News archive   Feb/March 2002    1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  |  6  |  7 
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Singers Night Cancelled Thurs 17 Sept 16/9
Bar Sutra has appears to have closed again. As we couldn't find another venue at short notice this months Singers Night has been cancelled. Hopefully we can find somewhere for October.


Russell Van Den Berg gig
Wednesday 17 September 16/9
This a special one-off gig arranged to take advantage of the band having a free night during their now annual week tour of venues across the north. Last year we all enjoyed a fantastic night at Sutra. Russell is a dynamic young player on the UK scene known for the way he crafts every solo with his trademark combination of wonderful control and lively, angular melodic ideas.
The venue, The Primrose, is a small intimate traditional pub specialising in live music located on the Meanwood Road. 
The Primrose MAP
9pm - late 
(12pm bar close)
£3 / £2 conc

Russell Van Den Berg - tenor sax
Malcom Edmonston - piano
Ken Marley - bass
Tony Faulkner - drums

LCM graduates offer Musical Instrument Tuition 9/9

Premier Musical Instrument Tuition is a brand new teaching studio based in Leeds offering a comprehensive range of tuition by graduates from Leeds College of Music. As well as individual and small group tuition PMIT offer workshops for schools, covering the different aspects of performance. Current tutors signed up include Jiannis Pavlidis - guitar, Tom Quayle - guitar, Rus Pearson - bass, Simon Kaylor - saxophones and Kari Bleivik - voice. PMIT can be contacted via their web site www.pmituition.co.uk.


Andrew Gilliver Photography Exhibition 27/7

Photographer Andrew Gilliver has an exhibition of his work at The Glasshouse Gallery, Chapel Allerton from 24 August to 30 September. As a musician Andrew has a special interest in taking pictures of live music. For three years he documented our Monday night jam session.

Contact 0113 268 7785 for info.


New night 'Blue Latina' at ISIS 26/7

New night 'Blue Latina' promising Latin and Cuban Grooves is now every Wednesday 9:30pm - 12.30am at ISIS, Merrion street.

  • Featured bands include violinist Caroline Owen's Alegria Trio, Mr Pink (30/7) and Saudade.
  • Weds 9:30pm - 12.30am
  • 12 Merrion Street, Leeds LS1 6PQ
  • 0113 242 9020
  • MAP
Mike Hoggard - 50 years drumming 26/7

Mike at The Swan

At 71, Mike could be grandfather to many of the young musicians he welcomes as guests to the regular Wednesday night gig at the Swan in Liversedge. So far this year the trio of Mike on drums, Dave Skinner (piano), and Brian Jackson (double bass), have backed star guests Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams and Don Weller.

"The beauty of it for the fans is the gig is free but we do expect them to buy a raffle ticket or two to help defray our costs," says Mike.

Read the full article by Dennis Casson


New daily jazz venue for LS1 11/7

live jazz twice a day

Bar/Restaurant MONONI (on south side of junction of Greek Street and Park Row), is now putting on jazz twice daily (12pm-2pm and 6pm-8pm) and Sunday Lunch (2pm-6pm) in their piano bar. Featuring recent graduates from LCM such as pianists Matt Bourne, Jami Sheriff and Dave Skinner and saxophonist Jim Corry.

  • Weekdays 12pm-2pm and 6pm-8pm
  • Sundays 2-6pm
  • Free entry
  • For more information call 0113 243 1808


The Government defeats 'small events' exemption 3/7

Hamish Birchill explains implications for live music in the new Licencing Act following Thursdays defeat of Lib Dem/Conservative coalition in the Lords. Lobbying co-ordinated by The Musicians Union has gained some notable exemptions in the new bill. Read full details in his report.

Find out what the new bill means to the future of live music in pubs and bars. Below you'll find links to copies of all the recent emails from Musicians Union campaigner Hamish Birchill

  • Summary Report 3/7

Help Save Live Music! 3/7

Licensing Bill - House of Lords - Thursday 03 July 2003
Live music - small events exemption

Hamish Birchill says "The Lib Dem/Conservative coalition in the Lords is under pressure. Within the last 24 hours the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Local Government Association (LGA) have written to all Peers warning against the exemption. This development, combined with limited and somewhat irrational concessions by the Government for unamplified performance (licensable, but not subject to conditions initially) might persuade Liberal Democrats to accept the Government position and not to vote with the Conservatives tomorrow. The Conservatives will stick to the small events exemption, but unless they have the support of Liberal Democrats, or Cross Benchers, they cannot win a vote. Lobby Liberal Democrats and Cross Benchers now!"

Read full email | Find out more at Musicans Union


New Jazz web sites 12/6

Black and white drawings of the great jazz artists by Illustrator Alastair Graham. Follow link on his site to Jazz Folio where there are Flash animations.

www.smart-arts.co.uk

New web site offering jazz cds that are normally only available at gigs. Bands offering cds should contact them. Leeds band Saudade have CD on stock list.


Borah Bergman/Lol Coxhill/Paul Hession 4/6

On Saturday 7th June Improvised Music Leeds present US Pianist in a special limited ticket concert at Besbrode Pianos, Holbeck, with Paul Hession drums and legendary UK improvisor Lol Coxhill saxs. Borah Bergman has been widely acclaimed for his astonishing technique and musical intelligence.

There will only be 50 tickets available for this concert. They cost £10 each and must be purchased in advance. The concert will start at 4pm and finish around 6:30pm. Refreshments will be available. 

Saturday 7th June 4pm
Besbrode Pianos
Holbeck Lane
Leeds LS11

A duo consisting of guitar and vocals, Darren and Patricia play classic songs from the jazz and swing era in their own unique style
Darren Dutson-Bromley / Patricia King
new gig Bingley 3/6

On Thursday 12th June, Darren Dutson-Bromley and Patricia King perform an evening of jazz and blues with their band at the Old Queens Head pub, Main St. Bingley. 8:30pm start, admission free.

More info >> www.jazzdbk.com


PizzaExpress Street Jazz Competition 2003 30/5

Young jazz musicians from Leeds have the chance to enter the PizzaExpress Street Jazz competition with a top prize of £1000 and a gig at the PizzaExpress Jazz Club in Soho.

Entrants will be asked for a solo acoustic performance at one of four outdoor regional heats taking place in June in Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh, and London. Performances will be judged by a panel of jazz experts, led by Peter Wallis, manager of the PizzaExpress Jazz Club in Soho, London. The final will take place in August in the PizzaExpress Jazz Club.

More info >> phone 020 7861 2424 / streetjazz@qbo-bellpottinger.co.uk

New Soul Band 30/5
Rhys Phillips
Rhys Phillips

While not strictly jazz, Harrogate drummer Rhys Phillips has put together an impressive line-up of jazz players for a new soul band. LCM singing teacher Nicky Allen will be fronting the band. Two new names are blues guitar man Phil Dean (current LCM student who also leads own band) and masterful young electric bassist Scot Devine. 

Nicky Allen - vocals 
Nigel Harrison - vocals and percussion 
Andy Cholerton - keyboards
Brendan Duffy - sax
Jon Taylor - sax
Phil Dean - guitar
Scot Devine - bass
Rhys Phillips - drums

More >> RPYamaha@aol.com | Rhys Phillips Home Page


Latin Guitar
Saudade Gig Listings 30/5

Popular Latin / Bossa group Saudade have an busy schedule of upcoming gigs over the next few months. As well as having long running residencies at Dimitri's and Bar Norman, the band has set up gigs at some of the newest cafe bars in Leeds including Firefly on Park Row. They also have 2 nights at Matt and Phred's jazz club in Manchester.

More info >> Saudade Gigs Listing | www.saudade.co.uk


All Brass and Woodwind - new premises 27/5
All Brass and Woodwind

All Brass & Woodwind are moving into new premises near to Leeds College of Music on Monday June 2. The new shop will will be easily accessible with car parking on site. The old shop, upstairs by the Adelphi Pub, was as an essential drop in point for local musicians and visiting players including Antonio Hart, Bob Berg and Chris Potter - more details on their web site.

Dave Walker says
"We will continue to provide an efficient service for all your musical instrument purchases, repairs and with the advantage of increased space, a far more comprehensive selection of accessories will be stocked. We will also be stocking for strings and percussion as well as brass and woodwind. We look forward to welcoming you soon in our new super store."

  • Opening Monday June 2
  • All Brass and Woodwind
    82 York Street / Arch 70
    Leeds LS9 8AB
  • MAP
  • 0113 244 2252 (new phone number)
  • web site www.musicshops.tv
Juliet Kelly at Mansion Hotel 20 May 12/5
Juliet Kelly
Juliet Kelly www.julietkelly.com

Juliet Kelly is a cool, sophisticated singer and songwriter with a fresh and exciting approach to jazz. Her smooth, velvety tones are reminiscent of the original jazz divas but she has a unique and distinctive sound which combines the lyrical style of jazz standards with a modern, contemporary feel. Her original songs feature her beautiful, haunting vocals over laid-back grooves which she describes as "Acoustic Groove".

This is a rare chance to see one of the latest generation of up-and-coming UK singers with a top band of fellow London players. £3 on door

News update from Juliet 13 May 2003

Stolen! Drum Kit 10/5

Tim Brickel had his complete drum kit stolen from his car on Friday night 9 May. If any one notices any 'Free Ads' or similar offering a Premier XPK limited edition jazz kit ( light colour wood ) would they contact him straight away. Chances are the thieves have no idea of the value of the kit. Tim also lost a bag with all his teaching material.

Singer's Night returns 15 May 7/5

While I have no news to report about a possible return to the Duck and Drake I can confirm that Singer's Night will be going ahead this month upstairs at Sutra. Sutra is the bar on the corner across the street from The Duck and Drake. Guest host will be professional singer / pianist and LCM graduate Linley Weir. Since leaving college in '97 Linley has held residencies at the Tokyo Hilton, Japan and the Abu Dhabi Grand Hotel in the Middle East. She will be bringing a wealth of experience to the night. 

Singer's Night Thursday 15 May 2003
     guest Sandra Pehrsson with 
     Jason Scott - piano, 
     Nigel Slee - bass and 
     Tim Brickel - drums
Upstairs at Sutra 0113 243 0200
(bar on corner opp. The Duck and Drake)

Lobby MPs and the press directly from the MU website 16/4
peace demo

Anyone concerned about the Licensing Bill can now lobby their MP and local press directly from the Musicians' Union website. In addition to a pre-prepared text that can be sent automatically to your MP and the press, the site is running a Poll and a new petition highlighting the findings of the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

It's easy to find your MP - the MU site automatically identifies him / her from your post code.

Welcome Oliver Hudson-Slee! 11/4

Liz and I are thrilled to report that we've had a boy, Oliver, 8lb 12oz. He finally put in an appearance at 2.29pm Thursday 10 April. Mum and baby now home and doing fine. Check out the size of those fingers. 3 hours old and he's already practising the moves for double bass! A big thanks to all the great folk at The Clarendon Wing at Leeds General Infirmary. Dad (Nigel Slee)


Duck and Drake - jazz nights on hold 29/3

I am sorry to report that I have had to suspend the jazz nights at The Duck and Drake as from Monday 31st March and until further notice. I have been working hard to resolve the problems that have arisen but in the mean time I'll be looking for alternative venues.

If you have any suggestions for an alternative venue for either the jam session, singers night or the guest band night please let me know.

It's my intention to continue these nights as soon as possible and I will keep you informed via this site and emails. Otherwise you can contact me on 0113 263 0649.

I'm sorry for the inconvenience this will cause to those of you who have supported these events over the last seven years. Thanks for all the emails - it's not too late to send an email showing your support. This will help us to either return to the Duck and Drake or secure a new venue.
N.B. I have no connection with the new Monday night jam session at the Wardrobe.

Help save Jazz at the Duck and Drake 3/26

Due to recent events the future of the Monday and Thursday jazz nights at the Duck and Drake is uncertain. I am currently in urgent negotiations with the owner to resolve the problems and would really appreciate any support you can give in this matter. Please reply with an email in support of these nights - even if it's just a couple of lines outlining what these gigs mean to you. In addition if you could spread the word about make the gig tomorrow night (details below) and make it along your support would be greatly appreciated. In the worst case this might be the last jazz gig at this venue. thanks for your continued support, Nigel Slee 

Naadia Sheriff Trio 
with guest Ben Martin on tenor saxophone.
Thursday 27th March 
at The Duck and Drake
  
"Ben Martin is a terrific straight-ahead 
jazz sax player who really goes for it. He 
means everything he plays and doesn't just 
sit back and ride on clichés. His talents 
have also been exploited on the dance scene 
and he has recently been touring and 
recording with top charting dance act 
Groove Armada. He's played several times for 
Hulljazz over the last few years as part of 
a quartet led by ace guitarist Pat McCarthy" 
Ken Ford, Hull Jazz"
 
Naadia Sheriff - piano
Jenny Malloy - double bass
Caroline Bowden - drums
 
9pm start

Send Fax to your MP Monday 24 March 3/23

2-in-a-bar Update from Hamish Birchill

On Monday (24 March) MPs will debate the Licensing Bill for the first time. If you support the idea of an exemption (or automatic permission) for small-scale gigs, please fax your MP now (suggested text via link at the end of this message): www.faxyourmp.com The site automatically identifies MPs from post codes.

The Government will strongly resist the small events exemption won by Opposition Peers on 11 March. This exemption would allow entertainment up to 11.30pm, no more than 250 attending at any one time. The Government's probable line of attack was disclosed in this week's Stage newspaper: '[the exemption] would put children at risk and cause misery for local residents. It wholly ignores fire and safety and crime prevention. Just because there are fewer people doesn't mean there is less risk as there are fewer injuries and deaths.' [quote by spokeswoman for the Department for Culture, The Stage, 20 March 2003, p5]

See full copy of Hamish's email + Fax Text

Musically enhanced demo Saturday 14 March 3/12
peace demo

BassaBassa and friends are up for this next Saturday, Art Gallery, 12 noon. All musicians welcome to join us, or indeed provide their own musical focus. Any instruments welcome, loud ones inc percussion are the most effective.

Also: Next Friday evening 14 March at Cardigan Arms upstairs :
Dino Cassino (9pm) and BassaBassa (10pm)
benefit to raise spirits as well as funds for the impending tussle. We could well have a lot of demos and pressure ahead of us. Rich Scott

New Web Sites 3/11
guitarist Stuart McCallum Stuart McCallum     www.stuartmccallum.com

24-year-old guitarist Stuart McCallum is a frequent visitor to Leeds from his home town of Manchester - most recently with his sextet at the Duck and Drake and the Ben Crosland Quartet. He is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the most original UK guitarists to emerge in recent times. He has played and recorded with British jazz stars such as John Surman and Don Weller, as well as musicians from bands such as Texas, Jamiroquai, Simply Red, Brand New Heavies, Morcheeba, Dust Junkies, Lighthouse Family, Bryan Ferry, Lamb and LTJ Bukem. On 14th April he'll be at Ronnie Scotts, London, for a week with the Geoff Gascoyne Quartet.


Howells made to face the music 3/12

The Guardian 4/3/2003 has a report that Culture minister Kim Howells has had to back down on the unpopular licensing bill and has agreed to work with the Musician's Union on a revision. The online petition now has over 70,000 signatures and is credited with helping bring around the turn-around. Basically the new bill would have made any live music performance in pubs, schools, village halls require a license. Visit the petition web site (link at top of site) to find out more.

post script from Hamish Birchill
Re: Guardian (04 March) report with sub-heading 'Culture Minister backs down on unpopular licensing Bill and agrees to work with Musicians' Union'.

This was, unfortunately, premature. General Secretary John Smith met Kim Howells yesterday. The meeting was constructive, but the Minister made it clear that he would not accept changes to the Bill, including any unamplified exemption. We have proposed amendments to the joint statement reflecting our fundamental difficulty with the proposed regime. At the time of writing the DCMS has yet to respond. It is likely John Smith will issue his own press release.

http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/articles/mu_opposes01.shtml (page down to 'Standardised fees alone will not revitalise live music').



Jazz FM under fire for playing too much pop 3/11

By Chris Hastings and Susan Bisset (Filed: 02/03/2003) The Daily Telegraph
Jazz FM, Britain's only specialist jazz radio station, is being investigated by the industry's watchdog after criticism that its programmes are increasingly full of pop music. The Radio Authority is looking into claims that the station, which was set up 13 years ago to cater for jazz fans, has breached its licence by scaling back the amount of jazz it plays - replacing it with chart hits that will increase its audience.



Jazz Workshops 3/11

Dominic Moore is running another course of jazz workshops at Leeds Metropolitan University. They will now take place in Room F315 which is on the 3rd floor of F Block on the city campus. Players should contact: Dominic Moore 0113 294 4329

Five weeks on Tuesday evenings 7 - 9 pm starting 11 March - 8 April.


Paul Hession/George Haslam/Matt Bourne
Adelphi, Thursday 20 February 2003 2/18
Paul Hession playing with Peter Brotzmann - photo by Muttonchops.
Special gig this week with:
  • George Haslam (baritone sax/tarogato)
  • Paul Hession (drums)
  • Matt Bourne(Fender Rhodes).
The Adelphi, Hunslet Road, Leeds
8.30pm, £4/£3

"It is not easy to find much mention in jazz histories of George Haslam, the gifted Oxfordshire-based saxophonist, or the innovative SLAM Records label he founded. Yet he has had a diverse, if subterranean, international career. Haslam has also preferred an unusual instrument - the weighty baritone sax. For this Pendle Hawk tour, he is working with British percussionist Paul Hession, a drummer of subtlety and power. Hession can play with typhoon-like energy, but he's also a shrewd investigator of the softer sonics of drums, and he and Haslam have an understanding that anchors the sometimes bewildering dimensions of free-jazz".Guardian Guide (15 Feb 2003)

More >>

Sunday Jazz at the Grove Inn 2/5

The popular 'Jazz Club at the Grove Inn' organised by Carol Eve Bell is now fixed on the second Sunday of the month. Next gig:

  • Feb 9 Jon Taylor on sax, Carol Eve Bell - vocals, Dave Skinner - piano, Chris Sykes - drums and Jenny Malloy - bass. 8:30pm
  • See Gigs / Sundays

The Grove Inn, Back Row, Leeds 11 (0113) 243 9254 streetmap

Valentines Stacey Kent Gig 2/8
Stacey Kent

Ptarmigan Productions present Stacey Kent for a unique Valentine Concert at the West Yorkshire Playhouse on Sunday Febraury 16. Voted 'Best Vocalist' at the 2001 and 2002 British Jazz Awards, Stacey has just released her fifth album, 'In Love Again' which features the music of Richard Rodgers.

More >> www.leedsconcertseason.com  | www.staceykent.com

West Yorkshire Playhouse, Quarry Hill, LS2 7UP (0113) 213 7700


The Wardrobe
New Big Band Night 2/7

The Wardobe has started a new night featuring Big Bands. The next two nights feature bands from Leeds College of Music. Tickets will be available in advance from The Wardrobe for this gig.

  • Tuesday 25th March The Al Wood Big Band
  • Tuesday 29th April The Duke Ellington Repertory Orchestra.
  • Band on stage 8pm.

The Wardrobe, 6 St Peters Buildings, St Peters Square, (next to the West Yorkshire Playhouse) Leeds. 0113 383 8800. www.the-wardrobe.co.uk

Rowley Lickly's 90th Birthday 28/1
Rowley Lickley
Rowley is a very well known, and popular, face at jazz gigs all over Leeds. He's been listening to jazz before it was even called jazz - just 'hot music'. His birthday is Thursday 30th January and we're have a special musical party for him at the Duck and Drake, Kirkgate.

More info >>  Interview with Rowley

55,629 Reasons to Save Live Music! 1/25
There is great concern that the new Licensing Bill proposals will dramatically effect the performance of live music in all manner of public places. While removing the old 2-in-a-bar restrictions, the cost of the new license could make live music too expensive to put on.

There is now a web site with a petition to the UK Government. If you care about the future of live music add your name to the petition right away. You'll be joining 55,629 other names to date. Email your friends and ask them to do the same. On the 2-in-a-bar page on this site you'll find other ways you can express your concern.

sign or
  Help save live music
NO LIVE
MUSIC
Sign Petition Today!
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/2inabar/

More info >>  [ 2-in-a-Bar ]
New Snap Shot Gallery 17/1
Snap Shot Gallery
There is now a new thumbnail gallery for the pictures that appear in the 'Snap Shot' section of this page. The 'Snap Shot' window picture is randomly changed when your screen refreshes, or every time you visit the site. Now you can browse all the pictures at your leisure. The page can be opened from either the Photographers Gallery section (right) or by clicking the Snap Shot picture (bottom right). Do you have a shot for the site?

Jazz Thursday 16 January 15/1
Singers Night 16 Jan at The Duck and Drake. Cuban Violinist Omar Puente is playing on Thursdays in a duo with fellow expat Jesus on piano at Viva Cuba, Kirkstall Road (opp. Warner Village).

Cat Pack Big Band now gigging 16/1
The Cat Pack Big Band take a break from rehearsing, Summer 2002

The Cat Pack Big Band played their first warm up gig at The Primrose last Saturday. Will we ever see a 19 piece band in such a small venue ever again! It was a great night with the band playing for nearly three hours. Future gigs listed below: www.thecatpack.net 

Sa Feb 1 West Leeds Railwaymens Club, 
Wortley (just off Armley gyratory). 
Free entrance.

Sat Feb 15 The Horsforth Hop, 
Horsforth Social Club,
Hall Lane, Horsforth. 
Tickets £4 (Tel: 07831 093824).

Sunday Feb 23rd Bien Venue, Lowtown, 
Pudsey. £6 on door, £5
tickets in advance, from TFB's wine bar, 
Lowtown, Pudsey 
(Tel: 0113 2040402) or 07710 614622.

Friday Mar 14 Royal Park Cellar, 
Headingley. £2 on door.

Friday Apr 4 Ritz Ballroom, 
Bradford Road, Brighouse
(Raucous Records / The Cat Pack 
CD launch party).
Tickets £5 available at 
the venue (Tel: 01484 720058).

Visit previous news pages >>  2  |  3  |  3  |  5  |  6 
Here are some recent news items you'll find on page 2
Christmas Card from Russell Swift

Seasons Greetings!

Leeds branch MU members protest about use of recorded Panto music

MU Panto Protest

Leeds band Saudade now have a web site

Saudade web site
new web site
Paul Corry has launched a new version of his web site

Paul Corry
 new web site! 
Peter Sklaroff has launched a new version of his web site

Pete

Sklaroff
new web site

singer Ella Rooke now has a web site at www.ellarooke.com

Ella Rooke
 new web site! 

Bryan Davis now has a new web site

Bryan Davis
 new web site! 

 The Cat Pack Big Band take a break from rehearsing, Summer 2002

Cat Pack Big Band
 new web site! 

The Haggis Horns

Haggis Horns
 new web site! 

Termite Club - free - jazz - molten - noise - furiously - out - folk - nightmare - drone - minimal -loop - electro - acoustic and other extreme and experimental musics

Termite Club

 Carol Eve Bell, Jenny Malloy and Tony Burkhill on the first Sunday at Grove Inn

Grove Inn Jazz Club

jonny polanco

New Salsa
Night at HiFi

Rod Mason aka The Room Darkener

Rod Mason
 new web site! 

Chapel Allerton

Festival 2002

African Kora player Seikou Susso

Seikou Susso
 new web site! 
Russell Van Den Berg
Russell Van Den
Berg Leeds Gig 		Ed O

Ed O'Donnell at Eagle

 Rev Chunky

Rev Chunky
 new web site!