Roy Ayers comes to Leeds, 25th August

A picture says a thousand words. Or in this case, a picture provides all the necessary information about a brilliant upcoming gig in Leeds next month.

Vibraphonist/vocalist Roy Ayers is among the best-known, most loved and respected jazz/R&B artist on the music-scene today. 

Now in his fourth decade in the music business, Ayers, known as the Godfather of Neo-soul, continues to bridge the gap between generations of music lovers. In the 60’s he was an award-winning jazz vibraphonist, and transformed into a popular R&B band leader in the 70's/80's. Today, the dynamic music man is an iconic figure still in great demand and whose music industry heavyweights, including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, 50 Cent, A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac and Ice Cube. 

Ayers recently recorded with hip hop artist Talib Kweli (produced by Kanye West) and jazz/R&B singer Wil Downing. 

Many of Ayers' songs including: “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”,”Searchin”, Running Away” have been frequently sampled and remixed by DJ’s worldwide.

Described by Erykah Badu as 'the KING of neo-soul music', Ayers' gig in Leeds is sure to be packed. Tickets cost £25 and can be bought from the Luna Tickets website as well as the outlets listed on the poster above. 

To find out more about Roy Ayers, visit his website.

Gig Preview: Laura Mvula at The Wardrobe, May 14th

Vocalist and songwriter Laura Mvula shot to fame with her debut album Sing to the Moon in 2013. For many jazz listeners, she came on the radar with her powerful re-recording of Sing to the Moon with the world-famous Metropole Orkest the following year. Since then, she has performed at many jazz festivals and recently recorded with Snarky Puppy.

Mvula comes to Leeds on May 14th to perform at the Wardrobe. This is a gig likely to attract listen from many different genres (Laura's latest single features Nile Rodgers) and is a chance to see the singer in an intimate venue.

Tickets cost £15.00 and can be purchased on the Luna Tickets website.

Find out more about Laura Mvula on her website.

Gig Preview: Brian Auger's Oblivion Express

Hammond Organ legend Brian Auger is doing his first Leeds gig in years with his band Oblivion Express. On Saturday November 7th he will perform at the Wardrobe in Leeds with a band that features Alex Ligertwood.

Auger has been played with the likes of Jimmy Page, Rod Steward and John McLaughlin and had a Top 5 hit with Julie Driscoll covering Bob Dylan's Wheels on Fire in 1967.

From the Wardrobe website -

It’s his first gig at The Wardrobe for over a decade and he brings with him his latest version of Oblivion Express. Featuring himself on Hammond B3 organ and electric piano, electric bassist Travis Carlton, drummer Karma Auger (his son) plus special guest and original 1972 Oblivion Express vocalist Alex Ligertwood on lead vocals and electric guitar. They’ll be playing a firing set of original song and anthemic Brian Auger covers from his extensive back catalogue, many which are featured on the “Back To The Beginning” anthology. Expect an amazing night of world class live jazz, blues, soul and rock all blended together in that unique Brian Auger way!

Tickets cost £14 and can be bought from Crash Records, Jumbo Records and from the Wardrobe bar. For full information on the gig, visit the Wardrobe website.

Gig Review: Polar Bear and Shiver at The Wardrobe, Leeds.

On Friday 21^st March, Polar Bear played The Wardrobe in Leeds as part of a tour to promote their new album In Each And Every One. The long wait for this new release meant that there was anticipation of a change in the band’s direction and this was delivered without losing the recognisable sound that has won the band so many fans over the last ten years.

Gig Preview: Soul Rebels feat. Abstract Orchestra & The Colman Brothers

Saturday 1st March
The Wardrobe, Leeds
Doors 9pm, Colman Brothers 10pm, Abstract Orchestra 11pm. DJs before, during and after til 2am
Tickets £7 in advance (more on door) from www.seetickets.com – www.lunatickets.co.uk – www.crashrecords.co.uk – www.jumborecords.co.uk (0113 245 5570)

Following on from Riot Jazz Brass Band's appearance, DJ Lubi is hosting another Soul Rebels night on March 1st, this time featuring The Abstract Orchestra and the Colman Brothers.