Author: RMS_
This week we are highlighting the artists performing at our Home Nations Day on Thursday 26 July. The day sees artists from England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland come together for a showcase of the best homegrown talent.
First up is Kim Trio, fronted by the winner of last year’s Peter Whittingham Jazz Award and Scottish saxophonist – Helena Kay. This lunch time gig of originals and jazz standards is inspired by Sonny Rollins’ classic piano-less trios. For more information and tickets click here.
The second gig of the day sees mjf return to the stunning surrounds of St Ann’s Church for one of our much-loved recitals. Described by BBC Music Magazine as ‘A European stylist of the highest order’, Huw Warren brings a taste of Wales to Manchester with his elegant melodies effortlessly traversing his interests in world, contemporary and folk music. For more information and tickets click here.
Sue Rynhart brings her trio to Salon Perdu for an afternoon of precise vocals complimented by lyrics infused with stories of relationships, motherhood and fragility. Sue has a reputation in Northern Ireland for being one of the most captivating and unusual contemporary artists and has received much critical acclaim. For more information and tickets click here.
Sugarwork bring our third taste of Scotland to the Home Nations Day – fronted by bandleader and keys player Paul Harrison. Paul leads these adventurous and accomplished players through a repertoire of new, intense but lyrical sounds, with elements of atmospheric electronica, European jazz, industrial looping, psychedelic exploration and post-rock flavours. For more information and tickets click here.
We wrap up the day with our treasured Irwin Mitchell mjf originals commission Light Gatherer. The piece is composed by Scottish harpist Esther Swift and inspired by the feminist works poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy. Esther will be supported by her Clouds harp quartet, saxophone, trombone, violin, viola, cello, piano and percussion. For more information and tickets click here.
To find the full Festival programme click here.
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with Babelfish, to find out when Babelfish are playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: Brigitte Beraha
Name of the Band (if you’re in a band): Babelfish
Where are you/the band from?
I was born in Italy and raised in the South of France. My dad is Turkish and my mum half Turkish half English, they are both originally from Istanbul. I moved to London which is where I met Barry, Chris and Paul. We are all based in London.
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How did you get into music?
My dad used to be the pianist of a famous Turkish pop star in the 60s. Growing up we had a piano at home that my dad played once in a while, whilst singing pop and ‘variety’ songs with his raucous voice. When he wasn’t playing I always loved to be on that piano trying to play and sing myself, until I eventually had a proper piano teacher who taught me my favourite classical pieces.
*Why did you form the band?
Barry Green and myself had already been playing together for some time but wanted to form a band where we would play music that we loved, regardless of where it came from, as well as a good vehicle to write our own music. A band where we could be playful, and play free, wacky and beautiful music. We both knew that Chris Laurence and Paul Clarvis would be the perfect musicians to make this happen, and when we found out they were happy and excited
to be on board we knew this would be special.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
Getting to play so much great music with amazing people and musicians as well as seeing my own music being brought to life. It’s also a great joy when I see that people who come to the gigs are moved by the music; to be able to bring a little bit of happiness
through music is an amazing thing.
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
The hectic hours and not having much of a routine. But that can also be very welcome at times!
Who is your favourite band or artist?
There are many favourite artists but springing to mind just now Theo Bleckmann who is incredible; Ches Smith’s trio with Matt Maneri and Craig Taborn are a band I am currently obsessed with; and in the UK I will always try to catch The Printmakers, Matthew Bourne or Lauren Kinsella.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
I’m afraid it’s probably something like: ’You’re mumbling, can’t hear what you’re saying’, by a peer musician. Couldn’t be anything less profound! Yet, a simple statement like this to help me realise how detail and conviction are everything, and will help in the delivery of the things that really matter.
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
This is one of my favourite jazz festivals, as the programme is always really exciting and varied; it’s also one of the first jazz festival I’ve ever played and I’ve been coming back regularly as part of different ensembles. It’s always been so much fun to play here, so it’s brilliant to be back this year with Babelfish- we haven’t played here before and we are really looking forward to it!
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that
would like to follow in your steps?
To be honest with their music and proactive so that their music can be heard.
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
Hard to pick one, but one I know I will never forget was playing the ‘Sweet Time Suite’ with Kenny Wheeler.
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
I sadly won’t be able to stay for the rest of the festival, but there is so much that I’d love to see from your varied and exciting programme including ‘Under The Surface’, Kim Trio, Cinder, Megan Branwen, Yazz Ahmed and Winstone/Gesing/Venier.
For the full Festival Programme click here.
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with Sue Rynhart, to find out when Sue Rynhart is playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: Sue Rynhart
Where are you/the band from? I’m from Dublin, Dan Bodwell (Double Bass) is from USA and Francesco Turrisi (Piano & Percussion) is from Italy. We are all living in Ireland.
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How did you get into music?
There is a great live Music scene in Ireland. I have always loved music and I’ve been singing since before I can remember so I suppose I have never not been into music.
*Why did you form the band?
I formed a band to enjoy singing my songs with excellent musicians.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
I feel honoured when people come and chat with me about my songs and tell me how they relate to their own lives. There are countless moments that I remember being onstage with other musicians and just having a great time. I think music can unite people.
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
There’s nothing! Any practical difficulties or obstacles are outweighed by my enjoyment of the sound world.
Who is your favourite band or artist?
There are so many. At the moment I’m enjoying Beethoven’s Late String Quartets, the Tom Tom Club, Autechre, Meredith Monk, John Cage, Hermeto Pascoal. I’m particularly interested in environmental sounds; for instance the sound of wind in Bamboo leaves – outdoor sounds, especially on a hot day.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
I have learned so much from many generous teachers, friends, family and colleagues. Someone once told me that you should know the rules before you break them.
What does it mean to you to play at Manchester jazz festival?
I’m thrilled! I love this Festival.
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
I would advise them to have fun and to improvise!
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
Recently, at a gig in ‘The Sofa Sessions’ in Billy Byrne’s Bar in Kilkenny, Ireland, the audience joined in with us for one of my songs, that felt and sounded really special.
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
The programme look fantastic, it would be great to hear all the acts. If I had to choose two, it would be Norma Winstone/Klaus Gesing/Glauco Venier/Abel Selaocoe and Cross Currents Trio featuring Dave Holland/Zakir Hussain/Chris Potter
For the full Festival Programme click here.
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with Arun Ghosh, to find out when Arun Ghosh is playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: ARUN GHOSH
Where are you/the band from? Manchester and London
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How did you get into music?
I’ve always loved music, and have been involved with it since I was 7. Like a lot of kids, I played the recorder at school…but I got pretty full on about it; I played it all the time, took it everywhere, and found that I could play by ear, improvise, play songs I liked and make up my own tunes. I could lose myself. I realised that I loved playing music for the people around me. That’s what I still do after all these years.
*Why did you form the band?
I put this music together to express myself, represent myself, show who I am. The music comes from everything I’ve grown up around; indie, dub, jungle, rave…and of course JAZZ. South-Asian music, World music, the blues. Classical music. New Orleans, Balkan style…know what I mean?
“All those are just labels; we all know that music is music.”
And so that’s what I’ve been composing, performing, recording these years. And I’ve brought together a multi-generational, multi-cultural crack team of fantastic musicians to do it. Men and women from all different musical traditions…., a new generation of musicians like Marli Wren (bass) and Chelsea Carmichael (tenor sax) both originally from Manchester. Then there’s Northern drum legend Dave Walsh, we’ve played together since 2002! They all know what I’m looking for, know how to play my music, they can make the grooves and my melodies make sense, they breathe life into it. It’s a joy to play together.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
Being on stage and playing, improvising and freewheeling, getting into a heightened state through sound and energy. That’s what it’s all about. And I love those moments when I’m alone too, practising, composing, working things out…and sometimes, just sometimes, every now and then, those magical moments wherever you are, whoever you’re with, when something passes through you, and you’re at one with a higher consciousness, in communication with the Universe.
Who is your favourite band or artist?
Nina Simone. She’s the greatest, she’s timeless, the ultimate. A true communicator with her voice, instrument and spirit. She embodies everything that I believe is true, real and other-worldly. I could aim towards her and what she is, and accept that I couldn’t get near.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Mike Hall, a great jazz educator who I had lessons with at the RNCM. He told me to start composing my own music; that’s how I would understand what jazz meant to me, and what I wanted to communicate. I took that advice right away, and kept on writing.
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
Manchester is my musical, cultural and spiritual HOME, and so it means a huge amount to me to come and play at manchester jazz festival. We’ll be playing stuff from my first album, Northern Namaste and my new album, but where are you really from? ; this is music that grew out of me, and my relationship to Manchester, and so it will be amazing to play it with the new line-up, in Albert Square, right in the heart of the city.
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
I’d say keep out out of my way, I’m not dead yet.
To be honest, there’s an amazing new generation of musicians, doing fantastic things, making great things happen; they don’t need any advice from me!
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
I think I’m looking forward to hearing Ashley Henry play for the first time, to hear his playing and see how the trio interacts, what they’re saying.
Would you like to add anything?
Thank you mjf for hosting us; Manchester, COME ON DOWN to Salon Perdu, it’s gonna be an amazing gig, a fresh line-up, special vibes, don’t miss it!
For the full Festival Programme click here.
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with John Helliwell, to find out when John Helliwell is playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: John Helliwell
Name of the Band (if you’re in a band): CRÈME ANGLAISE
Where are you/the band from? THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND
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How did you get into music?
BY HEARING MONTY SUNSHINE OF CHRIS BARBER’S JAZZ BAND PLAY “PETITE FLEUR” (BY SIDNEY BECHET) ON HIS CLARINET IN 1958
*Why did you form the band?
TO PLAY WITH MY FAVOURITE JAZZ MUSICIANS – MIKE WALKER, GETH GRIFFITH, STEVE GILBERT AND JOHN ELLIS.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
GIVING PEOPLE PLEASURE.
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
WAITING TO HURRY UP AND TRAVEL.
Who is your favourite band or artist?
TODAY, IT’S THE BRAD MEHLDAU TRIO.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
DON’T PLAY TWO NOTES WHEN ONE WILL DO.
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
WARM AND RECEPTIVE AUDIENCES, RAIN OR SHINE.
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
REMEMBER THAT YOU’RE THERE TO ENTERTAIN.
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
RECEIVING THE “CHEVALIER DE L’ORDRE DES ARTS ET DES LETTRES” FROM THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT.
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
DAVE HOLLAND/ ZAKIR HUSSAIN/ CHRIS POTTER – CHRIS IS ONE OF THE TITANS OF TODAY’S SAXOPHONISTS.
For the full Festival Programme click here.
Glastonbury announced their 2019 legends slot this week, so we thought we’d highlight the legends coming to Manchester this summer for #mjf2018.
Starting with the Cross Current Trio on Saturday 21 July – featuring three living legends of jazz: Dave Holland, Zakir Hussain and Chris Potter who have shared the stage with the likes of Miles Davis, George Harrison, Herbie Hancock and Van Morrison to name a few.
Supertramp legend John Helliwell will bring his group Crème Anglaise to the Salon Perdu stage on Sunday 22 July, for a collection of blues, pop and jazz hits that have inspired him over the years.
We’ll be returning to the RNCM Concert Hall for a second time On Friday 27 July with the vast vocal talent of Norma Winstone, accompanied by Klaus Gesing, Glauco Venier and dynamic Manchester-based South African cellist Abel Selaocoe.
For the full Festival programme click here.
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with Andchuck, to find out when Andchuck are playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: Gabriel Alexander, Jack March and Tom Chapman
Name of the Band: Andchuck
Where are you, the band from? The band is based in Manchester
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How did you get into music?
G: I played piano from the age of 5 but discovered the drums when my mum forced me to get a drum lesson.
J: I’ve been obsessed with music and sound in general as far back as I can remember
T: I loved listening to music from a very young age and desperately wanted to be part of creating it.
*Why did you form the band?
G: We were all looking for a band like andchuck to be a part of and so it just happened pretty naturally
J: We all wanted to be playing original instrumental music and having met at RNCM it felt very natural
T: We met at college and immediately discovered that we had very similar influences and ideals of what we want from music.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
G: Playing music with other musicians
J: I really enjoy it when people completely surprise me when we’re improvising together.
T: Getting to do the thing you love the most for your career
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
G: There isn’t one really… I guess job insecurity?
J: Carrying heavy gear
T: Don’t think there is one!
Who is your favourite band or artist?
G: Changes almost weekly! At the moment, Avishai Cohen Trio
J: Julian Lage and Bill Frisell are two of my favourites
T: Esbjorn Svensson Trio
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
G: Concentrate and listen!
J: Its only music!
T: Listen
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
G: Means a huge amount as it’s such a prestigious festival but it also feels like home!
J: It’s amazing! Having grown up in Manchester, playing at mjf has always been a big goal of mine
T: It means a great deal. I love the festival and there are some amazing artists playing in this year.
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
G: Enjoy yourself and play as much music as you can!
J: Just be yourself and don’t be afraid to break the rules
T: Enjoy the journey of learning to play music.
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
G: Getting selected for the Jazz North Introduces scheme was amazing.
J: Being selected for jazz north introduces with the band?
T: Getting to play some of the best venues around Manchester with Andchuck has been great!
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
G: J Frisco (the other band selected for jazz north introduces!), Cross Currents Trio and Skeltr!
J: Cross Current Trio
T: Everyone! It’s a great line up this year
Would you like to add anything?
J: I’m really looking forward to playing at mjf hearing loads of great bands.
For the full Festival Programme click here.
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with Alexander Bone, to find out when Alexander Bone is playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: Alexander Bone
Name of the Band (if you’re in a band): Cheshire Youth Music For Life Big Band ft Alexander Bone
Where are you/the band from? The band is based in Cheshire! I’m from Darlington, & I lived in Manchester for 6 years whilst at Chethams School of Music
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How did you get into music?
Both my parents are musicians and I heard music around the house all the time growing up. I couldn’t resist wanting to get involved.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
My favourite part of being a musician is when you can change people in a positive way though the music. Whether it’s making them dance, or perhaps feel more reflective or confident, whatever the emotion really. If I manage to communicate with people, then I’m happy!
This is specially humbling when it’s your own music.
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
What’s not to enjoy? 😊
Who is your favourite band or artist?
I’m afraid there’s too many to put down to one… but I’ve recently been enjoying music by the producer Robotaki, the band KNOWER & rediscovering one of my favourite British jazz bands Polar Bear.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
As cliché as it is, to trust your ears and hearts over your brain.
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
It’s always a huge pleasure to be part of MJF and I’m so happy to be returning this year! It’s a festival that brings so much exciting contemporary music to one of my favourite cities!
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
I’d say simply to stay focused on what you want to achieve to take you to the next level. If you want to have a career in music, you can do it with hard work!
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
In 2015 I was incredibly fortunate to perform on the Last Night of the Proms with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. They broadcast one of my pieces live to BBC Two which was very surreal!
For the full Festival Programme click here.
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with Sound of Thieves, to find out when Sound of Thieves are playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: Jan Bures
Name of the Band (if you’re in a band): Sound Of Thieves
Where are you/the band from? Manchester
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How did you get into music?
I’ve been around music ever since I can remember! My mum is a classical musician, so I’ve been listening to her play before I could even speak. I then went to a music school in Poland, where I studied cello, as well as music theory. The rest just went from there!
*Why did you form the band?
I believe music is most fun when shared with others. Phoebe and I just clicked musically, and nearly four years on it is only getting more and more fun.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
Every performance is a special moment! There is nothing quite like being on stage, and connecting with other people through music. It really feels that at those moments time stands still, yet after it is over it seems like it was all a flash.
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
Performing music comes with some very intense emotional highs, and sometimes it is tough to then adjust to just normal days. Sometimes A LOT can happen in a few days, followed by a week or two of, well, not much. It is easy then to forget about everything you’ve done, and start worrying about not doing enough.
Who is your favourite band or artist?
Two artists that have been very inspirational to us in the recent years have been Kimbra, a singer from New Zealnd, and DubFX, an artist from Australia. Kimbra has a very specific tone and style, which we find really unique, and she is not afraid to challenge herself as well as her audience with the music that she performs. DubFX is an artist who started his career as a street-performer, and went on to travel the world for years, growing a huge devoted fanbase. Both are very inspiring individuals!
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
I’ve received a lot of really important advice over the years, and it is difficult to simply pick one piece. However, all of the advice when put together and filtered through, boils down to “Be yourself, because no one else can do what you can do!”
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
I personally find it a huge honour to be invited to perform at such an iconic festival. Just looking at this year’s artist roster is jaw-dropping, and to see our name amongst others is really exciting!
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
Work hard, believe in yourself, and be kind! Focus on yourself, what can go wrong, really…:) Take lots and lots of little steps to get where you want to go, instead of waiting for that one huge jump!
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
Performing last year at the opening of the Manchester International Festival in Picadilly Gardens was truly an incredible experience. After going home that evening, we’ve watched the event back on BBC, and were really overwhelmed by having been a part of it all!
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
I love brass bands, so I am definitely looking forward to the Broken Brass Ensemble and the Llareggub Brass Band!
Would you like to add anything?
Come see us at the Festival Square on the 21st of July!
For the full Festival Programme click here.
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with Namvula, to find out when Namvula is playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: Namvula
Name of the Band (if you’re in a band): Namvula
Where are you/the band from? Zambia / UK
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How did you get into music?
I’ve been writing songs since I was an early teenager, and playing various instruments (not superbly!) since childhood, so the career is an extension of that
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
Having a great performance that strikes audiences emotionally, touring to new places, discovering new types of food (yep, I’m a foodie!)
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
The admin. Snooze!
Who is your favourite band or artist?
Too many to list here, but great loves are Cassandra Wilson, Nina Simone, Andy Palacio, Moses Sumney
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Some people will like your music, some people won’t. Just keep making the music you like.
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
It’s great to be back – the last time we had such great vibes from the audience, I hope for more this year around!
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
Stay in love with your craft
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
Recording my second album at seven months pregnant! Maybe not an accolade, but finding my way around all the gear with my belly was definitely notable!
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
The Hackney Colliery Band, that are playing just after us. I’ve not yet had the pleasure, so I really look forward to that one!
For the full Festival Programme click here.