In just a few years, Nod Knowles’ January jazz jamboree in Bath has become a bit of a local institution, as well as being the first notable jazz event of the year anywhere in the country.
The programme for the first weekend of 2025 looks like the best yet. It draws mainly on UK musicians, often those based in the South West, along with a few Europeans who might not otherwise be seen on these shores. This year that brings us Laura Jurd’s new quartet, topping the bill on Friday night, one new trio venture from Saxophonist Ian Ballamy, Molecatcher (don’t ask) with Rob Luft on guitar and Conor Chaplin on bass, and another featuring committed improvisers Larry Stabbins, sax and Mark Sanders on drums with the remarkable French-resident bassist Paul Rogers, who will get to work on Sunday afternoon.
More familiar UK line-ups also appearing include two sextets on Saturday afternoon, when Kevin Figes’ excellent tribute to Keith Tippett’s compositions and arrangements, We Are Here, follows on from altoist Dee Byrne’s Outlines.
From farther afield, the are also sets from Fraser Fifield’s Secret Path Trio, down from Scotland, and the intriguing Netherlands-based singer and pianist Nani Vazana, who is weaving new songs from her roots in Morocco using the Ladino language. The whole thing is topped and tailed by pianist Ky Osborne’s quartet who begin the live music on Friday evening, and Huw Warren’s beautiful duo collaboration with singer and violinist Angharad Jenkins, with their unique set of old Welsh carols that mark the turn of the year.
That will be a neat festive closer for a January gig, and an apt way to kick off a new year’s listening to quality live music. The whole thing happens in the comfortable confines of Bath’s Widcombe Social Club, a handy five-minute walk from Bath Spa Station for out of town visitors, and is highly recommended.
