Isn’t Malvern the perfect place to host top quality jazz? We think so, and we are pulling out all the stops to make it happen.
The very first Blas – Jazz in Malvern concert will feature MOBO and Parliamentary Jazz Award-nominated Michael Janisch Quintet on Wednesday 13 October.
Fresh from his first post-Covid live gig at Ronnie Scott’s , this virtuoso musician is set to light up live music in Malvern. He started learning piano at the age of 4 , then double bass at the age of 10 and went on to study music at Berklee School of Music. Originally from the USA, Janisch moved to London in the early 2000s. He also teaches jazz double/electric bass at the Royal Academy of Music in London and formed his own record label Whirlwind Recordings, in 2010 to release his debut solo album Purpose Built. In October 2013, Janisch curated the first Whirlwind Festival in London.
For a taste of his music, please visit his website at www.michaeljanisch.com
We are also excited to welcome Sundown Jazz Society Quintet to the stage to kick off this night of jazz. Drummer and guitarist, Joshua Lamdin will be leading his Hereford-based quintet through an exciting set to get your jazz ears warmed up.
Then for something completely different on Wednesday 10 November we have Alan Barnes. A well-known veteran of all the finest jazz clubs across the UK and Europe, Alan is sure to delight his audience with his hand-picked quartet and humorous repartee.
Our third event will feature the sparkling talents of saxophonist Rachael Cohen , who will be playing with Young Jazz Musician 2020 winner, Deschanel Gordon on piano, on Wednesday 8 December.
The first three events will all take place at Elmslie House, 8 Avenue Road, Malvern WR14 3AG. If you have yet to visit this venue I am sure you will be entranced by its sympathetically restored beauty and welcoming atmosphere. It’s just a stone’s throw from Great Malvern Railway Station and – there is a bar stocked with local beers, wines and soft drinks, with Covid precautions in place. Doors open at 6.45pm.
Blas Trustee, Jeremy Price, is Head of Jazz at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and has taken on the role of seeking out and booking musicians with a wide range of styles.
Jeremy, who lives in Malvern, said: “I’ve been here for a few years now and have always thought it would be the perfect place for good quality jazz. Meeting the right group of people who are keen to make it happen has been the catalyst we all needed. We’re excited to be in a position to book some great musicians and can’t wait to get started.”
Blas – Jazz In Malvern Director, Dick Stockford, said: “Our not-for-profit organisation is made up of a team of passionate jazz enthusiasts. Our aim is simple: to bring the best, live contemporary jazz to Malvern with national and international performers gigging alongside the best of local schools; leaving you wanting more.”
For all information of forthcoming artists, ticket purchases and latest news from Blas – Jazz in Malvern, please visit www.jazzinmalvern.co.uk
