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
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
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.
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.
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.
Monday, 6 July 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Monday 6th July
Hi Festival GoersSunday'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, 4 July 2009
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
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
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