NJ Advent Calendar - Jazz Christmas Single! (December 15th)

Behind door number 15th is something we are certain is unique to the Northern Jazz scene - a Christmas single! Recorded at Leeds Fold as part of their opening celebrations, The Honeybirds wrote and recorded an original christmas song with help from a handbell orchestra.

On the 29th October 2015, Leeds Fold, a newly established recording/rehearsal studio, workshop and gig spaceopened up its’ doors to the public in the first of a series of monthly live jazz events. The celebrations kicked off with a house band made up of some of Leeds finest jazz musicians, a mountain of fresh samosas, homemade sweet chill jazz jam, and beer from Leeds brewery.
As if that wasn’t enough merriment for one night, Leeds’ vintage vocal songstress' “The Honeybirds” recorded their Christmas single live in front of an audience armed with handbells and well oiled vocal chords. This little piece of Christmas cheer can be yours to take home for whatever price you like. Proceeds will go towards helping The Honeybirds, Leeds Fold and New Jazz Records do what they do.
 
Vocals: Daisy Thurkettle, Jenny Smith, Tessa Smith
Trumpet: Kim Macari
Tenor Saxophone: Will Howard
Guitar: Kathy Dyson
Piano: Jamil Sheriff
Double Bass: Sam Quintana
Drums: Jordan Dinsdale
Crowd of handbells conducted by James Hamilton

Click here to buy the single - pay what you feel.

Leeds Fold Studio Party, October 29th

Recently, a group of jazz musicians in Leeds took over a rehearsal and recording studio. Their aim is to use the space as a hub for creative and improvised music in the North and to provide affordable rehearsal and recording facilities. Spearheaded by composer James Hamilton, Leeds Fold also includes musicians Kim Macari, Will Howard, Jamil Sheriff, Sam Quintana and Kathy Dyson.

Leeds Fold have operated for a few months already, but on October 29th the doors will be opened to all for a party to celebrate the space. There will be a set by the Leeds Fold musicians, a recording of an original christmas song written by vocal outfit the Honeybirds (and mass handbell choir led by James!) and a jam until the early hours.

Attendees can register their place online for free and attendance is on a Pay-What-You-Feel basis at the door (all funds go into the running of the studio). Places are limited so be quick!

For more information on the space, visit the Leeds Fold website or read this article written by Apollo Jazz Network.