Southbank Centre Jazz & Blues Events

Neil Cowley Trio

peter.mallon

Featuring The Mount Molehill Strings with support from Sam Sallon

Renowned pianist Neil Cowley presents the world premiere of the forthcoming album, The Face of Mount Molehill. Cementing his position as a composer of extraordinary talent, Cowley and his trio scale the summit of the gargantuan Mount Molehill, where they explore the heights of everyday trivia, and score it to a soaring overture of epic proportions.

Neil Cowley Trio has a reputation as one of the UK's most exhilarating live bands. Their dynamic sets of propulsive rhythms and aching melancholy, peppered with Cowley's playful onstage banter, have won the trio a loyal following of fans.

Performing with Cowley are Evan Jenkins (drums), Rex Horan (bass), Leo Abrahams (guitar) and The Mount Molehill Strings, headed by lead violinist Julian Ferraretto.

Start Date:

Thursday 15 March 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Thursday 15 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

£20 £15

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Facility Description:

Queen Elizabeth Hall

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Tomorrow's Warriors Youth Jazz

As an appetiser to the later Purcell Room Firebird concert, the 16-piece Youth Warriors are back on home ground, using traditional techniques to find their own distinctive jazz voice.

This evening they welcome a group of young musicians from Voss Jazzskule in Norway which, like Tomorrow's Warriors, is developing a new generation of outstanding jazz musicians.

The Warriors will start things off with new arrangements written by the band members. These are followed by a set from the young Norwegian musicians before everyone joins in together for the climax of the event.

Start Date:

Saturday 3 March 2012 - 18:00

End Date:

Saturday 3 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

Free

Koby Israelite Trio

In this trio project, multi-genre master Koby Israelite teams up with tabla virtuoso Minta Rasiya and tuba player Oren Marshall to reinterpret songs from Koby's many albums and perform exclusive new material, written specifically for the project.

Koby Israelite's music combines his love of punk, rock, classical, jazz, drum and bass, world music, Avant-Garde, and Eastern European roots. He has produced a unique multi-genre music that has won him great success.

Koby has collaborated with some of the world's leading names in different genres, from Madonna to John Zorn, from Taraf de Haidouks to Fanfare Ciocarlia.

As well as accordion and drums, Koby plays wind instruments and also the iPhone!

The multi-layered music at this Friday Tonic is filled with humour and eccentricity, expressing its own unique vitality. With influences ranging from contemporary jazz to Balkan Gypsy music, the skills of each individual musician are showcased.

Start Date:

Friday 2 March 2012 - 17:30

End Date:

Friday 2 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

Free

SOLUS3 with Jan Dunning

p.goudal

Plus support from Untied Knot

Post-jazz, post-punk and chamber dub sextet SOLUS3, featuring harpist Julia Thornton and members of both Transglobal Underground & Krautrock improvisers Lunar Dunes, spotlight music from their sophmore album, Corner of the World, in an audio-visual collaboration with award-winning pinhole photographer Jan Dunning.

'Fans of Miles Davis and Vaughan Williams should pay attention.' (Independent on Sunday)

'A delicate blend of Folk and Fusion, with a hint of Psych and Avant Garde.' (Prog Archives)

'A dubby feel combined with the dynamics of classical chamber and loosely structured improvisation.' (Songlines)

Start Date:

Wednesday 4 April 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Wednesday 4 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

£10

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Julia Thornton harp
Hamilton Lee percussion
Ian Blackaby bass
Krupa vocals, kaos pad
Jemma Freeman vocals, guitar
Francesco Filizzola trumpet, vocals
Jan Dunning visual artist, projection designer

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

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The Nu Civilisation Orchestra

p.mcguinness

FIREBIRD - A Stravinsky-Parker Sound Clash

What happens when you fuse the musical worlds of 20th-century composing icon Igor Stravinsky and jazz superstar Charlie Parker?

Discover an exciting, experimental place where jazz and classical music meet, courtesy of the Nu Civilisation Orchestra. The orchestra's composers and arrangers explore this musical mash-up and others in a collection of new works.

The 16-piece orchestra's Firebird programme features a remodeled version of Stravinsky's Ebony Concerto (originally commissioned by jazz clarinetist, Woody Herman in 1946). They also perform Peter Edwards' new piece, Blues Ostinata, along with his arrangement of British jazz composer Steve Williamson's How High The Bird, Maenads Suite by Binker Golding and other creations.

The Nu Civilisation Orchestra is a professional touring ensemble and part of the Tomorrow's Warriors at Southbank Centre weekend residency, as well as being Associate Artists at Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton. This concert by the recently re-named outfit follows their hugely successful Purcell Room debut in July 2011, and is part of Music Nation.

Start Date:

Saturday 3 March 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Saturday 3 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

£13

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Gary Crosby artistic director
Peter Edwards musical director

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

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Byron Wallen & The Organisation

peter.mallon

Byron Wallen is 'one of the most innovative, exciting and original trumpet players alive' (Jazzwise Magazine). Widely recognised as a seminal figure in jazz, he is constantly travelling the world recording, teaching and performing.

For this one-off special gig, he is joined by Pete Whittaker (Hammond organ), Pete Cater (drums) and Simon Fernsby (guitar).

'British trumpeter Byron Wallen sometimes suggests an absorbing fusion of the fragmentary lyricism of late period Miles Davis and the spiky euphoria of Don Cherry. Just as frequently he will seem closer to Asian or North African music, or reveal an informed appreciation of some of the earliest trumpet pioneers in jazz, and be equally at ease playing postbop, Talvin Singh's music, or Craig David's.' (John L Walters)

Byron Wallen replaces the previously advertised Tony Kofi, who is no longer available for this concert.

Start Date:

Friday 10 February 2012 - 17:30

End Date:

Friday 10 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

Free

Facility Description:

The Clore Ballroom

Sachal Jazz Ensemble

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Global YouTube and jazz chart-topping sensation Sachal Jazz Ensemble perform for the first time in the West.

Combining western instruments with sitar, sarod, tabla and dholak, the Lahore-based, veteran Pakistani ensemble breathes new life into well-known Bossa Nova and Jazz Standards including Dave Brubeck's Take Five, which he said was 'the most interesting and different recording of Take Five that I've heard.'

Their recent innovative jazz album prompted comparisons with Buena Vista Social Club's rediscovery of a lost generation of Cuban musicians.

'Listening to this exotic version of 'Take Five' brings back wonderful memories of Pakistan where my Quartet played in 1958. East is East, and West is West, but through music the twain meet. Congratulations!' Dave Brubeck

Start Date:

Tuesday 17 April 2012 - 20:00

End Date:

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

£15 £10

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Facility Description:

Queen Elizabeth Hall

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Shiraz & The Sabri Ensemble

Franz Osten's lavish 1928 silent film Shiraz is accompanied by a live score by internationally renowned tabla player and composer Sarvar Sabri and the Sabri Ensemble. They conjure up a rich soundcape of melody and rhythm with South Asian, jazz and Western classical influences.

The film tells the romantic story of the Taj Mahal, the woman who inspired it and the two men who loved her. Filmed on location in India with a cast of thousands, this remarkable product of early Indian cinema went on to inspire a generation of film makers with its stunning visuals and epic themes.

The Sabri Ensemble features Sarvar Sabri on tabla, Trevor Lines on bass, Sanchita Pal on vocals, Carl Peberdy on sitar, Lluis Mather on saxophone, Dan Nicholls on piano, Hannah Marsden on violin and Avatar Balraaj Ram on tanpura and sarangi.

'A sound that refreshes the senses' (Jazz Review)

'Fusion of two amazing art forms at the peak of their presentation' (Audience)

Start Date:

Thursday 12 April 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Thursday 12 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

£10 £13

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

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Eltham College Centenary Concert

A Festival Concert presented by Eltham College Choir, College Trebles, Choral Society, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and String Orchestra

Eltham College, an independent day school in South East London, celebrates the 100th anniversary of its move to its present location.

The school is justly proud of its musical tradition, and presents a Gala Concert featuring its leading ensembles, some of which have recently performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic and at the BBC Proms.

'...delightful singing - every word crystal-clear, the tuning sweet, the timbres aptly delicate... particularly the boy trebles from Eltham College.' (The Times on Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream with the London Symphony Orchestra, June 2011)

Start Date:

Tuesday 24 April 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Ticket Prices:

£20 £15 £12 £9

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off

Performer(s):

Students from Eltham College

Repertoire:

Aaron Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
John Rutter: Allegro vivace from Gloria
Hubert Parry: Long since in Egypt's plenteous land from Judith
Benjamin Britten: This little babe from A Ceremony of Carols
Jean Sibelius: Andante festivo
Dag Wirén: Marcia from Serenade for strings, Op.11
Michael Kamen: Extracts from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves arr. J. Bocook for band
Turner Layton: After you've gone arr. Taylor for jazz orchestra
Stevie Wonder: Too high arr. Tomaro for jazz orchestra
Cole Porter: Love for sale from The New Yorkers arr. Berry for jazz orchestra
Spiritual: Steal away arr. D. Blackwell
Traditional: Ev'ry time I fell the Spirit arr. D. Adelmann for chorus
Morton Lauridsen: Dirait-on from Les Chansons des Roses
George Frideric Handel: Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah
Interval
Ludwig Van Beethoven: Allegro con brio (1st movement) from Symphony No.5
Ludwig Van Beethoven: Allegro (4th movement) from Symphony No.5
Alexandr Borodin: Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor
Hubert Parry: Blest pair of sirens

Facility Description:

Queen Elizabeth Hall

Andy Sheppard

Trio Libero

British saxophonist Andy Sheppard is joined by French bassist Michel Benita and British drummer Seb Rochford to perform from his new ECM album, When We Live On The Stars.

From Rochford's part in Polar Bear to Benita's collaborations with Archie Shepp and Lee Konitz, Trio Libero is shaped by three leading individuals from today's jazz scene.

Under Sheppard's lead, together they produce exquisite grooves and insinuating themes with an easy grace that belies the musical sophistication at work.

Start Date:

Wednesday 21 March 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

£20 £15

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

Ivo Neame & Guests

m.critcher

The brilliant young British pianist with an outstanding cast of jazz players

Ivo Neame is fast establishing himself as one of the leading pianists and composers on the British scene.

Combining melodic drive with his own elegant compositional style Ivo Neame has developed a formidable, expansive piano sound and compositional voice.

A busy sideman as well as solo artist, his album Caught in the Light of Day, released in 2009, received rave reviews.

This concert sees Neame expand his writing to a larger ensemble in a set of edgy and characterful themes, matched by resourceful, conversational improvising.

Start Date:

Friday 10 February 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Friday 10 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

£12.50

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Performer(s):

Ivo Neame piano
Jon Shenoy clarinet
Shabaka Hutchings bass clarinet
Tori Freestone saxophone, flute
Jason Yarde alto sax
Jim Hart vibraphone
Dave Hamblett drums
Jasper Høiby bass

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

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The Nicolas Meier Group

London-based Swiss guitarist Nicolas Meier is one of the rising stars of a vibrant British jazz scene, his trademark sound, as heard on his Naim albums, a mixture of Methenyesque jazz and spicy Turkish and world music rhythms.

Performing music from his recent trio album 'Breeze' - described as 'an imaginative and creative recording that further establishes Nicolas Meier's reputation as one of the finest guitarists on the contemporary jazz scene' (All About Jazz), Meier is joined by Demi Garica (percussion) and Paolo Minervini (bass).

'Since John McLaughlin melted frets with the Mahavishnu Orchestra we have become used to frenetic guitar-led groups. None, however, quite mixes styles and sounds like that of Meier, a Swiss player as happy in flamenco and Arab melodies as he is in Western jazz.' (John Bungey, The Times)

Start Date:

Friday 24 February 2012 - 17:30

End Date:

Friday 24 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

Free

Facility Description:

The Front Room at QEH

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria has distinguished herself in every form of entertainment that she touches.

Jazz musician, Broadway diva, actor, writer and stand-up comic., it is plain to see why Ben Brantley of The New York Times describes Lea as, 'every inch a star.'

Lea along with her band - Mark Fletcher (drums) Tom Mason (bass) and Musical Director Janette Mason (piano) - serve up an array of choice hits from her three critically acclaimed Warner Jazz CDs as well as some new tracks from her next release, HOUSE OF DAVID delaria+bowie=jazz.

Start Date:

Friday 17 February 2012 - 17:30

End Date:

Friday 17 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

Free

Facility Description:

The Front Room at QEH

Trio Manouche

Trio Manouche are one of the UK's leading gypsy-swing ensembles. performing inspired re-worked classics of Django Reinhardt in addition to highly acclaimed original material penned by their band leader Simon Harris on guitar and vocals, bringing a unique and contemporary twist to this ever popular genre. Also featuring Fran Moon (guitar) and Colin Somervell (double bass).

Since forming in 2005 the trio have performed in top Jazz venues, including Ronnie Scott's and 606 Club, concert halls from the Purcell Room to Barbican Hall and major UK festivals including Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, The Mostly Jazz Festival and Shambala Festival. The trio are also regular guest performers on various BBC Radio shows.

'Very hot and very swing.' (Max Reinhardt)

Start Date:

Friday 10 February 2012 - 13:00

End Date:

Friday 10 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

Free

Facility Description:

Foyer Bar - level 2

Fats Waller Valentine Anniversary Concert

p.goudal

This popular tribute performance honours Fats Waller's brilliant musical gifts, showcasing his beautifully crafted jazz compositions and celebrating his life and legacy.

Swing along to hits including 'Ain't Misbehavin', 'Honeysuckle Rose' and 'The Joint Is Jumpin'.

Start Date:

Saturday 11 February 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Saturday 11 February 2012

Ticket Prices:

£19.50 £17.50

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

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Marcus Miller

Produced by Serious in association with Jazz FM

Grammy Award-winning artist Marcus Miller returns to London for a special one-off concert at Royal Festival Hall. He has worked both as a performer and producer with artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Grover Washington Jr. Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Mariah Carey, Bill Withers, Elton John, Bryan Ferry, Frank Sinatra, and LL Cool J. He also toured with his childhood idol, Miles Davies and produced his landmark 'Tutu' album.

For more than 20 years, Marcus enjoyed a musical relationship with R&B legend, Luther Vandross. Since the mid-1990s he has toured as a solo artist and in 2001 his album M2 ('M-squared') won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album . In recent years Marcus has also turned his attention to composing for films such as House Party and Boomerang.

Start Date:

Friday 4 May 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Friday 4 May 2012

Ticket Prices:

£30 £25 £20 £15 £10

Facility Description:

Royal Festival Hall

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Jessye Norman sings American Masters

Hear some of the greatest songs in the American musical theatre songbook performed in a rare Royal Festival Hall performance by Jessye Norman.

Described by The New York Times as possessing 'an amazing voice, a catalogue of all that is virtuous in singing', Norman treats the audience to classics such as 'Somewhere' by Leonard Bernstein, 'You'll Never Walk Alone' by Rodgers and Hammerstein and 'Mack the Knife' by Weill and Brecht.

Norman is a singer whose rich history of music making spans opera, recitals performances, contemporary music and jazz.

In February of 2006, she became only the fourth opera/classical music singer in the 48-year history of the Grammy Awards to be presented The Lifetime Achievement Award for Classical Music.

'The immensity of her voice struck like a thunderbolt. It was like an eruption of primal power.' (The Jerusalem Post)

Start Date:

Monday 21 May 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Monday 21 May 2012

Ticket Prices:

£55 £40 £32 £25 £20 £15 £12

Performer(s):

Jessye Norman soprano
Mark Markham accompanist

Repertoire:

Programme includes:
Traditional: His eye is on the sparrow
Traditional: Lord I couldn't hear nobody pray
Duke Ellington: It don't mean a thing
Walter Donaldson: My baby just cares for me
Kurt Weill: The Ballad of Mack the Knife (from The Threepenny Opera)
Duke Ellington: Don't get much around any more
George Gershwin: Summertime from Porgy and Bess
Thelonius Monk: Blue Monk

Facility Description:

Royal Festival Hall

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Storms/Nocturnes: Joe Locke, Tim Garland, Geoffrey Keezer

The name of this international jazz super-trio reflects the reconciliation of seeming opposites.

'Storms' invokes the sheer elemental energy and freedom of group improvisation in its most fiery nature. 'When you see us in performance, we're pulling out all the stops,' says vibes player Joe Locke.

'Nocturnes' represents the musicians' common striving for balance, calm and beauty. The starting point for their work is often a fully composed, almost classical piece with strong lyrical elements.

With British reeds player Tim Garland unleashing cascades of melody, pianist Geoffrey Keezer relishing and digging into groove-laden bass lines and Locke's mallets moving from lightning speed to the gentlest, the group has an abundant energy and physicality on stage.

The trio, who are performing new material, create the perfect balance between European contemporary classical influences and the American jazz tradition.

Start Date:

Monday 12 March 2012 - 19:45

End Date:

Monday 12 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

£15

Concession/Group Prices:

50% off (limited availability)

Facility Description:

Purcell Room

Images

Tord Gustavsen Ensemble

+ support

Pianist Tord Gustavsen's upcoming release is the fifth in a string of highly acclaimed ECM albums, featuring Tore Brunborg on saxophones, Mats Eilertsen on bass and Jarle Vespestad on drums. This extended ensemble is a natural progression of Tord's trio work, adding new colours and dimensions through the sensibilities of some of the most intriguing players on the vibrant and eclectic Scandinavian jazz scene.

Tord's new work takes his signature Norwegian minimalism and bluesy grooves to darker, denser musical fields, where spacious melodies play against complex folk rhythms and harmonic intricacies. This is music that sings, drawing you into a universe at once gentle and robust, where tender lyricism entwines with subtle groove.

'Gustavsen's tunes are hypnotically strong.' (The Guardian)

Start Date:

Sunday 18 March 2012 - 19:30

End Date:

Sunday 18 March 2012

Ticket Prices:

£25 £20 £10

Facility Description:

Queen Elizabeth Hall

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