Music / Jazz
The week in jazz – September 19-25
There’s some rich pickings for the jazz lover this week but that means the inevitable Hard Choice of two equally enticing gigs on Friday (23) night. In the blue corner (i.e. The Lantern): fusion legends The The Headhunters, still delivering smooth and assured jazz-funk some 40 years after recording with Herbie Hancock (albeit with a refreshed line-up). In the red corner (i.e. The Bebop Club: Corrie Dick’s Impossible Things a 9-strong supergroup of the freshest talents on the UK scene right now directed by drummer Corrie Dick (pictured above) and playing his notably sharp and lively contemporary compositions. It’s a hard call but given the limitations of the Bebop’s room and the size of Impossible Things you’d best not dither if that’s your fancy.
The Lantern has another big name on Saturday 24 in the shape of Tchai Limberger’s Budapest Gypsy Orchestra. The multi-instrumental Mr Limburger is a dazzling violin, clarinet and guitar player rooted in his family’s Gypsy traditions and has been a major attraction at the last two Bristol Jazz & Blues Festivals. There’s manouche guitarism in a more Parisian style when Schmoozenbergs play the Tobacco Factory the next night (Sunday 25), too.
Future Inns are welcoming a venerable veteran of the British jazz scene of the 60s (Thursday 22) in the shape of saxophonist Art Themen, whose Sonny Rollins inspired style saw him paired with Stan Tracey for many years. Though now in his late 70s Art remains a nimble and assured player and a fine example of longevity to encourage whippersnappers like Sophie Stockham and Jake McMurchie whose saxophony graces contemporary outfit Sefrial (Alma Tavern, Sunday 25). Tenor player Dino Christodoulou brings his Milon to Canteen (Wednesday 21) with influences from his Greek Cypriot heritage woven into modern jazz styles.
And there’s an impressive visitor from the States at The Fringe this week (Wednesday 21) in the shape of the Jon Dalton Trio, a classic organ trio that reunites guitarist Jon (Bristol born but LA dwelling) with old pal John-paul Gard for some dazzling blues, jazz and gospel workouts around the UK. Paolo Adamo will provide the drumming and show-off showmanship is assured. Fans of jazz guitar might also want to catch Mark Lawrence’s Groovelator at the Grain Barge the next night (Thursday 22).
And, finally, the University term getting under way means the exuberant return of JFS (aka Jazz Funk and Soul) to Mr Wolf’s on Tuesday nights. If you want reassurance that jazz can still get a packed room to boil over with energy then it’s well worth checking out the next generation and their guests.
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