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Brecon Jazz Weekend - line-ups announced.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Brecon Jazz Weekend is a community led event that has emerged in the wake of Brecon Jazz Festival.

This year’s event encompasses three strands of programming, with one organised by Brecon Jazz Club, one by Brecon Jazz Futures and the other by Brecon Cathedral.

We have recieved the following press release from Brecon Jazz Futures;

BRECON JAZZ FOCUSES ON THE FUTURE WITH IMPRESSIVE YOUNG LINE-UP

A key strand of this year’s community-led Brecon Jazz Weekend is Brecon Jazz Futures, a programme of exciting young talent from around the UK who draw on an eclectic mix of influences to showcase what’s in store for the globally respected music festival in the years to come (http://www.breconjazzfutures.com).

Futures programmers have gone out to find the best rising stars around to perform in the town’s premier venue, Theatr Brycheiniog across the traditional Brecon Jazz weekend of August 12-14. There are eight concerts featuring some 46 promising musicians, with performances from the likes of Dennis Rollins’ Velocity Trio; Nerija, local favourites Wonderbrass, and acclaimed Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford.

Lisa Davies of Brecon Jazz Futures said: “Brecon Jazz has always prided itself on nurturing and encouraging young talent, and we want to keep this alive. Our curator Marc Edwards has put together a programme that reflects jazz music’s broad range of influences, drawing on its great heritage to deliver fresh, often original new perspectives. Audiences at the Theatr are going to be thrilled, stirred, excited and thoroughly entertained.”

The Futures programme has been supported by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, the Friends of Brecon Jazz, Brecon Town Council, and Jazz 4 Jed, a fund set up in honour of the festival founder Jed Williams, which provides bursaries for jazz projects in Wales.

In addition to Futures, the jazz weekend presents artists programmed by Brecon Jazz Club including Tina May & Wales Latin Jazz Ensemble; Geoff Eales; and the Teddy Smith Big Band, plus concerts at Brecon Cathedral, including the Andy Nowak Trio and Simon Deeley Quartet. The festival features a Fringe programme, variety of music workshops and a ‘Frazz Parade’ – a combination of Fringe and jazz.

Information and tickets can be found on:

http://www.breconjazzfutures.com and 01874611622

http://www.breconjazz.com

BRECON JAZZ FUTURES PROGRAMME:
Information sourced from the Theatr Brycheiniog website http://www.brycheiniog.co.uk
Theatr Brycheiniog
Canal Wharf
Brecon
Powys
LD3 7EW

Kizzy Crawford
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 12 Aug 8.00 pm
at Theatr Brycheiniog
A Welsh speaker with Bajan heritage, 19 year old Kizzy Crawford’s solo career began just two years ago. In that time, Kizzy has developed an increasing sophistication to her songwriting and performance, which is complimented by her soaring voice that boasts both range and charisma.
Her ambition as a black Welsh artist is to make her mark by fusing bilingual soul-folk jazz and she’s already getting recognition for her work with airplay on BBC Radio 1, BBC 6Music, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru as well as live TV performances on S4C, Children in Need for BBC 1 and the 6 Nations advert campaign. Kizzy won the ‘Brwydr Y Bandiau’ at the National Eisteddfod 2013. She also won a Welsh Singer-Songwriter competition receiving money to record her first EP ‘Temporary Zone’ with Amy Wadge (signed to BDI Music and Ed Sheeran/Lewis Watson co-writer).
In 2014, Kizzy singed to publishing company BDi / Bucks Music and Kizzy was later selected as a BBC Horizons12 Artist which included the opportunity to perform a live session at BBC Maida Vale. Kizzy was also a featured artist with Gwilym Simcock for a BBC Radio 4 music programme and she was invited to perform on The Verbs ‘Young Talent’ programme for BBC Radio 3. Kizzy has played many gigs including shows at the National Assembly for Wales during WOMEX, Glastonbury, London Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz, Hay Festival, Festival No 6, Dinefwr Festival, the Plaid Cymru Conference, Blissfields, Wakestock, Abergavenny Food Festival (where she performed her single Golden Brown live on BBC Radio 4) and the Prince Edward Island Festival, Canada. Kizzy has played as support artist for Gruff Rhys, Newton Faulkner, Benjamin Francis Leftwich and has performed alongside Cerys Matthews at the House of Commons, Westminster.
Kizzy’s tracks ‘Caer O Feddyliau’ featured on an ident for S4C and her track ‘Shout Out’and Welsh language version ‘Yr Alwad’ featured in the 2015 VISIT WALES TV & online ad campaign. Kizzy is currently working on new music and the collaborative project BIRDSONG | CAN YR ADAR with Gwilym Simcock in partnership with Sinfonia Cymru and RSPB Cymru which will be on tour in November 2016.
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating

Dowally
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 13 Aug 11.00 AM
at Theatr Brycheiniog
Dowally are Dan Abrahams (guitar), Phil Alexander (accordion and piano) and Rachel Walker (fiddle, whistle and vocals).
The band have also been lucky enough to have a regular collaborator in cello player Graham Coe (The Jellyman’s Daughter).
Dowally blend traditional Scottish music with jazz harmony and Eastern European sounds.
(Curated by Marc Edwards)
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating

GSD Ensemble
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 13 Aug 1.00 pm
at Theatr Brycheiniog
GSD Ensemble are an 8 piece group that consists of piano, bass guitar, drums, saxophone and string quartet. They play original music that combines qualities from various genres, notably jazz, classical, latin and folk, with the aim of engaging audiences in an energetic, uplifting and accessible performance space. In September 2015 they recorded their EP, ‘Golden Rule’, and are weeks away from releasing their first album entitled ‘Wildfire’ , recorded at 80 Hertz Studio in Manchester. Made up of some of Manchester’s finest young musicians, it is an extremely exciting time for GSD as they expand their gigs across the UK and release their album for general sale. For more information on the group please visit their website -
http://www.gsdensemble.com
(Curated by Marc Edwards)
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating.

ASTEROPE
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 13 Aug 4.00 pm
at Theatr Brycheiniog
Featuring an outstanding range of talented musicians this exciting group performs saxophonist Tom Barford’s most recent set of original compositions.
Some examples of the influences Tom bases his writing on for this band include Kneebody, Seamus Blake, Donny Mccaslin, Kenny Wheeler and Eric Harland. Asterope have played at Ronnie Scott’s and Spinney Theatre and several other venues in London.
(Curated by Marc Edwards)
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating.

Caravela
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 13 Aug 17.00
at Theatr Brycheiniog
The band’s name is inspired by Caravel’s, the small vessels that carried Portuguese explorers into the mighty Atlantic winds as they explored new horizons along the West African coast. The boats and their crew carried with them a wild sense of adventure…looking for new possibilities, trading exchanges and sharing their culture with foreign lands. They were voyages of experimentation and bold, adventurous navigational decisions that allowed them to discover the world and the Caravela band are inspired by these fearless journeys.
The band explores the musical depths of the Atlantic sea, merging vibrant rhythms from the Afro-Brazilian culture and soulful melodies from Portugal with inviting funky grooves and elements of jazz improvisation…taking their passengers to beautiful places.
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating

GSD String Quartet
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 13 Aug 8.00 pm
at Theatr Brycheiniog
The GSD String Quartet is an exciting new ensemble that explores classical and jazz-fusion string repertoire. The quartet forms one half of the GSD Ensemble that features rhythm section, piano, saxophone and string quartet. Its members have all been classically trained at the renowned Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
The quartet features Rebekah Reid on lead violin, Abigail Hammett on second violin, William Chadwick on viola and Awen Blandford on cello. Together they create captivating live performances of original compositions written by band members, that span a wide range of genres and include improvisation. The GSD Ensemble recorded their debut album earlier this year.
(Curated by Marc Edwards)
  Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating

Dennis Rollins’ Velocity with support from Nerija
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 13 Aug 9.30 pm
at Theatr Brycheiniog
“In Spring 2015, Dennis Rollins’ Velocity Trio released ‘Symbiosis’- a progressive follow-up to their debut album ‘The 11th Gate’ and will be touring it throughout 2015/16.
The album draws together the Trio’s collective influences incorporating straight-ahead and avant-gard jazz, fused with tinges of rock and genourous helpings of hard-funk. The infectious compositions aim to take listeners on a rollercoster musical journey. Rollins comments: “Here, our music represents the state of ‘Utopia’ we feel everytime we have the pleasure of performing together. We approach it seriously, with the aim to be mindful in our interaction. It’s always fun.”
Velocity Trio is a relatively new venture for Rollins, a brilliant marriage of refined contemporary jazz arrangements with simmering grooves that appeals to multiple generations of jazz, funk and world music fans. Featuring Hammond organ virtuoso Ross Stanley and fiery drummer Pedro Segundo, their unique trombone-Hammond organ-drums line-up honours the jazz tradition while pushing it forward. The ‘electric’ energy of the group also covers a wide area, ranging from atmospheric ethereal melodies from Rollins’ harmonised horn to terra firma straight-ahead jazz and groove. This is one of Rollins’ strongest musical statements yet. For 25 years trombonist Dennis Rollins has played at the forefront of the UK jazz, funk and pop and was the founder/bandleader of Badbone & Co, a contemporary funk-fusion outfit taking it’s influence from the sounds of Herbie Hancock’s HeadHunters, Miles Davis, James Brown and Weather Report. He also accompanied some of the jazz/funk greats including Maceo Parker, Courtney Pine, and pop personalities such as Jamiroquai, The Brand New Heavies, Blur, Dionne Warwick and Tom Jones.”
Recently nominated for Jazz FM Breakthrough Act of the Year 2016, Nérija are a collective of up and coming, London-based musicians playing exciting and original music inspired by Jazz, Hip Hop, Afrobeat and Hi-life. Together they have toured across Europe and the UK in addition to performing alongside top UK jazz musicians such as Nathaniel Facey of Empirical, pianist Zoe Rahman, and supporting Jazz Jamaica at the renowned Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.
Nérija’s most recent performances include UK festivals A Love Supreme, Latitude, Brainchild, Manchester Jazz Festival, Jazz Re:Fest and EFG London Jazz Festival. At the end of 2015, they also had the incredible opportunity to support Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, their Manchester Jazz Festival set being featured on BBC Radio 3.
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating.

Jazz Jam
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 14 Aug 12.30 AM
at Theatr Brycheiniog
The Brecon Jazz Jam is back with its late night laid back vibe. This celebration of jazz starts at 12.30am, straight after Dennis Rollins’s Velocity finsih their set. In the intimate setting of the Studio at Theatr Brycheiniog, the jam allowes musicians to get together to unwind and indulge in some jazz improv. Definitley one not to be missed.
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating

Dani Sicari & The Easy Rollers
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 14 Aug 11.00 AM
at Theatr Brycheiniog
1920s speakeasy jazz featuring award-winning musicians from RNCM.
Grab your dancin’ shoes ‘cos the 20s are here to stay!
On January 17th 1920 the USA goes cold turkey, as a constitutional ban is placed on the sale and production of alcoholic beverages. As saloons across the country shut down, illegal speakeasy bars take their place and the Prohibition era is born. Jazz music from New Orleans reaches the big cities and floods into the underground speakeasies, along with illicit liquor and scantily–clad women…Behold, the golden age of jazz!
(Curated by Marc Edwards)
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating.

Lieko Quintet
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 14 Aug 1.00 PM
at Theatr Brycheiniog
Lieko Quintet focuses on creating fresh, innovative & original music by looking at how rhythmic and harmonic ideas from a contemporary jazz idiom can be used to revive and reinvent pre-existing material. They are bringing a new sound to audiences by fusing ideas from blues, hip-hop and soul with the kind of harmonic framework found in post-bop jazz.
The band collectively takes inspiration from artists like Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Robert Glasper & Cory Henry.
All of the Lieko Quintet members are either currently studying at RNCM or have recently graduated. Within the band there are members on the pop, classical and jazz courses studying at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and between us we have a wealth of performing experience across a diverse range of genres from 1920s traditional jazz to Ghanaian afrobeat. Band members have toured with various projects across the UK and to jazz festivals in Europe and beyond and will all feature at some point during the 2016 Manchester Jazz Festival, as well as securing slots at Matt and Phreds later this year.
(Curated by Marc Edwards)
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating.

Bahla
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 14 Aug 4.00 pm
at Theatr Brycheiniog
“Bahla sonically paints a picture from the broad spectrum of Jewish music traditions, drawing inspiration for new compositions from Liturgical melodies, North African rhythms and Yiddish Art songs. Their music seamlessly combines intimate chamber group textures and roaring, contemporary jazz inspired interplay. It tells a story of the past but always looks ahead, embracing our multi-cultural, modern society.
The Group was selected to perform at the BBC Proms in 2015 as a promising emerging band and since then have performed at The Wigmore Hall, The Cockpit Theatre and The Vortex. Their much anticipated debut EP will be available in June.
““Beautifully realized music, calm and ruminative, full of invention and ideas”” Transient Life (2016)
(Curated by Marc Edwards)
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating.

Wonderbrass
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 14 Aug 4.00 pm
at Theatr Brycheiniog
Wonderbrass: an internationally acclaimed 25 piece world music, pop music, jazz juggernaut - a danceaholic wall of sound - a kick-ass brass tidal wave!
Cardiff’s biggest, boldest and brassiest (pun intended)!
Under the expert leadership of instrumentalist and composer Rob Smith and drummer extraordinaire Mark O’Connor, Wonderbrass are constantly evolving and exploring new musical challenges.
Expect an intoxicating mix of jazz, Latin, ska and soul; a diverse repertoire including Cannonball Adderley, Abdulah Ibrahim and Madonna whilst indulging in a number of their own compositions along the way.
Having enjoyed a number of successful and ongoing collaborations with international musicians such as Claude Deppa, King Django, Jason Yarde and South Africa’s very own Amampondo, Wonderbrass are always seeking to thrill audiences both at home and abroad, in their unique style that once heard will never be forgotten… They’ve got to be seen to be believed!
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating

Artephis
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 14 Aug 6.00 pm
at Theatr Brycheiniog
Artephis is a Manchester-based contemporary jazz quintet comprising active, award-winning young musicians who met at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Since forming in 2014, artephis have been committed to realizing forward-looking original music, which directs the progressive energy of post-bop Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis onto the contemporary plane of Christian Scott and Bill Laurence, distilling an eclectic sound of their own. Described by Mike Walker as having ‘an organic, collectively individual sound’, artephis have recently performed to capacity audiences at the Manchester, Marsden and Lancaster Jazz Festivals, as well as at Matt & Phred’s and the Bridgewater Hall, and look forward to forthcoming performances that include the Liverpool and Scarborough Jazz Festivals. In January 2016, they released their debut EP, and their composition ‘Chagrin’ is featured on the first ever CD of selected performers at the Marsden Jazz Festival.
(Curated by Marc Edwards)
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating.

Tendons
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 14 Aug 6.30 pm
at Theatr Brycheiniog
Formed in January 2015, indie-folk five-piece Tendons blend timeless songs with beautiful harmonies to create a distinct and mesmerising sound.
Based in Cardiff, South Wales, the band released debut live EP ‘Safehouse Sessions’ via Staylittle Music in January 2016, a year to the day since their inception.
Currently working on their maiden studio release, and with a thrilling and ever-expanding live sound, 2016 is set to be a big year for Tendons.
Please Note When Booking This Event Has Unreserved Seating.

BRECON JAZZ CLUB PROGRAMME: information sourced from http://www.breconjazzclub.org

FRI 12th Aug 2.15- 3.30pm, WOMEN IN JAZZ EXHIBITION OPENS with music from the ‘Women in Jazz’ Trio – FREE EVENT, Guildhall
Friday to Sunday – Women in Jazz Exhibition continues – apart from workshop and concert performances – see main programme for details or enquire at the front info/box office point.

GEOFF EALES TRIO – ‘LIVING LEGENDS OF JAZZ PIANO’ Friday 12th August 6:15-7.30pm, Castle Hotel
Lineup: Geoff Eales (keyboard/piano), Erika Lyons (double bass), Romarna Campbell (drums)
SHOW INFO: The trio plays tribute to four living legends of jazz piano: Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, and Keith Jarrett, as well as playing one or two compositions by Geoff himself. Some of the numbers include Watermelon Man, Passion Dance, Armando’s Rhumba, My Song, plus many more iconic tunes…
GEOFF EALES: Welsh Pianist / composer / improviser and international jazz artist, Geoff Eales has enjoyed an incredibly varied career in music. As well as his love of contemporary classical music, Geoff is passionate about jazz. As a member of the BBC Radio Big Band in the late 70’s and early 80’s, he was featured in well over 1000 broadcasts. Geoff has also been a top studio musician for over 15 years, working alongside a host of musical luminaries, Leonard Bernstein, Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith, Lalo Schifrin and Andrew Lloyd Webber included ; as an accompanist he was frequently featured with leading vocalists such as Shirley Bassey, Jose Carreras, Kiri Te Kanawa, Lesley Garrett and Michael Ball.

Teddy Smith Big Band, Guests & Dancing – Fri 12th Aug @ 8:15pm, Castle Hotel
TEDDY SMITH BIG BAND guest soloists, dancers & buffet 8:15-10:30pm
Lineup: Teddy Smith (trumpet), Gethin Liddington (trumpet/flugelhorn), Elaina Hoss (vocals), Dominic Norcross (saxes), with the swing band.
SHOW INFO: The Teddy Smith Big Band is a mix of outstanding jazz talents currently studying in Cardiff, including professional jazz performers such as Gethin Liddington (trumpet), Dominic Norcross (saxes), and top jazz vocalist Elaina Hoss.
This is a specially curated opening concert for Brecon Jazz Festival Weekend 2016 featuring our special guest Elaina Hoss (vocals) and the professional lindy hop swing dancers – “Hopping Mad”.
Tickets for this concert include a jazz buffet meal and can be combined as a Castle Ballroom Combo ticket to include our headline concert for the day -the Geoff Eales Trio at 6.00pm.
Local trumpet player Robert ‘Teddy’ Smith has led the RWCMD Jazz Ensemble since 2012, also performing regularly for local jazz clubs as well as a member of the acclaimed Capital City Jazz Band. The Teddy Smith Big Band is a highly versatile and melodic, locally-based large jazz ensemble in Cardiff, also entertaining a dance floor audience with classic standards from the swing dance band era, to providing more modern-themed interpretations.
Our special guests also include swing dancers Graeme & Ann who are twice U.K. Champions and started Lindy Hop in the 1990’s at the start of the Swing revival. They specialize in original jazz, swing and jive dance, with numerous T.V. and film appearances to their credit. You will get every chance to join them on the floor!!

TREFOR OWEN Quartet with MEGAN THOMAS
Sat August 13
2:15-3:30pm, Guildhall
Line up: Trefor Owen (bandleader/guitar), Andy Hulme (guitar), Megan Thomas (vocals), Ruth Bowen (bass)
SHOW INFO: Featuring jazz arrangements for the music of Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder, Henry Mancini led by TREFOR OWEN One of Britain’s finest jazz guitarists, with songs about ‘those special places’ from Meg Thomas.  Trefor has toured the UK extensively. appearing with many European and British musicians.  He has also performed in the USA, where he played with many American musicians.
MEGAN THOMAS (vocals) Megan is studying Jazz at RWCMD where she has recently completed her third year. She plays regularly in jazz clubs and festivals around the UK and has sung in some of Britain’s most prestigious venues, such as The Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms, and The Wales Millennium Centre, alongside Karl Jenkins.
She and her band ‘Luna’ recently supported world-renowned jazz guitarist Gilad Hekselman on his tour around Wales, performing a repertoire of original material.
Megan has just returned from a tour of China where she ran workshops and played live gigs in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing and Chonquing.  She has appeared on BBC Radio Wales many times, playing live sessions alongside live interviews.

TINA MAY SINGS ‘BRAZIL’ – with the WALES-LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Sat 13th August
8:15-9:30pm, The Guildhall
Line up: Tina May (vocals), Cathy Jones (percussion/vocals), Alexa Dene (flute/vocals), Jon Crespo (trumpet), Pedro Ascencio (keyboard/piano), Gui Tavares (Guitar), Lloyd Haines (drums), Aidan Thorne (double bass).
SHOW INFO: A unique line up and headline concert for Brecon Jazz Festival 2016, not performing elsewhere. The programme will include the work of three of Brazil’s composers, some well known, others newly introduced by Antonio Carlos Jobim.
TINA MAY is considered to be one of the finest jazz vocalists the UK has ever produced. She has received numerous awards recognising her vocal art in awards. After graduating from University in Cardiff, she was voted Critic’s Number One choice in the 1995 British Jazz Vocalist Awards, and in 1998 selected Number One Vocalist and the Critic’s Choice at the BT Jazz Awards that year. More recent accolades have included…
An accomplished lyricist as well as linguist, Tina wrote the words to bop standards such as Cannonball Adderley’s ‘Havin’ Fun’, as well as producing her own original jazz material. She has performed and collaborated with many top names, such as pianist Ray Brown, with whom she produced a memorable CD.
Tina’s voice is described as ‘dusky soprano’ with a three-octave range, which she employs with flexibility and imagination to interpret both traditional standards and newer material. She has also particularly specialized in the work of Latin composers and rhythms, and at the Brecon Guildhall, she performs a special programme of music from the ‘Brazilian’ composers in jazz.
Supporting Tina is an all-star septet, featuring musicians from Wales, across the UK, and the Americas.

SUN 14th Aug from 12 noon to 3pm FILM SUNDAY & LUNCH at THE MUSE – FILM – FOOD – MUSIC – Ashley-John Long on Vibes, lovely buffet included in price and jazz films on screen.
£10 inclusive
Sunday buffet lunch to the sounds and sights of jazz past and present, with the jazz greats John Coltrane, Sony Rollins, Jazz Messengers plus Rhode Island Jazz Fest 1959.
Ashley-John Long is emerging as one of the most unique and virtuosic double bassists in the U.K working in diverse range of idioms and with a passionate commitment to new music. Here, however he delights with his other love, the jazz vibraphone. Expect to be surprised and delighted. Ashley, locally based graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with Honours and the Simon Clarkson Memorial award for best Musician.

BROWNFIELD, BYRNE Quintet – BeBop Special with special Guest TRISH CLOWES
Sun Aug 14 @ 6:00pm
Guildhall
Lineup: Jamie Brownfield (trumpet), Liam Byrne (sax), Andy Hulme (guitar), Ed Harrison (double bass) Jack Cotterill (drums). SPECIAL GUEST Trish Clowes (sax)
SHOW INFO:This is a special performance by BBQ with guest Trish Clowes to play.
Winner of the Rising Star category at the 2012 British Jazz Award, JAMIE BROWNFIELD (trumpeter), with saxophonist, LIAM BYRNE, formed BBQ in 2008. Still in their 20s and based in rural North Wales, the duo have made a sizeable impact on the UK jazz scene, guesting and performing widely and leading their own lineups including Brownfield-Byrne Hot 6, and all genres of jazz from BeBop to New Orleans. Embracing the trumpet and tenor tradition of 1950’s bebop, the group’s repertoire has expanded considerably, reflecting old and new influences that inform its style.
With many UK club performances to date, the band are known as ‘one to watch’. ANDY HULME (Guitar) has appeared at many jazz festivals and venues across the UK as part of BBQ and with guitarist Trefor Owen, where his extensive knowledge of the guitar and sensitive musicality have earned him the respect and admiration of a well established following. ED HARRISON (double bass) JACK COTTERILL (drums)
TRISH CLOWES won the Contemporary Jazz Composition category of the 2015 BASCA British Composer Awards and in the same year played out the highly acclaimed BBC Proms Extra aired on BBC2 in August 2015. Her album ‘Pocket Compass’ was ranked #12 in the Marlbank 2014 List of Favourite Jazz Albums. She is highly praised by Jamie Callum who stated that “This is a British Jazz at its best. I suggest you go and see her now before its difficult to get in the room, I assure you she is a great, great talent” So take up this great opportunity to see her……

CELTIC JAZZ SOUNDS : Maria Walsh, Carole Nelson and Friends
Sun 14 August 8.15 pm, Guildhall
Line up: Maria Walsh (vocals), Carole Nelson (piano), plus Ian Cooper (double bass) and guest Heulwen Thomas (violin)
SHOW INFO: Musically sophisticated and lyrically smart, Dublin-based Maria and Carole inhabit a unique place in Irish contemporary music as the Zrazy band. The garlanded song-writing team of vocalist Maria Walsh and pianist, saxophonist Carole Nelson boast a lengthy and critically acclaimed creative partnership that has recorded six albums, toured much of the world and have won them an array of awards globally. The duo are a unique amalgamation of pop, jazz and celtic influences that have continued to radiate positivity and accumulate accolades throughout their 20 year career. Maria and Carole specialise in smooth jazz ‘cocktail lounge’ sounds, with lithe and enchanting vocals. ‘It is one hell of a brew.’ … All told, The Art of Happy Accidents is the work of a class act.’ – Colm O Hare, Hot Press. Here, the Irish duo team up with two popular musicians from the Welsh jazz scene, bassist and music teacher Ian Cooper, and gypsy jazz violinist Heulwen Thomas, to play some standards and groovy sounds for a Sunday evening chill-out in great company and at a lovely venue.

BRECON JAZZ CLUB WORKSHOP PROGRAMME:
MUSIC-JAZZ-WELLBEING WORKSHOPS
 
Fri 12th Aug 12.15pm MUSIC & WELLBEING FOR ALL – GUILDHALL £8 (90 mins)
Sat 13th Aug 10.15am FAMILY MUSIC-MAKING – MUSE ARTS free
Sun 14th Aug 11am MUSIC & WELLBEING – GUILDHALL £8
(90 mins)
Sun 14th Aug 1pm MUSIC & WELLBEING – GUILDHALL £8
(90 mins)
Sun 14th Aug 11am GUITAR WORKSHOP – GUILDHALL £10 (2 hours)
Sun 14th Aug 1pm VOICE & PERCUSSION WORKSHOP – GUILDHALL £8 (90 mins)
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADERS/FACILITATORS
All of the workshop tutors are distinguished jazz musicians who are performing in the Festival and have many years of teaching experience in working with group participants, new and experienced students alike..WELLBEING sessions are suitable for everyone, no musical background assumed! GUITAR workshop only- bring your instrument.
ERIKA LYONS – music and WELLBEING workshops
Led by Erika Lyons, these workshops are for everyone.  Singing therapy – using sounds and the powerful resonance of one’s own voice to release physical, emotional and psychological tensions.
Erika began piano lessons as a child and learning the cello at 13. Graduating to the double bass at 18, she was largely self-taught until she moved to New York in 1981 where she studied with Buster Williams, Rufus Reid and Hal Galper. Erika was fortunate to work in NYC for two years playing with many great musicians. After returning to the UK she established herself on the London jazz scene whilst studying Communication Studies at Goldsmiths College. Erika moved to Herefordshire in 1987 and established herself as the go-do bass player on the local scene. Erika has taught classroom music in local primary schools since 2007 and in 2012 she began a 3 year masters training in Music Therapy at the University of the West of England and graduated in 2015. Erika is now a fully qualified Music Therapy practitioner and works as a freelance music therapist in many different settings.
CATHY JONES – VOICE and PERCUSSION workshop
Led by Cathy Jones – up tempo Latin rhythms, ensemble playing, improvising using your voice.
Cathy originally studied classical piano, violin and viola, playing regularly in orchestras and ensembles throughout her teenage years. A strong interest in rhythm also found her playing percussion and drums, leading to an exploration of Brazilian and Afro-Cuban Music. She spent some years immersed in the world of Samba schools, honing her skills as a Samba player and deepening her understanding of this music. It led to an involvement with the Brazilian Jazz outfit ‘Sirius B’ from which Cathy then went on to form her own bands, also taking up the role as vocalist. Today, she is widely acclaimed for her Latin especially Brazilian percussion and vocals.
TREFOR OWEN – GUITAR workshop
Led by Trefor Owen – Improve your jazz improvisation and solo playing techniques.
Trefor Owen has toured the U.K. extensively, appearing with many European and British musicians. He has also performed in the U.S.A , where he played with many American musicians. Born in Anglesey with Welsh as his first language, Trefor founded and directed the International Guitar Festival in North Wales for many years, and still runs local guitar masterclasses in the North West.

CATHEDRAL PROGRAMME;

Andy Nowak Trio
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 12 Aug, 8.00 pm
at Brecon Cathedral
Music from their album “Sorry and the Phoenix”
Since 2005, the A.N.t. have been captivating audiences throughout the South West, Wales and London with their enthralling combination of powerful themes, subtle interplay and raw beauty. The combination of truly original compositions and striking reworkings of well known material is fast becoming a hallmark of this highly empathic and musically adventurous trio.
Bristol based, they have performed innumerable concerts across the Southwest, Wales and London.

Simon Deeley Quartet
Brecon Jazz | Jazz Aberhonddu - 13 Aug 12.00 pm
at Brecon Cathedral
Crossing Borders
Modern/contemporary jazz, predominantly Latin-jazz and jazz fusion

 

 

 

 

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