Talking about a 'Reunion' with Drew Zaremba

As a fitting end to 2023 and an amazing Season 14 of Harmonious World, I was delighted to be joined by Colorado-based sax player Drew Zaremba. Two of my closest (albeit most distant geographically) friends live just a few miles from Drew and I have happy memories of visits to that part of the world.

Drew's latest album is Reunion - a big band celebration that brings the joy so important to Drew. I hope you enjoy our conversation and manage to check out the whole album.

Thanks to Drew for allowing me to play extracts from Reunion alongside our conversation.

Thank you for listening to Harmonious World. Please rate, review and share: click on the link and subscribe to support the show.

Don't forget the Quincy Jones quote that sums up why I do this: "Imagine what a harmonious world it would be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing."

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Harmonious World. You can support the show by becoming a subscriber.

Please rate and review wherever you find your podcasts - it really helps.

Some new music to discover - Malleus Trio 'On/Off'

If you're in that quiet space between Christmas and New Year and are hunting for some new music, then take a listen to my podcast - Harmonious World - which features a chat with two of the members of Malleus Trio from Vancouver, Canada.

It's always good to discover interesting new music and this album bears repeated listening.

This is the trio's third album and their collaboration is evident on the tracks as well as when they joined me in conversation.

Enjoy listening to my conversation with Ben and Dominic and let me know what you think of On/Off.

Merry Christmas

 

Abramovic at the RA

The Marina Ambramovic exhibition at London's Royal Academy of Arts was a revelation and an inspiration and a pre-Christmas treat.

Largely a performance artist, Abramovic has worked in a variety of media and there were photos, videos and sculpture on display in a beautifully curated show.

Although my inspiration comes mainly from music, there are visual artists who create a spark. Earlier this year, I visited the Vermeer exhibition in Amsterdam: a very different event to this year's celebration of Marina Abramovic's work, this, too, was stunning.

Abramovic became an abstract artist in the 1960s and 70s, although formally trained in an academic style. Her physical performance art has attracted headlines and she constantly challenges perceptions. Although previously aware of her work, I had never seen so much in one place. Particularly interesting was the use of younger performance artists, often nude, recreating the roles played originally by Abramovic herself and her artistic collaborator, Ulay (Frank Uwe Laysiepen).

One of the most interesting videos was the representation of Abramovic and Ulay's The Lovers, The Great Wall Walk. The moment the two met in the middle of the Great Wall of China (each started a trek at either end of the wall) was deeply moving, particularly as it had originally been planned to be the moment of their marriage but was, in fact, the end of their personal and creative relationship.

Inspiration can come from many places and result in many outcomes: the RA has today provided me with something of a creative energy boost. The exhibition only runs for a little more than a week through to the end of 2023 - see it if you can.

The stats are in: 2023 was a great year for Harmonious World

I apologise for the bragging, but 2023 has been a great year for my podcast. Harmonious World began as a lockdown project in May 2020 and I would never have dreamt that I would interview so many amazing musicians over nearly 190 episodes in just over three years.

I'm grateful to all my guests and listeners - and especially the subscribers! - for a growth of 18% in 2023. Of course, it just means that I'll aim for even more in 2024. Bring it on.

I'm joined in conversation by violinist Benet McLean

Violinist Benet McLean has released Green Park on Sea Mammal Records and he joins me on the latest epsiode of Harmonious World to chat about his music, the album and life in general.

Benet has appeared alongside many great names as a pianist and now he's returning to his first instrument - violin. He has an inspirational group of musicians in his band and these tracks allow them all to shine. You'll get a flavour of the album here, but try to listen to the whole thing when you can.

Thanks to Benet for allowing me to play extracts from Green Park alongside our conversation.

Don't forget the Quincy Jones quote that sums up why I do this: "Imagine what a harmonious world it would be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing."

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Harmonious World. You can support the show by becoming a subscriber.

Soweto Kinch joins me in conversation for Harmonious World

Having met saxophonist Soweto Kinch at Ladbroke Hall a few weeks ago, I was delighted that he agreed to join me in conversation.

Soweto is more than a great musician, as evidenced by his album White Juju (recorded live at the Barbican in November 2021 with the London Symphony Orchestra) and I hope that comes across in our conversation. The music conveys so much about the pandemic and other major issues of our times. I cannot recommend it highly enough and if you have the chance to hear Soweto play, please do so.

Thank you to Soweto for allowing me to play extracts from White Juju alongside our conversation. I honestly cannot recommend this album highly enough: please take a listen if you can and let me know whether it moves you or not.

Thank you for listening to Harmonious World. Please rate, review and share: click on the link and subscribe to support the show.

Don't forget the Quincy Jones quote that sums up why I do this: "Imagine what a harmonious world it would be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing." Support the show

Thanks for listening to Harmonious World. You can support the show by becoming a subscriber.

Local jazz venues continue to support great music

Around the UK, local venues continue to support great music and JazzUp! at Hitchin's Club85 is just one great example.

I reviewed November's gig, featuring the Joe English Trio and singer Randolph Matthews, accompanied by their various musical friends.

You can read the review on The Riff Magazine.

Jazz Festivals to watch out for in 2024

The UK will be buzzing in 2024, with local venues continuing to offer great artists and some great jazz festivals already announcing their artists.

Rich Mix's Brick Lane Jazz Festival will be one of the first, in April, swiftly followed by  Cheltenham Jazz Festival and both Watford and Manchester Jazz Festival in May, July's Love Supreme and right through to next November's EFG London Jazz Festival.

We'll have to wait a few weeks into the New Year for the real announcements, but Cheltenham has released an exciting programme, with tickets just going on sale for some great acts. Snarky Puppy, Courtney Pine, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Afro-Jazz innovators Nubiyan Twist, UB40, Jack Savoretti and Morcheeba are all available.

“This first release of tickets for our exciting 2024 programme offers in miniature the breadth and depth that Cheltenham Jazz Festival aims for every year,” says Ian George, Head of Programming for the Jazz Festival and co-CEO of parent charity Cheltenham Festivals. “We celebrate all the genres that have jazz in their DNA by bringing the best of contemporary UK, US and European jazz to our Big Top and other venues,” he added.

Announcements from Love Supreme include Chaka Khan, Kool & The Gang, Jordan Rakei, Christian McBride and Cécile McLorin Salvant,

 

Watch this space as more announcements are made and we start packing for the various festivals of jazz around the country.

A selection of 'Quiet Rhythms', performed by the composer

William Susman, who I have interviewed for Harmonious World once in 2020 (episode 16) and once in 2021 (episode 31), has released a new album. This time, he brings thirteen tracks from Quiet Rhythms Book 1 and Book 2.

These tracks are both eclectic and engaging and beautifully lyrical. Solo piano can be repetitive, but this is not. Showing influences from a huge range of musical forms, each quiet rhythm brings its own flavour and texture.

Quiet Rhythms has been recorded by other pianists including Vanessa Wangner, Erika Tazawa, Francesco Di Fiore and Nicolas Horvath (featured in episode 119), who recorded all of Book 1.

Quiet is largely undefinable, but this collection provokes a quietness and stillness usually impossible to convey in music and all about connecting with a reflective, inner sense. Recorded live at Spectrum in New York City some ten years ago, soon after they were originally composed, these tunes are beautiful, brief explorations of timbres across the whole piano.

Revisiting the recording during the 2020 pandemic, Susman said: "After a seven year hiatus, I liked what I hear and I am excited to share it." I hope you enjoy sharing it as much as I have.

Improving your online presence

In the dynamic world of music, where reaching your audience is vital, your online presence is nearly as important as the quality of your creativity. Need some help getting it right? Contact me.

Whether you have your own website, or a page linked to a record label or agency, a LinkedIn profile or sell online, the words you use are critical to explaining a little about who you are.

Just as you create great music, I create outstanding, eye-catching and memorable content.

My experience of various writing styles, formats and techniques will help attract and engage your audience and help you convert them into loyal customers.

One of the advantages of working with me is that I am a writer, podcaster and musician, so I can bring a fresh perspective and insight to enhance your content.

As a musician, your time is best spent concentrating on the music, leaving me to describe you, your music and why the audience should listen.

Whatever your deadline (and if you don’t have one, I can help create one), you’ll find that I am flexible and can produce the words you need, when you need them.

In the days of algorithms and key words, I can help incorporate the phrases and language to ensure you are discovered by a potential audience - often before they hear your music.

Providing copy for your:

website; social media posts; LinkedIn profile;

email newsletter; e-book; IMDb profile;

electronic press kit; press releases.

Jamiroquai's Matt Johnson, live from Pizza Express

Another album review for KindofJazz.com - this one featuring Jamiroquai's Matt Johnson at Pizza Express in London.

Reviewing albums always comes a close second to reviewing gigs, but this combines the best of both worlds - professionally recorded and mastered but with some hints of the live experience.

There is a host of great gigs always at Pizza Express Live venues and their new PX Records label brings some of that into your ears when you're going about your everyday life.

In this latest album, Johnson proves he's more than just a sideman. He brings both style and musical content that makes you wish you'd been in the room when this album was recorded.

Christian McBride and I chat on his recent trip to London

You can catch my chat with the great bassist Christian McBride in the latest episode of Harmonious World.

Such a good man and an insightful chat.

Christian has worked with so many great musicians and we discuss his work with just a few of them (and the eight Grammys he has been awarded), including Sting, Dee Dee Bridgewater. We also talk about some of the tracks on Prime, his album that was released earlier in 2023.

You can catch Christian with some of his musical friends at the Village Vanguard, as we discuss. Alternatively, check out some of his videos and you can see what I meant about the concentration that goes alongside the fun.

I hope you also enjoy the first playing of the new Harmonious World theme tune, composed and performed by Joe English.

Christian McBride’s New Jawn is back with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Prime, the follow-up from McBride’s GRAMMY® nominated group. Featuring original compositions from each band member as well as fresh takes on songs from Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman and Larry Young, this group offers an exhilarating space of exploration for the 8-time GRAMMY® Award-winning McBride to stretch his veteran wings.

The band consists of McBride on bass alongside Josh Evans (trumpet), Marcus Strickland (sax and bass clarinet) and Nasheet Waits (drums). Incidentally, Christian discusses his sometimes fellow band member Ulyssees Owens Jr, who I interviewed back in the summer of 2021.

Travelling for inspiration: Norfolk

In the hunt for literary and musical inspiration, I took a trip to Norfolk, on the East coast of the UK.

It worked.

We stayed in some beautiful hotels and visited some fascinating places. The next stage is writing and playing to transform some of that inspiration into reality. 

With Richard at Ickworth Hall

The gorgeous Ickworth Hotel

Autumn in East Anglia

Oxburgh Hall

A fake door in Oxburgh Hall

Norwich’s Cow Tower

Inside Norwich Cathedral

Pianist Julio Resende and Fado Jazz explores revolution and free expression

Music maintains its ability to connect people and performers across genres and the latest album from pianist and composer Júlio Resende - Sons of Revolution - really brings to life the concept of Fado Jazz.

Fado music is fundamental to the Portugese culture and this melding with jazz brings a beautiful, lyrical quality in this very free musical expression.

Sons of Revolution is dedicated to the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which brought freedom to Portuguese People and shaped their culture and society as it is today. A little-known part of European history, this event brought about democracy with the peaceful overthrow of dictator Salazar and marked the end of colonial wars in Mozambique and Angola.

"Without the revolution, I wouldn't even exist," says Júlio Resende. "My father is from Angola, he emigrated to Portugal after the revolution, and met my mother. The freedom to express myself is one of the dearest things to me, and jazz is the music that enables that the most – without any borders or restrictions."

Resende brings together Alexandre Frazão (bass), André Rosinha (drums), and Bruno Chaveiro (guitarra portuguesa) as well as a guest appearance from 2017 Eurovision winner Salvador Sobral on the ballad A Casa Dela / Her House.

Albums with a concept behind them can lose sight of the musicality, but this is absolutely not the case with Resende’s blend of Fado and jazz in Sons of Revolution. These 11 tracks are gorgeous, folk-like tunes that take the free musical expression for which both Resende and ACT records have become synonymous.

Blistering bebop and stunning songs

Take a bit of modern bebop and add some Bruce Springsteen and the Eagles, and you've got the makings of an era-defining gig at the Barbican on day three of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Saxophonist Joshua Redman bought his latest jazz outfit to London and stunned an appreciative crowd. Two standing ovations proved the quality of this gig last night.

Joshua Redman at the Barbican (c) Mark Allan

Vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa joined Redman for what must count as one of the highlights of this year's festival. A new line-up that evoked the joy of Redman's latest album Where are we, with Paul Cornish (piano), Philip Norris (bass) and Nazir Ebo (drums).

Some of my favourite tracks from the album were there: Chicago Blues, Streets of Philadelphia and Stars Fell on Alabama, the latter of which was followed by a beautiful rendition of John Coltrane's Alabama. Several of the tracks began with individual solos, including the truly beautiful By The Time I Get To Phoenix, which Redman himself introduced. His sax ranges across the whole spectrum from the lowest notes of the tenor right up to some unfeasibly high harmonics and one of the things he does so, so well is the sotto voce quiet that is hard to do at all.

For each of the cities that Redman visits with this band, they're performing a specially-chosen and for us in London, it was A Foggy Day in London Town, which was particularly apt, given the November weather that is often the case for the EFG LJF. Anyone who left at the end of that final dedication to London missed the encore of the Eagles' Hotel California. Each one of these covers was done with love and a touch of humour.

There are few jazz gigs that include Springsteen and the Eagles, but Redman managed all the tracks with aplomb and originality.

I reviewed his album for KindofJazz, and it's definitely worth a listen for the kind of jazz that thrills with its modernity and hints of the giants on whose shoulders Redman stands with pride and genius.

Sunday in Studio 1 at Abbey Road

With thanks to the generosity of some incredible musicians, I spent an inspiring few hours in the control room and viewing balcony of studio 1 at London’s iconic Abbey Road. 

Overlooking the orchestra in action

There’s a repeat Grammy winning album in the making with the hours spent with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro Michael Shapiro. Composer Danae Xanthe Vlasse was in the control room with her team while the incredible vocals of Hila Plitmann and Sangeeta Kaur wafted ethereally from the separate booths.

I've already interviewed Danae and Michael (twice!), so I've added Hila and Sangeeta to the list for future episodes of Harmonious World. Watch this space: don't forget that if you subscribe to the podcast, you'll get a sneak preview of who I'm interviewing and when!

Happy times with Hila, Danae, Michael and Sangeeta

Celebrating the Melbourne International Jazz Festival in London

Alongside the Zela Margossian Trio, I caught Brekky Boy at the Barbican on day two of the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Zela Margossian (c) Sahil Kotwani @sahilkotwani_

Zela Margossian is an extraordinary pianist and her trio showed world class jazz that was both lyrical and frenetic. Clearly, these three musicians are used to performing together and exchanging non verbal signals across the stage to extend solos.

Brekky Boy (including Sahil Kotwani on camera)

Another trio - but completely different in approach - was the inventive, electric and exciting Brekky Boy. There’s a humour in their jazz and an energy that’s takes dynamics and punctuation to effortlessly engage their audience  

Both bands were brought from Australia as part of a collaboration between the LJF and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. The Barbican foyer is a lovely venue and allows the music of these very different jazz outfits to resonate all around the walls of three floors of space.

Hadley Agrez, CEO and Program Director of MIJF spoke movingly about the collaboration with London and the multicultural music scene that is thriving in Melbourne today.

As the LJF continues for the next ten days, there is lots to experience and so many different venues offering music to delight and transport.

Watch this space for more reviews to come