World class jazz this weekend in Newton Stewart
25 Jun 24
by Nathon Jones
The inaugural Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival begins this weekend, running from 28th-30th June at The Vault Arts Centre, and it's another outstanding line-up of world class musicians and performing artists including the Matt Carmichael Band, Marianne McGregor Trio, Fraser Clark and Take Two.
Marianne McGregor
Matt Carmichael Band
Friday 28th June 2024 - 7:00pm - £15.00 (over 25) / £10.00 (12-25s)
CLICK HERE to book online
Heralded by BBC Music Magazine as 'a distinctive new voice in a crowded scene’, saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael continues to move from strength to strength and grow his reach globally with his powerfully emotive blend of Jazz and Folk music. He has performed throughout Europe at Celtic Connections, Ronnie Scott’s, Love Supreme, Bimhuis as well as being a guest soloist with the Grammy Award winning WDR Big Band in Germany were his music was arranged by Bob Mintzer.
Matt’s debut album ‘Where Will The River Flow’ was critically acclaimed, amassing over 5 Million streams and he was subsequently signed to the renowned Jazz label Edition Records who released his second album ‘Marram’ in October 2022. Some of the musicians Matt has collaborated with include Fergus McCreadie, Rob Luft, Bob Mintzer, WDR Big Band, corto.alto, Charlie Stewart, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Kathleen MacInness, Liv Andrea Hauge, Innes White, Juliette Lemoine, Kim Carnie and Rachel Sermanni.
For this very special performance Matt will be joined by Fergus McCreadie (piano), Ali Watson (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums).
Marianne McGregor Trio + Fraser Clark
Saturday 29th June - 7:00pm - £15.00 (over 25) / £10.00 (12-25s)
CLICK HERE to book online
Marianne McGregor
Marianne McGregor is a prominent new voice in the Scottish Jazz Scene. Highly acclaimed ‘Best Vocalist’ at the Scottish Jazz Awards 2021, McGregor continues to gain recognition for her powerful voice, improvising and original songs. Taking inspiration from her great jazz influencers, Marianne has a tone comparable to the likes of Amy Winehouse, an Ella-like freedom towards improvisation and captures phrasing and emotion with the power of Billie Holiday.
Following on from three big single releases in 2021, McGregor is now working towards releasing another original album, to follow her debut album ‘Good Morning Warning’ and second album of jazz covers ’Standards’, both albums are available on all digital listening platforms.
Fraser Clark
Born in Perth, 1983. Fraser studied piano for two years at what was then, the junior department of The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He attended Glasgow University in 2001 as a BMus student. Fraser has been working as a jazz and blues pianist for over 20 years and has played in R n B band Redfish and a Glasgow based jazz fusion band.
Since moving to Dumfries in 2009 Fraser has participated in musical groups such as the Dumfries Choral Society, his own chamber jazz ensemble and The Balliol Singers who premiered two of his works. In 2018 he received his first professional commission from The Ferio Saxophone Quartet in conjunction with the Absolute Classics Festival, which was performed at the Theatre Royal in Dumfries in 2019. He is a member of the Dumfries band The Hi Wasters.
Fraser has begun recording his debut solo jazz album. Upcoming performances include The Beattock Bash and Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival.
Take Two
Sunday 30th June 2024 - 2:30pm - £6.00 (over 25) / £4.50 (12-25s)
CLICK HERE to book online
Take Two are a new duo on the Scottish jazz scene, bringing together two talented performers who share a love for creative interpretations of mellow tunes, bringing fresh approaches to well-kent standards and a few surprises too!
Evelyn Laurie
An eclectic artist who draws inspiration from every corner of the music landscape, Evelyn Laurie has made a name in both domestic and international circles as a gifted singer and songwriter.
Known for her transcendent vocals and contemporary jazz stylings, Evelyn, who hails from Paisley, has been delighting audiences with her distinctive approach to well-known standards, wonderfully unconventional takes on non-jazz oriented tracks and her original compositions, in recent years.
With a clutch of critically acclaimed albums and single releases to her credit and worldwide radio play, praise for her includes:
“Fabulous” - Langtoun Jazz Festival
“Pitch perfect vocals” - Mill Magazine
“Distinctive voice, great presence…will go far” - BBC Radio
Official Website: www.evelynlaurie.com
Jan Winder
A talented multi-instrumentalist, Jan Winder has built a strong reputation as an accomplished pianist, composer and arranger.
While comfortable in a variety of genres, she has a natural affinity with jazz which allows her to provide innovative interpretations, both of its ‘standard’ repertoire and of tunes drawn from other musical categories.
An excellent collaborator, she revels in opportunities to work with singers and instrumentalists to create original sounds. Whilst loving all forms of live music, nowadays Jan leans increasingly towards the meditative qualities of Scandinavian jazz and the beautiful soundscape evoked by the nature and scenery of her Galloway home.
Further Information
Candy Opera gig rescheduled
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to reschedule the Candy Opera gig, due to take place this Saturday 21st September, to a later date - most likely April 2025. We'd like to thank Candy Opera for being so accommodating, at this tricky time, and very much look forward to next year!
18 Sep 24
Nathon Jones
July Open Mic Night Cancelled
Due to staffing issues, we regret to announce that the Open Mic night scheduled for Friday 19th July has had to be cancelled.
19 Jul 24
Nathon Jones
In other news...
