Jazz in Wales

Jazz Connection playlist 8 February 2010

2010-02-08T19:33:00.002Z

Here's what I'm planning to play on the Jazz Connection tonight - Monday 8 February - on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM:

Machito & his Orchestra ft Charlie Parker - Mango Mangue
Kairos 4tet - VC
Nils Landgren Funk Unit - Mags Runs The Voodoo Down
Johnny Dankworth - Experiments With Mice
Kevin Figes Quartet - The Grind
Pete Canter Quartet - Slick
Jeff Lang - Copper Mine
Johnny Dankworth Quartet - Lover Man
Kate Westbrook/Mike Westbrook - Limehouse Blues
Cannonball Adderley - I'll Remember April
Moishe's Bagel - A Nacht in Gan Eydn

Tune in at 8pm on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz Connection playlist 1 February 2010

2010-02-01T15:15:00.003Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 1 February on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM:

Gizelle Smith & the Mighty Mocambos – Working Woman
Dave O'Higgins Quartet – Operation Yardbird
Dan Berglund's Tonbrucket – Sister Sad
Matt Price Sextet – Tuska Rock
Nicolas Meier – Journey
Eric Legnini Trio – Doo-Goo
Janusz Carmello – When The Jazz Is Swinging In
Virgil & the Accelerators – You Don't Love Me
Root Doctors – Goin' To Louisiana
JJ Johnson – Hello Young Lovers
Dirty Dozen Brass Band – Just a Closer Walk With Thee

The final track was a tribute to our friend and former Radio Cardiff DJ Gary Price, whose funeral was held today.

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz stars play to save the Globe

2010-01-26T16:22:00.003Z

The Root Doctors, the Amigos and Wonderbrass are among the bands who have answered the call to perform fundraising gigs to save the Globe in Cardiff from closure.

The 350-capacity venue in Roath faces a bill of £25,000 for soundproofing after Cardiff council revoked its live music licence in the wake of local residents' complaints about noise.

The Amigos will be supporting Andy Fairweather Low on Sunday 31 January while the Root Doctors are the headline act on Thursday 4 February.

Wonderbrass will appear as part of a Meltdown Mardi Gras event on Tuesday 16 February.

See www.theglobecardiff.com for details or read the story on the BBC News website.

Jazz Connection playlist 25 January 2010

2010-01-25T15:13:00.005Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 25 January on Radio Cardiff:

Huw Warren Trio – Jegue
Candice Monique and the Optics – Hypothetical
Trichotomy – Island of the Sun
Tommy T – Tribute to a King
Pat Metheny – Spirit of the Air
Soul Jazz Orchestra – Lotus Flower
Milt Jackson – Sunflower
Gabriel Espinosa ft Alison Wedding – Remain
Jim Barber Trio – The Very Thought of You
Liberty Street Jazz Band – Ole Miss Rag

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Rhodri Morgan shares his music

2010-01-22T16:22:00.005Z

There'll be a touch of jazz on BBC Radio Wales this Sunday as Wales's former First Minister Rhodri Morgan joins Frank Hennessy as co-presenter for this week's edition of the music and chat show I'll Show You Mine.

Rhodri is well known for his love of jazz and is a familiar face at the annual Brecon Jazz Festival.

He's chosen a selection of music which sparked memories, such as George Lewis's Just A Closer Walk which reminded him of time spent at university in America when some of the jazz greats were still around.

And he couldn't resist including a tune with a political slant - Bing Crosby's rendition of Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? which he says is "the best song ever about a recession".

I'll Show You Mine with Frank Hennessy and Rhodri Morgan is on BBC Radio Wales this Sunday 24 January at 6pm - it'll also be available for seven days on the BBC iPlayer.

More details on the BBC website

Jazz Connection playlist 18 January 2010

2010-01-18T16:44:00.004Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 18 January on Radio Cardiff 98.7:

The Bamboos ft Lyrics Born – Turn It Up
Polar Bear – Happy For You
Louise Sofield – A Rainy Night in Soho
James Chadwick Trio – What If
Lee Jones - One Little Blue Note
Geoff Eales Trio – Sudden Departure
Fraser Allibone Quartet – Have You Met Miss Jones?
Charles Aznavour & The Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
– Le jazz est revenu
Coltrane Dedication Band – Mr PC
Carla Bley – Sing Me Softly Of The Blues
Norah Jones - Don't Know Why

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Tonight's show was dedicated to my former BBC and Radio Cardiff colleague Gary Price, who died on Sunday.

Gary Price RIP

2010-01-18T11:03:00.011Z

I'm sorry to hear that Gary Price, a former colleague of mine at BBC Wales and Radio Cardiff, has died at the age of 64 following a period of illness.

He was one of my favourite radio presenters who communicated his great knowledge and love of soul, jazz, blues and more with style and panache.

Gary had been active in radio in Cardiff for more than thirty years - I met him at BBC Radio Wales where he was the producer for the original incarnation of my Jazz Connection series.

He later joined community station Radio Cardiff after its launch in autumn 2007 where his experience and expertise proved to be great assets.

Gary will be sadly missed - feel free to add your own words of tribute to this page.

Thanks to Simon Price for the photo.

See also a tribute page on the BBC website.

Jazz Connection playlist 11 January 2010

2010-01-11T12:22:00.002Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 11 January 2010 on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM:

Nicola Conte – The Dharma Bums
Nostalgia 77 Octet – Stars
Chris Flegg/John Rees-Jones – Night and Day
The Swiss – Mosey on Down
Hendrik Meurkens – Spaceburger
Dick Pearce – Eclipse
Skeletons – Skeletons
Tord Gustavsen Ensemble – Lay Your Sleeping Head, My Love
Jimmy Cobb Quartet – With You I'm Born Again
Siren Sisters – Forties Medley
New Mastersounds – Make Me Proud!

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Opa! Balkan Gypsy night with the Amigos

2010-01-07T12:36:00.004Z

Fingers crossed, the second of my Opa! Balkan Gypsy nights will take place this coming Saturday 9 January at the Cardiff Arts Institute featuring my special guests the Amigos.

Shake off those post-Christmas blues with an evening of exhilarating dance music from around the world from one of the UK's leading gypsy jazz bands.

The Amigos' repertoire stretches far and wide, incorporating Russian, Balkan, Tex-Mex, flamenco and more. This is also a rare chance to see them play in Cardiff.

Doors open at 8pm when I'll be getting the party started with some uplifting Balkan beats, gypsy grooves and klezmer cuts - the band are due on stage around 10pm. Admission is £3 or £2 concessions.

The weather forecast for Cardiff this weekend is looking better - it'll still be cold but hopefully no more snow.

The Cardiff Arts Institute can be found in Park Place, right opposite the National Museum of Wales - there's plenty of on-street parking available.

For a taste of what to expect, check out this week's Jazz Connection gypsy jazz special right now at www.jazz-connection.co.uk

Weather hits jazz gigs in Wales

2010-01-06T16:17:00.003Z

The wintry weather is taking its toll on jazz gigs in Wales.

Tonight's appearance at Cafe Jazz in Cardiff by Brigida Melly and her band has been called off.

In Monmouth, Neill at the Queens Head says the Brazilian trio Chuva can't make it for tonight's gig, but "being the true troopers we are we will still put on music for those intrepid people who are willing to brave the elements."

He promises "a really laid back evening. Bass, Sax and Tanpura playing laid back ethereal tunes in the ECM genre - a relaxing mix of Gabarek, Seglem and Brahem - all mellow, European contemporary stuff."

Meanwhile in Pembrokeshire, tomorrow's gig by Trio La Luna at Cuffern Manor is being postponed to a later date.

To avoid disappointment, please check with venues before travelling to any gigs while the weather remains bad.

Jazz Connection playlist 4 January 2010

2010-01-04T16:10:00.008Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 4 January 2010 on Radio Cardiff - a gypsy jazz/Balkan beats special:

Django Reinhardt - Minor Swing
Mahala Rai Banda - Mahalageasca
Max Pashm - Imnul (Kish Mayn Tokhes)
Amsterdam Klezmer Band - Sadagora Hot Dub (Shantel mix)
Malarchy - Varshaver/Dark Eyes/King Nosmo
Moreno - David
Saban Bajramovic & Mostar Sevdah Reunion - Djeli Mara
Slavic Soul Party - Opa Cupa
The Amigos - Caravan
Rogora Khart - Siluria
Merlin Shepherd - Coins of Silver
Andreas Blasig Quintet - Dance With Me
5 Go Swing - I'll See You In My Dreams

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz Connection Christmas Special

2009-12-21T11:47:00.004Z

Tonight's edition of the Jazz Connection on Radio Cardiff is a Christmas special - here's the playlist:

Steve Tyrrell - Santa Claus is Coming To Town
Diana Krall - Jingle Bells
Keb Mo' - Jingle Bell Jamboree
Nancy Wilson - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Ray Brown - We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Ella Fitzgerald - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Warren Hill - O Holy Night
Carla Cook - Do You Hear What I Hear
Peggy Lee - Winter Wonderland
Papa Don Vappie's New Orleans Jazz Band
- Please Come Home For Christmas
Dianne Reeves - I'll Be Home For Christmas
Lou Rawls - Christmas Is
Dave Koz & Friends - O Tannenbaum/Sleigh Ride
James Brown - Merry Christmas Baby
Kirk Whalum - Little Ghetto Drummer Boy
Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby
Ed Calle, Arturo Sandoval, Jim Gasior
- Jingle Bells (Big Band Songo)

Tune in at 8pm tonight on 98.7 FM or listen online at www.radiocardiff.org

You can also hear this festive show anytime over the holidays via www.jazz-connection.co.uk

Thanks to everyone who's supported the Jazz Connection throughout 2009 - hope you'll stick with me in 2010.

Jazz Connection playlist 14 December 2009

2009-12-14T11:25:00.004Z

The Kitty Bevan duo - Bev Gough and Rob Haddon - were my special guests playing a live session on the Jazz Connection on Monday 14 December on Radio Cardiff. Here's the full playlist:

Jools Holland – Honeydripper Parts 2 and 3
Ray Charles – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Kitty Bevan Duo - Autumn Leaves
Kitty Bevan Duo - Lullaby of the Leaves
Boney James – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Dave Jones Trio – The Leopard
Kitty Bevan Duo - If I Were a Bell
Kitty Bevan Duo - A Foggy Day in London Town
Top Shelf Jazz – Santa's Coming For You
Kitty Bevan Duo - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Kitty Bevan Duo - Winter Wonderland
Kitty Bevan Duo - Silent Night
Wynton Marsalis – Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Next week's show will be a special festive edition featuring Christmas tracks from Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Nancy Wilson, James Brown, Kirk Whalum and many more.

Courtney Pine Welsh dates in 2010

2009-12-09T16:05:00.004Z

Courtney Pine will play three dates in Wales as part of a New Year tour in February 2010.

He'll be showcasing his Transition in Tradition album, with support from violinist Omar Puente.

Sat 20 Feb - Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea - 01792 602060
Sun 21 Feb - Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells - 01982 552555
Mon 22 Feb - The Globe, Cardiff - 029 2045 2151

Courtney and the band proved a big hit with their show at this year's Brecon Jazz Festival.

For full details see www.courtneypine.co.uk

Jazz Connection playlist 7 December 2009

2009-12-07T11:53:00.004Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 7 December on Radio Cardiff:

Laco Tayfa – Surmat
Clare Teal – Stoned Soul Picnic
Gwilym Simcock Trio – Tundra
Liberty Street Jazz Band – If I Had You
Wonderbrass – Dunkin' With Rich T
Coltrane Dedication Band – Equinox
Bluesy Susie – Lady is a Tramp
Art Blakey and the Giants of Jazz
– A Night in Tunisia (Live at Monterey 1972)

Hear the programme right now at www.jazz-connection.co.uk

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in at 8pm on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz Connection playlist 30 November 2009

2009-11-30T11:26:00.005Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 30 November on Radio Cardiff 98.7:

Asere – Gypsy Soul
Kevin Figes Quartet – Listless
Gwilym Simcock – On Broadway
Portico Quartet – Line (SBTRKT More Hang Mix)
Dave Cottle Trio – All The Things You Are
Shirley Horn – The Look of Love (Live at Monterey)
African Jazz ‘N Bar – Yatatchi (Feeling)
Oddjob – Where Did You Sleep Last Night
/Good Morning Susie Soho
Heavy Quartet – Heugh!

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff - tune in on 98.7 FM at 8pm or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Thanks to everyone who voted for me in the Radio Cardiff Music Awards - I didn't win either of the categories I was nominated for but Richie Paine (Best Male Specialist Music) and Stephen Johnson's The Lime (Best World Music) were worthy winners.

Opa! A Night of Balkan Madness - December 5

2009-11-25T12:58:00.005Z

I'm hosting a Balkan gypsy punk klezmer type night on Saturday 5 December at the Cardiff Arts Institute, a new venue on Park Place opposite the National Museum.

It'll be called Opa! and will feature live music from our favourite Georgian gypsy punk rockers Rogora Khart, klezmer dancing by the delightful Siluria, Russian ukulele tunes from Jeff Japers, rounded off by some upbeat tunes on CD from yours truly.

There may be room for an accordionist too if anyone's up for it.

We'll be starting around 8.30 and finishing about 12.30 when DJ Moneyshot will take over till the early hours.

Admission is £3 or £2 concessions.

See www.myspace.com/rogorakhart for more about the band and cardiffartsinstitute.org for details of the venue.

Jazz Connection playlist 23 November 2009

2009-11-23T11:08:00.002Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 23 November on Radio Cardiff:

Tony Kofi Quartet – If I Spoke My Mind
Havana Cultura – Roforofo Fight
Sensorium – The Two Sons of Iona
Chris Hodgkins Quartet – King's Birth Night
Husnu Senlendirici – Oyun Havasi (Dance Mood)
Bobby Wellins – Fascinating Rhythm
Kitty Bevan – A Foggy Day in London Town
Mike Markey & Nick Jones – My Pencil Won't Write No More
George Melly/Digby Fairweather – Winin' Boy Blues
Kora Jazz Trio – Chan Chan

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night 8 till 9pm - tune in at 8pm on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Heavy Quartet album launch

2009-11-18T15:10:00.003Z

The Heavy Quartet launch their new CD Hardware this Friday 20 November at Dempseys in Cardiff.

This is their 13th release and their first new album in five years - the band will be playing it in its entirety as well as some old favourites.

The CD will be available from www.jazzcds.co.uk online purchasing or i-Tunes download, also from Spillers Records, Cardiff.

Expect the usual genre busting, unpredictable jazz mix that the eight piece "Quartet" are famous for.

Doors at 8.30, first set 9.30, cost £5 or £4 concessions.

More info and clips at www.myspace.com/heavyquartet

You can also hear the opening track - Bailey Dan y Bws - at the start of the latest edition of my Jazz Connection show - hear it now at www.jazz-connection.co.uk

Jazz Connection playlist 16 November 2009

2009-11-16T11:22:00.005Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 16 November on Radio Cardiff:

Heavy Quartet – Bailey Dan y Bws
Random Heroes – C'Mon & Get It (Soul Harmonics Remix)
Michael Janisch – Milestones
Asaf Sirkis Trio – Stoned Bird
Mark Latimer – Rainstorm
Jim Hart's Gemini – Crunchy Country
Tubby Hayes Quintet – Down in the Village
Imperfect Tenth - Birdland

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm on Radio Cardiff.

Tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Jazz Connection playlist 9 November 2009

2009-11-08T13:49:00.001Z

There's another chance to hear a special funky edition of the Jazz Connection this Monday 9 November at 8pm on Radio Cardiff.

Featured artists include King Curtis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Brian Auger and some home grown Welsh talent.

Tune in at 8pm on 98.7 FM or listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

New jazz sounds at the Hen and Chicks

2009-11-05T11:06:00.003Z

Bob Duck and Steve Tarmer have taken over the running of the Sunday lunchtime jazz sessions at the Hen and Chicks in Abergavenny.

They'll be appearing with a variety of special guests over the coming months with Trevor Davies, Colin Tunney, Martha Skilton and Kathy Marshall among the performers lined up.

The music starts at 1.15pm and continues till 3.45pm every week - admission is free with Sunday lunch also available.

The Hen and Chicks is in Flannel Street, just off the High Street in Abergavenny - click here for full details.

Drummer Bob and bassist Steve will also be joining contemporary classical and jazz pianist Mark Latimer for a special one-off trio gig at the Queen's Head in Monmouth on Wednesday 18 November under the name LTD (Latimer Tarmer and Duck).

See Mark's website for more about his work.

Jazz Connection playlist 2 November 2009

2009-11-02T11:26:00.004Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 2 November on Radio Cardiff 98.7:

Claire Martin – So Twentieth Century
Soulive ft Nigel Hall – Too Much
Jan Garbarek Group – Paper Nut (Live in Dresden)
Bhakti Jazz – Eastern Moods
Azhaar Saffar – Pura Vida
Taffronaut vs Chupacabra – Straight Outta Canton
Harry Beckett – Rolli's Tune
Harry Connick Jr/Carla Bruni – And I Love Her
Dunkelbunt ft Boban i Marco Marcovic Orkestar – Cinnamon Girl
Graham Watkins Quartet ft Claire Hingott – It's Alright With Me
John Etheridge Sweet Chorus – When You're Smiling
The New Mastersounds – Dusty Groove

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen online at www.radiocardiff.org.uk

Check out that website to vote for me in the Radio Cardiff Music Awards - I'm nominated for Best Male Specialist Presenter (Jazz Connection) and Best World Music Show (A Night in Tunisia).

Jazz Connection playlist 26 October 2009

2009-10-26T11:16:00.006Z

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 26 October on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM:

Duke Pearson – The Fakir
Martin Speake – I Didn’t Know What Time It Was
Sinto – Man On The Banks
Huw Warren – Harmonia sem Chronologia
John Paul Gard – Beef Dumplin' Stew
Abram Wilson – Breaking Point
Stu Brown Sextet – Devil Drums
Alison Burns & Martin Taylor – I'm Confessin'
Peter King/Philippe Briand Trio – Star Eyes
Shirley Bassey – Light My Fire
5 Go Swing – Coquette

The Jazz Connection goes out every Monday night at 8pm - tune in on 98.7 FM or watch and listen live online at www.radiocardiff.org

Click here to cast your vote in the Radio Cardiff Awards - I'm nominated for Best Male Specialist Presenter (Jazz Connection) and Best World Music Show (A Night in Tunisia).

Chris Hodgkins on tour in Wales

2009-10-21T16:09:00.003+01:00

Cardiff-raised trumpeter Chris Hodgkins returns to Wales to play five dates with his quartet in November 2009.

Tues 24 Nov - Theatr Brycheiniog Bar, Brecon - 01874 611 622
Weds 25 Nov - The Carreg, Narberth - 01834 869 323
Thurs 26 Nov - Café Jazz, Cardiff - 029 2038 7026
Fri 27 Nov - The Copper Beech, Abercrave - 01639 730 565
Sat 28 Nov - Comrades Club, Pontypool - 01495 762 504

Chris will be joined by Alison Rayner on bass, Max Brittain on guitar and Diane McLoughlin on soprano and alto sax.

They'll be playing a selection of originals from Chris' trio and quartet albums, new originals by Henry Lowther and Diane McLoughlin, and favourites by Fletcher Henderson, Peggy Lee, Benny Goodman and Johnny Hodges.

Chris was a founder member of the Welsh Jazz Society before moving to London to take the helm of Jazz Services.

See www.chrishodgkins.co.uk for more about his work.