LCoM Contemporary Jazz Orchestra ft. Iain Ballamy, March 27th

Internationally renowned saxophonist Iain Ballamy will be the featured soloist with LCoM's Contemporary Jazz Orchestra in a special concert at The Venue on March 27th.

The programme will be comprised entirely of Ballamy's music, arranged by Head of Jazz at Guildhall Malcolm Edmonstone. The orchestra will be directed by trumpeter and part of the LCoM faculty, Mark Chandler.

Tickets cost £8/5 and can be bought online through the LCoM website or on the door.

From the LCoM website...

 ECM recording artist Iain Ballamy is an internationally recognised saxophonist and composer who has been variously described as urbane, original, freethinking and uncompromising.
 
Listed in the BBC’s publication ‘100 Jazz Greats’ between Count Basie and Chet Baker, Ballamy’s work is contemporary with both strong jazz and classical references and yet un-encumbered by formality and tradition.
 
Over three decades spent transcending musical genres and stereotypes and by forging strong and ongoing relationships with musicians around the globe, Ballamy has worked with many cutting-edge figures of today’s contemporary Jazz scene.
 
Ballamy was presented with the BBC Jazz Award for Innovation in 2001.

Liverpool International Jazz Festival, 23rd - 27th February

The fifth annual Liverpool International Jazz Festival takes place between 23rd and 26th February at the Capstone Theatre. The festival has become synonymous with varied and ambitious programming and glance at this year’s festival shows it’s no different this time round.

MOBO award-winning Sons of Kemet open the festival with a bang on the 23rd, supported by one of the North West’s favourite groups, Blind Monk Trio.

Friday 24th sees a performance by Mammal Hands, a Manchester quartet signed to Matthew Halsall’s Gondwana Records. Their support is provided by Jazz North Introduces ensemble, Sam Quintana’s Wandering Monster.

On Saturday, Austrian pianist David Helbock performs with his trio.

Sunday will feature a saxophone workshop by one of the UK’s most beloved musicians, Iain Ballamy at 11am, followed by a duo concert featuring Iain along with Huw Warren.

For full details on the festival, visit the Liverpool International Jazz Festival website.

Jazz at Howard Assembly Room - Early 2015

Howard Assembly Room in Leeds have announced their programme of events for early 2015 and have included three high profile jazz gigs in February and March featuring a host of internationally renowned musicians.

Saturday 7th February - Quercus

A trio featuring singer June Tabor alongside saxophonist Iain Ballamy and pianist Huw Warren. Their debut album was released on ECM records, a record which received glowing reviews. The music weaves original instrumental pieces between sets of songs chosen by Tabor. 'Nobody plays a note too many or expresses a false emotion. It's a unique tribute to the power of song.' - John Fordham

Wednesday 11th March - Ravi Coltrane Quartet

Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane appears in Leeds as part of his European tour with frequent collaborators David Virelles, Dezron Douglas and Jonathan Blake. Ravi was last in the UK to tour Spirit Fiction, his latest album which featured trumpeter Ralph Alessi, Eric Harland, James Genus, EJ Strickland and Luis Perdomo amongst others.

Thursday 12th March - Arve Henriksen

Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen brings his project Places of Worship to Howard Assembly Room for a rare UK date. The pieces are written as reflections of religious sites and buildings and this performance features long-time collaborator Jan Bang and visual artist Anastasia Isachsen.