Live performances...
JULY 2022
24.7.22 - TAKE ON MINGUS - EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL - JAZZ BAR 9PM
"We have two days (22nd & 23rd July), and two rehearsal rooms, to explore the following themes, taken from interviews with Mingus and put into a [modern context]:
The band will perform the result of the two day jazz hot house on 24th July.
The musicians: Emma Smith (double bass) Alina Bzhezhinska (harp) Helena Kay (tenor sax and flute) Davide L Rinaldi (drums) Annabel Kershaw (piano) Niamh Molloy (cello)
24.7.22 - TAKE ON MINGUS - EDINBURGH JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL - JAZZ BAR 9PM
"We have two days (22nd & 23rd July), and two rehearsal rooms, to explore the following themes, taken from interviews with Mingus and put into a [modern context]:
- Connection & empathy
- Loss - This could be personal or communal.
- Corruption [Fake news]
- The legacy of imperialism/slavery/racism [how do we reckon with this as white people?]
- Paranoia and the global elite [5G, antivax]
- The isolation [of lockdown]
- The Opiate of the masses [tv and actual opiates]
- Joy, ecstasy, rapture
The band will perform the result of the two day jazz hot house on 24th July.
The musicians: Emma Smith (double bass) Alina Bzhezhinska (harp) Helena Kay (tenor sax and flute) Davide L Rinaldi (drums) Annabel Kershaw (piano) Niamh Molloy (cello)
29.7.22 - The Relentless Approach of Better Times - SCOTLAND ON TOUR - DUNOON BURGH HALL 7:30PM
Emma Smith’s testimony to the importance of galvanised positive action in response to forced mass migration, climate change, and political corruption. An urgent and compelling solo double bass performance with electronics, it features film and recordings from Smith’s work for Musicians Without Borders in Palestine & El Salvador. The Relentless Approach of Better Times offers a space to reflect on the effects of trauma and invites you to experience how music helps to bridge divides and connect communities in post-conflict areas across the world.
Emma Smith’s testimony to the importance of galvanised positive action in response to forced mass migration, climate change, and political corruption. An urgent and compelling solo double bass performance with electronics, it features film and recordings from Smith’s work for Musicians Without Borders in Palestine & El Salvador. The Relentless Approach of Better Times offers a space to reflect on the effects of trauma and invites you to experience how music helps to bridge divides and connect communities in post-conflict areas across the world.
AUGUST 2022
MADE IN SCOTLAND SHOWCASE - EDINBURGH FRINGE
THE RELENTLESS APPROACH OF BETTER TIMES - 14 - 20.7.22 (19 & 20 Audio Described) - ZOO Venues 1pm
The Relentless Approach of Better Times examines the major events that we are living through - climate change, poverty and global political chaos. Anger, hate and suspicion have been normalised. Xenophobia and racially-motivated violence is regularly stirred by increasingly right wing governments desperate to gain and maintain power. But why are people more susceptible to this manipulation?
Using news headlines, photos from her work in Palestine and El Salvador, and her understanding of the effects of extreme pressure on our physical and mental wellbeing, Emma Smith shows how news bombardment, increasingly common climate shocks, and structurally maintained poverty keep us in a state of fight or flight, freeze or faint. Neurologically, the reasoning part of our brain shuts down and we focus on survival - leaving us angry, suspicious and vulnerable. What happens when we override our flight/flight response?
An intensely personal work, The Relentless Approach of Better Times combines electronic music with solo double bass to create a live soundtrack ranging through Smith’s diverse musical background. She uses echoes of 20th Century classical music to create a sense of paranoia, folk music to tell stories, filtered electronics to express dissociation, and free improvising to address the audience directly.
Providing insight to the human psyche and alternative takes on the stories that have shaped us, this show takes you on a journey from anxiety to hope. This is not escapism. It is a defiant leap into the darkness.
MADE IN SCOTLAND SHOWCASE - EDINBURGH FRINGE
THE RELENTLESS APPROACH OF BETTER TIMES - 14 - 20.7.22 (19 & 20 Audio Described) - ZOO Venues 1pm
The Relentless Approach of Better Times examines the major events that we are living through - climate change, poverty and global political chaos. Anger, hate and suspicion have been normalised. Xenophobia and racially-motivated violence is regularly stirred by increasingly right wing governments desperate to gain and maintain power. But why are people more susceptible to this manipulation?
Using news headlines, photos from her work in Palestine and El Salvador, and her understanding of the effects of extreme pressure on our physical and mental wellbeing, Emma Smith shows how news bombardment, increasingly common climate shocks, and structurally maintained poverty keep us in a state of fight or flight, freeze or faint. Neurologically, the reasoning part of our brain shuts down and we focus on survival - leaving us angry, suspicious and vulnerable. What happens when we override our flight/flight response?
An intensely personal work, The Relentless Approach of Better Times combines electronic music with solo double bass to create a live soundtrack ranging through Smith’s diverse musical background. She uses echoes of 20th Century classical music to create a sense of paranoia, folk music to tell stories, filtered electronics to express dissociation, and free improvising to address the audience directly.
Providing insight to the human psyche and alternative takes on the stories that have shaped us, this show takes you on a journey from anxiety to hope. This is not escapism. It is a defiant leap into the darkness.
MAY 2022
BLAME TOUR
27.5.22 - Regional Culture Centre - Letterkenny - 7pm
28.5.22 - Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin - Derry - 7pm
29.5.22 - The Black Box - Belfast - 7pm
Buy Tickets HERE
Why do we always need to blame someone when things go wrong? We have been doing it since the dawn of time, but why? What even is blame?
After a year of watching politicians scapegoating entire communities (immigrants) or setting people up to take the fall for future problems (covid), and considering the role of blame in justice and forgiveness, double bass player Emma Smith and percussionist Phil Hague use music and visuals to explore this modern addiction.
BLAME TOUR
27.5.22 - Regional Culture Centre - Letterkenny - 7pm
28.5.22 - Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin - Derry - 7pm
29.5.22 - The Black Box - Belfast - 7pm
Buy Tickets HERE
Why do we always need to blame someone when things go wrong? We have been doing it since the dawn of time, but why? What even is blame?
After a year of watching politicians scapegoating entire communities (immigrants) or setting people up to take the fall for future problems (covid), and considering the role of blame in justice and forgiveness, double bass player Emma Smith and percussionist Phil Hague use music and visuals to explore this modern addiction.
FEBRUARY 2022
14.2.22 - Signy + Emma - Soundhouse @ Riddle's Court - 8pm
A full evening in the creative world of Signy Jakobsdottir and Emma Smith
14.2.22 - Signy + Emma - Soundhouse @ Riddle's Court - 8pm
A full evening in the creative world of Signy Jakobsdottir and Emma Smith
JANUARY 2022
29.1.22 - Seonaid Aitken Ensemble - Chasing Sakura - Celtic Connections
Written during lockdown, and while recovering from serious injury, Seonaid’s musical suite ‘Chasing Sakura’ - for string quintet and saxophone/flute - follows the lifespan of the cherry blossom inspired by her time in Japan.
29.1.22 - Seonaid Aitken Ensemble - Chasing Sakura - Celtic Connections
Written during lockdown, and while recovering from serious injury, Seonaid’s musical suite ‘Chasing Sakura’ - for string quintet and saxophone/flute - follows the lifespan of the cherry blossom inspired by her time in Japan.
NOVEMBER 2021
18.11.21 - The Relentless Approach of Better Times - 20:00 CCA Glasgow
Emma Smith’s testimony to the importance of galvanised positive action in response to forced mass migration, climate change, and political corruption. An urgent and compelling solo double bass performance with electronics, it features film and recordings from Smith’s work for Musicians Without Borders in Palestine & El Salvador. TheRelentless Approach of Better Times offers a space to reflect on the effects of trauma and invites you to experience how music helps to bridge divides and connect communities in post-conflict areas across the world.
18.11.21 - The Relentless Approach of Better Times - 20:00 CCA Glasgow
Emma Smith’s testimony to the importance of galvanised positive action in response to forced mass migration, climate change, and political corruption. An urgent and compelling solo double bass performance with electronics, it features film and recordings from Smith’s work for Musicians Without Borders in Palestine & El Salvador. TheRelentless Approach of Better Times offers a space to reflect on the effects of trauma and invites you to experience how music helps to bridge divides and connect communities in post-conflict areas across the world.
OCTOBER 2021
2.10.21 - Chasing Sakura - The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen Jazz Festival - 19:30
Written during lockdown, and while recovering from serious injury, Seonaid Aitken’s musical suite ‘Chasing Sakura’ - for string quintet and saxophone/flute - follows the lifespan of the cherry blossom inspired by her time in Japan. Written for her dream ensemble, this piece was commissioned by and premiered at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.
2.10.21 - Chasing Sakura - The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen Jazz Festival - 19:30
Written during lockdown, and while recovering from serious injury, Seonaid Aitken’s musical suite ‘Chasing Sakura’ - for string quintet and saxophone/flute - follows the lifespan of the cherry blossom inspired by her time in Japan. Written for her dream ensemble, this piece was commissioned by and premiered at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.
MARCH 2020
5.3.20 - Glasgow Percussion Collective Plays Björk - 20:15 - CCA Glasgow
'100 years ago most music was shared through scores, does that even apply today? And if so how?’ Bjork posed this question before publishing 34 Scores for Piano, Organ, Harpsichord and Celeste, a career spanning collection of songs and arrangements re-imagined for keyboard instruments. The Glasgow Percussion Collective is comprised of prolific musicians Steve Forman (who performed on the soundtracks for ‘Saturday Night Fever’, ‘ET’ & ‘Starship Troopers), Emma Smith & Rachel Lightbody (Siobhan Miller, Alyn Cosker), who will perform a selection of these songs with linking musical responses showcasing not only the group’s variety of percussive colours but the adaptability of Bjork’s unique compositions.
5.3.20 - Glasgow Percussion Collective Plays Björk - 20:15 - CCA Glasgow
'100 years ago most music was shared through scores, does that even apply today? And if so how?’ Bjork posed this question before publishing 34 Scores for Piano, Organ, Harpsichord and Celeste, a career spanning collection of songs and arrangements re-imagined for keyboard instruments. The Glasgow Percussion Collective is comprised of prolific musicians Steve Forman (who performed on the soundtracks for ‘Saturday Night Fever’, ‘ET’ & ‘Starship Troopers), Emma Smith & Rachel Lightbody (Siobhan Miller, Alyn Cosker), who will perform a selection of these songs with linking musical responses showcasing not only the group’s variety of percussive colours but the adaptability of Bjork’s unique compositions.
OCTOBER 2019
24.10.19 - The Relentless Approach of Better Times - Oxford Science and Ideas Festival - 7pm - Oxford Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre
Join musician and Oxford Contemporary Music Boom Artist Emma Smith for a multimedia live performance. Using double bass, loops and visuals, she’ll explore the geopolitical landscape in which we find ourselves and ways to connect and feel grounded in times of trauma, chaos and mass migration.
24.10.19 - The Relentless Approach of Better Times - Oxford Science and Ideas Festival - 7pm - Oxford Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre
Join musician and Oxford Contemporary Music Boom Artist Emma Smith for a multimedia live performance. Using double bass, loops and visuals, she’ll explore the geopolitical landscape in which we find ourselves and ways to connect and feel grounded in times of trauma, chaos and mass migration.
SEPTEMBER 2019
26.9.19 - Pete Deane and the Black Kites - Roxy Art House
Borders born singer-songwriter Pete Deane sings with a revolving cast of musicians who make up the Black Kites
The Edinburgh-based musician writes soulful, perhaps slightly folky songs inspired by nature and a misspent youth in the woods. Deane's mellow croon is supported by string players, often stolen from the orchestra where he works, and whomever else he can entice with nuts and berries.
Appearances are about as rare and memorable as that of the European Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
26.9.19 - Pete Deane and the Black Kites - Roxy Art House
Borders born singer-songwriter Pete Deane sings with a revolving cast of musicians who make up the Black Kites
The Edinburgh-based musician writes soulful, perhaps slightly folky songs inspired by nature and a misspent youth in the woods. Deane's mellow croon is supported by string players, often stolen from the orchestra where he works, and whomever else he can entice with nuts and berries.
Appearances are about as rare and memorable as that of the European Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
AUGUST 2019
7 - 24.8.19 - SymphRONica with Ron Davis - Jazz Bar - 10pm (7.8 - 15.8) & The Space @ Niddry Street - 8.55pm (18.8 - 24.8)
SymphRONica first appeared in Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2016. Audiences and media responded to their panache and jazz grit enthusiastically. BBC Radio 3 featured them on three shows. SymphRONica is set to take Fringe 2019 by storm. This is the music you’ve been looking for, the jazz you want to hear.
16 & 17.8.19 - Raymond MacDonald & Friends // Lie Still My Sleepy Fortunes
Genre-busting lineup of virtuoso performers present work inspired by Muriel Spark. Infused with Sparkian drama and pathos, the music draws the listener into intimate sound worlds where breezy melodies melt seamlessly into freewheeling collective improvisations. Live visuals and electronics help to create thrilling and expansive music that moves from tear-jerkingly fragile to joyous and celebratory in a heartbeat. 'Mighty and glorious. Music this articulate is rare in any style of music' (Jazzwise). 'Exhilarating music. It eliminates the boundaries not just between composition and improvisation but between cultures and idioms' (Sydney Morning Herald). www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com
14 - 24.8.19 - Espresso Manifesto - Valvona & Crolla's - 6pm
Already established as one of Canada's most celebrated homegrown artists, Daniela Nardi’s launch of her new jazz-world music project Espresso Manifesto marks a musical, as well as personal, milestone for the award winning multi-talented singer/songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist/producer.
7 - 24.8.19 - SymphRONica with Ron Davis - Jazz Bar - 10pm (7.8 - 15.8) & The Space @ Niddry Street - 8.55pm (18.8 - 24.8)
SymphRONica first appeared in Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2016. Audiences and media responded to their panache and jazz grit enthusiastically. BBC Radio 3 featured them on three shows. SymphRONica is set to take Fringe 2019 by storm. This is the music you’ve been looking for, the jazz you want to hear.
16 & 17.8.19 - Raymond MacDonald & Friends // Lie Still My Sleepy Fortunes
Genre-busting lineup of virtuoso performers present work inspired by Muriel Spark. Infused with Sparkian drama and pathos, the music draws the listener into intimate sound worlds where breezy melodies melt seamlessly into freewheeling collective improvisations. Live visuals and electronics help to create thrilling and expansive music that moves from tear-jerkingly fragile to joyous and celebratory in a heartbeat. 'Mighty and glorious. Music this articulate is rare in any style of music' (Jazzwise). 'Exhilarating music. It eliminates the boundaries not just between composition and improvisation but between cultures and idioms' (Sydney Morning Herald). www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com
14 - 24.8.19 - Espresso Manifesto - Valvona & Crolla's - 6pm
Already established as one of Canada's most celebrated homegrown artists, Daniela Nardi’s launch of her new jazz-world music project Espresso Manifesto marks a musical, as well as personal, milestone for the award winning multi-talented singer/songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist/producer.
MARCH 2019
8.3.19 - Bitches Brew Scottish Women Inventing Music Launch - Old Hairdressers, Glasgow 7pm
See the Bitches Brew page for full details...
See the Bitches Brew page for full details...
FEBRUARY 2019
8.2.19 - The Fooligan and the Bridges of Madness - Imaginate Festival, Traverse Theatre 10.15pm
Inspired by the Faust legend, Edward Gorey and the myth surrounding blues guitarist, Robert Johnson, Al Seed resurrects his on-stage alter ego, The Fooligan, to present The Bridges of Madness - the world’s first 18th century, jazz band - comprising of renowned musicians Emma Smith (bass), David Paul Jones (piano) and Davide L Rinaldi (drums).
Through songs, poems, soundscape, movement, dance (in the broadest sense) and storytelling, the audience is taken on a hilarious theatrical journey, playfully exploring themes of mortality, the supernatural and the nature of evil.
The show is a development of Al Seed’s Herald Angel award-winning solo show The Fooligan (2008).
Through songs, poems, soundscape, movement, dance (in the broadest sense) and storytelling, the audience is taken on a hilarious theatrical journey, playfully exploring themes of mortality, the supernatural and the nature of evil.
The show is a development of Al Seed’s Herald Angel award-winning solo show The Fooligan (2008).
JANUARY 2019
18.1.19 - Celtic Connections: Raymond MacDonald & Friends - Works Inspired by Muriel Spark
Raymond MAcDonald brings together a genre busting line up of virtuoso performers, each one a musical superhero in their own right, to present work inspired by Muriel Spark, one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers. The music is infused with all the drama, pathos and unexpected twists and turns that Spark was famous for. Taking Spark’s novels, themes and characters as starting points, and exploring them in new compositions, including graphic scores and text based pieces, the music draws the listener into intimate and endlessly engaging spaces. Breezy melodies move into freewheeling collective improvisations with live visuals and electronics provided by Jules Rawlinson.
18.1.19 - Celtic Connections: Raymond MacDonald & Friends - Works Inspired by Muriel Spark
Raymond MAcDonald brings together a genre busting line up of virtuoso performers, each one a musical superhero in their own right, to present work inspired by Muriel Spark, one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers. The music is infused with all the drama, pathos and unexpected twists and turns that Spark was famous for. Taking Spark’s novels, themes and characters as starting points, and exploring them in new compositions, including graphic scores and text based pieces, the music draws the listener into intimate and endlessly engaging spaces. Breezy melodies move into freewheeling collective improvisations with live visuals and electronics provided by Jules Rawlinson.
NOVEMBER 2018
4.11.18 - Bitches Brew - The Bridge Hotel 7.00pm - £8 / £6
See the Bitches Brew page for details
4.11.18 - Bitches Brew - The Bridge Hotel 7.00pm - £8 / £6
See the Bitches Brew page for details
APRIL 2018
18.4.18 - KIKAZARU - The Jazz Bar, Edinburgh - 9pm
KIKAZARU brings you a night of exploration, using free improvisation to move through two sets of original and found music, which could be jazz standards, old Senegalese folk tunes, ragas from Lucy's time in Delhi or John Carpenter-style film music. Combining the cerebral with the physical, the intense with the sublime, the raw with the ridiculous, Kikazaru will fry their brains to blow your minds.
Emma Smith (double bass), Graeme Stephen (guitar+loops), River of Slime (Sampler+loops), Davide L Rinaldi (drums) and Lucy Forde (flute)
"I feel like you just took my brain out, rinsed it and put it back again."
18.4.18 - KIKAZARU - The Jazz Bar, Edinburgh - 9pm
KIKAZARU brings you a night of exploration, using free improvisation to move through two sets of original and found music, which could be jazz standards, old Senegalese folk tunes, ragas from Lucy's time in Delhi or John Carpenter-style film music. Combining the cerebral with the physical, the intense with the sublime, the raw with the ridiculous, Kikazaru will fry their brains to blow your minds.
Emma Smith (double bass), Graeme Stephen (guitar+loops), River of Slime (Sampler+loops), Davide L Rinaldi (drums) and Lucy Forde (flute)
"I feel like you just took my brain out, rinsed it and put it back again."
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28.4.18 - BITCHES BREW TORONTO LAUNCH - CANADIAN MUSIC CENTRE - 7.30pm Join us at the Canadian Music Centre on April 28th at 7:30 for a night of music. Tickets available here: https://musiccentre.secure.force.com/ticket/#sections_a0F1a00000ePHwnEAG The Smith Sessions Presents: Bitches Brew - Curated by Aline Homzy The leaders are: Emma Smith, bass – Edinburgh, Scotland Anh Phung, flute with Alan Mackie on bass – Toronto, Ontario Magdelys Savigne, percussion – Toronto; with her group OKAN Aline Homzy, violin – Toronto; with her group Aline's étoile magique: Chris Pruden on piano, Daniel Fortin on bass and special guest Thom Gill on the guitar The intention of this concert is to contribute to the normalization of women in leadership roles, in the context of jazz and improvised music. From Emma Smith’s website, Bitches Brew is: “… a night of music written / improvised and performed by some of the best female instrumentalists around. Flying in the face of reports that all-female bands are often seen by bookers and agents as novelty acts, and that more than one in a night would just be over-kill, Emma presents a gloriously eclectic night of music which celebrates the mind-blowing variety of talent playing, dancing and pushing boundaries of creative music”. Naming the concert “The Smith Sessions Presents: Bitches Brew” is an acknowledgment of the ground-breaking work Emma Smith has done in Edinburgh (Scotland) to present a regular series of female-lead groups. For more information on the Bitches Brew concert series, please visit: http://www.emmasmithbass.com/bitches-brew.html A TD Discovery Series Special Project http://torontojazz.com/concert/smith-sessions-presents-bitches-brew |
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MARCH 2018
Bitches Brew brings another selection of amazing music to the Traverse Bar, and this time there will be STORYTELLING. Well exciting.
Bitches Brew brings another selection of amazing music to the Traverse Bar, and this time there will be STORYTELLING. Well exciting.
JANUARY 2018
10.1.18 - Fareeble - Tchai-Ovna House of Tea - 8pm
A night of East European Jewish inspired original music with a significant jazzy ingredient composed by Moishes Bagel's Phil Alexander. Spontaneous, soulful and uplifting.
Phil Alexander - Accordion/Piano
Emma Smith - Double Bass
Martin Fell - Clarinet/Saxophone
More details about Tchai-Ovna House of Tea
A night of East European Jewish inspired original music with a significant jazzy ingredient composed by Moishes Bagel's Phil Alexander. Spontaneous, soulful and uplifting.
Phil Alexander - Accordion/Piano
Emma Smith - Double Bass
Martin Fell - Clarinet/Saxophone
More details about Tchai-Ovna House of Tea
17.1.18 - Bitches Brew - Traverse Bar - 7.30pm
See the Bitches Brew page for January's celebration of improvising genius...
See the Bitches Brew page for January's celebration of improvising genius...
24.1.18 - Amuse Bouche - Traverse Bar - 8pm
A musical taste of another world...
An evening of music and film from around the world, to satiate your body and scintillate your mind. Amuse Bouche is a brand new night bringing incredible performances by top World Music performers, and also an insight into the cultural context of the music that they play. Listen to musicians from all over the world perform and discuss their culture and their music.
Tonight’s music comes from Syria and from Eastern Europe. ADNA SHAMDIN is a Syrian Kurdish multi-instrumentalist, specialising in Arabic, Turkish and Kurdish traditional music. RAMAN KANAAN is a Syrian Kurdish singer and percussionist who plays the Saz and Duf. FAREEBLE are a trio who play Eastern European Jewish folk music, known as klezmer - the joyful, lively and emotional sound of another world. Fareeble are Phil Alexander (Moishe’s Bagel), Martin Fell (Romacaleo) and Emma Smith (Bitches Brew).
As well as music and chat, there will be a short screening of part of world music producer Lucy Duran’s fascinating ‘Learning into Music’, a film that shows first-hand how the Mali griot tradition is passed down from generation to generation.
Amuse Bouche…listen, learn, enjoy!
NOVEMBER
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1.11.17 - Morgan Szymanski - Día de Muertos - A celebration of life through music - Queen's Hall, Edinburgh
Mexican guitarist Morgan Szymanski presents a programme which celebrates the lives and work of Mexican, Latin American and Spanish composers including Andrés Segovia, Violeta Parra and Antonio Lauro as well as their own compositions in a unique musical feast not to be missed. 25.11.17 - DPJ Ensemble - Something There - Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Composer David Paul Jones and his 7-piece ensemble present a live concert performance of his acclaimed Linn Records recording Something There. A beautiful and powerful meditation on love, loss and wonder inspired by the poem Something There by Samuel Beckett. |
27.11.17 - Dolphin Boy ft. Graeme Stephen and Emma Smith - Soundhouse, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
"DJ Dolphin Boy is a unique entity. He has been an integral part of the positively evolving music scene in Scotland over the last 20 years and has also become one of Scotland’s favourite DJs and remixers. His open-minded musicality and ability to make even the folkiest of dirges sexy means he’s loved by the folkies and jazzers as well as by the hardcore clubbers on the dance floor."
Dolphin Boy‘s first foray into live improvisation was during the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. This time he will be appearing alongside Graeme Stephen, one of Scotland’s most innovative and engaging jazz musicians, and Emma Smith, one of Scotland's leading creative musicians.
"DJ Dolphin Boy is a unique entity. He has been an integral part of the positively evolving music scene in Scotland over the last 20 years and has also become one of Scotland’s favourite DJs and remixers. His open-minded musicality and ability to make even the folkiest of dirges sexy means he’s loved by the folkies and jazzers as well as by the hardcore clubbers on the dance floor."
Dolphin Boy‘s first foray into live improvisation was during the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. This time he will be appearing alongside Graeme Stephen, one of Scotland’s most innovative and engaging jazz musicians, and Emma Smith, one of Scotland's leading creative musicians.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
Bitches Brew | 19.9.17 - Edinburgh - Voodoo Rooms Speakeasy | 21.9.17 - Glasgow - Glad Cafe
See the Bitches Brew page for this month's delectable line up....
See the Bitches Brew page for this month's delectable line up....
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Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards UK Tour Sept/Oct 2017
28.9 - Live Theatre, Newcastle 29.9 - St. Cuthbert's House, Seahouses 30.9 - The Carlile Institute, Meltham 1.10 - The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 4.10 - St John's Church, Farncombe 5.10 - The Ropewalk, Barton upon Humber 7 & 8.10 - The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers 10.10 - Archspace, London 12.10 - Cafe #9, Sheffield 13.10 - The Haining, Selkirk 14.10 - The Speigeltent, Spree Festival, Paisley |
29.10.17 - Among Others: Jewish Lives in Edinburgh - Summerhall
Expanding on the successful performance at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in June, this performance includes extended storytelling and archive recordings.
Expanding on the successful performance at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in June, this performance includes extended storytelling and archive recordings.
AUGUST
Thursday / Friday / Saturday (Every weekend in August) - The Asylum - Monkey Barrel Comedy Club - 12am - 2am
The Asylum is a fully immersive three hours of theatrical entertainment with two sets of cabaret followed by DJ Loopy in the bar, playing the most bizarre tracks he can find. Downstairs, the Aftershock Room puts on special pop-up performances from the biggest Fringe stars and the loopiest clowns on the ward. Become one of the crazies and join in the fun or sit back and take notes as one of the clinical therapists. It’s up to you. If laughter is the best medicine, then The Asylum will heal all your earthly woes!
Buy a ticket in advance to guarantee entry here or Pay What You Want at the venue
14 - 19.8.17 & 21 - 26.8.17 - SinfRONica - Scottish Arts Club - 5pm (15th & 23rd 8pm)
Ron Davis' SymphRONica has topped the charts, won international raves for their innovative jazz sound, been critics' choice performers at the Pan Am Games and finished a smashing run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016 – all while being a BBC Radio 3 regular. SymphRONica is about the sound. Smart. Entertaining. Engaging. A genre-bending blend which audiences around the world have loved. Ron and SymphRONica are Toronto's source of brilliant enjoyment. 2016 saw them wow New York City, London and Glasgow, and left them wanting more. SymphRONica is back at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017 for 12 more shows. Lucky you!
Tickets available here.
20.8.17 - Bitches Brew - Leith Volcano - 8pm
Returning to Edinburgh for the first time in 2017 Bitches Brew presents yet another incredible line up of stellar musicians from Scotland and beyond. Check out the Bitches Brew page for more information. Excited doesn't even cover it...
Tickets available here.
The Asylum is a fully immersive three hours of theatrical entertainment with two sets of cabaret followed by DJ Loopy in the bar, playing the most bizarre tracks he can find. Downstairs, the Aftershock Room puts on special pop-up performances from the biggest Fringe stars and the loopiest clowns on the ward. Become one of the crazies and join in the fun or sit back and take notes as one of the clinical therapists. It’s up to you. If laughter is the best medicine, then The Asylum will heal all your earthly woes!
Buy a ticket in advance to guarantee entry here or Pay What You Want at the venue
14 - 19.8.17 & 21 - 26.8.17 - SinfRONica - Scottish Arts Club - 5pm (15th & 23rd 8pm)
Ron Davis' SymphRONica has topped the charts, won international raves for their innovative jazz sound, been critics' choice performers at the Pan Am Games and finished a smashing run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016 – all while being a BBC Radio 3 regular. SymphRONica is about the sound. Smart. Entertaining. Engaging. A genre-bending blend which audiences around the world have loved. Ron and SymphRONica are Toronto's source of brilliant enjoyment. 2016 saw them wow New York City, London and Glasgow, and left them wanting more. SymphRONica is back at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017 for 12 more shows. Lucky you!
Tickets available here.
20.8.17 - Bitches Brew - Leith Volcano - 8pm
Returning to Edinburgh for the first time in 2017 Bitches Brew presents yet another incredible line up of stellar musicians from Scotland and beyond. Check out the Bitches Brew page for more information. Excited doesn't even cover it...
Tickets available here.
JUNE
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11.6.17 - Among Others - Scottish Storytelling Centre - 6pm Celebrating 200 years of the Jewish Community in Edinburgh, music, stories, poems and recordings let us into the lives of those who have lived in Edinburgh throughout that time. Joining the mighty talent of Phil Alexander (Moshe's Bagel, Salsa Celtica), having toured together for years in the Eliza Carthy Band, and the incredible Martin Fell on sax and clarinet the trio will be performing traditional and new music by Phil Alexander. |
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GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2017:
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23.6.17 - Bitches Brew ft. Emma Smith & Signy Jakobsdottir + NÉRIJA - St. Luke's - 8pm "Recently nominated for Jazz FM Breakthrough Act of the Year 2016, Nérija are a collective of up and coming, London-based musicians playing exciting and original music inspired by Jazz, Hip Hop, Afrobeat and South African Township. Together they have toured across Europe and the UK in addition to performing alongside top UK jazz musicians such as Nathaniel Facey of Empirical, pianist Zoe Rahman, and supporting Jazz Jamaica at the renowned Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club." 24.6.17 - Raymond MacDonald and Friends - Glad Cafe - 8pm Music by Raymond MacDonald, performed and improvised by Raymond MacDonald - saxes / Stuart Brown - drums / Robert Henderson - trumpet / Su-a Lee - cello / Jim MacEwan - Keys / Graeme Wilson - sax / Emma Tomlinson - viola / Emma Smith - bass 25.6.17 - Bitches Brew Glasgow Jazz Festival - Glad Cafe - 7.30pm The line-up for this year's Glasgow Jazz Fest includes Maud the Moth, Rachael Cohen and Kikazaru. Check out the Bitches Brew page for more details... |
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APRIL
14.4.17 - Bitches Brew #7 - Glad Cafe - 7.30pm
The first outing of 2017, check out the Bitches Brew page for full details. The line up will include Cliona Cassidy, Signy Jakobsdottir and Kikazaru.
30.4.17 - Babylon Arabic Band - Tradfest - Scottish Storytelling Centre - 8pm
Baghdad is still singing: A night of Iraqi music, storytelling and belly dancing.
14.4.17 - Bitches Brew #7 - Glad Cafe - 7.30pm
The first outing of 2017, check out the Bitches Brew page for full details. The line up will include Cliona Cassidy, Signy Jakobsdottir and Kikazaru.
30.4.17 - Babylon Arabic Band - Tradfest - Scottish Storytelling Centre - 8pm
Baghdad is still singing: A night of Iraqi music, storytelling and belly dancing.
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January
28.1.17 - Bevvy Sisters - Celtic Connections
Three gigs back to back in classic CC style. First up St Lukes @ 7.30pm... next down to the Drygate Brewery for a taster of some fo the festival highlights (we're on around 12.30) and then finally down to the Festival Club at the Art School for the late slot starting at 2am. BRING IT ON!!
28.1.17 - Bevvy Sisters - Celtic Connections
Three gigs back to back in classic CC style. First up St Lukes @ 7.30pm... next down to the Drygate Brewery for a taster of some fo the festival highlights (we're on around 12.30) and then finally down to the Festival Club at the Art School for the late slot starting at 2am. BRING IT ON!!
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December
15.12.16 - Running Under Bridges - Reid Hall - 7.30pm
Further experiments in graphic design for free improvisation, devised by Raymond MacDonald and Jo Ganter. Other musicians include Aidan O'Rourke, Tom Bancroft and Xenia Pestova.
15.12.16 - Running Under Bridges - Reid Hall - 7.30pm
Further experiments in graphic design for free improvisation, devised by Raymond MacDonald and Jo Ganter. Other musicians include Aidan O'Rourke, Tom Bancroft and Xenia Pestova.
August
Edinburgh Fringe - My Leonard Cohen - with Stewart D'Arrietta - ASSEMBLY ON THE MOUND
An excellent biographical trip through the life and music of one of the world's greatest poets. D'Arrietta has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Cohen's life, loves and losses, and matches this with a unique charisma and depth of musicianship.
Edinburgh Fringe - My Leonard Cohen - with Stewart D'Arrietta - ASSEMBLY ON THE MOUND
An excellent biographical trip through the life and music of one of the world's greatest poets. D'Arrietta has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Cohen's life, loves and losses, and matches this with a unique charisma and depth of musicianship.
May...
26.5.16 - SYNTONIC - CLICK CLACK CLUB - HENRY'S CELLAR BAR 7PM
Joining the line-up for one of Edinburgh's long established experimental music nights, Syntonic will be debuting some of their newest material at this brilliantly eclectic night.
June...
4.6.16 - GRAEME STEPHEN TRIO - LEITH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL - LEITH DEPOT 8.30PM
'There’s no doubt that [Kikazaru's] Graeme Stephen is one of the country’s top jazz guitarists, here in trio format for Leith Jazz Festival.
"Stephen’s music speaks loudly of ambition, imagination, nous, and harmonic adventure yet teemed with the sort of tuneful realisation that swells the heart – Rob Adams, The Herald"'
www.graemestephen.com
21.6.16 - MUSICIANS WITHOUT BORDERS: WORLD WIDE MUSIC DAY - LEITH DEPOT
All proceeds from this gig will go to Musicians Without Borders.
Musicians Without Borders "uses music to bridge divides, connect communities, and heal the wounds of war". Projects include Music For Social Change "[which] offers uplifting, music-based activities to young people who lack social or cultural opportunities, and reaches thousands of the most marginalized children of the West Bank." Check out their website for more information about the incredible work this organisation does all over the world.
The line-up for this is still tbc, but confirmed we have KIKAZARU, SYNTONIC & RIVER OF SLIME (DJ SET).
23.6.16 - BITCHES BREW - GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, GLAD CAFE 7.30pm
This is Bitches Brew's FIRST EVER gig in Glasgow, and we're EXCITED!! As if that wasn't enough, we're also part of the Glasgow Jazz Festival. Check out the Bitches Brew page for full line-up.
Tickets available here.
24.6.16 - SYNTONIC - GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, RECITAL ROOM 9.30pm
The night after Bitches Brew, Syntonic has it's own gig, where the duo can really spread it's wings and settle into a good hour of music making. This promises to be a great gig, with the pair putting together their most diverse and intricate set to date. This one is going to be special, there is no doubt about that.
Tickets available here.
28.6.16 - CLASSICAL KICKS - RONNIE'S BAR, RONNIE SCOTT'S JAZZ CLUB, SOHO
Back in the CK hot-seat, Emma is mega-excited to be part of this stellar gig which never fails to push boundaries that neither the musicians nor the audience knew they had...
July...
21.7.16 - BEVVY SISTERS 10TH BIRTHDAY BASH - EDINBURGH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, GEORGE SQUARE SPIEGELTENT 8.30pm
A rare treat to be back with old amigos the Bevvy Sisters, and for their 10th Birthday bash no less. These musicians need no excuse for a party on a Monday night, so imagine what their 10th Birthday Bash is going to be like. Ooft... Get your tickets here.
26.5.16 - SYNTONIC - CLICK CLACK CLUB - HENRY'S CELLAR BAR 7PM
Joining the line-up for one of Edinburgh's long established experimental music nights, Syntonic will be debuting some of their newest material at this brilliantly eclectic night.
June...
4.6.16 - GRAEME STEPHEN TRIO - LEITH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL - LEITH DEPOT 8.30PM
'There’s no doubt that [Kikazaru's] Graeme Stephen is one of the country’s top jazz guitarists, here in trio format for Leith Jazz Festival.
"Stephen’s music speaks loudly of ambition, imagination, nous, and harmonic adventure yet teemed with the sort of tuneful realisation that swells the heart – Rob Adams, The Herald"'
www.graemestephen.com
21.6.16 - MUSICIANS WITHOUT BORDERS: WORLD WIDE MUSIC DAY - LEITH DEPOT
All proceeds from this gig will go to Musicians Without Borders.
Musicians Without Borders "uses music to bridge divides, connect communities, and heal the wounds of war". Projects include Music For Social Change "[which] offers uplifting, music-based activities to young people who lack social or cultural opportunities, and reaches thousands of the most marginalized children of the West Bank." Check out their website for more information about the incredible work this organisation does all over the world.
The line-up for this is still tbc, but confirmed we have KIKAZARU, SYNTONIC & RIVER OF SLIME (DJ SET).
23.6.16 - BITCHES BREW - GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, GLAD CAFE 7.30pm
This is Bitches Brew's FIRST EVER gig in Glasgow, and we're EXCITED!! As if that wasn't enough, we're also part of the Glasgow Jazz Festival. Check out the Bitches Brew page for full line-up.
Tickets available here.
24.6.16 - SYNTONIC - GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, RECITAL ROOM 9.30pm
The night after Bitches Brew, Syntonic has it's own gig, where the duo can really spread it's wings and settle into a good hour of music making. This promises to be a great gig, with the pair putting together their most diverse and intricate set to date. This one is going to be special, there is no doubt about that.
Tickets available here.
28.6.16 - CLASSICAL KICKS - RONNIE'S BAR, RONNIE SCOTT'S JAZZ CLUB, SOHO
Back in the CK hot-seat, Emma is mega-excited to be part of this stellar gig which never fails to push boundaries that neither the musicians nor the audience knew they had...
July...
21.7.16 - BEVVY SISTERS 10TH BIRTHDAY BASH - EDINBURGH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, GEORGE SQUARE SPIEGELTENT 8.30pm
A rare treat to be back with old amigos the Bevvy Sisters, and for their 10th Birthday bash no less. These musicians need no excuse for a party on a Monday night, so imagine what their 10th Birthday Bash is going to be like. Ooft... Get your tickets here.
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January is shaping up nicely...
17.1.16 - KIKAZARU - PARADISE PALMS TIME tbc
Gearing up for some more of their unique blend of mayhem, Kikazaru are chomping at the
bit to get back into the saddle for a ride into the surreal.
theparadisepalms.com
20.1.16 - BITCHES BREW - JAZZ BAR 9pm
Check out the Bitches Brew page for news of the next collection of unbelievable talent...
23.1.16 - FOUND - LIMBO - VOODOO ROOMS 7.30pm
Each night sees the right mix of the most established, brand new and freshly breaking live
acts from Scotland and beyond alongside great music from the Black Spring DJs. The audio production is augmented by equally high-grade visuals, with motion graphics, short films and
other video art projected on to the full-sized screen behind the stage.
thevoodoorooms.com
limbolive.co.uk
31.1.16 - NEW VOICES: KATE YOUNG - GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL, STRATHCLYDE SUITE 1pm
One of the many highlights of Bitches Brew so far, Scottish singer, fiddler and composer Kate Young is clearly on a tremendous creative roll. Following the release of her debut album Swimmings of the Head (as Kate in the Kettle) to glowing reviews in autumn 2014, Kate has received further acclaim for her work with all-female fiddlers/singers quartet Carthy, Hardy, Farrell and Young.
Here she presents a new collection of songs, partly inspired by fragments of traditional material, exploring the largely lost or hidden lore of plants’ healing powers, and seeking to restore this knowledge to its rightful cultural place. Her accompanying strings/percussion line-up features Corrina Hewat, Patsy Reid, Su-a Lee, Robert McFall, Morag Brown, Emma Smith and Tim Lane.
celticconnections.com
17.1.16 - KIKAZARU - PARADISE PALMS TIME tbc
Gearing up for some more of their unique blend of mayhem, Kikazaru are chomping at the
bit to get back into the saddle for a ride into the surreal.
theparadisepalms.com
20.1.16 - BITCHES BREW - JAZZ BAR 9pm
Check out the Bitches Brew page for news of the next collection of unbelievable talent...
23.1.16 - FOUND - LIMBO - VOODOO ROOMS 7.30pm
Each night sees the right mix of the most established, brand new and freshly breaking live
acts from Scotland and beyond alongside great music from the Black Spring DJs. The audio production is augmented by equally high-grade visuals, with motion graphics, short films and
other video art projected on to the full-sized screen behind the stage.
thevoodoorooms.com
limbolive.co.uk
31.1.16 - NEW VOICES: KATE YOUNG - GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL, STRATHCLYDE SUITE 1pm
One of the many highlights of Bitches Brew so far, Scottish singer, fiddler and composer Kate Young is clearly on a tremendous creative roll. Following the release of her debut album Swimmings of the Head (as Kate in the Kettle) to glowing reviews in autumn 2014, Kate has received further acclaim for her work with all-female fiddlers/singers quartet Carthy, Hardy, Farrell and Young.
Here she presents a new collection of songs, partly inspired by fragments of traditional material, exploring the largely lost or hidden lore of plants’ healing powers, and seeking to restore this knowledge to its rightful cultural place. Her accompanying strings/percussion line-up features Corrina Hewat, Patsy Reid, Su-a Lee, Robert McFall, Morag Brown, Emma Smith and Tim Lane.
celticconnections.com
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25.4.15 - FOUND - MOONHOP - HENRY'S CELLAR BAR 11pm
The FOUND collective presents the Moon Hop - a regular night mixing performances by some
of the UK’s most exciting artists with sets from the Moon Hop DJs and their genre defying record collection.
live this month - FOUND, Hollie McNish, Dan Lyth & The Euphrates, Michael Pedersen + loads of rare, white hot wax played by the Moon Hop DJs.
"FOUND's experimental pop managed to reference the electronic pallette of Kraftwerk and Warp Records whilst offering nods to the clipped urgency of Wire, the melodicism of Motown and, well, something akin to My Bloody Valentine being produced by Joe Meek. Honest."
http://shop.chemikal.co.uk/acatalog/FOUND.html
The FOUND collective presents the Moon Hop - a regular night mixing performances by some
of the UK’s most exciting artists with sets from the Moon Hop DJs and their genre defying record collection.
live this month - FOUND, Hollie McNish, Dan Lyth & The Euphrates, Michael Pedersen + loads of rare, white hot wax played by the Moon Hop DJs.
"FOUND's experimental pop managed to reference the electronic pallette of Kraftwerk and Warp Records whilst offering nods to the clipped urgency of Wire, the melodicism of Motown and, well, something akin to My Bloody Valentine being produced by Joe Meek. Honest."
http://shop.chemikal.co.uk/acatalog/FOUND.html
7.10.15 - BITCHES BREW - JAZZ BAR 9pm
Everything you need to know about this MONUMENTALLY EXCITING GIG is on the Bitches Brew page, so I won't get into it again here.
Everything you need to know about this MONUMENTALLY EXCITING GIG is on the Bitches Brew page, so I won't get into it again here.
9.10.15 - FOUND - SOMEWHERE IN GLASGOW
More info coming soon...
More info coming soon...
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25.4.15 - PIE 2 - PATHHEAD VILLAGE HALL 8pm
Another night in Pathhead of Improvised & Experimental Music
from the Pathhead Music Collective & friends featuring:
Svelte: Raymond MacDonald (sax) & Tom Bancroft (drums)
Martin Green (laptop) & Corrina Hewat (harp)
Graeme Stephen (guitar/loops) & Tom Bancroft (drums & loops)
Kate Young (violin/vox) Emma Smith (bass) & Yodelina (yodelling)
plus blind date duos & trios & finale from cast.
Live visuals by Funktioncreep
18.5.15 - CLASSICAL KICKS: CLASSICAL BROADS - ST JAMES THEATRE, LONDON SW1E 5JA
Curator Lizzie Ball joins forces with fellow multi-genre collaborator and cellist Gabriella Swallow to bring you an all star female line up for this unique presentation of the work of iconic women in classical and jazz, with songs, music and spoken word. The programme will include material from Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Clara Schumann, Maya Angelou and more.
Lizzie Ball (violin, vocals, curator)
Gabriella Swallow (cello)
Christina McMaster (piano)
Emma Smith (bass)
Emma Hamilton (actor)
24.5.15 - MANTRA COLLECTIVE - HIDDEN DOOR FESTIVAL, EDINBURGH
The Mantra Collective performs music for visuals - this can be film, TV and video game scores, as well as music for abstract visual performance, musical theatre and lighting shows. We create immersive and dynamic multi-arts experiences.
26.5.15 - ma - HIDDEN DOOR FESTIVAL, EDINBURGH, 6pm
This will be ma's debut performance, playing music written especially for this event.
31.4.15 - CLASSICAL KICKS - RONNIE SCOTT'S, SOHO
Part of the Classical Kicks residency at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, this night will be about as eclectic as anything you've ever seen. World class musicians performing music from an incredibly wide range of genres, washed down with a cocktail or two or ten.
4.6.15 - BITCHES BREW - JAZZ BAR, EDINBURGH, 7pm
Curated by Syntonic, Bitches Brew aims to showcase some of the best female instrumental improvising talent.
The first outing presents ma, Kubov and Syntonic.