Music / Jazz
The week in jazz – September 12-18
There’s a minor Scandinavian jazz invasion heading for Bristol this week with the arrival of two great Danes, namely Kristian Borring (Hen & Chicken, Sunday 18) and Henrik Jensen (Bebop Club, Friday 16). Kristian Borring is a fine jazz guitarist and composer who has worked with the likes of Archie Shepp, Will Vinson and others. These days he’s London-based, with a well-established UK quartet that has caught the ears of such luminaries as Radio 3’s Julian Joseph and The Guardian’s John Fordham for their empathetic playing. Also living in London, bass player Henrik Jensen’s enigmatically named Followed By Thirteen quartet is an international affair, with US trumpeter Andre Cannier an eloquent front voice and Danish pianist Esben Tjalve and Italian drummer Antonio Fusco filling out the rhythm section. The band have just released their second CD Blackwater and are touring to promote the album.
Earlier in the week the Fringe welcomes local heroes Andy Sheppard’s Pushy Doctors (Wednesday 14). With an eclectic repertoire of tunes featuring Andy’s poised and melodic improvisation style the band are regular favourites at the venue so early arrival is essential to get into the Fringe’s little theatre space. Bristolian trumpeter Gary Alesbrook (above) has the more spacious Future Inn space to fill (Thursday 15) but he has plenty of fans for his mix of lyrical Chet Baker-influenced cool jazz and more upbeat funk and soul numbers.
Another (formerly) local talent passes through Bristol on Sunday (18) when jazz bassist and vocalist Belle Ehresman appears at the Lantern in her alter-ego Bellatrix. While that monicker was originally a cover for her internationally successful career as a beat-boxer the last few years have seen Bellatrix combine her many talents into a complex solo act using electronics, loops and voice. Her evening at the Lantern features two other female acts also being promoted by Saffron Records, a label that mentors young female musicians. Interestingly there’s a chance to see a previous generation of Bristol’s jazzy women at Thekla on Saturday (17) when the mighty Meet Your Feet funk and Latin collective take to the stage. The 9-strong all-female band originally formed in the late 80s and established a great reputation for danceable instrumental workouts and songs before disbanding in the 90s . They reformed a few years back with one or two new recruits and resumed their tireless mission to keep the dance floor full.
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