In collaboration with Manchester Jazz Festival we’ve launched our Jazz on Film season celebrating a fusion of jazz beats and cinema treats. We even asked local Manchester music spot Matt & Phreds to compile a list of their favourite jazz tracks for you to enjoy. Take a listen below…
Scott Joplin – Original Rag performed by The Budapest Ragtime Band
Scott Joplin’s original Rags were published as early as 1899 and are still as relevant today. The Budapest Ragtime Band recently played at the club and are one of the best international bands playing this infectious music.
Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners – “Children” & “Chime”
Not necessarily a Jazz Tune but Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners take the quintessential New Orleans Tremé modern brass tradition and mix it up with Hacienda 1990’s club classics.
Blind Monk Trio – Old Man Stretched
Blind Monk Trio have caused quite a stir over the past couple of years in the Northern jazz scene, putting a fresh spin on the sax/bass/drums trio format. With influences from the whole history of the genre (Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, FLY) blended with alternative rock beats and eastern folk, Blind Monk Trio present quirky, original compositions along with some surprising arrangements of classic standards.
Portmanteau – Dig In
One of the newest and most exciting young bands on the circuit right now is Portmanteau. Portmanteau are a hard hitting, horn heavy, funk / soul / hip-hop 9 piece from Leeds. Made up of some of the finest musicians in the UK the band has made a big impact on the scene with their debut self titled EP.
Misha Gray & His Prehistoric Jazz Quintet – Om
Misha Gray’s Prehistoric Jazz Quintet is a lively group of well-established young jazz musicians, led by composer and pianist Misha Gray. The quintet plays original and unique compositions, which explore the core origins of civilization and music. The style relies heavily on the musicians’ spontaneity and improvising skills, attempting to resonate with something deep within us that makes us human. The result is a fun combination of intense, intriguing and unique textures.
The Boom Yeh – Turn It Up
London collective The Boom Yeh bring their eclectic brew of funk, afro-beat, jazz, disco and psychedelic rock. Renowned for their compelling live performances and high level of musicianship, the project was formed in 2011 by guitarist/composer Jon Speedy in collaboration with saxophonist/horn arranger Ian Bailey. The debut album Reverberations to Constellations and the recently released Darkstar E.P have garnered international praise and critical acclaim.
The Big Shake Up – Bhangra & Mash
Formerly known as Bad Ass Brass, The Big Shake-Up is fast becoming recognised as one of the most innovative and exciting ensembles on the UK Jazz scene. The band takes its influences from the four corners of the globe resulting in a unique fusion of styles that creates a musical experience like no other.
James Brown Is Annie – (You Got To) Get Up To Get Down
One of the UK’s most accessible jazz-funk artists, James Brown is Annie (JBiA) met in a piano bar, rehearse next to a sex shop and take their name from an Eddie Murphy SNL sketch.
Llareggub Brass Band – Sosban
Llareggub Brass Band (named after Dylan Thomas’ fictional Welsh town from Under Milk Wood) formed in early 2015 and have quickly garnered support from a fast-growing fanbase in Wales and beyond, following their electrifying live sets at a number of festivals over the summer. Their debut EP, Bradwr, sold out in just two days, and has been re-pressed twice already. In October, the band released their debut album, Mwng – a cover version of the classic Welsh language album by Super Furry Animals – the first time in history that a Welsh language album has been covered in its entirety.
Joshua Jaswon Quartet – Live at Lauderdale House 2015
Saxophonist and composer Joshua Jaswon has been a feature on the thriving UK Jazz scene since his days as a student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and this scintillating Quartet represents his latest work. Performing all original material, the Quartet is committed to performing engaging straight-ahead jazz that uses the breadth of the jazz tradition for its inspiration.
Playlist curated by Matt and Phreds’ Club Promoter Claire Turner. To learn more about the venue, visit the Matt & Phreds website.
Our Jazz on Film season runs until Sun 31 July. Find out what’s on here.
