NJN Jazz Advent Calendar - Jam Experiment (Dec 22nd)

Behind door number 22 is a young ensemble that have been making waves on both the Northern and national scene - Jam Experiment.

Click here to listen to an original composition, First Day, by saxophonist Alex Bone - https://youtu.be/vF8V1ydXGwc

Jam Experiment is made up of bandleader Rory Ingham, who plays trombone, BBC Young Jazz Musician of Year 2014 – saxophonist Alex Bone, pianist Toby Comeau, bassist Felix Moseholm, and drummer Jonathan Mansfield.

The band describes its approach as “energetic, connected, creative, swingin’, humorous, enthusiastic”. It came together after a weekly jam, and the players’ ambitions are to play exciting original compositions and arrangements, make a strong impression and search for something that is musically new. Among its inspirations and influences are guitar titan Pat Metheny, keyboard legend Herbie Hancock, bassist Christian McBride and pianist Gwilym Simcock.

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.

Festival Preview: Jazz on a Winter's Weekend, Southport

It's the annual Jazz on a Winter's Weekend in Southport this weekend and there's a whole host of gigs going on throughout the weekend. You can find their full programme on their website but we've chosen three gigs as our weekend highlights.

Friday 6th February

Jam Experiment - 2.30pm

This young band have already built up quite a following and now they open the festival this year. The band features Young Jazz Musician of the Year Alex Bone and they will be introduced by Jo McCallum, leader of the Jazz North Introduces programme which Jam Experiment won last year.

Saturday 7th February

Marius Neset & Daniel Herskedal

Saxophonist Marius Neset received two standing ovations when he performed at Southport in 2013 on his Golden Explosion tour. This time is back with tuba player Daniel Herskedal to play a duo set of music from their latest album, Neck of the Woods.

Sunday 8th February

Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra

This ensemble represents the best of the Birmingham Conservatoire jazz course and in this concert, their programme contains music by three great composers; Maria Schneider, Jim McNeely and Bob Brookmeyer. The orchestra last appeared in Southport in 2012 with a concert of Gil Evans' music and this one is sure to be a great way to end the weekend. Directed by Jeremy Price.

Rising Northern Jazz Talent to get Festival Showcase

Jam Experiment, a young band from Manchester, have been announced as the first group to take part in Jazz North's new Introducing scheme.

The group, compromised of musicians aged between 16 and 18, impressed a panel of festival directors, musicians and educators, who heard a wide range of applications for the scheme.