March Jazz News
Greetings Jazz lovers,
The February jazz gig proved that jazz in Wales is in the hands of some jolly talented and enthusiastic young people. The Mingus Project was very well received by a full room at The Plas, and their live CD is highly recommended.
Several of your committee members will attend a meeting with music teachers and pupils this week hoping to advance our youth band project. More news on this later.
Our next gig features a quintet of players all of whom have put in the work to be recognised on the national jazz scene as creative masters.
Pianist and composer, Dave Jones leads his fine band with Andy Hague (trumpet doubling flugelhorn), Ben Waghorn (tenor saxophone), Ashley John Long (bass) and Ryan Thrupp (drum kit). We know and enjoy Dave’s original tunes and his recent take on the music of Kenny Garret. (PICTURE)
“ … a funky bass and drum groove and a punchy, horn driven theme, with trumpet and tenor later diverging to deliver some scintillating horn interplay that mixed fire with subtlety, qualities that Jones also brought to a sparkling piano solo.” – Ian Mann, JazzMann 26/02/2023
Please note that Narberth Jazz will be holding its AGM at The Plas Hotel at this event on the 21st March 2024, at 7pm; before the gig at 8pm and you are welcome to attend and have your say on the running of the charity.
Apparently Tenby Jazz are having trouble with their venue, The Imperial hotel and will be unable to hold a Jazz brunch this month.
Swansea Jazz has moved to a new venue, Cu Mumbles, 7 Castleton Walk Arcade, Newton Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4AX Their next event features The Dave Jones Quintet on 6th. March.
Renowned saxophonist and rapper Soweto Kinch is to front a new-look jazz show on BBC Radio 3.
The Birmingham-born musician will host Jazz Now alongside singer Emma Smith and Irish trumpeter Al Ryan every Monday night from 4 April.
It replaces Jazz On 3, which has been running for 18 years. That show’s host, Jez Nelson, will move to Jazz FM.
Kinch said he wanted the new show to “shake up our jazz world with a bit of controversy”.
Its remit is to explore the “vibrant new and underground jazz scene” – broadcasting from car parks and dance music clubs as well as established jazz venues.
Finally a beautiful tribute to Stan Tracy can be found here https://youtu.be/Vnwpzhs6FI8?si=NSi4-_2uiEufJfsm
Have a good launch into spring and we look forward to seeing you soon
Best wishes from the NJ team.