Three more Bandcamp releases
There are also three older recordings by Chris released on Andy Cleyndert’s Trio label which are now available as downloads, again with all proceeds going to Refuge.
Gone in the Air, with Tony Kofi examines compositions by the great multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy, as well as some of the tunes he played on recordings by other leaders. Live at Campus West, again with Tony, revisits some of the same material in more expansive, free interpretations, plus music by Monk and Mingus.
Profiles of Mingus combines iconic Charles Mingus compositions with solo improvisations to create a fresh portrait on the great bass-player, leader and composer. It features trumpet legend Henry Lowther and Kate Williams, 2020 winner of the Parliamentary Jazz Award for CD of the year.
Again, thanks to Chris Topley for producing the downloads and contributing to the fundraising effort.
100% of receipts to www.refuge.org.uk
See the three albums on Bandcamp
Mo Foster and Friends, featuring guitarist Ray Russell creates small band interpretations of some of the big band arrangements and compositions of Gil Evans, Mike Gibbs and Jaco Pastorius as well as originals by Mo and Ray. The band continues to play live, but the main focus at present is on completing a debut CD. This is now ready and due for release in early 2021.
Finally, parts of a reunion gig with Marcio Mattos and Mark Sanders have been documented on YouTube. 'Chris Biscoe at Flim Flam September 2019' will bring up the filmed extracts, though my favourite is by my unpronounceable doppelganger Chris Biscscoe. Excellent as this name is it pales beside the wonderful B Bifbo, a name which mysteriously appeared on a letter from the Musicians’ Union.
Chris Biscoe
‘Change of Meaning’ is the first CD release from Cartoon, and the 100th CD in the Confront Collectors Series. Featuring a complete live set recorded at The Bridge in Newcastle, and a 16 minute studio performance, the CD is an introduction to the trio in full interactive mode.
Available now from www.confrontrecordings.com
‘Trio plus Trio’ Sergio Armoroli Trio plus Cartoon is available now. It is on the Dodicilune label and can be bought direct at www.dodiciluneshop.it
mouthpieces, ligatures and reeds
Chris Biscoe
Roger Turner
John Pope
Wobbly Rail 5
There’s a recent release by the Wobbly Rail 5 featuring Chris Biscoe, Pete Hurt, Liam Noble, Steve Watts and Jon Scott. Recorded and mixed by Andy Cleyndert, it includes compositions by Chris, Pete, Liam and Thelonious Monk. The recording is available as a download only, produced by Chris Topley. The Wobbly Rail image is an original painting by Kate Westbrook, included as a free high-res download.
100% of receipts will be donated to Refuge Against Domestic Violence.
The link to Bandcamp is
Listen here
Kate Williams - piano and arranger
Chris Biscoe - alto sax
Conor Chaplin - bass
Jon Scott - drums
TR607 released on Trio Records, distributed by Proper Distribution.
Downloads from Bandcamp.
CD on sale hereRelease date November 25th 2022
"Everything about 'Music Is: Chris Biscoe Plays Mike Westbrook' is near perfect: the simplicity of the concept, the choice of material, the uncluttered nature of the arrangements, the quality of the performances, the clarity of the recording. A little gem".
Chris May, All About Jazz
To find out more go to the band page
To purchase go to the CD page
Mick Sexton has been one of the great constants of the London jazz scene, promoting concerts, playing guitar and bass, and supporting musicians young and old with his regular attendance at gigs.
Maureen, Mick’s wife and constant companion until her death, was a great frontwoman in their enterprises while Mick kept a lower but always encouraging profile.
I first met Mick and Maureen in 1974. They were promoting gigs in Basildon, and I was with Peter Jacobsen, who they helped for many years, and Trevor Taylor. Subsequently they were involved in many jazz promotions and clubs around London, and some in Belgium. When Way Out West was founded in 2004 Mick and Maureen took on the job of operating the door, welcoming the audience and keeping the ‘business’ turning over.
Mick was also an active member of Way Out West as bass-player and bandleader with his band Torus, featuring Gary Plumley or Mornington Lockett, Jonathan Gee and Trevor Taylor.
See the Diary for details of a memorial concert for Mick staged by Way Out West on September 29th
RIP Mick Sexton, a much missed friend and supporter. Condolences to his daughters Mags, Angie and Helen.
Nick Mills – trombone; Tony Woods, Pete Hurt, Chris Biscoe – saxes; Nette Robinson – voice; Tom Millar – piano; Gary Willcox – drums; Steve Watts – bass
Radio Band to Radiohead
Way Out West celebrate their inaugural concert at the Turk’s Head with music from the repertoire of the great Jimmy Hastings.
A true jazz gentleman, Jimmy’s saxophone and flute playing have taken him from Aberdeen through the BBC Radio Band, concerts with Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett, Whitstable cult band Caravan, jazz gigs with Art Farmer, Red Rodney and Lanny Morgan, The Dankworth Generations Band, The Tony Kinsey Big Band and The Humphrey Lyttelton Band, to recording with Radiohead. Jimmy’s own jazz small groups, particularly those with Dave and John Horler, feature his tenor sax and flute and show the breadth of his abilities.
The music tonight is chosen from the varied and warmly melodic repertoire which Jimmy has recorded and played live with his quartet, and includes classic tunes by jazz greats Clifford Brown, Horace Silver, Hank Mobley and Cannonball Adderley.
Sunday 17th March 2024 at 6pm,
The Turk’s Head,
28 Winchester Road,
Twickenham,
Middlesex, TW1 1LF
Doors 6pm, music 6.30pm
£17 advance/£20 on the door. Children/students £6 advance/£10 on the door.
https://www.wegottickets.com/event/610685
