BBC Radio 2 and Paul Jones return to "this unique and much loved event"

Maryport Blues ....a week to go

The 2011 Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival's dates, tickets and information on some of the artists performing has just been issued.

The full line up is to be announced over the coming weeks with further information on these released as soon as they become available.

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival

 5^th, 6^th and 7^th August

Burton Agnes Hall, Burton Agnes,

East Yorkshire, YO25 4NB

www.burtonagnes.com

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival returns for a fifth year with another something-for-everyone line-up of artists set over three days in the most beautiful of surroundings.  Set in the grounds of an historic Elizabethan hall, the festival is organised by its sax-playing owner Simon Cunliffe-Lister and jazz singer Saffron Byass.

"This is the only jazz event I know where your arrival is delayed by ducks crossing the road and performers are joined onstage by flitting bats...  Possibly the most enjoyable jazz concert I've ever attended."
Christopher Hirst, The Independent

Performing at this year's festival is the multi award winning Claire Martin whose 1992 debut album The Waiting Game received rave reviews and was chosen as a Times Album of the Year. Since then Claire has gone on to record and perform with many globally respected artists including Sir Richard Rodney Bennett (whom she toured with to celebrate his 70^th birthday), Jamie Cullum, the late John Martyn, Curtis Stigers and even Noel Gallagher to name but a few.

Claire has also opened for Tony Bennett at the Glasgow International Jazz Festival.

"For my money she's not only the finest female British jazz singer of her generation but possibly of all time."

The Times - Jazz Reviewer

"Nobody does it like Claire Martin - a British singing sensation". The New York Observer

Also performing is jazz, singer-songwriter extraordinaire, and one of the UK's most sought-after artists Jacqui Dankworth Quartet.

Given her musical pedigree - daughter of Dame Cleo Laine and the late Sir John Dankworth - it's no surprise that Jacqui is considered to be

"one of the classiest acts in British jazz singing"(The Guardian).

Jacqui continues to make an enormous impression wherever she performs, either with her own band or touring with other prestigious musicians, such as the Brodsky Quartet. From Ronnie Scott's and the Royal Festival Hall in London to The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, she has been wowing packed houses at major festivals and other venues worldwide. Last year she performed with the legendary Marvin Hamlisch in New York to a standing ovation.

"Jacqui Dankworth.... has made it in every sense. She can do a ballad and a gospel number with the same relaxed, easy mastery. Her timing is terrific, she can pack a punch... and she's buoyed up by a quartet who are marvellous players in their own right....a total delight." Daily Telegraph

This years festival will also see performances from Zoe Gilby Quintet - A young jazz vocalist that has been making a real impression on the jazz scene today, Paul Baxter Silver Septet featuring Alan Barnes, Nicola Farnon Quartet - an outstandingly swinging and propulsive bass player with an outgoing personality to match, Joel Purnell Quartet - Influenced by the American jazz masters of past and present they concentrate musically on a collective approach to melodicity, lyricism, jazz feel and expression in a contemporary jazz setting,  young Blues artist Oli Brown, who headlines Saturday night and brings a freshness and excitement to every performance and is at the forefront of the UK's new Blues movement, Rob Law Trio who are lead by Rob, an accomplished piano player who has earned himself a reputation as one of the country's most exciting young artists, and finally, Safari with guest and festival organiser Simon Cunliffe-Lister who will play out their festival.

Many more artists are to be announced over the coming weeks - 

For up to date artists' info please visit www.burtonagnes.com

Festival Tickets info

Weekend Advance Ticket: Friday 6pm - 10pm, Saturday 11am - 10pm, Sunday 11am - 6pm

Before 1^st July - £40 / After June 30^th - £50

Concessions: OAPs, Season ticket holders, students, children 12-15 years (Under 12 FREE with an adult)

Before 1^st July £38 / After June 30^th £48 

Day Ticket: Saturday 11am - 10pm

Before 1^st July - £30 / After June 30^th - £35 Concessions £28 / £32

Day Ticket: Sunday 11am - 6pm

Before 1^st July - £25 / After June 30^th - £30  Concessions £23 / £28

Evening Ticket: Friday 6 pm - 10pm and Saturday 6pm - 10pm

Before 1^st July - £20 EACH DAY / After June 30^th - £25 EACH DAY Concessions £18 / £23

Camping Voucher: Camping open Friday 3pm - Monday noon. Before 1^st July £30 / After June 30^th £35

Available online at www.burtonagnes.com and from the Festival Ticket Office Tel: 01262 490 324

Or visit Burton Agnes Hall and its courtyard shops.

Held over three days, with performances in the Elizabethan Hall and its beautiful grounds, you can experience the diverse range of laid-back entertainment that inspired the Independent to write that the 2007 Festival was 'Possibly the most enjoyable jazz concert I've ever attended'.

"...'tis the musical equivalent of a Sunday stroll through the grounds of a stately home... you won't find more beautifully serene surroundings this side of Woodstock for such an experience and just occasionally the music may well surprise you." All Gigs 2010 review
The large stage on the Main Lawn in the Hall's award-winning grounds is where you'll see the Festival's main acts. With rolling fields behind the stage and pristine woodland to the side, you couldn't ask for a more stunning setting. Inside the Hall, intimate acoustic performances mix with original Elizabethan carvings and French Impressionist art to create an inimitable festival experience. Festivalgoers are invited to picnic in the grounds whilst enjoying the music, and a campsite in the field adjacent to the Hall offers panoramic views of the Yorkshire Wolds, and there are hot shower facilities for those wishing to pitch a tent for a night or the whole weekend. Festival tickets also entitle festivalgoers entry to the Hall and its beautiful gardens, and award-winning local produce is on sale throughout the three-day festival, including the famous Wold Top beer.

Families flock to the Burton Agnes Jazz Festival for the safe, easy-going vibe. Of particular interest to children is a Children's Corner with play area; 15 acres of magical gardens to explore including a walled garden with maze, jungle garden and giant games; and a woodland walk with forest creatures to find. Face painters and a children's entertainer will also be on hand during the weekend to keep the children amused whilst you enjoy some of the finest Jazz and Blues music in the most beautiful and tranquil of surroundings.

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival

 5^th, 6^th and 7^th August

Burton Agnes Hall, Burton Agnes,

East Yorkshire, YO25 4NB

www.burtonagnes.com

Friday 5^th 10pm - 10.30pm &

Saturday 6^th 10.40pm - 11.10pm

Farino www.myspace.com/farinomusic are a Hull based duo rapidly gaining a reputation as two of the best flamenco guitarists in the UK. They have delighted audiences throughout the area with their highly skilful take on one of the best loved forms of guitar music. They describe their music as 'flamenco with a touch of Hull'. They will be performing on both Friday and Saturday night.

Friday 5^th 10.40pm - 11.10pm

Circus Envy www.circusenvyband.com are an alternative-folk band based in East Yorkshire. Featuring a line-up of primarily acoustic instruments, they add a traditional sensibility to their intricately crafted harmony-led modern songs with use of bouzouki, mandolin and cajon.

High profile performances alongside artists such as Jim Moray, Megson, Belshazzer's Feast, Iain Matthews and Jackie Leven have cemented the band's reputation as a live act.

The band's 2010 EP, "A New Dawn", was released to critical acclaim, and received significant airplay, including from Mike Harding on BBC Radio 2 and resulted in Circus Envy being featured on the front cover of R2 Magazine. The year ended with a Christmas performance at the Ropery Hall, Barton-upon-Humber which sold out before Halloween.

The band are enjoying wide airplay on many radio stations and deservedly so. Excellent song writing skills combine with a distinctive style combining Americana, folk and soul to produce a sound that is proving popular with audiences at many festivals and other events across the north of England. They are sure of a great future so catch them here while you can!

Friday 5^th 11.20pm - 12.00am

The Alligators www.myspace.com/alligator-blues return to this year's festival by popular demand. They are a local trio performing no holds barred rhythm and blues in the classic style. All three members of the band are vastly experienced and this shows in the sheer energy and exuberance of their usually sold out gigs. Their performance at last year's festival caused a riot of fevered dancing including some sharp moves from our host Simon

Saturday 6^th 10pm - 10.30pm

Holly Tamar www.hollytaymar.com has supported some excellent artists such as Boo Hewerdine, Rachel Harrington, Edwina Hayes, Ben Parker and Kate Aumonier, The Ruth Notman Band, and Rod Picott and Amanda Shires. She's had recognition for her songwriting skills from the BBC's New Talent initiative, and also worked extensively as a session musician.  Her widely praised musical style veers between jazz with a bit of folk and folk with a bit of jazz - highly original and captivating. After her performance at Burton Agnes last year, her stock of CD's sold out within minutes

Saturday 6^th 11.20pm - 12.00am

This Way Up www.myspace.com/thiswayupbeverley are a Beverley based 5 piece rock and blues band performing both classic covers and self penned material. After supporting legendary blues outfit Slack Alice in 2010 they have been snapped up to perform at the Great British Blues Festival this year

Beverley Arts Trust was formed in 2005 as a non-profit making organisation with the simple aim of promoting a wide range of arts throughout the East Riding. Since our inception we have brought the likes of Albert Lee, Elkie Brooks and Mike Sanchez to venues in the Beverley area. In addition we have organised the last three Beverley Puppet Festivals and developed the hugely popular late night venue at the Beverley Festival. We hope you enjoy our second late night programme at the Jazz Festival as much as everybody seemed to enjoy our first last year!!

For all up to date artists' info please visit www.burtonagnes.com

The PR describes Westwood thus....

"An artist who embodies everything soul should be - strength, beauty, honesty that takes your breath away and a sheer belief in something better"

and

"With a vocal hewn from the bedrock of gospel from an early age, flavoured by travels in Africa, Israel, Canada and North America, and fired with a shot of pure New York magic...."

PR guys and gals don't you just love 'em. This is a perfectly pleasant debut, but let's face it, even Aretha would struggle to live up to that billing! The songwriting is actually pretty good, although it's not particularly original. Ironically, the originality of the arrangement of the Green track somewhat hampers the impact of the song, although it is here more than the originals that Westwood's take on soul showcases the jazz infusions she's picked up along the way. Not bad vocally, but not on the strength of this opening gambit as yet unquestionably special. It's on her own label, so future release may well be worth keeping an eye and ear on to see if Westwood's development as singer and writer goes someway to justifying the PR hype.

In the meantime you can visit the Susanna Westwood web site and judge for yourself.

FESTIVAL FULL AND FINAL LINE UP DETAILS:

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival returns for a fifth year with another something-for-everyone line-up of artists set over three days in the most beautiful of surroundings.  Set in the grounds of an historic Elizabethan hall, the festival is organised by its sax-playing owner Simon Cunliffe-Lister and jazz singer Saffron Byass.

Performing at this year's festival is the multi award winning Claire Martin whose 1992 debut album The Waiting Game received rave reviews and was chosen as a Times Album of the Year. Since then Claire has gone on to record and perform with many globally respected artists including Sir Richard Rodney Bennett (whom she toured with to celebrate his 70^th birthday), Jamie Cullum, the late John Martyn, Curtis Stigers and even Noel Gallagher to name but a few.

Claire has also opened for Tony Bennett at the Glasgow International Jazz Festival.

"For my money she's not only the finest female British jazz singer of her generation but possibly of all time."

The Times - Jazz Reviewer

"Nobody does it like Claire Martin - a British singing sensation". The New York Observer

Also performing is jazz, singer-songwriter extraordinaire, and one of the UK's most sought-after artists Jacqui Dankworth Quartet.

Given her musical pedigree - daughter of Dame Cleo Laine and the late Sir John Dankworth - it's no surprise that Jacqui is considered to be

"one of the classiest acts in British jazz singing"(The Guardian).

Jacqui continues to make an enormous impression wherever she performs, either with her own band or touring with other prestigious musicians, such as the Brodsky Quartet. From Ronnie Scott's and the Royal Festival Hall in London to The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, she has been wowing packed houses at major festivals and other venues worldwide. Last year she performed with the legendary Marvin Hamlisch in New York to a standing ovation.

"Jacqui Dankworth.... has made it in every sense. She can do a ballad and a gospel number with the same relaxed, easy mastery. Her timing is terrific, she can pack a punch... and she's buoyed up by a quartet who are marvellous players in their own right....a total delight." Daily Telegraph

This years festival will also see performances from Zoe Gilby Quintet - A young jazz vocalist that has been making a real impression on the jazz scene today, 7 Pieces of Silver featuring Alan Barnes, a band which really captures the excitement, swing and spirit of the Horace Silver groups, Nicola Farnon Quartet - an outstandingly swinging and propulsive bass player with an outgoing personality to match, Joel Purnell Quartet - Influenced by the American jazz masters of past and present they concentrate musically on a collective approach to melodicity, lyricism, jazz feel and expression in a contemporary jazz setting,  young Blues artist Oli Brown, who headlines Saturday night and brings a freshness and excitement to every performance and is at the forefront of the UK's new Blues movement, Rob Law Trio who are lead by Rob, an accomplished piano player who has earned himself a reputation as one of the country's most exciting young artists, Matt Smith a national and international performer who plays guitar in an extremely wide range of styles including soul, funk and blues into his jazz repertoire and finally, Safari with guest and festival organiser Simon Cunliffe-Lister who will play out their festival.

For up to date artists' info please visit www.burtonagnes.com

The Blues are Back!   Its that time of year again, Maryport is getting the blues. This year a line up with some of the finest blues artists in the world will be coming to Maryport to make West Cumbria the blues capital for a long weekend in July.     Maryport Blues Festival 2011   The small Cumbrian harbour town of Maryport will once again be alive with the best in blues music. This year, over 40 bands and 150 individual musicians from all over the globe will be performing in the main stage marquee, in the pubs and clubs and on an outdoor stage and on the street, to thousands of visitors from all over the UK.   Click here for more information   Trail Bands   Tickets will be available from Monday from all the usual places and the Times & Star, Whitehaven News and News & Star offices     For tickets or more information tel: 01900 817200, or visit www.maryportblues.com

OK, so not strictly R&B. But plenty for a blues, country blues and roots fan to enjoy. The non music essentials were all there. Excellent local real ale at pub (or less) prices, nice selection of food stalls - duck sausage sandwich was a first! And no queueing for the loos.

There were four stages, so you had to pick and choose. Highlights included:-

Henry Brothers - despite hailing from Norfolk, these guys harmonise as well as the best from the USA. They like to sing about murder and other untimely deaths but as I said, they are from Norfolk.

Songs From The Blue House - rootsy folk/country. Fine songs and arrangements, seemingly purpose built for festivals such as Maverick. Easy listening without any hint of blandness. Catch them if you can.

Stompin' Dave Allen - American roots on banjo and guitar, although he also plays fiddle and piano. "Stompin" because he, erm, stomps whilst he's playing, adding a rhythm to the great playing. Likes a bit of behind your head Hendrix style picking, which is a bit surreal on a banjo. Highlight is "Duelling Banjos" performed in two parts by just one man on one banjo - whilst still 'stompin'.

Society - Country rock all the way from West Sussex. Definitely a cut above, with echoes of the Band, especially the vocal interplay. Even dress a bit like them (see photo, right)

Oh My Darling - Four women from Canada playing country music with some Appalachian thrown in. You can see why they are already picking up roots awards back in their homeland.

Blue Rodeo - Canadian country rock institution, for many it's a mystery why the band never got much beyond cult status in the US or Britain. Even after 30 years, here was a band still playing like they meant it. They have any number of great songs from which to choose, and played many of the big Canadian hits as well as a few extended jams, always melodic, never self indulgent. A real highlight of the day.

We also managed to catch sets, or part sets, from Sadie & the Hot Heads, Dead Rock West, Linda McRae, the Orbitsuns and the Vagaband, who brought Saturday to a close with a suitably lively blend of country, folk, rock, soul & swing (emphasis on the swing).

Last but not least, special mention to Otis Lee Crenshaw, Rich Hall's 'wayward uncle' and sometime country & western stalwart with a very particular take on life. Improvisation, the wonderful 'Don't Hurt Me' and hilarious ad libbing throughout.

There were plenty more we didn't get to see. Annoyingly missed Brooks Williams (my fault), who we know is a great picker and sometimes blues interpreter. The Rosellys and Roosevelt Bandwagon also played Saturday and I'm sure would have been worth a listen - maybe next time! 

Congats to all involved at the Maverick. A masterclass in how to put on a friendly, well organised, perfectly sized festival where music is still the top attraction. Long may it continue.

Will hopefully be back next year, this time for all three days...

Read more about the Maverick festival.

British Blues Awards - BEST FESTIVAL runner up. 

This superb festival, with all the music under one roof, has built its reputation on the high quality of its line up. For the 5th anniversary 2011 promises to be the best yet, probably the best in the country this year. The list of top class names appearing is almost endless:

Earl Thomas USA with Paddy Milner, Eugene Hideaway Bridges USA, Larry Miller, King King, Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat USA, Paul Lamb & the King Snakes, Gregg Wright USA, The Revolutionaires, 24 Pesos, Marcus Malone, The Deadstring Brothers USA, Patrick Sweany USA, Gary Fletcher Band, Dale Storr Band, Robin Bibi, Chris James, Al Hughes.  

Buy ON LINE or order through the BOX OFFICE

All info available on www.carlislebluesfestival.com  

The weekend ticket packages with accommodation in the Swallow Hilltop Hotel have all been taken but you can still get a deal on accommodation at The **** Hallmark Hotel which is situated next to the railways station in the city centre(1.1 mile away from venue). You MUST quote "BLUES 2011" when booking.

Bobby Bland is without question one of the great stylists of post war blues and soul. An underrated talent who consistently found success on the American R&B charts but rarely, if ever, crossed over onto the more mainstream markets that found a place for artists such as his long-time friend and sometime collaborator B.B. King. Given that his music was clearly as sophisticated as any to be found on the pop charts of the day, and that his 70s Steve Barri produced albums ("His California Album", "Reflection in Blue" etc.) were as fine as anything B.B cut at the same time, this lack of popular success remains both a surprise and an exercise in extremely poor judgement by the record buying public. 

A supremely gifted vocalist, admired by Presley, Van the Man, Dan Penn, B.B. himself and countless others, this Paul Spencer documentary goes some way to redressing the balance. The DVD includes concert footage of the man himself and contributions from the likes of Van Morrison, BB King, Mick Hucknall, Quincy Jones, Dan Penn and Susan Tedeschi - apparently this is the only documentary on the market which has had Bobby's full involvement. 

Spencer's real coup was to get an in-depth interview with the man himself and it was somewhat apposite to get such a humble and self-effacing response from so gifted an individual. Bobby's interview is an intimate one, and whilst Bland fans will know much of the detail from other sources, the story is still fascinating. BB King is his usual genial self, recalling the old days in Memphis as if they were yesterday, but we have heard B.B. do this many times before. Given Van Morrison's reticence to talk to anybody, his reminiscences about the first time he heard Bobby and what an impact it had on him are particularly welcome. Other contributors, including the aforementioned Dan Penn and Susan Tedeschi are also worth the admission price. 

However, for Shades the most affecting interview and overall contribution is the one from Mick Hucknall. Perhaps unjustly influenced by preconceptions of the Simply Red man, it was both surprising and touching to hear him speak so eloquently about the impact on him of Bobby's music; and to see a superstar humbled when he actually meets his hero (just like we would be) is genuinely uplifting. Kudos to him for recording the tribute album and raising Bobby's profile. 

In an ideal world, it would have been good to have more of Bobby on stage in his prime, and the DVD could have been twice as long and still wouldn't have outstayed its welcome; but this is nonetheless a finely crafted profile of an important and often overlooked master of blues and soul. It's only an hour long and it was originally shown on TV, but it's still an essential purchase if you have even the slightest regard for Bland's craft. 

N.B As an aside the producer and director Paul Spencer also promotes the very fine 'Americana' Maverick festival in Suffolk - you can find more details on the Maverick website.

September 2011

Buy Now

The Star Inn
Bentworth
Alton
Hampshire
GU34 5RB

01420 561224

The 11th Bentworth Blues Weekend (originally an afternoon) happens from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th August at The Star Inn, Alton, Hampshire.

This year's line-up includes Mr Jules Benjamin MC, Northsyde, Papa George, Franck Ash, Sugar Mama, The Trevor Burton Band, Five Field Holler, The Big Blues Tribe, Andre & The J-Tones(from Canada), Bad Influence, The Mustangs, The Steve Brookes Band, Sammy Rat & The Resonators, Pethers and Friends, Kyle and Shaw, and Bob Hall and Dave Peabody.

Tickets
For the last 3 years tickets sold out. Early bird tickets are priced at £26 for the weekend, or £16 for a day ticket. To buy tickets, click here.

Camping
Camping is priced at around £7.50 per person for the weekend.

On site
Expect the return of two outdoor stages leaving the pub free for drinking beer. Weekend tickets will be available. Fri, Sat, and Sun have free parking.