Jazz in Wales

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noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:44:00 +0000

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Jazz Connection playlist 8 March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:20:00 +0000

Here's what I'm planning to play on the Jazz Connection tonight - Monday 8 March 2010 - on Radio Cardiff 98.7:

Paolo Nutini & the Big Ghana Band – Pencil Full of Lead
Mulatu Astatke – Boogaloo
Dave Stapleton Quintet – Wig Wag
Marlene VerPlanck – I've Got You Under My Skin
Quantic Soul Orchestra – Panama City
Nicolas Meier Acoustic Trio – Autumn Leaves
Paula Gardiner Trio – Beneath Rioja Skies
Gareth Roberts Quintet – Going Nowhere Fast
The Scott McNicholas Experience – That Old Devil Called Love
5 Go Swing – I'll See You In My Dreams
John Paul Gard – Pee Wee's Blues

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

Gaudy Orde - ukulele skiffle band

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:20:00 +0000

Ukulele star Jeff Japers kindly invited me to join him on percussion at the recent Rele Dife benefit gig for Haiti which took place at A Shot in the Dark in Cardiff on Friday 19 February.

Together with Alex Coxhead on bass and bouzouki, we are known as Gaudy Orde and are available for the proverbial weddings, parties, anything etc in the coming months.

Here are a few more video clips from the Rele Dife event:

Search for unsigned Welsh jazz talent

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:07:00 +0000

Future Inns has launched a competition to find the most talented and original unsigned jazz musicians in south Wales and south west England.

The hotel chain is offering a top prize worth up to £5,000 - including recording studio time, a mentoring session with a top UK Jazz artist, and a gig at their jazz venue at Cabot Circus in Bristol.

The winners will also be offered accommodation at the Future Inns hotels in Bristol, Cardiff Bay and Plymouth.

Del Brett, managing director at Future Inns, said: "Jazz is often seen as a niche art form and our aim with this competition is to help promote the talented musicians and performers that live in the south west and south Wales.

"With a great prize package to offer, we anticipate hearing different styles of jazz and hopefully find a truly unique and talented winner."

Ian Storror, manager of Jazz@Future Inns and well-known jazz promoter, said: "The club is already attracting established names on the international, national and local scene and we hope that by helping new talent come to light we can put the spotlight on the next future stars of jazz."

The deadline for entries is 28 March 2010, with a semi-final gig on May 8 and a finals night to be held following that.

Interested entrants need to go to the Future Inns, Bristol website and download the entry form and then submit a recording of a minimum of one original composition of jazz music and either one or two other pieces.

For more information see www.futureinns.co.uk/jazz-competition.html or email futureofjazz @ jbp.co.uk

Also see www.myspace.com/jazzatfutureinns

Jazz Connection playlist 1 March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:40:00 +0000

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 1 March 2010 on Radio Cardiff 98.7:

Gwyn Evans and Doctor Jazz – Sospan Fach
Lee Jones – Retrospective
Li Harding – If We Did
Sun Ra – Where Pathways Meet
Healer Selecta – Cruisin' On The Highway
Portico Quartet – Isla
Koop – Forces… Darling
Asaf Sirkis Trio – Dream
Christian Scott – Angola, LA and the 13th Amendment
Coltrane Dedication Band – Mr PC

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

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 22 February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:58:00 +0000

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Monday 22 February on Radio Cardiff 98.7 FM:

Courtney Pine – Afropean
Philip Clouts Quartet – Bird's Word
The Numbers Racket – Swingin' Like a Wreckin' Ball
Jean-Paul Gard Pedal Mania – Beef Dumplin' Stew
Ronnie Scott's Quintet ft Mornington Lockett – Little Sunflower
Healer Selecta ft Snowboy – Sweet Lil' Thang of Mine
Peter Green Splinter Group – Black Magic Woman
Rigmor Gustafsson/Radio String Qrt Vienna - Please Don't Stop
5 Go Swing – Douce Ambiance

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

Jazz Connection playlist 15 February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:44:00 +0000

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on Radio Cardiff on Monday 15 February 2010:

Beats & Pieces Big Band – Bake
Tanja Maritsa – Fragile
Courtney Pine – Toussaint L'Ouverture
Wonderbrass – Dunkin' with Rich T
Alejandro Toledo & the Magic Tombelinos – Vera Cocek
Nils Petter Molvaer – Sabkah
Tammy Weis – Don't Want To Fall In Love Again
Omar Puente – Think Carefully
Adam Glasser – On Green Dolphin Street
Three Bonzos and a Piano – The Sheik of Araby
Manfred Mann – Sack O'Woe

Hear the show right now at www.jazz-connection.co.uk/radio.shtml

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

Jazz Connection playlist 8 February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:33:00 +0000

Here's what I played on the Jazz Connection on 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 Quintet - I'll Remember April
Moishe's Bagel - A Nacht in Gan Eydn

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 1 February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:15:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:13:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:44:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:03:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:17:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:10:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:05:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:26:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Roberts) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:08:00 +0000

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