Preview Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2013 Sunday Evening

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.