Showing posts with label Jazz North Introduces. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jazz North Introduces. Show all posts

Thursday, 8 September 2016

Wandering Monster announced as latest Jazz North Introduces recipients


Leeds based ensemble Wandering Monster have been announced today as the latest beneficiaries of the Jazz North Introduces scheme to support emerging jazz talent in the region.

The group, led by double bassist Sam Quintana, will perform at a number of high profile jazz festivals as part of the Introduces initiative, as well as receiving mentoring from one of the UK's leading jazz musicians and help with developing strong promotional materials like photographs and video footage.

Sam Quintana says

“I am thrilled that Wandering Monster have been awarded this opportunity. Since the band's formation two years ago we have developed a set of original material which I am really excited to showcase at some of the UK's best jazz festivals. Thanks to the scheme we will be performing to audiences who would otherwise never get to hear about Wandering Monster or listen to our music”.

Jazz North's Nigel Slee says

“We believe it is vital to help and support the next generation of jazz artists. Wandering Monster are an example of the exciting and diverse music that is being created by young musicians in the UK today. Thanks to our festival partners we can make sure their music is shared with audiences across the North”.

A junor award was also given to Muskrat Ramble. Aged between 12 and 16, Muskrat Ramble were the youngest applicants and impressed the panel with their enthusiasm and potential. They will be given mentoring sessions to develop their music.

Wandering Monster will appear first at Lancaster Jazz Festival on September 17th, followed by Marsden Jazz Festival on October 8th as well as performances at Liverpool Jazz Festival, Scarborough Jazz Festival and more later in the year.

To find out more about Wandering Monster and the JNI scheme, visit the Jazz North website.

Friday, 10 June 2016

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.

Wednesday, 10 December 2014

Stretch Trio Win Peter Whittingham Award


Jazz in the North got another boost this week with the announcement that Stretch Trio have won this year's prestigious Peter Whittingham Award.

The Leeds-based trio fought off stiff competition to win the £4,000 award which is given to a musician or group who present a project which showcases innovation, creativity and ambition.

“We are thrilled to have been offered the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award 2014. It comes at a crucial moment in our career and will enable us to develop the band in a way that would not otherwise have been possible”.

Stretch Trio join an impressive list of groups and musicians that have previously won the award including Soweto Kinch, Led Bib, Roller Trio and Phil Meadows.

Earlier this year The Stretch Trio were selected by a panel of festival promoters as the first Jazz North Introduces band. Through the award they made high profile showcase performances at the Gateshead International Jazz Festival and Scarborough Jazz Festivals and mentoring. In November they released their debut album, Antithesis, which is available through their Bandcamp page.

Friday, 25 July 2014

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.