Jazz notes (From York Press)

Jazz notes

11:38am Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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La Planche a Laver must go straight to the top of the list as jazz band name of the week, making a first appearance at Jazz In The Spa tomorrow night. The four players from France dip into the wide musical traditions of the “Big Easy” – blues, spirituals and all the rhythms introduced by the waves of immigrants into New Orleans.

So, la planche a laver? It’s the washboard. The Trustees Hall, High Street, Boston Spa is not licensed, so take your own tipple, more details from organisers Tim (01937 842544) and Les (01937 842636).

Sunday offers difficult choices, with three jazz gigs to tempt you.

A new programme at the Royal York Hotel presents Sunday Lunch Jazz, with buffet lunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm (and a discount for seniors ). This Sunday’s band is the Bejazzled Trio, details from 01904 648111.

Kennedys Cafe Bar, Little Stonegate, has Brazilian pianist Zezo Olimpio and his Trio from 1pm to 4pm (01904 620222). Sunday gig number three is at the Phoenix, George Street, York, with the Ian Chalk Quartet from 8.30pm (01904 656401). The quartet’s first album, First Days, can be downloaded from iTunes and has featured heavily on internet station UK Jazz Radio. There are moves by one of the station’s presenters to find some London gigs for Chalkie and the chaps – more news as it comes in. The next gig at the Phoenix will be the Jazz Jam on Wednesday night with James Lancaster and Chris Moore, the mid-evening session giving any guest musicians or singers the chance to perform before an audience.

The First Tuesday Jazz Supper series at the Dean Court Hotel, Duncombe Place, York, tend to be booked up months ahead – thanks to terrific work by the Andy Hillier Jazz Trio (with Zezo Olimpio on piano). As Andy’s work in the trombone section of the Pasadena Roof Orchestra sometimes takes him out of the country, other groups are booked occasionally. The guests on Tuesday will be the Tina Featherstone Trio. Tina is a much in-demand clarinettist/saxophonist Phone for reservations on 01904 625082.

Scarborough Jazz runs every Wednesday at the Cask, Cambridge Terrace (01723 500570) and next week’s guests are Partikel, three London-based musicians with saxophone, double bass and drums. The Scarborough Jazz Festival will sail into view over the weekend of September 24 to 26. The stars are well up to the usual faultlessly high standard – Alan Barnes, Stan Tracey, Guy Barker and many more. Phone 01723 357868 or visit scarboroughjazzfestival.co.uk

Thursday brings a choice of three jazz joints running simultaneously in York. The long-running jazz at the Old White Swan, Goodramgate (01904 540911), has the second gig of the week for Bejazzled, joined by the virtuoso guitarist Mike Riley. Mike was full-time with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra for many years, finally making a career change when he noted at the end of a particular year that he had motored over 90,000 miles from his home in Leeds. Syd’s loss was York’s gain.

The second choice for Thursday is Jules And The Gang at the Victoria Vaults, Nunnery Lane (01904 654307).

Your third choice is the Karl Mullen jazz band at Churchill’s Hotel, Bootham (01904 644456), with music to accompany a three-course dinner, or just drinks if you prefer.