AUTUMN 2015
|
Band
|
Description
|
Friday 2 October
Millennium Hall
|
Kit Downes Trio
Kit Downes: piano;
Petter Eldh: bass;
James Maddren: drums.
|
A formidable combination of voices from the cream of young European musicians - "fiercely intense" and "beautifully intricate". Based in London and Berlin they’ve all received critical acclaim (Mercury Music Award Nomination, BBC Jazz Award) and they’ve all toured the world with some of Europe’s finest musicians, but here they shine collectively as like-minded experimentalists and improvisers.
http://www.kitdownes.com/index.htm
|
Friday 9 October
Millennium Hall
|
Liam Noble
Solo piano
|
A rare opportunity to see one of our favourite pianists in solo format. Noble’s new solo recording, reflects his amazingly eclectic approach. A solo piano performance that includes Joe Zawinul, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Miles Davis’s jazz rock style, “My Fair Lady”, Elgar, lots of music written for guitar and the imaginary banjo!! “a supreme motivic improviser, in the manner of Monk, Rollins, Ornette Coleman and Brad Mehldau”… The Guardian *****
http://www.liamnoble.co.uk/
|
Saturday 17 October at Crucible Studio
|
Jean Toussaint’s Blakey Project
Jean Toussaint: saxophones;
Byron Wallen: trumpet;
Dennis Rollins: trombone;
Julian Joseph: piano;
Daniel Casimir: bass;
Troy Miller: drums.
|
Drawing on his experience as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in the ’80s, Jean Toussaint’s project commemorates The Messengers’ massive contribution to modern jazz. An all-star line-up of musicians explores the music of the legendary bandleader and some of the amazing players who emerged from the Messenger ranks over four decades.
http://turacomusic.com/TM-Jean-Toussaint-Announces-Blakey-Rememberance-Project.html
http://jeantoussaint.com/
|
Friday 23 October
Millennium Hall
|
Alice Zawadzki Band
Alice Zawadzki: vocals, violin;
Peter Lee: piano;
Alex Munk: guitar;
Tom McCredie: bass;
Jon Scott: drums.
|
Brilliant young vocalist/violinist nominated for Best Female Vocalist in the 2015 Parliamentary Awards. Influences from her early involvement with New Orleans soul, classical training and improvised music. “A delightful, inquisitive singer blessed with a crystal-clear tone ... fast making a mark on the British contemporary jazz scene” … Manchester Jazz Festival “a genuine original”…John Fordham, The Guardian
www.http://alicezmusic.com/
|
Friday 6 November
Millennium Hall
|
Empirical
Nathaniel Facey: alto sax;
Lewis Wright: vibes;
Tom Farmer: bass;
Shane Forbes: drums.
|
Formed in 2007 as part of the Tomorrow’s Warriors scheme The Daily Telegraph called them “the coolest of Britain’s young jazz bands.” Now come of age, they’re one of the UK’s most highly acclaimed jazz outfits - forward looking, risk taking and creative music “Empirical's skill and ingenuity keep on growing” - The Guardian
http://www.empiricalmusic.com /
|
Friday 13 November
Millennium Hall
|
New York Standards Quartet
David Berkman: piano;
Tim Armacost: saxophones;
Michael Janisch: bass;
Gene Jackson: drums.
|
A New York-based unit who've developed a near telepathic relationship within the tradition of the standard jazz repertoire. The Guardian’s glowing, four-star review of their recent tour said: “a group devoted to radical reinvention of famous songs ... this vivacious foursome delightedly cherish the originals while brusquely deconstructing their harmonies and tweaking their melodies... This is a collective class act.”
http://nysq.org/
|
Thursday 19 November
Auditorium, Sheffield University Students Union
|
Beats & Pieces Big Band
Ben Cottrell: director; Anthony Brown, Sam Healey, Ben Watte: saxophones; Owen Bryce, Graham South, Nick Walters: trumpets; Ed Horsey, Simon Lodge, Rich McVeigh: trombones;
Anton Hunter: guitar; Richard Jones: piano; Stewart Wilson: bass; Finlay Panter: drums.
|
Gale-force energy plus startlingly original material - dozens of awards over six years, including 2014 Parliamentary Jazz Awards Ensemble of the Year. Influences from Ellington through Loose Tubes to Radiohead, vivid ideas and brilliant mood changes – they’ve redefined the big band for the 21st century. Back again after their brilliant sell-out gig at Millennium Hall in 2014.
www.beatsnpieces.net
www.efpirecords.com
|
Friday 27 November
Millennium Hall
|
Andy Sheppard Quartet
Andy Sheppard: saxophones;
Eivind Aarset: guitar and electronics;
Michel Benita: bass;
Michele Rabbia: drums/percussion.
|
Legendary British saxist presents music from his latest ECM recording. One of the few British musicians to have made a serious impact on the international scene, he’s written for everything from solo to big band, worked with some of the biggest names in jazz and composed over 350 pieces incorporating rhythms from Asia, Africa and South America.
www.andysheppard.co.uk
|
Friday 4 December
Crucible Studio
|
Mingus Profiles Sextet
Chris Biscoe: alto sax and alto clarinet;
Tony Kofi: alto and tenor saxophones;
Henry Lowther: trumpet, flugelhorn;
Kate Williams: piano;
Larry Bartley: bass;
Stu Butterfield: drums.
|
Chris Biscoe has brought together these top-class players to pay tribute to the genius of Charles Mingus and his music. Formed in 2011 for the Southbank Meltdown Festival, the Sextet concentrates on Mingus’s musical portraits of friends, lovers, political enemies, musicians and one cat, with pieces from the classic ‘Ah Um’ at the core of the repertoire. “Biscoe's sparkling arrangements and splendid playing vividly capture Mingus's sprawling, rumbustious energy, while giving the music a fresh twist”….Kenny Mathieson, The Scotsman
www.chrisbiscoe.co.uk
|
SPRING 2015
|
Band
|
Description
|
Friday 16 January
Crucible Studio
|
John Taylor’s New Group
John Taylor: piano
Julian Siegel: saxophones, bass clarinet
Diana Torto: vocals
|
One of the truly great players of post ’60s British jazz, John Taylor is famous for associations with many world-class players. Vocal virtuoso, Diana Torto has worked with John in a duo for ten years, leading to incredibly responsive interplay, augmented here by Julian Siegel’s beautifully sensitive saxophone playing. The repertoire is based on John Taylor’s arrangements of Paul McCartney songs, together with his own compositions.
http://www.johntaylorjazz.com
|
Friday 23 January
Millennium Hall
|
Max Luthert’s Orbital
Max Luthert: bass
Gareth Lockrane: flutes
Duncan Eagles: tenor sax
Séb Pipe: alto sax
Matt Robinson: piano
Dave Hamblett: drums
|
Outstanding flautist Gareth Lockrane joins a band comprising the cream of the UK’s younger jazz musicians to play music from Max Luthert’s debut release Orbital. With enticing melodies, intricate harmony, subtly complex rhythms and forms, the band has already created a truly unique sound that is enhanced by the instrumentation of the group.
www.maxluthert.co.uk
|
Friday 30 January Millennium Hall
|
Gondwana Records presents:
Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra
Matthew Halsall: trumpet
Jordan Smart: sax
Rachael Gladwin: harp
Taz Modi: piano
Gavin Barras: bass
Luke Flowers: drums
Mammal Hands
Nick Smart: piano
Jesse Barrett: drums & percussion
Jordan Smart: sax
|
Manchester based trumpeter, composer, arranger, band-leader and record label boss Matthew Halsall is one of the rising stars of European Jazz and his Gondwana Records label is home to some of the UK best music. Tonight’s very special show features Halsall’s Gondwana Orchestra and new discoveries Mammal Hands for a brilliant night of the very best in contemporary music.
http://www.gondwanarecords.com/
http://www.matthewhalsall.com/
http://mammal-hands.tumblr.com/
|
Friday 6 February
Millennium Hall
|
Liane Carroll Trio
Liane Carroll: vocals, piano
Roger Carey : bass
Mark Fletcher : drums
|
Liane Carroll is one of the UK’s greatest musical treasures. A soulful, impassioned singer and superb pianist – her range runs from a heartbreaking ability to live an emotional lyric to breathless vocal virtuosity that makes an audience jump with joy. Here’s a chance to see her back with the trio – arrive early!
http://www.lianecarroll.co.uk/
|
Friday 13 February
Millennium Hall
|
Larry Bartley’s Just Us!
Larry Bartley: bass
Tony Kofi: sax
Ed Jones: sax
Rod Youngs: drums
|
London bassist Larry Bartley leads this all-star quartet through the complex rhythms, melodies and counter-melodies of his thoughtful compositions. “Beauty in the Hideous is one of the most satisfying albums I’ve heard all year.”… The Jazz Mann “Don’t miss them, you’ll regret it!”… Phil Rose, Birmingham Jazz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEaFvKp83mY
http://www.triorecords.co.uk/larry_bartley.html
|
Friday 20 February Millennium Hall
|
Sheffield University Jazz Orchestra
|
Made up of current and past members of Sheffield University, SUJO promises the full big band experience! An eclectic mix of jazz, from golden-era Ellington and Basie swing to longer works by contemporary jazz greats like Dave Holland and Maynard Ferguson.
|
Friday 27 February
Millennium Hall
|
Trish Clowes Quintet
Trish Clowes: sax
Gwilym Simcock: piano
Alex Munk: guitar
Calum Gourlay: bass
James Maddren: drums
|
Top class quintet showcasing BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, Trish Clowes. Inspired by her visit to meet major influence Wayne Shorter in California, her music explores a fascinating hinterland between jazz and contemporary classical - fluent, thrilling improvisation, languid, evocative melodic lines and shifting textures.
http://trishclowes.com/
|
Friday 6 March Millennium Hall
|
Phil Donkin’s “The Gate”
Phil Donkin: bass
Ben Wendel: sax
Glenn Zaleski: piano
James Maddren: drums
|
Phil Donkin’s first UK tour as bandleader features, on sax and piano, two of the most exciting players on the current New York scene. A mainstay of British jazz for many years, he recently lived in NYC and worked alongside a large catalogue of New York’s finest, before returning to an international career in Europe.
www.phildonkin.com
www.whirlwindrecordings.com
www.benwendel.com
www.glennzaleski.com
|
Thursday 12 March
Auditorium, Sheffield University Students Union
|
Troyka
Kit Downes: keyboards
Chris Montague: guitars, loops
Joshua Blackmore: drums
|
Exploding from London’s fertile scene, Troyka’s shared love of Aphex Twin, the angular iconclasm of Tim Berne and the blues laced grooves of Wayne Krantz produces a visceral mash-up of rock, jazz and dance. More like Tony Williams’ Lifetime remixed by Burial than the classic organ trio! http://troykaband.wordpress.com/
|
Friday 20 March Millennium Hall
|
Denys Baptiste’s Triumvirate
Denys Baptiste: sax
Larry Bartley: bass
Moses Boyd: drums
|
Multi award-winning Denys Baptiste returns with a new trio exploring fresh material - songs from people like Gnarls Barkley, Cindy Lauper and Bill Withers provide an unexpected source of inspiration. Arrangements that allow for new and interesting improvisation while retaining the essence of the original songs.
http://www.denysbaptiste.com/
|
Friday 27 March Millennium Hall
|
Andrew McCormack Trio plus Mark Lockheart
Andrew McCormack: piano
Mark Lockheart: sax
Sam Lasserson: bass
Chris Higginbottom: drums
|
New York resident McCormack, a world-class pianist, is a brilliantly original performer and formidable composer. Since bursting on to the scene in 2007 he has captivated audiences with his emotional and expressive style. His trio here is supplemented by Mark Lockheart’s vibrant and skilful sax playing.
http://mccormackmusic.com/
|
Thursday 9 April
Crucible Studio
|
Marius Neset Quintet
Marius Neset: sax
Magnus Hjorth: piano
Jim Hart: vibes
Petter Eldh: bass
Joshua Blackmore: drums
|
A young Norwegian saxophonist who has made a huge impact. Touted as heir to Jan Garbarek’s mantle he combines amazing technical prowess with deep expression and a highly original sound. This all-star Anglo-Scandinavian quintet is the ideal vehicle for his remarkable energy, creativity and imagination.
http://mariusneset.com/
|
Friday 17 April Millennium Hall
|
Kairos 4tet
Adam Waldmann: sax
John Turville: piano
Sam Lasserson: bass
Jon Scott: drums
|
One of a very few jazz groups to bridge the elusive gap between crossover appeal and serious jazz credentials, Kairos 4tet bring a modern twist to the classic jazz quartet. Blurring the boundaries between accessible, tune-led music with heavy grooves and improvising of the highest order.
http://kairos4tet.com/
|
Friday 24 April Millennium Hall
|
Laura Jurd Quartet
Laura Jurd: trumpet
Elliot Galvin: piano
Conor Chaplin: bass
Corrie Dick: drums
|
One of the hottest young bands in the UK - an intriguing, creative outfit. Elements from European folk, Jazz and Classical traditions are fused to create a distinctive sound - whether full steam rock-out or captivating moments of stillness, they’re sure to put a smile on your face.
http://www.laurajurd.com/
|
Friday 8 May Millennium Hall
|
Darius Brubeck Quartet
Darius Brubeck: piano
Dave O’Higgins: sax
Matt Ridley: bass
Wesley Gibbens: drums
|
Son of the famous Dave Brubeck, Darius has developed his own reputation as a great, swinging pianist. Dave O’Higgins adds his enormous range of feel and skill to the trio, whose eight years working together have produced a deep mutual understanding and interaction.
http://www.dariusbrubeck.com/
|
Thursday 14 May
Auditorium, Sheffield University Students Union
|
Roller Trio
James Mainwaring: sax
Luke Wynter: guitar
Luke Reddin-Williams: drums
|
A fresh, visceral stew of conventional and experimental sounds - stonking riffs, thrashy noise, evocative songs and electronic soundscapes. Music delivered with a captivating swagger and greedy energy - utterly beguiling and packing a powerful punch! Their riveting debut recording was a Mercury Music Prize album of 2012.
http://www.rollertrio.com/
|
AUTUMN 2014
|
|
|
Friday 3 October
Millennium Hall
|
Gilad Atzmon’s Orient House Ensemble
Gilad Atzmon: saxophones
Frank Harrison: piano
Yaron Stavi: bass
Chris Higginbottom: drums
|
Gilad Atzmon’s fiery, impassioned style has regularly attracted packed houses in Sheffield. Now he’s directing that energy to a celebration of John Coltrane – one of the greatest innovators in jazz history and a massive influence on generations of sax players who followed.
http://www.gilad.co.uk/
|
Friday 10 October
Millennium Hall
|
Zhenya Strigalev’s Smiling Organizm Trio
Zhenya Strigalev: alto sax
Michael Janisch; bass
James Maddren: drums
|
Possessing fire, grace and edgy attitude alto saxophonist Zhenya Strigalev is a young Russian virtuoso forging an increasingly high profile international presence. He’s worked with some of today’s most forward thinking musicians and appeared at many of the world’s leading jazz festivals. He is joined here by leading US bassist Michael Janisch and one of Britain’s best drummers, James Maddren
http://www.zhenyastrigalev.com/
|
Friday 17 October
at 19.15
Crucible Studio
|
Enrico Pieranunzi Trio
Enrico Pieranunzi: piano
Pete Turner: bass
Dave Walsh: drums
|
“One of the greatest jazz pianists of his generation” (Irish Times) and one of the most popular musicians on the international scene since the early ‘70s, famous for collaborations with top class USA rhythm sections. An improvising style where jazz and classical skills are organically interwoven.
http://www.enricopieranunzi.com/
|
Friday 24 October
Millennium Hall
|
Ollie Howell Quintet
Ollie Howell: drums
Max Luthert: bass
Matt Robinson: piano
Duncan Eagles: tenor sax
Mark Perry: trumpet
|
One of the most exciting young bands in Britain led by rising-star drummer Ollie Howell, who’s established a remarkable repertoire of original music: warm, open, accessible compositions - electrifying, explosive, elegiac playing. “An unbelievable drummer. So creative I couldn’t believe it.” (Quincy Jones)
http://www.olliehowell.com/
|
Friday 31 October
Millennium Hall
|
Sheffield University Big Band
|
The classic big-band sound is still going strong, safe in the hands of this exciting ensemble. A wide variety of great music, played to the highest standard, with a range of burning energy through to tasteful subtlety that is the hallmark of the format.
http://www.subb.org.uk/
|
