Swansea jazz festival triumphs again (with or without Herbie)
Funk / Jazz / Music / R&B / Soul / Wales

Swansea jazz festival triumphs again (with or without Herbie)

When James Taylor introduced his Quartet’s version of the theme from Blow-Up at Swansea International Jazz Festival last night [Sunday June 17, 2018], he told the audience it was written by Herbie Hancock. “And,” he announced, gesturing to the wings, “he’s here tonight!” For a split second, you sensed some people believed it – because … Continue reading

From ballet in Finland to acting in LA – Sanna’s eventful past and exciting future
Dance / Film / modelling / Music

From ballet in Finland to acting in LA – Sanna’s eventful past and exciting future

Much-travelled and multi-talented Sanna Kaappola has performed around the world – as a ballet dancer, model and yoga teacher. Now she is a long way from her Finnish home – in Los Angeles (via New York and many other places), developing her acting skills. While she’s not working, she’s likely to be in the gym … Continue reading

Big bands, acid jazz, funk, soul and more at Swansea International Jazz Festival
Funk / Jazz / Music / R&B / Soul / Wales

Big bands, acid jazz, funk, soul and more at Swansea International Jazz Festival

Whether you’re a fan of the big band sound, acid jazz, funk or soul, you’re in for a treat at the fifth annual Swansea international Jazz Festival, which takes place in the city’s maritime quarter, 14 – 17 June. With ticketed shows, free events and workshops, the festival takes place at 15 venues. Festival organiser, … Continue reading

Daleks, werewolves, voodoo and rebellion – Roy Castle’s big screen legacy
Comedy / Film / Horror / Jazz / Music / Science fiction / Television

Daleks, werewolves, voodoo and rebellion – Roy Castle’s big screen legacy

Roy Castle was one of the UK’s biggest TV stars of the 1960s and ’70s. An accomplished jazz musician, dancer and actor, a generation of Brits grew up with him as the presenter of the hugely popular Record Breakers. Surprisingly, perhaps, he made only four feature films over 10 years, but each one of them … Continue reading

From Bath to the Bay – the smooth Latin sounds of Michelle Pollace
Jazz / Music / Songwriting / Writing

From Bath to the Bay – the smooth Latin sounds of Michelle Pollace

Michelle Pollace (it’s pronounced poh-LAH-chi) is a super-talented musician, who can often be found playing her smooth Latin Jazz rhythms at venues around the San Francisco Bay area. This Californian native and her keyboard (with backing from some of the Bay area’s finest musicians) are equally at home in quiet, upscale restaurants and outdoor concert … Continue reading