RIGHT ON! returns - Saturday 17th February, 2018

RIGHT ON! @ Hanway Social - Saturday 17th February

After more than 10 years' absence, London's much-missed vintage black music club night returns next month for a one-off 15th anniversary dance. Back in the West End where it all started, the night's new venue is an authentic old-school basement club with late-night bar and separate dancefloor. Expect nothing but the best vintage sounds from the all-star DJ line-up, which features some of the UK's top selectors:

JEAN-PAUL SÉCULAIRE (Right On!),
MARK NORTON (Gene Drayton Unit / The Fantastics),
TEXAS RANGER (Unique Radio / Trojan Explosion / Heritage Inn),
NATTY BO (Gaz's Rockin' Blues / Ska Cubano / Top Cats),
and the mighty GLADDY WAX (Notting Hill Carnival / Wax Unlimited).

DOORS: 9pm - 2am
ADMISSION: £10
VENUE: Hanway Social (basement)
ADDRESS: 20 Hanway Street, London, W1T 1UG
NEAREST TUBE: Tottenham Court Road

For more information visit www.right-on.org

Gilles Peterson & Patrick Forge at Dingwalls - Sunday 24th November 2013

Gilles Peterson and Patrick Forge return to Dingwalls on 24th November for their annual Talkin' Loud & Sayin' Something Sunday Afternoon jazz dance reunion. Tickets go on sale from 9am on Monday 30th September. The advice is to buy as soon as possible as tickets quickly sell out in advance.

For tickets and more details visit:
http://www.dingwalls.com/listings/events/24-nov-13-another-sunday-afternoon-at-dingwalls-dingwalls/

Gilles Peterson at Shiftless Shuffle - Sunday 21 October 2012

Message from the JazzCotech Dancers...

We have done it again! Shiftless Shuffle on Sunday 21st October at East Village features a one-off and exclusive collaboration of 3 of the most legendary DJs on the UK Jazz Dance scene: Gilles Peterson, Colin Parnell & Boo, famed for their respective sessions at Horseshoe, Electric Ballroom and of course Dingwalls. This is the first ever time they are united behind the decks and because of this, we have extended the session to run from 2pm until 8pm.

Shiftless Shuffle, now in its 12th year, is the brainchild of Perry Louis, founder of JazzCotech Dancers. The afternoon starts at 2pm with a 1 hour class in the specialist Street-Fusion Jazz Dance style From Funk to Fusion, taught only by JazzCotech. The class is open to Novices and experienced Dancers alike, providing the opportunity to learn from the masters themselves, including all of the rhythmical, intricate footwork and so-called drop moves that are iconic and exclusive to this style. The ensuing club session has people flocking to it from all corners of the UK, including some of the best and original Jazz Dancers the UK has to offer.

Billed as “the coolest thing to do in London on a Sunday” by Time Out, Shiftless Shuffle is THE place to hang out so why not join us to strut your stuff, take in the incredible music, or simply kick back with a drink or two and enjoy watching the many Dancers do their thing.

Shiftless Shuffle, Sunday 21st October @ East Village (Basement) 89 Gt Eastern Street. London EC2A 3HX. Old St / Liverpool St Tube/BR. Class at 2pm; Club Session 3pm - 8pm. £8:00

Hope to see many of you there!
JazzCotech Dancers
www.jazzcotech.com

Ghetto Lounge events - October / November

Saturday 15th October
Fela Kuti Birthday Tribute
@ The Jazz Cafe

This night will feature the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra who promise to perform "carefully re-orchestrated Fela favourites/classics". Their selection from Fela's repertoire aims to mark the changes and development in his music through the decades — from Koola Lobitos (highlife, jazz) through to Africa 70 (Afro funk) and Egypt 80 (Afro big-band sound, with longer, more intricate pieces). There will also be guest musicians on the night, paying their respects to Fela, plus DJ Koichi Sakai (Afrobeat Vibration) on the decks playing "memorable Afrobeat anthems".

The Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7PG
Doors: 7pm - 11pm
Admission: £17.50 advance, £22 on the door
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1f004658c1a9681e?camefrom=cfc_uk_mama_jazzcafe&brand=jazz_cafe

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Friday 11th November
Anthony Joseph album launch
@ The New Empowering Church

Inspired by some lines from the surrealist poet Ted Joans, "Rubber Orchestras" is Anthony Jospeh's third album with his Spasm Band. It has been produced by drummer and leader of The Heliocentrics, Malcolm Catto, and includes one track arranged and produced by 2 Tone legend Jerry Dammers (The Specials).

The opening words on the new album "The griot is the sound of universal culture" are key to understanding the universe of Anthony Joseph. Born in Trinidad but London-based for many years, Joseph has carved out a successful career writing and teaching poetry, as well as recording and performing with his band. His vocal influences include: Jimi Hendrix, Benjamin Zephaniah, Fela Kuti, Sly Stone and Gil Scott-Heron.

The new album, "Rubber Orchestras" (Heavenly Sweetness/Naïve) was released this month, and it will be followed by a new poetry collection of the same name in November by Salt Publishing.

Support on the 11th November comes from the Jon Speedy Band and DJs Jerry Dammers and Koichi Sakai.

The New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, London, E8 3RL
Doors: 9pm - 3am
Admission: £7 advance, £10 on the door
Tickets: http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?295428

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Saturday 26th November
Afrobeat Vibration 3rd Anniversary special
@ The New Empowering Church

Saturday 26th November is Afrobeat Vibration's final installment of 2011 and its 3rd Anniversary. As always, the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra will be playing authentic Afrobeat including Fela's classic tunes as well as original compositions. DJ support comes from Koichi Sakai.

The "Music is the Weapon" documentary film will be screened from 9pm-10pm and there will also be contests for the best Afrobeat dancer and best Kalakuta dresser as well as a Nigerian meal after the show.

The New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, London, E8 3RL
Doors: 9pm - late
Admission: £7 before 10pm, £10 thereafter

Tea time with Lil' Koko - 25 September

It's tea time! Nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, the Time For Tea vintage tearoom is the setting for a one-off afternoon tea with a difference. Your host for the day is the effervescent Kate Pieroudis (aka Lil' Koko) who promises a fine selection of cakes (including Lavender Cake, Oh-My Chocolate Cake, and scones) while her Italian friend Chiara serves up Crostata and Tiramisù (my favourite Italian dessert).

In between preparing the tea, DJ Lil' Koko (Ronnie Scott's, Nightjar) will also be spinning vinyl to get you dancing. And pianist Dom Pipkin will be stopping by from 6pm to tinkle the ivories too. Open from 2pm - 8pm. Free admission.

Time For Tea,
110 Shoreditch High Street,
London,
E1 6JN

Shiftless Shuffle 10th Anniversary - 19 June

Shiftless Shuffle, London's amazing jazz dance club session, celebrates its 10th Anniversary on Sunday 19th June.

Although this is a celebration, it will also sadly be the last one for a while as the club has to leave its present venue. So make sure you don't miss this one and help give the session the send-off it deserves. DJs for the night are: Perry Louis, Nick Hosier, Simon Mansell and Seymour Nurse.

Shiftless Shuffle 10th Anniversary Party
@ The O Bar (basement), 83-85 Wardour Street, Soho, W1D 6QE
5pm – 10.30pm (No dance class)
£6 before 6pm, £8 after

For more information visit www.jazzcotech.com/whatson.htm

The Top 5 London Albums of 2010

A little late with this, but here are my favourite five albums from 2010 recorded (partially or fully) by London-based artists:

1) The Filthy Six - The Filthy Six (Acid Jazz)

A near-perfect album in every way: from the excellent cover artwork to the all-important music within. The Filthy Six's blend of Hammond jazz, soul and funk has taken London's club scene by storm, and this album proves that their sound translates equally well onto disc. The match with Acid Jazz records was made in Heaven and kudos must also be given to the label for signing them up.

The long-player is entirely instrumental and the majority of the tracks are self-penned. Their cover version of the "Get Carter" theme, however, was also chosen as the debut 45rpm single from the album. The only track that didn't entirely work for me was their cover of Amy Winehouse's "Rehab", though the solos are good and it proves popular on dancefloors. To be honest, it's hard to pick a favourite track as the whole record is so strong, but I should give a mention to "Knockout". This original number was also released as the B-side of the aforementioned 45rpm. It's a real groove of a track and will definitely be featuring in my DJ sets.

If you like 1960s soul-jazz, Blue Note, the Hammond sound or are merely curious to hear one of the best young bands of the last 10 years, then you quite simply must own this album!

Available on vinyl, CD and download

2) Fire Walker - The Root Source (Freestyle)

A beautiful instrumental album from Andy Fairclough's Root Source - a seven-piece jazz outfit with something of a 1970s sound and a groove aimed firmly at the dancefloor. This is their second album and their best yet. Whilst most of the tracks on the album are originals, the highlight has to be Fairclough's inspired arrangement of the "Oompa Loompa Song" and "Pure Imagination" from the 1971 film version of "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory". So lovely and unexpected did I find the band's atmospheric treatment, that I had to keep playing these numbers over and over again!

The rest of the album is not quite as infectious as the "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Suite", but the last two tracks, "Echoes Of Your Past" and "Streams", certainly keep the quality just as high. The only complaint I can really make about the album as a whole is that there maybe isn't enough variation. However, it is a very strong release and The Root Source prove themselves to be another young group to keep your eyes (and ears) on!

Available on CD and download

3) Super Size - Prince Fatty (Mr Bongo)

This delightful reggae album from Brighton-based producer Prince Fatty features fantastic guest vocals from Jamaican legends Winston Francis and Little Roy (now based in London) as well as Horseman, Natty, Alcapone and Hollie Cook. Much of the material consists of cover versions - from the straightforward, such as Winston Francis's soulful take on Bruce Ruffin's "Dry Up Your Tears" which kicks off the album - to the more unusual, namely the dancehall reggae versions of hip-hop classics "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" and "Insane In The Brain". These two are definitely love-em or hate-em tracks, but Prince Fatty certainly deserves full marks for originality and to my ears these are vast improvements on the originals.

The aforementioned Winston Francis track and Little Roy's "Need Some Lovin" are definitely the best tracks here. Much of the rest of the album consists of dub, which doesn't work quite as well for me as the straight reggae tracks. Prince Fatty is without a doubt an excellent producer and has hired some phenomenal musicians and vocalists for this album, but King Tubby he is not.

The sound of the album is very clean and up-to-date, which at times is all that differentiates it from the music of the 1970s that it draws inspiration from. This is not a bad thing, though it may be something that divides opinion amongst reggae connoisseurs. Overall, however, "Super Size" is a sterling effort and proof that authentic soulful reggae can still be produced in the 21st Century.

NOTE: The album is available on vinyl as well as CD, but with fewer tracks. These "missing" tracks were released as 45rpms.

Available on vinyl, CD and download

4) Skalsa #1 - Skatroniks Jamaica (Skajam)

Whilst "Skalsa #1" was finished in 2009, it wasn't until 2010 that it got its official release - with the band performing the whole album live at the launch party at Camden's Jazz Cafe.

Skatroniks Jamaica were formed in 2003 and I had been waiting eagerly for this, their first album, since hearing them live on a number of occasions. At their early gigs they came across as a reincarnation of The Skatalites. Since then, some changes have occurred to their line-up, most notably with Bigga Morrison taking on the role of vocalist, producer, song writer and keyboard player. Whilst Bigga is not the strongest vocalist, he does prove himself to be a great songwriter and arranger. The 8-piece band is full of other talented musicians however, with mentions going to Jay Phelps on trumpet, Alan Weekes on guitar and Brian Edwards on Sax.

Although the album didn't quite live up to my expectations, it does still contain some amazing ska tunes in a Skatalites vein that make it well worth the money. "Forward Ever", "Flight To Ethiopia" and "Original Nubia" are destined to become floor-fillers and I plan to feature them heavily in my DJ sets. I also like the title track, though it has more of a straight Cuban rhythm than the ska-salsa hybrid that the name and lyrics imply. The sweet "Diurnal & Nocturnal" vocal ska track should also get a mention as a catchy and heartfelt love song.

The album is slightly let down by its production, use of sound effects and unnecessary vocal echo, but that shouldn't put you off. I can only hope that the band continues to play live and that we don't have to wait so long for their next release.

NOTE: It is already near-impossible to find this album on CD (which is a shame as the booklet contains some nice artwork and brief notes by Ernest Ranglin), but it can still be downloaded in MP3 format from Amazon.

Available on CD and download

5) Mambo Ska - Ska Cubano (Casinosounds)

Ska Cubano must surely be one of the most exciting live acts around at the moment. Their performances are full of energy and talent and seem to get better and better. Mambo Ska is the third studio album from the band and is good fun, though not as consistently strong as their previous two albums in my opinion. The production is very clean, but somehow seems to lose a little something. However, it is well worth picking up for "Pachito E Che", "Cumbia Del Monte" and "Mambo Ska" - the title track. That's not to say that the rest is just filler, but these are the stand out tracks for me.

"Pachito E Che" is a ska version of the Cuban song made famous by Beny More with Perez Prado. The vocals are provided by the talented Beny Billy (who no longer performs live with the band) and the group skillfully swing both the Jamaican and Cuban elements of the rhythm. This track was recorded as a straight ska instrumental in the 1960s by The Skatalites as "Latin Goes Ska", but here Ska Cubano give them a run for their money!

"Cumbia Del Monte" again features Beny Billy on vocals and is a pretty straight cover version of the classic cumbia track recorded in the 60s by a number of bands, including Carmen Rivero y su Conjunto. Ska Cubano proved on earlier albums that they can swing their cumbia numbers as well as, if not better than, their ska ones and this one ticks all the boxes.

"Mambo Ska" is an original by group leader Natty Bo, who also provides the vocals (probably his best on the album). It is a joyful sing-a-long number which beautifully sums up the concept behind Ska Cubano and their Jamaican-Cuban fusion (which, though not unique, arguably has no better exponents).

Available on CD and download

Greg Foat Group news

I've just got hold of a promo copy of the new EP from London-based jazz pianist, Greg Foat. Taken from his forthcoming album on Jazzman Records, Dark is the Sun (The Greg Foat Group - JMANCD/LP.041), the EP comes on limited edition 10" vinyl with a beautiful, psychedelic, hand-printed sleeve (unfortunately not featuring a track listing).

Side A is a lovely, atmospheric, harpsichord-led piece, but my favourite track is the first tune on the B-side - a jazz waltz that kicks off with a definite nod to Harold McNair's "The Hipster". The theme and use of choir also draw similarities with Jim Williams' and John Lunn's theme from Hotel Babylon, but the track comes across as homage rather than pastiche. The rhythm really swings and the melody progresses nicely. The 3rd track is basically a reprise of the previous one and again conjures up something else I've heard, that for the life of me I can't quite place at this moment in time.

In conclusion, the EP is a welcome addition to my record collection and I look forward to hearing the whole album (will try to get my hands on an advance copy before its release in April!)

For more information, and to listen to clips from the EP for yourself, visit: jazzmangerald.blogspot.com/2011/02/coming-soon-greg-foat-group-10-ep.html

You can also catch Greg Foat playing live every Tuesday from 10pm at The Experimental Cocktail Club, upstairs at 13 Gerrard Street in Chinatown (a venue that in its former, less-sophisticated guise as the Thirteen Club was once home to Right On!). Admission is free before 11pm and £5 after, but the door staff can be quite difficult, so be sure to tell them you are there to hear the jazz.

The return of Right On!

I am planning to relaunch my respected and much-missed vintage black music club night, Right On!, this year and am currently working on the website and online presence. To that end, I have just created a page for the club on popular social networking site, Facebook. If you would like to be kept informed of the club's relaunch via Facebook or would just like to show your support or network online with fellow fans, please join the page by following the link below and then clicking the "Like" button (you will need to be logged into Facebook).

www.facebook.com/pages/Right-On-promotions/148484661874417

Of course the best way to stay informed is to join the mailing list by emailing me at paul@right-on.org

It would also be much appreciated if you could help spread the word to fellow lovers of vintage black music. Let's bring the club back with a bang!

To find out more about Right On! check out www.right-on.org

London Maps from Herb Lester Associates

Back in July 2010, I wrote about the excellent You Are Here map from Herb Lester Associates and mentioned that they were working on other London guides.

Though I've not gotten around to reviewing them until now, they actually brought out two other excellent maps late last year, with each map being even more beautifully designed than the last.

The second in the series is entitled May We Help You? and lives up to its promise of being a guide to "The best specialist suppliers in London". Though it covers such unusual services as bulletproofing, Japanese knife sharpening and taxidermy, this guide is more than a mere curiosity, offering as it does details of far more essential suppliers - from the sartorial (tailoring alterations, invisible mending, buttons, cobbler) to the practical (locksmith, umbrellas, stationery).

The third map in the trilogy, and the largest to date (at twice the size of the others), is an historic guide to London's lost gems of the 1960s. Billed as "a retrospective guide to London's shops, clubs, boutiques and sundry diversions, 1960-66", Wish you were there is a fascinating and extremely well researched insight into the era of Swinging London, when the city was perceived to lead the world in fashion and nightlife.

For more information on these maps, see the following links:

http://herblester.com/may-we-help-you/
http://herblester.com/wish-you-were-there

All three pocket guides are available to buy from select stockists, or online from the Herb Lester Associates website for just £3 (£4 for Wish you were there): http://herblester.com/buy-the-map/

Do yourself a favour and order your copies today!

P. P. Arnold live at The Pigalle - Sat 9 Oct

60s soul legend P. P. Arnold is playing live at The Pigalle Club this Saturday, 9th October.

In this brand new show, P. P. Arnold joins Digby Fairweather and his Half Dozen for a "cocktail of Pat's hits and her favourite songs ranging from soul, jazz/funk and R&B to ballads".

Best known for her hit "The First Cut is the Deepest", P. P.'s beautiful singing voice and soulful interpretation of the song led Cat Stevens to say that hers was the definitive version.

Tickets: £10.00 (without dinner)
Doors: 6:30pm. Show: 9pm.

The Pigalle Club
215-217 Piccadilly
Westminster
London
W1J 9HN

For table reservations contact - 0800 988 5470 | reservations@vpmg.net

For more info check out: www.thepigalleclub.com

Notting Hill Carnival 2010

Well Carnival is almost upon us once again and it looks like we may even have some sunshine (fingers crossed!)

As they do every year, Time Out London magazine have produced a map of the area showing all the sound systems.

You can view this printable map (without key) online here:

www.timeout.com/img/london/features/2010-Notting-Hill-map.jpg

They have also produced an online Google Map (with key), which may or may not be more useful. Check it out here:

www.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110377225760210522619.00048d9d83dc70d1cf877&ll=51.520867,-0.206337&spn=0.018692,0.04077&z=14

The three must-visit sound systems are:

9 - Gaz's Rockin' Blues
Gaz Mayall has the most colourful sound in town. This year's theme is the Roaring Twenties, featuring a guest set from legendary sound man Duke Vin.

11 - The Gladdy Wax Roadshow
Veteran soundsystem operator Gladdy Wax and guests play old reggae, ska and rocksteady.

20 - The Latin Rave Street Jam
Carnival's only all-Latin soundsystem mixes the new sounds with some fantastic vintage salsa, Latin jazz and mambo.

Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band - Fri 10 Sept

Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band will be performing live on Friday 10th September at popular Hackney warehouse venue Passing Clouds. DJ support comes from Koichi Sakai (Afrobeat Vibration, Jazz On The Road).

Anthony Joseph is "a talented writer with a powerful imagination" [Linton Kwesi Johnson]. Not just a jazz poet, Joseph is also a novelist, academic and musician. He was born in Trinidad, moving to the UK in 1989. His publications include 'Desafinado' (1994), 'Teragaton' (1997) and 'The African Origins of UFOs' (Salt, 2006). In 2004 he was chosen by the Arts Council as one of 50 Black and Asian writers who have made major contributions to contemporary British literature. In 2005, Joseph served as the British Council's first Poet in Residence at California State University, Los Angeles.

Anthony Joseph performs internationally with his band The Spasm Band. Their second album 'Bird Head Son' is currently out on Heavenly Sweetness records. Hear some of their music and find out more from Joseph's website:

http://www.anthonyjoseph.co.uk/

Anthony Joseph & The Spasm Band live
Friday 10th September
@ Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, London, E8 4AA
8pm - 3am
£6 before 10pm, £8 after

Recommended gigs in July & August

Here's a list of some exciting sounding gigs coming up over the next month. Follow the links for more information. I've not seen Manteca or Solomon Burke live in concert before myself, but regular readers of this blog will know that I cannot recommend Mud Morganfield or James Hunter highly enough.

Wednesday 21st July
Mud Morganfield (eldest son of Muddy Waters) live @ The Jazz Cafe
www.jazzcafelive.com

Thursday 22nd - Friday 23rd July
James Hunter live @ Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
www.ronniescotts.co.uk

Sunday 25th July
Solomon Burke live @ The Jazz Cafe
www.jazzcafelive.com

Friday 20th August
Manteca live @ The 606 Club
www.606club.co.uk

Sonny Rollins @ The Barbican - 20th November

A long way off still, but believe me, this is likely to sell out months in advance, so I thought I'd better give you plenty of notice. In fact, many of the best seats have already gone! Legendary post-bebop saxophonist Sonny Rollins returns to the London Jazz Festival in November to celebrate his 80th birthday. I was fortunate enough to catch him when he played at The Barbican in 2006 and can highly recommend seeing him live.

Sonny Rollins live @ The Barbican
Saturday 20th November 2010
Doors: 7.30pm
Tickets priced between £10 and £75
Info / booking: www.barbican.org.uk

If his performance in 2006 was anything to go by, Rollins is still on incredible form, with the energy of a man half his age. Playing with a new band, Rollins will be selecting material from his six decades in jazz (during which time he has recorded for labels as revered as Blue Note, Prestige, Riverside and Milestone). This will undoubtedly be another magical night and I would expect a calypso or two in his repertoire.

You can find out more about Sonny Rollins from his website: www.sonnyrollins.com

The Filthy Six album launch

It's not long since London's hippest Hammond organ combo, The Gene Drayton Unit, called it a day after 9 glorious years. But there is an exciting new group on the block looking set to fill the gap left by the GDU:
The Filthy Six.

Signed to Acid Jazz, The Filthy Six released their fantastic debut single two weeks ago, and I am pleased to report there is an album on the way. The release date is 7th June and to celebrate there will be a launch party on Thursday 10th June @ The Queen Of Hoxton.

Acid Jazz presents Get Filthy
@ The Queen Of Hoxton, 1 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3JX
Thursday 10th June
Doors: 8pm
Admission: £8 (£6 concessions)
DJs: Eddie Piller and Dean Rudland
Venue website: http://www.thequeenofhoxton.co.uk/

You can find out more about The Filthy Six and listen to some of their music on their MySpace page: www.myspace.com/thefilthysix

Lee Konitz @ Pizza Express - 18th-19th May

The legendary Lee Konitz will be playing live at The Pizza Express Jazz Club on the 18th and 19th May.

Konitz is an iconic figure of modern jazz. His career has spanned six decades and he has made seminal recordings along the way with giants such as Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and Dave Brubeck. These shows see him coming to London as a leader for a rare and intimate series of concerts in a two house per night showing, which will all be recorded LIVE for release on the Whirlwind Recordings Ltd record label.

Lee Konitz with his quartet featuring:
Dan Tepfer, Piano
Jeff Williams, Drums
Michael Janisch, Acoustic Bass

@ Pizza Express Jazz Club, 10 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3RW
Two 90 minute shows per night:
7.30pm (doors 6pm) & 10.30pm (doors 10pm)
Admission: £20 / £15 (students)
Booking: www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk
Phone: 0845 6027 017

Voices of Freedom - 18th-23rd January

Voices of Freedom @ Rich Mix
18th-23rd January 2010
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA
http://www.richmix.org.uk/

To mark Martin Luther King Day on Monday 18th January and the first anniversary of Barack Obama's inauguration on Tuesday 20th January, East London cultural arts centre Rich Mix is to present a week of special events encompassing theatre, film, spoken word and live music, which will celebrate and question the notions of freedom at the start of the year of the next General Election.

The programme includes award-winning saxophonist Denys Baptiste's 'Let Freedom Ring!'. The show promises a world class line-up of jazz musicians, brand new visuals from VJ collective Yeast reflecting on Obama's first year, and extracts from the epic poem 'Mental Fight', whose author, Ben Okri, will be "In Conversation", looking at his career and inspirations, including readings from his latest work 'Tales of Freedom'.

Film and theatre promise to examine the lives of controversial and influential Black Nationalist leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, with a screening of Spike Lee's 'Malcolm X' and a performance of Eclipse Theatre's one-man show, 'Michael X'.

Spoken word performances will complete the week, with Elizabeth Mansfield sharing stories of refugees and exiles from all over the word in 'The Uninvited' and an All-Star Poetry Olympics Superjam celebrating freedom, with a line-up of poets and writers led by "jazz poetry pioneer" Michael Horovitz.

Full details and press release below.

Film: MALCOLM X
Mon 18 Jan / 7pm / Screen 3 / £5
1993/USA/201mins/cert 15
Dir: Spike Lee
Starring: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall

"Lee's acclaimed biopic of the controversial and influential black activist Malcolm X takes us from his inauspicious beginnings and imprisonment, through to his conversion to the Nation of Islam and his later rejection of their divisive teachings. Born Malcolm Little, he became a gangster, and while in jail discovered the Nation of Islam writings of Elijah Muhammad. He preaches the teachings when let out of jail, but later on goes on a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, there he converts to the original Islamic religion and becomes a Sunni Muslim. He changes his name to El-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz and stops his anti-white teachings, as he realises the error of his mistakes. He is later on assassinated, and dies a Muslim Martyr."

In Conversation with Ben Okri
Tue 19 January / 7.30pm / Screen 2 / £5

"As a preview to the performance of Let Freedom Ring! which features his poetry, Ben Okri will join us In Conversation to talk about his life, inspirations and work to date. Okri has published 10 novels, including The Famished Road, as well as collections of poetry, short stories and essays. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and has been awarded the OBE as well as numerous international prizes, including the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Africa, the Aga Khan Prize for Fiction and the Chianti Rufino-Antico Fattore. His latest book, Tales of Freedom was published in April 2009."

Theatre: THE UNINVITED
Wed 20 Jan / 7.30pm / Venue 1 / £5

"The Uninvited is a performance tour de force telling the extraordinary stories of refugees and exiles, from all over the world, past and present. Poems, writings and testimonies flow into songs – Spanish, Filipino, Farsi, Bosnian – sung both in original language and in English translation. Premiered in the USA, in the wake of 9/11, The Uninvited celebrates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights through the words and music, the humour and courage, of those forced to flee their homes, and make a new life in foreign lands. Performed by Elizabeth Mansfield, Olivier Award nominee for 'Best Actress in a Musical'."

Spoken Word: ALL-STAR POETRY OLYMPICS SUPERJAM
Fri 22 Jan / 7.30pm / Bar / £12/ £10 concs

"Michael Horovitz presents a galaxy of scintillating superbards: Francesca Beard, Charlie Dark, Salena Godden, Daljit Nagra, Molly Parkin, Tim Wells, with Pete Lemer's Piano, Annie Whitehead's trombone, vocals and spoken-word settings, the William Blake Klezmatrix Band, plus special guests. Michael Horovitz is best known for his appearance at the International Poetry Incarnation at the Royal Albert Hall on June 11 1965, alongside Allen Ginsberg and Alexander Trocchi. And then came the Poetry Olympics which have taken Horovitz all over the world, his aim being 'to join hands, hearts and heads, to communicate and exchange at the grass roots.' Less appreciative voices of the establishment claim that Horovitz's selections and modes of presentation are 'subversive'. Horovitz hopes that this charge is justified: 'Subversion usually means change', he says, 'and poetry should change people'."

Eclipse Theatre presents MICHAEL X
By Vanessa Walters
Fri 22 Jan / 7.30pm / Venue 1 / £12 / £10 concs
Directed by Dawn Walton. Design by Simon Kenny. Cast: Clint Dyer

"Who was Michael X? Black Power Activist and Political Icon? Liar Pimp, Murderer? A Trini 'bwoy' rolls off a boat into 1950s London. Ten years later he's the most famous black man in Britain, but who was Michael X? The 'authentic voice of black bitterness' [Observer 1965] or the ex Rachman henchman for whom politics was just another hustle? Set at a political rally, Vanessa Walters' new play probes at the heart of politics in 1960s Britain. Michael X tells the tale of one man's experience set against the backdrop of social change. This compelling monologue will be performed by stage and screen star Clint Dyer. Eclipse theatre is a national touring company whose recent work includes The Hounding of David Oluwale (Best Director nomination: TMA awards 2009) and Angel House by Roy Williams."

Music: Denys Baptiste - LET FREEDOM RING!
Sat 23 Jan / 8pm / Bar / £15 / £12

"Stirring contemporary jazz with gospel, blues and Afro-Cuban music from Mercury/MOBO award winning saxophonist Denys Baptiste, inspired by the spirit and rhythms of Dr Martin Luther King's momentous 'I Have A Dream' speech on its 40th anniversary, and featuring an explosive 11-piece international line-up including Abram Wilson, Andrew McCormack and Gary Crosby (Jazz Jamaica). Jazz has always been closely connected with the struggle for freedom and justice, and the suite's four parts – 'I Have A Dream', 'With This Faith', 'Let Freedom Ring!', and 'Free At Last' – pay tribute to those who have fought to overcome oppression, expressing ideals which are as relevant today as they were 40-odd, and even 200 years ago. Collaborating with Booker Prize winning author Ben Okri, Baptiste has synchronised extracts of Okri's epic poem Mental Fight into this exhilarating mix of music."

Video art: YEAST

"VJs of acclaimed film-makers, Yeast join the band to present a creative live mix of footage of the musicians' performance on stage, the text of Ben Okri's poem, and powerful images of the struggle for freedom, equality and justice by oppressed peoples throughout the international community. An incredibly moving experience, the music and visuals act as powerful reminders of why the quest for freedom and civil rights must continue."

Jazz On The Road feat. Snowboy live - Fri 20 Nov

Beat generation-inspired club night Jazz On The Road relaunches this Friday 20th November with a Latin Jazz special at Dalston's latest popular warehouse venue, the new Empowering Church.

There's an amazing line-up featuring Snowboy & The Latin Section live plus JazzCotech dancers Kola and Maki showing off their moves and guest DJ Perry Louis (Shiftless Shuffle, Jazz Cafe, etc.) who DJ'd for me at Right On! back in 2005.

If you like your Latin jazz and hard bop, then this is one not to be missed.

Jazz On The Road @ The Empowering Church
Friday 20th November 2009
1a Westgate Street, London, E8 3RL
Times: 10pm - 5am
Admission: £12 (£10 advance)
http://www.myspace.com/jazzontheroad

Marva Whitney live - Sat 14 November

Seems a real weekend for legendary female soul singers coming up in a fortnight, as James Brown's original funky diva Marva Whitney is to appear live at the 100 Club on Saturday 14th November as part of the Messin' Around club night. She will be backed by top Japanese funk band, Osaka Monaurail.

I saw Marva with the same band live at The Jazz Cafe in Camden a couple of years back and can tell you she was fantastic. Well worth catching - especially at this great, historic venue (far more atmospheric than The Jazz Cafe).

DJs on the night are Perry Louis, Adrian Gibson (Freestyle Records) and special guest DJ Pari from the USA.

As ever, there will also be a live performance by The JazzCotech Dancers.

Discounted entry is available via the Jazzcotech Dancers' guestlist, making admission £12 before 11pm and £6 thereafter. Text / contact Christiane on 07903 932 463 to get on the list.

Saturday 14th November
Messin' Around @ The 100 Club
100 Oxford Street, London, W1. (020) 7636 0933
7.30pm - 3am