Music / British jazz
BRISTOL’S WEEK IN JAZZ: OCTOBER 8 – 14
He’s back! Yes, Andy Sheppard – the Portugal-based jazz artist formerly known as ‘Bristol’s saxophone superstar’ – returns to St George’s this week with some new Scandinavian collaborators to introduce to UK audiences. Sadly it’s a hard choice against lively jazz-hoppers Hypnotic Brass Ensemble on the same night that Simon Spillet returns to Future Inn. Decisions, decisions …
Andy’s new pals are the Espen Eriksen Trio (St George’s, Thursday 11) a piano-led threesome from Norway whose spare sound and careful melodic construction is a perfect match for Andy’s economic lyricism. Their latest album features Andy as guest throughout and it will surely be the substance of their UK tour. Such cool Scandaviary will make for an interesting comparison with Syrian musician Maya Youssef who performs at St George’s earlier this week (Tuesday 9). She is a virtuoso on the traditional qanun zither, playing intricate and rhythmic compositions as the basis for subtle improvisation.
Meanwhile, over at Fiddlers there’s nothing subtle anticipated when Hypnotic Brass Ensemble hit the stage (Thursday 11). Famously a band of brothers whose trumpeter father was part of Sun Ra’s Arkestra collective the Hypnotics gave the ‘New Orleans brass meets hip-hop beats’ formula a particularly hard edge, probably reflecting their Chicago roots. Later recordings however have a more melodic sweep. The gig is another ‘Colston Hall’ promotion and it’s good to see Fiddlers hosting it. Seekers of good groove-driven stuff would also do well to check vocalist Priscilla Anderson and her Blazz Jaggers (Canteen Wednesday 10) and Gary Alesbrook’s soul jazz Duval Project (Old Market Assembly, Friday 12) and, if you can’t get to Fiddlers then young Leeds 7-piece Tetes de Pois at the Gallimaufry (Thursday 11) might please you, too.
is needed now More than ever
But there’s plenty of proper hard-bopping jazz to be had this week, including the aforementioned appearance by Simon Spillett Quartet (Future Inn, Thursday 11). A formidably skilled saxophonist, Simon’s style has strong echoes of classic 60’s modernism and there should be plenty of that on show from The Three Trumpets (Fringe Jazz, Wednesday 10). Inspired by the Fringe’s ‘Three Tenors’ sax-fests this gig brings the contrasting voices of Andy Hague, Jonny Bruce and Percy Pursglove together with a hot rhythm section and a classy set of standards.
The Bebop Club this week (Friday 12) showcases saxophonist Greg Sterland and his recent collaboration with pianist Toby Boalch – both now Bristol-based – at the heart of a quartet with Aeddan Williams’ bass and Paolo Adamo on drums. Greg is both an assured soloist and an eclectic composer and the band will be playing his original music.
Following last week’s brilliant session from guitarist Mike Cooper the Old England’s Improv’s Greatest Hits session (Saturday 13) offers another wide-ranging glimpse into the world of improvised music, with frenzied acoustic guitar duo Brutar Weimaz and slowcore duo Twin Siblings just two of the acts. More frenzied guitar electronica and drumming will be whipped up by Norwegian instrumental duo Aiming for Enrike headlining a Blowout night at Crofters Rights (Wednesday 10) with their distinctive math-minded evolutionary instrumental music.
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