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.

Mike Walker's Ropes Project - RNCM, October 12th

Guitarist Mike Walker is getting ready to perform his newest work, Ropes, for only the second time ever, at the RNCM in Manchester on October 12th.

This epic piece had its première as part of the 2008 Manchester Jazz Festival. This, the work’s second ever live performance, will feature Mike’s internationally-renowned jazz quintet with the 22-piece Psappha Strings who recorded the work for CD earlier this year.

As well as the Psappha Strings, Mike will be joined by Iain Dixon, Gwilym Simcock, Steve Rodby and Adam Nussbaum.

The gig is part of the new Psappha concert season and two other works will be performed that evening; Steve Reich's Triple Quartet and Gavin Bryar's Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £20/17.50 (a limited number of early bird tickets are also available.) More information and bookings can be found on the RNCM website.

Mike Walker's Rope Project Fundraiser

A couple of months ago, we reported on guitarist Mike Walker's new project-in-the-making, Ropes. It's an ambitious project featuring a 22-piece string orchestra and Mike is currently working to raise the funds necessary to record a band of that size!

On July 10th, there will be a special fundraiser gig at Zeffirellis in Ambleside. The gig will feature Mike alongside pianist Les Chisnall and saxophonist Iain Dixon, both of whom feature on Mike's new project.

At the gig, audience members will be able to preorder the new album for £10. We've heard that there are only 80 places available for the audience so we suggest getting in there quickly as we suspect it will be a sell-out!

Mike Walker's Ropes Crowdfunding Project

A few weeks ago, we reported on Mike Walker's new Ropes project. Since then, the Crowdfunder page has been launched and the campaign has so far raised £2,980 of their £5,000 target.

With 30 days left to reach the target, donors can enjoy a range of incentives to pledge money including signed albums, private masterclasses and backstage passes to the launch concert.

For full information, visit the Mike Walker Ropes Crowdfunder page.