Like other jazz musicians around the world, saxophonist Alex Woods, guitarist Sam Slater and bassist Chris Mapp have been adapting to the new world order. Their solution is Around The Houses, an online ‘festival’ each Sunday. Peter Bacon reports:

The first month went well. April’s five days which included performances by Trish Clowes, Sara Colman, Soweto Kinch, Laura Jurd and Elliot Galvin raised £2000. May’s programme began yesterday.

Sam Slater explained:

“With people tuning in from over 30 countries worldwide watching in excess of 20,000 streams of the first set of gigs, the May line-up features much admired vibraphonist Jim Hart, compelling singer-songwriter Julia Biel, experimental drummer Mark Sanders and dynamic Brazilian percussionist Adriano Adewale.

“Mid-afternoon and evening performances follow morning shows especially for children and families, with the main programme featuring a mix of national artists and brilliant young musicians from the thriving Birmingham scene, home to Stoney Lane Records. Saxophonist Alicia Gardener-Trejo, pianist Dave Ferris and bassist James Banner join the line-up from the city, with award-winning classical harpist Elizabeth Bass completing the May schedule.”

Tony Dudley-Evans, whose TDE Promotions is one of the financial backers of the project, said: “I do feel that these events have something unique to offer. Many have been performances of a type promoters would rarely contemplate putting on in a live context… some really special and unique performances… much to offer the music scene beyond the lockdown.”

Around The Houses’ May line-up (Photo-montage supplied)

Still to come in May are:

Sunday 17 May: 
1100 Family Show – Laura The Musical Explorer
; 1400 Dave Ferris
; 1930 Jim Hart.

Sunday 24 May: 
1100 Family Show – Allegro Dance Academy
; 1400 Elizabeth Bass; 
1930 Adriano Adewale.

Sunday 31 May
: 1100 Family Show – MC Porridge Kids Rave
; 1400 Alicia Gardener-Trejo; 
1930 Mark Sanders.

There is also a new festival podcast series interviewing musicians and figures from the jazz world. Following on from Tony Dudley-Evans, trumpeter Yazz Ahmed will play and talk about the music that has played an important part in her life.

Around The Houses is produced by saxophonist Alex Woods, guitarist Sam Slater (Stoney Lane Records) and bassist Chris Mapp, and generously supported by TDE Promotions and Spofforth. In May and June, all contributions raised from performances will go directly to all musicians performing. The June programme will be released in late May.

Further information and links:

* http://www.aroundthehouses.net
* https://www.facebook.com/aroundthehousesfestival/videos
* https://www.jazzwise.com/news/article/soweto-kinch-yazz-ahmed-and-elliot-galvin-for-around-the-houses-online-jazz-festival
* https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/
* https://www.mixcloud.com/stoneylane/around-the-houses-podcast-1-tony-dudley-evans-april-2020/
* http://www.stoneylane.net