Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Saturday, 18th November

Yilian Canizares

Zedel (Sold Out)

A real, refreshing surprise. Yilian is a Cuban-born vocalist and violinist, backed by a predominantly Spanish quartet. She shared a mix of deeply personal experiences from her origin, mixed with South American flare and pulsating African rhythm patterns. Keep your eye on this one.

Relationship: No

Performance: Alluring

Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Bassist Daniel Casimir, Drummer Jake Long

jake Long, Daniel Casimir, Camilla George, Cameron Daniel

Camilla George

Camilla George, Daniel Casimir, Cameron Daniel

Camilla George

Camilla George, Cameron Daniel

Gary Crosby, Steve Williamson

Jake long, Daniel Casimir, Camilla George, Cameron Daniel

Jake Long, Camilla George, Cameron Daniel

Friday, 17th November

Camilla George Quartet

Spice of Life (Sold Out)

Given the amount of time I spent here this week, I think I deserve a few shares in the place. Camilla and her reconfigured quartet (Cameron Daniel/guitar, Daniel Casimir/bass, Jake Long/drums) gave the absolutely packed crowd everything they wanted, and more. Delivering a mixed repertoire of new material and songs from her latest album, the Afro-Caribbean beats and vibes put the audience in a writhing trance.

Relationship: Yes

Performance: Tantalizing

Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Thursday, 15th November

Cherise Adams-Burnett

The Pheasantry (Full)

Delighted I was able to see a good part of this one. Cherise has a strong voice that can belt out a tune, particularly when it comes to the jazz classics. Backed by an equally young and talented quintet (Harry James / trumpet, Ben Treacher / sax), the audience was outgoing in its genuine appreciation. Watch this space.

Relationship: No               

Performance: Joyful

Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Sound Check: Sarah Tandy, Camilla George, Daniel Casimir, Winston Fletcher

Martin Hummel, Daniel Casimir

Camilla George, Leslie Hummel (Felina London necklaces)

Camilla George, Martin Hummel

Sarah Tandy, Daniel Casimir, Camilla George, Winston Fletcher

Dee Dee Bridgewater & Band

Thursday, 15th November

Dee Dee Bridgewater & Camilla George Quartet

Cadogan Hall (Full)

Rising star Camilla George (alto sax) delivered an immensely entertaining opening set, with new compositions and songs form Isang, her debut album. Backed by a stellar band, (Sarah Tandy/piano, Daniel Casimir/bass, Winston Clifford/drums), Camilla’s another one to watch in 2018.

Dee Dee Bridgewater took over and never stopped. Inspired by her Memphis roots, she R&B’d her way through the best of the 1960s. Masterful stuff.

Had to leave this one a bit early to make my way down the Kings Road, for the second half of a performance.

Relationship: Yes (Camilla George)

Performance: Heavenly

Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Noemi Nuti, Andrew McCormack

Andrew McCormack, Noemi Nuti, Josh Arcoleo, Rob Mullarkey, Josh Blackmore

Andrew McCormack, Rob Mullarkey

Andrew McCormack, Noemi Nuti

Josh Blackmore, Martin Hummel

Martin Hummel, Andrew McCormack, Noemi Nuti

Wednesday, 15th November

Andrew McCormack’s Graviton

Pizza Express Soho (Sold Out)

The one a lot of people had been waiting for. Graviton is on a few lists for Album of The Year and Jazz FM’s Chris Philips chose the show as one to see. McCormack and crew (see Monday’s GSMD band listing) did not disappoint. A musical cross between Steve Reich and Tigran on acid, the band flew through a repertoire of high octane bliss. An all-star line-up and one to watch for 2018.

Relationship: Yes

Performance: Captivating

Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Matt Roberts conducts his BigISH Band

Martin Hummel, George Millard

James Copus, Martin Hummel

Matt Roberts, Martin Hummel

James Copus lets it rip

Martin Hummel with the legendary Alex Garnett

Martin Hummel, Josh Arcoleo

Leo Richardson roars on bari

Monday, 13th November

Matt Roberts BigISH Band (Sold Out)

Spice of Life

Taking in Matt’s monologue alone is worth more than the price of admission. As a tribute to Wayne Shorter, this group consisted of some of the best musicians on the scene, with the likes of Leo Richardson/Bari, Josh Arcoleo/tenor, Alex Garnett/alto, George Millard/saxes, Conor Chaplin/bass, Dave Hamblett/drums and, the man who stole the show, James Copus/trumpet. Thoroughly entertaining. Why don’t these guys play live more often?!?

Relationship: Yes

Performance: Muscular

Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Andrew McCormack leads the Masterclass at Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Noemi Nuti performs at the Masterclass

Andrew McCormack

Josh Arcoleo

Monday, 13th November

Andrew McCormack’s Graviton

Guildhall School of Music/Masterclass & Performance

This was a new one for me, as I’ve never attended a masterclass before and, if there was such a thing back in my day, I probably would have become a professional musician. Malcolm Edmonstone runs a tight ship and it was a joy to see the students interact with some serious names on the jazz scene, including Andrew McCormack/keys, Noemi Nuti/vocals, Josh Arcoleo/sax, Rob Mullarkey/bass and Josh Blackmore/drums. Imagine being a 19-year-old music student and be invited to play with this band. Magic.

Relationship: Yes

Performance: Inspiring

Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Phronesis: Ivo Neame, Jasper Hoiby, Anton Eger

Jasper Hoiby, Sue Edwards, Martin Hummel

Phronesis & The Engines Orchestra (Full)

Barbican/Milton Court

Right. This was a serious one for the jazz community. Phronesis, led by the trademark personality of Jasper Hoiby, burned through an exceptional first set, delivering their usual brilliance. After s short break, the band was united with Phil Meadow’s Engines Orchestra through composer David Maric’s maelstrom of musical gymnastics. A true original and undoubtedly a highlight of the festival.

Relationship: Yes

Performance: Enchanting

Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Anton Eger

Anton Eger, Martin Hummel

It's always a pleasure to have such a talented guy and a special human being stay with us when he's in London. Anton's as good as it gets, in all walks of life. And his playing is tops, whether it's Phronesis, Marius Neset, Jazz Kamikaze or Graviton. Don't miss the next one with him...

Around the LJF World in +10 Days —Gonzo Journalism from a Diehard Jazz Fan

Preface: This pastiche is decidedly biased, as it is written by someone in the business—as a manager, record label owner, agent and talent spotter—whose love for jazz exceeds all in his life, other than his love for his family. I’ve chosen to highlight my relationships with each artist/band, along with a sound bite performance rating, to protect the innocent. Otherwise, I’ll simply take the 5th Amendment.

Chris Draper, Leo Richardson, Tim Thornton, Rick Simpson

Martin Hummel, Jim Richardson

Rick Simpson, Leo Richardson, Tim Thornton, Chris Draper

Martin Hummel, Leo Richardson

Leo Richardson Quartet

Free Stage, Royal Festival (Full)

One of the first shows of the festival, and what a way to do so. Leo Richardson is ice hot, having just released his debut album to universal rave reviews (including 5 Stars in the Guardian/Observer). The band is the real deal, with thrusting bebop/hard bop music straight out of the Blue Note catalogue of the 1960s. Hundreds attended and clung to the superb craftsmanship of Richardson’s tenor, Rick Simpson’s ivories, Tim Thornton’s rhythmic backbone and Chris Draper’s beat. Joy on a Friday afternoon.

Relationship: Yes

Performance: Straight-On