Tuesday, 2 August 2011
The Return of the Big Band
I wouldn't be a big band leader if I didn't stay up all night before a gig to make sure the parts are correctly printed and sellotaped. In fact, I had so much to do that I was up until 4am on both the Friday and Saturday nights before, printing music (and running out of ink) and sticking parts (and running out of sellotape).
It was all worth it, though, as this was the best gig we have played so far. In fact, it had been recommended by the Harrow Observer as the number one thing to do on that particular day!
I had managed to organise a fantastic band - the sax section included Frank Griffith, Dave O'Higgins and Sammy Mayne, and the rest of the band was equally star-studded. The main feature of this band is that it's fronted by me (on vocals and flute) and my twin sister Anna Hughes (on vocals and trumpet/flugelhorn) and I think we're the only twin-led big band in this country (please challenge this if you know otherwise!).
We played quite a few of my new arrangements which was nerve-wracking to say the least - it's very strange to hear something live, when the only opportunity I've had to hear it before is in my head or on my computer speakers with Sibelius instruments! Also, I was worried about conducting my new arrangements because, even though I knew them inside-out having been writing them for the last few months, it's a very different thing to then have to get up in front of an audience and a live band, and then to sing and perform the song, while still keeping half an ear open for the band arrangement so I knew when to conduct!
Nevertheless it was a great gig, and we had a good audience showing - although still room for about 50 more, so do come along when we next play in December.
The gig was reviewed by Steve Harris and Ian Fielding, who run the events and you can read their comments here.
Listen to a few tracks from the gig on my website.
And keep supporting weekly live jazz at Ruilsip Manor.
Top Ten Summer Songs
It's summer! At least for a few days. So before it turns into a speedy Autumn I thought it was best to celebrate Summer with some of its best songs.
1. Summer Soft - Stevie Wonder
This song has possibly the most key-changes in any Stevie song taking us through a total of 5 modulations before finally settling on one key and fading out. It's from the album "Songs in the Key of Life," possibly suggesting that life is in all keys! Incidentally, with Stevie modulating in most of the songs he recorded, who knows how many modulations The Beatles recorded in total? Any ideas? Yes, it's zero.
2. Summertime - Jason Rebello
With Gershwin's Summertime (or, to quote Paul Pace on his website explaining the banned songs at his Spice of Life open mic, "Summer-bloody-time") being possibly the most overplayed song in the history of jazz, Jason Rebello gives it a refreshing treatment with the addition of an irresistibly funky bass-line, the amazing vocals of ex-Incognito singer Maysa Leak, and the most brilliant, if strangest, rap from Maxi Jazz (Bumble bees buzzing on a quest | I wanna wear my vest | I need to put some muscle on my chest | ... | I'll meet you at the pool, bring your friend | Is her name Jill? | She got movement even when she's sitting quite still)
3. Estate - Shirley Horn
An impossibly slow version of this wonderful standard, worth comparing with the Joao Gilberto version below. This one is first because I heard it first and, being a huge Shirley Horn fan, can't help but think of it as the definitive version.
4. Estate - Joao Gilberto
There's much to learn about singing in Portuguese - Gilberto sings most phrases ahead of the beat, and sometimes a whole bar before the music says. Contrast this with the way that Shirley Horn sings (behind the beat and sometimes two bars behind the beat), and you get two completely different versions of the same wonderful song.
Incidently, Gilberto's version is so definitive that people commonly misconceive that he wrote it himself. It's actually written by an Italian composer - Bruno Martino - and the original name of the song was "Odio l'estate," or "I hate summer."
4. Indian Summer - Sarah Vaughan
This footage is amazing - Sarah introduces the song and then starts singing with a voice that doesn't quite fit the picture... then goes a bit mad in the middle! Totally amazing singing though - she's so free with the melody and this version is a lesson in jazz singing for sure.
5. Indian Summer - Sarah Vaughan and Count Basie
The original recording with the Count Basie Orchestra
6. That Sunday That Summer - Natalie Cole
7. That Sunday That Summer - Zena James
8. Orange Blossoms in Summertime - Kurt Elling
From the album "Flirting with Twilight."
9. Summer Nights - from Grease
10. Here Comes The Sun - Dolphin Quintet
Ah, somehow I've sneaked onto my own list again! Ok, I'm not actually singing on this one but it's on a CD from a gig I did with the Dolphin Quintet. The CD is for sale from my website, and proceeds go directly to the Tri-Charity appeal, supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital, Asthma UK and DELTA.
1. Summer Soft - Stevie Wonder
This song has possibly the most key-changes in any Stevie song taking us through a total of 5 modulations before finally settling on one key and fading out. It's from the album "Songs in the Key of Life," possibly suggesting that life is in all keys! Incidentally, with Stevie modulating in most of the songs he recorded, who knows how many modulations The Beatles recorded in total? Any ideas? Yes, it's zero.
2. Summertime - Jason Rebello
With Gershwin's Summertime (or, to quote Paul Pace on his website explaining the banned songs at his Spice of Life open mic, "Summer-bloody-time") being possibly the most overplayed song in the history of jazz, Jason Rebello gives it a refreshing treatment with the addition of an irresistibly funky bass-line, the amazing vocals of ex-Incognito singer Maysa Leak, and the most brilliant, if strangest, rap from Maxi Jazz (Bumble bees buzzing on a quest | I wanna wear my vest | I need to put some muscle on my chest | ... | I'll meet you at the pool, bring your friend | Is her name Jill? | She got movement even when she's sitting quite still)
3. Estate - Shirley Horn
An impossibly slow version of this wonderful standard, worth comparing with the Joao Gilberto version below. This one is first because I heard it first and, being a huge Shirley Horn fan, can't help but think of it as the definitive version.
4. Estate - Joao Gilberto
There's much to learn about singing in Portuguese - Gilberto sings most phrases ahead of the beat, and sometimes a whole bar before the music says. Contrast this with the way that Shirley Horn sings (behind the beat and sometimes two bars behind the beat), and you get two completely different versions of the same wonderful song.
Incidently, Gilberto's version is so definitive that people commonly misconceive that he wrote it himself. It's actually written by an Italian composer - Bruno Martino - and the original name of the song was "Odio l'estate," or "I hate summer."
4. Indian Summer - Sarah Vaughan
This footage is amazing - Sarah introduces the song and then starts singing with a voice that doesn't quite fit the picture... then goes a bit mad in the middle! Totally amazing singing though - she's so free with the melody and this version is a lesson in jazz singing for sure.
5. Indian Summer - Sarah Vaughan and Count Basie
The original recording with the Count Basie Orchestra
6. That Sunday That Summer - Natalie Cole
Complete with cheesy 1960s backing choir, this song has a summer lilt, and a great middle 8. Zena James (number 7) gives it a more funky treatment.
7. That Sunday That Summer - Zena James
From Zena's new album Captivated. www.zenajames.com
8. Orange Blossoms in Summertime - Kurt Elling
From the album "Flirting with Twilight."
9. Summer Nights - from Grease
You can't have a list about summer songs and not mention this 1970s classic!
10. Here Comes The Sun - Dolphin Quintet
Ah, somehow I've sneaked onto my own list again! Ok, I'm not actually singing on this one but it's on a CD from a gig I did with the Dolphin Quintet. The CD is for sale from my website, and proceeds go directly to the Tri-Charity appeal, supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital, Asthma UK and DELTA.
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Top Ten Bike Songs
Le Tour de France is happening now. In other bike-related news, my twin sister Anna will be cycling round the coast of Britain throughout August/Sept for charity.
Sponsor her here: http://www.thedonation.org.uk/doers/eatsleepcycle/cycling-round-coast-britain
Follow her progress here: www.eatsleepcycle-roundbritain.blogspot.com
So... here are my suggestions of the top 10 songs Anna should be listening to to keep her going.
Enjoy!
Sponsor her here: http://www.thedonation.org.uk/doers/eatsleepcycle/cycling-round-coast-britain
Follow her progress here: www.eatsleepcycle-roundbritain.blogspot.com
So... here are my suggestions of the top 10 songs Anna should be listening to to keep her going.
1. The Bike Song - Mark Ronson
A very cool song with a chorus that says "I'm gonna ride my bike until I get home." What excellent sentiment!
2. You are the universe - Brand New Heavies
(Could be 'You are the coastal path...' An uplifting song anyway!)
3. Always There - Incognito/ Jocelyn Brown
(Could be 'Almost there!')
4. Do I Do - Stevie Wonder
5. Minuano - Kurt Elling
About 8 minutes long - perfect for timing 2 miles' travelling!
6. Back to you - John Mayer
7. Give me the night - George Benson
8. Workin Hard - Sarah Ellen Hughes
Just so I can get into my own top ten! But seriously, this song is a little bit about cycling, and I wrote it whilst I was on my bike so it's perfect really!
9. It's Alright - Jason Rebello
And on the last day, on repeat...
10. The final countdown - Europe.
Enjoy!
Montreux Jazz Festival Experience
Friday 8th July
Left Peckham for Montreux. Last-minute check of details for hostel - luckily, for I discovered I had opted to bring my own sleeping bag and had forgotten to pack it! Good save.
I'm off to compete in the 2011 jazz vocals competition at the festival. The president of the competition is Quincy Jones.
The BA flight to Geneva was fine, and I arrived in time to take a beautiful lake-side train journey in the evening sunlight. It took about an hour to get to Vevey, where I'm staying. Vevey is a lovely small town with a lot going for it - picturesque mountain-scenery backdrop, 21°C lake, 2 mountain railway stations, excellent market, good (albeit expensive) restaurants and mountain-side vineyards. In fact, they make such good use of space here that even the railway tunnels have vines planted up the sides. When I arrived, the sound of a brass band coaxed me down to the lake-side and I spent a glorious half hour watching the sun set and listening to the music from the band stand.
Saturday 9th July
Semi-finals day.
I had spent the night in an 8-bed down, which was empty when I went to sleep and full when I got up. *(Bizarrely... it's now Sunday as I write this and I still haven't seen anyone awake!)* I crept out in the morning for my early bus to Montreux to rehearse with the band. I met a couple of other singers, but this isn't really like the other competition I've done - we have all been left to fend for ourselves and most people have a companion with them, so I'm all alone.
The rehearsal went well so I went back to Vevey and spent the rest of the day browsing the shops and market. This town feels very French - an accordion player on each corner, (at one point I heard the strains of The X-Files theme floating through the air!) and thankfully it is a French-speaking part of Switzerland, otherwise I'd be very lost! I have been massively impressed with the Montreux Jazz Festival so far - it's quite clearly a major deal through the Montreux Riviera, with massive amounts of advertising, and discounts for festival goers on trains to and from Geneva airport. There is even a free bus - the bus that runs through Montreux becomes free of charge to all public during festival hours. If only they did that for the London Jazz Festival!
So at 5pm, we began the semi-finals. Quincy Jones was in the front row, as the president of the Jury, although I couldn't see him because of the bright spot lights. My performance went well. I performed a complicated arrangement of Fascinating Rhythm and my own song Darning the Dream. The whole show ran very late, as predicted, with some singers using the whole 10 minutes' allocation on just one of their songs (although they weren't asked to stop!) so it wasn't til quite late that we heard the results. Three singers got through to the final. Unfortunately I wasn't one of them. There was so much talent on stage that I'm not at all surprised, but disappointed nevertheless.
Sunday 10th July
It's raining. It rained most of the night, and storms have continued through much of the day, limiting the day's activities particularly as I don't have a final to practise for! Vevey is a lovely place though to sit and have a cup of tea (or four) to pass the time before my free bus to watch the finals.
This year, the finals presented a one-off situation in that the first prize was split between two people. It's hard to see how that will practically work, as the prize is a week of recording at a studio to make a CD, but both the winners were great so I wish them well for the joint album! All the competitors were given a free ticket to the evening's main festival concert, which turned out to be... Natalie Cole! It actually started off with a performance from last year's vocal-piano winners, then the first set was Mario Biondi, which went on for a bit, but he had to please his die-hard fans who had travelled from Italy to see him.
Then the lady herself Ms Cole, who was the first jazz singer I really ever listened to. AMAZING!
It was so brilliant to see her in real life and a great way to end my Montreux Experience.
Left Peckham for Montreux. Last-minute check of details for hostel - luckily, for I discovered I had opted to bring my own sleeping bag and had forgotten to pack it! Good save.
I'm off to compete in the 2011 jazz vocals competition at the festival. The president of the competition is Quincy Jones.
The BA flight to Geneva was fine, and I arrived in time to take a beautiful lake-side train journey in the evening sunlight. It took about an hour to get to Vevey, where I'm staying. Vevey is a lovely small town with a lot going for it - picturesque mountain-scenery backdrop, 21°C lake, 2 mountain railway stations, excellent market, good (albeit expensive) restaurants and mountain-side vineyards. In fact, they make such good use of space here that even the railway tunnels have vines planted up the sides. When I arrived, the sound of a brass band coaxed me down to the lake-side and I spent a glorious half hour watching the sun set and listening to the music from the band stand.Saturday 9th July
Semi-finals day.
I had spent the night in an 8-bed down, which was empty when I went to sleep and full when I got up. *(Bizarrely... it's now Sunday as I write this and I still haven't seen anyone awake!)* I crept out in the morning for my early bus to Montreux to rehearse with the band. I met a couple of other singers, but this isn't really like the other competition I've done - we have all been left to fend for ourselves and most people have a companion with them, so I'm all alone.
The rehearsal went well so I went back to Vevey and spent the rest of the day browsing the shops and market. This town feels very French - an accordion player on each corner, (at one point I heard the strains of The X-Files theme floating through the air!) and thankfully it is a French-speaking part of Switzerland, otherwise I'd be very lost! I have been massively impressed with the Montreux Jazz Festival so far - it's quite clearly a major deal through the Montreux Riviera, with massive amounts of advertising, and discounts for festival goers on trains to and from Geneva airport. There is even a free bus - the bus that runs through Montreux becomes free of charge to all public during festival hours. If only they did that for the London Jazz Festival!So at 5pm, we began the semi-finals. Quincy Jones was in the front row, as the president of the Jury, although I couldn't see him because of the bright spot lights. My performance went well. I performed a complicated arrangement of Fascinating Rhythm and my own song Darning the Dream. The whole show ran very late, as predicted, with some singers using the whole 10 minutes' allocation on just one of their songs (although they weren't asked to stop!) so it wasn't til quite late that we heard the results. Three singers got through to the final. Unfortunately I wasn't one of them. There was so much talent on stage that I'm not at all surprised, but disappointed nevertheless.
Sunday 10th July
It's raining. It rained most of the night, and storms have continued through much of the day, limiting the day's activities particularly as I don't have a final to practise for! Vevey is a lovely place though to sit and have a cup of tea (or four) to pass the time before my free bus to watch the finals.
 |
| Quincy Jones telling me I reminded him of Billie Holiday... because I wore flowers in my hair(!) |
Then the lady herself Ms Cole, who was the first jazz singer I really ever listened to. AMAZING!
It was so brilliant to see her in real life and a great way to end my Montreux Experience.
Sector7 free CDs
"SOLD OUT" from HMV! (Well, "given away" anyway)
So go to Ray's Jazz in Foyles on Charing Cross Road to collect your free copy with any purchase.
Sector7 at the Pizza
Our first gig in July was at the gorgeous Pizza Express in Dean Street. We had quite a lot of new repertoire to air and this was the perfect place to do it.
School-night jazz is always difficult to promote so I was glad to have a 3/4 full club. Congratularions go to my hard-working singers and band (Emma Smith, Kwabena Adjepong, Matthew Featherstone, George Moore, Tim Thornton, Andy Chapman) for a great show. We'll be returning there in 2012.
Out next London gig is at the 606 on September 14th. Put in in your diaries now! Or you can even book now: 020 7352 5953 or www.606club.com.
June Round-Up
June saw the last in a 3-year run of charity gigs at the Borough Theatre, Abergavenny featuring The Dolphin Quintet. Organised by Dorothy Bayliss, these concerts have been raising money for the Tri-Charity fund which supports Great Ormond Street Hospital, Diabetes UK and DELTA. Last year's concert was recorded and produced as a live CD which is for sale on my WEBSITE. All proceeds go to the Tri-Charity fund.
Our finale concert was a great success, and I'll be performing in Herefordshire next month with the Dave Price trio, supporting the same cause.
Jazz in the Nave
Sunday 21st August
8pm £8
St Nicholas Church, Grosmont, Monmouthshire NP7 8EP
 |
| Taste of London, complete with rain coat! |
Note to self: Do not wear a dress with flip flops at an outdoor gig in England, regardless of the time of year!
I did a bit of traveling in June - taking a first-class Virgin trains journey to Bangor for a gig in Menai Bridge. it was brilliant fun and I'm looking forward to the return leg to their sister venue in Wrexham in November.
The month's events finished with a roasting hot gig at the Princess of Wales. Imagine this... no blinds or curtains on the windows so the band, especially the poor drummer, were in direct sunlight the whole gig, and a day so hot that pianist Kate Williams found it nearly impossible to open her sun-baked car afterwards to pack away the gear. I was questioned over my decision to sing Autumn Leaves and another song that referenced autumn, so decided to finish the set with Cole Porter's Too Darn Hot. And it was!
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