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www.birminghamjazzfestival.com HEADING
Photo by Merlin Daleman
WWW.BIRMINGHAMJAZZFESTIVAL.COM @BIRMJAZZFEST #BSWJAZZ21
FESTIVAL@BIGBEARMUSIC.COM BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL
HOTLINE: 0121 454 7020 @BIRMINGHAMJAZZFESTIVAL
37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2019 2
FOREWORD www.birminghamjazzfestival.com FOREWORD
With grateful thanks to the Festival’s Sponsors and supporters
Back for its 37th year, the Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside
without whom there would be no Festival. Jazz Festival is one of the undoubted highlights of the West
Midlands cultural calendar.
The festival, which has provided the soundtrack to our
summers since the 1980s, is a celebration of live music.
And let's face it, we've all missed the shared pleasure of live
performances over the last 16 months.
With almost 130 performances, this year's event offers a
timely boost to our visitor economy and previous festivals
have attracted audiences of over 75,000, generating almost
£5 million for the regional economy.
That success is thanks to the brilliant efforts of the festival organisers and the amazing
support of sponsors.
Many of us look forward to this festival every year and I'm sure we won't be disappointed
as the 2021 Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival proves once again that there's
nothing quite like top class live music.
Enjoy.
I’m delighted that once again we are welcoming the Cllr Ian Ward
Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival to the Leader of Birmingham City Council
borough’s venues. And I’m proud that Sandwell is supporting
this unique event that once again will bring some of the
brightest names in jazz from across the world to our region. Birmingham in all respects is a fabulous place in which to
work, live and play. The Jazz Festival which has been a staple
The diversity of the music on this year’s programme mirrors for over 30 years now is truly a valuable ingredient in the
the diversity of our people and our communities, and like buoyancy of Brum. After over a year in which entertainment,
the great jazz musicians we’ll be seeing and hearing in like so much else, has been drastically cut back, the Festival
July, we in Sandwell work in harmony together to create returns to its rightful place in the city’s calendar. Therefore I’m
something bigger and brighter than the sum of our parts. so pleased that the Westside Business Improvement District
(BID) offers it the support that makes this possible.
Of course, this year’s festival – the 37th - will be very different to previous years’. And as
we hopefully ease the restrictions we’ve all followed to fight the pandemic, it’s important to By any measure the entertainment capital of the English
keep to the rules that are in place to keep ourselves, our communities and the festival safe. Midlands is Westside. We play host to a comprehensive range
of music and have so, so much in Westside to offer the world.
Councillor Rajbir Singh
Leader of Sandwell Council It’s therefore with great delight that I welcome the Jazz Festival, for Westside is the beating
heart of the Festival. Our stylish venues offer so much quality Jazz it is really a very special
Regular Festival goers will be surprised that this year's Birmingham, Sandwell and time in the calendar of Westside.
Westside Jazz Festival runs for 17 days, not 10, with the weeknights of the extra week
from July 26th containing far fewer events than usual. A word of explanation: originally Look forward to seeing you.
the Festival was to run from July 16th to 25th, with the expectation that freedom from
COVID restrictions would operate from June 21st. When that date was moved to July Dipesh Mistry
19th, several venues expressed a preference for postponing events to the weekend of Chair of Westside Business Improvement District
July 30th-August 1st. Hence the lop-sided programme - and an extra week of jazz!
2 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 3
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS www.birminghamjazzfestival.com
The Jazz Festival Would Like To Thank Our Core Sponsors
THE JAZZ FESTIVAL BOARD
Birmingham City Council, Westside BID and Sandwell MBC
Without their support the festival really would not happen.
Festival Patron: Digby Fairweather
Find us on social media
Festival Board: Barry Clark, Dan Cole, David Pardoe,
Derek Inman, Gary Newbon, Gerald Manton, Jill Hitchman, facebook.com/birminghamjazzfestival
John Hemming, John Patrick, Rob Sealey @birmjazzfest and #BSWJAZZ21
Festival Director: Jim Simpson
Commercial and Development Director: Tim Jennings
Birminghamjazzfest
Business and Marketing Manager: Yue Yang Barry Clark Dan Cole David Pardoe Derek Inman Gary Newbon
Development Manager: Charlie Moore
Planning and Co-ordination: Alexandra Mason, Olivia ANNOUNCEMENT
Mu, Lu Zhang, Megan Symonds DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Programme Editor: Ron Simpson 38th BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL
Photographers: Karl Newton, Kev Maslin AND WESTSIDE FESTIVAL
Film Unit: Greg & Margaret Gdowski JULY 15th to 24th, 2022
(www.fiftysevenstudio.com)
Programme & Publicity Design: Nerys James
(nerys.james@gmail.com) Performances are
Transport Manager: Kieron Burns free unless denoted
Technical Managers: Errol Taylor, Dave Spittle, Barry Clark otherwise. In restaurant Gerald Manton Jill Hitchman John Hemming John Patrick Rob Sealey
Operations: Dave Twist, Manyee Yiu, Marianne Helliwell, Stan Lewis, performances accepted
Jingru Geng, Meiling Zhong, Rachel Hu, Ruping Xia, Shiran Wang, Hui etiquette may apply in
Wei, Yifan Shi, Yilin Yue terms of purchasing food.
Artists Booking: Big Bear Music Agency 0121 454 7020 admin@
bigbearmusic.com
PA & Backline: Fair Deal Music
Mobile Communications: OS Communications 0121 622 5555
It Support: ITContact (www.itcontact.co.uk)
Accountants: David Cutter & Co (www.davidcutter.co.uk)
Website: Rob Sealey (www.grtmedia.net)
Chinese Marketing: Shuai Yuan, Zhengzhen Dai, Zhirong Yu
Special Thanks To:
Abbey Butler, Alex Howell, Alex Powell, Alison Hyatt, Amanda Prosser-Davies, Amy Hubbard, Amy Seton,
Andrea McGee, Andrew Wade, Barry Bayliss, Ben Benson, Ben Weatherill, Carl Thompson, Carla Scaroni,
Chris Ash, Chris Horst, Claire Knapton, Cllr Carl Rice, Cllr Ian Ward, Dani Collins, David Pardoe, Dawn
Winter, Denise Sandford, Emma Creasey, Frank Caldwell, Garry Chapman, Graham Young, Harpreet Sian,
Harry Higgs, Holly Ryland-Jones, Jackie Hawkins, Jacqueline Ward, James Wheeler, Jane Phillips, Jenny
Wilkes, Jess Jin, Jo Kinsella, John Lamb, Jon Guard, Jules Raikes, Karen Bates, Katy Paddock, Kerrie
Barber, Kim Hill, Leon Shutkever, Lisa Hill, Lisa Kimpton, Mari-Liis Pellmas, Maryam Snape, Maureen
Cordes, Mi Lan, Mike Bushell, Mike Olley, Narinder Singh, Nick Hart, Nicki Gibberson, Nigel Barker, Nikki
Morris, Paul Cutter, Paul Faulkner, Paula Borkowska, Paulo Jascinto, Rebecca Butler, Richard Wyatt,
Sarah Dodds, Sarah Garner, Sarah Phillips, Sian Bradley, Simon Hartland, Simon Willetts, Stacey Muir,
Stefan Reidy, Stephen Brown, Vicki Wilkes
BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL
P.O. Box 944, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 8UT
www.birminghamjazzfestival.com
Phone 0121 454 7020 Email: festival@bigbearmusic.com
4 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 5
CALENDAR www.birminghamjazzfestival.com CALENDAR
FRIDAY 16TH JULY 14:30 14:00 TUESDAY 20TH JULY 17:00
12:30 Merry Hill Mell Square, Solihull 12:30 Bournville Gardens NEVER SEEN AGAIN
The Square CHRIS BOWDEN QUARTET THE CATFISH KINGS Victoria Square Bandstand CHASE JAZZMEN (£3.00) BOOK SIGNING
JAKE LEG JUG BAND SAM KENNEDY BAND Paul Finch talks about his
14:30 14:30 17:30 latest book, Never Seen
13:00 Boston Tea Party, Solihull Masons Arms, Solihull 12:30 Victoria Square Bandstand Again....
Theatre Square, Solihull SUZI WOODS THE WHISKEY BROTHERS Henry's Blueshouse ROY FORBES QUARTET
BROOKS WILLIAMS at The Bulls Head When heiress Jodie
15:00 16:00 JAMES OLIVER BAND 19:30
Theatre Square, Solihull Mell Square, Solihull Wednesbury Library Martindale is kidnapped
14:00
FOREGATE STREET BLUES BAND RICKY COOL AND BILLY THOMPSON TRIO and a staggering ransom
Mell Square, Solihull 14:00
THE IN CROWD (Live stream) demanded, amoral
ABI K & THE SWING PIGS Arcadian
16:00 Free admission by journalist David Kelman
STRICTLY
15:00 Mell Square, Solihull 17:00 advance tickets only forces himself into the
JITTERBUG WORKSHOP
Sunrise of Edgbaston CERI JUSTICE AND THE JURY Tap & Tandoor, Solihull investigation, unwittingly
DIGBY FAIRWEATHER AND SHEILA WATERFIELD 16:00 19:30 giving away vital police
BACKYARD MUSIC BOYS 18:00 Henry's Blueshouse The Rhodehouse intelligence. Subsequently,
Mell Square, Solihull 17:30 at The Bulls Head LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE the hostage is never
18:00 TIPITINA Greens, Solihull CIGAR BOX GUITAR WORKSHOP returned and the
Taste Collective, Solihull DEBORAH ROSE & WITH CHICKENBONE JOHN THURSDAY 22ND JULY kidnappers vanish, leaving
LEE JONES & TOM HILL 18:00 MARTIN RILEY a family destroyed and
12:30
Duke Inn, Sutton Coldfield 17:30 Kelman disgraced.
Mailbox
19:30 ALAN BARNES QUARTET 18:00 Victoria Square Bandstand JAKE LEG JUG BAND
Blackheath Library The Beech House, Solihull DIGBY FAIRWEATHER WITH 19:30
BROOKS WILLIAMS 18:00 THE CATFISH KINGS Red By Night, Merry Hill
EUREKA JAZZ BAND 12:30
Live Stream (no public admission) Lightwoods House Gardens BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA
Victoria Square Bandstand
showing simultaneously at The MEET THE AUTHOR MONDAY 19TH JULY 19:00 BILLY THOMPSON TRIO BOOGIE BOYS
Bulls Head and online DIGBY FAIRWEATHER 12:30 Henry's Blueshouse
talks about his book Ace of Clubs: Mailbox at The Bulls Head 17:30 19:30
20:00 A Celebration of the 100 Club THE SHUFFLEPACK BLUES TALKIN' WITH Victoria Square Bandstand Grain and Glass
Paramo Lounge, Solihull LUCY PIPER CHRIS BOWDEN QUARTET JUDY BLU & ASHLEY ALLEN
SUZI WOODS 19:00 12:30
Lightwoods House Gardens Victoria Square Bandstand 20:00 18:00 21:15
21:00 DIGBY FAIRWEATHER AND MARTIN LITTON & JANICE DAY Henry's Blueshouse Village, Moseley The Night Owl
Veeru's Bar & Grill, BACKYARD MUSIC BOYS at The Bulls Head THE QUIET MEN CHICKENBONE JOHN &
Sutton Coldfield 17:30 SAM KENNEDY BAND TONY STOKES
ROY FORBES SUNDAY 18TH JULY Victoria Square Bandstand 18:00
14:00 THE SHUFFLEPACK 20:00 Brewhouse & Kitchen, FRIDAY 23RD JULY
SATURDAY 17TH JULY Hop Garden Three Tuns, Sutton Coldfield Sutton Coldfield 12:00
12:00 CHICKENBONE JOHN & 18:00 THE LOST NOTES BILLY THOMPSON TRIO Central Square, Brindleyplace
The Bulls Head HARMONICA DAVE Tapri Bar and Grill, SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET
SKETCHERS MEET-UP Sutton Coldfield WEDNESDAY 21ST JULY 19:00
14:00 MARTIN LITTON & JANICE DAY 12:30 Hilton Garden Inn 12:30
12:30 Botanical Gardens Mailbox JAKE LEG JUG BAND Victoria Square Bandstand
Mailbox JOHN HEMMING & THE 20:00 OLD BABY MACKEREL
BILLY THOMPSON TRIO
ALAN BARNES QUARTET JAZZ LOBBYISTS (ADULTS The Bulls Head 19:00
£6.75, CONCESSIONS £4.72) BLUES ON FILM 12:30 Old Crown 12:30
Victoria Square Bandstand THE WHISKEY BROTHERS The Square
LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND
6 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 7
www.birminghamjazzfestival.com CALENDAR
17:00 12:00 18:00
Brasshouse Caffe Nero, Brindleyplace Simpsons Gin Bar,
SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET STRICTLY JITTERBUG Sutton Coldfield
SWING CAFÉ
17:00 13:00
Velvet Music Rooms Birmingham Rag 18:00
BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND Market Ibis Birmingham,
BIG BOSS MAN New Street Station
17:30 SPATS LANGHAM HOT FINGERS
Victoria Square Bandstand 14:00
SHEILA WATERFIELD QUARTET Birmingham Markets 19:00
Customer Centre Cosy Club, Brindleyplace
18:00 CHRIS BOWDEN QUARTET MARTIN LITTON & JANICE DAY
Quinto Lounge, Sutton Coldfield
THE NITECRAWLERS 14:00 19:30
Waters Edge Bandstand, The Bulls Head
18:30 Brindleyplace ALEX CLARKE QUARTET
Pannel Croft Village SPATS LANGHAM'S
JAKE LEG JUG BAND (£5 /£2) HOT FINGERS 19:30
West Bromwich Central Library
19:30 14:00 LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE
Ibis Birmingham New Street Arcadian Live stream
Station JAMES OLIVER BAND Free admission by
EAGLE JAZZ BAND advance tickets only
14:00
19:30 Hagley Road Village 20:00
Thimblemill Library ALEX CLARKE QUARTET Palace Drum Clinic,
ROY FORBES QUARTET Kingfisher Shopping Centre
Live Stream (no public admission) 14:00 BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET
showing simultaneously at The Bromwich Hall, £6 +booking fee, £8 OTD
Bulls Head and online Manor House Museum
LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE 20:00
19:30 The Wellington
Palace Drum Clinic, 14:30 FOREGATE STREET BLUES BAND
Kingfisher Shopping Centre Longbridge Village
ALEX CLARKE QUARTET MARTIN LITTON & SUNDAY 25TH JULY
£6 in advance + booking fee, JANICE DAY (£3.00) 12.00
£8 OTD Resorts World
14:30
ROY FORBES
20:00 Merry Hill
Village, Moseley THE NITECRAWLERS 13:00
OLD BABY MACKEREL Hilton Garden Inn
15:00
SHEILA WATERFIELD
SATURDAY 24TH JULY Brasshouse
11:00 BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET 14.00
Birmingham Markets Resorts World
17:00
Customer Centre SWING CAFÉ
Dog & Doublet Inn, Bodymoor Heath
EUREKA JAZZ BAND
DAVID MOORE BLUES BAND
8 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 9
www.birminghamjazzfestival.com CALENDAR
14:00 MONDAY 26TH JULY 17:00
Haden Hill House 19:00 Brasshouse
DAVID MOORE BLUES BAND Henry's Blueshouse EMMA JONSON BAND
at The Bulls Head
14:00 BLUES ON FILM 17:00
Hop Garden Velvet Music Rooms
THE LOST NOTES BLUESDAY 27TH JULY BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET
14:00 14:00 21:00
Botanical Gardens Henry's Blueshouse O'Neill's, Solihull
EUREKA JAZZ BAND (ADULTS at The Bulls Head BIG BOSS MAN
£6.75, CONCESSIONS £4.72) MEET THE AUTHOR:
JIM AND RON SIMPSON SATURDAY 31ST JULY
14:00 15:00 11:00
Oak House Museum BULLETS AND BENDS Birmingham Markets
THE SHUFFLEPACK Illustrated History of The Blues Customer Centre
Harmonica by Stuart Maxwell BACKYARD MUSIC BOYS
14:00 17:00
Brasshouse MAXWELL & WHITE 13:00
MEET THE AUTHOR: PAUL FINCH 19:00 Birmingham Rag Market
BLUES TALKIN’ CHICKENBONE JOHN &
14:30 Stuart Maxwell Talks Blues HARMONICA DAVE
Red By Night, Merry Hill with Joe Nethercoat
PHIL SAYER AND TASH 20:00
BUXTON-LEWIS THE SHUFFLEPACK
15:00 BOOK SIGNINGS:
THURSDAY 29TH JULY
Flute & Flagon, Solihull
19:00
DIGBY
JOHN HEMMING & THE
Legacy Centre of Excellence, FAIRWEATHER AND
JAZZ LOBBYISTS
Newtown JIM SIMPSON
15:00 XHOSA COLE PRESENTS Under the auspices of The
Brasshouse – SOWETO KINCH AND Jazz Centre UK, which he
ART THEMEN QUARTET DESCHANEL GORDON & THE founded, Digby Fairweather
HOUSE BAND(£15.00) has edited, and contributed
16:00 freely to, Ace of Clubs,
The Station, Sutton Coldfield 19:00 an informative, copiously
ALEX CLARKE QUARTET Broomfield Hall,Solihull illustrated, always
SWING CAFÉ illuminating and sometimes
16.00 hilarious history of London’s
Resorts World FRIDAY 30TH JULY 100 Club.
BIG BOSS MAN 12:30
The Square Meanwhile Festival
18:00 BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET Director Jim Simpson is
O'Neills, Broad Street re-launching his memoir
THE SHUFFLEPACK 16:00 of 60 years in the music
Brasshouse business, Don’t Worry
20:30 LEE BENSON INTRODUCES THE ‘bout the Bear, written with
Velvet Music Rooms NEW STREET AUTHORS his brother Ron.
ART THEMEN QUARTET
10 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 11
www.birminghamjazzfestival.com CALENDAR
14:00
Birmingham Markets MUSICIANS UNION
Customer Centre ‘An organisation that can help its members
CHASE JAZZMEN throughout their professional careers and beyond.’
14:00 As always the Festival is extremely grateful for the
The Arcadian support, financial and otherwise, of the Musicians
FLORENCE JOELLE Union, especially at this difficult time for musicians,
event organisers and the union itself.
15:00
Brasshouse 15:00 18:00
TIPITINA Velvet Music Rooms O’ Neills, Broad Street
YOU’RE NEVER ALONE THE OLD JELLY ROLLERS
17:00 WITH A UKE
Dog & Doublet Inn, 18:00
Bodymoor Heath 15:00 Slug and Lettuce, Sutton Coldfield
NITECRAWLERS Yates, Solihull BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND
FOREGATE STREET BLUES BAND
19:00 20:30
Cosy Club 16:00 Velvet Music Rooms
FLORENCE JOELLE Night Owl BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA
TIPITINA BOOGIE BOYS
20:00
The Wellington
CHICKENBONE JOHN &
HARMONICA DAVE WEST MIDS BIDS NEW STREET
SUNDAY 1ST AUGUST
The Birmingham, Sandwell AUTHORS
and Westside Jazz Festival Launched in 2015,
12:00 is extremely grateful to no New Street Authors has
Caffe Nero, Brindleyplace fewer than four Business established itself as a
YOU’RE NEVER ALONE Improvement Districts major player in the West
WITH A UKE which have supported Midlands publishing scene
the Festival this year. providing readings and
14:00
Birmingham Botanical Gardens workshops throughout
So our thanks go to the the region as well as
THE OLD JELLY ROLLERS following BIDs: reading events and
15:00 launches in Birmingham.
Brasshouse Colmore Author, piano player,
BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA Business District painter and photographer
BOOGIE BOYS Solihull Lee Benson will talk
Sutton Coldfield about the independent
publishers group.
Westside
LIVE STREAMS
To watch our 100% live streams advertised here in the programme, check in on
www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/streams on the day of the performance.
12 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 13
VENUES www.birminghamjazzfestival.com VENUES
ARCADIAN FLUTE AND FLAGON, SOLIHULL O'NEILLS THIMBLEMILL LIBRARY VILLAGE, MOSELEY WELLINGTON
70 Hurst St B5 4TD 28-30 Station Parade B91 3SB Broad St B1 2HG Thimblemill Road, Smethwick B67 5RJ 179 Alcester Road B13 8JR 37 Bennetts Hill B2 5SN
0121 622 5348 0121 711 3630 0121 616 1623 0121 569 4943 0121 449 7664 0121 200 3115
BEECH HOUSE, SOLIHULL GRAIN AND GLASS O'NEILLS, SOLIHULL THREE TUNS, SUTTON COLDFIELD WATERS EDGE BANDSTAND WEST BROMWICH CENTRAL LIBRARY
727 Warwick Rd B91 3DA 75-80 Vyse St, Jewellery Quarter B18 6HA 2 Poplar Road, B91 3AB 19 High Street B72 1XS Brindleyplace B1 2HL 316 High St B70 8DZ
0121 272 7730 0121 551 5942 0121 711 3761 0121 355 2996 0121 643 6866 0121 569 4904
BIRMINGHAM RAG MARKET GREENS, SOLIHULL PALACE DRUM CLINIC, VEERU'S, SUTTON COLDFIELD WEDNESBURY LIBRARY YATES, SOLIHULL
50 Edgbaston St B5 4RB Mell Square, B91 3AY Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Manor Road B73 6EJ Walsall Street WS10 9EH 21 Poplar Road B91 3AD
0121 303 0208 0121 716 3222 Redditch B97 4HA 07305 191006 0121 569 4945 0121 7965213
07973 840635
BIRMINGHAM MARKETS HADEN HILL HOUSE VELVET MUSIC ROOMS
CUSTOMER CENTRE Halesowen Rd, Old Hill B64 7JU PANNEL CROFT VILLAGE 200 Broad Street B15 1SU
50 Edgbaston St B5 4RB 01384 569444 290 Hospital Street, Newtown B19 2XU 0121 248 0500
0121 303 0208 0121 503 1000 In the case of outdoor performances alterative indoor
HAGLEY ROAD VILLAGE VICTORIA SQUARE BANDSTAND
BLACKHEATH LIBRARY 322-336 Hagley Rd, Edgbaston B17 8BH PARAMO LOUNGE, SOLIHULL Birmingham B1 1BB venues will be arranged in the event of inclement weather.
145 High St, Rowley Regis B65 0EA 0121 420 6000 40 High Street B91 3TB 0121 227 4114
0121 569 4920 0121 709 4467 For up-to-date information on the day, phone the festival
HILTON GARDEN INN
1 Brunswick Square, QUINTO LOUNGE, SUTTON COLDFIELD office on 0121 454 7020.
BOSTON TEA PARTY, SOLIHULL
Herbert Rd B91 3QE Brindleyplace B1 2HW 23 Birmingham Rd B72 1QA
0121 820 0104 0121 643 1003 0121 354 6486
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Westbourne Road B15 3TR
HOP GARDEN
19 Metchley Ln, Harborne,
RED BY NIGHT, MERRY HILL
Waterfront East DY5 1XG FESTIVAL SHOP
0121 454 1860 Birmingham B17 0HT 01384 70443 You can help support the Festival at the same time as getting yourself some excellent
0121 427 7904
BOURNVILLE GARDENS RESORTS WORLD merchandise at reasonable cost by visiting our online store. There are CDs and LPs
49 Bristol Road South B31 2FR IBIS BIRMINGHAM, Pendigo Way, Marston Green
Arcadian,21 Ladywell Walk, 0121 273 1000 from current and previous Festival bands, T-shirts featuring jazz and blues legends, Jim
0121 227 9150
Birmingham B5 4ST
RHODEHOUSE, SUTTON COLDFIELD Simpson’s musical memoir and subscriptions to the best read in British jazz, The Jazz Rag.
BRASSHOUSE 0121 622 6010
44 Broad Street B1 2HP The Parade B72 1PU
0121 633 3383 LEGACY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE 07825 070 402 Just visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/shop
144 Potters Lane B6 4UU SIMPSONS GIN BAR,
THE BULLS HEAD 07490 263014
38 Bishopgate Street B15 1EJ SUTTON COLDFIELD
LIGHTWOODS HOUSE GARDENS 7A High Street B72 1XH
0121 439 4190
Bearwood B67 5DP 0121 354 4474 New publication from Brewin Books
DON’T WORRY ‘BOUT THE BEAR
BREWHOUSE & KITCHEN, 0121 569 4141
SUTTON COLDFIELD SLUG & LETTUCE, SUTTON COLDFIELD
8 Birmingham Rd B72 1QD LONGBRIDGE VILLAGE 11-19 Birmingham Road B72 1QA
0121 796 6838 Austin Way, B31 2FZ 0121 321 2704
0121 272 4000 STATION, SUTTON COLDFIELD
BROMWICH HALL,
MANOR HOUSE MUSEUM MAILBOX 44 Station St B73 6AT
From the blues to jazz, rock & roll and Black Sabbath
Hall Green Rd, West Bromwich B71 2EA 7 Commercial Street B1 1RS 0121 362 4961
0121 588 2985 0121 632 1000 SUNRISE OF EDGBASTON
By Jim Simpson with Ron Simpson with a foreword by Jasper Carrott
BROOMFIELD HALL MASONS ARMS, SOLIHULL 5 Church Rd, Birmingham B15 3SH
18 Union Road, Solihull B91 3DH 173 High Street B91 3ST 0121 468 0648
0121 705 0742 0121 709 1352 TAP AND TANDOOR, SOLIHULL RRP £17.95 AVAILABLE FROM ALL
CAFFE NERO MELL SQUARE SOLIHULL 678 Warwick Road, B91 3DX
Brindleyplace B1 2JB Drury Lane, B91 3BG 0121 711 1116 GOOD BOOKSELLERS, AT SELECTED
0121 643 4572 0121 704 3941 TAPRI BAR AND GRILL,
CENTRAL SQUARE MERRY HILL SUTTON COLDFIELD FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES AND
Brindleyplace B1 2HL Brierley Hill DY5 1QX 1-3 Manor Road, B73 6EJ
0121 827 5678
FROM BIG BEAR MUSIC
0121 643 6866 01384 48 79 60
COSY CLUB NIGHT OWL TASTE COLLECTIVE SOLIHULL
Mell Square B91 3AY
Brindleyplace Birmingham B1 2HL
0121 546 0438
17-18 Lower Trinity Street,
Digbeth B9 4AG 0121 725 8809 Order your copy from
DOG & DOUBLET INN,
07468 450685
THEATRE SQUARE, SOLIHULL www.bigbearmusic.com
SUTTON COLDFIELD OAK HOUSE MUSEUM B91 3RG
Dog Ln, Bodymoor Heath, B76 9JD Oak Road, West Bromwich B70 8HJ 0121 704 6000 0121 454 7020
01827 872374 0121 553 0759
THE SQUARE
DUKE INN, SUTTON COLDFIELD OLD CROWN 2 The Priory, Queensway B4 7LJ
12 Duke St B72 1RJ 188 High St, Digbeth B12 0LD 0121 236 5303
07946 655363 0121 248 1368
14 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 15
Now Available On Big Bear Records JAZZ FESTIVAL
16TH JUL-1ST AUG 2021
MONDAY 19TH JULY
20:00 The Bulls Head BLUES ON FILM
TUESDAY 20TH JULY
16:30 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head CIGARBOX ROADSHOW WITH CHICKENBONE JOHN
19:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head BLUES TALKIN’ WITH LUCY PIPER
20:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head SAM KENNEDY BAND
THURSDAY 22ND JULY
19:00 Hilton Garden Inn JAKE LEG JUG BAND
FRIDAY 23RD JULY
12:00 Central Square, Brindleyplace SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET
The Jim Dandies Howard McCrary Lady Sings The Blues 17:00 Brasshouse SIMON SPILLETT QUARTET
The Hottest Girl In Town Moments Like This Laughing At Life 17:00 Velvet Music Rooms BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND
The Jim Dandies specialise in “Top class rhythm and blues Six top British jazz musicians
lowdown jazz, hokum and pre-war performed with verve and charm” and the remarkable Val Wiseman SATURDAY 24TH JULY
bawdy Blues. November release. – Just Jazz interpret the Billie Holiday repertoire 12:00 Caffe Nero, Brindleyplace STRICTLY JITTERBUG
14:00 Water’s Edge Bandstand, Brindleyplace SPATS LANGHAM’S HOT FINGERS
15:00 Brasshouse BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET
19:00 Cosy Club, Brindleyplace MARTIN LITTON & JANICE DAY
19:30 The Bulls Head ALEX CLARKE QUARTET
SUNDAY 25TH JULY
13:00 Brasshouse MEET THE AUTHOR: PAUL FINCH – WRITER OF THE
DC LUCY CLAYBURN CRIME NOVELS
13:00 Hilton Garden Inn SHEILA WATERFIELD
JAZZ CITY UK VOLUME 2: THE JAM SESSIONS 15:00 Brasshouse ART THEMEN QUARTET
18:00 O’Neills THE SHUFFLEPACK
20:30 Velvet Music Rooms ART THEMEN QUARTET
Bruce Adams / Alan Barnes Jazz City UK Volume 2: Jazz City UK Volume 1 MONDAY 26TH JULY
Let’s Face The Music The Jam Sessions Featuring several firm favourites 19:00 The Bulls Head BLUES ON FILM
World-class Bebop with Two legendary Birmingham from Birmingham Jazz Festival over
all-star quintet. sessions featuring 21 of the finest the years TUESDAY 27TH JULY
British Jazz Musicians
14:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head MEET THE AUTHORS: JIM AND RON SIMPSON
– DON’T WORRY ‘BOUT THE BEAR
15:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head BULLETS & BENDS. THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF
THE BLUES HARMONICA WITH STUART MAXWELL
17:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head MAXWELL & WHITE
19:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head BLUES TALKIN’: STUART MAXWELL TALKS THE BLUES
WITH JOE NETHERCOAT
20:00 Henry’s Blueshouse at The Bulls Head THE SHUFFLEPACK
FRIDAY 30TH JULY
16:00 Brasshouse LEE BENSON INTRODUCES THE NEW STREET AUTHORS
17:00 Brasshouse EMMA JONSON BAND
17:00 Velvet Music Rooms BRUCE ADAMS QUARTET
King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys Tipitina Bruce Adams Quartet
Live At Last Taking Care of Business One Foot In The Gutter SATURDAY 31ST JULY
Red hot jump and jive from the Dr John, Professor Longhair, Randy The sensational trumpet star’s 15:00 Brasshouse TIPITINA
kings of swing Newman et al, delivered by the first release – a stunning 19:00 Cosy Club FLORENCE JOELLE
tremendous Tipitina mainstream jazz album
SUNDAY 1ST AUGUST
15:00 Velvet Music Rooms YOU’RE NEVER ALONE WITH A UKE
CDs £10 each including P&P or any three for £20
15:00 Brasshouse BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA BOOGIE BOYS
Along with a great range of jazz and blues T-shirts, books and LPs from our virtual merchandise stand
18:00 O’Neills THE OLD JELLY ROLLERS
To order, phone 0121 454 7020 or visit www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/shop 20:30 Velvet Music Rooms BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA BOOGIE BOYS
(use code JF20 to claim 3 for 2 offer)
16 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 17SUTTON COLDFIELD WELCOMES
37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL
& WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL
JULY 16TH TO AUGUST 1ST 2021
Friday 16th July Veeru’s Bar & Grill
ROY FORBES 21:00
Saturday 17th July Duke Inn
ALAN BARNES QUARTET 18:00
Monday 19th July Tapri Bar & Grill
MARTIN LITTON AND JANICE DAY 18:00
Tuesday 20th July Three Tuns
THE LOST NOTES 20:00
Wednesday 21st July Rhodehouse
LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE 19:30
Thursday 22nd July Brewhouse & Kitchen
BILLY THOMPSON TRIO 18:00
Friday 23rd July Quinto
THE NITECRAWLERS 18:00
Saturday 24th July Simpson’s Gin Bar
SWING CAFE 18:00
Sunday 25th July Station
ALEX CLARKE QUARTET 16:00
Sunday 1st August Slug & Lettuce
BOPERATOR BOOGIE BAND 18:00
18 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 19ARTISTS A-Z www.birminghamjazzfestival.com ARTISTS A-Z
ALEX CLARKE
AUDIENCE SURVEYS As a finalist in the BBC
KEEP INFORMED
We are always grateful for the response of festival- Send you email address to festival@bigbearmusic.com to go on the free e-bulletin list.
Young Jazz Musician of the
goers to volunteers bringing round surveys for them
Year 2020, and winner of the
to complete. For a mostly free festival it is essential
Rising Star category in the
confined him to a handful BIG JIM AND THE the televised stages of the
to raise funds from elsewhere and impressive survey
2019 British Jazz Awards,
of Zoom gigs, one with Jon ALABAMA BOOGIE BOYS BBC Young Jazz Musician
results are a key factor in this process. However, as Etheridge at the 606 Club. Fronted by Big Jim Merris of the Year in both 1996 and
Alex Clarke is known to be 1998. He worked regularly
we go to print, we cannot be sure that the normal
one of the most in-demand THE BACKYARD of the Red Lemons Blues
with Barbara Thompson’s
amount of one-to-one contact will be permissible or
and versatile young reeds MUSIC BOYS Band, the Alabama Boogie
Paraphernalia (no fewer than
even comfortable for audiences and volunteers alike. Boys have become audience
players emerging on the Led by Matt Palmer, the five albums) and also played
British jazz scene. Praised Backyard Music Boys are favourites at Henry’s
Therefore we hope that festival-goers will respond by Blueshouse, both at the Bulls with such big names as Mike
going to www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/survey for her extensive repertoire a four-piece acoustic band Westbrook, Jools Holland
list and intelligent ear for lining up with clarinet, trumpet, Head and in the Botanical
Gardens. Their mix of blues, and Huw Warren. Endlessly
100 CLUB CELEBRATED Abi’s most recent single Just harmony, she brings a sousaphone and banjo and
boogie and rock and roll is a versatile, in recent years
Digby Fairweather’s new Say Yes, was released on youthful, intuitive approach guaranteed to provide the he has worked most often
which sounds authentic in excitement and verve of guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
book, Ace of Clubs, tells the 20th April 2020 (available with his gypsy jazz group.
story of London’s 100 Club on numerous music a variety of musical settings 1920s and 1930s hot jazz. BIRMINGHAM URBAN
platforms), followed by the from New Orleans to bebop. SKETCHERS BOPERATOR
in the words of those who
EP Let’s Begin. This release Alex’s deep respect for the BIG BOSS MAN BOOGIE BAND
were there, musicians for the This light-hearted Facebook
demonstrates music and heritage of the music can be This mandolin/guitar duo Originally a 40s jump jive
most part. In telling the story group is made up of
vocals with more grit and heard in a swinging, melodic features two of the area's and 50s rhythm and blues
of almost 80 years of Oxford 602 members who just
sensuality than her previous approach reminiscent most highly regarded blues outfit called Boperator, the
Street’s legendary club Digby like to capture all things
jazz and blues-influenced of Scott Hamilton and players: Richard Heath band revamped itself in
draws on the memories of Birmingham and the Jazz
self-titled EP, released in 2016. Lester Young, with strong from Festival favourites 2013, with a more colourful
such departed notables Festival is a perfect event
influences of Phil Woods The Whiskey Brothers line-up and repertoire. Now
as George Melly, Lennie for us. All sketches are done
ALAN BARNES and Cannonball Adderley. and Stuart Johnson, once
from life, not photographs, a seven-piece aiming to
Hastings, Campbell Burnap of Tea and Symphony.
No Birmingham Jazz Festival please anyone with a soft
and Sketchcrawls are
and Jim Godbolt as well as
would be complete without ART THEMEN spot for hard boogie, the
many of the current stars of organised where a
the outstanding clarinettist/ During the lockdown Art Boperator Boogie Band
the British jazz scene: Art All information about number of people come
saxophonist/composer/ has kept busy, with two covers tunes from an eclectic
Themen, Alan Barnes, Bruce events, musicians and together to record a visit
arranger Alan Barnes. recordings, one with Dave mix of artists. Ray Charles,
Adams and the rest. Digby venue is correct at the or event. Individuals also
His career since leaving Green, Dave Barry and Louis Jordan and Prima,
will have plenty of stories time of going to print. The happily sketch and send
Humphrey Lyttelton’s Band Gareth Williams, the other Asleep at the Wheel, Caro
of his own to tell at book Birmingham, Sandwell in their work to share.
has taken in playing with with Pete Whitaker and Emerald and many more.
signings during the Festival. George Double –Thane and and Westside Jazz
many of the top American We love to sketch anything:
Ace of Clubs is published by jazzmen, collecting over the Villeins. This resulted in Festival is not responsible
music gigs ,chickens, trains, BROOKS WILLIAMS
30 British Jazz Awards in two BBC radio broadcasts for any necessary Born in Statesboro, Georgia,
Brewin Books with the aid buildings, cranes and just
at least five categories and and a flurry of gigs for the changes, whether and now domiciled in
of funding from the National life going on in Birmingham.
being twice nominated as trio starting last summer caused by modifications Cambridge, England,
Lottery Heritage Fund on
behalf of The Jazz Centre UK. BBC Jazz Musician of the which were stopped short in COVID restrictions or BILLY THOMPSON TRIO Brooks Williams was playing
year. One of the highlights by COVID. As well as taking any other other factors. Billy Thompson is a Americana even before it
ABI K & THE SWING PIGS of 2020’s small-scale part in Ronnie Scott’s However, the Festival classically trained improvising was called that. With 30-plus
Abi K is a professional singer, Birmingham Festival was anniversary celebrations will endeavour to inform violinist from North Wales recordings and 30-plus years
songwriter, bandleader, and his quintet set with Alex Art played a single gig in festival-goers as soon as who works in a wide variety touring, Brooks has been
vocal coach with a passion Clarke streamed from West Norway with Soft Machine possible and to provide of styles. He achieved the recognised as one of the Top
for jazz, blues and soul. Bromwich Central Library. before the latest lockdown equivalent replacements. rare distinction of reaching 100 Acoustic Guitarists. He
20 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 21ARTISTS A-Z www.birminghamjazzfestival.com ARTISTS A-Z
makes a more than welcome THE CATFISH KINGS many thousands to win a functions of all sorts, they
return to the Birmingham The Catfish Kings serve up place in the semi- finals, base their repertoire on FAIR DEAL MUSIC
Festival shortly before the but was denied a coveted the great jazz and popular Fair Deal Music, supplier of equipment to the Festival, is
a mix of rock’n’roll, boogie
September release of his place in the grand final. music of the period 1900 Birmingham’s largest independent music brand. Based at
and rhythm and blues, with
latest album, Ghost Owl, duos to 1950, all performed 79-83 Holloway Head, Fair Deal can also be reached on
Chuck Berry, Little Richard
with fiddler Aaron Catlow. Ceri came back with a debut with a touch of humour. 0121 643 1685 and online at www.fairdealmusic.co.uk.
and Jerry Lee Lewis at the
album called Justified, now
BRUCE ADAMS centre of their set, with some
available on most media CHICKENBONE JOHN great favourites at Henry’s he has established in
A ferocious player with
jump jive, New Orleans
platforms and she also AND HARMONICA DAVE/ Blueshouse, David Moore Southend, with an impressive
impeccable technique, Bruce
rhythm and blues and swing
began performing locally TONY STOKES graduated from the display of memorabilia, a
to help keep the party Chickenbone John, ‘The Birmingham Conservatoire comprehensive archive and
can also display a surprising with her band, Ceri Justice
moving. Patrons of Henry’s Godfather of the Cigar Box in 1999. In 2010 he moved an ever-growing programme
lyricism and melodic gift. A & The Jury, a mixture of
Botanical Blueshouse Guitar’, has become a huge to New York where he of events. Digby also has
regular at Birmingham, he Americana and blues with a
will already have had the favourite at the festival in worked in a number of a fine track record as jazz
has featured on several live hint of country. Her second
chance to hear the Catfish recent years, with highly styles of music. Now back writer, broadcaster, archivist
recordings from the festival, album, as yet untitled, is
Kings in one of the band’s successful workshop/ in Birmingham, he takes a and bandleader – his Half
with the likes of Django’s due out in July of this year.
first post-lockdown gigs. concerts demonstrating fresh and original approach Dozen has been one of the
Castle and the great Kenny
Baker. Most recently, Bruce CERI JUSTICE AND CHASE JAZZMEN how to make and play to blues, rock and soul. most popular of British small
Based in the Shropshire groups for many years.
has been working with THE JURY 3-string cigar box guitars.
DEBORAH ROSE/
Craig Milverton on a project area, the Chase Jazzmen In performance he is joined
celebrating the great cornet
Ceri Justice is a singer-
are made up of talented by his regular associate, MARTIN RILEY EAGLE JAZZ BAND
songwriter from Solihull Welsh-born singer/ The Eagle Jazz Band is
and piano players. After delays musicians experienced Harmonica Dave or, on some
who began writing poetry songwriter/guitarist Deborah one of the great names in
caused by the coronavirus in the field of popular gigs, Tony Stokes of the
and songs as a teenager. Rose straddles jazz, folk and Birmingham jazz, with a
pandemic, the album should traditional jazz. Regulars Red Lion Blues Band and
In the 1990s she entered a Americana, with more than history stretching back to
be complete in August. at the Trumpet, Bilston, the Crossroads Blues Club,
nationwide singer/songwriter a touch of Celtic influence. 1951. Now led by reedman
and much in demand for in reviving the authentic
competition and beat Her voice, frequently praised Matt Palmer, the band
sounds of early blues.
for its purity and emotional operated under the name
STREAMING FROM SANDWELL CHRIS BOWDEN quality, was described by folk The Millennium Eagle Jazz
The support of Sandwell Council in recent years has been crucial, with the many events Having first made a mark legend Judy Collins as “one Band for some time, but has
in the borough’s libraries and museums a particular joy. In the truncated 2020 Festival with K-Creative in the acid of the finest I’ve heard.” Back now restored the much-
Sandwell’s libraries, though not open to the public, hosted two outstanding concerts by jazz boom of the early 1990s, in 2013, her debut album, loved traditional name. With
the Alan Barnes/Alex Clarke Quintet and the Bruce Adams Quartet which were available on saxist Chris Bowden went on Song Be My Soul, featured a recent CD out, Memories,
stream in Birmingham venues as well as on Youtube where both concerts are still available. to record the highly original orchestrations by classical the band mainly homes in
Time Capsule in 1996, composer/pianist Martin on classic jazz material and
So successful was the experiment that four performances will be streamed from featuring his arrangements Riley, an association that has the songs of the 1920s
Sandwell libraries this year: with a live audience from Wednesbury Library (Wednesday for 12-piece band. As a continued in their immediately to 1940s, but, with many
21st) and West Bromwich Central Library (Saturday 24th), streamed without an performer, Chris also has a post-lockdown concerts. multi-instrumentalists in
audience from Blackheath Library (Friday 16th) and Thimblemill Library (Friday 23rd). highly individual style and he the band, their sound and
The Friday performances feature American guitar wizard Brooks Williams (16th) is equally at home in a variety DIGBY FAIRWEATHER approach are flexible.
of genres: acoustic jazz, Digby Fairweather has been
and Festival favourite, song stylist Roy Forbes (23rd). Audiences are allowed in at
Wednesbury for twice BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist Billy Thompson with his trio hip hop, drum and bass. a great influence for good on EMMA JONSON
the British jazz scene, not just Emma is a rapidly up and
and at the Central Library for another fine gypsy jazz group, La Bouche Manouche.
DAVID MOORE for his distinctively melodic coming, award winning
For information on this year’s live streams BLUES BAND trumpet style. Currently blues pianist from the
Leading an exciting blues his main preoccupation is Midlands having already
and to watch our archive from 2020, head to
band that is one of the the Jazz Centre UK which supported some of the
www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/streams
22 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 23ARTISTS A-Z www.birminghamjazzfestival.com ARTISTS A-Z
UK’s top acts including a programme that ranges album Love...and other JOE NETHERCOAT
Jamie Cullum, Heather from Dixieland jazz to the Tragedies in April 2019 at a The Shufflepack's guitarist
SUPPORTING THE FESTIVAL
Small and Roy Wood and great popular songs of sell-out launch in Worcester The Birmingham, Sandwell and Westside Festival has
Joe Nethercoat's style
recently was personally the 20s, 30s and 40s. followed by another 50 always prided itself on bringing real music properly played
has been memorably
invited to join Walter Trout gigs around the Midlands to people in this region without asking an admission
described as 'pick-your-King
onstage at Birmingham Town FLORENCE JOELLE promoting the album price in return. We are forever grateful to the many
guitar'. In Blues Talkin' he
Hall. Emma is not only an Get ready for the chanteuse before being halted by the organisations that help to support the Festival, but we still
recounts his life in the blues
accomplished songwriter, Time Out called ‘super pandemic. They have spent need to generate more income to secure the future of the
in company with singer/
having had tracks selected fine and sassy…fusing a the last 12 months writing a Festival. Hence, in recent years, our very successful raffle.
harmonica wizard Stuart
for BBC radio, but is widely Tarantino sense of cool, with whole batch of new songs However, for various reasons, not least the wish to avoid
Maxwell who just happens
known for giving the piano a vocal style that imbibes ready for the recording one-to-one contact, we are unable to run a raffle in 2021.
to be the guy who came
some welly! Emma’s both Peggy Lee and Edith studio in the coming year. up with that description!
energetic performance and Piaf.’ Don’t think you can So we are more than grateful for the generosity of the
charismatic rapport with her get a better endorsement JAKE LEG JUG BAND JOHN HEMMING AND following supporters of the Jazz Festival who have
band and audiences have than that, but we’ll try! The Jake Leg Jug Band THE JAZZ LOBBYISTS made valuable contributions to secure our future:
made her one of the must brings you the authentic Once again the Birmingham
With the stylings of Nick • Bob Pringle • Kathleen Hyde
see acts of this year. With sounds of 1920s and 1930s Jazz Festival presents
Tomalin on piano and organ • Chico White • Patti Horsnell
a brand new album release America – jazz, blues, gospel, the acceptable face of
and Ian Marcus holding (Dance With Me Henry) • Qi Huang
and UK tour, this is an artist ragtime – songs of murder, politics. Away from political
it down on double bass, • David Green • Rob Boler
not to be missed in 2021! betrayal, gambling, liquor campaigning, former MP
bringing the Latin and • Essop Hajat • Robert Langford
and redemption. After a year John Hemming is a jazz • Frank Simpson • Stan Lewis
EUREKA JAZZ BAND Bossa flair, Joelle is free of frustration, with over 50 enthusiast, a Festival Board • Jeanette Smith • Steve Parlett & Yvonne Wright
Birmingham-based to express all her musical gigs cancelled, the band member and a polished • John James • Tom Palmer
traditional jazz band, the passions and talents. is looking forward to being pianist who can be relied on
Eureka Jazz Band adopts able finally to perform live
a flexible approach, suiting
FOREGATE STREET the tracks from their latest
to bring a first-class band With the continuing existence of the Festival in mind,
the music to the occasion.
BLUES BAND album, Goodbye Booze,
to the festival. The always could you please consider making a donation at
The Foregate Street Blues popular Jazz Lobbyists are www.birminghamjazzfestival.com/ donate or by
Only the entertainment released the week after their now regular festival favourites. phoning 0121 454 7020?
Band released their latest
value remains constant in last gig before lockdown.
JUDY BLU AND in the band are highly has played alongside the
JAMES OLIVER BAND ASHLEY ALLEN
HENRY’S BLUESHOUSE AT THE BULLS HEAD
experienced, in-demand likes of Larry Coryell, Martin
As Bill Kirchen said, ‘James Soulful singer Judy Blu has performers who have Taylor and Dennis Rollins.
In recent years The Bulls Head in Bishopsgate Street Oliver is the real deal, a played in many prestigious He has made six solo guitar
been a popular performer
has become an essential venue for jazz and, especially, passionate roots rocker venues such as the Royal albums and a series of
at the Birmingham for
blues. Each week until lockdown forced its closure Henry’s loaded with guitar firepower.’ Albert Hall, the Barbican guitar videos, with his next
some years as well as at
Blueshouse operated under the slogan Tuesdays is From 2012, first with GLAS Centre, the Southbank album, Night Train Part II,
other festivals such as
Bluesdays! During the pared-down 2020 Festival Henry’s and now with the three-piece Centre, the Royal Festival scheduled for this year.
Nantwich, Lichfield and
made its mark with special events comprising blues films, James Oliver Band, he has Hall and Ronnie Scott's.
Newcastle-under-Lyme.
record sessions and talks. In addition The Bulls Head built a formidable reputation Lee appears in a duo with
This year she teams up
screened live streamings of concerts and operated as the in Wales and far beyond, with keyboardist Ashley
LEE JONES AND bassist Tom Clarke-Hill.
Festival Information Point. so much so that last year Allen, a rising figure on the
TOM CLARKE-HILL
he was awarded the title of Lee Jones is a British jazz- THE LOST NOTES
Now the good news is that Henry’s Blueshouse returns in Birmingham jazz and gospel
Best Blues Emerging Artist. rock guitarist who is making The Lost Notes are a five-
its original live form every Tuesday from June 20th and the scene, in a dynamic duo.
Last year he also released his first appearance at the piece acoustic roots band
re-launch is celebrated with Henry’s Bluesday at the Festival.
the acclaimed CD, Twang, LA BOUCHE MANOUCHE Festival. Stylistically capable from Moseley specialising in
The following Tuesday Stuart Maxwell and the other members of taking in modern jazz, their own original material.
made up of originals, on Featuring Irene Serra on
of The Shufflepack present seven hours of history, blues talk fusion, blues and rock, he The band’s most recent
The Last Music Co. vocals, all the musicians
and great music from 1500.
24 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 25ARTISTS A-Z www.birminghamjazzfestival.com ARTISTS A-Z
album, the splendidly In demand as teacher and player Stuart Maxwell is raucous, joyful spirit
titled Low Lifes and High session musician, Lucy is the joined in duo format by celebrates the exciting FESTIVAL INFORMATION POINT
Times, prompted some daughter of the late Julian Derek White, Britain's best and vibrant music of New In the October 2020 Festival, when circumstances
head-turning comparisons. Piper, a legendary figure in loved blues bassman, Orleans. Expect roaring and arrangements changed by the day, the Bulls Head
Rocking Magpie opined, the South West and beyond also from Shufflepack. brass, uplifting vocals, in Bishopsgate Street was invaluable as the Jazz
‘Fits in amongst peers Lucy herself has played foot-stomping drum beats, Festival Information Point. Hopefully the situation will
like Fleet Foxes, Fairport at such major festivals as THE NITECRAWLERS and nostalgic 20th-century be less volatile this year, but this remains an important
Convention and Crosby, the Juke Joint Festival in Stalwarts of Henry’s repertoire played with resource, a City Centre location where punters can
Stills, Nash and Young.’ Clarksdale, Mississippi, the Blueshouse and regulars exciting new 21st-century pick up programmes and the latest information.
Notodden Blues Festival in at such blues festivals energy. The band is led by
LUCY PIPER Norway and the Freiburg as Upton-on-Severn and up-and-coming songstress and shared a stage with in the likes of Stevie Ray
Top blues drummer Lucy Blues Festival in Germany. Newcastle-under-Lyme, and multi-instrumentalist George Harrison. His Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix,
Piper is appearing with the the Nitecrawlers aim to re- Louise Balkwill, named by current dynamic group, the as ‘blues and roll’. Back in
Sam Kennedy Band and also MARTIN LITTON create the sheer enjoyment multi-award-winning singer In Crowd, was formed in action with a June gig in
talking about her experiences AND JANICE DAY of the original R&B clubs of Liane Carroll as a singer 2013 to create a potent mix Teignmouth, the band is also
with the blues in Blues Talkin’. Martin Litton is a brilliant the 60s. With a lifetime of to listen out for. Come and of classic American rhythm lined up for an All Day Festival
and versatile pianist with experience between them, move to the beat of the and blues with Jamaican as a Memorial to West
a remarkable sense of the four band members have genres bluebeat, ska and Country blues legend, Julian
WESTSIDE BID historical context in jazz. appeared with some of the
streets of New Orleans!
reggae. The band currently Piper, in Exeter in October.
Westside BID, centred The names of two of his biggest names in the music PHIL SAYER AND TASH also present A Night at the
on Broad Street, has groups, his Gramercy Five business – and now they BUXTON-LEWIS Flamingo which re-creates SHEILA WATERFIELD
been a crucial element and his Red Hot Peppers, concentrate on serving up A Jam House favourite with the world of the iconic Working in all musical
in the Festival’s success show his delight in the archetypal hard-driving, foot- his Born to Boogie Band, Soho venue of the 1960s. settings from duo to
in recent years, both in great jazz of the past and tapping Chicago blues – no- Phil Sayer is a boogie and 17-piece big band, Sheila
generous financial support he is an acknowledged nonsense authentic blues. rhythm and blues pianist, ROY FORBES Waterfield’s sound is a
and the number of bars, expert of ragtime and playing energetic and upbeat Song stylist Roy Forbes’ unique blend of jazz, folk,
pubs and restaurants stride. First making an OLD BABY MACKEREL boogie woogie with a hint vocal style is, as Jazz UK soul, Latin and blues,
giving their whole-hearted impact with Kenny Ball’s Old Baby Mackerel are a UK of funk, soul and ska. Phil expressed it, ‘infused with described by Ron Bailey
participation. Such is Band in the 1980s, he is band who play traditional is joined by drummer Tash the warmth of his own of Jazz Live as ‘a beautiful,
the extent of Westside’s now in demand for festivals bluegrass songs as they Buxton-Lewis of the Steve personality.’ His dynamic warm, expressive voice’. Her
participation that their and all-star groups in the should be played, with a King Big Band and Dino and soulful treatments third studio album, Every
name was added to the UK and internationally. twist of British wit on the Baptiste and Night Train. of the Great American Sunrise, featuring some
Festival title two years side. Expect tales of love, Songbook have brought of the finest musicians on
ago. As always a stroll His wife and musical partner, murder, whisky and railroads THE QUIET MEN him acclaim at international the jazz scene, showcases
down Broad Street in Janice Day, specialises in alongside blistering solos Returning to the Festival are festivals as far afield as Sheila’s talents as writer,
the afternoon or evening authentic performances of and harmonies so sweet The Quiet Men, the excellent Milan and St. Lucia, as well producer and arranger
is accompanied by the the finest songs of the inter- they could make an onion trio of Colin Browne, Dan as continuing popularity in as well as singer.
sound of jazz and blues, war years, commemorating cry! The project is a coming Machin and Roy Adams his native Birmingham. His
with events, in many a great age of female together of respected in a classy set of covers impeccable song stylings THE SHUFFLEPACK
cases more than one, singers. Together they have musicians from the UK and original material. are a regular, much admired Led by singer/harmonica
at the Brasshouse, the presented stage shows with a classic line-up of feature of the festival. player Stuart Maxwell, the
Bull’s Head, O’Neills, the such as Dance Band Divas banjo, guitar, double bass, RICKY COOL & Shufflepack plays groovy
Velvet Music Rooms, and Fats Waller in Love. fiddle and mandolin. THE IN CROWD SAM KENNEDY BAND shuffling blues in the classic
the Cosy Club, Lee One of the most entertaining This Devon-based blues trio, style, from Chicago to the
Longlands, the Hilton MAXWELL & WHITE THE OLD JELLY ROLLERS front men in the business, including one of the country’s West Coast. The music of
Garden Inn and Central Shufflepack's dynamic The Old Jelly Rollers are a Ricky Cool has toured with top blues drummers in Lucy Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf,
Square, Brindleyplace. singer and harmonica musical collective whose the likes of Billy Connolly Piper, labels its music, rooted Sonny Boy Williamson, the
26 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 27ARTISTS A-Z www.birminghamjazzfestival.com ARTISTS A-Z
Kings and all the rest, plus commentator and latterly participation events, the 1950s. Fine melodies
plenty of original material, blogger. However, he including the highly mix with a sound that keeps VOLUNTEERS WANTED
guarantees a stomping, identifies most strongly as successful dance classes on the sunny side of life! The Festival depends on the volunteer army whose
foot-tapping session. a swinging, straightahead by Strictly Jitterbug. Strictly efforts enable the event to function properly.
tenor saxophonist, capable Jitterbug have been teaching In the last year Billie Volunteers are already at work in the Festival Office
SIMON SPILLETT of taking his audiences a mixture of East Coast and the band have kept and around the area, but many more are needed
Over his 25 year career on a roller-coaster ride Swing and Charleston for themselves busy by writing and it is certainly not too late to come on board!
Simon Spillett has worn encompassing everything over 10 years, including two and rehearsing new material
almost as many hats as from energetic bebop to years as a resident dance which they look forward We are looking for:
it is possible to wear in heartfelt balladry. This year teachers at Birmingham’s showcasing alongside all the • Drivers • Marketing
jazz: multi-award winning he plans to mark his 25th Waterworks Jazz Club, traditional familiar standards • Technical staff • PR
instrumentalist, leader of anniversary as a professional and were much missed in that we love to play. • Distribution • Administration
an acclaimed big band, musician with a new band, 2020’s more limited festival.
author, historian, record a new book and a much
TIPITINA Call Sarah on 0121 454 7020
producer, archivist, magazine awaited fourth album. STUART MAXWELL: Tipitina’s unique take on the or email sarah@bigbearmusic.com
columnist, social media HARMONICA WORKSHOP blues, barrelhouse, boogie
SPATS LANGHAM’S Stuart Maxwell, as well and gospel of New Orleans
HOT FINGERS style is captured on the Big the return after lockdown of
PHOTOGRAPHY as leading the blues owes much to the music
Spats Langham, singer, band the Shufflepack, is of Professor Longhair, Dr. Bear CD, Bottle Up and Julian Cockshott of Ukulele
PROJECT guitarist, banjo player, an authority on all things John, James Booker, Fats Go, of which blues authority Rocks. No Birmingham
Thanks to the generous all-round entertainer and blues. He writes widely on Domino and Allen Toussaint, Stuart Maxwell wrote: Jazz Festival would be
sponsorship of Calthorpe repository of old songs both the subject and his book, and still more to the powerful truly complete without a
Estates, the Festival lewd and lovely, is joined Starting Blues Harmonica, vocals of Debbie Jones and XHOSA COLE gathering of happy amateurs
Photography Project Justine Randall’s mastery The latest star saxophonist strumming away under
by multi-instrumentalists has been widely re-printed,
has built up a wonderful of New Orleans piano. With to emerge from Birmingham, Julian’s vigorous, but kindly,
Danny Blyth and Malcolm with an accompanying CD.
portfolio of images over two acclaimed Big Bear Handsworth-born tenor leadership. Once again he is
Sked in Hot Fingers. Neatly Stuart’s workshop should be
the years, to be displayed CDs behind them, Tipitina saxist Xhosa Cole took the running informal workshops
described as ‘vintage unmissable for the aspiring
in many exhibitions at regularly excite and charm jazz world by storm when he for all levels of ability from
acoustic string music’, Hot blues harmonica player.
Grand Central or Sandwell audiences at the Birmingham won the 2018 BBC Young absolute beginners upwards.
Fingers’ brand of musical
Libraries and on many entertainment is ageless, if SUZI WOODS Festival where they recorded Jazz Musician of the Year
striking photofilms. The hardly new. Generally one Suzi Woods’ repertoire a live album in 2011. competition. Since then THE RHYTHM SECTIONS:
Festival’s photographer- is an engaging mix of he has continued to build Piano: Craig Milverton, John
of the busiest live groups
at-large has always been around, Hot Fingers have American Songbook greats THE WHISKEY BROTHERS an impressive reputation Patrick, Tim Huskisson
Merlin Daleman who and modern classics. Her Fast becoming festival with his dynamic playing. Double bass: Bill
pretty much taken an
has picked up many sophisticated style has favourites at Birmingham, Coleman, Tom Clarke-Hill
unwelcome sabbatical in
Big Bear recording artists YOU’RE NEVER Drums: Garry Allcock,
awards in his native brought her music to an
the last year, but in recent
the Whiskey Brothers are ALONE WITH A UKE! Malcolm Garrett, Miles Levin
Netherlands, but a body years have worked on a international audience,
Richard Heath on vocals and The Great Ukulele Revival
of outstanding British show describing the origin with shows for Valentino in
mandolin and Gerry Smith continues! Putting smiles
photographers have and history of acoustic Rome and Princess Grace
on piano. In the mid-1990s back on the faces of ukulele
involved themselves in the blues and a project called of Monaco in Monte Carlo.
the formed the Splinter enthusiasts of all ages is
Festival, too, so, whatever The Banned Plays On.
the rulings currently SWING CAFÉ Blues Band, but since 2012
in place around travel STRICTLY JITTERBUG Led by popular Midlands they have worked as a duo, GENESIS RADIO
from the Netherlands, Hopefully the easing of singer Billie Baker, Swing playing their favourite style Genesis Radio will be broadcasting daily jazz news and
we can look forward to social distancing will allow Café is a swing and jazz band of music, old-style acoustic updates between 1pm and 3pm throughout the entirety
superb results from the the Festival to resume its playing the best loved songs blues combined with their of the festival.Be sure to tune in online at
Photography Project. always popular audience of an era from the 1920s to own material. Their unique https://www.genesisradiobirmingham.com/
28 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 37TH BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2021 29You can also read
