New Generation Jazz Update
The New Generation Jazz project is now a quarter of the way through its year-long residency at The Verdict, on a mission to promote the next generation of rising young players and energise the city’s jazz scene.
The season kicked off in style in October with the inaugural gig featuring Gary Crosby’s Groundation. Gary was joined by alto sax star Nathaniel Facey to deliver a workshop to BIMM students at their Brunswick Street East campus, focussing on improvisation over form – Nathaniel’s high-intensity style got the room fully motivated!
Guitarist Jamie Leeming brought his JL Project featuring Jacqui Dankworth for the next session – both Jamie, Jacqui and cellist Sophie English hosted the free, public access workshop at the Verdict, which was attended by a range of players including students from BHASVIC and Varndean Colleges. The gig showcased Jamie’s high;y accessible original compositions with his top-flight band.
Rounding off the year, trumpeter Henry Spencer brought his band Juncture, and the whole band, featuring pianist Sam Leak, participated in the workshop, giving a torrent of advice and positive feedback to the lucky attendees! Henry’s gig was outstanding, raising expectations for his debut release on Whirlwind records later in 2016.
The programme continues in 2016, kicking off with the hotly-tipped Nerija, the all-female 6-piece who caught Ambrose Akinmusire’s eye when they performed at Love Supreme last year. New Generation runs at the Verdict on the last Friday of every month – check the website for workshop and gig details.
http://newgenerationjazz.co.uk/
