Jazz notes (From York Press)

Jazz notes

10:25am Friday 4th May 2012 in Music news and reviews By Don Lodge

HERE is a chance to plan ahead and see some of the greats of gypsy swing on tour, the great guitarist Fapy Lafertin, Lollo Meier, and Tcha Limberger.

The nearest they come to York is on May 18 at The Library Theatre, Sheffield (07835 966810). Advanced booking is advisable. Also from this stable I have just received information about a forthcoming double CD re-release of the two iconic Gypsy jazz albums, Hungaria (1996) and Swing Guitars (1994) by Fapy Lafertin and the British Quartet Lejazz. It features Steve Elsworth on violin, Dave Kelbie and Pete Finch on rhythm guitars, and Tony Bevir on bass. Visit the lejazzetal.com website for info, but I understand it will soon be available in the usual large outlets.

While you are in one of our jazz pubs, raise a glass to the 90th birthday of Toots Thielemans, another member of the growing list of famous Belgians. Toots is the best known jazz harmonica player; he started as a guitarist and is also often heard whistling along with his recordings. The most famous of these is the haunting jazz waltz, Bluesette. If Toots is not known to you, you may have already heard his playing in many films and advertisements. Grab the budget CD Verve Jazz Masters ‘59: Toots Thielemans as a starting point.

A CD, which has been out for a few months now, comes from the celebrated Scottish alto player, Martin Kershaw, in the form of The Howness (EJF112). For this his band consists of Paul Harrison (piano), Euan Burton (bass), and Doug Hough (drums); guitarist Graeme Stephen guests on two tunes. All the eight tracks are written by Kershaw, except for a reworking of Charlie Parker’s Steeplechase. While the musicianship is first class, the temptation to make this an orgy of musical technique is resisted. This disc, in a style I would call “chamber jazz”, is cleverly conceived with its storms and calms satisfying to listen to.

(Ron Burnett will be back next week)

What’s on...

Sunday

1pm: Zezo Olimpio Trio, Kennedy’s Café Bar, Little Stonegate, 01904 620222.

8.30pm: Ian Chalk, The Phoenix, George Street, 01904 656401.

1pm: The Leeds College of Music Contemporary Big Band, Seven Arts Centre, Chapel Allerton, Leeds (0113) 2626777.

Monday

8.30pm: Kate Peters, John Marley & Co, The Phoenix, George Street, 01904 656401.

Wednesday

8.30pm, James Lancaster jam evening. The Phoenix, George Street, 01904 656401.

Thursday

9pm. The Mardi Gras Jazz Band, Ron Burnett & Co, Old White Swan Goodramgate, 01904 540911.

8.30pm, Jules & the Gang, Judson’s Wine Bar, Market Place, Pocklington. 01759 302548.