The 4th International Jarek Śmietana Jazz Guitar Competition took place in Kraków on 18-20 November 2021. The festival, directed by Witold Wnuk, is usually held in June to coincide with the Kraków […]
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Iver Cardas (Winner of the 4th International Jarek Śmietana Jazz Guitar Competition)
Iver Cardas (Norway) has just won First Prize in the 4th International Jarek Śmietana Jazz Guitar Competition in Kraków. Born in a small town north of Oslo, music is in Cardas’s blood: […]
Iver Cardas (Norway) Wins First Prize at International Jarek Śmietana Jazz Guitar Competition 2021
The winners of the 4th International Jarek Śmietana Jazz Guitar Competition in Kraków have been announced, writes Izzy Blankfield from Kraków: First prize: Iver Cardas (Norway) Second prize: Carl Morgan (Australia) Third […]
Finalists of the International Jarek Śmietana Jazz Guitar Competition announced
The finalists of the 4th International Jarek Śmietana Jazz Guitar Competition in Kraków have been announced. Of 16 semi-finalists, 7 players have been selected by the jury to perform in the final […]
Sara Schoenbeck (new album out 26 November)
Sara Schoenbeck’s new album of duos sees the New York-based bassoonist develop her musical voice in dialogue with friends and inspirations. ‘Sara Schoenbeck’ is released on 26 November. Feature by Izzy Blankfield. […]
Andrew Cartmel, Frank Griffith and Adam Sieff (new jazz radio shows)
Andrew Cartmel, Frank Griffith and Adam Sieff are three familiar names to LJN readers. All three have recently taken to the airwaves with their own jazz radio shows. Feature/ interviews by Izzy […]
Alex Western-King Sextet at the 606 Club
Alex Western-King Sextet (606 Club. 2 October 2021. Review by Izzy Blankfield) “Hold on to your seats!” tenor saxophonist Alex Western-King told the audience of the packed 606 Club before his Sextet […]
Adam Bałdych Quintet with Paolo Fresu – ‘Poetry’
Ten years after signing with the German ACT label, violinist Adam Bałdych is putting communication and emotion at the heart of his new album. ‘Poetry’ is released on 29 October. He talks […]
John Law’s Congregation – ‘CONFIGURATION’ (Album Launch 27 October)
A year and a half after its release in May 2020, John Law’s Congregation will be celebrating the launch of their new album CONFIGURATION next month at King’s Place. Feature by Jon […]
Ivo Neame Quartet with special guest Byron Wallen at Ronnie Scott’s
Ivo Neame Quartet with special guest Byron Wallen (Ronnie Scott’s. 23 September 2021. Review by Izzy Blankfield) In a set that brought together some of the best musicians on the UK jazz […]
‘Man of Words and Music – Shake Keane (Pt. II)’ (Vortex Jazz Club, 30 September)
Vortex Jazz Club presents a night of jazz and poetry with Man of Words & Music: Shake Keane (Pt. II). Izzy Blankfield writes: As part of Vortex Jazz Club’s series celebrating the […]
Birthday Wishes and Greetings for Norma Winstone at 80
Norma Winstone, one of the greatest jazz singers, celebrates her 80th birthday today, 23 September 2021. We invited friends, colleagues and fans to wish her a very happy birthday. Christine Allen: Norma […]
Helena Debono – new album ‘Right Here’
Singer Helena Debono’s new album ‘Right Here’ is out right now. She talks to Andrew Cartmel. Before I met Helena Debono to chat about her new album, I did a little bit […]
Tim Richards and MusicGurus – ‘Beginning Jazz Piano’ (interactive course of lessons)
Pianist and composer Tim Richards has been performing and composing for bands on the British jazz scene for well over 30 years. Parallel to the journey as a working musician has been […]
‘Extraordinary Artists’ (Online Course from Marie-Anne and Georgia Mancio, begins 17 September)
Singer-songwriter Georgia Mancio and art historian Marie-Anne Mancio explore the unexpected connections between artists, musicians and cultural innovators in an interactive online course. ‘Extraordinary Artists’ begins this Friday 17 September. Feature by […]