Wednesday 4th March

Dave Holland presents Conservatoire Under-graduate bands

Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire

7.45pm

£5.00 ( £3 Birmingham Jazz members)

Visiting Artists in Residence Dave Holland returns for his second visit of the academic year. Dave will also be presenting the gig where two ensembles studying on the BMus Hons Jazz degree course that have been coached by Dave will be performing his music. This is a special date in the Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Departments calendar and a unique gig not to be missed!

Wednesday 11th March

Partisans

Recital Hall

Birmingham Conservatoire

8pm

£8 (£6 members and concessions

Central Library Box Office 0121-303-2323 and www.birminghamboxoffice.com

The focus is on this outstanding band throughout 2009 as Partisans continue their ‘band in residence’ project jointly devised by Birmingham Jazz and Birmingham Conservatoire. Fresh, energetic and original while remaining in a contemporary jazz mainstream, Partisans are a leading force in British Jazz. Julian Siegel (saxophones) and Phil Robson (guitar) frontline; with Thad Kelly, bass and Gene Calderazzo on drums.

Saturday 14th March

Grand Pianoramax

Hare & Hounds

Kings Heath

8pm

£8 Birmingham Jazz members or if pre-booked through www.theticketsellers.co.uk

or £10 on the door

www.leotardin.com

When Leo Tardin steps behind the keyboards and becomes Grand Pianoramax he moves like a subterranean silhouette reminiscent of a familiar, unassuming young man with a trim haircut and dark-rimmed glasses who discreetly dons a Superman outfit!  The winner of the first Montreux Jazz Festival International Piano Solo Competition is joined by maverick lyricist Mike Ladd on vocals and Dominic Burkhalter on drums.  Our last session at the Hare & Hounds sold out so book early to avoid disappointment.

Wednesday 18th March

Lionel Louke Trio

Glee Club

Doors open at 7.30pm

£11 ( £9 advance tickets and Birmingham Jazz members)

Box Office 0871 472 0400 www.glee.co.uk

The link between the music of West Africa and jazz is undeniable. But unlike most musical migrants, Loueke is making the leap from the east to the west side of the Atlantic. A guitarist and vocalist from Benin, his joyful, high-life inspired style has brought him a Rising Star award from Downbeat and a sideman booking with Herbie Hancock and Terence Blanchard. The Studio is a perfect intimate setting for his trio, but spaces are limited, so book early.

Tuesday 24th March

Chris Bowden and the Tomorrow Band

The Jam House

9:30pm

Free Entry

Chris needs little introduction for those in the know.  His sax playing is a regular feature around Birmingham and indeed the nationally.  This powerful trio features local stalwarts Neil Bullock on drums and Ben Markland on Bass.  Their music is “a heady mix of 21st century originals with a reinterpretation of standard repertoire, given the minimalist treatment” according to the band’s Myspace.  All you need to know is that this is the perfect opportunity to see three of our city’s finest musicians free of charge.

www.myspace.com/chrisbowdendoesrehab

Wednesday 25th March

Zappajazz

Jazz Club at The Rainbow

8.30pm , band on at 9.00pm

£3.00

Led by recent Birmingham Conservatoire graduate Aaron Diaz,  Zappajazz is a highly original homeage to the one and only Frank Zappa.  The band plays arrangements of Zappa tunes as well as original compositions.  It’s worth pointing out that you don’t need to be a fan of Mr Zappa’s work to appreciate this fine band, which features an extensive line-up of some of Birmingham’s emerging talent. Recordings of their tunes can be found at myspace.com/zappajazz and this gig will be recorded and uploaded to the Birmingham Jazz website for your listening pleasure.

www.myspace.com/zappajazz