News

  • March Team news!

    2nd April 2023

    Welcome to our monthly team news! We like to share some of the work the team have been doing both inside and outside of their Women in Jazz media work and we have all been very busy as always.

    For some of our general news, our latest magazine came out on International Women’s Day and is full of inspirational women. Team articles from Sandra Booker Paulette Jackson Kim Cypher Lara Eidi Fiona Ross Esther Bennett and Isabel Marquez You can access the magazine here

    Isabel Marquez has been busy curating our Women in Jazz Media playlist features, as always, a brilliant selection of women, do have a listen here and as always, do support by purchasing music when you can. You can also find Isabel’s articles in our latest magazine including Women in Experimental Jazz Today

    Hannah Horton’s latest ‘In Conversation with...’ podcast episode features Lara Eidi, which you can find here. Next episode with Betty Accorsi coming very soon!

    Migdalia Van Der Hoven’s latest ‘Sticks and Thrones’ podcast episode features Abbie Finn, which you can find here

    We also recently launched our ‘Knocking Down The Door Creator Fun with Ashaine White. You can read about it here

    Tatiana Gorilovsky shares a few words and several pics ‘about amazing women I was lucky to listen and to photograph in March. I'm glad that several fresh Grammy winners-Samara Joy and Madison Currington visited London.  Brilliant Lakecia Benjamin is also on the big tour promoting her new album. Here are also pics of Tawiah and Tyson, they experiment in combining electronic, folk and techno.

    And from the theatric news - if you haven't seen new musical Sylvia with Beverley Knight, you have only one week, they are closing on the 8th of April. The musical is amazing, I saw it yesterday, it's about suffragettes movement, much, much recommended!!!'

    Fiona Mactaggart has been spending time trying to build up the Scottish Jazz agency, Jazz Forward. ‘We're currently gradually uploading professionally recorded videos of our bands, as on our YouTube channel and actively seeking more gigs’. But as always, Fiona has been busy writing articles for a range of publications including:

    Live review: Ben Shankland Trio

    Album review: Poiesis, by Haftor Medboe and Konrad Wiszniewski

    Live review: Tele-Port and AKU!

    Live review: Dock In Absolute and Dave Milligan Solo

    Live review: Daniel Migliosi & Peter Johnstone Trio and Helena Kay Trio

    Live review: Meis Bowden Quartet and Kershaw, Stephen, Dick

    Live review: Demuth & Wiszniewski Quartet and NooVision

    Wendy Kirkland has many great gigs coming up including:

    6th Apr – JazzSteps (Bonington Theatre, Nottingham) Get Carter Reimagined with Dennis Rollins MBE - www.jazzsteps.co.uk

    17th April – Jazz at the Manor Tamworth with Esther Bennett - Bolehall Manor, Tamworth (pay on door)

    20th Apr – Chesterfield Jazz Club with Esther Bennett, vocals  - www.chesterfieldjazz.co.uk

    4th May – Guildford Jazz with Marianne Windham (db) feat. Roger Beaujolais - https://www.guildfordjazz.org.uk/listings/wendy-kirkland

    18th May – Chesterfield Jazz club with Dean Masser, sax - www.chesterfieldjazz.co.uk

    25th May – Wendy Kirkland Quartet at The Musician, Leicester - https://www.ents24.com/leicester-events/the-musician/wendy-kirkland-trio/6688042

    27th May – Trio featuring Roger Beaujolais at Monks Eleigh Village Hall - https://www.villagehall.me/post/jazz-the-wendy-kirkland-trio-saturday-27th-may-at-7-70pm

    15th Jun – Chesterfield Jazz Club with Vimala Rowe, vocals - www.chesterfieldjazz.co.uk

    Ashaine White has launched her new single Right Here. ‘Soulful, dark and melancholic in tone, new single ‘Right Here’ serves as a taster to the future starlet’s work, and showcases her self-described style of ‘grunge soul’ beautifully.’ Alfitutde. You can buy the single here

    Diana Torti has a new album coming out on April 7th. You can read all about it here. Also, there will be a preview of the song 'The Extra Something' from the album in the Filomena Campus show on Jazz London Radio (next Sunday at 3:00 pm and Fridays at 5:00 pm.) Diana shares that ‘Filomena is doing a great job with this show especially in promoting mostly female artists’. Thank you and shout out to Filomena! We were also very happy to publish an interview with Diana for our Jazz in Europe column, which you can read here

    Hannah Horton is launching the Swinging Cat Club on 29th April. ‘Saxophonist and composer Hannah Horton is back at HAC with a brand-new jazz club that is causing a significant buzz in the jazz industry. Keen to bring international standard jazz music to Haverhill, A-list guests and up-coming artists, Hannah is an artist who has carved her own unique sound and vision over her career. She will be bringing her highly acclaimed quartet which includes Tim Lapthorn on piano, Rob Statham on bass and Nic France on drums.’ Tickets for the opening with Natalie Williams available here

    You can also see Hannah playing in her new Official Video  as well as the following gigs:

    Hannah invites you into her cottage for an hour of intimate, chilled, Sunday vibes. April 2nd – Jazz at the Cottage livestream online show. Tribute to Stanley Turrentine. Hannah Horton Trio. 7.30pm.  Click here for tickets

    April 15th – Hannah Horton Quartet – ‘Inside Out’. Peggy’s Skylight. Click here for tickets

    Kim Cypher continues her 'Brighter Tomorrow' project with the focus now firmly on creating new original music as part of the project. Last month saw her latest release 'Tomorrow's Song', an original track recorded and filmed at London's 606 Club with the sensational Liane Carroll: https://youtu.be/NAzE7U5Unq0

    Later this month Kim will be recording more of her original music featuring Italian guitarist Antonio Forcione and trombonist Ashley Slater, and so the celebration of those who contribute to our brighter tomorrow for The Arts continues #brightertomorrowforthearts Kim's new album is coming soon!

    Esther Bennett new album has been getting rave reviews and she is busy performing across the UK. Next gigs include:

    The Esther Bennett Quartet live at ‘The Manor’, Monday 17th April. Tickets here

    Esther Bennett at Chesterfield Jazz Club with Wendy Kirkland April 20th. Tickets here

    And lastly, Fiona Ross has a new album coming out April 28th Thoughts, Conversations and To Do Lists, with the album launch at Pizza Express Soho on April 27th. Tickets available here

    Album cover photo by our very own Monika S Jakubowska

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  • Our new Women in Jazz Media Playlist is now out: Volume 23!

    24th March 2023

    We publish a new playlist each month and try to share a wide range of women from across the world - new releases, legacy artists, new and established artists and also some women we think you should know about but maybe don't!  We keep it to 15 artists per playlist to give you time to discover, listen and share these incredible women. You can listen to this month's playlist on Spotify or Youtube.

    Do please get in touch if you have music you would like us to include - either your own or recommendations. We are especially keen to share music from female instrumentalists and composers. If you have been in touch and you are not on a playlist yet, please don't worry, you will be on soon! We appreciate you sharing your music with us.

    As always we would encourage you to buy directly from the artist where possible, and all the links are on our site here:

    Vivienne Aerts  TigerOak  Lady Blackbird  Spha Mdlalose

    Nala Sinephro  Alexa Tarantino  Maya Delilah  Manon Mullener

    Tetel Di Babuya    Elena Pinderhughes  Shirley Smart   Hyelim Kim

    Abbey Lincoln  Rebecca Hollweg  Senri Kawaguchi

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  • Women in Jazz Media and Ashaine White launch the new Kicking Down The Door Creator Fund!

    9th March 2023

    A brand-new initiative created by Ivor’s Academy nominated Rising Star Ashaine White, created to support the development of outstanding female Black artists in the early stages of their careers to support the creation of ground-breaking, genre-bending and alternative original music.

    The aims of the Creator Fund are:

    To break down assumptions and stereotypes within the music industry by encouraging role models for future generations of female Black Alternative artists

    To raise awareness of the female Black artists creating genre-bending and exceptional new music

    To increase the profile of female Black Alternative Music

    To encourage the creation of authentic music creation outside of industry stereotyping and assumptions

    Support offered: (to 3 successful applicants):

    £500 towards music project

    2 x 4-hour recording sessions

    1-1 mentoring/artist development discussions

    Networking opportunities

    Live performance opportunities

    One photo shoot

    Interview published in our Women in Jazz Media magazine

    Promotion on our social media platforms

    The fund is now open for applicants! Apply here

  • Hannah Horton in conversation with...Lara Eidi

    26th February 2023

    Welcome to our latest episode of ‘In Conversation With’ featuring music from Hannah Horton! You can find our podcasts at number 9 in the top 60 Best Jazz Podcasts in FeedSpot! In this episode, host Hannah Horton welcomes our special guest, Lara EidiAvailable on Spotify Apple Anchor and more!

    Lara Eidi is an artist that thrives on being different.  Born in Athens Lebanese- Canadian parents, her entire life and career is that of a  singer- songwriter , multidisciplinary artist, educator and writer. Undefined by style, Lara’s music has earned her own unique place in the music world as a storyteller, jazz and folk singer, composer and recording artist heard at venues in London including the Barbican, St Martins in the Fields, Green Note, Edinburgh Festival, Beirut International Festival to name a few. Born in Athens  to Lebanese-Canadian parents, her music has gained her critical acclaim as an artist with a truly unique voice (BBC Artist, 2020- 2021), who manages to shift between musical styles and vocations owed to her diverse background as a singer ( Guildhall School of Music and Drama ) ; writer ( English Literature from the University of St. Andrews) and educator. Lara's passion and artistry comes from a pure and authentic drive to connect with audience members as well as students, creating a space where the healing power of music can be felt by all.  Recently supported by Hawkwood College and the Francis W Reckitt Arts Trust, Lara is set to record her new album in Spring 2023, and has just launched her very first podcast on songwriting ' The Notes Between' with Women in Jazz Media.  Finally, her passion for music as a life choice has led her to become an in demand educator , offering workshops at leading music institutions as well as community spaces in Europe. 
    "Lara Eidi is one of those singers who connects with the audience as soon as she starts to sing. Perhaps psychologists can explain the gift – and it is a gift "Sandy Brown Jazz- London

    Lara Eidi website

    Hannah is a British Female Jazz Saxophonist whose music is rooted in jazz, folk and funk. She has performed with many great jazz artists including Ian Shaw, Amy Winehouse, John Etheridge, Tina May, Georgia Mancio, Polly Gibbons, Natalie Williams, Esther Bennett and Irene Serra; and at venues including Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Dean St, The 606, The Pheasantry, Love Supreme Jazz Festival, Royal Festival Hall and The Barbican. She has also toured in Europe and USA with her own and other groups. Her latest album has been going down a storm across the world.

    “Hannah makes the big beast of a baritone sax sound like an angel” – Ian Shaw

    Hannah Horton website

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  • Our new Women in Jazz Media Playlist is now out: Volume 22!

    24th February 2023

    Our new Women in Jazz Media Playlist is now out: Volume 22!

    We publish a new playlist each month and try to share a wide range of women from across the world - new releases, legacy artists, new and established artists and also some women we think you should know about but maybe don't!  We keep it to 15 artists per playlist to give you time to discover, listen and share these incredible women. You can listen to this month playlist on Spotify or Youtube.

    Do please get in touch if you have music you would like us to include - either your own or recommendations. We are especially keen to share music from female instrumentalists and composers. As always we would encourage you to buy directly from the artist where possible, and all the links are on our site here:

    Anita Wardell  Sanem Kalfa  Sunkissed Child  Adi Oasis  Flora Purim

    Kira Linn   Romarna Campbell  Štěpánka Balcarová   Monette Sudler

    Kim Cypher   Brandee Younger  Nite Bjuti   Yilian Cañizares

    Ana Carla Maza  Wild Whispers

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  • Jazz North’s Live Talent Development Programme

    20th February 2023

    Jazz North’s leading live talent development programme, Northern Line, is seeking the north’s best jazz talent. Now celebrating its 10th year, the live music scheme offers jazz artists bursaries of £3000 and features a showcase at Manchester Jazz Festival.

    Northern Line is the leading live development programme for jazz and jazz-inspired artists in the North of England. Northern Line involves intensive 121 support, mentoring, networking, marketing support and industry upskilling. Artists applying to the scheme are awarded bursaries of up to £3000 to support their live touring.

    Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, says :“Northern Line is a roster representing the most pioneering, bold and innovative artists across the scene. It’s a roster of the best new talent, recognised by promoters, festivals, funders and management. Whether you are Afrobeat, Electronic, Soul, Nu-Jazz, RnB, Instrumentalist or MC, if you have that passion, individuality and drive, then get involved.”

    With a roster selected by an independent panel of UK-wide industry experts, Northern Line is a sector-leading, 18-month programme, offering unique opportunities and transformative support. Successful applicants will perform at the Northern Line Showcase at Manchester Jazz Festival on Sunday 21st May 2023 in front of a public audience and invited music industry guests.

    Manchester Jazz Festival is the North’s largest jazz festival, with a reputation for fostering rising jazz talent through their own bespoke development schemes and innovative events programme.

    Steve Mead, mjf’s Artistic Director, says: “I’m delighted to be welcoming the Northern Line showcase back to mjf. Partnering with Jazz North means both organisations can celebrate our shared passions for championing the very best in northern talent. The showcase day is always an exciting event and a great way for festival audiences to discover and enjoy a broad range of artists in a free and welcoming environment.”

    Artists on our previous and current rosters include Jazz FM nominated Archipelago, TC & The Groove Family, Nishla Smith Quintet, Stuart McCallum, Maja Bugge, Shatners Bassoon, John Pope Quintet, New York Brass Band, Nicola Farnon Trio, Skeltr, Ubunye and Parliamentary Jazz Award winner, Zoe Gilby Quartet.

    Faye MacCalman, of Jazz FM Award nominated Archipelago, says:

    “Being on Northern Line enabled me to make lasting connections beyond ones I could make on my own, and allowed me to test out different venues at a developmental stage for my band 'Archipelago', in turn giving me the agency, confidence and tools as an independent artist to self manage and tour on our own terms.”

    Jazz North is committed to supporting the incredible variety of people, places and genres across the breadth of the North. The organisation wholeheartedly believes that the scene is only made stronger by celebrating diversity in all its forms and creating places for artists to thrive in the North. 

    Northern Line opens for applications on 20th February. Applications close at midday on Monday 20th March 2023.

    Visit www.jazznorth.org/opportunities to find out more and apply on 20th February.

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