April
7th Dave Jones quintet - ‘2 Down and 1 Across’ Dave piano, Ben Waghorn saxes, Andy Hague trumpet, Al Swainger bass and Andy Tween drums, a mix of Kenny Garrett tunes and Dave’s originals https://www.davejonesjazz.com The opening tune of Garrett’s Songbook album, ‘2 Down and 1 Across’, gives a dramatic start to arguably his finest release, bringing together a particularly strong set of compositions and one of his finest line-ups featuring the late great pianist Kenny Kirkland and Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts on the drums.
8th Ursula Harrrison/Sylvie Noble - bassist Ursula and vocalist Sylvie bonded over a shared love of both jazz and folk music. The two frequently performed in projects together, such as American folk band ‘A Wheel Inside A Wheel’ and as part of Llais Festival of Voice. Towards the end of a jam night in the Original Jazz Summer School 2022, the pair performed a spontaneous duet, a cover of Gillian Welch's Dark Turn of Mind. Stunning the audience and performers alike, it became clear that this format was one to pursue. https://ursulaharrison.com
14th Cardiff university showcase - Bryn Jennings Sextet. Featuring 2 horns, bass, guitar, piano, drums. Playing jazz and jazz/funk tunes mostly.
15th Joe Northwood’s Jam session - once again, Joe has assembled a stellar (sorry, no starlight) set of class musicians to start the proceedings, followed by the jam
21st Amanda Whiting -The Amanda Whiting Quartet blends rich harp textures with soulful improvisation and groove-driven jazz. Led by Welsh harpist and composer Amanda, the band features Aidan Thorne (bass), Jon Reynolds (drums), and Dan Smith (sax/flute) Her innovative approach has earned her a Jazz FM nomination for Instrumentalist of the Year and regular airplay from tastemakers including Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2) and Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music) https://www.amandawhiting.com
28th Sam Green’s Rivers and Lakes Album launch!!! - a six piece jazz collective, led by Sam Green (drums), featuring BBC young jazz musician of the year Ursula Harrison (double bass), Irish jazz musician of the year Nils Kavanagh (piano), Mykola Davydenko (guitar), Em Craig (saxophone) and Daniel Vause (alto/tenor saxophone)