Jazz at the RNCM this Autumn

                                                     Julia Biel by Jenna Foxton

The RNCM have published their Autumn/Winter listings and jazz fans have some interesting choices for gigs this October.

Ropes Project (October 12th)

We've covered this one before - this is Mike Walker's ambitious new project with large ensemble. There's a 22 piece string section, some of Mike's closest musical collaborators and a whole bunch of new music.

Julia Biel (October 15th)

The Independent called her the best British vocalist to emerge in an age and she's been taking festivals by storm in recent years. This is the kind of gig that will appeal both to those who love jazz and the rich history of vocal jazz legends and to those who love singer-songwriters and troubadors.

Gondwana Records Presents...(October 22nd)

Matthew Halsall is one of Manchester's golden boys and he's back at the RNCM following a sold out appearance last year. Not only will you get the Gonwana Orchestra, you'll also get to hear two other bands currently on the Gonwana roster - Mammal Hands & John Ellis's new project Evolution: Seeds and Streams.

There's a whole lot more happening too, so check the RNCM website for full information.

Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra head to Montreal

Manchester's Matthew Halsall and his Gondwana Orchestra are representing jazz in the North and in fact in the UK as a whole as one of the few UK artists featured in this year's Montreal Jazz Festival.

Running from June 29th until July 9, this is one of the world's leading jazz festivals and artists from across the globe peform on a number of stages. The Gondwana Orchestra will perform on the TD stage on June 30th at 6pm. Another Manchester artist, blues guitarist Matt Schofield will also perform.

Halsall is widely considered to be at the cutting edge of Jazz in the UK and is regularly nominated for awards (including JazzFM's UK Jazz act of the year and Gilles Peterson's Album of the Year to name two recent ones...)

To find out more about Matthew and his music, visit his website. For full details on the programme, visit the Montreal Jazz Festival site.

Jazz at The Ropewalk, North Lincolnshire

 Look closely at rural locations across the North and you will often find beautiful buildings and spaces used by the arts community. These buildings often have an artistic remit that spans everything from live jazz to sculpture gardens and act as a central point for the community to access the arts.

Situated in Barton-upon-Humber, The Ropewalk is one such space. An art gallery, sculpture garden and performance space that hosts a huge variety of exhibitions and events.  Housed in a Grade II listed former rope factory, Ropery Hall is used to host live music, cinema and theatre.

Their live programme has a variety of events coming up soon from Lau to T'Pau (do you remember China In Your Hands?) and there are two jazz performances, too - Snake Davis and Matthew Halsall's Gondwana Orchestra.

Information on these concerts is listed below but do check out the Ropewalk website for more information on the venue and upcoming events.

September 19th at 8pm - Snake Davis ( £14/16 OTD)

Returning to their favourite local haunt is the Snake Davis Band. In demand with the biggest names on the British pop music scene, as well as visiting artists from overseas, Snake Davis is regarded as one of the most talented saxophonists in the music business today

October 2nd at 8pm - Matthew Halsall & Gondwana Orchestra (£14/16 OTD)

A very special concert from acclaimed trumpeter, composer and bandleader Matthew Halsall and the remarkable Eastern-tinged, hard grooving Gondwana Orchestra. Featuring string quartet and very special guest vocalist Josephine Oniyama, expect an unforgettable night of soulful, string-laden and deeply spiritual jazz.

Lots of Jazz at RNCM...

This week, RNCM in Manchester announced their Spring 2015 concert season. Included in the 10-date concert programme are 5 jazz gigs featuring UK musicians who have built up strong international reputations plus a weekend event to launch their new Concert Hall which features another two jazz gigs!

31st January: RCNM Big Band featuring Mark Nightingale

One of the best known jazz trombonists in the UK, Mark Nightingale performs with the RCNM Big Band for their first concert of the year.

7th February: Matthew Halsall/Gogo Penguin/Mammal Hands

Manchester-born trumpeter, band leader and record label owner Matthew Halsall hosts this evening featuring three bands making a big impression on the jazz scene. Halsall's own Gondwana Orchestra will play, along with Mercury Prize nominees GoGo Penguin and new finds Mammal Hands.

20th February: Troyka

The ever-popular jazz-rock trio Troyka bring their 'Mingus meets Motorhead' approach to music to the RNCM. Thi high flying band features Chris Montague (Montreux Jazz Festival Award), Joshua Blackmore and Kit Downes (Mercury Prize nominee).

5th March: Gilad Atzmon & the Orient House Ensemble

Atzmon returns to the UK after an extensive world tour with his group. ‘A formidable improvisational array…a jazz giant steadily drawing himself up to his full height...’ The Guardian

 19-22nd March: RNCM Big Weekender

This full weekend event launches the new Concert Hall at RNCM. Performances will take place throughout (all free to attend) and amongst the varied programme, the RNCM Big Band will perform with Nikki Iles and Tina May and Courtney Pine brings his House of Legends.

 17th April: Polar Bear

Seb Rochford brings his award-winning group to RNCM. The band have received a second Merucry Prize nomination and go from strength to strength, attracting audiences wherever they go.

For full information on all of the concerts, visit the RNCM website.