New Jazz Jam night in Leeds - Sid's Little Egg

Calling all musicians and jazz fans in Leeds; there's a new jazz night starting up this Sunday (13th) thanks to double bassist Roz Macdonald.

Sid's Little Egg is a newly opened bar near Brewery Wharf in Leeds and it is hoped that if all goes well on Sunday, it could become a regular venue for the jazz jam every fortnight.

Originally from Scotland, Roz is a recent graduate of the jazz course at Leeds College of Music and was announced as being one of this year's Yamaha Jazz Scholars (see this London Jazz News article announcing the Scholars). For this first session on Sunday, Roz's band Ekacnap will be the house band, playing a set from 5pm until 6pm. The jam then opens from 6.15pm and runs until 9pm.

This has the potential to turn into a great hub for musicians - there isn't currently a jam that runs in that early evening slot on a Sunday and with a good location and drinks deals, it seems like Roz has picked a great spot.

As with all of these ventures, they can only run if people vote with theit feet and head down regularly. Well done to Roz for setting it up - support live music and join her and Ekacnap there on Sunday 13th.

For more information, see the Sid's Little Egg facebook page.

Yamaha Jazz Scholars of 2014 Announced

Pianist and LCoM graduate Ashley Henry has been announced as one of this year's Yamaha Jazz Scholars.

Each year, one student from the final year at the UK's jazz courses is chosen as an outstanding young musician. This group will receive a cash prize, the opportunity to record for a CD released by Jazzwise and performance opportunities at the House of Commons and a London jazz venue.

Ashley is joined by -

Scott Chapman (drums) - Royal Academy of Music
Ed Haine (tenor) - Birmingham Conservatoire
Mark Lewandowski (bass) - Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Tom Dennis (trumpet) - Trinity Laban
Dan Smith (alto) - Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Utsav Lal (piano) - Royal Scottish Conservatoire

Previous winners of the award from LCoM include Jay Davis, Riley Stone-Lonergan, Andrew Linham and Alex Munk. These musicians have gone on to study masters programmes in London, study abroad in NYC and all have gone onto building strong reputations as professional jazz musicians.

Congratulations to Ashley and the rest of the scholars!