Waitrose are already selling Heston's Christmas puddings

Summer ended abruptly. The onset of autumn brings around thoughts of gigs and events to come. Either I'm mistaken or there's a slowly growing swell of interest in jazz around Exeter, with all sorts of new venues coming on stream and some interesting gigs from established "clubs". I always mention www.bluevanguard.com as being at the forefront, and they now have details of gigs on their website stretching into 2015. They have Peter King as guest on Wednesday 29th October-and yes that's right it's Wednesday this month instead of the usual Thursday. The Bridge Jazz Club blows every first Wednesday of the month and you can out further details by going to www.exeterphoenix.org I'd also like to mention Roz Harding who is putting on some interesting gigs at the Clifford Room at the Barnfield Theatre in Exeter, the next of which is on Friday 24th October at 8pm. There's also a regular programme of jazz events at The Beehive in Honiton, and apparently another monthly session happening in Crediton of which more next time (when I've spoken more fully to the guy who runs it!).

Marcin Wasilewski Trio with Joakim Milder:

The album "Spark of life" was released by ECM earlier this week. It's everything that I hoped it would be - and is certainly going to figure in the revised end of year Top 10 even after relatively few hearings. The 11 track album has 5 self written tunes and a plethora of other styles to explore from the radical deconstruction of " Message in a bottle" through a version of Herbie Hancock's "Actual Proof" as well as a version of Bacewitz's "Largo". "Austin" is a dream like tribute with just the trio playing, but Milder is an extremely restrained tenor player and works his way around the excellent productive and innovative trio format. Highly recommended!

Slowly Rolling Camera:

Pleased to say that they have a limited edition EP released in November. I've only heard snippets, but it sounds as though it's a great addition to their work. I caught them in the summer at the Love Supreme Festival and am actively chasing their management with a view to an interview on the show. Watch this space.

Vibraphonic Festival 2015 (and beyond):

The festival will take place at the end of March 2015, and the jazz line-up has been subject to considerable fluctuation (to say the least). However I can confirm that Troyka have been booked for Thursday 19th March, and further details of the gig, the prices and their new album should appear her by the end of the year. Watch out for another name to add to the festival. Further forward in April Marius Neset" with his quintet will appear at the "The Phoenix". The band includes one of my favourite vibes player Jim Hart. More details on this soon.
Meanwhile make sure that you get to your local Waitrose before those puddings sell out or you discover that their "best before" date is before the festive celebrations!