The concert, which starts at 7:30pm, will showcase a profusion of local talent including duo performances from Alan McKay & Robert Bennet, Johnny Polson & Lewie Peterson, and Brydon Williamson & Patrick Mainland, together with sets from Brian Nicholson & the High Level Music Students, and the inimitable Norman Goudie & Friends.

Bryan Peterson, Music Development Officer at Shetland Arts, said: “The guitar is probably the most popular instrument in Shetland, and the varied line-up reflects the broad range of genres in which it features. We have a wealth of fantastic guitarists in the isles – I only wish time allowed us to squeeze some more of them into the concert programme!”

The first Guitar Festival took place in 2005 and performers have included Martin Taylor, J P Cormier, Redmond O’Toole, Eduardo Niebla and, last month, Svara Kanti. In 2010 the festival was extended into an autumn season of concerts.

The Peerie Willie Guitar Season is dedicated to the memory of the late William Johnson, the highly regarded guitarist who pioneered the jazz influenced accompaniment style now prevalent in traditional Shetland music. Willie was heavily influenced by the jazz musicians he heard on the radio as a young man and the festival always has a healthy dose of jazz guitar in the mix.

Tickets for the concert, priced at £10 (£8 concessions), are available from Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre, 01595 745 555 or online at www.shetlandboxoffice.org

For more information contact:

Bryan Peterson, Music Development Officer, Shetland Arts Development Agency

bryan.peterson@shetlandarts.org 01595 745 760

There will also be a free masterclass where people can learn about the group’s music and instruments in the Garrison Theatre at 3pm on the Saturday afternoon.

* Svara Kanti

Svara-Kanti brings together four acclaimed masters of Indian and Western music to play evocative ancient folk music re-imagined: virtuosic Indian classical traditions, the finest Bollywood film music (including compositions by Slumdog Millionaire Oscar winner AR Rahman) and new Indian music, all reinterpreted with contemporary Western, classical and jazz influences.

Svara-Kanti consists of Simon Thacker on classical guitar (Park Lane Group Award winner, RPS Award nominee, “startling virtuosity“: The Scotsman); incredible Carnatic South Indian violinist Jyotsna Srikanth, who has recorded over 200 Bollywood soundtracks and is a Trinity College of Music Fellow; internationally renowned tabla player Sarvar Sabri, who has a musical lineage stretching back ten generations to the Royal Court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and the beautiful voice of London based singer and actress Japjit Kaur. Japjit has performed extensively and written in various Indian languages and styles, including Bollywood, Bhangra and Indian classical, and was Musical Director and vocal coach for the Royal National Theatre’s production of Rafta Rafta.

Prior to the full group performance at each concert, Simon Thacker will also present a solo classical guitar recital.

Svara-Kanti is a virtuosic group of musicians whose members seamlessly blend Indian and Western styles. A taste of the exotic is the perfect antidote to autumnal blues.

The Guardian described Svara-Kantis’s music as “an exuberant virtuoso display” whilst the Glasgow Herald commented on the “marvellous interaction between Thacker and Srikanth …. strikingly intricate, powerful unison playing from all involved.”

Tickets for the concerts at Bigton on 14^th October and the Garrison Theatre on 15^th October, both starting at 7.30pm, are priced at £10 (£8 concessions) and are available from Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre, 01595 745 555, or online at www.shetlandboxoffice.org.

Bookings for Saturday’ masterclass can also be made through the Box Office.

The next event in the Guitar Season will be the Shetland ‘Guitar Hero’ concert at the Town Hall on Saturday 19th November.

Biographies

Simon Thacker is Head of Guitar at Napier University and Honorary Fellow in Music at the University of Aberdeen. He has been nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award and in 2006 was a winner of the 50th Park Lane Group Awards, resulting in his acclaimed solo Purcell Room debut. Simon has performed in Cuba, the USA, Spain, Malta, France and Belgium, and broadcast on Cuban TV and BBC Radio 3. He is founder of Camerata Ritmata, a unique collaboration with some of the UK’s leading jazz and world musicians, which he composes for. He is also a member of duo ¡Canto vivo! with opera star Claire Debono. In 2009 he led his ground-breaking East/West project The Nava Rasa Ensemble, featuring nine of Europe’s best Indian and Western classical musicians performing new concerti by Nigel Osborne and Shirish Korde, on a prestigious Tune Up tour across the UK.

Japjit Kaur was born in north India surrounded by classical and Bollywood music and dance. She first studied Indian classical music in Haryana at the age of 10 and was awarded a first class division as well as a distinction by the Pracheen Kala Kendra. Since moving to London she has performed extensively and written in various Indian languages and styles, including Bollywood, Bhangra and Indian classical. In 2004 Japjit worked with Flatline Team in collaboration with Motion Pictures on a project called ‘Dilruba’ as a singer-songwriter and an actress. This was also short listed for the LA short film festival. In late 2005 Japjit was appointed as a weekend prime time radio presenter by Panjab Radio and went on to study Hindustani vocals further at the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Institute with Smt. Chandrima Misra followed by tuition from Pandit Chiranjib Chakraborty. She has also been studying Qawalli and Sufi music from Ustad Ameer Khan Sahib. Since 2006 she has been working extensively with renowned composer Niraj Chag and was Musical Director and vocal coach for the Royal National Theatre production of Rafta Rafta.

Dr. Jyotsna Srikanth learnt the rudiments of the classical Carnatic music of southern India from her mother from the age of three and gave her first recital when she was just nine. Although she has a profound respect for her heritage and performs in the classical Carnatic style with an impressive combination of emotional expression and masterful technique, she refuses to be bound by tradition. She is also an accomplished Western classical violinist and Jyotsna has played violin for over 200 commercial Indian films and has released many albums internationally. She has received many national and international awards and was  recently conferred a Fellowship in Carnatic Music from Trinity College of Music, London.

Her many notable performances include: Queen Elizabeth Hall; WOMAD; BBC Radio 3; Red Violin Festival (Wales); Cleveland Music Festival; World Trade Auditorium (Singapore); East-West International Music Encounter (Bangalore).

Sarvar Sabri is an internationally renowned tabla player/composer whose versatility and passion for the rich diversity of the world’s musical traditions has spurred him to constantly experiment with other world-class musicians and composers, and to extend the boundaries of his own classical form. Sabri is proficient not only as a soloist but also works with many Indian classical vocalists, instrumentalists and Kathak dancers. He regularly participates in major music festivals held in India. He makes regular appearances at the South Bank, London and has also performed for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 including the South Bank Show. As a soloist, he has worked with the BCMG in collaboration with composer Judith Weir, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, East of England Orchestra and Sinfonia Baltica. In 2006, he appeared with CBSO and in March 2007, he worked with Viva Sinfonia (Derby). Sabri’s work can be heard on numerous CDs playing with some of the world’s finest musicians.

Michael Janisch

An eclectic mix of everything from Latin and swing to soul, groove and the avant garde can be expected from Janisch’s band at evening concerts in the Sandwick Social Club on Friday 17th and St Columba’s Church, Lerwick, on Saturday 18^th, followed by a session in the Lounge on Sunday 19th.

Not content with playing two concerts and the Lounge session, the band will also be holding a series of school workshops and an informal jam session with the public at the Sandwick Social Club before their concert on Friday. There will also be a masterclass at St Columba’s on Saturday afternoon.

Each concert will feature support from one of Shetland’s up and coming young bands, Norman and the Folding Deckchairs.

The visit marks the last of the Peerie Willie Guitar Season concerts, held in celebration of the late great Shetland guitarist Willie Johnson. Performances and educational events this year have featured Ian Bairnson, Jim Mullen, John Etheridge and the Lulo Reinhardt Latin Swing Project.

The group is led by electric and upright bassist Janisch. The name may be familiar to Shetland audiences as Janisch visited as a member of the Alyn Cosker Quartet earlier this year and has been keen to return since.

Mr Jansich said: “I’ve been all over the place and Shetland was still by far one of the most interesting, fun, and dare I say mystical places I’ve ever toured!”

Originally from Wisconsin, he is now based in London where he is an in demand session player, and hosts a regular night at the famous Ronnie Scott’s jazz club.

His virtuosity has resulted in numerous press accolades – The Times describe him as “always hip, melodic, and bouncy”, JazzWise Magazine observed he is a “brilliantly imaginative player, a force of nature”, The Guardian dubbed Janisch “One of the UK’s most exciting new Improvisers with percussive, Mingus-like power”, and the Telegraph noted “Seeing Michael Janisch play jazz bass is a tonic in itself. He doesn’t tickle or stroke the instrument, like so many European players, he masters it, the notes always dead centre in pitch, round in tone, and prefaced with a ’thunk’ that has the force of a drum-stroke.”

Michael Janisch Quintet poster

Shetland Arts’ music development officer Bryan Peterson said: “A group led by a bassist is a first for the Peerie Willie Festival. It is fitting as Willie himself was a great bassist as well as seminal guitar player.”

Janisch is joined by four brilliant musicians – guitarist Phil Robson, saxophonist Paul Booth, trumpeter Jay Phelps and drummer Andrew Bain, who have a host of awards and accolades between them.

Robson has won numerous awards for his playing including the has won numerous awards for his playing including the BT ‘Best Soloist of the Year’ award, Perrier Young Jazz award for the ‘Best Instrumentalist of the Year’ and the Parliamentary Jazz Awards ‘Best Jazz Musician of the year.’

His list of playing credits include recordings and performances with such luminaries as Barbra Streisand, Sir John Dankworth & Dame Cleo Laine, Wayne Krantz, Georgy Fame, Tommy Smith, Martin Taylor, Michael McDonald and Pee Wee Ellis.

Canadian Phelps is at the forefront of the young and creative generation of jazz musicians in the UK. Remarkably experienced for a musician in his 20s, he has played with the likes of Courtney Pine, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Brown, John Hendricks, George Benson, Jamie Cullum, Sir John Dankworth, Amy Winehouse, and Charlotte Church..

Saxophonist Booth is one of the most exciting and in demand musicians on the scene today. He has won many awards including the prestigious Clifford Brown/Stan Getz fellowship in Miami and the Best Modern Jazz Player category in the televised Young Jazz Player of the Year competition. Currently in the Steve Winwood band, he has performed worldwide with the likes of Eric Clapton, Snowboy, Tony Hadley and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Finally, drummer Bain is one of the leading performers and educators in the UK today. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and Manhattan School of Music, and winner of the BBC Big Band Drummer award, he has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman and Bob Mintzer. Bain is also co-director of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland.

The band are currently on tour to support Janisch’s latest album ‘Purpose Built’ which has been receiving great critical acclaim – “well-crafted, polished writing and arranging, merging straightahead, latin, fusion styles for the contemporary jazz palette…”, (JazzWise), “exuberantly angular and rhythmic, can unexpectedly veer towards the tender…4 stars” (Telegraph), “infectiously vibrant debut” (Scotsman), “Janisch’s originals balance complexity and pulse – 4 Stars” (Financial Times), “one of the most inventive cross-border bandleaders to have recently arrived on the scene” — John Fordham, The Guardian

Mr Peterson added: “The group truly are some of the most prodigiously talented jazz musicians in the world. I urge everyone to take the opportunity to experience their music, and thoroughly recommend local musicians of all styles to come along to the masterclass on Saturday and session on Sunday to get an insight into their remarkable playing and compositional techniques.”

Tickets for the evening concerts, which start at 9pm at the Sandwick Social Club on Friday the 17^th and at 7.30pm at St Columba’s Church on Saturday the 18^th cost £12 (£8 concession) and are available at Shetland Box Office. Tickets for the Sandwick concert are also available on the door or at the Social Club.

Tickets for the masterclass at St Columba’s, from 2-4pm on Saturday the 18^th cost £5, also available from Shetland Box Office or at the door. Under 16s are free.

Entry to the jam session at the Lounge on Sunday 19^th is free, participants are welcome.

Itinerary

Friday 17th December

• 10am to 1pm – School workshops
• 7pm to 9pm – Sandwick Jazz Session @ Sandwick Social Club – Free jam session, all abilities welcome
• 9pm till late – Concert in Sandwick Social Club Function Room – £12/8 – Tickets from Shetland Box Office, Sandwick Social Club or on door

Saturday 18th December

• 2pm to 4pm – Masterclass at St. Columba’s Church, Lerwick – £5 (under 16s free) – Tickets from Shetland Box Office or on door
• 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm – Concert at St. Columba’s Church, Lerwick – £12/8 – Tickets from Shetland Box Office or on door

Sunday 19th December

• 2pm to 5 pm – Lounge Bar, Lerwick – Free jam session, all abilities welcome

The band

Michael Janisch – electric and upright bass

Since his arrival in London in 2005 (where he now resides), Michael has worked with many of the UK’s leading internationally renown jazz artists, “adding a little muscle” (JazzReview.com) to the bands of Jason Rebello, Gary Husband, Sir John Dankworth, Jean Toussaint, Phil Robson, Tim Garland, Julian Joseph, Martin Taylor, Tommy Smith, Julian Arguellis, Christine Tobin, Dennis Rollins, Nigel Hitchcock, Martin France, and Gerard Presencer, as well as rising stars Soweto Kinch, Jim Hart, Paul Towndrow, Alex Garnett, Robert Mitchell, Paul Booth and Gwilym Simcock. In addition to his work in the jazz world, Janisch has performed with such diverse stars from Annie Lennox to Kevin Spacey to Cat Stevens, and has appeared on the Michael Parkinson Show, MTV Europe, The Brit Awards, Strictly Come Dancing, and various BBC programs and documentaries. Moreover, he currently teaches at both the Royal Academy of Music and The Trinity College, two of Europe’s finest institutions of music.

Michael Janish on electric bass

But it is Michael’s rapidly blossoming career as a bandleader, however, that has garnered the young bassist the most international attention. He has established a strong reputation as a guiding light for creating world-class collaborations between musicians in the US and the UK. John Fordham, one of the UK’s leading jazz critics, affirms that “the London-based American bassist Michael Janisch, whose virtuosity has put him in the UK’s top jazz flight since his arrival in 2005, is having an impact beyond his hard-driving bass playing, with his high profile matching of American and British talent.” (Jazz UK).

His groups have headlined to sell-out crowds up and down the country, from Ronnie Scott’s in the heart of Soho to the Blue Lamp in Aberdeen, Scotland. In 2008, his critically acclaimed TransAtlantic Collective embarked on an extensive UK tour, performing in over 30 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales, and headlining London’s famous Southbank Centre Purcell Room as one of the London Jazz Festival’s featured acts. His groups perform regularly across Mainland Continental Europe and his native US as well.

In January 2009, he recorded a full program of mainly original music with 9 world-class American and British musicians at the renown Systems Two recording studio in Brooklyn, New York. These musicians are some of the guiding lights of their generation, including tenor saxophonists Walter Smith III and Paul Booth, vibraphonist Jim Hart, guitarists Mike Moreno and Phil Robson, alto saxophonist Patrick Cornelius, trumpeter Jason Palmer, pianist Aaron Goldberg, and drummer Johnathan Blake. This project was released worldwide in mid October as Janisch’s debut album “Purpose Built” on his own newly minted “Whirlwind Recordings Ltd.” label. In celebration of the record’s launch, Janisch embarked on a tour the UK with an all-star quintet of international musicians performing the music from this exciting new release. This entire project is the bassist’s most creative and ambitious musical adventure to date, showcasing music that cuts a wide swath from the broad stylistic continuum of jazz history, and in addition representing the diverse range of the bassist’s musical influences outside the improvised realm. Highlight performances from the band’s itinerary included a headline berth at the Scarborough International Jazz Festival and 2 nights at the venerable Pizza Express Jazz Room in Soho, where Janisch also kicked off a new monthly residency to showcase his musical projects.

• www.michaeljanisch.com – Michael’s website

Phil Robson – guitar

Phil is internationally regarded as a highly versatile and creative player who appears in all kinds of diverse settings, as well as being a renowned bandleader & composer. It is difficult to categorise his style of playing & writing, as so many influences & experiences have gone into the melting pot.

Phil Robson

Earlier, prevailing influences such as Hendrix & Miles, Parker etc blend with many elements from the wider jazz world such as Ornette Coleman, Dave Holland, McCoy Tyner etc as well as with dimensions from African & Brazilian music, 20th century composers & contemporary musicians of all kinds as well as maintaining a respect for the entire jazz tradition. He has been commissioned several times to write music & put projects together by both Derby Jazz & Birmingham jazz.

In pure guitar terms, a large cross section (Wes, Martino, Hall, Eubanks, Frisell, Metheny etc, etc) are apparent in the mix, but the end result has created an individual way of playing that prompted US sax legend David Liebman to say “Phil is a wonderful guitarist and composer, definitely a unique player. We had a ball and hopefully I will be able to play with Phil again.”

Phil has won numerous awards for his playing including the BT ‘Best Soloist of the Year’ award (1997), Perrier Young Jazz award for the ‘Best Instrumentalist of the Year’ (1998) and the Parliamentary Jazz Awards ‘Best Jazz Musician of the year.’ (2009)

Phil’s list of playing credits include recordings and performances with such luminaries as Barbra Streisand, Sir John Dankworth & Dame Cleo Laine, Big Jon Patton, Georgy Fame, Martin Taylor, Michael McDonald, Pee Wee Ellis, Sammy Nestico & Bud Shank, Lalo Shiffron, Charles Earland, David Liebman, Horatio El Negro Hernandez, Steve Lacy, Mark Turner, Billy Hart, Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Marc Copland, Wayne Krantz, Mike Gibbs, James Genus, Peter Herbert, Bob Brookmeyer, Tim Garland, Tommy Smith, Django Bates, Stan Sulzmann, Jeff Williams, John Hebert, Ben Street, Duane Eubanks, Bobby Wellins and Denys Baptiste.

• www.philrobson.net – Phil’s website
• Jazz Wise Magazine interview with Phil
• www.myspace.com/philrobson Phil’s MySpace

Jay Phelps – trumpet

Jay Phelps

Jay is at the forefront of the young and creative generation of jazz musicians in the UK, with an instantly recognizable warm and projecting tone. A Vancouver-born Canadian, Jay was tutored by the city’s top jazz and classical trumpeters and distinguished himself early on as the youngest band-leader in the Vancouver International Jazz Festival’s history.

At 17, Jay moved to London, determined to immerse himself in the jazz scene and immediately attracted the notice of Gary Crosby who offered him work with Jazz Jamaica, Nu Troop and, in 2002, the opportunity to be a Tomorrow’s Warrior. Citing Louis Armstrong, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown and Miles Davis as his main influences, Jay went on to create and co-lead the young and hip jazz sensation Empirical, where he spent two years touring major festivals and events, while garnishing worldwide media attention that UK jazz musicians haven’t enjoyed for years. Jay has performed and recorded with a veritable who’s who of both UK and international jazz artists such as Courtney Pine, Andrew Hill, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Brown, John Hendricks, Nasheet Waits, George Benson, Jamie Cullum, Sir John Dankworth, Dennis Rollins, Guy Barker, Amy Winehouse, Charlotte Church, Hugh Masakela and Jazz Jamaica. Still only 28, Jay is determined to educate the next generation of jazz musicians with a local project entitled Jazz Youth.

In Jay Walkin’–his solo-debut–Jay departs from the current trend of experimental modernism, occasionally evoking the spirit of the 1940′s New York Birdland scene with playful vocals by showman-vocalist Michael Mwenso. Set out to honour the integrity and capture what is the traditional spirit of Jazz music, Phelps has composed and arranged songs with this in his vision.

• www.lineupmusic.co.uk/jp_site – Jay’s website
• myspace.com/jayphelpsjazz – Jay’s MySpace
• JazzWise Profile

Paul Booth – saxophones

Paul Boot

Paul Booth is one of the most exciting and in demand musicians on the scene today.

Although a very prominent figure on the jazz scene with an album released on the Jazzizit label and his latest album “No Looking Back” on the Basho label, his versatility has seen him play in many musical genres. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London from the age of 16 and graduated with honours at the age 20.

In his early years he won many awards including the prestigious Clifford Brown/Stan Getz fellowship held in Miami, “The Best Modern Jazz Player” category in the televised “Young Jazz Player of the Year” competition and many more.

Paul is currently in the Steve Winwood band has performed worldwide with the likes of Riverdance (for over two years), Eric Clapton, Matt Bianco, Basia, Tony Hadley, Eddie Henderson, Alex Wilson, Roberto Pla, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Snowboy, Ray Gelato, Jane Monheit.

He is a regular at Ronnie Scotts jazz club in London with his own band and others and has done several UK tours under his own name with the backing of Jazz Services and Jazz Action. Some other jazz groups he has been involved with include Arnie Somogyi’s Ambulance, Sax Appeal, The New Couriers, Mike Garrick Big Band, Tim Garland’s Northern Underground Orchestra etc.

• www.paulboothsax.com – Paul’s website
• www.myspace.com/paulboothmusic – Paul’s MySpace

Andrew Bain – drums

Andy Bai

Andrew is one of the leading performers and educators in the UK. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and Winner of the BBC Big Band Drummer 2001, he has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Randy Brecker, Dave Liebman, Bob Mintzer, Iain Dixon, Mike Walker, Mike Janisch, Phil Robson, Jim Hart, Mark Lockheart, Chris Batchelor, Mark Hodgson, Jean Toussaint, Houston Pearson, John Parricelli, Steve Watts, Stan Sulzman, and was a member of Jacqui Dankworth’s band between 2007-8, recording with the late Sir John Dankworth in 2008. He has performed at London jazz clubs, Ronnie Scott’s, The 606, The Vortex; at the BBC Proms, at the Montreux Jazz Festival and with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Receiving his Masters from the Manhattan School of Music, he was resident in New York from 2001-07. During this time he performed extensively with Thelonious Monk Competition winner Jon Irabagon and singer Jason Liebman. He performed at many of New York’s famous clubs including Sin-E, CBGBs and the Mercury Lounge, and recorded at Sony Studios, NY. Andrew co-leads the NY-based group Confluence whose eponymous debut showcased original and highly inventive compositions. Their second record will be released on the record label Fresh Sound, New Talent later this year. Andrew is a faculty member at the Guildhall School of Music and the Birmingham Conservatoire. He is also a member of the National Youth Jazz Collective with Artistic Director Dave Holland and is co-Director of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland.

• www.andrewbain.org – Andrew’s website
• www.andrewbain.org/mp3s – Free mp3s

Press Quotes

…about Michael

”a jazz bassist everyone with ears seems to want” – The Buffalo News

“powerful, Charles Mingus-informed playing” — All About Jazz

“Janisch is one of the few bass players out there who plays both electric and upright with equal facility, passion and musicality.” — Bass Musician Magazine

“Seeing Michael Janisch play jazz bass is a tonic in itself. He doesn’t tickle or stroke the instrument, like so many European players, he masters it, the notes always dead centre in pitch, round in tone, and prefaced with a ’thunk’ that has the force of a drum-stroke.” — The Telegraph

“brilliantly imaginative player, a force of nature” — JazzWise

“One of the UK’s most exciting new Improvisers with percussive, Mingus-like power” — The Guardian

“…Janisch seizes the instrument with a blend of speed and energy as if he wants to be melody, harmony and rhythm all at once.” — The Telegraph (UK)

“…the London-based American bassist Michael Janisch, whose virtuosity has put him in the UK’s top jazz flight since his arrival in 2005…is having an impact beyond his hard-driving bass-playing.” –John Fordham, Jazz UK

“always hip, melodic, and bouncy” –The Times of London

“Michael Janisch was a powerful, driving presence all night, but his speed, fluency, imagination and dextrous mastery of such a hulking instrument was really remarkable” — The Left Lion, Nottingham

….about the ‘Purpose Built’ album and tour

“Bass players, jazz lovers, music lovers… you all owe it to yourselves to check this album out! Janisch is one of the few bass players out there who plays both electric and upright with equal facility, passion and musicality. This being his debut as a leader, I can honestly say that this may be the best debut album I’ve heard yet.” — Damian Erskine, Bass Musician Magazine

“His music is quite capable of creating beauty with attendant amounts of melodic and rhythmic interest… [Purpose Built]…abounds with innovation, invention, and imagination” — The Musicians’ Ombudsman

“Clearly an auspicious debut, there’s not a wasted note on board and left leaning jazzbos will be feeling it. This kid has got it going on.” — Midwest Record

“Grabs your ears and won’t let go” — JazzWax

“If smart is sexy, then Purpose is an eminently sexy effort. The session has a staggering depth of thought, filled with content-rich pieces that routinely go beyond the genre’s well-worn performance framework. Hopefully there is more where Purpose Built came from, because intelligent, full-bodied music like this is what jazz needs to succeed in this new century.” — J Hunter, All About Jazz

“An estimable release from a talented and energetic young artist” — Jazz Chicago

“Purpose Built seamlessly marries the highest virtues of jazz – intricate yet purposeful rhythm, colourful harmonic language, compelling melody and high-level improvisation together with those often underused qualities of light and shade… a perfect blend of tradition and modernity” — Jazz Journal

“well-crafted, polished writing and arranging, merging straightahead, latin, fusion styles for the contemporary jazz palette…” JazzWise

“Janisch’s originals balance complexity and pulse” — 4 Stars, Financial Times

“one of the most inventive cross-border bandleaders to have recently arrived on the scene” — John Fordham, The Guardian

“infectiously vibrant debut” — The Scotsman

“exuberantly angular and rhythmic, can unexpectedly veer towards the tender” — 4 Stars Telegraph

“…originals are fresh and memorable while the mix of NY and UK musicians deliver faultless and inspired interpretations…” — 4 Stars, MOJO Magazine

“one of the most enjoyable albums of 2009″ — 4 Stars, JazzMann

“excellent” — 4 Stars, All Gig UK

“Impressive from beginning to end, Purpose Built goes a long way to building a sturdy foundation from which Janisch will undoubtedly carve out a long career in jazz. Excellent musicianship, intelligent compositions and an authoritative approach to the music, makes this recording an unquestionable success.” — Edward Blanco, All About Jazz

“driven by Janisch’s unflagging dynamism… this is full-throttle, straightforwardly enjoyable but consistently musicianly jazz…” — Vortex CD Review

“unique… satisfying… one of the best albums of the year” — Blues and Soul Magazine

“Janisch’s writing is an attractive mix of densely harmonised tunes and softer, more open pieces giving space for excellent improvisation” — The Oxford Times

“Purpose Built is a classy set of serious modern jazz with a dark edgy groove at its heart… [Janisch's] playing is full-bodied and warm sounding, much like a cross between Mingus and Dave Holland.” — Bass Guitar Magazine

“A good bass player builds and maintains a song’s structural integrity. That said, this album is indeed purpose built.” — The Valdosta Times

Lulo Reinhardt

The concert will take place at Lerwick Town Hall on Wednesday 24th November. Bar facilities are available.

Tickets are available from Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick – 01595 745 555 – priced £12/10

Review

Lulo appeared in Shetland last year to great acclaim from audiences and reviewers alike:

“And what to say about Lulo Reinhardt – that his great uncles’ influence was apparent in every note? No, that would be too crass – he was simply stunning, his Brazilian works, his swing jazz pieces and his own new samba compositions, all performed with that Gypsy panache of the committed showman.” – Shetland News, 2009

Videos of Lulo jamming at the Peerie Willie Guitar Festival 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrtqy9h2X4w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AOwNL1gcaw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt8dkmD7I2c

Lulo Reinhardt

Biography

Lulo Reinhardt is the grand-nephew of guitar playing jazz legend Django Reinhardt. But the family’s musical ties run deeper than that as he is also the nephew of the gypsy violin master Schnuckenack Reinhardt and comes from a lineage peppered with highly talented musicians.

Lulo represents one of the most unique voices in gypsy-jazz music today. His Latin-Swing Project (see http://www.myspace.com/luloreinhardt) fuses pure gypsy-swing music with elements of Latin music such as flamenco, tango, and bossanova.

The Latin-Swing Project band comprises:

• Lulo Reinhardt from Germany on guitar
• Daniel Weltlinger from Sydney, Australia on violin
• Harald Becher from Germany on bass
• Uli Kramer from Germany on drums
• Sean Mackenzie from Sydney, Australia on keyboards

Lulo Reinhardt is from an enormous clan of Reinhardts. Of this connection Lulo says, “The audience often expects me to play exclusively in the style of Django Reinhardt but, as well as being able to do this, I have found a style of my own.”

Lulo was taught guitar by his father since the age of five. At only twelve years old, he was playing with the Mike Reinhardt Sextet, a formation entirely dedicated to the gypsy swing of Django Reinhardt.

In 1991, Lulo moved on from the sextet to explore new musical experiences and founded, with his father Bawo and cousin Degé, “I Gitanos”, which toured throughout Europe. The first results of their exciting ‘new way’ gypsy music showed a strong Latin music influence in which the master timbalero and percussionist Nicky Marrero participated, and led to the release of the CD, “I suni” in 1994. Since then, there have been numerous successful tours throughout Europe and the release of the next CD, “AB I Reisa” (1998).

Lulo Reinhardt

Meanwhile, however, Lulo worked on various projects and established for himself an international reputation as an outstanding composer and guitarist.

Lulo has played in numerous major events as Rock Gegen Hass, International Cultural Festival Sahara en el Corazón (Algeria – with Brazilian guitarist Zezo Ribeiro), World Roma Festival Khamoro, Jazz Goes to Town (Czech Republic), Jazz and Blues Festival (Czech Republic), and many others.

The Lulo Reinhardt Project is the accomplishment of a maturing style and artistic creation, which defies classification. Swinging from tune to tune, Lulo Reinhardt injects into his music his gypsy roots as well as flamenco and Latin rhythms from Cuba to Brazil. After the success of his CD, “Project No 1″ (2002), Lulo Reinhardt released the eagerly awaited, “Project No 2″, (2005) to critical acclaim.

In 2008 Lulo delighted new audiences in Australia during a small but highly successful tour. From this tour, a live album and DVD were produced.

Then in 2009, Lulo toured successfully in the UK, Canada and the USA with the International Guitar Night show, in Europe, and then again in Australia.

Now, with a band of extremely carefully chosen musicians with whom he has worked previously joining him in his musical fantasia, Lulo Reinhardt has a world-class show with which to enchant any audience.

Peerie Willie Guitar Season

The Lulo Reinhardt Latin-Swing Project concert is part of the 2010 Peerie Willie Guitar Season, which has so far featured concerts by visiting guitarists including Jim Mullen, Ian Bairnson and John Etheridge. Upcoming concerts include the Michael Janisch Quintet on the 17^th and 18^th of December.

http://www.myspace.com/luloreinhardt

Tickets for concert can be purchased from Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre – 01595 745 555 – Get in quick as tickets are selling fast!

The event is part of this year’s Peerie Willie Guitar Season

John Etheridge

Concert dates, all starting at 19.30

• Friday 22 October, Aith Hall – £10/8 – John Etheridge & Ben Ferguson
• Saturday 23 October, St Columba’s Church, Lerwick (da Big Kirk) – £12/10 – John Etheridge & Harris Playfair Big Band Project
• Sunday 24 October Busta House, Brae  – £10/8 – John Etheridge & Ben Ferguson

In a collaboration between Shetland Arts and Shetland Jazz Club as part of the Peerie Willie Guitar Season, Etheridge will perform a series of concerts in Aith, Lerwick and Brae. The concert season comprises a monthly visit by a world-class guitarist to celebrate the life and legacy of late local guitarist Peerie Willie Johnson. Last month saw performances by Ian Bairnson and Jim Mullen. Upcoming concerts include Lulo Reinhardt Quintet on Wednesday 24^th November and the Michael Janisch Quintet on 17^th December.

Next Saturday’s concert at St Columba’s Church in Lerwick will feature a special collaboration between the guitar legend Etheridge and The Harris Playfair Youth Big Band. The group comprise some of Shetland’s finest young musicians who fuse traditional Shetland, jazz and a range of eclectic influences under the guidance of Playfair to produce a unique and full sound. The group first played at this year’s Fiddle Frenzy with a line-up 23 musicians. This time, the group will be in a smaller format of around 12 performers including saxophone, piano, trumpet, fiddles, flute and drums. These events are part funded by the Scottish Arts Council/Creative Scotland Jazz Development Fund.

Friday’s concert at the Aith Hall and Sunday’s at Busta House, Brae, will feature a support slot by young guitarist Ben Ferguson from Walls.

It is fitting that Etheridge performs during the Peerie Willie Guitar Season since the two appeared together on the BBC1 documentary series “The Shetland Sessions” recorded during the 1991 Shetland Folk Festival. The pair played a rendition of “Honeysuckle Rose” when Willie performed alongside “Danny Thompson’s Whatever”, a group of whom Etheridge was a member.

Etheridge’s Shetland ties continued when his acclaimed 2004 solo album “I Didn’t Know” was produced by Shetland recording engineer and Filska guitarist Andrew Tulloch.

Guitar season poster

John Etheridge has been at the top of the jazz and contemporary guitar world for 25 years.  He was first touted by the music press in the early 70s while playing with a number of progressive rock and early fusion units (most notably Darryl Way’s Wolf – producing three albums for Decca). In 1975 he was offered the chance to replace Allan Holdsworth in the legendary jazz-fusion group Soft Machine. International touring and recording followed until the band’s demise at the end of the 70s. More or less simultaneously (starting in 1976) Etheridge joined the touring group of the celebrated jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. For a number of years these two commitments ran parallel – revealing the broad range of his abilities. Etheridge left Grappelli’s quartet in 1981. For the last twenty years he has pursued a career involving associations with many of the great players of the jazz world. Either in single concerts, touring or recording he has appeared with – Barney Kessel, Didier Lockwood, Nils Pedersen, Gordon Beck, Herb Ellis, Mundell Lowe, Vic Juris, Miroslav Vitous, Birelli Lagrene, Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Williams, Yehudi Menuhin, Pat Metheny, Andy Summers, Nigel Kennedy (an association now in its seventh year), and is currently rehearsing a new group formed by the great classical guitarist, John Williams. In the late 80s, Etheridge started to lead his own bands and is currently fronting a quartet dedicated to Stephane Grappelli, as well as an eight-piece group, Zappatistas (performing the music of Frank Zappa) and also leads a trio with the legendary drummer John Marshall.

Peerie Willie Guitar Season is sponsored by Research Fishing Co and High Level Music.

Tickets for all concerts are available from Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh, Lerwick – 01595 745 555. Tickets can be reserved on the phone for collection at the venue on the night.

Guitar Season 2010

Now in its seventh year, the festival pays homage to Shetland guitarist Peerie Willie Johnson, whose pioneering use of jazz styles are now widespread in Shetland music.

The full programme of events can be found here.

As well as the festival weekend, which runs from 17th to 20th September, this year there will be a whole season of concerts throughout the autumn, with a visiting guitarist making their way north each month.

This year’s festival weekend concerts are being held in Symbister, Sandwick and Lerwick, as well as educational workshops in schools, with music from some fantastic artists including another of Shetland’s world-renowned guitarists, Ian Bairnson.

Originally from Levenwick and now based in Spain, Ian grew up in Edinburgh before becoming probably Shetland’s most successful rock guitarist.

He is perhaps best known for being part of bands such as the Alan Parsons Project and 1970s hit makers Pilot, but throughout his career has played with a veritable who’s who of artists from a wide genre of music, including Paul McCartney, Kate Bush (he played the guitar solo on her number one hit ‘Wuthering Heights), Mick Fleetwood, Sting, Tom Jones and many others.

His innovative and fluid playing has been likened to that of guitar heavyweights Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and David Gilmour.

Ian, who has said his playing was definitely influenced by Peerie Willie, said he is looking forward to playing at the festival and that it will be “special.”

He said: “I can tell you that I always look forward to “comin’ hame”, but to play in front of my ain’ folk is special.

“I miss Willie because I always, always visited him – still, I have plenty stories about our early sessions and friendship.

“This will be the first time I will have played a set without a band, an acoustic set, and a lot of musical styles that I’m not generally associated with. In short, I have the typical Shetland appreciation of all kinds of good music.”

Ian Bairnson

Another visiting guitarist is jazz musician Jim Mullen. The Glasgow-born London based jazz guitarist is described as having a distinctive fusion style, and picks with the thumb rather than a plectrum.

Winner of awards including best guitar in the British Telecom Jazz Awards Best Guitar for 1994 and 1996, in the Post Office Jazz Awards 2000 and in the Hamlet Cigar British Jazz Awards 2002, he started his musical career aged 8, when he got his first guitar.

In 1975 he met sax player Dick Morrissey and began a 15-year association that produced seven albums and became one of Britain’s top club bands. After the demise of the Morrissey Mullen duo he worked with jazz vocalist Claire Martin and formed a series of quartets.

Now in his sixties, Jim has built up an impressive repertoire. As a sideman he is in demand by visiting U.S. stars like Gene Harris, Mose Allison, Jimmy Smith, Weldon Irvine, Percy Sledge, Teddy Edwards, Plas Johnson, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Terry Callier.

The festival weekend gets started on Friday night with a concert in Symbister Hall, Whalsay, where Jim Mullen will play, supported by local jazz guitarist Norman “Girsie” Goudie and his All Stars. The same night, Ian Bairnson will play a homecoming concert in Sandwick at the Social Club, with support from Hot Club de Fladdabister, a group that features well-known musicians Brian Nicholson and Maggie Adamson.

Saturday’s concert at the Town Hall will see both the visiting guitarists on the same concert bill, together with a solo spot from Brian Nicholson.

Bar facilities will be available at each of the concerts.

Jim Mullen

Sunday evening will round off the festival weekend with a chat show style “An Evening With…” event at the Garrison Theatre where the festival performers will share anecdotes, demonstrate playing techniques and share a tune or two on the stage.

All events start at 7.30 and tickets priced £10 (£8 concessions) are available from Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick  – 01595 745 555

Shetland Arts music development officer Bryan Peterson said, “Each year we try something different to keep the format fresh, and Sunday’s  ‘An Evening With…’ will provide a chance for the performers to give an insight into their backgrounds and unique playing styles. There were so many guitarists who wanted to perform this year we decided to offer local audiences a whole season of top class guitar concerts”

Upcoming Peerie Willie Guitar Season concerts include John Etheridge (22 to 24 October), the Lulo Reinhardt Quintet (Wed 24th November) and the Michael Janisch Quintet (17 to 19 December).

Links

Ian Bairnson

http://www.ianbairnson.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Bairnson
http://www.theavenueonline.info/site1/bios/bairnson.htm
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Ian+Bairnson
http://www.shetland-music.com/prominent_artists/artistes/ian_bairnson_%28pilot_and_alan_parsons_project%29/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/cd5a063f-2fd2-4271-956c-56678df04db5
http://shetlopedia.com/Ian_Bairnson

Jim Mullen

http://www.jimmullenjazz.co.uk/
http://www.jazzreview.com/articledetails.cfm?ID=1254
http://www.musicweb-international.com/jazz/2002/Aug02/Mullen_Burns.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Mullen
http://www.jazzwisemagazine.com/the-player-mainmenu-131/4071-jim-mullen-guitar
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=11047
http://www.answers.com/topic/jim-mullen-1
http://www.jazzeddie.f2s.com/Jazz%20Guitar%20UK.htm
http://www.buymrbongo.com/terrycallier/the-band/jim-mullen/

The 2009 Shetland Guitar Festival will take place between Friday 18th and Sunday 20th September with concerts in Unst, Lerwick, Brae and Bigton, educational events in schools throughout Shetland and the Classic Guitar Show and Trade Fair on Sunday 20th in Islesburgh Centre.

Known locally as the “Peerie Willie” Guitar Festival, the Shetland Arts event is dedicated to the memory of the late Peerie Willie Johnson, the highly regarded Shetland guitarist who pioneered the jazz influenced accompaniment style now prevalent in traditional Shetland music. Willie was influenced by the jazz musicians he heard on the radio as a young man, particularly guitarist Django Reinhardt, and this years festival has a “Gypsy Jazz” theme as tribute.

The festival gives audiences a chance to experience world-class performers playing a variety of styles on one of the world’s most popular and versatile instruments. As well as the visiting artists, the festival line up boasts some exceptional local players and young up and coming musicians.

Visiting artists

Visiting artists include: Lulo Reinhardt, great grandnephew of the late great Django; Itamar Erez, an Israeli guitarist, pianist and composer; Brian Gore, an American steel strung acoustic player; and Havana Swing, a Scottish ‘Hot Jazz’ quintet featuring three guitars, double bass and clarinet. Visit the Shetland Guitar Festival page for more information.

Concerts

On Friday 18th in the Garrison Theatre, Lerwick, Lulo Reinhardt, Itamar Erez and Brian Gore will play a range of solo, duet and trio pieces. The three guitarists are currently on tour together under the International Guitar Night moniker, a project that aims to bring together interesting and innovative guitarists to exchange musical ideas, highlighting the virtuosity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. Young local guitarists Adam Johnson from Brae and Jonny Polson from Lerwick will support them.

The festival will also be heading north to Baltasound Hall on Friday 18th where Havana Swing will perform their trademark brand of ‘Hot Club de Paris’ inspired jazz. They will be supported by last year’s Young Fiddler of the Year Maggie Adamson accompanied by well-known local guitarist Brian Nicholson, and young Unst guitarist Megan Burns who recently won over the crowds with her performance at UnstFest. The concert will be hosted by Unst based comedian and guitarist Sandy Nelson.

Then it’s south on Saturday 19th to the Bigton Hall where Lulo Reinhardt and Itamar Erez will headline, with support from Norman Goudie and Friends, a band rumoured to include prominent local musicians and jazz stalwarts Jack Robertson and Drew Robertson.

In Lerwick on Saturday 19th, in the opulent surroundings of Lerwick Town Hall, audiences will have another chance to see Havana Swing perform, supported by Maggie Adamson and Brian Nicholson.

Also on Saturday 19th, in the Long Room of Busta House Hotel, there will be a special acoustic performance by Brian Gore and Shetland Young Musician of the Year, singer Erin Sandison. The two musicians have been collaborating on songs by exchanging musical ideas across the Atlantic via the Internet and the Busta concert will be the first time they have played together. They will be supported by Adam Johnson and Jonny Polson.

All concerts except the Garrison Theatre will have bar facilities and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets

Tickets costing £12 (£10 concessions) for all concerts are available from festival sponsors High Level Music, 1 Gardie Court, Lerwick, 01595 692 618 and Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick – 01595 745 555. Box Office customers can buy tickets by credit card over the phone and collect them at the venue.

Classic Guitar Show and Trade Fair

As part of this year’s festival, the first Shetland Classic Guitar Show and Trade Fair will be held on Sunday 20th September. The show will feature a range of guitars including vintage, historically significant, hand made and unusual instruments. The trade fair will give visitors a chance to try out guitars, amps and effects pedals from manufacturers including Skyinbow, Moon Guitars, Ibanez and Fender. There will also be workshops hosted by artists performing at this year’s festival and an open stage concert to allow Shetland’s aspiring young guitarists to take to the stage and show off their skills. To exhibit guitars or perform on the open stage contact Bryan Peterson at Shetland Arts on 01595 743 843 or Brian Nicholson at High Level Music on 01595 692 618

There will be a £2 entry charge payable at the door.

High Level Music and the Research Fishing Company sponsor the Shetland Guitar Festival

The event will take place at Islesburgh Community Centre on Sunday 20th September at 12.00 and will feature displays of rare, historical, unusual and valuable guitars from all over Shetland.

Sunday’s event will also feature guitar master classes from performers at this year’s festival, an open stage concert allowing young and emerging guitarists a chance to show off their skills and a trade fair to give visitors a chance to try out guitars, amplifiers and effects pedals.

Anyone who’d like to exhibit guitars at Sunday’s Classic Guitar Show or perform on the open stage are invited to contact me (Bryan Peterson) at Shetland Arts on 01595 743843 or Brian Nicholson at High Level Music on 01595 692618.

The Guitar Festival has a Gypsy Jazz theme this year, in keeping with Willie Johnson’s influences. Headline performers include Lulo Reinhart, grandnephew of the late great Django Reinhart who will be performing at the Garrison Theatre on Friday 19^th September and Bigton Hall on Saturday 19^th September, and Havana Swing, a ‘Hot Jazz’ quintet who will be performing in the Baltasound Hall on the Friday and the Town Hall on the Saturday. There will also be workshops and performances in schools throughout Shetland. See the Guitar Festival page for more info.

Tickets are available for all concerts priced £12 (£10 concessions) from

• High Level Music, 1 Gardie Court, Lerwick – 01595 692618
• Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick – 01595 745 555 (tickets can be purchased by credit card over the phone and collected at the venue before the performance)