Friday, 28th September 2007

John Etheridge's "Sweet Chorus" - A tribute to Stephane Grappelli

Doors open 7.30pm
Music starts 8.00pm Tickets £12

John Etheridge (acoustic and electric guitar), Christian Garrick (violin), Dave Kelbie (rhythm guitar), Andie Crowdie (bass)

For the first concert of the new Autumn season at the Club we are delighted to welcome back John Etheridge and his band 'Sweet Chorus' who played to a packed audience on their only other appearance at the Club some 5 years ago.

Internationally acclaimed guitarist John Etheridge formed the group 'Sweet Chorus' as a personal tribute to the great violinist Stephane Grappelli, with whom he was associated for many years. Since it's inception, Sweet Chorus have played over 300 concerts in major venues both in the UK and abroad to outstanding acclaim from press and public alike. Many of the tunes played are linked to the Hot Club in which Grappelli made his early reputation but John Etheridge says this wasn't the whole story by any means and has included in the band's repertoire a wide range of numbers reflecting the flexibility of his later work.

John Etheridge has worked with many of the great jazz musicians over the years and has appeared on the concert stage with the likes of Barney Kessell, Herb Ellis and Dizzy Gillespie, amongst many others. In addition, John formed 'Zappatistas', playing the music of Frank Zappa and also has collaborated with the classical guitarist John Williams, recording numerous CD's with all his various groups. 'Sweet Chorus' have recorded two CD's, both critically acclaimed as not only a wonderful tribute to Stephane
Grappelli but also superb recordings in their own right.

Christian Garrick has quickly establised himself as the most accomplished and expressive jazz violinist on the scene. In 1989 at the age of 16, he won first prize in the Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition and then the Composition Prize at the Royal Academy and following on has become one of the very best musicians around.

The band is completed with the highly rated Dave Kelbie on rhythm guitar and Andy Crowdie on bass.

"Sold out, great concert and wonderful music" Huddersfield Jazz Club

"The repertoire is freshly interpreted with strong improvisations from two great players" Musician Magazine

Friday, 12th October 2007

Richie Barshay's Roundtable

Doors open 7.30pm
Music starts 8.000pm Tickets £12

Richie Barshay (drums & percussion), Michael Janisch (double-bass), Daniel Blake (saxophone), Peter Cancura (saxophone), Jim Hart (vibraphone).


Percussionist Richie Barshay, most noted as a member of the great Herbie Hancock Quartet since 2003, arrives in the UK to present his 'Roundtable', a special collaboration between some of the jazz world's most exciting, inventive and in-demand rising stars from New York and London. This 'Big Smoke' meets the 'Big Apple' project features the sought after and versatile US bassist Michael Janisch, who currently resides in London, along side one of the most creative muti-instrumentalists the UK has ever produced, Jim Hart on vibraphone. Rounding out the table are two of Richie's regular sparring partners form New York, multi-award winning saxophonists and composers Daniel Blake and Petr Cancura. Together, they present a blend of contemporary jazz, mixed with the standards palyed over the decades as well as drawing on Afro-Latin and Indian genres.

Richie Barshay has been a member of Herbie Hancock's band for the past five years and has established himself as a prominent musical voice of his generation. He maintains a hectic International touring schedule with Hancock, the Klezmatics plus many others. In 2004, he was named as an 'American Musical Envoy' by the United States, along with the renowned Latin-Jazz ensemble 'Insight'. Richie began playing Jazz and Afro-Latin music in his youth and has expanded his focus to Indian rhythmic concepts with the tabla, incorporating this into his current band.

Michael Janisch studied bass with some of the very best in jazz- Ray Brown and Christian McBride amonst others, and rapidly established himself on the New York scene playing with the likes of Roy Hargrove, Joe Lovano and Clark Terry. He has been based in the London for the past 18 months, making regular trips back to the States to play at the major clubs.

Jim Hart is no stranger to the Club, having appeared with Martin Drew's band The New Couriers and we were all highly impressed with his vibraphone playing. As well as vibes, Jim is in demand as a top drummer and is also an accomplished pianist. For the past two years, he has also led his own band 'Geminii' and toured extensively in the UK.

Daniel Blake, still only 25, has already established himself as a saxophonist of note and also as a composer of significant talent. He has played all the major jazz clubs in New York and co-founded the Boston Jazz Collective. He is currently lecturer at the Conservatory, Brooklyn College, where he is also studying for a master of composition.

Peter Cancura has emerged as one of the finest saxophonists on the scene today. Born in the Czech Republic, relocating to Canada when 10 and now living in New York. Much sought after as a sideman, he has worked with Danilo Perez, Cecil McBee, Joe Manieri amongst many others and currently plays across genres with musicians worldwide.

The Club is delighted to showcase Richie Barshay's 'Roundtable and this will be a great opportunity to hear some of the superb talent coming out of the States and UK at the present time.

" Barshay ... is the reincarnation of Tony Williams when he joined Miles Davis in the '60's" Jazz.USA.com

" All the right stuff with his swing and musicality" Bob Brookmeyer.

Friday, 16th November 2007

Greg Abate with the Tim Lapthorn Trio

Doors open 7.30pm
Music starts 8.00pm Tickets £12

Greg Abate (saxophones), Tim Lapthorn (piano), Arnie Somogyi (double bass),
Steve Keogh (drums)

Top USA alto and tenor saxophonist Greg Abate makes his debut at the Club with the superb Tim Lapthorn and his trio.

Greg Abate has been on the USA jazz scene since the mid 70's when, after finishing 4 years at Berklee College of Music, he joined Ray Charles' Orchestra as lead alto for 2 years. In 1978, he formed his first quartet in New England and then had a spell in the revived Artie Shaw Band. Greg recorded his first CD live at Birdland, New York with James Williams, Rufus Reid and Kenny Washington- a fabulous band. Up to the present date , Greg has recorded 12 CD'sa nd was nominated for a Grammy for his 2004 recording 'Evolution'. As well as performing, Greg is very active as a teacher, being associate professor of Jazz studies at Rhode Island College and conducts masterclasses on a regular basis. Greg's repertoire encompasses all the great jazz standards, bebop and a number of his own original compositions.

Tim Lapthorn is without doubt one of the very best young pianists to emerge on to the british jazz scene over the past few years. He completed his musical education at the Guildhall School of Music in 2000 and since this time has been first call for many bands and has led his own trio for a number of years. The band is completed by Tim's regular bass and drums from his own trio, two superb musicians- Arnie Somogyi (double bass) and Steve Keogh (drums). Tim has recorded three trio CD's, with his latest 'Seventh Sense' just released to excellent reviews.

"Greg Abate is considered by jazz writers and afficianados to be one of the most exciting saxophone players out there" . Washington Post

"Greg Abate is an absolute powerhouse who will not let hard driving bebop die. One of the most exciting players around today, his commitment to the music is total ". The Jazz Messenger.

Sunday, 16th December 2007

Elaine Delmar with the Brian Dee Trio plus Jim Mullen

Doors open 7.30pm
Music starts 8.00pm Tickets £15 (available in advance) - contact enquiries@peterboroughjazzclub.co.uk

For our Christmas concert we present a very special vocalist who is appearing for the first time at the Club- the wonderful Elaine Delmar. In addition, we have a superb band backing Elaine with Brian Dee and his trio plus special guest, guitarist Jim Mullen. The music for tonight's performance will be a fabulous George Gershwin/ Cole Porter presentation for which Elaine Delmar and the band have made something of speciality.

Elaine Delmar has long been established as a singer of the very highest calibre - with the voice, looks and personality that have captivated audiences wherever she has appeared the world over. Born in Hertfordshire, Elaine was raised in a strong musical environment, her father being the renowned trumpeter Leslie 'Jiver' Hutchinson and she joined her father's band as vocalist at 16 years old. As a singer, Elaine is equally at home whether entertaining a concert audience or performing in the more intimate
cabaret setting. For example, she has appeared in concerts with Andy Williams (Free Trade Hall, Manchester) and Michel Legrand with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall. In cabaret, she has been a regular at the Ritz Hotel, London as well as the QE2 liner. In recent years, Elaine has been the star vocalist in such touring shows as 'Let's Do It', saluting the music of Cole Porter and 'By George, It's Gershwin', a celebration of Gershwin.

In addition, Elaine has apperaed on stage in 'Cowardly Custard' at London's Mermaid Theatre and 'No Strings' at Her Majesty's Theatre in the West End. Although best known for her starring role in the musical 'Bubbling Brown Sugar' at the Royalty Theatre , she had notable success with 'Kern Goes to Hollywood', appearing both in the London and Broadway productions. Elaine also received critical acclaim as a straight actress for her role in 'A Map Of The World' at the National Theatre. She has made many appearances on TV and radio and featured in Ken Russell's film 'Mahler' as the Bohemian Princess.

Elaine's popular annual appearances at Ronnie Scott's have seen her work with the likes of Herb Ellis, Benny Carter and Stephane Grappelli and she also recorded a live album at one of her residences at Ronnies.

Brian Dee has long been regarded as one of the great British pianists who has led his own trio for many years and has played with most of the best UK jazz greats over the years. He has been compared to the American Hank Jones with his delicate touch, fluency and melodic style. Jim Mullen needs no introduction as he is a great favourite at the Club and is rightly regarded as one of the top guitarists in the world today, with his superb technique and constant flow of new ideas.

A few quotes define the quality that is Elaine Delmar....

"One of the ageless, evergreen singing stars .. as beautiful and talented as ever...she's marvellous!" Michael Parkinson, BBC Radio

"Truly defines the word class.." Humphrey Lyttleton. BBC Radio

"Among the multitude of good jazz singers in Britain today, there is not one that can surpass Elaine Delmar" Dave Gelly, The Observer.