A couple of Schmazz/Jazz North East gigs next week

(Press Release)

Schmazz, the Tyneside jazz promoter set up by local musician Keith Morris, and run by a voluntary committee since his tragic death in a hit and run accident, has managed to secure a rare Tyneside appearance by Shatner’s Bassoon, the young six-piece Leeds based jazz rock outfit tipped by the music press for a Mercury Music Prize nomination this year. This comes after the sell-out Schmazz gig in December showcasing Roller Trio, who were nominated for the 2012 Mercury Music Prize and the 2012 MOBO Awards. 

If that’s not enough to wet (sic!) the appetites of jazz fans, Schmazz’s partner organisation Jazz North East, purveyors of the finest contemporary jazz to Tyneside since 1966, have a real coup the night after, by getting world renowned tenor sax player, Walter Smith III, to bring his American quartet, including Michael Janisch on bass and guitarist Matthew Stevens, all the way from Los Angeles to the region in a co-promotion with The Sage Gateshead. 

“We’re really excited” said Dave Clarke, Jazz North East organiser, “ It’s going to be a wonderful week for jazz on Tyneside and guaranteed to literally blow away those January blues!”

The Schmazz gig featuring Shatner’s Bassoon is at The Cluny in Newcastle’s hip Ouseburn area on Tuesday 29^th January at 8.30pm

The Jazz North East co-promotion with The Sage Gateshead featuring the Walter Smith III Quartet is in the Northern Rock Foundation Hall at 8.15pm on Wednesday 30^th January.