Sunday 7 April. Hall
One. 7:30 pm
Ruby Turner and the
Brand New Heavies
(Preview by Russell)
The Gateshead International Jazz
Festival is nothing if not broad church. The Sage reaches out to all, beyond
the hard-core jazz audience.
Hall One, seating seventeen
hundred, will no doubt be full for the soul and funk double bill featuring Ruby
Turner and the Brand New Heavies. The ‘soul and funk’ billing says it all. The
chances are that many in the hall won’t be committed jazz fans but that’s no
bad thing - they could well stumble on a jazz set somewhere in the Sage and
like what they hear. Ruby Turner maintains a high profile as a solo artist with
chart success and a lasting association with Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues
Orchestra. The Acid Jazz scene of the 1980s attracted a new, cult following.
Music (retro), dance, fashion = hip. The new hipsters hung around, the Brand
New Heavies supplied the soundtrack and they’re doing it to this day. You’re
likely to be asked the question:‘Are you having a good time?’ I guess you will
be.
Sunday 7 April. Hall
Two. 8:00 pm
Iain Ballamy &
Stian Carstensen - The Little Radio + Phronesis
The northern connection is
re-established with the pairing of Britain ’s Iain Ballamy (tenor
saxophone) and Norwegian button accordionist Stian Carstensen. The eclectic set
list will enthrall, perplex and amuse. Classical pieces (interpretations of), pop
culture, Weimar
cabaret and jazz standards will feature in a captivating performance. Phronesis
make a return visit to Gateshead and this date
is likely to draw a full house. Band leader and double bassist Jasper Hoiby has
a busy schedule and it is perhaps the trio with pianist Ivo Neame and Swedish
drummer Anton Eger that has thrust him (and them) into the international
spotlight. The trio’s latest CD Walking
Dark will form the basis of a set which will appeal to lovers of the ‘new
era’ piano jazz trio.
Sunday 7 April.
Northern Rock Foundation Hall. 8:30 pm
Alexander Hawkins and
Louis Moholo-Moholo + Bonga, Mwamba & Champion
Pianist Alex Hawkins, a key
figure in the new generation of improvisers, connects with the legendary figure
of percussionist Louis Moholo-Moholo in a set promising much, so much. Hawkins
is blindingly good, South African Moholo-Moholo will enjoy this meeting of
musical spirits. An enticing prospect. An opening set from Bonga, Mwamba and
Champion is a gig in itself. Their first meeting at the Bridge Hotel worked so
well it seemed like a good idea to do it again. And where better than at the Gateshead
International Jazz Festival? Andy Champion, on home turf, will no doubt show
true Geordie hospitality (he’ll be getting the beers in) as he plays an
improvised set with friends Corey Mwamba (vibes) and Ntshuks Bonga (alto
saxophone). Recommended.
Russell.
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