Music / Jazz
Bristol’s week in jazz, March 16 – 22
So – here we go (or do we?). There’s a fine diary full of jazzy things coming up but, naturally, all information about future events is conditional on them not being cancelled at the last minute. So – check before you go!
This week’s jazz bulletin is also a little terse due to the internet’s decision to self-isolate the writer. Big points to note are … the oncoming Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival (March 26-29) has so far not announced any cancellations, so fingers crossed for that one, and also for the visit of the Darius Brubeck Quartet (St George’s, Thursday 19). There’s much more to pianist Darius than his father Dave’s legacy, having spent many years working and playing in Africa. Another interesting visit comes from Kamilya Jubran & Werner Hasler (Arnolfini, Friday 20) – a pioneering duo whose combination of electronics and the Arabic oud has evolved over years into a distinctive and ethereal soundscape. Similarly adventurous multi-media duo Vilk Collective are due at St George’s on Friday (20).
The Sound Of Blue Note (Be-bop Club, Friday 20) is a spot-on evocation of one of jazz’ most popular styles. Their repertoire is far wider than the obvious hits, however, and for this gig Andy Hague will be drumming with the visiting quintet. Andy will then be back on trumpet to lead the Stag & Hounds session (Sunday 22). Trumpeter Gary Alesbrook reprises his successful Music From The Movies album at Future Inn (Thursday 19), while Los Clandestinos – Pete Judge’s trumpet and piano duo with John Baggott – return to El Rincon (Sunday 22). Saxophonist Kevin Figes (Canteen Wednesday 18) surprised a Fringe audience recently with a splendid set in the style of Canterbury School prog so hopefully his Canteen appearance will revisit some of that.
is needed now More than ever
London-based soul-jazzers Yakul come to the Jam Jar (Thursday 19) and fans of that style should check singer/songwriter Samantha Lindo (St George’s, Saturday 21). Similarly fusing soul, jazz and hip-hop but with African influences very evident Priscilla Andersohn brings the second Journeys of Sound session of music improvised in collaboration with the audience (Colston Hall Foyer, Thursday 19).
Free improvisation and left field thinking abounds across the week, all being well, with trio Grigg/Helson/Langford showing up at Greenbank (Tuesday 17) supporting Flutes & Drums and at Stag & Hounds on Sunday supporting Unity Trio. The ever-wild Salac support Strange Circuits at Exchange (Wednesday 18) while the Old England hosts a triple bill of Concentration, Soft Issues & Lacrima (Thursday 19) and, on the same day, Crofter’s Rights go for the ambient experimentalism of V-Stók.
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
