Aberdeen JazzFestival

Aberdeen JazzFestival

15–19 march 2017 Ticket hotline: 01224 641122 www.aberdeenjazzfesTival.com

welcome to Aberdeen Jazz Festival’s exciting programme of very special events, international stars and new collaborations, alongside old favourites, including the special atmosphere of Jazz On The Green, Aberdeen’s biggest free admission music event.

There’s something for everyone from intense jazz excitement at The Blue Lamp, “the best jazz club in Scotland” (The Scotsman); cool sounds at Carmelite Hotel; blues, soul and world jazz at The Lemon Tree; classic jazz at St Machar’s Cathedral and Queen’s Cross Church.

www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com

e [email protected] f www.facebook.com/AberdeenJazzFestival k @JazzScotland1 #AJF17

Ticket Information

Ticket hotline: 01224 641122 in Person: The Lemon Tree / His Majesty’s Theatre online: via www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com Please note all ticket prices stated include booking fees

Prices in brackets are concessions which are available to senior citizens, students, registered unemployed and MU members. Your tickets can be collected 30 minutes before the performance at the relevant venue, otherwise postage costs may be charged.

Get involved We need you! We are looking for Festival and Jazz On The Green volunteers please contact [email protected] or see aberdeenjazzfestival.com Presented by

Vein’s visit has been made possible thanks to

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aberdeen jazz fesTival

15 – 19 March 2017

Photo credits: Brian Vass, Earthly Light, Alan McCradie, Ash Arnett, Elouisa Georgia, Carolina Palmgren

Celebrating 100 Years of Jazz, the Festival pays tribute to some iconic figures: Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Django Reinhardt and Frank Sinatra, whilst also looking to the future with James Brandon Lewis Trio, Fat-Suit and Renegade Brass Band who deliver their contemporary take on New Orleans brass band music.

wednesday 15 march young musician showcase THE BLUE LAMP, 12.30PM, FREE

featuring aberdeen University jazz band

james brandon lewis Trio alan benzie solo THE BLUE LAMP, 8PM, £14 (£13)

lewis is the sensational tenor sax player and vocalist/rapper from New York, who with his band (Luke Stewart [bass], Warren G. “Trae” Crudup III [drums]) are shaking up clubs and Festivals in Europe and the States with music of power and intensity, high energy and visceral excitement. Different generations will hear different references mixing Sonny Rollins, Coltrane, Pharaoh Sanders, Ornette Coleman’s Electric Band with rap, soul and funk creating a music that sounds absolutely of the moment. Lewis, says The New York Times, is “raw-toned but measured, doesn’t sound steeped in current jazz-academy values and isn’t really coming from a free-improvising perspective. There’s an independence about him. It sounds like three melodic improvisers going for it.” Benzie is the connoisseur's young pianist of the moment. Luminously toned, atmospheric and often impressionistic music.

alison affleck, colin steele and Graeme stephen

CARMELITE LIBRARY, 8PM, £15

A new trio making its Aberdeen debut in the intimate surrounds of the Carmelite Library. Award winning singer Alison Affleck is joined by acclaimed guitarist Graeme Stephen and trumpet favourite Colin Steele. They’ll celebrate the Great American Songbook and the tunes of Tin Pan Alley along with some very old blues and gospel flavoured vintage songs.

Info & tickets: www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com l box-office 01224 641122

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ThUrsday 16 march young musician showcase THE BLUE LAMP, 12.30PM, FREE

featuring aberdeen music school and international school

charlie wood

CARMELITE LIBRARY, 8PM, £15

A rare solo outing for Memphis singer and pianist who mixes jazz, blues, soul, traditional R&B and popular music embodying hepcat worldliness and bar-room empathy. “…the growl and moan of Eric Burdon, the otherworldly lilt of Donald Fagen, and the scorched majesty of Kurt Elling” (Jazz Times).

elliot Galvin Trio

THE BLUE LAMP, 8PM, £13.20

A major figure on the new London jazz scene, Galvin is a composer and pianist, with maverick imagination and magpie instinct. He draws on a wide range of influences, from jazz to classical to popular music and blends into a clever, post-modern, and often playful amalgam that defines his own unique musical vision “Audacious and Inspired… A rising star heading for the UK Jazz A-List” (Evening Standard). Presented by Jazz At The Blue Lamp

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15 – 19 March 2017

ThUrsday 16 march

THE EXCITEMENTS THE LEMON TREE, 8PM, £15 (£10), STANDING 14+

“hot, hot, hot rhythm and soul”. a heady cocktail of old school soul and authentic, gritty r&b, delivered straight from the hip with a whole lot of style and attitude. The excitements kick on where etta james, ike and Tina Turner and james brown left off in the 1960s, with an instantly classic sound and a rare vintage sensibility. live, they’re a force of nature, with their vibrant lead singer Koko-jean davis, whose explosive vocals “provide a straight-to-the-point antidote of full-pelt soul and r&b” (mojo). Info & tickets: www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com l box-office 01224 641122

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friday 17 march

young musician showcase THE BLUE LAMP, 12.30PM, FREE

featuring aberdeen city youth jazz band and robert Gordon college band

brian Kellock copenhagen Trio THE BLUE LAMP, 7.30PM, £14

The piano maestro has been back and forth to Copenhagen regularly, building a reputation for himself in one of Europe’s great jazz cities. He’s formed a Danish band that recently headlined at the world renowned Montmartre Club. Tonight, they debut in Aberdeen. Brian is joined by two of the giants of Danish Jazz: Jesper Bodilsen (bass) and Martin Andersen (drums). They play the same powerful swinging jazz that Brian loves his audiences to enjoy. Classic Brian Kellock, with a twist.

colin steele plays the music of miles davis THE BLUE LAMP, 10.30PM, £13.50

with thrilling empathy, phenomenal solos and a driving musical energy, colin steele’s trumpet fronts a Quintet who cover the classic arrangements of miles davis’ seminal albums of the 50s and 60s, from “milestones” to “Kind of blue”.

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15 – 19 March 2017

friday 17 march

THE LEMON TREE, 8PM, £15 (£10), STANDING 14+

“Hip-hop, funk, jazz and electronica backed with a riveting brass sound... one of the hottest live tickets in town” (Exposed). Combining 8 horns with 2 percussionists, scratch DJ and live MC, The Renegade Brass Band mix funk, hip-hop and jazz with a raw brass sound to deliver formidable live performances. They are favourites at festivals like Soundwave Croatia, Secret Garden Party, Kendal Calling, Tramlines. “Probably the best brass band working out of Britain!” (Craig Charles). If you enjoyed Riot Jazz Brass Band last year, this gig is definitely for you.


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CURTIS STIGERS ONE MORE FOR

THE

ROAD

THE SONGS OF

Photo: Marina Chavez

FRANK SINATRA

WITH THE RYAN QUIGLEY BIG BAND The timeless cool of Frank Sinatra and the robust swing of the Count Basie Orchestra made the perfect marriage of old-school pop and big band jazz in the 60s. Curtis Stigers has been bringing those worlds together in his own music for the last three decades, and now, with a top notch Big Band, he captures the rare alchemy of hipness, elegance, playfulness and feeling that made Sinatra’s renditions of these songs immortal while adding his own unique twist. Think: Come Fly With Me, I've Got You Under My Skin, My Kind Of Town, You Make Me Feel So Young…

ABERDEEN His Majesty’s Theatre Friday 17 March, 7.30pm £27 Tickets: 01224 641122 MARCH TOUR Dundee (Wednesday 15 March), Inverness (Thursday 16 March), Dunfermline (Saturday 18 March) www.jazzscotland.com for more information

saTUrday 18 march The blues afternoon ★ connie lUsh band ★ Gerry jablonsKi elecTric band ★ blUes n TroUble

THE LEMON TREE, 2.30-5.30PM, £13.50

Three bands for the price of one! Rocking and soulful rootsy sounds from the unforgettable voices of one of Britain’s foremost blues stars, connie lush. Gerry jablonski plays crowd-pleasing high-octane blues, with one of the tightest and hardest hitting bands on the current scene. The iconic Scottish blues band, blues n Trouble, feature the cutting vocals and harmonica of Tim Elliott, fronting their Chicago inspired brand of rollicking electric blues and boogie.


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saTUrday 18 march

Trio vein, with rick margitza

THE BLUE LAMP, 7.30PM, £14

Vein is a very hot piano/bass/drums band, with “thrilling creativity” (Rolling Stone). ”It grooves. It’s rubato. It’s fun. It’s ruminative. It’s exultant. Above all, it’s constantly surprising. It’s a treat” (London Jazz). Guesting with them tonight is one of the giants of contemporary tenor sax playing, Rick Margitza. When he played in Miles Davis’ classic 80s electric group he brought intelligence along with passion and power. He’s a throwback to Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker and John Coltrane, all in one. It’s not surprising that he’s played in the bands of many greats – from McCoy Tyner to Chick Corea. Now he’s the Dexter Gordon of the 21st century – thriving in Bohemian Paris, and the great tenor sax-man on the European scene.

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rose room, with laura macdonald

QUEEN’S CROSS CHURCH, 8PM, £14 (£13) LIMITED BAR

“Stupendous gypsy jazz, and a superb singer” (The Scotsman). The hottest ticket in Scottish jazz right now is for the classy vintage swing and gypsy jazz played by a band that combines brilliant musicianship with warm personality. Fronted by fiddle player and sophisticated songstress, Seonaid Aitken, Rose Room recreate the excitement of Rive Gauche Paris of the 30s and 40s with Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. This is a stylish and hugely enjoyable quartet – and tonight they have a special guest, Laura Macdonald – in swinging saxophonist mode!

15 – 19 March 2017

saTUrday 18 march duke ellington’s sacred concert aberdeen jazz orchestra, aberdeen University big band, The ellington singers Guest soloists: jacqui dankworth, helena Kay, richard ingham and tap dancer danielle Pirie musical director: Pauline black choir director: Kathleen cronie ST MACHAR’S CATHEDRAL, 7.30PM, £14

a very rare performance of ellington's wonderful "sacred music" peformed in the stunning surrounds of st machar’s cathedral. written for jazz big band, choir, vocal soloist and tap dancer, its rarity is not surprising. both serious and swinging the music is reverent and hip: encompassing jazz, classical and choral music, spirituals, gospel, blues and dance. ellington called it “the most important thing i have ever done”.


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saTUrday 18 march

dopesickfly

THE WORKS, HILLHEAD HALLS OF RESIDENCE, 9PM, £9 (£4.50/ £4 OTD), STANDING

The funk-masters know how to get the party started with their lyrically explosive, musically diverse, funk rock hybrid. Hailing from the Deep South of USA, Louisiana, and from busking on the streets of Glasgow, front man MC Ant Thomas leads a band whose sound has evolved into a neo-soul, rock, hip-hop, acid jazz fusion with just the right amount of funk. Their music delivers upbeat feel good vibe, inviting audiences to join in with catchy hooks and to dance their hearts out. Voted one of Capital FM Top 10 Bands To Watch 2017, in concert they are mesmerising.

fat-suit

THE BLUE LAMP, 11PM, £11, STANDING, 18+

Back by popular demand after their sell-out concert last year – "one of the best bands in British music full stop" (BBC Radio Scotland). A mega instrumental collective Fat-Suit boast a line up of guitars, violins, keyboards, horns, bass, drums and percussion. Their fast-paced progressive mix of jazz fusion is full of driving drums, infectious horn lines, traditional airs and jigs and meandering synth. Compared to American fusion juggernaut, Snarky Puppy, they have played summer festivals across Europe delivering their “sun bright, pulsating blast of energy” (The Herald).

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15 – 19 March 2017

Aberdeen Festivals works to enrich Aberdeen’s cultural life by developing and promoting ten of its distinctive festivals. Between them SPECTRA, Aberdeen Jazz Festival, Look Again, May Festival, Aberdeen International Youth Festival, TechFest, North East Open Studios (NEOS), True North, DanceLive and sound, offer twelve months of rich cultural and creative happenings. www.aberdeenfestivals.com visit aberdeen

Aberdeen has fabulous parks, boutique hotels and trendy bars. With 30 golf courses within 30 minutes of the city, whisky and castle trails, a spectacular beach and great walking and nature all around. For information about accommodation: visitaberdeen.com/accommodation

Top class jazz every Thursday at Scotland’s premier jazz venue 16th February, 8pm

John Etheridge & Theo Travis Quartet 23rd February, 8pm

Syzmon Mika Trio 2nd March, 8pm *

Flying Machines 9th March, 8pm

Alyn Cosker Group Blue Lamp, Gallowgate, Aberdeen www.jazzatthebluelamp.com * at The Lemon Tree Info & tickets: www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com l box-office 01224 641122

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jazz

8 STAGES, 16 BANDS, 4 HOURS JAZZ, SOUL, R’N’B, FUNK, BIG BAND BLUES, VOCALS, DRUMMERS

on the GREEN

www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com

bo brass Gum further on ans mike whell ly dopesickf Trio colin black ni big band U n e e d r e b a mme full progra n coming soo carmeliTe hoTel oUTdoor sTaGes on The Green sT nicholas sTreeT The bandsTand, bon-accord shoPPinG cenTre café drUmmond The belmonT filmhoUse The TUnnels 1–5pm Union sQUare

sunday 19th march free

Thanks to Aberdeen Inspired, Carmelite Hotel, Cafe 52, Contour Cafe, Merchant Quarter

MERCHANTQUARTER

www.merchantquarter-aberdeen.com

sUnday 19 march

bria skonberg + Konrad wiszniewski Quartet THE BLUE LAMP, 7.30PM, £14

“Bria plays trumpet like a red hot devil, and sings like a dream” (Wall Street Journal). The Brooklyn based Skonberg is wowing New York’s jazz establishment. Playing classic, hot New Orleans jazz and music of the swing era, infused with a contemporary feel, the vocalist and trumpeter is grounded in classic jazz and plays and sings in the tradition of greats like Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday, but she can sneak in all sorts of contemporary references. First time in Scotland, and with the classic swinging sound of tenor sax hero, Wiszniewski. “Poised to be one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” (Wall Street Journal).

m&m: marisha addison & morag mccoll CARMELITE BALMORAL, 7.30PM, £20 INCL DINNER

dinner jazz

Two great blonde-bombshell vocalists deliver a programme of swing classics paying tribute to popular jazz composers and band leaders. They are joined by Jim Addison (keys), Peter Lowitt (bass) and Bill Kemp (drums). A great evening of jazz standards plus a two course dinner from the award-winning Carmelite chefs. Please call 01224 589101 to book.


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ibibio sound machine

SUNDAY 19TH MARCH THE LEMON TREE, 8PM, £15 (£10) STANDING 14+

mixing west-african funky seventies grooves with highlife guitar licks and deep synth electronica ibibio create a soulful gumbo that feels instantly familiar and yet also new and fresh. bubbling percussion, slinky bass lines, tight brass punctuation and wailing electronics produce full-fat-funk which propels you to your feet. fronted by nigerian eno williams, whose powerful voice and stage presence evoke Grace jones. ibibio have conquered festival stages from Glastonbury to wilderness with their steamy african soul-funk, taking in “later with jools holland” along the way.