Neil Yates with The Bim Williams Trio
Neil Yates joins the Bim Williams trio for a night of burning hard-bop, be-bop, swing and Great American songbook tunes, plus original compositions.
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Multi-instrumentalist composer, arranger and educator Neil Yates studied music at Salford University and Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
He stepped out into the professional music business in 1991, as a London-based jazz trumpeter working most notably for the BBC Big Band and Johnny Dankworth Orchestra. He moved on to higher profile session musician work in 1994, performing and recording with The Brand New Heavies, Supergrass, Black Grape, Lighthouse Family, Alison Moyet, Will Young, Raw Stylus, Suggs, Matt Bianco and Robbie Williams.
To address his own creative urges in 1999 Neil moved out of London and travelled the festivals of UK and Ireland for a year in a caravan, eventually settling in a North Wales beauty spot to write and record his award winning first solo jazz album "New Origins" and second album "Five Countries", released on Edition Records November 2011. He also became much involved in Celtic music, performing, writing and arranging for traditional music legends Michael McGoldrick and Kate Rusby.
On this Occasion Neil joins the Bim Williams trio for a night of burning hard-bop, be-bop, swing and Great American songbook tunes, plus original compositions from each of the band’s members.
Shapeshifters
Shapeshifters is a contemporary jazz trio made up of three friends whose musical roots are grounded in the rich tradition of the genre.
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We knew as soon as we heard Shapeshifters' music that they were something truly special. This was most certainly proven when they first played at the club back in February. We couldn't hope for a more wonderful trio to be part of our manchester jazz festival line up.
Shapeshifters is a contemporary jazz trio made up of three friends whose musical roots are grounded in the rich tradition of the genre. Anna Chandler (alto saxophone), Sam Quintana (bass) and Steve Hanley (drums) combine their musical backgrounds with influences from the likes of Charles Mingus, Fly Trio and the Tristano School.
When playing together they embrace spontaneity, able to morph the direction of a piece at the flick of a switch and constantly challenging themselves to improvise fearlessly and unapologetically. Performing a mix of original material and unique takes on standard repertoire, the group produce a coherent narrative whilst keeping you on your toes as to what might happen next.
Tonight, Shapeshifters will play a collection of original material from their debut album, as well as some newer compositions and standards with their interactive and spontaneous approach.
Line Up:
Anna Chandler // Alto Saxophone
Sam Quintana // Double Bass
Steve Hanley // Drums
Dave Luvin Presents The Jazz Singers
All-time classic soul, pop, and disco tunes given a unique jazz-y twist!
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Dave Luvin Presents The Jazz Singers sees some of Manchester’s finest jazz musicians come together under the lead of Kansas City bass man, Dave Luvin, fronted by a phenomenal vocalist.
Tonight, the band will be fronted by the fantastic Jocelyn Knight.
Over the course of the night, you can expect to hear the unexpected! Jocelyn and the band will be performing some all-time classic soul, pop, and disco tunes given a unique jazz-y twist!
The Jazz Defenders
he Jazz Defenders are a group born from a deep love of Blue Note Jazz, drawing on a wealth of inspiration to craft their own raw and vibrant compositions.
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Led by one of the UK's most formidable Jazz pianists, George Cooper, The Jazz Defenders are a group born from a deep love of Blue Note Jazz, drawing on a wealth of inspiration to craft their own raw and vibrant compositions.
The hard bop recordings of Horace Silver, Hank Mobley, Lee Morgan and Art Blakey were highly regarded for a reason - catchy horn lines and incredible musicianship combined with Rudy Van Gelder's engineering skills mean they will forever be regarded as classics of the genre. The Jazz Defenders are a group that 'defend' the legacy of those recordings whilst creating its own original identity and distinction. The music they produce together is a modern soul jazz slant on this classic Hard Bop, effortlessly channelling the spirit of the golden Blue Note era of Jazz.
The group's brainchild, pianist and composer George Cooper, has at a young age already amassed a comprehensive repertoire of musical credits including Hans Zimmer, Nigel Kennedy, U2, Omar, Slum Village, MF Doom, Brand New Heavies, The Haggis Horns, Abstract Orchestra and Lack of Afro.
“Absolutely storming!” - Jamie Cullum
“Wonderfully put together” - Craig Charles
“Every track a winner - amazing!” - Snowboy
Derrick Harris Quartet ft. Munch Manship
The band's well crafted arrangements give these tunes a light, airy and spacious outing with some tasteful soloing allowing jazz and pop listeners to appreciate them afresh.
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With a repertoire from the likes of Wes Montgomery, Larry Goldings and John Scofield together with some original compositions by Harris, this should be another memorable evening for lovers of melody and compelling improvisation.
The band's well crafted arrangements give these tunes a light, airy and spacious outing with some tasteful soloing which allows the jazz and pop listener to appreciate them afresh.
Expect jazz standards and original compositions, with Derrick Harris (guitar), Munch Manship (saxophone), Grant Russel (bass), and Paul Smith (drums).
A little about Munch Manship:
Munch is firmly established as a sought after soloist in jazz clubs around the country, both as a guest soloist and fronting his own bands. He has played alongside many international stars such as Ronnie Scott, Bobby Shew, Dusko Goykavitch (Kenny Clarke Francy Boland Big Band), Buddy Miles (Count Basie drummer), John LaBarbera, Victor Mendoza, Jim Bruno, Jim Mullen, Don Weller, John Etheridge, Kenny Baker, Don Rendel, Humphrey Littleton, Jimmy Deuchar and Gordon Goodwin Big band. He was also in the support band, which played alongside Art Pepper at the Hammersmith and Fulham Jazz Festival.
Jim Wallace - Gypsy Project
A foot stomping mix of traditional Gypsy Jazz alongside the bands own exhilarating arrangements of contemporary pop songs from the modern era.
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Django with an iPod...
Former GYPSIES OF BOHEMIA lead guitarist JIM WALLACE returns with an all new line up and another Parisienne inspired take on the tunes we all thought we were too cool to like....
Featuring a foot stomping mix of traditional Gypsy Jazz alongside the bands own exhilarating arrangements of contemporary pop songs from the modern era, there's something for jazz aficionados and music lovers alike. Alongside Jim's virtuosic Django Reinhardt inspired lead guitar the band features the improvisational talents of some of the North West's finest Gypsy Jazz soloists in Andrzej Baranek (accordion) and Andrew Meyer (clarinet), backed up by a stellar swinging Gypsy rhythm section. Rarely has such a delicate balance been successfully struck between the artistic and the absurd.
Come and take a peek whats on Django's playlist as these talented, humorous and charismatic individuals tear through the music of Britney Spears and alike, whilst paying a respectful homage to the unrivalled swinging sounds of The Quintette du Hot Club de France.
Grant Russell Quartet
Raw uncompromising jazz with an aggressive commitment to improvisation led music within the traditional framework of strong tunes.
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Formed in 2013, the Grant Russell Quartet features four of the most dynamic performers in the UK. Raw uncompromising jazz with an aggressive commitment to improvisation led music within the traditional framework of strong tunes, both original and standard. However there is nothing standard about thIs quartet. Whilst still working from a traditional approach to jazz performance all the performers have worked at the highest international level in a plethora of genres and bring all that experience to every tune. The sum is definitely greater than the parts.
The After Hours
The After Hours are a 21st Century anomaly; a collective of loveable rogues hell bent on redefining live dance music.
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The After Hours: are a 21st Century anomaly; a collective of loveable rogues hell bent on redefining live dance music.
Weaving the sounds of 1920's New Orleans jazz, sizzling swing and bouncing balkan brass with thoroughly modern dance styles, The After Hours have created a uniquely exciting take on Electro-Swing. The line up sees gutsy brass playing, explosive drum beats, devilishly catchy guitar riffs, all brought together with live Electro-Swing scratch DJ-ing and superbly witty and danceable vocals.
The Retrosettes
From 50’s Rock ’n’ Roll, to 60’s Pop and Soul, to 70’s and 80’s all-time bangers, to hits from the 90’s to the present day…
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The Retrosettes are the band guaranteed to put a huge smile on every audience member’s face and likely get you up and dancing from the offset.
The Retrosettes are a vintage styled band from Manchester, UK and have been making music together for over 10 years. Originally starting out as a Jazz band, they are now finishing off their second album of original music after a varied and unique journey in the music industry over the last decade. The band’s has since been perfecting their amazing original project, The Horse Puppets, which has gained a large and hugely loyal fanbase. It’s no wonder, these musicians are true masters of their craft who produce a gorgeous sound like no other. You can imagine what happens when they turn their hand to some pop hits…
The band’s repertoire is VAST. Audiences of any age are going to absolutely love the band’s take on what is likely one your favourite songs. From 50’s Rock ’n’ Roll (Elvis, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles…), to 60’s Pop and Soul (Marvin Gaye, The Beach Boys, The Beatles…), to 70’s and 80’s all-time bangers (Toto (yep, you know the one), Madness, Fleetwood Mac, The Eurythmics…), to hits from the 90’s to the present day… This band literally has it all. The vast repertoire is certainly be no means just on paper, each and every band member’s raw talent, musicianship, and showmanship is second to none. When the night is over, you’ll be as in love as The Retrosettes as we were the first time we met them.
The Swing Commanders
The Swing Commanders are a stunningly vibrant and versatile group that perform an exciting mix of 1940s Classics, Boogie-Woogie, Western Swing, 50’s Jump Jazz and more!
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On many an occasion, The Swing Commanders have raised the roof of M&P’s and kept each and every audience member dancing the night away. This was no exception.
The Swing Commanders are a stunningly vibrant and versatile group that perform an exciting mix of 1940s Classics, Boogie-Woogie, Western Swing, 50’s Jump Jazz and more! Every member of the Swing Commanders sings and plays at least one instrument, sometimes three! Yet what makes them stand out even above their incredible music ability and performing skills is their joie-de-vivre.
People who experience the band for the first time are amazed at the energetic showmanship, the instrument swapping, the intricate arrangements, and sophisticated vocal blend.
The Big Easy
The Big Easy perform the best swing from throughout the 20th century; covering repertoire from the early days of jazz, classic New Orleans tunes and lively jump-jive.
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The Big Easy are an energetic swing band from Leeds, consisting of vocals, trumpet, saxophone, double bass and drums. Their repertoire is carefully chosen to give a lively and varied performance of the best swing from throughout the 20th century; covering repertoire from the early days of jazz, classic New Orleans tunes and lively jump-jive.
Since its birth in the 1920s, swing has been music for celebration. The Big Easy have taken some of the greatest tunes by the giants of swing; Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Nina Simone and many more household names, added their own interesting arrangements to bring you a set of the finest swing tunes. The Big Easy has been busy since 2014, playing at some of the UK’s top venues, festivals and touring throughout the UK.
Their dynamic, energetic and often virtuosic performances make them great to watch; their high-energy swing interspersed with moments of soulful-melancholy are sure to make your Saturday night entertainment something truly special.
The Gelatos
The Gelatos are a high-energy, all-singing Jazz quartet playing the all-time classic songs of the 40’s and 50’s with an Italian twist.
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The Gelatos are a high-energy, all-singing Jazz quartet playing the all-time classic songs of the 40’s and 50’s with an Italian twist. The 4-piece ensemble never fails to put a smile on every audience member’s face as they play their masterful mix of tunes guaranteed to get you dancing in your seat. Playing favourites from the likes of Louis Prima, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie to name but a few, The Gelatos stunning musicianship and witty showmanship is sure to make your Friday night count.
All four band members have a wealth of musical experience spanning multiple ensembles and collectives. It truly is a treat to see them all come together in displaying their one-of-a-kind performance, sure to make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time to a 50’s swing club.
From beautiful, laid back slow and more romantic numbers all the way through to high-tempo, quick-stepping jump jives, The Gelatos are a truly electric and fun collection of musicians who will take you on an unforgettable journey through the music of the time period.