Press release: Kings Place Announces Major Autumn/Winter 2026 Jazz Season Featuring Dave Holland, Bill Laurance, Fergus McCreadie, Matt Carmichael and more

*With its most ambitious EFG London Jazz Festival programme to date, major new commissions and the continued development of the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, Kings Place further strengthens its position as one of London's leading destinations for contemporary jazz*

This Autumn/Winter, Kings Place will present an ambitious season of jazz performances featuring internationally acclaimed artists, exclusive premieres and major new collaborations, underlining the venue's growing reputation as one of London’s leading destinations for live jazz. With one of its most expansive EFG London Jazz Festival programmes to date, alongside year-round programming spanning established international artists and emerging UK talent, Kings Place continues to expand its commitment to presenting jazz in all its forms.

Album review: Charles Lloyd, Zakir Hussain, Eric Harland - Sangam and Friends (Blue Note)

Charles Lloyd (tenor/alto sax, flute); Zakir Hussain (tabla, perc.); Eric Harland (drums, perc., tongue drum); Vijay Prakash (vocals); Sabir Kahn (sarangi); Rakesh Chaurasia (bansuri); Niladri Kumar (sitar); Ranjit Barot (keyboard).

Probably an acquired taste but not one I arrived at through veteran saxophonist Charles Lloyd, who I've never explored much, though his playing remains masterful despite his advanced years. My entrance came via the late great tabla master Zakir Hussain via his association with guitar pioneer John McLaughlin. 

EP review: The Derrick Harris Organ Trio - Zig-zag

Derrick Harris (guitar); Pete Whittaker (B3); George Double (drums)

Our man from way out west - Mike Farmer - reviewed Harris many times at the old Railway pub in Stockport and again more recently at the Moor Club. His reviews were positive and, listening to Harris on this organ trio EP, he wasn't wrong. 

Harris gets a good clean sound that blends nicely with Whittaker's punchy Hammond. I've always been impressed by Whittaker whether with Art Themen, Jim Mullen, Nigel Price or, more recently on  Deirdre Cartwright's excellent album Organik. He knows what the Hammond is all about and utilises its potential to the full.

Nick Mondello Interviews Pianist, Composer Tomoko Ohno

 

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (July 23-July 29)

McCoy Tyner: That Old Devil Moon.

Sarah Vaughan: After Hours.

Donald Byrd: Someone to Watch Over me.

Clark Terry: ? .

Nat 'King ' Cole: Blue Moon.

Gene Ammons: Margie.

Chad ?: Softly as in a Morning Sunrise.

Peggy Lee: Sugar.

Louis Armstrong/Ella Fitzgerald: Cheek to Cheek.

Chet Baker: Little Man You've Had a Busy Day.

Ben Webster: You'd be so Nice to Come Home to.

LISTEN 24/7

Sunday night @ the Globe: Jo Harrop & Jamie McCredie - July 26

© Sylvia

Jo Harrop (vocals); Jamie McCredie (guitar)

A fire alarm at the Central metro station meant that trains weren't stopping there so I had to move on down the line and join the scramble for a taxi at Monument. Not the ideal start to a night out. However, when the ultimate endeavour is hearing Jo and Jamie at the Globe the end is worth the means and an obliging taxi-driver got me to the Jazz Co-op's HQ in good time to enjoy what the night had in store.

The room was near capacity and a hush descended as Jamie led Jo into The More I See You. The chords overflowing with rich, melodic harmony and the voice sensuous and seductive. Her native Chester-le- Street a distant memory, the voice now that of a global traveller - a citizen of London, L.A., New York - the Toast of  Paree and, last night, Newcastle.

EP Review: Suzanne Pittson and Bevan Manson – Conversations (Take 2)

Suzanne Pittson (vocals, keys, arrangements); Bevan Manson (piano, arrangements)

With Conversations, esteemed vocalist, composer and educator Suzanne Pittson and acclaimed pianist, composer/arranger Bevan Manson present a five-track EP. The fare here includes two selections affiliated with Freddie Hubbard, a Charlie Parker classic, a Sinatra gem, and an infrequently recorded Cole Porter selection. The team which initially collaborated in 2002 and has recorded and performed  occasionally since then sends up four duo selections and a fifth featuring a full orchestra and big band.

Preview: Tonight (Sunday July 26) @ the Globe - Jo Harrop & Jamie McCredie

UNMISSABLE! DETAILS

EP review: Suzanne Pittson & Bevan Manson - Conversations

Suzanne Pittson (voice); Bevan Manson (piano)*

On Freddie Hubbard's Like a Byrd, Pittson bursts from the blocks like a sprinter about to crack 10 seconds over 100 metres. It's fast and furious, her vocal range of what must surely be four octaves covers the full gamut. Manson has his work cut out to stay in the game. - but stay in the game he does. Quite brilliantly.

After You, a rarely heard Cole Porter number I'd only knew from a Bill Evans album. It's beautiful. Bird's Confirmation offers more scope for vocal pyrotechnics as might be expected. Manson too has a brief chorus or two before Pittson takes it out  in style.

The Trumpet Shall Sound....

© Russell

...the above title is from Handel's oratorio The Messiah and it sprung to my mind last weekend and the days either side of it as being very appropriate. It may no longer apply to a certain   footballer from Argentina but, away from the World Cup, we had a couple of trumpet-slinging expats doing the rounds and taking no prisoners.

Originally from Wallsend Colin Aitchison now leads the band at Ned Kelly's Last Stand in Kowloon, Hong Kong. He annually returns to his roots guesting with the local New Orleans/mainstream bands and venues. His familiarity with the idiom and his vintage vocals a delight to behold. In the photo above he is flanked (l-r) by David Gray and Jim McBriarty.