Gregson Gig Series #10: Trouble Everyday

 

 

As you know one of the aims of Lancaster Jazz Scene is to present a wide variety of artists and to create rich experiences for both performer and listener. In this vein, our next gig in the Gregson Gig Series promises something a bit special as we enter the world of "Trouble Everyday".

Trouble Everyday is Chris and Keith, who find themselves in the early 21st Century due to a clerical error on the part of the Ministry of Time Anomalies and Rural Affairs. Having been mistakenly selected for an important mission to prevent an incident that leads to the complete unweaving of the fabric of reality, they found themselves sent back 200 years to our current time, where they are now stuck. In their own time they performed as part of a 300 Year Songbook Cryo Show, with Chris on keyboard and vocals and Keith on guitar. Having no idea how to complete their mission, they now bring this show back for us, featuring songs from the early 20th Century and way beyond. There will be crooning, filthy blues, very new songs and plenty of belting guitar solos.

Come with us and join the journey on Sunday 1st December at The Olive Bar, Gregson Arts Centre, Lancaster. Doors 18:30, £10 entry.

Chris Bridges is a musician and a teacher who is passionate about making all kinds of music accessible to everyone.  He graduated as a trombonist from the RNCM in 1990 and since then has become a part of the North West Jazz scene, enjoying playing in a range of styles and with all kinds of bands.  Recently he has been playing regularly with Henry Botham‘s Nightcreatures, a very funky New Orleans style group, and with Manchester’s finest ska collective, Baked A La Ska. His own projects have included several pieces written for the Manchester Jazz Festival, the String and Bone duo and the Cusp Quartet.

Keith Phillips is a jazz guitarist and educator. His work in a variety of styles has included live performance, radio and television appearances and recording engagements. His quartet Cusp has played at The Symphony Hall Cafe Bar in Birmingham,The Cluny in Newcastle, Zeffirelli's in Ambleside, Parr St Studios in Liverpool, Matt & Phred's in Manchester, and at the Manchester Jazz Festival and were also featured on the BBC Radio 3 programme Jazz on 3.  He has played as guest guitarist with Get the Blessing at Band on the Wall in Manchester, Marsden Jazz Festival, Liverpool Jazz Festival and on gigs in Sheffield and Clitheroe.

RAD Trio post-gig post

 

In the Lancaster Jazz Scene Gregson Gig Series we are really proud to be showcasing new bands, whether they are fresh and just starting out or new projects by established musicians. RAD Trio is in the latter category and as such presented a powerful prospect for the gig on Sunday with a programme of entirely original music. 

 

'HCC' was a great introduction to the players, with Rob Mason’s lyrical guitar firmly connecting with Dave Shooter’s creative bass and Andy Smith’s expressive drums. 'Reintroduction' was a contemplative flight through cool figures and expansive modes and contrasted nicely with the subtle risk-taking of 'Squinch'. 'Bottle Episode' burst with colour in the guitar solo and the deep bass gritty grooves of 'Mantis' were very satisfying. The trio excelled with the bluesy, wistful 'Delicious Rot' and the rich, luscious cymbals of 'Beaufort’s Blues' together with the soaring atmospheric guitar showed why these musicians should be playing together.

 

The solid unity and respectful and purposeful playing on display came across in the intimate space of the Olive Bar and gifted us that connection that comes from being in the moment with live music. We are so grateful to the band and to those who came to support the gig - we hope to see you again.

 

News of our next gig coming very soon!

Gregson Gig Series #9: RAD Trio

 We are pleased to present RAD Trio for our next Gregson Gig Series event on 27th October.

Three musicians who have collaborated in numerous bands over the years, RAD Trio formed late 2021 and bring together funk, jazz, rock and fusion. Musical ideas from the last 20 years coming together into guitar-led instrumental compositions with deep grooves, earworm melodies and slightly excessive solos.

Rob Mason /Electric Guitar: Rob is fuelled by a need to groove hard, and to make things feel right.  A prolific generator of musical ideas, but lacking the discipline to write full arrangements, Rob formed RAD Trio to force him to do just that.  With funk as the foundation of his playing, Rob's other influences cover everything from jazz to folk taking in disco, rock and heavy metal along the way.

Andy Smith/Drums: With a penchant for Latin and Funk, Andy prefers to find that pocket and keep it Lunky.

 

 

Dave Shooter /Bass: After many bass 'reincarnations' Dave currently spends his time on stage channelling Tim LeFebvre.

 

Come and join us for this exciting trio.

 

Sunday 27th October in the Olive Bar, Gregson Arts Centre, Moor Lane, Lancaster.

Doors 19:00

Entry £10 cash or card on the door

 

(please note there won't be an interval at this gig)

 

Lancaster Jazz Scene supporting Bookends - two incredible jazz gigs coming to Lancaster in January 2025

 

Bookends Jazz presents two incredible jazz gigs in Lancaster to kickstart 2025!
Tickets for separate gigs: £15 Joint ticket: £25

freight train: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/67983

Alan Barnes and David Newton: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/67985

Local musicians Paul Froggatt (Luca Brasi Group/Povo) and Ben McCabe (Deep Cabaret/Off the Rails) are working together to bring a warm start to your gig-going year at The Gregson Centre on Saturdays 18th and 25th January 2025.
With support from Lancaster Jazz Scene who continue to promote an excellent series of events upstairs at The Gregson in the Olive Bar, Paul and Ben as Bookends Jazz are increasing the capacity by moving downstairs into the main hall and attracting internationally renowned artists to perform.

This first pair of Bookends Jazz gigs welcome ‘freight train’ on 18th January featuring singer Christine Tobin, pianist Liam Noble and drummer Paul Clarvis and Alan Barnes (saxes/clarinets) and David Newton (piano) duo on 25 th January.
Paul and Ben are hoping that people will choose to support both events by buying a £25 ticket that will gain access to both gigs.

18th January 2025 8pm – freight train
Out of lockdown reflection time, emerged this unique and exhilarating trio…the world of Irish folk meets jazz, mixed with Mose Allison blues. Tunes mostly selected by percussionist Clarvis to reference career moments he recalls with affection cover an eclectic list of compositions ranging over blues, folk, musicals and Ellingtonia.
Liam Noble and Paul Clarvis first met playing and touring in Moondog’s band and have collaborated on many joint projects since. Dublin born Christine Tobin and Liam have previously released a reimagined version of Carole King’s Tapestry to great acclaim.
Award winning vocalist and composer and jazz vocalist of the year 2014, Tobin, has been an integral part of both the New York and London scenes for many years. She can be a junkyard blues philosopher, snappy beat seductress, a conduit for exquisite zen-like harmonies and reflective Americana. “Everything is shot through with an unmistakable refinement, free-spirited earthiness and giddy romanticism, this singer-songwriter is in a field of one.” The Guardian
 
Liam Noble became Stan Sulzmann’s pianist on John Taylor’s recommendation. He went on to work in the bands of Anita Wardell, Harry Beckett, Tim Whitehead and John Stevens. He is also a member of the Randy Brecker English sextet and the Julian Siegel group. Paul Clarvis has collaborated with some of the world’s best composers and was Leonard Bernstein’s preferred percussionist in London. As a jazz musician his list of credits include Chris Batchelor on Pigfoot & Zoetic, Henry Lowther, Josephine Davies & Satori, Alan Barnes, Gordon Beck, Tim Garland, Jon Lloyd, Sam Rivers, Andy Sheppard, Stan Sulzmann, and he also formed Orquestra Mahatma who played an
incredible show at the Gregson in the 1990s!

25th January 2025 8pm – Alan Barnes and David Newton
Award winning jazz musicians Alan Barnes and David Newton have been playing duets for 47 years. These multiple award winners cover a vast repertoire from Louis Armstrong to Chick Corea and play with an empathy that can only come with long experience. David is one of the greatest solo jazz pianists this country has ever produced and Alan plays multi reed instruments - all the saxes, clarinet and bass clarinet. They have developed an empathy and telepathic sympathy which only playing together for many years can bring. The emphasis, as always, is on swinging, accessibility and interplay. Expect a hugely entertaining programme of straight-ahead jazz flawlessly played and interspersed with lots of anecdotes and peppered with humour.
Their latest and best album “Tis Autumn” is available on Woodville Records: “Newton continues to combine taste, touch and innate harmonic sense in the manner of the perfect accompanist while Barnes, whether piping a clarinet ballad or simply letting the majestic weight of his baritone sax’s sound carry a song plays with touching candour” Jazz Rag

 
Both nights will have doors opening at 7:30pm and two 45 minute sets with an interval from 8pm
Tickets for separate gigs: £15
Joint ticket: £25
freight train: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/67983
Alan Barnes and David Newton: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/67985

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 1st November

The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 1st November from 19:30 at the Printroom Cafe Bar located in the historic Storey Building on Meeting House Lane near Lancaster Castle.  Here's more info;

Lancaster Jazz Jam was established in 2017, emerging out of the Orbit Jazz Workshop at Lancaster Community Music Centre. Our aim is to present an inclusive jam session that allows players of all abilities to have an opportunity to play, gain confidence, learn about jazz music, develop performance skills and hear other musicians. At the jam we have a selection of tunes/standards to play and there is music available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass. You can choose which tunes you wish to play on and sign up to be part of the band when those tunes are called. The emphasis is on having fun, supporting each other and enjoying the music. The event is free and non-players are very welcome to come along too. For more information please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' on Facebook.

Jazz Jam is coming to Lancaster Jazz Festival on Saturday 14th September

 

We are really pleased to announce that Lancaster Jazz Jam will be part of Lancaster Jazz Festival this year.

You'll be able to find us at the Innovation Hub in The Gregson Centre Main Hall on Sat 14th Sept from 9pm and everyone is welcome!

Check out the full festival line up here: https://www.lancasterjazz.com/2024-festival/

Lancaster Jazz Jam was established in 2017, emerging out of the Orbit Jazz Workshop at Lancaster Community Music Centre. Our aim is to present an inclusive jam session that allows players of all abilities to have an opportunity to play, gain confidence, learn about jazz music, develop performance skills and hear other musicians. At the jam we have a selection of tunes/standards to play and there is music available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass. You can choose which tunes you wish to play on and sign up to be part of the band when those tunes are called. The emphasis is on having fun, supporting each other and enjoying the music. The event is free and non-players are very welcome to come along too. For more information please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' on Facebook.

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 30th August

 

 

 

The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 30th August from 19:30 at the Printroom Cafe Bar located in the historic Storey Building on Meeting House Lane near Lancaster Castle.  Here's more info;

Lancaster Jazz Jam was established in 2017, emerging out of the Orbit Jazz Workshop at Lancaster Community Music Centre. Our aim is to present an inclusive jam session that allows players of all abilities to have an opportunity to play, gain confidence, learn about jazz music, develop performance skills and hear other musicians. At the jam we have a selection of tunes/standards to play and there is music available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass. You can choose which tunes you wish to play on and sign up to be part of the band when those tunes are called. The emphasis is on having fun, supporting each other and enjoying the music. The event is free and non-players are very welcome to come along too. For more information please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' on Facebook.

Gregson Gig Series will return on 27th October

 

The Gregson Gig Series will take a short break over the summer months. The next gig will be on 27th October so save the date and keep an eye on us for further announcements...

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 26th July

 

The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 26th July from 19:30 at the Printroom Cafe Bar located in the historic Storey Building on Meeting House Lane near Lancaster Castle.  Here's more info;

Lancaster Jazz Jam was established in 2017, emerging out of the Orbit Jazz Workshop at Lancaster Community Music Centre. Our aim is to present an inclusive jam session that allows players of all abilities to have an opportunity to play, gain confidence, learn about jazz music, develop performance skills and hear other musicians. At the jam we have a selection of tunes/standards to play and there is music available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass. You can choose which tunes you wish to play on and sign up to be part of the band when those tunes are called. The emphasis is on having fun, supporting each other and enjoying the music. The event is free and non-players are very welcome to come along too. For more information please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' on Facebook.

 

Mike Hall & Andy Hulme Post-gig Post

It was a real treat to be in the company of Mike Hall and Andy Hulme on Sunday as we continued our Gregson Gig Series.

 

Joy Spring was a perfect opening statement for a balmy June evening and set the scene for a varied and absorbing set to follow. The duo were equally impressive with pacey standards as they were on gentle ballads. The beautiful l Never Told You was enthralling as was the subtle interplay between the musicians on bossa Gentle Rain. It was special to be part of their conversation and their virtuosity and technical mastery was on display to great effect as we closed out with Donna Lee. 

Andy's compelling, graceful precision and deft handling of rhythm and improvisation was captivating. Mike played with a fluid energy throughout flowing phrases and a wonderful mix of colours that filled the room.

In the second set, the bass clarinet version of Blue in Green was an engaging addition, the use of electronics lending it an ethereal weight. The solid unity of the pair on bebop classic Ornithology was thrilling as was their skilful interaction on Kenny Wheeler's affecting Everyone's Song But My Own. The performance remained strong through to a flourishing Oleo and on to the inevitable encore, called for by our appreciative audience. 

 

Thank you to Mike and Andy and to all those who came out to support us once again, we are so very grateful. The Gregson Gig Series will have a break for the summer months and our next event will be on the 27th October so keep in touch with us and join the mailing list if you haven't already at lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com