The UK CLUBNIGHT! at JazzAhead was a highlight of the returned UK presence at JazzAhead this year (*). Having not had a stand or a showcase in recent years, it was such a delight to see artists from the vibrant scene from the UK.
In Tor 40, a trendy Bremen warehouse venue next to the Güterbahnhof (goods station), and close to the conference venue, Betty Accorsi‘s trio started the night off. Accompanied by Myra Brownbridge on Double Bass and her husband Andrea Martelloni on Guitar, she shared stories behind her original songs and delighted the audience with her compositions and her beautiful tone on the soprano saxophone. They started the evening off beautifully. It ain’t easy going first!
Next up, Tori Freestone and Alcyona Mick‘s duo set was fascinating. Piano and Flute/Tenor it’s clear that their long-standing musical friendship has contributed to their playing. Interesting originals and some really simple but engaging arrangements – especially their move from Thelonious Monk’s Criss Cross straight into Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now. It was a gorgeous transition.
Ilario Ferrari‘s Trio was yet again something altogether different. It was so nice to see such a wide variety of musicians and styles being shared on the stage. His trio shared songs from his new release all about ‘belonging’. The stories he told added to his creative composition style, sharing both instrumental and vocal features. Myra Brownbridge made another appearance on the bandstand as well as Eric Young on drums.
The fourth feature was a special treat from the new large ensemble Mama Terra from Scotland. They also had a showcase featured at the Schlachthof the following night so possibly their CLUBNIGHT! performance was a practice run – but you’d never never have known it.
The ‘spiritually’ influenced original jazz/soul group fronted by Marco Cafolla (p, key) and Konrad Wiszniewski (sax) features Rachel Lightbody (voc), Cameron Jay (flgn), Michael Owers (tb), Brodie Jarvie (b), Doug Hough (d) and has been receiving wonderful reviews, press and radio play. Some of the audience enjoyed it so much, they went again the next night to find that they, of course, only got better. This is definitely the next one to watch on the UK scene.
The night ended with one of the only ‘jam sessions’ at Jazzahead. Led by saxophonist, Aaron Liddard, there were many special guests who sat in (ON FACEBOOK VIDEO) , including alternate UK CLUBNIGHT! feature, Emma Smith and her trio of Jamie Safir, Joe Lee and Luke Tomlinson who had performed two storming sets earlier in the evening, making her own-name German debut at a packed Cafe Sand by the Weser river (picture from that show below
An evening of excellence, which is sure to only set the standard for years to come!
(*) The UK CLUBNIGHT was produced by Peter Conway Promotions and presented by Joe Paice. The presence of Mama Terra in Bremen was supported by Creative Scotland and the PRS Foundation
Photos by band/audience members
