TUESDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2006
The gigs tonight reflect the period at the old Club where, through the late 70’s and 80’s musicians just dropping in for a “jam” was common place. Many of the established musicians of today learned to “cut their teeth” with the rhythm sections of that time including the likes of pianist Nick Weldon, who was later to tour with Joe Jackson and bassist Mick Hutton who was to go on and work with just about everybody, including Bill Bruford, Gary Husband and Humphrey Lyttleton. The first band also includes my old friend, guitarist Dave Lipson who first introduced me to the Club and later in the evening the band of my then teacher, Peter Ind, who was influential not only in my own musical development but also went on to run one of the country’s major Jazz venues, the Bass Clef for many years. Al Wynette was a common visitor in those days and pianist John China and I regularly used to play together until dawn (can’t manage that these days!). Finally we feature the band of bass player Dill Katz, a member of my current band “Samara” for more than 12 years, and pianist Ugo Delmirani with whom I have had a fruitful musical relationship for almost as long. Great way to start things off!
THE 606 “OLD CLUB” BAND featuring DAVE LIPSON, NICK WELDON, & STEVE RUBIE
It somehow seems appropriate to kick off proceedings with this band comprised of musicians who all performed on regular occasions at the “Old Club” in the Kings Road (number 606, hence the name!). Guitarist Dave Lipson was the first musician ever to take me to the 606 Club in 1969 when it was run by a guy called Steve Cartwright. After that time we used to make regular visits to join in the jam sessions and play in to the early hours. Dave eventually left London to establish himself over a period of 20 years as guitarist of choice for many bands in the Oxford area, more recently re-locating to Norfolk. He’s a lovely, melodic straight ahead player and it’s with great pleasure that we welcome him back to the Club after so many years away.
Nick Weldon is an experienced and impressive modern jazz pianist, arranger and composer. Active on the scene since the early 80’s his cv includes stints with the likes of Joe Jackson, Annie Ross, Mark Murphy, Sonny Stitt, Johnny Griffin and Jimmy Witherspoon, as well as extensive teaching credits. He also works regularly in the combined music and prose field with his mother, Fay.
“... enjoyable and artfully sculpted music” The Times.
AL WYNETTE BAND feat JANE PARKER-vocals & JOHN CHINA-piano
Our regular Mainstream quintet featuring Al on trumpet (and occasional vocals!) this is terrific “good-time” jazz featuring music primarily from the twenties and thirties, and great fun.
Appearing with the band tonight is the fine young vocalist Jane Parker, best known for her work with the band “Lush Life”, who will be joining the guys to sing a selection of jazz standards from the 30’s and 40’s. “Jane Parker's breathy vocals, reminiscent of Rickie Lee Jones or sometimes Billie Holliday, are both sultry and steamy as the bayou itself.” Blueprint magazine.
John China is a wonderful pianist who has been performing his fluent and inventive mainstream piano for more than 35 years on the UK scene.
PETER IND’S “BASS CLEF INTERNATIONAL”
Bass player Peter Ind is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable and charismatic musicians on the scene today. He emigrated to the USA in the early 50’s where his phenomenal technique and impressive musical ability, honed by his studies with pianist Lennie Tristano, led to work with Jazz greats such as Lee Konitz, Buddy Rich, Coleman Hawkins and Billie Holliday. He returned to the UK in the mid 60’s where he established himself as a performer and teacher of great distinction, adding a record label (Wave) to his achievements, and then, in the mid 80’s he also opened the internationally renowned “Bass Clef” Jazz Club in London, which he ran for more than 10 years. In the spirit of that Club the group tonight features musicians from all over the world; Tony Barnard from Australia on guitar and Rod Youngs from USA on drums. Special bandleader, special gig this one. “..full of wit and vigour… Ind's solos exploit his ever-resourceful technique and resonant tone” Evening Standard.
MICK HUTTON/MARK CHERRY QUARTET
This band features one of Europe’s great bass players, Mick Hutton, who has teamed up with one of this country’s finest Steel Pan players (and also a very fine keyboard player), Mark Cherry to produce a fascinating set of Jazz/Latin originals and Latin standards. Although a rare instrument in Jazz in this country, the Steel Pan has a long tradition in the West Indies, and Mark certainly lives up to those high standards. Frequently seen “sitting in” on Russ Henderson’s gigs here, this is the first time he has been featured on Pan with his own band. Also featured tonight is the iconic drummer Richard Bailey, best known for his work with the band “Incognito”. Some great players performing a unique gig.
Dill Katz BAND featuring UGO DELMIRANI & HARRISON SMITH
Dill, frequently referred to as a “bass legend”, is one of the most experienced players on the scene today, having pioneered the use of the fretless bass in the mid sixties, and whose work includes stints with Ian Carr’s “Nucleus”, Barbara Thompson’s band “Paraphernalia” and Afro/Jazz band “District Six”. This gig also features the piano playing of Ugo Delmirani, the tenor sax playing of Harrison Smith and the Jazz Steel Pan of Mick Hutton
WEDNESDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2006
I first met Bryan Spring shortly after we moved to the new Club in the late 80’s. He was a legend even then and his laconic and uniquely “side-on” view of life (frequently hilarious) was refreshing and stimulating. He has been a regular performer and supporter of the Club for so many years that no festival would be complete without him. Dave Cliff has been playing at the Club since the old Club days when I first heard him performing with the Peter Ind group in the mid 70’s. A terrific player his forthright views on music were constantly stimulating and his encouragement and knowledge were invaluable to me in those early years. The last two bands not only link the old and the new Clubs, Laurence, Ian and Nigel all played in the Old Club, it also highlights the consistently high standards that we have strived to achieve here over the years. Grahem Harvey is regarded as one of the leading pianists of his generation and trombonist Mark Nightingale is universally considered to be a World Class player. And then we end with the rising star of today, Gwillym Simcock whose band includes two more great UK musicians whose support over the years has been unstinting and enormously appreciated, Stan Sulzmann and John Parricelli.
BRYAN SPRING
Bryan is undoubtedly one of the finest modern jazz drummers in the world. His dynamic playing is highly regarded just about everywhere, and musicians dropping in to see him perform are a common sight. Featuring the marvellous pianist Mark Edwards and leading British bassist Andy Cleyndert the trio interplay on this acoustic gig is riveting, producing a range of musical colours and styles that is quite wonderful. World class music.
DAVE CLIFF/ALLISON NEALE/GEOFF SIMKINS QUINTET
Dave Cliff is generally considered to be one of the finest be-bop (straight ahead) guitarists in Europe. He has been on the scene now for more than twenty years, and his Wes Montgomery inspired playing has been heard on numerous recordings and gigs. He has accompanied many visiting artists, the great American tenor player Scott Hamilton going on record saying that Dave was one of the finest jazz guitarists he had ever worked with. “..superb guitarist” Jazzsteps.
Allison Neale is a beautifully fluent and inventive player on both Alto sax and flute who plays in a strongly melodic “West Coast” style reminiscent of her main influences Paul Desmond (of Dave Brubeck fame) and Art Pepper. “impressive..a talent to savour” Jazz UK.
Geoff Simkins is one of those sax players who has been quietly plying his trade on the jazz scene for many years, and earning an enormous amount of respect from his fellow musician’s in the process. An alto sax player of great charm and melodic inventiveness Geoff also performs in a style reminiscent of the great American “West Coast” players. One of the masters of melodic sax playing.
GRAHAM HARVEY’S “ALL STAR” QUINTET
Graham is a fine keyboard player who, although perhaps best known for his work with the acid jazz group “Incognito”, is also a very impressive modern jazz pianist. Yet another of the players who studied in America, Graham is generally recognised as one of the finest players of his generation. He is appearing this evening with his “All Star” band, featuring four of Europe’s greatest musicians, award winning trombonist Mark Nightingale, Laurence Cottle-bass, Ian Thomas-drums and special guest Nigel Hitchcock-sax. This is a “super group” if ever there was one.
GWILYM SIMCOCK QUINTET featuring STAN SULZMANN and JOHN PARRICELLI.
An Award winning pianist Gwilym Simcock is unquestionably one of the finest of the latest crop of young players. Fluent and highly inventive, his powerful piano playing adds class to any group that he’s in. Currently the featured pianist with the Bill Bruford Band (Tues 18th), he includes work with the likes of Kyle Eastwood, Kenny Wheeler and the BBC Big Band. The band tonight is his 5 piece, performing primarily material that Gwilym has written or arranged. This gifted instrumentalist is without question one of the most exciting talents to emerge in recent years, and this exhilarating band is an absolute must see. “.remarkable ..exceptional, as both player and composer.” The Observer.
John Parricelli first came to prominence in the 80’s as the guitarist with the seminal band “Loose Tubes”, and has since made a name for himself both as a live performer and in the studios. He has a wonderful, laid back, approach to the music that is constantly melodic and endearing. “..lightness, rhythm and lyricism" The Times.
Stan Sulzmann is generally considered to be one of the most sophisticated of the modern jazz tenor players currently working. A featured artist for more than 30 years it’s fair to say that Stan is one of the most respected figures currently working on the British scene. Universally regarded as one of the seminal figures in British Jazz he is a world class player.
“One of the most highly regarded musicians in Britain..lyrical and compelling” Allaboutjazz
THURSDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2006
Tonight’s gigs neatly highlight the Club’s policy of bringing together players of different generations under the one roof. When Christine Tobin first walked in to the Old Club it was obvious from the start that this young Irish ex-patriot was destined to make a mark on the UK Jazz scene, and so it has transpired. She now has an International reputation as a singer of immense creativity and skill and is joined tonight by her regular musical partner, guitarist Phil Robson, who first sat in at the New Club as a student in the mid 90’s, and has since matured in to a World class player. I first heard Tina May at the Old Club when during one of the regular sessions there I suddenly heard someone singing Jazz standards in French! Just back from studying and working in Paris the young Tina May clearly had a talent and an interesting “take” on the classic Jazz songbook and the intervening years have served to demonstrate just how skilled and creative she is. And then we come to Don Weller. Don has a special place in the Club’s history, a frequent visitor and performer since the Old Club days, from the early 80’s to around the late 90’s Don could be found 3 or 4 times a week sitting in or just hanging out. Enormously liked and respected here he is an essential part of our celebrations. I thought it would be nice to pair him with one of the new guys ion the block so, along with iconic drummer Spike Wells, he will be appearing with one of the real upcoming stars of the current scene, Jim Hart. And finally Tim Whitehead, who has been supporting the Club in it’s various guises for so many years, most recently running our Jam sessions which encourage the talented younger players to perform with himself and his terrific rhythm sections. Great stuff.
CHRISTINE TOBIN BAND featuring PHIL ROBSON
Christine Tobin is a singer who has been performing for some years now, and she just gets better and better. With 4 cd’s, numerous gigs and a number of high profile interviews to her name she is without question one of the leading lights of the British Jazz scene. Highly versatile, with her beautiful clear, rich, voice, and her set is a truly marvellous mix of established and lesser known Jazz classics with her own excellent originals. A powerful yet sensual singer she describes the gig as “..singing contemporary and exciting arrangements of old and new standards”. A world class vocalist. “One of the country’s finest musicians” Time Out; “..peerless” Jazzwise.
Phil Robson is an award winning guitarist who is generally considered to be one of the most impressive performers around. His fluent and melodic playing has been featured in many different bands, and he is equally at home in a contemporary setting, or playing straight ahead standards. Perhaps best known for his work with the “Partisans”, Phil is regarded as one of the most original voices on the scene today. “ fine British guitarist..melodically sparky..softly swinging” The Guardian
TINA MAY
Tina May is an award wining vocalist who has established a well deserved reputation on the UK scene as a Jazz singer of great sophistication. From collaborations with musicians such as Stan Tracey, Dave Newton and Colin Towns through to work with the likes of Ray Bryant, Tony Coe and of course pianist Nikki Iles her pure toned voice and faultless delivery have earned her the respect and admiration of both audiences and musicians alike. With more than a dozen CD’s to her name she is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading vocalists and her unique collaboration with pianist Nikki Iles has over the last few years produced some remarkable gigs and albums. “..one of the best jazz vocalists anywhere today” The Observer.
DON WELLER/JIM HART/SPIKE WELLS
Don Weller is widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading hard-bop tenor sax. players. A big man with a broad sound and great charisma, Don, a veteran of more than 30 years standing on the British Jazz scene, has worked with some of the finest British and American players, including Alan Price, Stan Tracey and Gil Evans. A great guy too. “..captivating ...one of the most entertaining, straight-ahead saxophonists on the UK circuit” Guardian.
Award winning vibes player/drummer/pianist Jim Hart is unquestionably one of the most talented multi-instrumentalists to emerge for many years. The drummer with NYJO for some time, he now plays vibes for Mornington Lockett’s “New Jazz Couriers” and Gwilym Simcock’s Big Band, as well as drums and piano in a variety of high profile bands. A fluent and enormously creative musician. Without question a star in the making. “..percussive directness, fleetness of phrasing and classic-swing” Guardian; “..spinning vibes magic” JazzUK.
Spike Wells. An icon of the British Jazz scene, Spike is generally recognised as one of the finest modern Jazz drummers of his generation. A quiet but imposing figure since the late sixties, Spike’s tasteful but powerful playing has supported virtually all the major Jazz artists from this country as well as many visiting artists. Although he has never stopped playing, since his ordination as a minister several years ago he has been less active on the scene. However, he is now stretching out musically again, and tonight will be one of the rare chances to hear this remarkable player. “..simply marvellous” Allaboutjazz.
TIM WHITEHEAD’S “big jam”
Tim is considered to be one of the most consistent and inventive of modern jazz tenor players. He has been playing since the mid-seventies, and has worked with just about every major British jazz performer. The set he performs at the Club is a mix of classic jazz standards and what he likes to term “new standards”, tunes such as Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and Wayne Shorter’s “Beauty and the Beast”, with some of his wonderful originals thrown in. A recent review of his cd said “..even (Mike) Brecker’s admirers would have to give Whitehead the edge for soulfulness”. Showing dedication beyond the call of duty, Tim has volunteered to host a “jam session” with both invited and impromptu guest musician’s being given the opportunity to play with the band for the last set of the night.
FRIDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2006
There have been many musicians over the years who have helped and encouraged us, but I think it’s fair to say that no one has been more supportive than Ian Shaw. A regular at the Club both as a performer and visitor Ian’s untiring support has been enormously appreciated both by myself and by all our staff. So it seems only appropriate that he gets a night of his own when he can stretch out and do what he does best, sing quite wonderfully. And when I asked him if he wanted some “mates” along he jumped at the chance to ask some of the finest singers in the country to join him. Which means that not only do we have one of the finest male jazz singers in Europe but in Liane Carroll, Jacqui Dankworth, Polly Gibbons and Esther Bennett we also have some of the finest singers to be found anywhere. Not forgetting the wonderful saxophonist Tim Whitehead, making a deserved second appearance this week. The form of the evening is that Ian will perform a solo set, just voice and piano, and then each artist will perform with the resident rhythm section with Ian joining each of them in turn to perform some classic duets before a grand finale that will involve everyone (as a rule this usually includes the audience as well!). Of course, this is the theory, with Ian (and Liane!) on board almost anything is possible..! This promises to be a unique event so make sure you book very early for this one.
Ian Shaw’S FESTIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA!
Singer Ian Shaw has invited some of the finest performers on the scene today to join him for this evening of Music and Merriment! Artists who will be appearing with Ian this evening include singers Liane Carrol, Jacqui Dankworth, Polly Gibbons and Esther Bennett, saxophonist Tim Whitehead and guitarist David Preston.
Ian Shaw, one of Europe’s great male jazz vocalists. Named Best Vocalist of the year at the BBC Jazz Awards, Ian is a huge talent with the most engaging personality and an ability to make every song his own. At the same time nobody slips more happily into rattling bebop with warmth, intelligence and swing. Described as “the voice of the decade” it is not by chance that he was the first British Jazz vocalist to be signed to an American label, Milestone, which resulted in a number of highly acclaimed US recordings. Watch out for his latest release on Linn Records “Drawn to All Things” out now! “One of the scene's class acts..” The Guardian
JACQUI DANKWORTH Daughter of Cleo and John and sister of Alec (Thurs 12th), singer Jacqui unquestionably maintains the impressive level of talent and creativity of the Dankworth family. Probably best known for her own group “Field of Blue” her full, rich, voice has been heard in a variety of settings, including Tim Garland (Chick Corea), the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Brodsky Quartet. "One of our finest singers..”The Times;“..versatile..intelligent..soulful.” Sunday Times
POLLY GIBBONS Just 22 years old Polly has already taken the scene by storm. She recorded her first album when she was 18, and she has gone from strength to strength ever since. A powerful and versatile singer she performs gentle Jazz ballads and rockin’ R&B classics with a uniformly impressive energy and technique. And she has a great personality to match. One of the regular vocalists at the new look “Ronnie Scott’s” and with a new album due out any day there is no doubt that Polly is one of the rapidly rising stars of the UK Jazz scene. “A soulful young jazz vocalist destined to be a star” Time Out;
LIANE CARROLL **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2005** The first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year, for ‘Best Vocalist’ and ‘Best of Jazz”, Liane is a dynamic vocalist and pianist whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences around the world. She is recognised as one of the finest singer/pianists on the scene, working with the likes of Gerry Rafferty, Ladysmith Black Mombazo and Paul McCartney. A world class performer her powerful, blues tinged, voice combined with strong piano playing and exciting infectious material, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, make her a truly remarkable artist. "A jazz force to be reckoned with" The Independent; "…the most exciting and original jazz voice I've heard in years" Jazz FM.
ESTHER BENNETT Originally playing alto saxophone, vocalist Esther Bennett has been performing on the London Jazz scene for a good few years. Singing a mixture of jazz standards and more modern material, she combines an innate sense of musicality with a studied knowledge of the jazz idiom and of the voice. Her latest CD "Just in Time" (the title track of which has been played on Smooth FM and Radio 2) was produced by jazz vocalist of the year Ian Shaw. “Esther Bennett’s many virtues include a seductive vibrato..a smokily appealing lower register..and a winning sense of humour” Jazzwise
TIM WHITEHEAD See Thursday 12th
SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2006
The UK boasts some of the finest Jazz musicians in the World, and tonight we feature not just one but a number of them! Ray Warleigh was the first saxophonist I ever saw live in London in the late 60’s. At that time he was working with John Dankworth and I was as entranced by his playing then as I am now. A wonderful musician he has just become better and better. The first time I saw Peter King was at the famous Bull’s Head pub in Barnes sometime in the early 70’s. I simply didn’t realise that it was possible to play the saxophone that well. I was in turn mesmerised and completely awe struck. So it is with enormous pleasure that these days I count Peter as a friend and feature his wonderful quartet here at the Club on a regular basis. One of the greatest saxophonists ever to come form this country he is a remarkable player as well as a remarkable man. And another remarkable musician that I am proud to call a friend is the pianist Julian Joseph. Julian has forged an enviable International reputation for his playing, writing and arranging. One of the vanguard of great UK musicians to come up in the late 80’s Julian has gone on to become a leading light on the UK Jazz scene as well as a highly respected broadcaster and educationalist. Our association began in earnest when he asked me to deputise at 24 hours notice for the very first concert he did with his 20 piece Big Band in 1998. I had virtually no time to see the flute parts and so ended up effectively sight reading one of the hardest, but most rewarding, pads I had ever seen. In truth if I had realised this particular gig was being broadcast live on both radio and TV I might have thought twice! Happily it all went well and I am very proud to say that I am a regular contributor to that incredible band, when it works that is! So effectively Julian is now my boss, as well as a good friend and an unstinting supporter of the Club. Patrick Clahar is in my opinion one of the most underrated sax players in Britain today. He has a fearsome technique allied to an unerring sense of musicality that makes him a quite wonderful improviser. He has worked around the World and is highly regarded in both Europe and the US. I will never forget the gig I saw him do with the Bill Bruford band, of which he was a part for some years, in Greenwich Village, New York. Probably one of the best Jazz gigs I have ever witnessed. And finally my friend Robin Jones, one of the finest conguero’s in the World. A percussion player and drummer for over 50 years Robin’s playing is still as powerful and impressive as it ever was. One of the few players (able) to play four congas instead of the usual three he is unquestionably one of the most admired and respected of the European based percussion players on the Latin scene. And his band, regulars at the Club for many y ears now, also live up to the expectation of this marvellous player. Now, that’s what I calla line-up!
RAY WARLEIGH
Ray, a native Aussie, has been a leading light in the studio and concert scene since the sixties. Enormously experienced and universally respected Ray’s sax and flute work has been heard with a vast array of World class performers, including Stevie Wonder (at the Royal Albert Hall), Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Paul McCartney, John Lee Hooker, U2, Dizzy Gillespie, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Charlie Watts. His meticulous sax playing is highly regarded the world over and has been featured on numerous film and TV scores. When performing with his own band he plays a mixture of jazz standards and wonderful melodic originals. As well as a beautiful saxophone player Ray is also rated as one of the finest jazz flautists in Europe. “..telling soloist” Guardian
PETER KING QUARTET
After taking the scene by storm in the early sixties with the Ronnie Scott quintet, Peter has gone on to establish himself unequivocally as one of the finest alto saxophonists in the world. His fabulous technique allied with an unerring sense of harmony has made him one of the greatest players this country has ever produced. Currently the featured saxophonist with the Charlie Watts band his brilliant bop-influenced playing has made him famous worldwide. Pete has always been a great supporter of the Club and it is with enormous pleasure that we welcome this saxophone giant. “plays with...searing authority” Guardian
JULIAN JOSEPH QUARTET featuring Patrick Clahar
Julian Joseph is one of the UK’s leading Jazz musicians. A pianist of unusual power and imagination his impressive technique and unerring vision have, since his work with Branford Marsalis in the late 80’s, served to establish him as one of the country’s most influential Jazz musicians. A performer of great versatility he has led outfits varying from duos and trios through acoustic quartets and electric/fusion bands to his 20 piece Big Band. He has performed at most of the major venues in the UK and many more around the World. As well as being a powerful Jazz voice Julian has also performed in the classical concert field including recitals of Bartók and Prokofiev sonatas, Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F and the Rhapsody in Blue with some of the most renowned symphony orchestras in Europe. His composing and arranging is also exemplary and his Big Band boasts some of the finest Jazz musicians in Europe amongst it’s alumni. On top of all this he is also a broadcaster of some renown with his own series on Radio 3, for which he recently won a Parliamentary Jazz Award, as well as various other Radio and TV projects. A wonderful player and a marvellous man. “scintillating..a contemporary sensibility influenced by both classical music and soul” Guardian; “..mesmeric brilliance” Mail On Sunday; “.. one of the most talented and exciting jazz pianist to have emerged from the UK.” Guardian.
Patrick Clahar is one of the leading saxophonists of his generation. A powerful, post-Coltrane, tenor player his playing is tempered with a strong sense of melodic improvisation influenced by the great American tenor player Sonny Rollins. A leading light of the Julian Joseph big-band and small group Pat has more recently achieved world wide recognition as the sax player with the Bill Bruford Band. Widely respected throughout the Jazz fraternity, Pat’s world class pedigree is undoubted. “A marvel.. inventive and melodic” Jazz review
ROBIN JONES
Robin has become something of a regular at the Club in recent times, due very much to public demand. Generally considered to be one of the finest percussion players around, Robin’s shaven head and distinctive earring can be seen in groups from his own “King Salsa” to Top of the Pops sessions and a huge variety of studio work. The Salsa band that he leads at the Club, which also features arrangements and originals from saxophonist Nick Walker, produces a truly infectious Latin vibe which is always rhythmic and exciting. “..world class conguero..” Overload
MUSIC CHARGE: GBP 15.00
SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2006 LUNCHTIME SPECIAL (1:00pm - 4:00pm)
Several years ago now the keyboard player Miko Giedroyc approached me to see if I might be interested in promoting a Gospel gig with a Jazz flavour on Sunday afternoons. The notion intrigued me so I said sure, let’s try it for a couple of months and see how it goes. Well, that was over two years ago and it’s gone from strength to strength. As well as Miko much of the success of this gig must be placed at the door of bass player/guitarist Andre Gabriel who works tirelessly fixing some of the finest artist on the Gospel scene, as well as organising the bands and sorting out all the tricky stuff that goes with fixing a regular gig. The audiences are universally warm and enthusiastic and the whole thing is just a joy.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GOSPEL BRUNCH FESTIVAL SPECIAL WITH “GGG” featuring SPECIAL GUESTS BRIAN MARTIN AND THE 606 CLUB GOSPEL “ALL STARS”
“GGG” are a Gospel outfit made up of a classic Gospel choir accompanied by a four piece band lead by 606 regulars, keyboardist Miko Giedroyc and bassist Andre Gabriel. This month, as part of the Anniversary Festival, we are pleased to present one of the British Gospel “greats”, Brian Martin plus a collection of some of the finest Gospel performers that we have had at the Club over the last two years, the “606 Club Gospel All Stars”. Brian Martin is an award winning Gospel artist who has just recently been voted “Best Male Newcomer” at the prestigious GEM Awards. His album “Lifter of My Head” has recently taken the Gospel world by storm and there is little question that he is one of the leading lights of the Gospel Scene. This is (we believe) one of only two Gospel brunches in the whole of London, so make sure you book early for this truly unique gig. And then, in the evening,
SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2006 (EVENING)
There are some players who put so much in to making other peoples music work that there is a tendency to undervalue their own work. Peter Churchill it seems to me is one such player. His credits as a composer, arranger, accompanist and educator are vast to the extent that people often forget quite how good he is in his own right. A regular at the Club for many years he has demonstrated on numerous occasions what a fine player and a wonderful singer he is as well as a terrific raconteur. When I was discussing who he would like to work with I mentioned the excellent saxophonist Mark Lockhart, of Loose Tubes and Perfect Houseplants fame. Typically he jumped at the chance of working with such an inventive and interesting player and Mark was equally enthusiastic to work with such a well respected figure on the scene. So tonight we present the very first gig featuring Peter Churchill and Mark Lockhart. Over the years I’ve been privileged to see young performers of all kinds develop before my eyes. Singers and players who are clearly talented but still uncertain and inexperienced apply themselves to their craft in such a way that they develop, sometimes it seems almost overnight, in to crafted and exciting professional musicians. Which is certainly the case with Gwyneth Herbert. When I first heard her around two years ago she was clearly talented but still struggling with her craft. In the short time between then and now she has developed in to a magnificent performer with a clear sense of who she is and what she does that is both refreshing and exciting. Her gig consists primarily of her wonderful originals, and coming from me (I can go on for hours about how poor so many singers “originals” can be) you can believe they really are good. Genuinely original, full of musicality and wit. A real talent and one that the scene should treasure. Reg Webb, on the other hand, is someone who has been on the scene for many years has still not reached the wider audience he so richly deserves. I first heard him at the Club a few years back now when we held a memorial gig for the great blind pianist Pete Jacobsen. Pete and Reg had been at school together and despite the fact that Reg was in some fast company that night his singing and piano playing really stood out as something special. He has been a regular ever since. And then we come to my great mate Ms. Liane Carroll. Hard to put in to words just how brilliant this singer/pianist really is. A World class performer without any doubt she is universally loved and admired by the whole of the Jazz scene. The first person ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year this remarkable artist has been a regular performer at the Club for many years now. I first came across her sometime in the early 90’s on a tape (yes, that long ago!) that was sent to me by a trumpet player. The band was OK but the singing was fantastic. So I tried to track this mystery singer down and no one had ever heard of her. Eventually I contacted the trumpet player, told him I had a gig for the singer (which, understandably, didn’t go down that well!) and booked Liane for an early set. She was great and was soon a regular fixture. A couple of years later Ronnie Scott rang me to recommend someone to fill a spot at the Club that had arisen at very short notice and I unhesitatingly recommended Liane. And the rest, as they say, is history.
PETER CHURCHILL with special guest MARK LOCKHART
Peter Churchill is well known as both performer and teacher, being the resident arranging teacher at the Guildhall as well as a popular working pianist on the scene. He plays jazz standards, and some originals, in the classic piano trio style, and is also a wonderful vocalist. His relaxed and consummate performing, whether improvising on piano or singing jazz standards in the classic style, makes this a fine gig from a vastly experienced musician. “Churchill has a warm, rough-edged, lived-in voice which brings added resonance to the lyrics…a lyrical and responsive accompanist” All About Jazz.
Mark Lockhart is a tenor sax player who first made his name working with the seminal band of young musician’s, Loose Tubes, in the eighties, and his mastery of modern jazz has kept him at the forefront of the music ever since, most recently as co-founder of the contemporary jazz group “The Perfect Houseplants”. An impressive and fluent player.
GWYNETH HERBERT
Gwyn’s soulful, seductive, voice is something quite special, bringing sophistication to the singer/songwriter material, and a wonderful “edge” to the Soul and Blues numbers. And her Jazz feel is quite impeccable. Her CD “Bittersweet and Blue” on Universal was released to enormous acclaim, and her latest CD featuring many of her wonderful originals is eagerly awaited. And just to prove the point, this enormously talented young vocalist with the sultry voice and stylish delivery already includes Sir Paul McCartney, Kevin Costner and Michael Parkinson among her fan base! “If Gwyneth Herbert is not a star soon, I’ll eat my cd player” Sunday Times; “..remarkably gifted talent” Guardian; “..majestic-voiced” Jazz UK
LIANE CARROLL’S SOLO SET. **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2005/6**.
The first artist ever to win two BBC Jazz Awards in the same year, for ‘Best Vocalist’ and ‘Best of Jazz”, Liane is a dynamic vocalist and pianist whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences for years. She is recognised as one of the finest singer/pianists on the scene, working with the likes of Gerry Rafferty, Ladysmith Black Mombazo and Paul McCartney. Her powerful, blues tinged, voice combined with strong piano playing and exciting infectious material, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, make this a really fun gig. Tonight she will be performing her highly regarded Solo Set (just voice and piano). "A jazz force to be reckoned with" The Independent; "..the most exciting and original jazz voice I've heard in years" Jazz FM.
REG WEBB
Reg is a wonderful pianist with an absolutely brilliant voice. A charismatic musician his trio performs a mixture of Jazz standards and more contemporary material in a quite unique style. Resident on the East coast this vastly experienced musician has been entrancing audiences up and down the country for many years now.
MONDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2006
In the early 80’s the wonderful sax player and band leader Willie Garnett (whose band I was playing in at the time) told me about this remarkable young sax player from Guildford. Coming from Willie, an experienced pro of many years standing, I took this recommendation seriously, and so it proved to be. Even in his teens, as he was then, Iain was clearly an immense talent and he quickly became a regular at the Old Club. Over the years his playing has developed and matured and he is now an International artist of great standing. Inventive and musically inquisitive he represents, to my mind, all that is best in UK contemporary music. Hard to know what to say about Stan Tracey that has not already been said so many times before. The “Godfather” of British modern jazz it is always a pleasure and an honour to have him perform at the Club. Although we don’t get to see so much of him here at the Club as we might like no festival of UK jazz would be complete without this master of the music. And performing with him is someone that we see much more regularly, the great saxophonist Bobby Wellins. I first heard Bobby as a teenager on Stan’s iconic recording “Under Milk Wood” in the late 60’s. I was utterly captivated by his unique sound and approach and, like many musicians at that time, found these recordings musically inspirational. So, when he first started turning up at the Old Club for a “blow” I was completely overawed! I gradually got over my shyness and over the intervening years Bobby and I have become good friends. I still find his playing inspirational and in my opinion, at the age of 70, he is playing as well now as I have ever heard him. A story about Bobby from the Old Club sticks in my mind. A group of high profile visiting US musicians turned up quite lte for a “jam” one night. They were being unusually excluding, making it clear that they wanted to play just with each other and were “freezing out” other players. Bobby, unaware of this took out his horn and started to join in. Before he had time to play more than a couple of notes it was made clear he was unwelcome and so, with a choice Scottish remark, he left the stand. One of the guys asked me who that was and I replied “Bobby Wellins”. The reaction was immediate “Jeez, do you mean THE Bobby Wellins?” Two of them immediately ran after him to tender their apologies and invite him back on to the stand. A truly great player. Ray Gelato has been a regular at the Club for many years now. Despite his reputation as singer and showman he is in fact a very good sax player and the band that he co-leads with the terrific Alex Garnett (son of Willie, incidentally) is just one of the best straight ahead, swinging, hard bop bands in Europe. Alex, incidentally is another player who in my opinion is seriously underrated as a great jazz player. And, in keeping with our policy of mixing younger players with the older guys, finishing the evening is a terrific young band featuring four really talented young musicians. Simon Mulligan is a very talented young pianist and check out the saxophonist Frank Walden. A “coming man” if ever there was one.
IAIN BALLAMY’S “ANORAK” featuring GARETH WILLIAMS
Iain Ballamy is an Award winning saxophonist with a majestic mastery of his instrument which, combined with his eclectic musical interests and relentlessly searching approach, not to mention a wicked sense of humour, makes him one of the most interesting and creative players on the World Jazz stage. A leading UK musician since his time with “Loose Tubes” and then the Bill Bruford Band in the mid 80’s, Iain’s cv reads like a who’s who of Jazz, including the likes of Hermeto Pascoal, Gil Evans, George Coleman, Dewey Redman, Mike Gibbs and the New York Composers Orchestra. Touring extensively world-wide he has appeared at many International Festivals and venues and can be heard on over 40 CDs. A long time collaborator with pianist Django Bates, he is currently a member of Django's “Human Chain” and “Delightful Precepice”. Parallel to his international jazz career Iain has also pursued his interest in world music, playing concerts in India and Europe and has performed and forged strong working relationships with renowned musicians from Hungary, Norway, Spain, Sudan and Brazil. Not surprisingly Iain recently received a a special Award For Innovation at the BBC Jazz Awards. A very special performer who manages to combine intense creativity, broad musical influences and winning humour all in one, unique, style. “..leaves you in absolute awe…the sheer virtuosity and sense of joy makes you feel like a kid about to step onto a twinkling, old-fashioned merry-go-round” BBC;
Gareth Williams has unquestionably established himself as one of the country’s leading modern jazz pianists. A fiery and enormously creative player his remarkable talent has been featured in the Jim Mullen band, as well as regular work with the band of the great Claire Martin. A world class pianist. “..dynamite pianist” Evening Standard; “.. fantastic improviser” The Guardian; “..a jewel of a player” Jazziz;
STAN TRACEY/BOBBY WELLINS QUARTET
Multi award winning pianist Stan Tracey has been a pivotal figure on the British Jazz scene for more than 50 years. His influence and stature were nicely captured by the title of the recent BBC TV profile, “The Godfather of British Jazz”. A self taught pianist he first became involved in the fledgling modern Jazz movement in the late 50’s, and by the early 60’s he was the “house” pianist at the original Ronnie Scott’s Club, in Soho. During this period he worked with many of the finest Jazz musicians in the world, establishing an international reputation in the process. Through the 60’s he produced a number of highly acclaimed works, including the “Under Milk Wood” suite and “Alice in Jazzland”. Always at the forefront of musical developments, he embraced the turbulent era of 70s improvisation and free jazz, and throughout the 1980s and 90s his triumphant career as an interpreter, arranger and composer earned him the affectionate title of “The English Ellington”. Stan continues to write and work extensively, and it is with enormous pleasure that the 606 Club welcomes one of the greatest British Jazz musicians of all time. . “Stan Tracey....one of the greats of British Jazz” The Guardian;
Bobby Wellins is considered to be one of the icons of British modern jazz. Originally from Glasgow, Bobby was on one of the biggest selling jazz albums ever produced in this country, Stan Tracey’s “Under Milk Wood”, recorded in the late sixties. After taking a sabbatical from the music for 7 years, Bobby came back in the early eighties to lead the Charlie Watts Big band, as well as a number of small groups which re-established him as one of the finest melodic saxophonists in the world. “..impeccable control, combined with a rich, luxuriant, tone” The Scotsman "A masterful display of controlled sensitivity from one of the most original voices in European Jazz " The Sunday Times
Tough Tenors featuring RAY GELATO and ALEX GARNETT
This is a fun “hard-bop” band featuring two generations of sax players performing material from the fifties and sixties. Ray Gelato, perhaps better known for his band “Giants”, is a revelation in this group, playing strong, fluent and highly melodic fifties influenced tenor, alongside one of the breed of highly talented younger players, Alex Garnett, who breathes fire into everything he plays. A great combination, and a great, swinging, band. “Garnett is the ideal sparring partner for Gelato..incisive playing” The Times.
SIMON MULLIGAN QUARTET featuring FRANK WALDEN
Although many Jazz musicians are also trained classical musicians it is unusual for a musician to manage successful careers in both fields. Pianist Simon Mulligan is certainly one who has managed this to great success. At the age of 19 Simon recorded his first classical CD under the direction of Yehudi Menhuin, with whom he was later to successfully work. Since that time he has produced 15 highly regarded CD’s, and included work with the BBC Symphony as well as appearances at the Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. Intriguingly Simon’s Jazz credentials are equally as strong, as is his composing work which includes numerous compositions for both TV and Film. The Jazz quartet he leads tonight features some of the finest young jazz players in Europe, including the searing tenor sax of the excellent Frank Walden.
MUSIC CHARGE: GBP 15.00
TUESDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2006
In the mid 80’s a young US medical student studying in London turned up on our doorstep and proceeded to impress everyone with his saxophone playing. His name was Dan Reinstein and he became a regular feature at the Old Club. After he returned to the States we kept in touch and his medical career blossomed. I figured that this was probably the last we would see of him so imagine my surprise when about 2 years ago he suddenly arrived one night, announced he was moving back to London and were there any gigs going? I was delighted to see him back and his regular gigs at the Club have proven to be a delight. Around about the time that we moved from the old place to Lots Road a young singer appeared on the scene who in a very short time had people talking. Not only did she have a great voice but a sassy personality to match. Her name was Claire Martin and she soon became a regular performer as well as a frequent visitor to the Club. I got to see her develop from a talented but raw performer in to the enormously accomplished International artist that she is today. A good friend and loyal supporter of the Club she was one of the first musicians I asked to be part of this Festival and her answer was immediate. A unique and powerful talent we simply couldn’t have had this festival without her. And talking about powerful talents, saxophonist Gilad Atzmon certainly falls in to that category. A remarkable performer in every way Gilad has also become a terrific supporter of the Club and someone that we always look forward to having around. Not only is he one of the finest saxophonists in world music but he also brings that rare quality of intellectual searching and biting humour to his gigs. As someone once said “..they broke the mould before they made him!” And finally the second of our regular Salsa bands (see Robin Jones Sat 14th). Led by many years by the percussionist Tim Dodd the leadership of this searing Latin band has now been handed over to Cuban singer/guitarist Jesus Cutino, and what a great job he is doing. A terrific, fun, outfit complete with horns and percussion these guys have been entrancing us here at the Club every other month for more than 5 years now. Like Robin Jones’s band, they are family!
DAN REINSTEIN
American born but British educated, I first met Dan at the old Club when he was a medical undergraduate. Even then he was an impressive player, and after taking time off his medical studies to go to the Berklee School of Music he became even better. He returned to the USA in the early 90’s, where he became one of the world’s leading experts in laser eye surgery. But he never stopped playing, and when he returned to London to live it was great to hear his fluent, classic hard-bop, muscular sax playing again.
CLAIRE MARTIN
Claire is generally considered to be one of the finest jazz vocalists to have come from this country in the last thirty years. Variously described as “..the outstanding voice of her generation” and “.a born musician” this award winning Internationally acclaimed artist has no less than four British Jazz Awards, 11 albums, including numerous “Best album” choices, and a host of high profile admirers to her name. She has had considerable success on both sides of the Atlantic and is held in the highest esteem by just about everyone on the World Jazz scene. With her husky, perfectly controlled, voice, flawless time and impeccable taste she performs a magnificent set of jazz standards and more contemporary jazz material, in her own, inimitable style. As well as a consummate performer she has also established herself as a broadcaster of some considerable note. It is with real pleasure that we welcome back to the Club this remarkable artist. “Claire Martin...a meticulous blend of brilliant material and flawless craftsmanship..this remarkable stylist ..shakes you with chills of joy..” New York Observer; “..a class act” JazzUK; “..blessed not only with a wonderful voice but also the rare ability to use it with style, intelligence and wit” Jazz Journal
GILAD ATZMON
Gilad is a wonderful sax and clarinet player with a powerful sound and unique approach. His fiery, immensely fluent, playing and remarkable technique have established him as one of the most talented saxophonists in World music, performing a mix of classic Jazz standards and originals with an energy and enthusiasm that is hugely infectious. His most recent CD’s, along with his recently published novels, set him apart as one of the most original and creative players around. Passionate about both his music and his politics Gilad’s gigs are always stimulating both musically and intellectually. Special gig this one. “A master..a jazz giant with a formidable International reputation” The Guardian; “Astonishing” Time Out
“BALANGANDAN”
“Balangandan” is a powerful six piece Latin band that was formed in 1996 and features an international line-up of cutting edge musicians from Latin America, Europe, and the States. After releasing their debut CD "En Cha" in '99 they were voted "Band of the year" [Jazz Live]. Fronted by Cuban singer Jesus Cutino the fiery, precise, powerful and passionate Balangandan play both original material and re-arrangements of the finest Latin/Jazz, Salsa and Afrocuban son and have established themselves as one of Britain's leading and most exciting Latin combos.
WEDNESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2006
One of the important things that we try to do at the Club is to “facilitate” the music and musicians by bringing together on the same bill, and sometimes in the same band, musicians who might not otherwise get to hear or play with each other. The first band this evening is a classic example of that. Paul Booth and Julian Siegel had never worked together and so I thought this was a great opportunity to put together two of the most lyrical players on the scene today. Joined by the wonderful pianist Tom Cawley, who jumped at the chance of working with these guys, this promises to be one very special gig. You might be wondering how come an artist like Bill Bruford has made his way in to the celebrations. Well, it’s much simpler than you might think. At one time virtually every member of the various incarnations of Bill’s band “Earthworks” have been regulars at the Club (Iain Ballamy, Mick Hutton, Pat Clahar, Steve Hamilton, Mark Hodgson, Tim Garland, Gwilym Simcock). In addition to that Bill himself has been a regular supporter of the Club for some years now, often to be seen sitting quietly in a corner checking out the music. So when he gently mentioned that “it might be nice to do a gig here sometime” I had just the date for him! This is a quite brilliant band full of World class players performing marvellous material and led by one of the most musical drummers on the World scene today. Jim Mullen has been an enormously loyal and vociferous supporter of the Club since I first met him in the mid 80’s. A powerful figure both on and off the stand his unswerving support and encouragement, particularly during some of the tougher times that we have had, has been invaluable both to myself and the Club. A major figure on the UK scene for many years now his unswerving commitment to the music has been an inspiration to several generations of players. It’s a real pleasure to have him with us for this festival. And joining Jim is a pianist who, when I first heard him here at the Club about 8 years ago now, was clearly destined to make quite an impact on the scene, and so it has proved. Jim Watson is now widely regarded as one of the finest modern jazz pianists around and the gig that he does with Jim is just astounding. A great guy and a very, very impressive player. I frist heard about saxophonist Dave O’Higgins in the late 70’s when a friend of mine came back form a NYJO gig raving about this young saxophone player they had just heard. This turned out to be Dave, who shortly afterwards turned up at the Club and proceeded to impress all about with his terrific technique and powerful improvisations. He is yet another musician who over the years and through many gigs at the Club and around the scene has grown from a talented young player to a highly respected International artist. And appearing with Dave is one of the next generation of great players, guitarist Mike Outram. From the outset Mike sounded special and over the last couple of years since leaving college has become a World class player in every sense. A terrific combination and a classic 606 Club band.
PAUL BOOTH/JULIAN SIEGEL/TOM CAWLEY
A powerful and lyrical player, Paul Booth is without doubt one of the leading saxophonists of his generation. Although still in his 20’s, he has already won a number of prestigious awards, including “Most promising young Jazz player”, “Best modern Jazz player” and the American “Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Award”. More recently he has toured the world as the featured saxophonist with the “Riverdance” show and latterly with Matt Bianco. The band performs Jazz standards and excellent originals in a relaxed and melodic style that is a joy to listen to. A wonderful talent. “Blistering saxist” Independent; “Exceptional talent” Sunday Times; Julian Siegel is a wonderfully talented musician, a powerful saxophonist in the more contemporary style associated with John Coltrane, but maintaining a strong sense of melody throughout his improvisations. A really impressive player, his work is always full of excitement and surprise. “..Siegel's wailing, swerving lines burst with character” Guardian.
Tom Cawley is yet another of the new breed of virtuoso Jazz pianists. A former “Young Jazz Musician of the Year” Tom has gone on to establish himself as one of the country’s leading musicians. He has played residencies at the Blue Note Club in New York, Ronnie Scott’s in London, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room and toured the world, appearing at festivals Worldwide. His mature playing and fluent technique have already made him the pianist of choice for many players on the scene, including Charlie Watts, Tim Garland, Dave O’Higgins, singer Gwyneth Herbert and drummer Seb Rochford’s award winning “Acoustic Ladyland”. “..superb player” Independent; “..phenomenal” Observer; “Excellent, fluid, pianist with a deft touch and a superb improviser’s imagination.” Time Out
BILL BRUFORD’S “EARTHWORKS" featuring Tim Garland
Although at first sight a band led by one of the most celebrated rock drummers in the UK might seem a little out of place in a Jazz Club, Bill’s credentials as a contemporary Jazz drummer are quite impeccable. He first made his name in the late 60’s early 70’s with the eponymous groups “King Crimson” and “Yes” taking in work with the likes of “Genesis” and “Gong” on the way. Returning to “King Crimson” in the early 80’s Bill pioneered the use of electronic drums in developing the melodic side of percussion. By the mid 80’s he was ready to pursue his love for jazz and formed the first incarnation of his Jazz/Fusion band “Earthworks”. This band featured two young players who have since become icons of the UK Jazz scene, pianist Django Bates and saxophonist Iain Ballamy. They produced a series of award winning albums and sold out tours, through to the mid 90’s when Bill returned to the “King Crimson” fold to engage in a series of CD’s and a further sold out World tour. The late 90s saw Bruford underlining his commitment, and return, to jazz and 1997 saw two major releases, the Earthworks "best of" compilation, Heavenly Bodies, taken from all four previous albums and then a release of fresh material with jazz titans Ralph Towner (guitars and piano) and Eddie Gomez (bass). The late 90’s saw the second edition of “Earthworks” featuring saxophonist Patrick Clahar and pianist Steve Hamilton. More CD’s followed as electronic percussion made way for the warmer looser style of the more conventional sax-piano-bass-drums line up as Bill continued to bring the best of the young British players to the attention of a rapidly growing international audience. Around 2003 Pat left to be replaced by leading UK saxophonist Tim Garland, a regular with Chick Corea’s band, and in 2005 pianist Steve Hamilton gave his chair up to award winning young pianist Gwilym Simcock at the same time as the brilliant Laurence Cottle took over the bass chair from the excellent Mark Hodgson. This current line-up of World class musicians led by one of the most exciting and innovative players on the World Jazz scene produces music which is at once intricate and direct, swinging and thoughtful. A rare treat!
“Bill Bruford is ..a fantastically inventive, responsive and technically gifted player, with a sound and style that is instantly recognisable……performing intelligent acoustic fusion, finely played.” BBC; “Complex yet accessible scores, broad textures, and unassailable grooves” AllAboutJazz; “Bill Bruford’s insatiable quest for pursuing excellence in modern jazz is exemplified by his tremendously appealing and all acoustic, Earthworks ensemble.” Jazz Review
JIM MULLEN/JIM WATSON
Originally from Glasgow, Jim Mullen made his name working with a number of seminal bands through the 70’s and 80’s including Brian Auger’s “Trinity” and his own highly acclaimed jazz/funk band “Morrisey Mullen”. A multi award winner, Jim is widely regarded as one of the finest Jazz guitarists in Europe “One of the great Jazz guitarists working today” Jazzwise; “World Class” Guardian; “mellow and fluent” Observer;
Jim Watson. Since coming to London this multi award winning pianist has taken the scene by storm. He has been featured in a huge variety of bands, including the Jazz/Funk bands “Incognito”, Brand New Heavies and “US3”, US artists Lalo Schifrin, Patti Austin and James Moody the BBC Radio Big Band and most recently Katie Melua and he is rightly considered as one of the finest players on the scene. With a fabulous technique combined with good taste and a great choice in classic jazz material, Jim’s playing is quite wonderful. One of the most talented pianists in the country. “..classy Jazz pianist” Time Out;
DAVE O’HIGGINS BAND featuring MIKE OUTRAM
Dave O’Higgins is undoubtedly one of this country’s finest modern jazz sax players. His powerful, driving, style has been a feature of the scene since his work with NYJO in the early 80’s, and has been heard with Cleo Lane & John Dankworth, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Jimmy Smith and Annie Lennox to name but a few. A multi award winner (British Jazz awards twice!) he has produced 7 albums to date of his own work, and has appeared on numerous sessions and festivals around the world. The music, a mixture of jazz standards and great originals, is powerful yet always lyrical and accessible. “..exceptional fluency. ..one of Britain’s finest musicians” Observer; “..virtuoso jazz/fusion saxophonist” Time Out; “..world class player” BBC Music Magazine; “..Dazzling” Guardian.
Mike Outram is without doubt the most talented guitarist of his generation. He has worked and toured with numerous established Jazz artists, his fluent and exciting guitar work has been heard with the likes of Stan Sulzmann, Herbie Mann and most recently as part of the David O’Higgins band. Highly respected as a player he is also visiting guitar tutor at Trinity College, London. For anyone interested in guitar playing of the highest quality, this is a must. “..a young jazz guitarist with world-class credentials” The Guardian
MUSIC CHARGE: GBP 15.00
THURSDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2006
Back to the singers this evening. The first set is another classic 606 Club combination of different generations of performers making great music together. Anita Wardell has been plying her unique blend of Jazz standards and be-bop scat for a few years now. She has established a well deserved reputation on the scene as a performer and educator of some note, and we were all delighted when her talent was finally recognised this year with the BBC Jazz Award “Best of Jazz”. And joining Anita will be one of the scene’s most respected elder statesmen, Frank Holder. Frank has been around since the mid 50’s, most notably with the John Dankworth outfit for over 10 years. I have worked with Frank on and off for the last 10 years or so and can attest for the fact that, even though he is now in his late 70’s, he still performs as if he was about 21! I remember doing a very long gig with him not so long ago and by the end all of the band were on the knees. Except Frank. When I sloped off he was busy dancing with the bride! Amazing guy and a brilliant performer. One of the newer additions to the 606 Club “family” is ex-pat Canadian singer Tammy Weis. Since her first gig here two years ago she has developed in to a really fine singer, with a broad range, lovely tone and winning personality. Really well liked by all the staff her close association with the Club has endeared her to everyone involved with the running of the venue. Special set for all of us here, this one. I first heard Christian Garrick as a young student sitting in with the Dill Katz band around 2000. He was interesting even then and has since gone on to establish himself as one of Europe’s leading contemporary violinists. Still relatively young his band shows a musical maturity and broad ranging inventiveness that is truly exceptional. And finally the wonderful Tony Kofi. A terrific player, great guy and important presence on the scene yet again it wasn’t conceivable to have a 606 Club festival without Tony. He has been playing with us in various guises for some considerable time now and has really started to reach new heights both in his playing and his career. The bands that he leads are always interesting and his constant quest to grow and improve his music is a shining example of how it should be done.
ANITA WARDELL/FRANK HOLDER QUARTET. **Anita Wardell - Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2006/7**
Anita Wardell is another of those powerful and impressive singers who hail from “down under”. Well known as both a teacher and performer this award winning singer not only performs jazz standards in her own inimitable style, but she is also universally recognised as one of the best “scat” singers in Europe. The current holder of the BBC Jazz Awards “Best of Jazz” she was recently invited to perform in New York and was such a success that she was immediately invited back. This is a really good, hard driving jazz gig from one of the great masters of be-bop vocals. “..the most creative Jazz singer in London” Evening Standard; “..clear, tranquil, voice” The Observer; “..one of the country’s leading..jazz singers” Jazz UK.
Frank Holder is a great Afro-Caribbean singer/percussionist who performs classic Jazz standards in the style most closely associated with Frank Sinatra. A stalwart of the British Jazz scene for more than 40 years he is perhaps best known for his long standing association with John Dankworth and Cleo Lane. His high energy, infectious, style is quite captivating, and his set of standards from the 50’s and 60’s is great fun. A consummate performer, and fine musician. “..he was full of pent-up energy, held in check for a relaxed “Foggy Day” but released in earnest for a Latin medley that had everyone on their feet” The Times
TAMMY WEIS
Tammy is a fine Canadian singer, now resident in London, who has been performing to great acclaim in her native Vancouver for some years now. Emanating from a musical background Tammy grew up with music of all descriptions from an early age. However, her love for the American song book has led her firmly in to the area of the classic Jazz standards, which she performs with a wonderful sense of melody and swing. Her debut CD, “Legacy has been universally well received, and has led to appearances on national TV and radio as well as gigs at both the Montreal and Vancouver Jazz Festivals. Highlights in London include playing with Jamie Cullum at the Jazz Café and Ray Gelato at Birmingham Symphony Hall. She has also been chosen as one of the resident singers at the newly re-furbished Ronnie Scott’s. This gig also features one of the country’s great pianists, Gareth Williams (Jim Mullen, Claire Martin). “Tammy Weis has a deliciously haunting voice..this is how it’s supposed to be done” John Beaudin 103.1 FM; “She’s the real deal” Time Out
CHRISTIAN GARRICK
A Jazz violinist of considerable power and musicality, Chris is also highly regarded for his work with the likes of The Brand New Heavies and Brian Ferry, as well as appearing on a significant number of film and TV soundtracks. He is also no stranger to the classical concert halls, but it is his Jazz violin for which he is best known. A fluent and inventive player with a string of awards to his name his subtle yet always driving playing is a testament to a thoughtful but at the same time joyous approach to the music. Featuring pianist Dave Gordan his quartet’s cd, “Different Strokes” was described as “..the outstanding British album of the year..”. Sunday Times. A true master of his instrument. “..exquisite musician..violin superstar” Guardian.
TONY KOFI. **Winner BBC Jazz Awards 2005/6**
An impressive player Toni Kofi’s quartet album ‘All is Know – The Tony Kofi Quartet Plays Monk’ won this year’s BBC Jazz Awards ‘Album of the Year’. Having “cut his teeth” in the “Jazz Warriors” band of the early 90’s, Tony has gone on to establish himself as a saxophonist, teacher and composer of some authority. As well as “Nu-Troop” and “Jazz Jamaica” Tony’s alto playing was also a feature of the band “US-3” for some years. His fluent and fiery hard-bop alto playing is constantly in demand. “passionate..superb..heartfelt” Guardian
FRIDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2006
At a recent awards ceremony (we had just won the Parliamentary Jazz Awards “Venue of The Year” actually!) the great John Dankworth heard my mention of our 30th Anniversary celebrations and immediately offered to take part. I was obviously pleased, partly because I don’t have many Knights of The Realm playing here (!) and partly because the Club’s association with the Dankworth family goes back many years. Rachael Calladine is also someone who I have known well and worked with many times over the years. She has a powerful, cultured voice and her set, a mix of standards and great “groove” originals is just marvellous. I like to tease Rachael and remind her on a regular basis that hers was one of the two worst demo tapes (that long ago!) I ever received! Fortunately she proved to be considerably better than her tape, and since those days has grown in stature to become one of the country’s leading vocalists. A good mate and a great singer. And following Rache comes the singer who sent me the second worst tape I ever received, the wonderful Victoria Newton. About 12 years ago Vickie turned up at the Club from her native Australia. I had already heard her tape, so was not expecting too much when this huge voice exploded from this effervescent personality. I was so impressed that I offered her a gig with my band, and she stayed with us for the next 4 years. Since then she has gone on to success in the dance/pop field but has always returned to her first love Jazz. Now mixing Jazz, Soul and Brazilian music this quite remarkable artist with a personality to match is one of the most endearing performers to work at the Club. And then we come to the 606 Club “Super Band”. This is a band which starts it’s history in the Old Club and stretches right through to the present day. “Jamming” in to the early hours was a regular occurrence at the Old Club, however around the mid 80’s a group of young “turks” arrived on the scene who turned this concept in to an art form. The “jams” were regular, high energy, full of fun and enthusiasm and frequently yielded some of the best contemporary music to be heard anywhere in London at that time. It’s little surprise that these remarkable young players all went on to achieve notable success in their careers. Saxophonist Mornington Locket went on to work with the likes of Ronnie Scott, Stan Tracey, Don Weller and Sarah-Jane Morris, guitarist Paul Stacey made his name with “Oasis” but was also involved in projects with the likes of Claire Martin and Jim Mullen, bass player Laurence Cottle has since worked with just about everyone, including Eric Clapton, Sting and Black Sabbath and Jeremy Stacey is currently the drummer with US icon Sheryl Crow. The pianist at that time was a young Robin Aspland who was later to spend time with Van Morrison, and he was replaced by Gareth Williams, one of the finest modern jazz piano players of his generation, a regular with both Claire Martin and Jim Mullen. The other drummer who was a regular at that time, Ian Thomas, has dominated the studio scene for the last 15 years, it probably being easier to list the people he hasn’t played with! The music was a searching, high energy, crossover Jazz/“Groove” feel of complex lines at frequently blistering tempos and the whole thing was characterised by an anarchic humour and high spirits that occasionally made me worry about the fabric of the building! These guys are all acknowledged world Class players these days and getting them back together is always a delight. Be prepared for a thrilling musical roller-coaster.
JOHN DANKWORTH & ALEC DANKWORTH DUO
John Dankworth is undoubtedly one of the most successful UK jazz musicians of all time. At the forefront of his profession for more than 50 years he won his first award in 1949 (Musician of The Year) and has continued to garner awards and accolades on a regular basis ever since. He established himself as a leading figure on the UK Jazz scene through the 50’s and 60s with a series of high profile small groups and big bands that regulkarky featured some of the finest Jazz musicians on the scene. Former alumni include the likes of John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Peter King and Don Rendell. As well as UK musicans John also rapidly established an International reputation, both for his playing and later for his wonderful writing and arranging. US based musicians who have performed with his bands include Zoot Sims, Phil Woods and Gerr
