Upcoming Gigs

I was very excited to be invited as a delegate to this years Glasgow International Jazz Festival. The Scottish scene is thriving and I have to say with musicians like Ryan Quigley and the refreshing Dave Milligan leading the scene I was glad I took the invitation. Ryan who performed in a packed City Halls Recital Rooms was in fact one of the highlights of the weekend but not only Ryan there was also the young enterprising Alyn Cosker supporting the legend Bobby Watson in an acoustically beautiful Fruitmarket. Tom Bancroft joined Dave Milligan in the Ramsthorne for a quirky ultimate festival set which I have to say was a breeze with the festival's predominantly home-grown trad sound. The home-grown showcases were excellent and it was good to see them supported with the presence of Tamsin Mandelson (Scottish Arts Council) whose work I particularly admire for bringing the country's money to the right hands. In this respect I must also give praise to Ronnie Gurr who is working extremely hard with International Scottish showcases. With support like this Scottish up and coming talent will continue to thrive and explore the cutting-edge of Jazz..
The Glasgow International Jazz Festival programme was full of exceptional talent some of which I did not get to experience but of what I did get to hear, I was impressed. The after hours Jam Sessions at the City Inn were cool even Perry Lewis and his fellow Jazz Cotech dancers put in an appearance and shook a leg. Thanks to Jill Rogers, Cathie Rae and their crew we had an excellent time and I can't wait for next year.