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.

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