Scarborough Jazz Festival this weekend

Mike Gordon and his team have been working hard and are almost ready to open the doors to the 2016 Scarborough Jazz Festival. Kicking off on Friday 23rs September and running until Sunday 25th, festival-goers will be treated to a jam-packed programme.

Mike Gordon says...

After the incredible complimentary evaluations we received for the 2015 festival I knew it was going to be a tough challenge to do better this year.  But I think we might have done it with an impressive, balanced, entertaining line-up.

Rousing big bands: Abstract Truth Band, SJ Jazz Orchestra.
Superb vocalists: Liane Carroll, Georgia Mancio, Nicola Farnon, Vimala.
Rhythmic variations: Pan Jumby, Vula Viel, Adam Glasser.
Swinging modern jazz: Sax Section, Benn Clatworthy, Brandon Allen, ARQ, Waterman/Nightingale/Barnes, Williams & Clowes,
Something different: ‘Charlie Parker On Dial’, Malija.
Rising stars: Artephis

And a wonderful venue! All strung together by our compere Alan Barnes.

(A special mention goes to Artephis, who appear at the festival through the Jazz North Introduces scheme. The band have performed at 7 jazz festivals during the scheme and what better way to end their time than at the Scarborough Jazz Festival!)

For more information, visit the Scarborough Jazz Festival website.

Young Musicians - Apply now for Jazz North Introduces

Applications for Jazz North Introduces will be accepted online until June 22nd 2016 and Jazz North is asking teachers, musicians and youth music leaders to spread the word about this great opportunity for exceptional young jazz musicians.

The scheme is open to musicians under 25 and is designed to support emerging ensembles to further their careers by offering mentorship, advice on promotion and marketing and the opportunity to perform at a number of high profile jazz festivals across the North.

Successful applicants will receive -

• a high profile performance opportunity at 5 or more leading northern jazz festivals
• the gigs will be paid and expenses will be covered
• photo shoot for the band
• video showreel for the band
• help with producing EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
• mentoring from leading UK jazz artists

There is also a special award given to one band in the Under 19 category. This band will receive a day of mentoring with a leading UK jazz artist and a performance opportunity at a Northern jazz venue.

Applications can be made online by visiting the Jazz North website, where you can also find more information about the previous recipients of Jazz North Introduces - Stretch Trio, Jam Experiment and Artephis.

Hull Jazz Festival Winter Edition

Between 20th and 22nd November, J-Night in Hull will host its 23rd annual Hull Jazz Festival Winter Edition.

Taking place at the Hull Truck Theatre, the festival programme highlights J-Night's commitment to showcasing emerging jazz talent alongside established acts. Opening the festival on Friday 20th November, Jazz North Introduces 2015 winners Artephis will perform followed by the Alumni Band from the City of Hull Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Saturday's proceedings are led by bassist Gary Crosby with his Groundation - Singing Freedom! project. He brings with him a group of musicians connected to Tomorrow's Warriors including Binker Golding and Shirley Tetteh. NYJO perform later that evening and are joined by the City of Hull Youth Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Aesthetic and local school groups. Finishing off Saturday, saxophonist Andy Sheppard brings his Surrounded By Sea project to peform.

Finally, Sunday features LCoM alumnus Matt Holborn's Gypsy Jazz project for a Jazz Brunch.

Individual tickets are available from both the Hull Truck Theatre and Hull Uni and there is also a Festival Saver Ticket which means 3 gigs for the price of 2.

Information on the programme and tickets can be found on the J-Night website.

Artephis announced as Jazz North Introduces latest group

Artephis, a Manchester based quintet, has been announced as the latest addition to the Jazz North Introduces scheme.

The band are students at the Royal Northern College of Music and formed a year ago. They have a repertoire made up of both original material and material from their influences - Christian Scott, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis and Pat Metheny.

Artephis will receive mentoring and help with the development of an EPK as well as performances at six high profile jazz festivals -

19th September - Lancaster Jazz Festival
10th October -  Marsden Jazz Festival
24th January - Southport Melodic Jazz
28th February - Liverpool International Jazz Festival
23rd September - Scarborough Jazz Festival

You can find out more about the Jazz North Introduces scheme on their website and you can check out some recordings of Artephis on their soundcloud page.