Fryer-Barnhart International Jazz Band with Jimmy Mazzy

A very welcome return for this all-star band which first saw light of day at the Keswick Jazz Festival in 1998, where it has been a fixture in every subsequent year: they have also featured several times in major Californian jazz festivals, and went over a storm here at the Exchange back in 2007. From the U.S.A., exuberant U.S. stride piano master Jeff Barnhart and ace trombonist Jim Fryer lead top U.K. musicians George Huxley (clarinet, soprano), Gordon Whitworth (trumpet), Brian Mellor (banjo) and Nick Ward (drums) plus renowned Australian bassist Annie Hawkins in an uninhibited explosion of hot jazz sounds, featuring some seldom-heard gems amongst the familiar jazz classics. This year, they are joined by the legendary Boston-based singer and banjoist Jimmy Mazzy, a truly unique song stylist here making only his second UK appearance. Not to be missed!

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

The Rae Brothers Festival Jazz Band with Steve Graham

Few bands so exemplify the spirit of New Orleans as the Rae Brothers: their success lies in the sincerity and apparent simplicity of their approach to the music, with a relaxed beat and emphasis on ensemble work that follow in the footsteps of such heroes as George Lewis and Bunk Johnson. For this special concert, we present their seven-piece Festival Band, with the outstanding trumpet of Steve Graham leading the front line alongside Mac Rae on clarinet and Jim Blenkin on trombone and a rhythm section of Dave Rae on banjo, John Robinson on bass, the superb young pianist Ian Wynne and Edinburgh’s own Kenny Milne on drums. This line-up was first put together in 2007, gaining remarkable cohesion and understanding while playing extended river cruises and Mediterranean jazz holidays: it also offers an expanded repertoire including rags from the Red-Back Book.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Mike Lovell's Six-in-a-Bar with Rosie - Dixieland Jazz at its sparkling best!

Trombonist Mike Lovell leads his popular band from the North West in its first excursion this side of the Pennines. Besides Mike, the band comprises the Temperance Seven’s Willy Entwistle on clarinet and saxes, Rosie Harrison on soprano sax and Dave Savill on trumpet - he was with the Midnight Follies Orchestra, George Chisholm and Terry Lightfoot. In the rhythm section, Chris Howse is on banjo and guitar and Colin Turner on bass sax and tuba (the two of them also form half of the well-known Harmony Hounds), with Pete Eddowes, who has played for Cy Laurie, on drums and washboard. Their repertoire is an interesting mix of jazz standards and some far-from-common material (what price “Mustapha The Dancing Camel” or “Midnight, The Stars And You”?), all presented in a lively and entertaining manner with vocals by Rosie and Chris providing a real bonus.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Keith Nichols with the West Jesmond Rhythm Kings – Ragtime, Fats Waller, Hot 1920s Jazz!

You don’t get to win the BBC’s Jazz Heritage Award unless you have made a truly outstanding contribution to the cause of classic jazz. That Keith Nichols holds this much-coveted award is a recognition of his achievements as one of our foremost ragtime and stride pianists, as a tireless bandleader (Midnight Follies Orchestra, the Collegians, Cotton Club Orchestra, Blue Devils, etc., etc) and as a dedicated teacher (at Goldsmith’s College and the Royal College of Music, London). In addition to all this, the man also sings, tells amusing anecdotes, plays 37 different instruments (he was U.K. Junior Accordion Champion in his youth!) and is an all-round good fellow. Join him and the WJRK for an evening of hot jazz and fantastic solo piano.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Keith Stephen’s Hot Club Trio With Caroline Irwin & Special Guest Norman Field - Django & Much, Much More!

Returning at popular request, this excellent small group features four of the younger local musicians (well, stretching a point for Roly) - Keith Stephen on lead guitar (plus a little banjo and ukulele), the charming Caroline Irwin on vocals, Roly Veitch on rhythm guitar and Bruce Rollo on string bass. The repertoire is wide-ranging, from 1920s songs to tunes from the 1950s, all put over in jazzy style. Caroline’s vivacious vocals are a star attraction alongside Keith’s fine solo guitar work in the gypsy style of Django Reinhard, while Roly’s immaculate rhythm guitar and Bruce’s propulsive slapped bass lend swinging support. Star guest Norman Field (clarinet & saxes) is an old musical acquaintance and brings added charm and versatility to this lovely little band with his immaculate stylings.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Rico Tomasso with Steve Andrews & the Swing City Trio – Small Band Swing at its finest!

The Trio play straight-ahead swinging jazz of the 30s and 40s, featuring the hugely accomplished Lake District tenor saxist Steve Andrews (who for many years led the popular Newcastle band The Savannah Syncopators). The other members are Cumbrian bassist Roy Cansdale and Blaydon’s own Roly Veitch on guitar. For this special concert, they are joined by the British Jazz Awards winning trumpet star Enrico Tomasso from London, one of the foremost heirs to Louis Armstrong’s heritage, for an evening of timeless tunes by Gershwin, Berlin, Cole Porter and other great popular songsmiths of the era. Jazz @ The Exchange regulars will of course remember Rico for his performances here with Keith Nichols’ Blue Devils and his own Louis Armstrong Tribute Band.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Vieux Carré Jazzmen, West Jesmond Rhythm Kings & Rae Brothers N. O. Jazz Band – A Christmas Extravaganza!

Bessie Smith recorded a tune called “At The Christmas Ball” in 1926, and what a ball we are offering you for Christmas 2010! Not one but three - yes, count ‘em, three! - of the best local bands, in all eighteen highly-trained musicians (many of them house-trained as well) in a festive explosion of joyous traditional jazz. From the straight-ahead traditional jazz of the Vieux Carré to the relaxed New Orleans ensemble style of the Rae Brothers by way of classic 1920s sounds of the WJRK, our Christmas concert brings you guaranteed good times and a bracing preparation for the rigours of eating, drinking, talking to the relatives and opening unwanted presents that lie ahead! (also featuring our famous Grand Xmas Raffle).

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

All details correct at time of posting: we reserve the right to make changes without notice.