The Grayston Unity has unveiled another mini series of gigs. After a busy few months of announcements – the fourth Town Festival, the Comfort Zone sessions and murmurs of a second goth festival – this autumn, they’ll now also present a jazz weekend, from the 12-14th of September.
The event will open with The Blue Note, presented by Geoff Amos. Geoff tends to stay out of the limelight, but credit where credit is due, he’s had over 40 years of experience in stage production, programming and project development. He worked for Jazz North for a period, and was a regular contributor to Jazz UK. He will present The Blue Note, a foot-tapping, soul-shaking jazz band featuring a quartet of the UK’s coolest players.
Harry Stobart runs a jazz club every month, but apart from that there doesn’t seem to be a real regular output in Halifax. Leeds and Manchester sees a huge influx of jazz bands and experimental jazz bands. It’s almost as if a new genre has arisen, city jazz, with the likes of Plantfood, Viper Time and Ezra Collective. It’s harder for these new wave movements to catch on in small towns – perhaps we can be a bit guilty of going about our own business and sticking to what we like – but the benefit of a new sound welcomes new audiences and inspiration, which can only be a good thing.
Speaking of fusion jazz, Glass Frogs will take to the stage on the 13th, simultaneously performing at one of the Grayston’s new ‘Comfort Zone’ sessions, in collaboration with Launchpad.
Glass Frogs make soul-tinged, genre-fluid music that’s equal parts groove and gut-punch. Think four-part harmonies, funky rhythms and confessional lyrics. It’s music to move to, but also music that moves you. Their sound is a bit retro, a bit future and a bit unhinged – somewhere between a sweaty jam night and a group therapy session. Weird chords, big feelings and moments that make you dance and cry simultaneously. They’ve been gigging around the north at venues including Band on the Wall and Belgrave, with a recent London debut at the Finsbury, building a set that feels like a hug, a bop and a breakdown rolled into one.
A more traditional vibe will be provided by Toby Brazier’s Trio, playing at Grayston Unity’s sister bar, Meandering Bear. This is more of a sophisticated space, in comparison to the quirky and enjoyably chaotic Grayston. Toby will be setting up in the bar, so you can grab a drink and enjoy some accompanying music at the same time.
Toby: “Formed from talented Leeds-based jazz musicians, this is a great group to be in and I feel privileged to perform with such great musicians.”
For a different vibe, (or flicking between the two), Harry Stobart will host his Jazz Club at the same time at The Grayston. Harry has built an incredible local name for himself, drumming for a number of bands, including Triple H and Viper Time, promoting monthly jazz and teaching Jazz in the North. He will provide a classy but groovy vibe in the bar.
Tickets for all Jazz Weekender gigs will be available individually. Keep an eye on thegraystonunity.co.uk for ticket links.
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