Brilliant Corners

Moving on Music present

Brilliant Corners a festival of jazz in Belfast

OVERVIEW Welcome to Brilliant Corners Festival 2013, a festival of jazz in Belfast, presented by Moving On Music.

Why ‘Brilliant Corners’? Well, we thought it was about time to try something new, adventurous and vibrant, and celebrate the most creative form of music that originated in the last century and continues to develop and influence this one. The title is taken form the 1957 album by the great Thelonious Monk. A groundbreaking work and one of the ‘1001 Albums to Hear before you Die’ The programme is also a celebration of local musicians associated with the music; David Lyttle, Steve Davis, Meilana Gillard, Ronnie Greer and the Continuous Battle Of Order to name a few, together with international contemporaries from the UK and US. We look forward to your support for this inaugural year of Brilliant Corners, as it is only with your custom that Moving On Music can continue to deliver adventures in music.

This festival is dedicated to the memory of our friend, colleague and chair, David H Irvine (1955 - 2012)

Brilliant Corners – Belfast Jazz Festival 21st – 23rd March 2013

THE CONTINUOUS BATTLE OF ORDER [Hornby – guitar, Craig Kearney - drums]

THUR 21ST MARCH BLACK BOX DOORS 8PM £10 (MovingOnMusc.co.uk or Belfast Welcome centre)

The Continuous Battle Of Order, consist of guitarist Hornby and drummer Craig Kearney, previously of Belfast trio We Are Knives. The self-proclaimed purveyors of “Experimental Polyrhythmic Avant Rock Greatness” are, without a doubt, one of the most captivating, musically endowed two-pieces around.

Their insanely complicated collection of intricate guitar and drumwork pieces, pack a real punch, unparalleled in any of their contemporaries.

Almost entirely instrumental, except for the occasional shouted slogan, the pair blend together in tight, frenetic rhythms with dissonant chords and angular guitar melodies.

It goes beyond the realms of structure, with a focus on making music that excites, confuses and inspires "Few bands in the country can demand the same level of respect as this, and even fewer can keep the audience so attentive. Utterly ferocious and entirely infectious…"

AU, Aaron Hamilton "The Continuous Battle of Order are easily one of the most important bands this country has produced."

Steven Rainey, BBC Northern Ireland "A work of elemental power, as savage and unruly as nature itself."

Francis Jones, AU magazine

DECOY [John Edwards – double bass, Alexander Hawkins – hammond organ, Steve Noble – drums]

Decoy is the UK improvising trio of John Edwards (double bass), Alexander Hawkins (Hammond B3 Organ), and Steve Noble (drums and percussion).

Their three albums have met universal critical acclaim. Following the first two, John Fordham in the Guardian suggested that ‘a cult following is not far behind’; of the third, a live album. Clifford Allen wrote that ‘Hawkins, Edwards, Noble and McPhee have created a performance—and a record—for the ages.’

Alexander Hawkins was called in a recent review ‘the most interesting Hammond player of the last decade and more’, where it was commented that he had ‘already extended what can be done on the instrument’ (Brian Morton, Point of Departure). In both 2010 and 2012, he was named on the official ballot for the Annual Downbeat Reader’s Poll in the organ category. He has also topped the ‘Keyboard’ category of the polls of Argentine journal El Intruso.

Steve Noble is one of London’s leading drummers, a fearless and constantly inventive improviser whose super-precise, ultra-propulsive and hyper-detailed playing has galvanized encounters with Derek Bailey, Matthew Shipp, Ishmael Wadada Leo Smith, Stephen O’Malley, Joe McPhee, Alex Ward, Rhodri Davies and many, many

more. ‘An engaging mix of jazz time, free–rock and abstract improv, Noble is one of the country’s most creative drummers’ (the Guardian) John Edwards is a true virtuoso whose staggering range of techniques and boundless musical imagination have redefined the possibility of the double bass and dramatically expanded its role, whether playing solo or with others. Perpetually in demand, his status as one of creative music’s finest bassists has seen him working with a vast range of musicians, including the likes of Evan Parker, Roscoe Mitchell, Sunny Murray, Derek Bailey, John Wall, Joe McPhee, and Lol Coxhill. “an improvising trio that rocks and swings so hard it’s dangerous...a band that redefine the words “shock and awe” – Duncan Heining, Jazzwise “a vision not just of what music can be and do, but of what it can become” – Richard Williams, liner notes, Oto -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEILANA GILLARD'S - FINE PRINT [Meilana Gillard - Tenor Saxophone, Marcos Varela – Bass, David Lyttle – Drums]

THURS 21ST MARCH BELFAST BARGE (BYO) DOORS 8PM £8 (MovingOnMusc.co.uk or Belfast Welcome centre) Meilana Gillard is a contemporary jazz saxophonist, and composer. She has played and recorded with some of the most esteemed musicians in the industry and toured the world.

Not one for labels and limiting titles, Meilana continues to push the boundaries and conceptions of jazz, seamlessly integrating genres into her sound to create an exciting mix of textures and colours.

Spending the majority of her 20's in New York studying at the New School, she developed as a musician, playing with the likes of Charli Persip, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, The Diva Jazz Orchestra, and Christian McBride. During that time Meilana recorded her debut album "Day One" for Greg Osby's Inner Circle Music label. Now living in Belfast, Meilana has rooted herself in NI’s exciting jazz scene playing regularly and collaborating with the best of local talent.

"Surprisingly and delightfully, her tenor tone is close to that of Shorter, Stan Getz and even Dexter Gordon, owing less to the 1960′s Coltrane influence than many of her better known contemporaries."

"At its best, “Day One” provides ample proof that the prodigiously talented Meilana Gillard has not only done her homework, but is also a fresh face in the world of contemporary jazz."

Meilana's ballad "A Spirit Remembered" appears on the iTunes Rising Stars of Jazz Compilation, featuring some of today's most noted new artists.

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Ellington in Anticipation [Mark Lockheart – saxophone, Liam Noble - piano, Finn Peters - alto sax, James Allsop clarinets, Margrit Hassler - violin, Seb Rochford - drums, Tom Herbert – bass]

THURS 21ST MAR THE MAC DOORS 9PM £12 (TheMAClive.com or +44 (0)28 9023 5053) If saxophonist/composer Mark Lockheart had a motto, it would surely be, ‘Do different things and do things differently’. Everything Lockheart has done in his career has had the stamp of individuality and been marked by a determination to plot his own course, and the boldness of this new project inspired by the music of Duke Ellington, reinforces that.

Taking many of Ellington’s most revered compositions such as Satin Doll, Mood Indigo, Take The A Train, It Don’t Mean A Thing and Creole Love Call, Mark has deconstructed and arranged these characterful melodies into a fascinating set of new music, rich in orchestration and concept and entirely respectful to the beauty of Ellington’s original creations.

Featuring some of the most exciting and original musicians in the UK, this is a unique and radical project, beautifully combining the old with the new.

This all star seven- piece group includes Mark Lockheart (saxophone- Parliamentary Jazz Musician of the year 2010, Loose Tubes, Polar Bear etc ) Seb Rochford (drums) Liam Noble (piano) Tom Herbert (bass) Finn Peters (alto sax), James Allsop (clarinets) and Margrit Hassler (violin) "With a huge stylistic and emotional range, Lockheart's music is contemporary and compelling". Mojo "A powerful set of contemporary jazz, his spacious improvising is a refreshing antidote to many tenor players exploring Coltrane vocabulary." Time Out "…Lockheart creates the most inviting musical landscapes alive with fresh bright instrumental combinations and harmonies" The Observer -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

David Lyttle & Interlude [David Lyttle – drums, Rhea – vocals, Anne Lyttle – vocals, Homecut – rap/vocals, Jason Rebello – piano, Keith Duffy – bass]

FRI 22ND MARCH BLACK BOX DOORS 9PM £10 (MovingOnMusc.co.uk or Belfast Welcome centre) David Lyttle began performing at the age of four in his family folk group and has since been described by Irish music magazine Hot Press as a 'one-man industry' for his work as a musician, producer and record label owner.

A household name in Irish jazz, his groups have featured US icons Greg Osby and Jean Toussaint, while his crossover album 'Interlude' is earning him recognition as a songwriter and urban producer.

First heard on BBC Radio 1's Introducing, the record features David on keyboards,

bass, drums, cello and vocals, with guests including Mercury-nominated Soweto Kinch, vocalist Rhea Lyttle, Jason Rebello (Sting) and Pino Palladino (D'Angelo).

Brought to millions through the Channel 4 / HMV album campaign, ‘Interlude’ was received with huge critical acclaim, with diverse airplay ranging from Jazz FM to KLUC Las Vegas.

Times have not been busier for David, recently securing a US management deal, a filled tour diary and the release of his label LYTE Records' twentieth album scheduled for early 2013. “extraordinary” – Time Out “incredible” – Daily Mirror “exceptional” – MOBO -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ronnie Greer Blues Trio [Ronnie Greer – guitar, John McCullough – keyboard, Gerry McWhinney – bass]

FRI 22ND MARCH BELFAST BARGE (BYO) DOORS 8PM £8 (MovingOnMusc.co.uk or Belfast Welcome Centre) Blues guitar legend Ronnie Greer has been at the centre of the blues music scene in Ireland for over 40 years, and has shared the stage with many of the leading names in the genre, including Dr John, Memphis Slim, and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, to name but a few.

The amalgamation of various blues and jazz influences form the basis of his distinctive style. Ronnie melds jazz inflections with hard-edged Chicago blues style guitar and has been critically acclaimed as world class.

The Brilliant Corners gig is an opportunity to hear Ronnie perform in an intimate trio setting, when he's joined by two outstanding musicians who complement his style perfectly in this format, namely keyboard wizard John McCullough and powerhouse bassist Gerry McWhinney.

"Ronnie Greer - the guitarist's guitarist" Belfast Telegraph "This is a magnificent band, of world class" Blues in Britain Magazine -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steve Davis' Human [Steve Devis – drums, Alex Bonney - trumpet, Dylan Bates – violin, Alexander Hawkins – piano]

FRI 22ND MARCH THE MAC DOORS 8PM £10 (TheMAClive.com or +44 (0)28 9023 5053) Human is the newly formed quartet (Steve Davis, Alex Bonney, Dylan Bates, Alexander Hawkins) put together by of local drummer Steve Davis.

Davis, who regularly collaborates with artists such as Evan Parker, Django Bates and Marc Ribot, and is one third of trio Bourne/Davis/Kane, originally wrote the music in 2011 for violin and trumpet, before adding drums and piano. Improvised sections combined with performance interaction are key to the sound of the group. Inspiration comes from early free jazz groups such as Cecil Taylor and Ornette Coleman, mingled with a contemporary slant all of its own.

The absence of a bass highlights some of the sonorities between drums and piano that can otherwise get lost. Davis’ strong compositional voice shines though, and there is a fluent sense of interplay within the group.

Human’s original sound and vibrant approach is a must see for any contemporary jazz fan.

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Arthur Kell Quartet [Arthur Kell – bass, Loren Stillman – saxophone, Brad Shepik - guitar, Mark Ferber – drums]

SAT 23RD MARCH BELFAST BARGE (BYO) DOORS 7PM £8 ((MovingOnMusc.co.uk or Belfast Welcome Centre) The Arthur Kell Quartet are in high demand, with 14 European tours over the past 8 years, including Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Madrid Jazz Festival and the Jazz & More Festival (Romania) we are delighted to have them at Brilliant Corners inaugural year.

Bassist-composer Arthur Kell fronts a crew of top-shelf improvisers teaming up with alto saxophonist Loren Stillman, guitarist Brad Shepik, drummer Mark Ferber on this captivating quartet outing. Performances hop from infectious, energy charged movements, to avant-groove-oriented Ornette Coleman style writing to intelligent moody and mysterious pieces.

Arthur Kell has emerged as one of the most original voices on today's New York jazz scene. His compositions, designed with strong melodies and open structures, keep the focus on group interaction and the impulse of the soloists. Arthur's ability to fit seamlessly into any musical context has made him much in demand as a sideman.

Working with Thomas Chapin, Bobbie Previte, Sam Newsome, Christian Howes, Jonathan Kreisberg, Art Baron, Matt Wilson, Bernard Purdie and Bill McHenry to name a few. “thoughtful compositions brought into a very liberated space, eschewing technical display in favour of subtle group interplay." Cormac Larkin, Irish Times "This is music beyond the chart; it is sentient art, challenging listeners with incongruent lines and exhilarating, exacting conversations. It is volatile, daring jazz."

Jordan Richardson, Blinded by Sound "Everything that modern jazz should be: vibrant, challenging music from a band so tight within its group dynamic and so confident in its individualistic chops that every movement is a lively step forward”. Jazz Improv Magazine ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

LIANE CARROLL [Liane Carroll – vocals/piano, James McMillan – trumpet]

SAT 23RD MARCH THE MAC DOORS 8.30PM £12 (TheMAClive.com or +44 (0)28 9023 5053) Singer, pianist and composer Liane Carroll is a legend of jazz with a career spanning over 20 years. Winner of Best Vocalist and the Best of Jazz Awards at the BBC Jazz Awards 2005 (the only person ever to win two awards in one year) and pretty much every British jazz award around in recent years including accolades at the British Jazz Awards, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Awards and The Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Liane is held with high esteem.

Liane Carroll has worked with everyone from Paul McCartney and Gerry Rafferty to the live ‘drum n bass outfit’ London Elektricity, but never straying too far from her beloved jazz. Whether it’s an intimate performance or a head-line appearance at Glastonbury, her performances are unforgettable.

The Brilliant Corners show will be performed with Grammy-nominated trumpeter/producer James McMillan, and promises a powerful yet intimate night, that will simultaneously tug on the heart-strings and tickle the funny-bone.

'Some musicians are talented, some brilliant and a few just seem to be made out of music. Liane Carroll is one of these. Every phrase she sings sounds unstudied, fresh and somehow inevitable' Dave Gelly, The Observer "Swinging like Hell one minute, brutally expressive and heart-breakingly tender the next... Utterly brilliant" Time Out. ‘Deeply soulful, wonderfully honest.’ The Times ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

DANA MASTERS AND THE MASTERS OF JAZZ [Dana Masters: Vocals, Meilana Gillard: Saxophone, Linley Hamilton: Trumpet, Scott Flannigan: Piano, Connor McCreanor: Bass, Steve Davis: Drums] SAT 23RD MARCH MC HUGH’S, BELFAST SHOW 5.30PM FREE ENTRY The all-star band features US vocalist Dana Masters and fellow American saxophonist Meilana Gillard, as they continue their residency at McHugh's Belfast.

The pair are joined by some of Northern Ireland’s best jazz musicians including drummer Steve Davis, pianist Scott Flanigan, bass player Connor McCreanor and trumpeter Linley Hamilton.

Performances include the best of jazz and popular tunes that have been given a treatment by the band.

The sextet performs every Saturday 5.30pm and entry is free. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Improvisation Workshops for Young People - Steve Davis Date: Saturday 23rd March Workshop Time: 2pm – 4pm

Informal performance: Venue:

4.15 - 4.30pm The Factory at The MAC

This workshop aims to get students improvising and creating new music in an ensemble setting. The session is open to instrumentalists of all levels aged, 1419yrs, with an interest in learning more about jazz and improvised music.

Advanced booking is essential as places are limited. Please call Moving on Music (028) 90148818 or email paula@movingonmusic.co.uk for further info and to reserve a place Schools Workshops Steve Davis will deliver workshops in secondary schools in Belfast during March in association with the Brilliant Corners Festival. The workshops aim to increase the practical music making skills of young people whatever their level of skill, through an enjoyable confidence building session. Contact Moving on Music for further information. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

For further information visit www.MovingOnMusic.co.uk WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPPORT OF Our funders – ACNI, BCC, PRSF, DSD Our venue partners - Black Box, the MAC, Belfast Barge, In Kind - The Ramada Encore, Canteen at The MAC, NI Pianos Our production partner – Wackiki wackiki.com