Jazz musician Chris Ingham and folk musician Chris Wilbraham cast their expert eyes over the local music scene

JAZZ with Chris Ingham: cjr.ingham@outlook.com/www.chrisingham.co.uk

FOR THE DIARY

Wednesday, January 8

BEN CROSLAND’S ALL-STAR BAND (Stoke By Nayland Golf Club, 8pm, £25, fleecejazz.org.uk, 01787 211865) A jazz interpretation of the songs of Kinks legend Ray Davies with Ben Crosland (bass), John Etheridge (guitars), Theo Travis (saxophone), Steve Lodder (piano), Nic France (drums).

Thursday, January 16

RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS (The Apex, Bury, 7.30pm, £28, theapex.co.uk) The popular multi-media presentation plus live jazz tells the story of the famed Soho jazz club. Led by pianist and Ronnie Scott’s musical director James Pearson.

Friday, January 17

TIM GARLAND (Hunter Club Arts Centre, Bury, 7.30pm, £20, headhunterslive.org, 07799 650009) A rare, not-to-be-missed UK club appearance from saxophone superstar (who spent 17 years with Chick Corea) and lauded composer. Tonight, Tim blends bewitching original pieces with some of his favourite standards. With Chris Ingham (piano), Malcolm Creese (bass), George Double (drums).

Wednesday, January 22

JAZZ AT THE MOVIES (Stoke By Nayland Golf Club, 8pm, £22, fleecejazz.org.uk, 01787 211865) Relieved of Christmas duties for another year, the film music repertoire quintet deliver jazzy spins on tunes from the silver screen, featuring Joanna Eden (vocal), Chris Ingham (piano/MC), Mark Crooks (clarinet/saxophone), Joe Pettitt (bass) and George Double (drums).

Thursday, January 23

CLARK TRACEY’S JAZZ CHAMPIONS (Hidden Rooms, Cambridge, 7.30pm, £22 & £16.50, cambridgejazz.org, 01223 514777) internationally recognised jazz drummer, band leader, composer and arranger Tracey leads an all-star quintet playing his own music and that of Stan Tracey, his father. With Art Themen (saxophone), Simon Allen (saxophone), Dave Newton (piano) and Andrew Cleyndert (bass).

Friday, January 24

DJANGOLIERS (Diss Corn Hall, 7.30pm, £18, thecornhall.co.uk, 01379 652241) Inspired by the music of the late, great Belgian guitarist, Djangoliers interpret Django’s classic arrangements and compositions Nuages, Swing 42 and Manoir Des Mes Reves and explore the thrilling contemporary developments of ‘Gypsy Jazz’. With Simon Hurley (guitar), Robert Ford (guitar), Zak Barrett (clarinet) and Andy Staples (bass).

Wednesday, February 12

CHRIS COOULL’S BLUE NOTE SEXTET (Stoke By Nayland Golf Club, 8pm, £22, fleecejazz.org.uk, 01787 211865) A broad array from the much loved recordings of Lee Morgan, Dexter Gordan, Donald Byrd, Hank Mobley, Freddie Hubbard, to name a few from the golden era of the '50s and '60s. With Chris Coull (trumpet), Andreas Panayi (saxophone), Mark Bassey (trombone), Terry Seabrook (piano), Dan Sheppard (bass) and Peter Cater (drums).

FOLK with Chris Wilbraham: chris.wilbraham@tinyonline.co.uk

As the year ends I asked friends which musical experiences stand out for them looking back on 2014.

Poet Eamonn Harvey was the first to respond: “Taking part in the Milkmaid Songwriting contest and hearing a lot of talented people performing in an inclusive atmosphere. I also enjoyed seeing the Oyster Band performing at The Apex on their 'long goodbye tour'. A legendary band who will be missed by all lovers of folk/roots music.”

David Bartlett, of Bury Folk Collection and Sound Tradition, sent this: “The Peace through Folk Gathering in the small village of Ipstones, Staffordshire, was a great opportunity to meet like-minded souls and to celebrate peace, friendship and reconciliation and a more sustainable planet for the future. Unfortunately, not all of Sound Tradition could attend, but as a three-hander we did our best. It was great to see old friends - The Wilsons, and Melrose Quartet among many others.

We also took a trip to Appingedam, Holland, to sing at the International Folk and Sea Songs Festival Bie Daip. We met the lovely singer Mel Babb and spent time with our friends Kimber’s Men. This wonderful event is one of the main folk and maritime music festivals held in Europe, often with over 40 performance groups from across North America, Europe and Australasia. Such a joy.”

George Monger, who helps select Folk Acts for Stowmarket’s John Peel Centre, has had a satisfying year: “. . .seeing people I have not seen for a while and catching up with Dougie Maclean in Colchester, Altan at Snape, Mad Dog Macrea at Debenham and the John Ward Trio in the John Peel Centre’s No.11 Market Place. It was a privilege and joy to see Fairport Convention at the John Peel Centre too, but at this time I reflect on the wonderful new people I have met and enjoyed. Suntou Susso, an amazing Kora player, was particularly a highpoint.

We had some great performances in the No 11 Market Place venue with Liz Jones from Edinburgh, Bridgit O’Neil from Belfast, Izzy Yardley from Frome, Somerset, and Rona Mac from south Wales. All new names to me.

It has also been a wonderful privilege to have given several new young performers an opportunity at the Whole Shebang open mic nights and seen them blossom and gain confidence over the year.”

Peter Twitchett can add another big day for music in Stowmarket: “Traditional Music Day was a great experience. The town was alive with traditional music of all shapes, sounds and colours. There were twirling Morris Men, wheezing concertinas and melodeons and folks singing great songs. A lone piper also provided evocative music. Well recommended for next year.“

He also learned a new song: “The sort that can stun an audience, Somewhere to Begin by T R Richie. I learned it from a wonderful singer, sadly now passed on, called Laura Martin. A great song to sing and to listen to.”

Having listened, the song certainly fits our troubled times. I think I’ll learn it too.

Robin Mansfield, who leads the team running Cambridge Folk Club, has seen a lot: “At Ely Folk Festival, Jez Lowe and Eddi Reader were exceptional. “

He also enjoyed Broadstairs Folk Week, seeing the likes of Le Vent du Nord, Tim Edey plus The Oyster XS Band performing at the Baptist Church on different days. “Tim Edey showing his amazing musicianship and energy in everything he does. Le Vent Du Nord singing, dancing and playing their instruments among the audience.”

He also managed to get to Shrewsbury Folk Festival. “Elkie Brooks was particularly amazing, she still has a perfect voice and dancing around the stage at 79 years of age.” And his club had a fine November. “Anthony John Clark, Christine Collister, Kris Drever, Hunter Muskett and Reg Meuross contributed to some excellent sell-out concerts.”

Not many gigs next week however:

Friday, December 27

Beyton White Horse, 8pm,Open Mic with The Larks.