Some catching up needed here, as the London Jazz festival produced a blogging hiatus. But Coming up first: I have long-ago-booked tickets to St George’s to see Paul Lewis and Imogen Cooper bash 2 pianos on Friday. But if I didn’t I’d be squeezing into the Be-Bop club to hear Andy Hague launch his quintet’s new CD.
It is a great recording, with excellent original compositions which capture the spirit of a whole slew of Hague’s favourite people in jazz – from Horace Silver to Dave Douglas, and the chance to hear them live is not to be missed. Get there early…
I never got round to noting that World Service Project’s Match and Fuse gig at the Canteen was an absorbing affair. The band’s system of reciprocal touring with up and coming ensembles from other European countries is such a good idea you wonder why no-one else is doing it. In this case Norwegians Pixel played a fine short set, though – as on a previous visit – the highlight of the night came when the two bands combined to create an instant nine-piece. Instigator Dave Morecroft gets a special mention for uninhibited mad scientist electric piano, as well as for a piece dedicated to Ryan Air called something like Airline Horror. Judging by the cries of recognition from the Canteen crowd this is a good way to connect with your audience… Definitely worth looking out for WSP’s next visit, which will doubtless be with another new set of travelling companions.
WSP came just before a London weekend, Aside from 2 gigs I was lucky to review for LondonJazz – Chick Corea and John Surman – we caught a nice Saturday afternoon set from Marcus Roberts and music students at Kings Place.
Also up on LondonJazz is a short preview of the Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival, which has now been officially launched, and has a packed programme.
Finally, there’s a distinctly tempting Sunday afternoon gig starting up at Cabot Circus this weekend, courtesy of Brasserie Blanc and Pee Wee Ellis. Brunch, anyone?
Mainly jazz in Bristol 