Some idle moments surfing YouTube proved to be not so idle when I came across this wonderful performance from Oscar Peterson and Clark Terry… The unbridled joy of this playing provoked a deep response… All this talk about the death of jazz, oh dear. It’s time for a reality check and an appointment with ourContinue reading “Jazz isn’t dead and it doesn’t smell funny either!”
Tag Archives: Simon Purcell
They Think It’s All Over – not quite…. Geoff Simkins (and Dave Cliff) at Oliver’s tonight – plus sitting in
Last night of “Not the Olympics” at Oliver’s featuring Geoff Simkins Don’t let appearances deceive you. This one time drummer may have made early appearances with Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra and the Temperance Seven and his principal stylistic influences have been the American alto player Lee Konitz and tenor player Warne Marsh. However, according to the great British freeContinue reading “They Think It’s All Over – not quite…. Geoff Simkins (and Dave Cliff) at Oliver’s tonight – plus sitting in”
Not the Olympics – Week 2 update
Due to the effects of the Olympics upon local businesses, the “Not the Olympics” season at Oliver’s has been partially suspended. REMAINING GIGS at OLIVER’S Aug 6th Martin Speake and Simon Purcell “Amsterdam After Dark” – CANCELLED DUE TO OLYMPICS EFFECT ON LOCAL BUSINESS Aug 7th “Fine Chaps” – Geoff Simkins, Malcolm Earle-Smith, Simon Purcell et al – CANCELLEDContinue reading “Not the Olympics – Week 2 update”
Lennie Tristano’s legacy is at Oliver’s tonight
Tonight’s featured artists are Martin Speake and Pete Hurt. In some folks’ minds, Lennie Tristano is arguably the most under-rated and unappreciated artists and innovators in the history of jazz. Tonight, the unsung genius is celebrated by two similarly undervalued British musicians – Pete Hurt and Martin Speake.Although Martin Speake is (unusually) visible in thisContinue reading “Lennie Tristano’s legacy is at Oliver’s tonight”
Join the bankers, start fiddling – with Joe Townsend @ Oliver’s tonight
Tonight’s featured artist is Joe Townsend. My very good friend and and colleague at Trinity-Laban, Joe Townsend is probably the most versatile musician I know. A jazz violinist, composer, collaborator and “world Musician” in the proper sense (i.e. a genuine expert as opposed to the dabbler), Joe in at as home in Bluegrass as Bebop, HotContinue reading “Join the bankers, start fiddling – with Joe Townsend @ Oliver’s tonight”
Simon Purcell 