Sunday 12th July

The smooth, mellow sounds of Petra Ernyei brought out the sun and welcomed the crowds to yesterday's Taste of Birmingham at Cannon Hill Park. You couldn't move in the Slug and Lettuce at lunchtime as Art Themen played to a wonderfully appreciative audience.

The Black Country Living Museum hosted a wonderful Jazz Party yesterday evening, featuring the talents of three very different bands. The Nomy Rosenberg Trio (pictured above at Waters Edge Bandstand on Friday) played two knockout sets of Dutch gypsy swing in the Workers' Institute. Dave Moorwood's Rascals of Rhythm brought along their straight-ahead jazz, and Brown's Brass Band provided the perfect musical accompaniment to a Charleston Dance workshop!

Highly recommended today is Petra Ernyei (pictured, left, at Taste of Birmingham). She brings her high-class delivery to Hotel du Vin at 1pm, with her final show at the Slug and Lettuce at 6pm. Also recommended are Katya Gorrie, playing the Round Room, Museum and Art Gallery at 2pm, and Tipitina at Living Room 4pm.

Finally if you haven't yet caught up with the sensational Nomy Rosenberg Trio, then don't miss them today. They play The Public, West Bromwich, at 1pm before closing the festival at the Garden House at 8pm. You'll find us there!

Saturday 11th July

Two hugely accomplished sets from the Nomy Rosenberg Trio, at the Brindley Place Bandstand, yesterday evening. A large, enthusiastic crowd was treated to some of the finest Gypsy swing around, effortlessly played by three world class performers who seem to have this music in their blood. Passers by who stumbled across the show couldn't help hanging around to listen and many of them were clearly in awe of Nomy's technical prowess on the fretboard. The trio ran through many of the tracks from their debut Big Bear release, including 'Swing 48', 'My Bossa' and 'Claire de Lune'. And did I mention that like almost every event at this festival the show was completely free?

If you missed it, or can't wait to hear more, then the Trio are playing at the Mailbox at 12.30pm today and at the Garden House at 8pm on Sunday.

Other highlights today include the singer Petra Ernyei, who will be performing at Taste at 12pm (£10/£12) and at the Bohemia Restaurant at 7.30pm (free). And don't miss the wonderfully original saxophonist Art Themen who'll be playing for free at the Brindley Place Bandstand at 1pm and at the Garden House at 7.30pm.

Check out the website for full listings or pick up a free programme, available from all the usual outlets.

N.B. I bumped into the indefatigable Becky Brine at the City Inn hotel yesterday afternoon. She's performed to early morning commuters at Snow Hill Station, to the nighthawks at the Stageside Bar and to appreciative audiences in between, as well.....and she's still full of energy and clearly loving every minute of this fantastic festival!

Friday 10th July

Now that's what I call a jam session! Eleven of the finest British jazz musicians playing in a beautiful garden setting.... An appreciative, jazz loving crowd and a balmy summer's evening.... Well it was a little cold, but what the heck, the music was sensational and the band and audience had a great time. Too many highlights to really do justice, but Val Wiseman was on fine form with 'All of Me' and standout songs from the Digby Fairweather-led band included 'Avalon', 'Robbin's Nest' and 'The Hucklebuck'.

Today is your last chance to catch the Grammy award nominated saxophonist Greg Abate. He'll be playing with the John Patrick Trio at Touchwood in Solihull, at 5pm, and at Birmingham's Wine Republic, at 8pm.

Also, make sure you check out the incredible Dutch swing guitarist Nomy Rosenberg, who's playing two shows today. A direct descendent of the legendary Django Reinhardt, Nomy has been overshadowed until recently by his older brother, Jimmy. As a member of his teenage band, Nomy performed at Carnegie Hall and shared stages with the likes of George Benson, Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton. The Jazz Festival, however, sees the Nomy Rosenberg Trio performing in the UK for the very first time. They'll be playing Taste of Birmingham at 12pm today (£10/£12) and for free at the Water's Edge Bandstand, Brindley Place, at 5pm.

Thursday 9th July

The Kings Bruton Big Band went down a treat yesterday at the Waters Edge Bandstand. Digby Fairweather was scintillating at Hotel du Vin last night, even singing! Becky Brine pulled in the diners at Lychee Garden, Bruce Adams was great at the Brasshouse, and dancing broke out at the first song of the King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys show at the Jam House.

Highlights today are the Digby Fairweather talk on '25 Years of the Jazz Festival', illustrated with exerpts of recorded music. This takes place on the ground floor of Borders book store in the Bullring this lunchtime at 12.30pm.

Not to be missed tonight is the Festival highlight, the All Star Jam Session, featuring eleven of the finest British jazz musicians. Taking place from 7.00-9.30pm (doors 6.30pm), tickets are only £10 and available on 0121 454 7020/1860. The weather forecast is good so feel free to bring picnic rugs/chairs. See an earlier post for more information on who's playing.

Festival footage of Hot Djazz, Greg Abate, Simon Spillett and Tipitina is now available for viewing on http://www.birminghamjazzfestivaltv.com/

Please note that all Play Jazz UK radio broadcasts will be taking place at City Inn due to technical difficulties connecting to their home station.

We'd love to have your online gig reviews from shows you've particularly enjoyed. Please follow the links on the web site http://www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/

Wednesday 8th July

Tonight is your last chance to see Digby Fairweather playing his solo set, backed up by the Craig Milverton trio, this time taking place at the tres chic Hotel du Vin at 7.30pm.

Other highlights today include the last session at the tremendously popular Lord Clifden. They conclude their involvement this year by showcasing the mighty sound of trumpeter Bruce Adams, playing tonight with the John Patrick Trio, at 8pm. If you haven't yet checked out this venue, and sampled their specially-brewed Festival Ale "Digby's Dilemma", then tonight is your last chance.

Val Wiseman, of Lady Sings The Blues fame, warms up for tomorrow's All Star Jam Session at the Botanical Gardens by taking her quartet to the Living Room at 8pm. She was recognised as one of the country's top singers with her first British Jazz Award in 2008.

Also recommended today are the Kings Bruton Big Band, a collection of talented young musicians playing a broad repertoire encompassing most jazz styles. Find them at Waters Edge Bandstand at 6pm. Please note that both their performances tomorrow (Thursday) will take place at City Inn.

Tomorrow Digby Fairweather will be giving an informal talk, illustrated with recordings, on '25 Years of the Jazz Festival' at Borders book store in the Bullring, before concluding his Jazz Festival involvement this year by fronting the All Star Jam Session.

Tickets for the All Star Jam Session, taking place from 7.00-9.30pm tomorrow evening at the Botanical Gardens (doors 6.30pm) are £10, and available on 0121 454 7020. Please feel free to bring picnic rugs/chairs. See an earlier post below for more details on the artists playing.

Jazz Festival Hotel Deals

Several hotels are offering very special rates for Jazz Festival visitors. Please contact the hotel directly and ask for the Jazz Festival Rate.

City Inn - Bed and Breakfast £69 single, £79 double. Brunswick Square, Brindley Place, 0121 643 1003

Hotel du Vin - Bed and breakfast £99.25. Church Street, 0121 200 0600

Ibis Birmingham Centre - Room only £50, breakfast £5.50. 21 Ladywell Walk, 0121 622 6010

Blueberry Hotel - Room only from £39. Star City, Heartlands Parkway 0121 327 1183

All-Star Jam Session

The Birmingham International Jazz Festival is set to celebrate its first quarter of a century in the same way it started, with an All Star Jam Session.

Back in 1984 Birmingham-based independent record company Big Bear Records organised a jam session, in Cannon Hill Park, featuring the dozen top UK jazz musicians of the day. It was a sell-out, the recorded album won "Jazz Album of the Year" and before the sun went down, Big Bear and the City Council had agreed to launch the Jazz Festival the subsequent year.

So it is only to be expected that the main feature event of the 25th Birmingham International Jazz Festival will see another amazing array of the top British jazz talent, eleven of them, onstage together at The Botanical Gardens on Thursday 9th July at 7pm.

It has been many a year since such Jazz Galacticos, poll winners to a man, have been on one stage together. Digby Fairweather, Festival Patron and the only one of the Team of 1984 to play in this year's version, will lead affairs on trumpet, alongside Enrico Tomasso, also on trumpet, Robert Fowler and Art Themen, tenor saxophones, Mark Nightingale and Ian Batemen, trombones, Jim Hart, vibes, David Newton, piano, Dave Green, double bass, Ralph Salmins, drums and Val Wiseman, vocals.

Between them they have clocked up appearances alongside the biggest names in the music biz. Tickets are priced at £10 and available from 0121 454 7020 or 0121 454 1860.

Tuesday 7th July

Festival Patron Digby Fairweather played his first two shows of the festival yesterday. He opened in good form at the pleasantly full Brasshouse, accompanied by the Craig Milverton Trio. His evening performance was at the Ibis Hotel, this time accompanied by versatile Craig Milverton on piano and ever popular singer Becky Brine. Both shows, featuring well known songs done with style and humour, were very well received by the audience.

If you missed Digby he plays two shows both today and tomorrow. You can find him today at the Plough and Harrow 12.30pm followed by a Musician's Union presentation (with Dave O'Higgins, Chris Walker and the John Patrick Trio) at Wine Republic 7pm. He also gives a talk at Borders bookshop 12.30pm Thursday, before concluding with the All Star Jam Session at Botanical Gardens on Thursday at 7pm (tickets are only £10 and are available from 0121 454 7020/1860).

Greg Abate played a stormer last night at a busy Lord Clifden. If you haven't yet seen him, you can catch this Grammy award nominee either today or on Friday. He takes his extended bebop style to the Brasshouse at 12.30pm this lunchtime followed by an early evening performance at 5.30pm at Waters Edge Bandstand (which, in the event of rain, will be switched to the adjacent Slug & Lettuce. Please note, this is a time and venue change to the printed programme). Like Charlie Parker? You'll love Greg Abate.

If you fancy some quirky, witty, edgy jazz songs, be sure to check out excellent songwriter Suzahn Fiering, all the way from Nashville USA, playing today at the Ibis hotel 6pm.

Late Programme Change

Due to technical problems, today's Play Jazz UK live radio broadcast will now take place at City Inn 3-6pm instead of the Lord Clifden.

A reminder that tomorrow (Tuesday) the second show by Greg Abate will now take place at Waters Edge Bandstand 5.30pm instead of Old Contemptibles 6pm as advertised.

Monday 6th July

Hi Festival Goers

Sunday's sensations were The Night Trippers at the Brasshouse. They were raucous and they socked it to 'em, getting the crowd, both inside and out, on its feet dancing.

If you missed Pee Wee Ellis at Star City (pictured above) then you missed out. The delighted crowd was treated not only to the incredible Pee Wee, a saxophonist with an awesome musical pedigree - it also got to witness a fantastic backing trio, which included the hugely talented drummer Mark Mondesir. A class act indeed.

Also of note were Tipitina, who played two shows yesterday. At the Ha Ha Bar & Grill the band's lovely version of 'I Wish I Knew How It Feels To Be Free' together with the Tom Waits song 'I wish I was in New Orleans' were real crowd pleasers.

Festival Patron Digby Fairweather arrives in town today with performances at the Brasshouse (12.30pm) and the Ibis Hotel (6pm). Commuters are sure to have a smile put on their faces with performances by Becky Brine, The Shuffling Hungarians and The Jazz Ramblers, all presented by the Colmore Business District - see the programme for times and locations.

Richard Cartridge of Play Jazz UK, part of the Play Radio Network, makes the first of five daily live broadcasts between 3pm and 6pm. Appearing at a different Festival venue each day from Monday through to Friday, you can catch him today at the Lord Clifden.

There is a slight programme change tomorrow (Tuesday): Greg Abate's performance will now be at 5.30pm at the Waters Edge Bandstand, instead of 6pm at the Old Contemptibles. Also both Thursday performances by the Kings Bruton Big Band will take place at City Inn.

As always, we welcome your feedback. Post your comments and gig reviews here or on our web site http://www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

Sunday 5th July

Hi Festival Goers

A gloriously sunny afternoon yesterday provided the perfect setting for classic Jazz Festival 'strolling around town'. The city centre was the scene of several great acts, all within walking distance of each other.

Last night the Alan Price Set were by all accounts "phenomenal", revelling in the unusual setting of Star City. Gypsy swing combo Hot Djazz of Cracow played a storming gig at Garden House, and once again the Lord Clifden was packed, this time to the driving bebop sounds of Simon Spillett (pictured above playing an afternoon session at Water's Edge Bandstand).

If you haven't yet sampled Becky Brine's jazz with a zany twist then I suggest you check her out and today is your last chance to catch Hot Djazz who play Hotel du Vin 1pm and Bar Risa at 7.30pm. No doubt a full house will be at the Lord Clifden for Tipitina.

Pee Wee Ellis was James Brown's MD in the 1960s before moving on to work with many of the great names of blues, soul and world music including a long association with Van Morrison. He will be playing Star City tonight at 7pm, admission and car parking are free.

A late addition to the Festival: on Wednesday the Kings Bruton Jazz Quintet will be playing on the steps of the Council House in Victoria Square 12.00 - 12.30pm. Don't forget that Indigo Blues Band at the British Oak 3pm today has been cancelled.

Have a good day.

Saturday 4th July

Hi Festival Goers

The sun is out and the jazz is sizzling. Reports are coming in of yesterday's events and I can confirm that the Festival has kicked off in style.

Kenny Ball & His Jazzmen were enjoyed enormously by the audience at Star City, playing all the old favourites such as Midnight In Moscow as well as newer material. The Alan Barnes Quartet played to a packed-out Wine Republic and the crowd loved it. Hot Djazz of Cracow went down a storm to a capacity crowd at the Lord Clifden, where the night was so good they ran out of the Festival Ale "Digby's Dilemma"!

Yes, Kenny Ball, one of the most enduringly popular of British jazzmen, really did play at Star City for free. That's right there is NO ADMISSION CHARGE for events at Star City this weekend, even the parking is free. Tonight you can catch Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame member Alan Price, formerly of The Animals, free at Star City at 7pm. I've already booked my table at La Tasca for legendary U.S. funkster Pee Wee Ellis, former bandleader for James Brown, who plays Star City tomorrow. I suggest you do the same!

If you missed Hot Djazz, featured on Central News yesterday, you're in luck. They play two shows today and another two tomorrow, all free of charge. Check the programme for details.

I have been assured the Lord Clifden will be restocked with Festival Ale for tonight's show with the stonking Simon Spillett, one of the most distinctive and dynamic tenor saxophonists around, playing tonight with the Craig Milverton Trio.

Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond our control, the Indigo Blues Band's 3pm performance at the British Oak tomorrow (Sunday 5th July) has been cancelled.

Just a quick reminder of the Festival highlight, the All Star Jam Session featuring eleven of the UK's best jazz musicians. This takes place next Thursday 9th July at the Botanical Gardens and tickets are a bargain at only £10, available from 0121 454 7020/1860

We'd love to hear from you. Please post your gig reviews/comments either here on the Blog or on the website http://www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

Jazz Festival Launches!

We're off! The 25th Birmingham International Jazz Festival 2009 was officially launched this morning at the magnificent Hotel Du Vin.

Invited guests were greeted on arrival by West Country 'Jazzeoke Queen' Becky Brine. Inside they were served up a generous breakfast of jazz courtesy of Brian Mellor on banjo in the foyer, and the Alan Barnes Quartet in the glamorous setting of the hotel courtyard. A sophisticated breakfast, complete with champagne and Festival ale "Digby's Dilemma", was laid on by Hotel du Vin.

Speeches were provided by Martin Mullaney, Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture; Steve Dyson, editor of the Birmingham Evening Mail; Philip Parkin, Birmingham City Councillor and Jazz Festival Board member; not forgetting our Festival Director, the charismatic Jim Simpson.

Events were captured by Chamber TV and are expected to be available for viewing via the new Jazz Festival tv station next week http://www.birminghamjazzfestivaltv.com

Festival highlights today include Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen at Star City 7pm, Alan Barnes Quartet at Wine Republic 8pm, and Hot Djazz of Cracow playing both at the Slug and Lettuce 3pm and the Lord Clifden 9pm.

Please note, due to the inclement weather the venue for Hot Djazz at 3pm has been switched to the Slug & Lettuce, as mentioned above, from the Brindley Place bandstand.

Please see the website for full details of the next 10 days of sizzling jazz, and check the Blog or sign up to Twitter for regular updates and any late programme changes. Enjoy!
http://www.birminghamjazzfestival.com

Birmingham Jazz Festival 2009 Launches Tomorrow

The wait is almost over. The Birmingham International Jazz Festival 2009, Europe's biggest free jazz party, launches tomorrow Friday 3 July. Celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary, it comprises 180 performances across 70 venues over 10 days, 90% of which are free to the public.

In celebration of its quarter century milestone the festival goes back to its roots this year with a star studded jam session to be held at the city's Botanical Gardens on Thursday 9th July. Digby Fairweather will head a line up of some of the biggest talents in jazz. See the Blog post below for more information. Tickets £10 available on 0121 454 7020/1860.

Not to be missed are the three shows at Star City this weekend, as they offer unique opportunities to enjoy three jazz bill-toppers for free! That's right, there's no ticket charge for Kenny Ball's Jazzmen (3rd), Alan Price Set (4th) and leading US funkster Pee Wee Ellis and his Band (5th), which all kick off at 7pm - even the parking is free. On Saturday, preceding the Alan Price show, songstress Becky Brine will be holding sway at La Tasca from 5pm.

Sensational gypsy guitarist Nomy Rosenberg, a direct descendent of Django Reinhardt, will be making his Festival debut this year. Check the Blog next week for more information or see the Festival web site.

We're reviving an old festival tradition this year by commissioning a special Festival Brew. Produced by the Urban Arts Bar and weighing in a sprightly 4.2% it will be a light ale sailing under the name of Digby's Dilemma in honour of our esteemed Festival Patron. Its home will be the Lord Clifden at 34 Great Hampton St, Birmingham B18 6EL but it will also be available at some other festival venues.

For more information on our great line-up this year see the Festival website http://www.birminghamjazzfestival.com