Gig Preview:: Tipping Point in Morecambe, July 2nd

More Music in Morecambe will host cutting edge quartet Tipping Point on July 2nd, the opening gig of their UK tour.

Led by saxophonist James Mainwaring, this group turned heads with their debut album The Earth Worm's Eye View toward the end of 2015. Described as playful, dark, skilful and spontaneous (John Fordham, The Guardian), each of the four musicians are well recognised as strong voices in the world of improvised music.

Tipping Point features James Mainwaring on saxophone and effects alongside British improvised music legend Matthew Bourne Fender Rhodes and two of the UK’s most individual instrumentalists; Michael Bardon double bass and Joost Hendrickx drums. Members of the band have previously collaborated on projects such as; Dave Kane’s Rabbit Project, the Fusebox Orchestra, Shatners Bassoon and Mainwaring/Bardon/Horne amongst many others. It was whilst studying at Leeds College of Music 2007 – 2010 when Mainwaring, Bardon and Hendrickx met and were tutored by Bourne, a pianist whose innovative approach to improvisation and teaching proved to be a great influence on them that the genesis for Tipping Point was born.

The gig at More Music is in association with Lancaster Jazz and North and starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8, bookable through the More Music website. To find out more about Tipping Point, visit James Mainwaring's website.

Tipping Point Tour Dates

2nd July - More Music, Morecambe
3rd July - Kazimier Garden, Liverpool
4th July - The Oxford, London
6th July - Walton Community Library, Wakefield
20th July - The Lescar, Sheffield
21st July - Broomhill Art Hotel, Barnstaple
22nd July - Fusebox at the Fox and Newt, Leeds

NJ Advent Calendar - Record Labels (December 4th)

Open the door to day number 4 and you'll find jazz record labels. There have been quite a few labels popping up over the last few years dedicated to jazz and improvised music in the North. Many are started up by musicians themselves. In the ever-changing record industry, it's heartening to see that we have so many of these labels in our region!

Leaf Label

This label have recently been celebrating their 20th birthday and are a hugely respected label based in Yorkshire. Their output isn't exclusively jazz but rather an eclectic mix of electronic, instrumental and improvised music. They have artists like Melt Yourself Down, Polar Bear and Matthew Bourne on their roster. 

New Jazz Records

Based in Leeds, this label is run by composer/trumpeter James Hamilton. Their focus is on emerging acts on the jazz scene, often recent graduates of music colleges. There is an ever-expanding live album which features one or two tracks from a variety of groups gigging in the North, as well as full releases from Drawing Hands, James Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Matt Anderson/Jiannis Pavlidis duo. Now the label is moving into studio recordings too, with the opening of Leeds Fold in mid-2015.

Wasp Millionaire Records

Set up by guitarist Craig Scott, Wasp Millionaire release music from groups like Shatner's Bassoon and Craig Scott's Lobotomy. There's also a free sampler on their website to hear a selection from the acts they represent.

Hungry Bear Records

A label set up double bassist Paul Baxter that currently represents EYESHUTIGHT, Paul Baxter Quartet and Seven Pieces of Silver. There are three studio albums by EYESHUTIGHT and an album and tour has been announced for Seven Pieces of Silver, to take place in February 2016.

Lamplight Social Records

This one is run by saxophonist James Mainwaring and has three groups on its roster - Roller Trio, Tipping Point and Promise/Threat. Tipping Point's release earlier this year received widespread praise including a four star review from the Guardian who called it ...playful, dark, skilful and spontaneous.