Monday, 30 June 2025

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 25th July

 

 

 


 The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 25th 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 and to join our mailing list please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' or 'Lancaster Jazz Scene' on Facebook/Instagram.

 

Frank Griffith Trio post-gig post



The Frank Griffith Trio gifted us a truly exceptional display of musicianship and style. This was one of those 'if you missed it, you missed out' gigs, a performance full of colour, invention, skill and beautiful storytelling.  
 
Frank's sweet clarinet playing (So Nice) was perfect for a summer evening. His tenor sax tone was impressive throughout and especially interesting in his use of extended techniques such as in Monk's "Nutty", a sublime, characterful conversation between the trio. 
 
Andrzej's piano was full of clever movement and creative connections (Begin the Beguine) with complex, intricate explorations of themes and modes. It was a particular treat for band and audience to hear Andrzej on the Olive Bar's upright piano. 
 
Steve Berry on bass was superb. His poise and mastery of his instrument was spellbinding, equally when expertly holding the rhythm as when taking dexterous, dynamic solos. The breadth and depth of his ability was compelling, such as in the excellent Bernie's Tune.
 
The Trio were clearly having a lot of fun and the fabulous audience responded with respect, appreciation and gratitude. Thanks so much to everyone who came along to support the band and Lancaster Jazz Scene. We will be returning with our next event in the Gregson Gig Series in November so keep in touch! 
We're on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube and you can join our mailing list by sending an email to lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com



                                          

Monday, 2 June 2025

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 27th June

 

 

 


The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 27th June 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 and to join our mailing list please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' or 'Lancaster Jazz Scene' on Facebook/Instagram.

 

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Gregson Gig Series #13: The Frank Griffith Trio

 

As a renowned jazz saxophonist and clarinettist, Frank Griffith has been performing for over 40 years, primarily in New York and London. He has also achieved great acclaim as an arranger, composing for a number of well-known singers and musicians.

His extensive career has included playing with Ron Carter and Jon Hendricks, and in the bands of Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich and John Dankworth.

More recently Frank has proved himself as a successful educator, teaching in both the USA and UK. Counting John Dankworth, Joe Henderson, Duke Ellington and Burt Bacharach as some of his main influences, Frank plays many forms of jazz including modern, mainstream and traditional alongside funk, soul and some crossover Classical. Now living in Liverpool, Frank continues to perform across the North West, UK and Europe.

Tuesday, 29 April 2025

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 23rd May

 

 

 


The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 23rd May 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 and to join our mailing list please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' or 'Lancaster Jazz Scene' on Facebook/Instagram.

 

Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 25th April



The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 25th April 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 and to join our mailing list please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' or 'Lancaster Jazz Scene' on Facebook/Instagram.


Friday, 28 March 2025

Iles, Walker, Chisnall post-gig post

 



We had a packed Olive Bar for Sunday's gig with Richard Iles, Mike Walker and Les Chisnall.
This was music of real beauty and technical brilliance. Variously intense and driving, expansive and atmospheric, intelligent and heartfelt. On flugelhorn, Richard had a soulful tone with measured and carefully placed runs and a masterful control of the instrument. Mike's guitar spoke a wonderful language of colour, evocative and expressive, a precise application of artistry which just kept giving. On piano, Les' smart storytelling and gentle, considered playing was mesmerising, providing a graceful and captivating flow.
The audience were spellbound at times by the music which had an authenticity and depth that comes from intuitive improvisation and a wealth of musical experience.

The space and respect the players afforded each other was a testament not only to how long they have played together but also to how they approach the music with great joy and creativity, mutual appreciation and togetherness. Immersed in this sublime music it was apparent to all of us present why they are known as "The Paradise Trio". Thank you to Richard, Mike and Les and to everyone who came to support the gig and what we do. Our next Lancaster Jazz Scene event in the Gregson Gig Series will be on the 29th June so save the date and we will have more information for you soon.

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 28th March

 


The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 28th March 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 and to join our mailing list please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' or 'Lancaster Jazz Scene' on Facebook/Instagram.


Monday, 24 February 2025

Jack Pearce Quintet post-gig post

 

 
It was a total pleasure to welcome the Jack Pearce Quintet to Lancaster Jazz Scene on Sunday night for what proved to be a sensational gig.

Honest, energetic and authentic jazz musicianship presented with warmth and style.

Jack's rich, lyrical, soulful playing was a joy and his original compositions were evocative and expressive, whether taking us to an Italian Village (Ferrara) or the wrong way down country lanes (The Scenic Route).  His gentle steerage of the band gave each voice a chance to be heard whilst presenting a cohesive, effective force, coupled with the group's astonishing control and ability to respect the space.

Whether offering rolling, expansive textures such as in My Favourite Things or exploring playful tempo and rhythm (Remembrance) the band was always unified and creative, reaping the rewards that come from playing live together regularly.

Dan Sanderson demonstrated skill and dexterity on bass, his delicate and solid playing often interweaving with the plaintive and searing guitar of Sam Hughes, such as in the multi-textured Norwegian Wood.

As in Church Lane, Jascha Bingham's precise, inventive and melodic piano provided intense lift throughout whilst Angus Haygarth on drums was sensitive, instinctual and responsive, holding the band with care and attention. 

There was never a dull moment in this deeply satisfying gig, the hugely attentive audience were absorbed and engaged from the outset. The band were a pleasure to spend time with both on and off the stage and we wish them all the best for their ongoing tour.

Friday, 31 January 2025

Lancaster Jazz Jam Friday 21st February

 

 


The Jazz Jam is part of Lancaster Jazz Scene. The next Jam takes place on Friday 21st February 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 and to join our mailing list please email lancasterjazzscene@gmail.com or visit 'Jazzjam Lancaster' on Facebook.