In Sadness: Geri Allen (1957 - 2017)

The jazz world suffered a huge loss this week after the passing of renowned pianist and innovator Geri Allen. She was 60.

Her career is an exceptional record of an artist deeply rooted in her culture, heritage and the power of music to make powerful statements. Moving to NYC in the 80s, she worked with Charlie Haden, Ron Carter and Tony, as well as being one of the first pianists since the 50s to record with Ornette Coleman.

A celebrated educator and academic, she worked for a decade at the University of Michigan and was director of the Jazz programme at the University of Pittsburgh. She also set up an All Female Jazz Residency designed to support young musicians in their teens grow and push their music forward.

For more information, read the New York Times' obituary.

Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet in Leeds, May 22nd

World class guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg is bringing his quartet to perform at Wharf Chambers in Leeds on Monday 22nd May, as well as an afternoon workshop.

Thanks to David Beebee and the team at the Guitar Hour, jazz audiences in the North will get to see this internationally renowned quartet perform in a small, intimate venue.

Combining timeless melodicism with forward–thinking lines and textures, the music of Jonathan Kreisberg continues to attract a growing international fan base. His compositions have been performed by his groundbreaking quartet on five continents. As a guitarist, his sound and technique has influenced the next generation of players and has arguably contributed to the evolution of the instrument in jazz. For their show at Wharf Chambers, JKQ will perform music from WAVE UPON WAVE as well as brand new compositions that combine jazz tradition, instrumental virtuosity, modern soundscapes and influences from every corner of the world and beyond.

A workshop will run at Wharf Chambers at 3.30pm and tickets for this cost £20 (£15 for students). The gig starts at 9pm and tickets cost £15. Tickets for both parts of the day can be purchased online at the Guitar Hour's Ticket Tailor page.

Gilad Hekselman Trio comes to Leeds, November 9th

One of the most highly regarded jazz guitars in the world will play a one-off performance in Leeds on November 9th as well as a masterclass at Leeds College of Music.

Gilad Hekselman moved from his native Israel to New York in 2004 and has earned his place at the top of his field working with musicians like Mark Turner, Chris Potter, Ari Hoenig, Avishai Cohen and more. To date he has released 5 albums as leader, his latest being Homes in 2015.

... possessing a distinctive lyricism and easily embraceable artfulness that seems to reach beyond his years... Hekselman has a pristine, crystalline sound and a bright playing style that seems as natural and sustaining as air and water... Imagine a brightly lit day, sunlight on water - you are there. If Monet’s waterlily studies were music this could be it... with a quiet assertiveness and expertise that is winning throughout... - Laurel Gross, All About Jazz

Gilad comes to Leeds with his trio featuring double bassist Joe Martin and drummer Kush Abadey. The gig takes place at Wharf Chambers and is hosted by Kim Macari's Apollo Jazz Network in collaboration with bassist and Sela Bar jazz promoter Tom Riviere. 

Tickets are priced at £10 and can be bought online through Ticket Tailor. Tickets are selling incredibly fast and are limited so people are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

For more on Gilad, visit his website.

NEWS: Aaron Parks Trio in Leeds

October might seem like a long way off but audiences are advised to get in early and book tickets for what is sure to be a sell-out performance by NYC pianist Aaron Parks in trio with Ben Street and Billy Hart.

Appearing at the Howard Assembly Room on October 2nd, this date is part of Parks' first UK tour. Lauded as a musician at the forefront of the improvising scene in NYC, he has already built up an impressive discography including four albums for Terence Blanchard and his own records Invisible Cinema and his ECM solo release Arborescence.

Drummer Billy Hart has a career that spans decades and includes time with musicians like Miles Davis and Wes Montgomery. Continually looking forward, Hart has produced a number of acclaimed albums in recent years including All Our Reasons and One Is The Other, both on ECM.

Finishing off the line-up, Ben Street appears on Billy's two ECM releases and has also recorded with people like Kurt Rosenwinkel and Mark Turner. A student of Buster Williams and Miroslav Vitous, he is a sought after musical collaborator for many.

Tickets cost £12.50 and can be ordered from the Howard Assembly Room website.