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

 

 

Lancaster Jazz Scene supports "Super Kader" Sat 13th July

 

Kader is a Lancaster-based jazz septet formed in 2017. For this very special gig the band have invited past members, friends and family who have played with and supported the band over the years to join them on special arrangements of the band’s repertoire.  The regular combination of drums, percussion and bass with keys, saxes and trumpet will be enhanced by more horns, more wind and more rhythm for this unique show "Super Kader" in the Auditorium at the historic Storey building in Lancaster. Expect a range of exciting and eclectic music from this one-off, live collaboration as the band put their own creative collective spin on compositions by artists like Roy Hargrove, Kenny Garrett, Terrace Martin, Snarky Puppy and Ibrahim Maalouf to name just a few.

Support is from Persimmon, a new jazz/neo-soul quartet, influenced by Erykah Badu, Hiatus Kaiyote and Roy Ayers, bringing a fresh and dynamic sound to the local scene.

 

Join us on Saturday 13th July at the Storey Auditorium, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster. Doors open at 18:30, entry is £7.50 on the door or pay what you feel. 

Gregson Gig Series #8: Mike Hall & Andy Hulme:

 

On the 23rd June we present Mike Hall and Andy Hulme for the next event in our Gregson Gig Series and we are really looking forward to it. 

Mike Hall is a jazz saxophonist and educator. He began with NYJO, leading to a long association with composer/pianist Michael Garrick including a tour of Malaysia, CD recordings and national radio broadcasts. A member of the London-based Echoes of Ellington Orchestra, he also runs his own quartet and octet, Boplicity. His career has seen him playing with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Bob Mintzer and Bob Brookmeyer.

Highlights have included a week at Ronnie Scott's Club, concerts at the World Saxophone Congress in Slovenia and Strasbourg with Andy Scott's Group S plus features in John Dankworth and Cleo Laine's Christmas Show.

Mike headed Jazz Studies at the RNCM for 25 years and continues to run jazz courses and summer schools in UK and France.

 

Guitarist Andy Hulme has been playing and accompanying musicians around Manchester and Liverpool since the late 1990s. Currently a member of Mike Hall's Boplicity, Andy came onto the North West jazz scene playing alongside Welsh guitarist, Trefor Owen, and has been a long-standing member of the Jamie Brownfield/Liam Byrne Quintet.

Over the years he has played alongside many distinguished musicians, including US guitarists Howard Alden and Jack Wilkins, the UK's John Etheridge and Jim Mullen, and saxophonists Scott Hamilton and Art Themen.

 

Come and join us in the Olive Bar at the Gregson Arts Centre, 35 Moor Gate, Lancaster LA1 3PY

 

Sunday 23rd June, doors 18:30. Entry £10 cash or card on the door.