Around this time of year, I’m usually looking forward to the announcement of the line-up for the Swansea International Jazz Festival, but not this year. Sadly, the festival isn’t going ahead in 2019. Continue reading
Category Archives: Music
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
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
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
Shakatak and Hamish Stuart among Swansea jazz highlights
Friday night performances from Shakatak and the Hamish Stuart Band are among the highlights of the new year [2018] calendar announced by Swansea Jazzland. Continue reading
Hot weather and cool sounds at Swansea jazz fest
Hot weather and cool sounds combined to make the 2017 Swansea International Jazz Festival the biggest and best yet. The temperature soared in South Wales for the fourth annual festival, again based in the city’s maritime quarter. Continue reading
Swansea gets all fired up for summer jazz festival
Swansea International Jazz Festival gets all fired up this summer with the music of Earth Wind and Fire, soul star Ruby Turner, and the jazz of Dudley Moore among the highlights. Continue reading
Perfect pitch, but shattered dreams
A beautiful, talented young singer moves from Texas to California, with dreams of stardom. She meets and falls in love with an influential music producer, who promises to deliver fame and fortune. But in Shattered Pitch, a short film by Rafael Soto, the smooth path to happiness soon becomes a rocky road to misery and … Continue reading
Tubby Hayes, the modern jazz maestro from the suburbs
Tubby Hayes may not be on everyone’s list of the all-time jazz greats, but that could be just because he wasn’t American. Continue reading
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
PieceOf Pink Pie 