Jazz Folk World & Roots Jan - Apr 16

JANUARY – APRIL 2016

WHAT’S ON JAZZ FOLK WORLD & ROOTS

JAZZ FOLK WORLD & ROOTS AT TOWN HALL SYMPHONY HALL How To Reach Us Town Hall is located in Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ. Symphony Hall is located within the International Convention Centre on Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA. ©Mike Gutteridge

How To BOOK

BY PHONE Online: www.thsh.co.uk Town Hall Box Office is open two hours before the start time of a performance.

Symphony Hall Box Office, in the ICC, is open 10am – 6pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm – 4pm on Sunday.

Funded by

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discounts

Discounts are available for some concert performances, please check online or on 0121 780 3333.

public tours

Box office: 0121 780 3333

in person

For further information visit www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit

©Mike Gutteridge

Take a tour of our stunning auditoriums and glimpse inside the inner workings of these world-famous venues.

The THSH Tours are generously sponsored by History West Midlands.

For more information, dates and to make a booking on a public tour visit www.thsh.co.uk/tour-dates/public-tours For information about Private tour bookings email education@thsh.co.uk

Town Hall renovation also funded by

Jazzlines is supported by:

-2 ans 16 f c i s u s For m ent d u t &s

s 5 year

Sink your teeth into live music for less Sign up for free at www.thsh.co.uk/soundbite

©Andy Hughes

DON’T MISS OUT Get all the latest news by signing up at www.thsh.co.uk/register Follow us Town Hall Symphony Hall @THSHBirmingham townhallsymphonyhall thsh_birmingham

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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Jazzlines

Jazzlines

TROPE PLUS SUPPORT FROM DISTRICTS

The Story of Ronnie Scott’s

Thursday 14 January 8.30pm hare & HOUNDS

Saturday 23 January 8pm Town Hall

Jumping between soul, jazz & hip-hop, Trope made their debut in Summer 2014 at Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival playing their own take on the music of Stevie Wonder. The following year saw them collaborate with Young Pilgrims, perform at the Rich Mix Youth Takeover in London and support New York based pianist Kris Bowers (Kanye West, Jay Z, Marcus Miller).

A jazz ramble through the extraordinary history of the most famous jazz joint in the world, with tales of police raids, drunks, gangsters, the mystery bottle of champagne, Ronnie’s Jokes, and, of course, the Birmingham years – the tears, the laughs, the missing money... With full screen projection the house band from this Soho Jazz institution takes the audience through a potted history of the club, now in its 57th year.

Recently they have been in the studio working hard on recording their debut EP of original music Butterflies & Dragons. A melting pot of influences reaching as far wide as rock, funk and classical music, the EP is narrated by a string quartet throughout and also features guest performances from brass vibe powerhouse Young Pilgrims and incredible UK saxophonist Joe Wright.

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James Pearson Piano Sam Burgess Bass Alex Garnett Sax Freddie Gavita Trumpet Chris Higginbottom Drums

Jazzlines Malija Friday 29 January 8pm CBSO CENTRE All highly respected and innovative bandleaders in their own right, this all-star trio brings together three of the most exciting jazz musicians/composers in the UK. Featuring original material by all three members, the trio’s diverse influences include bluegrass, tango and old-fashion jungle grooves. Their first collaboration was back in 2009, when the three musicians recorded and toured with Mark Lockheart’s acclaimed album In Deep, a record that brought these together as part of a quintet, the most logical and natural next step.

Collectively performed and recorded with: Kenny Wheeler, John Pattitucci, Mark Anthony Turnage, Polar Bear, Django Bates, Norma Winstone, Peter Erskine, Larry Grenadier, June Tabor, Thomas Dolby, Andrew Manze, Mark Guiliana and Radiohead.

Mark Lockheart Saxophones Liam Noble Piano Jasper Høiby Bass

©John MacKinnon

Transatlantic sessions Tuesday 2 february 7.30pm symphony hall Back by popular demand, from the award-winning Pelicula/BBC TV series, Transatlantic Sessions continue to revisit shared roots and forge new common ground between today’s finest Celtic and Americana musicians, transforming the Symphony Hall stage into the back porch of your dreams.

The project’s founding musical directors, dobro genius Jerry Douglas and Shetland fiddle icon Aly Bain, lead the customary superleague backing line-up, including Phil Cunningham, John Doyle, Danny Thompson, Michael McGoldrick, Russ Barenberg, John McCusker, Donald Shaw and James Mackintosh. All of whom will be accompanying some very special guests, such as, Rhiannon Giddens (Carolina Chocolate Drops), Karen Matheson, Cara Dillon, The Milk Carton Kids and Joe Newberry.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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Jazzlines

runrig – the story

Chapter 100 Hundred and a Dream – Emilia Mårtennson, Janez Dovc and Adriano Adewale

Thursday 18 february 7.30pm symphony hall

PLUS SUPPORT

Friday 12 february 8pm glee club Swedish Vocalist Emilia Martensson, Slovenian accordion player Janez Dovc and Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale weave together three different folkloric cultures. They explore the breadth and depth of storytelling from each country and the different approaches to musical form and texture. Using traditional instrumentation, as well as electronics they bring together their individual musical heritage experiences with those of their various musical endeavours.

Supported by PRSF as part of the Women Make Music scheme.

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PLUS SUPPORT

After a touring absence of 18 months, Runrig are ready to take to the road again to celebrate the release of their 14th studio album, The Story.

“After two years of writing and recording the new album, we can’t wait to get out in front of live audiences once again and share what for us has been a truly special project. This album reflects on the band’s cultural and musical journey and is particularly poignant following our 40th Anniversary celebrations.” – Brian Hurren (Runrig)

Jazzlines

©Alex Bonney

vula viel thursday 25 february 8.30pm hare & HOUNDS Vula Viel (vʊ’la vi:’ɛl) means Good is Good in Dagaare, the language of the tribe in Upper West Ghana where Bex Burch lived, farmed and studied for three years. Now it is the name of her group featuring the best of London’s young music talent: Dan Nicholls (bass synth/keys), George Crowley (sax), two drummers Simon Roth and Dave De Rose, and vibes players Jim Hart and Stephen Burke. Their intensely rhythmic music is an engaging mix of African, electronica and minimalist influences.

Based around the Gyil (the Dagaare xylophone made of sacred lliga wood) Vula Viel brings the powerful ancient Dagaare music into the 21st Century and the resulting music will engage, entrance and excite your soul. Good is Good is their debut album and they sound like nothing you’ve ever heard before.

fairport convention uk wintour 2016 sunday 6 march 7.30pm Town Hall Fairport Convention has been making great music for nearly fifty years. Credited with originating the British folk-rock genre, the band has been through many changes but the current members retain a passion for live performance.

British Sea Power – Sea of Brass

This year’s Winter Tour will feature a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and new material from their most recent studio album Myths and Heroes which was released in 2015.

The concerts will also feature an opening performance by Brighouse-based singer-songwriter Roger Davies whose quirky and entertaining songs reflect his love of Yorkshire and its people.

“Impressive musicians with a great back catalogue... (they) take chances and clearly enjoy themselves.” – The Guardian

saturday 27 February 7.30pm Town Hall Bearing the banner Sea of Brass, British Sea Power will be performing at Town Hall accompanied by a leading championship brass band. The concerts will marry the unique sound of British Sea Power’s finely crafted songscapes with the evocative strains of the brass band in a compelling crossfertilisation of musical cultures.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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Jazzlines Tord Gustavsen: Hymns and Visions with Simin Tander and Jarle Vespestad Friday 11 march 8pm CBSO CENTRE We are delighted to welcome Norwegian jazz pioneer Tord Gustavsen with an exciting new project Hymns & Visions which features Tord (piano, electronics), Simin Tander (vocals), Jarle Vespestad (drums) and Daniel Wold (sound design).

For his upcoming album on ECM Records, Tord Gustavsen turns his attention to interpretations of ancient Norwegian hymns.

The ensemble will also play new compositions by Tord based on English translations of Sufi poetry, as well as instrumental music.

For the first time on stage, Tord will use subtle live electronics to add depth and new layers to the sensual minimalist of his work alongside Simin’s warm and vibrant vocal art.

Jazzlines hans koller Quartet with BCMG saturday 12 march 8pm CBSO CENTRE Pianist and composer Hans Koller draws together the worlds of contemporary classical and jazz for the premiere of his new Jazzlines commission, Twelve Re-inventions for George Russell, written for an ensemble combining his stunning jazz quartet with six virtuosic players from Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. Following this premiere Hans will perform a set with his quartet.

There will be a free pre-concert talk from 7-7.30pm with Hans Koller and John O’Gallagher. Open to all ticket holders.

Please stay after the concert for a post-event album release party until 11pm in the CBSO Centre foyer.

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nathan carter plus sUPPORT

sunday 13 march 7.30pm Town Hall Music sensation Nathan Carter, has become a huge attraction on the Irish music scene, bringing a whole new generation of fans of all ages to country music. Since 2009 he has captivated audiences all over Ireland, the UK and beyond.

Nathan has recorded five albums; Starting Out, The Way You Love Me, Time Of My Life, Wagon Wheel, and his latest release Where I Wanna Be, which reached the highly coveted No 1 position in the Irish Album Charts. In doing so, Nathan became the first country act to reach number one in over six years.

Featuring a superb six piece band, stage set and light show, this promises to be a spectacular show.

Jazzlines

satinder sartaaj

Gwyneth Herbert

saturday 2 april 7.30pm symphony hall

plus sUPPORT

friday 18 march 8pm GLEE CLUB

We are pleased to welcome the poet and singer Satinder Sartaaj with his live 2016 UK tour to Symphony Hall!

Satinder Sartaaj is an outstanding poet and singer from India.

He has mesmerised audiences across the world with sell out tours. From performing at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall to crowds of over 50,000 people in India this amazing talent is set to grace the majestic stage and host an intimate Mehfil in the stunning backdrop of Symphony Hall.

Tickets are expected to sell out fast – buy early!

Gwyneth Herbert is a strikingly original performer, awardwinning composer and lyricist and versatile musical adventurer who continues to redefine and challenge expectations.

She has seen her musical, co-written with celebrated playwright Diane Samuels, open at the Southwark Playhouse, recorded a new run of BBC Radio 4’s Playlist Series and recently spent a month in Kenya collecting lullabies, sharing songs in slum schools and staging multi-tribe storytelling happenings under the Mombasa stars.

She performs on ukulele, melodica and cheese-grater alongside boy-wunderkind pianist Ned Cartwright... Expect tales of jaded seaside hotels, East End vagrants, loves and losses and drips and drips and the occasional Swahili nursery rhyme.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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The Necks and James McVinnie (organ) Music by Squarepusher, Philip Glass and The Necks performed on Birmingham Town Hall’s magnificent organ

Tuesday 5 April 7.30pm Town Hall The Necks are one of the great cult bands of Australia. Part of their 30th anniversary season, this concert brings pianist Chris Abrahams out from behind the piano as the trio explore the powerful, intricate and varied sonorities of the Town Hall’s splendid organ.

Previously Assistant Organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, James McVinnie is fast becoming the country’s leading performer of new organ music. As a member of the Bedroom Community label collective, his boundless approach has led him to collaborate with some of the world’s leading artists including Nico Muhly, Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire), Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) and Bryce Dessner (The National).

He will play a specially commissioned score by electronic artist Squarepusher (Warp Records) which echoes the fast, cut-up beats and synth lines for which he is so well known, interlaced with expansive classical influences and electronics. The programme will also include two of Philip Glass’s most emblematic organ pieces which are rarely heard live on instruments of this scale.

Produced by No-Nation

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bellowhead – that’s all folks! thursday 14 april Doors at 7pm symphony hall It’s been an incredible journey for Bellowhead and at the end of an 11 year career, they’re going out with a bang.

“We will be performing a two-part farewell tour to give Bellowhead the send-off it deserves. We are all looking forward to the remaining gigs and intend to make them our best shows yet, so we hope you can come along for the party. We hope you will not be too upset with us for calling time on the band. Of course Bellowhead would have been nothing without the support of our amazing fans over the last decade. We are all incredibly grateful to you for coming with us on this journey and want to thank you all for being part of the story!” – Bellowhead

©David Angel

gregory porter sunday 24 april 7.30pm symphony hall Grammy Award-winning jazz/soul singing sensation Gregory Porter, is proud to be concluding his latest tour at Symphony Hall. He continues to perform to sell out audiences across the world and has achieved international recognition and acclaim with his Grammy winning selling album Liquid Spirit.

Limited Availability

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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imagined isle A folk festival of the imagination

Featuring a curated line-up of nationally and internationally renowned artists alongside profiling local and emerging talent, Imagined Isle brings a unique voice and sound to the heart of this great island. Join us for an unforgettable weekend of music from folk origins that will capture hearts and imaginations, whether you’re looking for that musician you’ve never heard of, or checking out your favourite artist, there is something for everyone.

Emily Portman and The Coracle Band plus The Furrow Collective, Rachel Newton & Alasdair Roberts Plus Support, Katherine Priddy

friday 13 may 7.30pm Town Hall In May Emily Portman will be touring with The Coracle Band, a stellar cast of musicians who featured on the studio album, now brought together to recreate Coracle in an ambitious live show. Joining Emily’s celebrated and longstanding collaborators Lucy Farrell (viola, saw, voice) and Rachel Newton (harp and voice). The Coracle Band features virtuosic string player Sam Sweeney (Bellowhead, BBC Folk Musician of the Year 2015) guitarist M G Boulter (Lucky Strikes) and classical percussionist Toby Kearney (2006 BBC Young Musician of the year). With support from Katherine Priddy.

©Elly Lucas

kate rusby

Plus support from boat to row

saturday 14 may 7.30pm Town Hall A remarkable interpretive singer, Kate’s soulful vocals resonate with the wistful beauty of an earthbound angel.

Inhabiting a lyric with unforced conviction – no matter how old or how modern – she has that rare ability to transport her audience, of touching them emotionally and making each tune live vividly within their experience and imagination. It’s a precious gift attained not by resource to decibel blasting or histrionics but through simplicity, understatement and faith in the narrative drive of the songs she chooses to sing.

With support from Birmingham’s own Boat to Row. 12

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Explores the Cecil Sharp Songbook sunday 15 may 3pm Town Hall The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain combines popular musical traditions of England and America, travelling the world with their ultra-portable ukuleles. In this show, they remember Cecil Sharp, the collector who travelled extensively in England and America finding songs during the early 20th century. With his material they bring key ingredients of folk and pop music into focus, and tradition up to date.

In this show you’ll encounter stomping tracks and tear jerking ballads – the origins of today’s popular music, from English dance music to dust kicking Americana – all explored with the customary light hearted showmanship of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

future folk featuring dan walsh, josienne clarke & ben walker and false lights sunday 15 may 8pm Town Hall Future Folk Featuring the best rising talent and those at the progressive forefront of British folk music in a unique evening created in partnership with EFDSS especially for Imagined Isle 2016.

Dan Walsh Touted as one of the finest banjo players in the UK as well as being a superb singer, songwriter and guitarist, Dan Walsh is described as “the real deal” – UNCUT. He now has three critically acclaimed solo albums with new album Incidents and Accidents lauded as “absolutely terrific” by Mark Radcliffe on BBC Radio 2.

Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker To win the Best Duo category at the 2015 BBC Folk Awards is quite an achievement at any stage of an artists’ career. But just two years prior to this accolade Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker were virtually unknown on the folk scene (or any other, for that matter). So their success is quite remarkable.

Eric Bibb monday 16 may 7.30pm Town Hall Eric Bibb will be performing with his band at Town Hall as part the Lead Belly’s Gold album tour. Fans will again experience a soulful and uplifting evening. Be sure of it!

“I’m really looking forward to playing again in the UK and Ireland... and we’ll be playing a lot of new and old favourites too!” – Eric Bibb

The way this duo inhabit songs that are centuries old, making them personal and present again, and their gift for pricking the heart with tales of everyday love and loss makes the music of Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker a rare and precious thing, and not to be missed.

False Lights False Lights are a folk rock group, formed in the spirit of the genre’s late ’60s originators but informed by the music of Sam and Jim’s far more recent youth. It felt to them that no one had updated the template. False Lights owe as much to Radiohead as they do to Fairport Convention.

In partnership with EFDSS

More shows will be announced in the new year, so watch this space!

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something for

all the family Dinosaur zoo meet the t-rex!

Saturday 13 February 1pm & 3.30pm & Sunday 14 February 11am & 2pm Town Hall Calling all dino lovers... Come and see the best live dinosaurs in town as Dinosaur Zoo brings its cast of awesome prehistoric creatures to life as you’ve never seen them before – up close and personal!

Now introducing the Tyrannosaurus Rex on stage!

How the Lion Became King of Tinga Tinga Land friday 1 april 2pm & saturday 2 april 11am Town Hall A new children’s stage show from the creator of Tweenies How The Lion Became King Of Tinga Tinga Land, is a funpacked performance that will transport children and their families to a adventure on the African Plain.

A high-octane story full of music, puppetry, and lots of song and dance to join in with, mixing classic nursery rhymes with traditional East African folktales from the animals of the African plains. Definitely not to be missed!

Suitable for ages 3+

Relaxed Performance Saturday 2 April 3pm With chill-out zones and less formal atmosphere, relaxed performances are open to all, and designed specifically for people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, a learning disability or sensory and communication disorder.

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accessibility Facilities for disabled patrons 0121 780 4949 Minicom line 0121 644 6140 Facilities for disabled patrons Wheelchair users and disabled patrons receive discounts on selected shows. For information on facilities for disabled patrons please call 0121 780 4949 / Minicom line 0121 644 6140 or visit www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/

This guide is available free of charge on CD or Braille (on request) from Sarah Barnett, Vista Sound Services, 2 Rutland Close, Leicester, Forest East, LE3 3PW. Tel: 0116 2498810 Email: sarah.barnett@vistablind.org.uk Data Protection Once you have booked tickets all your contact details will be held and processed on our Box office marketing database and from time to time we may send you information about Town Hall and Symphony Hall and the programme of events and activities using any one of the contact methods you have provided. Other arts organisations and companies carefully selected by Performances Birmingham may also be interested in sending you information on events and products they think will be of interest. If you do not want your details to be passed to another organisation please tell us at the time of booking. (Data Protection Act (1998). Registration No X3281 12 8.)

Disclaimer Information and prices in this guide were correct at the time of going to press and published in good faith. Unforeseen circumstances, however, may result in changes to the published programme or named artists; please check prior to booking. The timings given for each piece are for guidance and may vary in performance. Performances Birmingham Limited - a Company controlled by Birmingham City Council - is a Registered Charity No 1053937. Registered in England No 3169600. Performances Birmingham Limited. Registered Office: Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, UK, B1 2EA. Image Credits (Front Cover) The Story of Ronnie Scott’s, Nathan Carter, Tord Gustavsen, Hans Koller, Gregory Porter, Malija, Macio, Vula Viel Š Alex Bonnie, Jack Jones.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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YOU MAY ALSO LIKE chris hadfield tuesday 19 january 7.30pm symphony hall “Good morning, Earth”... That is how Col. Chris Hadfield – writing on Twitter – woke up the world every day while living aboard the International Space station for over five months.

The 21st Century’s most famous astronaut, Colonel Chris Hadfield makes a rare visit to Birmingham in January.

‘An Evening with Colonel Chris Hadfield’ is a unique 90 minute presentation by this Canadian pioneer reflecting on his 35 year history as a military pilot and astronaut.

survival season banff mountain film festival saturday 5 march 2.30pm & 7.30pm Town Hall Experience an extraordinary collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival. Follow the expeditions of some of today’s most incredible adventurers, see amazing footage of adrenaline packed action sports and be inspired by thought-provoking pieces shot from the far flung corners of the globe.

This year there are two film programmes that will ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel. For double the adventure come along to the matinee and evening shows for two entirely different film programmes. This is an inspiring day of exciting events, exhilarating film with lots of free prize giveaways that is not to be missed!

Suitable for ages 12+ (if under 12 they must be accompanied by an adult)

jack jones: jack sings frank sinatra friday 5 february 7.30pm Town Hall Double Grammy-winning, easy listening giant, Jack Jones, returns to Town Hall! His consistently sold-out world tours and fifty recorded albums are a testimony to the breadth and quality of his remarkable talent. In Jack Sings Frank, Jack lets us wander through the life of Frank Sinatra, with the music and the stories depicting Jack’s encounters with his friend over the years.

survival season Ray Mears: Tales of Endurance – stories to Inspire saturday 12 march 7.30pm Town Hall Have you ever wondered how you might cope faced by seemingly impossible odds? In this heart stirring presentation be prepared to be shocked, amazed and inspired to succeed by the stories of our fellow human beings and the incredible circumstances they have overcome. Through carefully selected stories Ray explores what makes a survivor. In an uncertain world this could be the most important evening of your life.