Polish trumpeter and ECM recording artist, Thomasz Stańko, has long been one of the most significant figures in the European Jazz firmament since his emergence as a member of Krzystof Komeda’s quintet in the early 60s. Quite early in his career played with many of the leading figures in jazz, including Don Cherry and Cecil Taylor as well as leading his own ensembles. During the 90s he undertook a number of high-profile collaborations that won both critical acclaim and some significant awards. At the same time, he carefully nurtured the young musicians who comprise the present quartet – pianist Marcin Wasilewski, bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz and drummer Michal Miśkiewicz. It is this band that has captured the imagination of so many people, with sell-out tours not only in Europe but also in the USA, reflected in the runaway success on both continents of the album Suspended Night (2004). With a new album due this year, this will be a great opportunity to catch one of the most brilliant bands in contemporary jazz.
Tomasz Stańko trumpet
Marcin Wasilewski piano
Slawomir Kurkiewicz double bass
Michal Miśkiewicz drums
After relocating from the USA to England in 1990, Carleen's recording career began with the Young Disciples. The album 'Road to Freedom' included the dance club hit, Apparently Nothin’. Following on from this she recorded two solo albums for Virgin records before teaming up with the Brand New Heavies as lead vocalist touring to promote their greatest hits collection. Having honed her production and song writing skills in the company of Paul Weller on the second of her solo albums, she began working with Ben Castle on her first independent album 'Alberta’s GrandDaughter'. This association has continued in the live arena with many of the musicians featured on that album form the core of her live band. Her latest album 'Soul Providence' features guest performances from Jocelyn Brown and Paul Weller.
“Splendid fourth album from James Brown’s
God-daughter” – MOJO
Carleen Anderson vocal // Ben Castle saxes
Mark Edwards piano // Andy Hamill bass
Darren Abraham drums // tbc guitar
Saxophonist Ben Castle and singer Beth Rowley will be performing a programme of popular spirituals like Amazing Grace and Nobody's Fault But Mine, along with jazz improvisations on hymns such as My Song is Love Unknown. The celebration will also feature music (choral) by Duke Ellington – whose first European sacred music concert was at Coventry Cathedral. Speaking of the experience, Ellington described the Cathedral as: "Beautiful. Inspiring... for all artists – including musicians. It could inspire me to write something special."
Forming in 2005 the Carmelites bring together former ace of the bass and performance poet, Mark Yakes with the other half of Nizlopi John Parker. Joining them is popular local saxophonist Richard Heath plus percussionist and multi instrumentalist Iain Ross. Lively, experimental, accessible and free-ranging music from a talented quartet.
Mark Yakes guitar, vocals //
Richard Heath saxes
John Parker bass
Ian Ross percussion
Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances Susheela Raman has been forced to cancel her appearance at the Coventry Jazz Festival. Susheela is extremely disappointed to miss this concert and hopes to return next year. Both Susheela and her management team offer their most sincere apologies to anyone who had been hoping to attend her performance.
Soweto Kinch is one of the most exciting and versatile young musicians on the British Jazz scene. Essentially self-taught, Kinch has attracted the attention of two of the most important jazz luminaries in Britain, saxophonist Courtney Pine and double-bassist Gary Crosby. Whilst his music is firmly rooted in jazz, Soweto has been deeply influenced by artists such as De La Soul, The Roots and Q Tip.
An exceptionally gifted musician specialising in the alto saxophone, Kinch has aquired a glittering array of awards, including a MOBO award for Best Jazz Act, he won the White Foundation International Saxophone Competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival and the BBC Radio Jazz Award for 'Rising Star'.
“Proclaimed as British Jazz’s great hope... A name to watch.” BBC
Among Europe's most innovative and intriguing saxophonists, Evan Parker's solos and playing style are distinguished by his creative use of circular breathing and false fingering. During the 60s Parker came to prominence as part of the the Spontaneous Music Ensemble with the late John Stevens. He also played with Tony Oxley Sextet. and with Chris McGregor's Brotherhood of Breath. Since that time he has continued many collaborations musicians on the free jazz scene as well as other open-minded players – including Spring Heeled Jack. Recent albums include Alder Brook (2003) and After Appleby (2004) and Eleventh Hour on ECM (officially credited to the Evan Parker Electro-Acoustic Ensemble Ensemble) appeared in 2005. John Edwards is one of the most sought-after bass players on the European free-jazz and free-improv scene, playing with the group GOD, Evan Parker, Lol Coxhill, Eddie Prevost, and Peter Brotzmann. New England-based free-improv drummer Chris Corsano (Six Organs of Admittance, Sunburned Hand of the Man, Jandek, Dream/Aktion Unit with Thurston Moore and Jim O'Rourke) joins them on drums. This exciting collaboration will feature solo performances from each of the musicians followed by a fully improvised set from the trio.
Evan Parker saxes
Chris Corsano drums
John Edwards bass
Clark turned professional at age 17 when, in 1978, he joined his father Stan Tracey group, but quickly established himself as an individual voice working from 1980s on in groups featuring musicians of the calibre of Django Bates, Iain Ballamy, Guy Barker, Nigel Hitchcock, Dave O'Higgins, Julian Arguelles, Gerard Presencer, and Alec Dankworth, Clark also composes and arranges and has received many commissions including collaboration with Stan Tracey on 'Continental Drift'. Featuring Perrier award-winning pianist Zoe Rahman, this unit crackles with energy.
Clark Tracey drums
Zoe Rahman piano
Simon Allen reeds
Mark Armstrong trumpet/flugel
Peter Billington bass