Jazz-folk diva Gwyneth Herbert, performs soulful, quietly emotional, wry and poetic original material drawing on a diverse range of influences from Rufus Wainwright to Joni Mitchell and all points in between.
“Not a jazz singer in the strictest sense of the word, Herbert has more in common with the singer-songwriters of the Joni Mitchell era. But she possesses a flawless sense of swing, a jazz improviser’s ear for detail and her superb new trio generate backdrops that are as seductive as anything you will hear (and) ... her voice is a thing of beauty
” The Sunday Times
- Gwyneth Herbert
- vocals
- Steve Holness
- piano
- Al Cherry
- guitar
- Sam Burgess
- bass
- Dave Price
- percussion
Arriving from South Africa (via a three year stopover in Sweden) Mseleku made a startling impact on the London jazz scene in the late 1980s with a Mercury-nominated debut album Celebration featuring Courtney Pine, Steve Williamson and many more UK jazz alumni. Signed to Verve, he subsequently recorded in the US with jazz legends Joe Henderson, Pharoah Sanders, Abbey Lincoln and Elvin Jones. A player with an astonishing technique and a superb composer, it’s a welcome return for Bheki to the UK.
- Bheki Mseleku
- piano
- Gareth Lockrane
- flute
- Paul Duncan
- bass
- Gene Caldeazzo
- percussion
Andy Sheppard is renowned as a serial collaborator, working with a range of stellar musicians from all over the planet – from Carla Bley and George Russell to Nana Vasconcelos, Joanna MacGregor and John Martyn. Closer to home, he's been playing with hot new saxophonist James Morton and his fiery band of young Bristolians – new music from the Sheppard pen, inspired by hotels from 5 star to no star encountered in the course of countless days on the road, plus a scattering of standards. Fast and furious acoustic jazz…
- Andy Sheppard
- saxes
- James Morton
- alto sax
This son of New Orleans has brought together an explosive lineup of three bands in one (a Delta Blues Trio, a New Orleans brass band and a Sextet) with music that is a reaction to the events of August 2005. Then, many African-Americans’ histories, not to mention lives, were senselessly washed away by Hurricane Katrina and government inaction. Given the tragedy, the need to hold on to something from a previous generation seems more pressing than ever, but so is the need to broaden horizons and play new music. The music in Ride! is a reflection of these dilemmas.
“A theatrical mix of Charles Mingus, rap and Delta blues.
” The Guardian
- Abram Wilson
- trumpet/vocals
- Errol Linton
- harmonica
- Patrick Clahar
- tenor saxophone/clarinet
- Andrew McCormack
- piano
- Nathaniel Facey
- alto saxophone
- Giorgio Serci
- guitar
- Michael Mwenso
- trombone
- Neil Charles
- double bass
- Andy Grappy
- tuba
- Shaney Forbes
- drums
A collaboration between local musicians, Ian Hill and Graham Dent, Jucamaya’s music features melodic improvisation on original compositions, that are memorable, stylish and in tune with the jazz tradition. There is a distinctive Latin edge to much of the band’s material supplied by the accomplished rhythm section of Tyrone Bishop and Nick Millward.
- Ian Hill
- saxes
- Graham Dent
- piano
- Tyrone Bishop
- bass
- Nick Millward
- drums
The Big Easy cover jazz, swing and blues classics with an energy to make any joint jump! The Escape Bar, where they are appearing, is one of Coventry’s newer venues – offering food upstairs in the M.Y.O restaurant and downstairs in the bar where the band will be performing.
A one of a kind performer, painter, producer and artist. His live performances dig deep and channel an extraordinary energy. Hailing from Olympia, USA and legendary for his full blown vocal performances with swamp rock heroes Old Time Relijun, he drives through the nameless territories between shamanic ecstasy and pure lunacy. A post-punker cum ethnomusicologist who delivers seriously thrilling and wayward rock ‘n’ roll, free jazz, and a unique spirit.
It almost seems impossible to describe Mina Agossi’s voice and style. In a class of its own, the notes, sounds and range seem to flow effortlessly from her. What makes her different is her intense vocal creativity over inventive, new, infectious rhythms and melodies. A force to be reckoned with, behind her diminutive frame sits an extremely powerful voice. Her live performances consist of everything from Jimi Hendrix to Cole Porter and her own originals. In her only show outside London, prepare yourselves for the vocal powerhouse experience of Mina Agossi.
- Mina Agossi
- vocals
- Eric Jacot
- bass
- Ichiro Onoe
- drums