Music / Jazz
The week in Jazz April 9 – 15
A weather forecast: we can expect some mighty winds in the Bristol jazz area this week, mostly in the shape of excellent saxophony coming from Kevin Figes, Alex Hitchcock, Glen Manby and the Julian Siegel Quartet. Probably best known for the powerhouse Partisans quartet that was a shot in the arm to the 90s UK jazz scene, Julian Siegel’s Vista album, released this year, was an immediate critical success thanks in part to the long-established relationships in a band of creative equals. Pianist Liam Noble, bass player Oli Hayhurst and drummer Gene Calderazzo are three talents that always shine on stage and Julian’s quirky compositions provide ample opportunity for them to play out their improvisational skills to the max. They appear at the Hen and Chicken (Sunday 15).
Kevin Figes
As a composer Kevin Figes (Fringe, Wednesday 11) has experimented with many different formats, including big bands and an octet, but the quartet is his most consistent band. Built around Kev’s well-grounded partnership with pianist Jim Blomfield their fresh and lively music has a deep respect and knowledge for the roots of modern jazz and fine solo playing to boot. The same can be expected from feisty young tenor sax man Alex Hitchcock whose quintet comes to Future Inn (Thursday 12). Alex has attracted massive plaudits from the jazz establishment for his post-Coltrane style of playing and the band is a fine collection of young talent and names to remember.
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Erika Lyons
Glen Manby (Bebop Club, Friday 13) is an important figure on the South Wales jazz map, both as a classy alto sax player and as a tutor at Cardiff University. His band includes local heroes John-paul Gard on piano and drummer Mark Whitlam as well as Erika Lyons on bass. Erika is another fine player from South Wales who we don’t see enough of over the bridge, though she frequently appears with John-paul as a duo.
Dominic Aldis Trio
But it’s not all saxophones, obviously, and a couple of notable piano visitors could catch the ears starting with the Dominic Alldis Trio (Chipping Sudbury Town Hall, Tuesday 10). The great French pianist Jaques Loussier’s Play Bach trio was a major hit in the 60s with jazzed up versions of Johan Sebastian’s most popular pieces but pianist Dominic has gone father and wider across the classical canon to adapt Dvorak, Bizet, Satie and Chopin among others.
Emily Francis
By contrast, Emily Frances (Canteen, Wednesday 11) is a rapidly rising name in contemporary jazz whose original music draws on the hip mix of prog, funk and minimalism. Her trio is gaining a fine reputation, with comparisons to Gogo Penguin not doing full justice to the wider range of her influences.
SALTINGS
But what of the wild side? This week’s experimental music experiences begin with Andrew Cooke aka SALTINGS joining cellist Sophie Jackson to headline a great triple bill at the Old England (Wednesday 11) and Running Dogs alto player Aaron Hawkins appearing in the afternoon at The Exchange (Sunday 15) with Messrs Anstey and Helson in support. El Rincon is also offering Sounding Seas (Friday 13), a new name described as ‘Traditional Irish folk meets experimental improv’ – could go down well with the Padron peppers?
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