Leeds and more- highlights from Steve Crocker - Entrepreneur Generations

Seamus Blake - photo c Chris Midgley

Quite a year in Leeds. I've never seen so much jazz activity and creativity going on. The city now over 20 live jazz venues and with so much to see, that everyone will have their own highlights. A lot of creative music is being written and played. Unexpected things are happening too - the revival of interest in jazz vinyl has meant more interest in Jazz Dj's and the popularity of lindhopping has helped increase support for traditional jazz in the city. The growing number of jazz instrumental workshops rehearsal big bands and vocal choirs is evidence of the vibrancy of jazz at a community level. All this and the formation of JazzLeeds - a new charity to promote jazz and jazz festivals in the city.

Not all good news though by any means for Leeds- the decision of the European Commission to ditch the UK element of the 2023 capital of culture programme meant a lot of work (and co operation) on the Leeds bid coming to a halt - hopefully not wasted. So which three events to mention? 

A warm welcome back to Seven Jazz for New York based saxophonist/composer Seamus Blake with Ross Stanley Hammond Organ, James Maddren drums. Recorded at Seven Arts in Leeds by BBC Radio "Jazz Now" in February.

Seeing the premiere of Issie Barratt’s "Interchange" at the Scarborough Jazz Festival - Yazz Ahmed was on trumpet, Helena Kay on alto, Tori Freestone flute & violin, Maddie Dowdeswell trombone, Shirley Smart cello, Nikki Iles on accordion Charlie Pyne on double bass Katie Patterson drums and Brigitte Beraha vocals - a totally engaging performance in September.

The astonishing guitarist Gilad Hekselman returning to Wharf Chambers in Leeds with Rick Rosato bass and Jonathan Pinson drums and saxophone powerhouse Mark Turner in November

Two of these "best of" gigs are also thanks to the promotional acumen of trumpeter Kim Macari so special thanks to her. Here's to an even better 2018!

Steve Crocker
www.jazzleeds.org.uk

from NorthernJazzLive http://ift.tt/2pUu32v Leeds and more- highlights from Steve Crocker - Entrepreneur Generations

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