Tony Dudley-Evans has just attended the 7th European Jazz Conference, held at the Telliskivi Creative City in Tallinn, Estonia between 16 and 19 September 2021. Here is his report in six parts: The Europe Jazz Network now has 172 members [...]
Steve Tyrell is a larger-than-life 76 year old who has practically done it all in the music business. A former R&B band singer from Houston Texas, who chose his professional name while driving through the town of Tyrell, he moved [...]
The 38th of Jon Turney’s weekly selections is a notable transatlantic collaboration. Big Air were a brilliant UK-US collaboration featuring trumpeter Chris Batchelor and multi-reeds player Steve Buckley, two of the horn players from Loose Tubes who went on to [...]
Whether in concert or a studio setting, Monty Alexander never ceases to communicate his joy and passion for jazz. Captured live at the 1976 Montreux Festival on the shores of Lake Geneva, this recording best exemplifies Monty Alexander’s infectious joie [...]
For many, coming back onstage post-pandemic feels like walking towards an old friend to whom one hasn’t spoken for years. What if conversation is stilted; what if it’s like starting again from scratch? Not for Acoustic Triangle. After two postponements, [...]
This fine collection of new arrangements of 1960s Antonio Carlos Jobim tunes has been my motoring companion of choice for several weeks, and a very likeable one it is too. A largely instrumental album, it features the eight-piece ensemble of [...]
Ron Carter once said of Czech bassist George (Jiří) Mraz, who passed away on 16 September 2021 at the age of 77: “Wonderfully chosen notes + great intonation + beautiful sound + a nice guy = George Mraz.” And Richie [...]
The spirit of Gil Scott-Heron reigned supreme at the Jazz Cafe on 1 September during a well-received tribute concert in honour of the emblematic poet, singer, and musician, whose highly acclaimed albums and performances of the 1970s and 80s pre-figured [...]
