jazz music feature
13 To See: Jazz
2008 Festival Preview
You have to arrive early at the Edinburgh Festival if you're a jazz fan because the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, the ten day festival of top jazz and blues music, takes place in Week 0, before the rest of the Festival is officially up and running. By the time you read this, the J&B festival will be several days in. But if you're quick there are still plenty of opportunities to dip in during the next few days. And there's also good jazz at the Fringe that's worth checking out.
David Murray Black Saint Quartet
Murray has recorded over 130 albums since 1975 but, despite his aging years, is still in his prime. In this gig with the Black Saint Quartet he's calling back to, and building on, his funk roots.
The Hub, 29 Jul, 7.30pm, prices vary.
Arild Andersen, Tommy Smith, Alyn Cosker
Top Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith is fresh from summer activity with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. Norwegian bassist Andersen is one of Europe's leading bass players. Cosker is recognised as one of the hottest young drummers on the scene. A very fine night is in store.
The Hub, 1 Aug, 6.00pm, prices vary.
Brass Jaw
The balance of this band swings towards wind instruments but their cohesiveness and collective outlook make for some classy scores. The Herald reckon "above all, they communicate a feeling of enjoyment alongside the passion".
30 Jul, 9.00pm, The Lot, £8.50.
Chris Grieve Sextet / Trianglehead
Trombonist Chris Grieve's new band includes resonant trumpeter Ryan Quigley and intuitive guitarist Mario Caribe, so we're talking a sound that's both exciting and distinct. Plus Trianglehead, a young band full of fizz who take an experimental approach.
31 Jul, 7.30pm, Three Sisters, £8.50
Lee Ritenour
One of the premier jazz guitarists with his very own relaxing and uplifting style. Here he fronts a first-rate funk band including Patrice Rushen on keys, Melvin Davis on bass and Alex Acuna on drums.
31 Jul, 7.30pm, The Hub, prices vary.
Omar Sosa Trio
A pianist and percussionist with plenty of drive and imagination, Sosa's roots are Afro-Cuban and influenced by the folkloric music of the Esmeraldas, but over time he has fused this with electronic and urban sounds. Expect a powerful, emotional and inspiring performance.
Queen's Hall, 2 Aug, 8.30pm, prices vary.
Topsy Chapman and Becky Kilgore
Two worldly wise ladies of jazz are joined by an ace traditional backing group. Gospel singer Chapman is set to be a luminary of this festival while Kilgore is a song stylist of 30s and 40s tunes.
Spiegeltent, 3 Aug, 8.30pm, £15.00.
Jon Cleary and The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
Cleary has been on the New Orleans scene for years delivering an individual shade of funk and syncopation. "A knack for coupling infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics combine for R'n'B as broad, deep and roiling as the Mississippi river" say those Rolling Stone chaps.
Spiegeltent, 29 Jul, 9.30pm, £15.00.
Soweto Gospel Choir In Concert
Originally formed to celebrate the power of American Gospel and to share the joy of faith, the inspiring Soweto choir have played all over the world, including recently accompanying Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday celebrations in London.
Assembly @ George Street, From 3 Aug, times vary, £18.00, fpp 165
Alex Yellowlees Jazz Quartet
Alex has been called the "Scottish Grappelli" and has terrific dexterity with infectious energy. He's dazzled audiences throughout Europe and this evening plays with Kenny Ellis on bass and Mike Nisbet and Ged Brockie on guitars.
Acoustic Music Centre @ St Brides, 9 Aug, 9.00pm, £10.00, fpp 139
Tony Monaco Organ Trio
Ohio-born Monaco has achieved international success on the Hammond B-3 Jazz Organ as a great communicator of jazz. He is also known to play some serious swing and is accompanied this evening by US drummer Adam Sorensen.
The Jazz Bar, from 4 Aug, 9.00pm, £6.00, fpp 166
The Jive Aces
They are six lads with an enthusiasm for Rock 'n' Roll who play anything from Louis Prima to Elvis Presley. This spirit-raising beat will get you up and Lindyhopping all night.
City Edinburgh, 11-13 Aug, 9.15pm, £10.00, fpp 155
Valery Ponomarev Quintet
This New York-based trumpeter, who has played as member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, recently returned to his home nation to participate in the First International Jazz Festival in Moscow. The five musicians he plays with tonight include Saxophonist Tim Armacost; making it double recommended from us here at ThreeWeeks.
The Jazz Bar, Aug 11-17, 11.00pm, £6.00, fpp 166
published: Oct-2008
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