Date

Artist

Myrtle has become a firm favourite on the Sheffield Jazz scene. Her new CD ‘S’Wonderful’ is launched tonight. Tonight’s concert will feature selections from the CD plus special guest Dave Robinson on vibes. Phil Johnson- drums, Nicola Farnon-double bass, Piero Tucci-keys, sax, Chris Walker-guitar.

JAN. 14TH JOHN TAYLOR QUARTET

John delivers his music with great musicianship and wit and is a firm favourite on the Northern Jazz scene. John Taylor-sax, flute, vocals, Andy Chollerton-keys. Adrian Knowles-bass, Tim Brickel-drums.

JAN. 21ST BARRY GREEN QUARTET

Hot new band from London on their first national tour. The quartet play Barry’s original compositions which have a wide range of influences, from Sam Rivers and Andrew Hill to Shirley Horn and Joe Henderson. Collectively the band have played with an impressive array of musicians including, Tim Whitehead, Gilad Atzmon, Stan Sulzmann and Martin Speake. Barry Green-piano, Mark Hanslip-tenor, Oli Hayhurst-bass, Tim Giles-drums

JAN. 28TH JAVA

Led by talented guitarist Jamie Taylor. Java play a mix of great original material with contemporary takes on the standard repertoire. Jamil Sheriff –Keys, Garry Jackson – bass, Nick Smalley – drums. They will be showcasing material from heir new CD.

FEB. 4TH CAT LEGHARD / BRIAN KELLOCK

Always one of the highlights of the season. Danish singer Cat Leghard continues to wow audiences world wide with her charming interpretation of the jazz standard repertoire. ‘A wonderful singer with a beautiful sound- and a very special talent’ (Sheila Jordon, New York) Appearing with one of Europe’s finest jazz musicians, Brian Kellock on Piano. Frank Grime-bass, Jonas Bachman - drums

FEB. 11TH STEVE BUCKLEY TRIO

Blue note and Hammond grooves led by the fabulous guitar of Steve Buckley.

Influences from Wes Montgomery to Robben Ford and Larry Carlton.

FEB. 18TH A TRIBUTE TO ATLANTIC JAZZ

'A Tribute to Atlantic Jazz', led by Jim Corrie, pays tribute to the record label that in the 1960's and early 70's embraced the period of 'soul jazz' and produced a new generation of jazz musicians which included Cannonball and Nat Adderley, Horace Silver and Bobby Timmons. The band played for us in the last season and is back by popular demand. Come early to avoid disappointment

FEB. 25TH ESPIRITU

Authentic Latin jazz from Vocalist Julie Edwards and Sax/Guitarist Kevin Deardon. Great band featuring, Ed Barnwell – piano, Jez Watson – bass, Chris Sykes – drums/ percussion

MAR. 4TH MULLIGAN SOUP

Recreating the classic sound of the Jerry Mulligan / Chet Baker piano-less Quartet. Arrangements transcribed from the original recordings by Nick Smith. Nick smith – baritone sax, Ben Lee – trumpet, John Porter – double bass, Steve Smith – drums.

MAR 11TH Jim Mullen CANCELLED Rescheduled for April 15th

In it's place is:

SHEFFIELD JAZZ SHOWCASE

A rare opportunity to see so many of Sheffield's jazz musicians on the same bill. Including, Piero Tucci-Keys, sax, Pete Lyons-sax, Henrick Linnemann-flute, Howard Walker-vocals, Nicola Farnon-bass/vocals, Jamie Taylor-guitar, Chris Walker-guitar, Phil Johnson-drums. Plus special guests.

MAR. 18TH C BOP

Sheffield’s favourite contemporary bop band with tunes ranging in style from bop to fusion. Chris Walker-guitar, Piero Tucci-keys, Alex Henderson - bass, Phil Johnson-drums.

MAR. 25TH BEN CROSSLAND BAND

Welcome return for one of the North of England’s finest Jazz ensembles. Original and standard repertoire from Jazz to Funk. Ben Crossland-Bass, Rod Mason-Saxes, Richard Wetherall-Keys, Dave Tyas-Drums.

APR. 1ST JOHN GOOD BAND

Elder statesman of Sheffield Jazz brings a fine band to the Lescar

John Good-drums, Stuart MacDonald-sax, Jenny Malloy-double bass, keyboard to be confirmed.

APR. 8th FIRST CIRCLE FUSION

First Circle is a jazz fusion group based in Leeds. Drawing on influences from a wide range of music, including jazz, funk and folk, these young musicians approach original compositions and fusion classics with a strong emphasis on improvisation. Think Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, Chick Corea, E.S.T. and John Taylor. Aidan Shepherd - Keyboards & Accordion, Eirik Berg Svela - Electric Guitar, Pete Gavin - Electric Bass, John Arnesen - Drums

APR. 15th JIM MULLEN £5/£4

A legend of British jazz and one of the finest jazz guitarists in the world today. Jim Mullen – guitar, accompanied by the Lescar house band. Chris Walker-guitar, Piero Tucci-keys, Nicola Farnon-double bass, Phil Johnson-drums.

APR. 22nd SALLY DOHERTY

Sally and her band are back playing Latin Jazz, from Ballad to Bolero and Swing to Samba in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Sally – Vocals, Piero Tucci – Keys, Colin Elliot – Bass, Phil Johnson - Drums

APR. 29th THE MAGIC HAT ENSEMBLE

Magic Hat is a very tight unit with a dynamic approach and a totally appealing sound. They present an exciting, upbeat programme of very original, quirky re-arrangements of standards, as well as some neat originals. Great individual playing and a very cool ensemble sound indeed!" - Bill Kyle (The Jazz Bar) Steve Chadwick, trumpet - Tony Ormesher, guitar - Andrzej Baranek, piano - Nick Blacka, bass - Rob Turner, drums.

MAY 6th SARAH LITTLEFIELD BAND

Great original tunes by Sarah and her Father form the backbone of the repertoire of the Quartet. Sarah studied tenor saxophone at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Don Rendell and also had lessons with Tim Garland, Tim Whitehead and Julian Siegel. Jamil Sheriff -Piano, Jonty Fisher - Bass John Perry - Drums.

MAY 13th NICOLA FARNON

Sheffield’s first lady of jazz singing and swinging her way through standards and catchy originals. Nicola – Double bass, Vocals, Piero Tucci – Keys,Sax Chris Walker-guitar, Phil Johnson - Drums

MAY 20th URBAN JAZZ GUERILLAS

The Urban Jazz Guerrillas are a modern jazz fusion outfit based in Leeds. They play “jazz with attitude” combining the sounds of classic 70's fusion from the likes of Billy Cobham, Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis with more modern rhythmic elements such as Drum and Bass, Dance and Dub. Graham Young-Electric fretted and fretless guitars, Michael Berridge-Fender Rhodes and syntth, Scott Devine-fretless bass, Martin Davis-drums

MAY 27th SHAKEDOWN JAZZ BAND

The Shakedown Jazz Band take on rock and pop classics and make them swing and bop. Including songs from the likes of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Paul Bytheway-Vocals, Steve Chadwick-Trumpet Kenji Fenton-Tenor Sax, Andrzej Baranek-Piano, Nick Blacka-Double Bass, Hugh Lawrence-Drums.

JUNE 3rd FRANK BROOKER WITH KEITH JEVONS

Mainstream tenor led jazz just as you like it. Standards and classic swing. Frank Brooker-sax, Keith Jevvons-bass, keys, bass,

JUNE 10th EUROPEAN UNION QUARTET

The European Union Quartet was formed in 2007 when British bass player Gavin Barras and Dutch saxophonist Iman Spaargaren met whilst studying in Rotterdam. Assisted by the tutelage of jazz masters Hein van de Geyn and Billy Hart, they were inspired to form their own quartet, made up of musicians from other parts of the European Union. Slovakian drummer Marek Dorcik and German guitarist Ulrich Elbracht complete the line up.

JUNE 17th DJANGONAUTS

Hard swinging acoustic jazz inspired by the style and repertoire of the legendary European Jazz Guitarist Django Reinhardt. Chris Walker – Guitar, Piero Tucci – Accordion, Phil Johnson – Guitar, Kevin – Bass.

June 24th ROUND TRIP

Formed collectively in late 2007, Round Trip consists of some of London’s new crop of young jazz musicians. Richard Turner – Trumpet "Distinctive rhythmic imagination"- John Forham - The Guardian. Tom Challenger - Tenor Saxophone - "one of my forecast tips for the top in 2008" - thisislondon.co.uk. Tom Farmer - Bass - "Performing with astonishing musical maturity"- Warwick Arts Centre. Josh Morrison - Drums - "Burning"- Most peoples opinion.com

July 1st ADRIAN INGRAM’S JAZZ DAWGS

Formed in Early 2008 The Jazz Dawgs are one of the few bands in England playing Western Swing. Featuring the incomparable talents of Adrian Ingram-guitar, Keith Schone – Bass, Pete Wraith - Vocal, Guitar, Ian Wroe - Guitar, Mandolin

July 8th SARAH BENNETT/CURT SHAW QUARTET

The Sarah Bennett/Curt Shaw Quartet will play a mix of originals, standards, bossa nova tunes and contemporary classics. Sarah Bennett: vocals, Curt Shaw: guitar, Rich Keates: bass, John Watterson: drums.

July 15th ALAN BARNES £5 / £4

Special guest artist at the Lescar, Saxophonist Alan Barnes has been a key figure on the British jazz scene since the late 1970s. His strong tone, assured improvisations and imaginative arranging technique have marked him out as one of the country’s top players. Backed by the Lescar House Band. Chris Walker-Guitar, Piero Tucci-keys, Ken Marley-Double Bass, Pete Fairclough-Drums,

July 22nd BADAZZBO

Sheffield’s own Paul Trippett, now based in London brings his latest project to the Lescar. Original contemporary jazz with sophisticated grooves, drawing from a broad range of influences. Paul Trippett-bass, Pete Truin – saxes, David Fairburn – piano, Chris Montague – guitar, David Hamblett – drums.

July 29th JIANNIS PAVLIDIS

A Berkely graduate and much in demand player, having played with such jazz luminaries as Dave Liebman and Hall Crook. Now based in Leeds with this great trio. Jianis – Guitar, Garry Jackson – Bass, Dave Walsh – Drums.

August 5th BLUE BANANA

John Naylor of Dizzy Club fame leads his other incarnation through some choice repertoire from diverse genres. All delivered with an energetic swing! John Naylor - guitar, vocals, Ryan Taylor – piano, Sean Perry - Bass
Duncan Anible – Drums.

August 12th ORGANIC TRIO

The classic Organ trio line up. Blue note, swing and contemporary grooves from Wendy and the Boys. Wendy Kirkland- Hammond and vocals, Pat Sprakes-Guitar, Ian Beestin-Drums.

August 19th SALFIELD/CHANDLER

The quartet plays lively modern jazz, a mixture of originals and contemporary material by well known composers. Strong emphasis on interplay between the musicians. Steve Salfield-tenor and soprano Saxes, Matt Chandler-guitar, Clive Loveday-drums and Richard Keates-double bass.

August 26th FREDDIE GARNER QUARTET

This group, which boasts a blend of young and experienced musicians, plays a mix of jazz standards and originals, from swing through Latin and ballads in the best traditions of jazz. Freddie Garner – Piano, Jim Collins – Alto, tenor saxes, Stuart Riley – Double Bass, Marek Dorcik – Drums.

Sept. 2nd ROD MASON’S ELEMENTS

One of the best jazz quartets in the country. Rod is a vibrant and exciting performer who has thrilled audiences around the UK and Europe. He plays all the saxes and has appeared with John Surman, Alan Skidmore, the Zappatistas and many other top UK artists. All star band featuring Richard Wetherall-Keys, Rich Hammond-Bass, Dave Walsh-Drums.

Sept. 9th ROSIE BROWN

Rosie presents a mixture of originals and reworked standards and choice singer songwriter tunes. ‘With well-matched ideas and natural, engaging onstage chemistry, Brown and Sheriff are already a strong songwriting duo, no doubt with an increasingly fruitful collaborative journey still ahead of them.’ (Jazz wise 2007) Rosie Brown – vocals, Jonas Backman-drums, Jamil Sheriff-keys, bass tbc