’t expect the soft and gentle though - it is there but so is the raucous so beware! You can see images from one of their soundchecks at http://tinyurl.com/nnbwm6

On Wednesday that great stride pianist Judy Carmichael made a very welcome return to Eastleighs Concorde Club, this time accompanied by the American tenor player Harry Allen - and what a great evening it was! The superb playing of Grammy-nominated Judy was a wonderful counterbalance to the super-cool Harry, and the evening was a real treat for the audience at this welcoming venue which now celebrates over 50 years of presenting a range of artists any club would be proud to be associated with. It was the second appearance of Judy at the club in less than 6 months, which is fairly unique at the Concorde, and I was fortunate enough to be there to capture the moment. You can see the two of them here.

What’s On and Where to See It:

Cameron Pierre:

Since the release of Cameron’s 5th album ‘Pad Up (Get Ready’) under Cortney Pine’s own record label Destin-E Record label, he has continued to go from strength to strength.  The ablum has recieved good reviews, not only just from ourselves at jazzreloaded, but from writers from The Guardian and Jazz Wise ‘Pierre lays down great slabs of chunky comping, pleasing riffs and fleet solos with consummate ease and great taste – a fine album by an artist at the top of his game.’

His dazzling displays on the guitar are something that have to be heard in person.  And as someone that is held in such a high regard by many a jazz musician he is well worth checking out. 

Cameron will be appearing at:

22nd May - The Crypt, London

26th-27th June - Plymouth Gin Jazz

10th July - Marlboro Jazz Festival, London

1st August - Ealing Jazz Festival

Acclaimed poet, writer and singer, Zena Edwards is on tour with “Security”, A one woman show.

It is a comical and moving tale of unexpected friendship which confronts the issue of security and identity through a fusion of performance poetry, hip hop theatre, movement and song. It’s the chaotic stories of four ordinary characters. Four extraordinary people with stories of resilience and evolution. All are exposed through the eye of a camera.

They live in Tottenham and Peckham but their stories could be about any inner city area such as Brixton, Peckham, Stonebridge, Hansworth, Liverpool etc where an emptied street bin is a good days work and blown out cars and full nappies in the road is your regular Monet street painting.

These people have a knack for stepping over the cracks in the pavement and getting home in one piece. In the meantime, they connect with their people, share jokes, eat rubbish food, find the light in the dark. Algernon, Ayleen, Mahmoud and Elijah share a split second of air time in the show, then step off into oblivion, only to be captured here, in cyberspace and in the memories of those who encounter them.

Ayleen is MC KrudeReality

“Security” is a concept that unites what is real and what is imagined. The show is the catalyst. The entire project includes a book, a film, a workshop programme, a forum, a journey – but fundamentally the project was create to inspire a conversation about change. Click here for Zena’s blog to read some of her thoughts and inspiration.

Two of its main characters, Mahmoud and Ayleen, were conceived from a creative writing workshop exercise four years ago. Two years later they were rescued from a ring binder and dusted off. As the show developed, they incubated. And then, another two years on, “Security” was born. What happens when one generation collides with another and cultural expectations clash? Does the flash of a blade in broad daylight mean the end or beginning of Security?

There’s a post show talk too, just to fill you in on the trauma and successes of the journey to the shows completion.

You can catch the show on the following dates:

12 May 09 Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal

14 May 09 The Bluecoat, Liverpool

28 May 09 Arc, Stockton on Tees

4-5 Jun 09 Contact Theatre, Manchester

10 Oct 09 Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham

12 Nov 09 The Civic, Barnsley

22 Jan 10 Déda, Derby

20 Feb 10 Podium Mozaiek, Amsterdam

The show is written and performed by Zena Edwards. Directed by Anthony Shrubsall. Produced by Apples & Snakes and commissioned by Birmingham Rep in association with BAC. The images above were taken by Clive ‘Kofi’ Allen.

Source: http://zenaedwards.wordpress.com/

The British Theatre Guide - “Convincing, raw performance full of passion and conviction.”

Time Out - “A deeply original, dramatically dexterous portrait of London’s bewildering kaleidoscope of difficult, defiant life.”

Whats On Stage - “An unlimited supply of potent charged poetry, which is moving, relevant, innovative.”

Join Jazzie B for  ’Late Night Sessions’ at the Jazz Cafe on Friday 3rd April.

11pm-2am 

Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway,Camden, London, NW1 7PG.

Advanced tickets are £10

Catch ‘beat:root’ playing towards the end of this month in west London!

What: Concert
Host: Movimientos
Start Time: Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm
End Time: Wednesday, March 25 at 2:00am
Where: Notting Hill Arts Club

Los Desterrados (sephardic flamenco band )

Wednesday 11th March- 19:30 at Roundhouse Studio supporting Rupa & the April Fishes
Chalk Farm Road, London, London and South East
Cost: £10

The British Libraries event ‘Taking Liberties: the struggle for Britain’s freedoms and rights’ was closed by Roger Robinson and his four piece band comprising of Taylor – Double Bass (Mr Taylor), Drums - Cheryl Alleyne, Keys - Chris Jerome and the man himself Roger Robinson, taking charge of the microphone. At the end of an inspired evening filled with exceptional performances from high calibre artists including: Levellers and Eliza Carthy, Roger and his band continued along the same vein, took to the stage, then cranked it up two notches.

The ferocious, energetic intro launched from the start was fuelled with passion, charisma and edge. Poet Roger Robinson’s hip-hop, jazz infused music and modern day griot/narrative style are both unique forms alone which combined cannot be adequately described in writing. One would expect spoken word or poetry to be performed in its standard, ‘typical’ format however it would be advised to expected the unexpected from Mr Robinson who kicked off the set with an explosion of vocal artillery aimed with innate precision at the audience with the vigour of a rock star. Rock star chutzpah aside, Roger’s music is a successful example of the blending and melting of varied soulful genres topped with a rich lyrical icing.  Roger’s vocal articulation enabled each audience member to get a feel of his own deep belief in his musical/poetic works of art. The uniqueness of his lilting ‘Trini’ dadian twang over each cleverly woven consecutive masterpiece added an element of intrigue, contrasting with the music and complimenting every pleasing sound.

The British Library audience’s reception confirmed that they were drawn from the beginning.  It was hypnotic.

Impressively, each piece had a philosophical angle that subtly invited the listener to think deeply about the words being delivered. Furthermore, once ensconced; after endeavouring to explore any aspects of each work piece; be it through the beat, double bass, lyrics or chord structure - in fact every element, it was possible to discover new hidden textures in the mix while being offered a viewpoint.  His hard-hitting words were relevant and poignant with bite, encompassing subjects including political, current affairs, and his own personal responses to today’s UK Youths’ plight with ‘Postcode Beef’. 

Whatever your favourite element of Ths Shout’s music, on display was extreme aptitude from each musician; their contributions were powerful and they were unified as a band; the close-knit team exemplified connectivity through their art and you could witness their seriousness, working hard throughout the performance to deliver their messages through music. The contrasting urgency against the laid back and chilled out assuredness that any accomplished performer worth their salt has, was certainly demonstrated and a pleasure to witness.

The deeper meaning of the music makes Roger Robinson an artist ‘with purpose’ relaying important observations and offering insight on taboo subjects. His skills of performing, connecting and mastering the craft of performing over the exceptional pieces of music together with The Shout with such intensity, are exemplary. 

Any performer with the ability to keep a crowd going after a long night of entertainment such as this is one not to take lightly. Roger Robinson and The Shout closed the event leaving the audience on a conscious high.

Musicians:

Roger Robinson – words

Cheryl Alleyne – Drums

Chris Jerome – Keys

Taylor – Double Bass

Set:

Cool Out! (Taylormade)

I am (Taylormade/Louis Gines)

Prayers for Angry young Men – Taylormade

Jazz is Dead (Jerome/Taylormade/Daniel Crosby)

Killing Suite for Stephen Lawrence (Jerome/Alleyne/Taylormade)

Unsticking (Julie Dexter Arr Taylormade)

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/rogerrobinsonmyspace

Reviewed by Danelle Harvey

The Edge Festival

 

EDGE 08: The Freedom Principle

Thursday 13^th – Sunday 23^rd Nov. 08

Edge08 is a micro-festival - The Fringe within the thriving London International Jazz Festival.  Edge08, is a hip, cross-generational alliance united around blistering, spiritually uplifting live sessions, film, photography, dance and spoken word. Over 10 days an outernational gathering of artists will perform and collaborate in various venues in the cultural quarter of Shoreditch. Enlightenment is imminent.

Edge08 is curated by Paul Bradshaw (Straight No Chaser) & Jason Jules (Kilimanjaro Magazine) & Orphy Robinson (Original Jazz Warrior & Vibes Master)

Edge Festival listings

 PARAPHERNALIA: The Photography of Peter Williams – The Straight No Chaser Years 

@ the E2 Gallery, Calvert Avenue. E2 

Fri. 14th Nov - Sunday 23rd Nov.

A genuinely DEEP selection of B&W portraits, taken over two decades, that span Miles Davis, Pharoah Sanders, Yusef Lateef, DJ Shadow, The Roots, David Byrne, Sizzla… nuff! Hosted by the community based E2 gallery - don’t sleep on this! 

Futurizm

Saturday 15^th November @ Hoxton Hall: 130 Hoxton Street
London N1 6SH

FUTURIZM: Orphy Robinson and Soweto Kinch present a night of future now: A journey into new cutting edge music from up and coming young and exciting Groups.

CHANTELLE NANDI featuring the award winning Hip hop meets Jazz not Jazz group. ”DESCENDANTS OF A QUEST”,

“JAZZ ALIVE “ featuring A new high profile gathering of 25 exciting new Musicians and Vocalist led by Orphy Robinson and Soweto Kinch.

“LOADED LYRICS” Hoxton Halls very own Rappers & Poets Ensemble with live music.

 ”A.S.A.P.” A new young Jazz mix based at Camden Towns Roundhouse.

 £7.00 on the door / under 18 - £2.00 inc. one drink) 

UK Premiere of 4hands

Sunday 16th November @ RICH MIX

Edge08 presents the European Premier of ‘4 Hands’

Yasuhiko Shirai’s compelling and intimate documentary film, “4 Hands”, illuminates a magical musical encounter in February 2007, in Tokyo, between Japanese pianist Yosuke Yamashita and his Master, the legendary and incendiary Cecil Taylor.

Venue: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Rd. E1 6LA.

Due to high ticket demand we urge you to book immediately.

£10.00 (inc. entry to Freestyle Live Session) Tel: 0207 613 7498  www.richmix.org.uk

Film Times: 6.00 and 9.00

EDGE 08 FREEDOM PRINCIPLE MUSIC SESSIONS.

2:00pm - 4.00: Award winning Bassist Gary Crosby kicks off proceedings on the music front with the “Tomorrows Warriors”. The fertile breeding ground that brought you musicians like Soweto Kinch, Abram Wilson Bring a young & energetic start to proceedings with their own session..

4:30pm - 11pm: FREESTYLE ON THE EDGE 08.

Original Jazz Warrior and vibes man Orphy Robinson gathers together a mind blowing gathering of London based jazz and improvising musicians to celebrate the the premier of the documentary film “4 Hands” in their own majestic and free spirited fashion. 25 Musicians including Louis Moholo Moholo, Tony Bevan, Steve Noble, Pat Thomas, John Coxon, Shabaka Hutchings, Brian Edwards, Claude Deppa, Corey Mwamba. Steve Beresford Sotoko Fukuda, Leon Michener, Visuals by SDNA. plus some very special Surprise guests. Entry to Freestyle: £5.00 (on the door) www.richmix.org.uk

4hands -details

Edge08: A fringe to the London Jazz Festival 2008

Saturday/Sunday 16th Nov @ Charlie Wright’s International Jazz Bar

ITALUBA

Cuban master drummer, Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernandez, has collaborated with Kip Hanrahan, Dizzy Gillespie, Paquito D’Rivera, Steve Turre, Michel Camilo, Joanne Brakeen, Joaquin Kuhn and Carlos Santana amongst others. This is a brand new Italy meets Cuba collaboration. (10pm)

http://www.myspace.com/charliewrights) (£17.50)

Tuesday 18^th Nov @ Cargo 

Robert Glasper Trio + DJs Simbad /Kyri: 

K Swiss sponsored night feat. the brilliant, dreadlocked, Blue Note signed Texan pianist - Jazz meets Dilla! Gwaan! www.cargo-london.com)  (£12.00 adv) 

Leimert Parks

Wednesday 19th Nov @ RICH MIX - 

FILM Premiere : Leimert Park – The Story of a Village in South Central – A moving documentary by Jeanette Lindsay.  In the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, an extraordinary group of artists and musicians including Richard Fulton, Kamau Daaood, Horace Tapscott and Billy Higgins, amongst others, created an underground arts movement and transformed a community. Intimate and compelling, “Leimert Park” is a universal tale of the struggles and triumphs of artists everywhere and of the power and importance of art and music in our lives. (8pm)

Fee: £10.00 inc. THE FRESH MIX A Freestyle live music session with Djs & Musicians.. To include HKB FINN ,Richard Anthony Davis,John Edwards, Mark Saunders,Jessica Lauren,Jake Sax Ok_Ma. Otto Fischer.. Visuals by SDNA. plus some very special Surprise guests. Presented by Orphy Robinson www.richmix.org.uk

Book now!! on 0207 613 749. Limited ticket availability

Leimert Parks

 

Saturday 22^nd Nov @ Charlie Wright’s International Jazz Bar:

Steve Williamson + Pat Thomas Quartet + Roy Campbell + Roger Turner   An unmissable incendiary mix of Free spirits exploring Free Music. Expect one of the festival highlights from these sonically attuned Warriors. (9.30pm) 
£15.00  45 Pitfield St, London. http://www.myspace.com/charliewrights)

Sunday 23rd Nov @ Dingwalls, Camden Lock

Out of the manor!!!

Talking Loud & Saying Something 

Gilles Peterson & Patrick Forge revisit the magical and radical musical moments that fuelled a global jazz dance movement – a movement that is celebrated in depth in Snowboy’s forthcoming book ‘From Jazz Funk & Fusion to Acid Jazz – The History Of The UK Jazz dance Scene’.

 Edge08: A Fringe to the London Jazz Festival 2008

Tunde's African Classical Music Ensemble

A rare appearance in London of Tunde Jegede’s

African Classical Music Ensemble

Featuring the extraordinary multi-instrumentalist Juldeh Camara and the young Kora virtuoso and Guitarist Maya Jobarteh for an evening of hauntingly beautiful medieval African music.

Sunday 2nd November 2008
5pm

Tickets: £8 (£5 Concessions)
Box Office: 020 7645 0560
Box Office Email: boxoffice@unicorntheatre.com

Unicorn Theatre
147 Tooley Street
London SE1 2HZ

(Nearest Tube: London Bridge)

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Guida de Palma
& Jazzinho
Jazz Re:freshed
Mau Mau Bar
Portobello Rd
London W10
£6 before 9pm
Doors open 7pm

Virtuoso vocalist and songwriter Guida de Palma and multi-instrumentalist Michele Chiavarini have come together to form Jazzinho. This London based outfit records and performs a repertoire of original material in an idiosyncratic style that Guida calls Jazzinho (pronounced jazz-EEN-yo). Jazzinho, loosely translated as “Sweet Little Jazz”, is a luscious blend of dance rhythms, Nu-Jazz arrangements, Portuguese traditional instruments, Afro-Brazilian percussions and R&B background vocals with soulful and organic Bossa melodies. Drawing on Jobim/Gil but giving it a twist of newness with effects and dub styles, the songs travel the Bebel Gilberto road but are a little edgier. Guida sings in Portuguese (her native language) and English: although either way, the lyrics seems secondary to the constant shake of the maracas. This special US edition of the album features 14 tracks including 4 exclusive bonus remixes, ‘Sim Ou Não’ (Sleepwalker Re-Work), ‘Constelação’ (Quant Remix), ‘Astral’ (Gerd’s Straight Mix), & ‘Yambou’ (Phil Asher Remix).

AFRIKOKOA ushers in some sunshine in terms of some fantastic afro music with the next Live session at the Big Chill House, 257-259 Pentonville Road, King’s Cross, London, N1 9NL on Bank Holiday SUNDAY 25th May 2008, Kings Cross Northern Line and Thames Link, Next door to Thames link and Scala.

On this session from the heart of Brixton comes YAABA FUNK, a ten piece band who, since forming from jams at house parties in 2006, have rocked clubs, fired up festivals and demonstrated that the spirit of Fela Kuti resides in South London.

YAABA FUNK play a mix of classic 70’s Ghanaian Hi-Life and hard-hitting funk. They cut this monster sound with a strong dose of ‘Afro-broken-beat’, Ska and Dub flavours, whilst Senegalese, Brazilian and Cuban influences broaden and fill out their sound.
Three vocalists, horns, percussion and funky African guitars, underpinned by deep analogue bass and driving drums create a 21st century urban Afro sound. Yaaba Funk’s live shows are renowned for raw energy, huge grooves and great musician ship. Guaranteed to get all listeners up and dancing.

We are also proud to feature ‘Spoonface’ Trio with Spoonface on vocals, Adrian Curtis on guitar and Phil Craig on accordion. ‘Living On The Venus Express’ is the first and eagerly anticipated solo album offering from Spoonface, an album that highlights his true vocal capabilities. With a sophisticated blend of acoustic folk/pop and a hint of reggae influence, this album’s appeal aims at a wide and diverse spectrum of listener.
Spoonface had his first taste of international recording success as Black Legend with his reworking of the Barry White classic “You See The Trouble With Me” reaching No. 1 in the UK and selling over 2 million copies. His distinctive vocals make him instantly recognizable and provide the uniqueness that commands a strong following from his loyal fan base, as well as the appreciation and respect from fellow musicians.
He has collaborated with numerous renowned artists from varying genres, and presently enjoys success in the UK and Europe with a number of dance projects including Floor Boogie act Ear Dis. Living On The Venus Express glorifies the true depth of his ability.

Resident DJs AJ Kwame (Runaways) and Baggy will to explore the universal sounds of new and old Afro-musical fusions from African Hip-Hop, Afrobeat to Afro-soul to Hip-Life, Afro-Eurasian grooves to Afro-house, Broken Beat to Dubstep and Bashment and Beat Poetry.

Artistic works will be provided by Erin Sorenson.

THE GIG: “UPLIFTING ROOTS”
THE OUTFIT: ALEX WILSON’s ALL NEW SIX PIECE BAND FEATURING KENRICK ROWE
THE VENUE: PIZZA EXPRESS JAZZ CLUB, SOHO, 
THE DATES: FRIDAY 19th, SATURDAY 20th, SUNDAY 21st JUNE
 
ALEX WILSON LIFTS THE LID ON HIS NEW SIX PIECE BAND AND A NEW GROOVE AS REGGAE MEETS SALSA FOR THE FIRST TIME AT SOHO’S PIZZA EXPRESS JAZZ CLUB, THURSDAY 19th - SATURDAY 21st JUNE  
             

High energy vocals, gospel & reggae beats and Latin melodies get cranked up to the max at the Jazz Club, 10 Dean Street, London W1D 3RW. “Uplifting Roots” is Wilson’s first collaboration with Aswad’s legendary drummer Kenrick Rowe. Doors: 7.30pm, set: 9.00pm. Price: £22.00 per person. To book: www.pizzaexpresslive.com  Call: 020 7734 3220. 
            
Full line-up: Naomi Phillips  vocals; Aquilla Fearon  vocals; Robin Banerjee  guitar  (Amy Winehouse/Jazz Jamaica); Davide Mantovani  bass; Kenrick Rowe   drums  (Aswad, Janet Kay and Maxi Priest); Alex Wilson keyboard  (Courtney Pine and Jazz Jamaica, among many others) More on Alex Wilson: www.alexwilson.net   /   www.myspace.com/alexwilsonPRESS ENQUIRIES: INTERVIEWS AND MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Lee Knights

Knightwriter Public Relations

Tel: 020 8778 2215
Email: lee@knightwriter.co.uk or editor@londonsalsascene.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHS: please visit www.alexwilson.net

Zena Edwards is a mesmerizing performer of deeply lyrical, musical, streetwise poetry. The Verb - BBC Radio 3

This comical and moving tale of unexpected friendship confronts the issues of Security and identity through a fusion of performance poetry, theatre, movement and song. Set within the beating heart of London, the chaotic stories of five characters in crisis are exposed through the eye of a camera. What happens when one generation collides with another and cultural expectations clash? Does the flash of a blade in broad daylight mean the end or the beginning of Security? Find out when age and youth battle as Palestine meets Peckham.

Security is a newly commissioned piece pioneering the crossover of performance poetry into theatre in the UK. As performer and writer, Zena Edwards, takes storytelling into the twenty-first century.

Zena’s previous credits include: lyricist for Nitro’s critically acclaimed Slamdunk; singer/songwriter in Serious’s national tour Future Sounds of Jazz; and, poet/performer for BBC Radio 3’s Bloodlines.

Written and performed by Zena Edwards
Directed by Anthony Shrubsall
From a collaboration with Talita Moffat and Mike Kirchner
Commissioned by Birmingham Rep in association with BAC
Produced by Talita Moffat and Apples & Snakes

Online booking: www.bac.org.uk Bookings: 020 7223 2223 / Online booking: www.bac.org.uk

Courtney Pine’s
Jazz Warriors Afropeans
releases its live album,recorded on 6 October 2007 at The Barbican,on Destin-E Records (cat. no:777 25 3 1807)
Record Release Monday 28 April 2008

Click Here to Pre-Order

” Afropeans (definition): to be part of African descent and to exist in Europe, culturally, spiritually or, in this case, musically”  Courtney Pine OBE

Ronnie Scotts: 47 Frith Street, Soho LONDON  W1D 4HT www.ronniescotts.co.uk Tickets £20 - £36.    Booking / Info : 020 7439 0747 

Reviews of the show recorded on 6 October 2007 at The Barbican:Some of the UK’s most promising young black musicians took the spotlight with relish… there was a youthful energy and spirit about them that confirmed the gravitas of the occasion.  Pine too showed real commitment; his compositions and arrangements were forceful and hard-edged
Selwyn Harris, Jazzwise

The original Jazz Warriors were a hugely influential black British big band initiated by Courtney Pine in the mid-1980s.  Their mission was to celebrate black British musicianship and shake up the cliquey world of British jazz.  Twenty years on, this one-off gig’s ‘Afropeans’ were assembled to play new compositions celebrating Black History Month and the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade.  The rhythm section was top-notch, paring grooves down to their essential details, shifting gear with panache.  There were barnstorming solos… the three-hour concert never lost interest… nice touches abounded - delicate bowed strings, a skanking reggae backing tailgate trombone, foot-stamping chains.  Hugely entertaining…
Mike Hobart, The Times

On 6 October 2007, at The Barbican in London, UK saxophone legend Courtney Pine led the freshly-minted 15-piece Jazz Warriors Afropeans in a vibrant three hour musical celebration of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act bicentenary.  This new ensemble, taking its lead from the positive spirit of seminal 1980s big band the Jazz Warriors, brings established names such as Byron Wallen, and Alex Wilson together with key newcomers such as Shabaka Hutchings, Samuel Dubois, and Ayanna Witter Johnson.  As a result, this live album documents an extraordinary meeting of some of the UK’s most exciting musicians, and serves as a spellbinding memento of an evening commemorating a landmark historical event.  Courtney Pine is considered the key UK jazz musician of his generation.  It all began when, as a young saxophonist backing many of the travelling reggae stars, he noticed he was not the only hornsman with a deep desire to play jazz.  In 1984, he founded The Abibi Jazz Arts with a view to harnessing the collective strength among African-Caribbean jazz artists.  A big band, christened The Jazz Warriors by Courtney’s wife, was created and, after a very short time, it began to play its own music.  The band grew in size and strength - gaining positive reactions from both audience and media - and the likes of Steve Williamson, Mamadi Kamara, Claude Deppa, Cheryl Alleyne and others contributed to its vibrancy.  The Jazz Warriors’ main aim was to unite different generations of musicians, and Courtney always intended up and coming players to have a place in the band; when interference from some members meant this was questioned, the band broke up under somewhat acrimonious circumstances with only one album, Out of Many One People (released in 1987 on Island Records), under its belt.
 

 Recording lineup:

Robert Fordjour: drums
Darren Taylor: double bass
Alex Wilson: acoustic piano
Femi Temowo: acoustic/electric guitar
Omar Puente: electric violin
Ayanna Witter Johnson: cello/voice
Samuel Dubois: alto/bass steel pans
Chris Storr/Byron Wallen/Jay Phelps: trumpets/flugelhorns
Harry Brown: trombone
Nathanial Facey/Shabaka Hutchings/Jason Yarde/Courtney Pine: woodwind

 AfroPeans  LIVE AT RONNIE SCOTTS      

Ronnie Scotts: 47 Frith Street, Soho LONDON  W1D 4HT www.ronniescotts.co.uk FRIDAY 2^nd May and SATURDAY 3^rd MayTickets £20 - £36

Booking / Info : 020 7439 0747

press enquiries to:

Helen Maleed tel/fax: 020 7732 4624  mobile: 07986 235 855email: helen@greendesk.demon.co.uk   

management enquiries to:

Screening: The Fela Kuti Story (Music is a Weapon 1982)Date: Saturday 15 March 2008
Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm
Venue: BFI Southbank (near Royal Festival Hall) Belvedere Road SE1 (Tube: Waterloo)
Adm: £5.00 Box office 0207 928 3232
Singer-composer, musician  and politician. Kuti is one of Africa’s most revered names.He began as a highlife singer in 1954. In 1968 he created Afro-beat, and then went on a 10-month tour of America. He devoured Malcolm X’s autobiography, fell in love with the Black Panthers and began writing conscious lyrics . On return to Nigeria he opened  the Shrine nightclub. He accused the Beatles of stealing black peoples music and rejected his English last name. He influenced James Brown, Bootsy Collins and Gilberto Gil, His outspoken views on corruption and colonialism  made him unpopular with the government but a hero to the people. In 1979  Kuti began his own political party - MOP (Movement of the People). However the military returned to power in 1983 and within the year Kuti was sentenced to five years imprisonment. The Army even raided his compound, threw his mother out of the window and raped his wives. When he died in 1997 millions turned out to honour him.  This is his story.

PLUS Q and A with  Ayorinde Solarin, writer and childhood friend of Fela. Ayo Solarin will discuss his experience of Fela Kuti and place Fela’s work in a wider context of African culture and history.

ALEX WILSON BACK AT RONNIES 27-29 MARCHThursday 27th-Saturday 29th March 2008
(early and late shows on 28th-29th).
@ Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, Soho W1D 4HT
To Book: Ring Ronnie Scotts direct on : 020 7439 0747 or visit  www.ronniescotts.co.uk for more info .   
 
Somewhere between London and Havana, volcanic activity is about to trigger the emergence of a new tropical island – Salsa Soul. Here, Alex Wilson and his 12 piece Salsa Power Orchestra will set off a dance floor furnace with a new fusion of authentic Cuban rhythms with a soul vibe and a Gospel influence.
Hear the eruption at one of Alex Wilson’s five concerts at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, Soho between Thursday 27th-Saturday 29th March 2008 (early and late shows on 28th-29th).
     This is a return visit to London’s classiest jazz club for Alex Wilson after a sell out residency last year. It’s no surprise as this UK band is turning out some of the most authentic and tastiest salsa grooves you’ll hear anywhere in the world.
Salsa Soul is the latest destination for Alex Wilson on his circumnavigation of world rhythms and beats. Wilson’s latest, 5th album Inglaterra, was his first to feature the fire water of Salsa Dura neat, with tracks like Show Me and Ain’t Nobody appearing on 10 compilations and burning up dance floors in salsa clubs across the UK. 
 Now, the voyage continues to a new destination, Salsa Soul. The UK’s top Latin/jazz pianist and band leaders of one of Britain’s most popular salsa crews unveils a new line up - two soul divas, Aquilla Fearon and Naomi Phillips plus Elpidio Caicedo. Get along to Ronnie Scotts to hear  Wilson’s new Latin-Soul sound as hammered out on a red hot creative anvil. Salsa Soul Sessions Part II will be released in September 08.

Thursday 27th-Saturday 29th March 2008
(early and late shows on 28th-29th).
@ Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, Soho W1D 4HT
To Book: Ring Ronnie Scotts direct on : 020 7439 0747 or visit  www.ronniescotts.co.uk for more info .

  For more info on the Afro Saxon Piano star visit http://www.alexwilson.net/
  

Doing something special this weekend?

With many free events, this exclusive weekend will explore the nature of our secrets, memories and bodies through discussions, performances, cabarets, readings, exhibitions, dance and fashion. From the spoken word versatility of Jean Binta Breeze, Lyric L and Aoife Mannix, to physical examinations by live artist Anna Furse and celebrated vaudevillian gender-bender Peggy Shaw, personal revelations by literary survivor Cupcake Brown and fashion choreography by Parisians Bezemymailan, this is a chance to be let in on the secret.

For the young and curious why not try our Show and Tell afternoon. You could delve deeper with Memories, Bodies & Landscapes, our discussion forum with some of the world’s leading female artists. Or pop along to our Pot Luck Party hosted by the original failed diva Marcia Brown (played by comedienne Tameka Empson) - just don’t forget to bring her a present!

Bernie Grant Arts Centre
Town Hall Approach Road
London N15 4RX
Call +44 (0)208 365 5450
boxoffice@berniegrantcentre.co.uk
www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk
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