Matt & Phred's

Mother Superior Has A Screw Loose!

Last night we went down to the opening of Sister Act The Musical at Manchester’s Opera House. It was a storming show with brassy costumes and a roof raising musical score. Originally we’d gone along just to support our friend Denise Black (who is playing the sought after role of Mother Superior) but you’d have to be a real cynic not to get caught up in the swing of things. We may  be cool Jazz heads, but when it come to talent we’ll support it, and this show has it in droves. Based on the 90’s hit film, it was co-produced by the films star Whoopie Goldberg so the show retains all of the sass and comedy of the original and of course some belting vocals.

Taking advantage of her time back in Manchester, star of the show Denise will be celebrating with her own show at Matt & Phreds. Well known as an actress, especially in North West favourites Coronation Street and Queer As Folk, Denise is also a singer with her Folk/Rock act Loose Screw.  She is planning a fabulous one-off show featuring iconic covers and heart pumping, harmonic folk rock, with its roots firmly in the tradition of entertainment. The act received great reviews when she took it to Edinburgh in 2010,described by *Classical Source* as ‘Vibrant, Kooky and Fun’.

Loose Screw at Matt & Phreds: £5 Entry, Doors 7pm.

To book a table call 0161 839 7187

After her gig at Manchester Pride earlier in the year they did a lovely interview with her which you can read here: http://www.manchesterpride.com/blog/friday-interview

A word from the wise

We know that it can be difficult to decide what to see when faced with a venue that hosts live music six nights a week, so we’ve rather handily picked out a couple of treasures for you coming up this month. File them under ‘not to be missed’.

Sat 24th September sees the welcome return of modern jazz’s golden boy Matt Halsall to the club. Counting BBC Radio’s Giles Peterson amongst his loyal following, you can imagine the army of musos ready to pitch in with something nice to say about his current work. Giles himself recently said

“If I could watch any jazz band in the UK, any, I would choose Matthew Halsall’s band, just love what he’s been doing for the last few years… It’s always high level, spiritual jazz music”.

So although I could say more, I might just leave it at that and say that if you want to see something truly original and current, get yourself along to this gig. Matt is not just a man of the moment, but embodies the future of modern jazz.

On Wednesday 28^th we have our first Charleston dancing classes happening early evening before the band starts. The Charleston is a popular dance craze that dates back to the 1920’s that is currently enjoying a bit of a revival – and is perfect for lovers of all things vintage, or those who just like to revel in a bit of bygone glamour. A social and easy dance to learn, you can jive away over cocktails and still look ever so suave. We’ve got a great professional teacher Anthony Padget running the classes, find out more at www.jazzswingdance.co.uk. £5 per class. 7pm.

52 Skiddoo are hosting a big blowout of a party on Friday 30^th September, complete with a live street procession through the Northern Quarter to kick start the evening. It’s a regular gig, but their lindyhopping friends will be coming along to liven up the dancefloor and evoke the spirit of swing. 52 Skidoo are bringing back to life the forgotten era of prohibition, speakeasy’s, Vaudeville, tin pan alley, rent parties, Harlem stride piano and hot jazz. It’s only £5 entry. 8.30pm start.

To avod disappointment book a table.

Daytime 0161 839 7187 : Evening 0161 831 7002

Keep you fingers crossed for nice weather, as the Norther Quarter are having a street party this weekend.

The ‘N4 Loves You’ Street Party is on from 12 til 9pm this Saturday and Sunday.  The streets of the Northern Quarter will be cordoned off in the manner of partying al fresco with live music stages and street vendors. It’s a great excuse to celebrate and enjoy the diversity and greatness of local business in the area. Matt & Phreds will be open for the duration with a £5 Havana Mojito Bar on Tib Street and serving Pizza’s all day long to eat in or take away. It’s free to get in so get yourself along to enjoy a weekend of Manchester’s finest with a friendly crowd.

Afterwards, on Saturday night  Paul Farr and his band will take to the stage inside the club from 9.30pm til midnight to wow the crowds with his blend of melodic jazz, gritty blues and funky New Orleans sound. £5 Entry.

But for those that like to start the weekend at the earliest opportunity come along to enjoy a free set from The No Good Beatniks on Thursday night.With dirty grooves, jazz and beats with a dancefloor vibe their influences include John Medeski, Jimi Hendrix, Thelonius Monk & Dr Lonnie Smith. They never fail to bring the party. 10pm Start.

And finally, our highlight this week comes in the form of an exciting feature from Emily Saunders this Friday 2^nd September. Playing sets written and composed by the singer herself, ‘wordless vocals ‘ is the best way to describe the sounds and melodies that come from her tracks. Akin to old school be-bop and improvised jazz singing, Jazzwise recently described her as a rare find, and we would agree. Definitely not to be missed. £5 Entry, 9.30pm start.

Lend Us Your Stage: Monday 29^th August 2011

Every last Monday of the month we offer up the use of our stage to any burgeoning creative talent in the vicinity of the club for an Open Mic Night With A Difference. This coming bank holiday is no exception. 

The night aims to fulfill a modern variety show by putting some of Manchester’s finest talent in the spotlight. It can be used as a launchpad for a new project, a showcase for an aspiring act or as a promo event for an upcoming show in another Manchester venue. You’re welcome to use this night to show an excerpt of your event to put it in front of a new audience and get the word out on the street.

The monthly night offers entertainers a chance to perform in a city center venue to an enthusiastic crowd. The first ever ‘Lend Us Your Stage’ kicked off on the last Monday of February and since then we’ve seen a line-up including Schmucks Theater Company: Young writers and actors, Taurentine Jones: A Blues-y Hammond Trio, Letters to Fiesta: Electro-pop loveliness, Ellis & Rionagh Connolly: Flute and guitar with stunning vocals, down to  classical Strings, Comedy, poetry and more!

We’re welcoming thespians, soloists, musicians, poets, dancers, MC, writers and anyone with something to entertain a spot on the stage. We have most of the slots booked up for this coming Monday but If you’re interested in performing in the future contact heather@mattandphreds.com.

As you can imagine it’s a great chance to see some very real and rare talent, and great for performers and the audience alike. You can expect a level of quality as with all out other events too, as fill the line-ups with acts to compliment eachother to ensure a good billing.

And so, It’s gigs as usual over the course of the bank holiday weekend and all through next week (and the week after that, and the week after that….and so on.) 

We plan on swinging into September with style and so we’re looking forward to the fabulous Carnival Divine this Friday night (no tables left I’m afraid but there’s still standing room available) and Amani on Saturday.

If you’re coming along to any of our gigs we always recommend booking a table to avoid disappointment. You can do this by calling 0161 839 7187.

Mind how you go,

M & P

If you’re interested in seeing what musicians are getting up to these days then we’re sticking to our guns and booking interesting and talented acts that you can see for free Monday to Thursdays, and at the weekends it’s still only £5 to get in (or if you sneak in before 8.30pm you’ll benefit from free entry too)

Next week, with the exception of Paul Latham who is one of our veteran performers, all the bands are young, local musicians who have passion in droves and the musicianship to see it through. The result is a line-up of bands that cover all bases: exploring swing and choice standards through the traditional piano trio set-up to the other end of the scale that sees a mass of brass and bass instruments manipulating a more free-form gypsy style of jazz.

Jazz is more than you think it is, so if you haven’t been down in a while then there’s no better time than now to come and check it out. 

MON 8^th – Jazz Jam : Our jam nights offer chance to see a diverse section of musicians from the North-West & beyond play impromptu sets together. Led by Dave Spencer of Marley Chingus, the house band provide the framework for an improvised session and ensure the jam in held together well and satisfying for both the musicians and the punters alike. Free Entry, 9pm start. Musicians register on arrival.

TUE 9^th – Andrew Woodhead Trio

A group of young local musicians with a very mature sound. They mix modern classics seamlessly with original compositions and some choice jazz standards. 

WED 10^th – Adam Fairhall.

Adam is a distinctive pianist who leads this band through swing and ragtime ensembles, with a nod to more free compositions too. 

THUR 11^th – The Electric Beans

So called because they’re an extended version of the Magic Beans, a trio who frequent the club and have gone down so well they’ve graduated to the honour of getting the weekend started with a Thursday night slot. They offer a hand-picked selection of songs that dip into jazz, country, pop and soul, with spontaneous arrangements that are easy to listen to without being easy-listening. Free Entry.

FRI 12^th – Paul Latham Quartet

Paul Latham plays a little bit of everything, for everyone – ‘some latin, some swing, but mainly the blues’ in his own words. Inspired by the greats such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Ray Charles this quartet completes the quintessential cool vibe that everyone conjures up when they think ‘jazz club’. £5 Entry.

SAT 13^th – Toe Rag: A gypsy jazz ensemble comprised of 10 members playing everything from accordion to clarinet. The music pays homage to the likes of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli whilst still sounding fresh and original. After a storming session last month we couldn’t help but invite them back for more – so we recommend this one from experience! Only £5 Entry, the music starts at 9.30pm and you’ll be treated to three sets going past the midnight mark.

On Sunday 31^stJuly we’re hosting ‘All About Good Music’ is an event that’s new to us but has been gathering momentum, and kudos, since January 2010. This is one of a series of Live events that the organisation holds to support the main platform of a Blog that they produce to promote, share and discuss new music and talent. It is the only event of its kind in the city, offering a much needed space for artists, music lovers and music industry people to connect.

Behind the night is a team of music devotees, and although they’re against catagorising what ‘Good Music’ constitutes exactly this Sunday the line-up includes local talents in the realms of Soul, RnB & Acoustic Hip Hop and guest DJ’s From Unity Radio. There’s also an open mic segment where a winner will be judged by the audience and given a slot at the next event.

This is yet another way for us to support the diversification of Matt & Phred’s, and we’re confident it’ll satisfy the most ardent of our true music loving followers. Tickets £7 from www.wegottickets.com, or you can turn up and pay a bit more on the door.

Mon 1^st Blues Jam with Franny Eubanks: another helping of our stalwart jam session. Turn up and play or come along to enjoy creative improvisation. Free Entry, Music from 9pm

Tues 2^nd  Stuart McCallum Projects: The working title of a collaboration that now happens monthly, with a changing line-up of musicians that has included Rioghnach Connolley, Jason Singh, Jon Thorne and Luke Flowers. This is a developing project dedicated to producing new and exciting music. (and P.S - you can’t see Stuart for Free anywhere else these days). Free Entry, 9pm.

Wed 3^rd HB3 havetaken on a variety of quirky classics from a range of source and given them the Jazz treatment to make a set list they’ll be rolling out tonight. Free Entry, 9pm.

Thurs 4^th: Ian Chalk Quartet - sophisticated and accessible modern mainstream Jazz, made up of original compositions. Free Entry, music from 10pm (after Salsa Dancing Classes).

Fri 5^th: Honeyfeet EP Launch. We’ve been starved of our favourite alternative group for a while now since they’ve been working promoting themselves further afield and tying down their recent label signing. But we’re happy to announce they’re back with a bang. Launching their new EP, the talented ensemble are a mixture of New Orleans Jazz, Gypsy Folk, 60’s Psychedelic, Delta Blues, Sea Shanty’s and more! Signed to Debt Records, the raucous Honeyfeet are phenomenal in stature and sound alike! Only £5 Entry for the night of your life, 9.30pm Start.

Sat 6^th: Go Go Penguin. Enjoying the success of their MJF Pavillion debut, Go Go Penguin return to the club for a vigorous romp combining electronica and classical realms of jazz. Not your average Paino Trio.  £5 Entry, 9.30pm start.

So the launch of the long awaited MJF is finally upon us. For us it starts off this coming Friday with Amani playing the club, a band serving up the rhythms of traditional Congolese and Camaroonian music, closely followed by Myke Wilson’s Hidden Treasures on Saturday (be warned, tables for this one are booking out fast!

Monday 25^th July – Blues vs. Jazz Jam.

This is the 1^st time we’ve ever pitted our popular Blues and Jazz jams against each other but as ever the jam session is open to all players. To get things started the house band energizes the room with a storming set to pitch the pace, and you can expect any number of surprise festival guests.

Tuesday 26^th July – Sneaky & Luke Flowers

Classically trained Bassist / Cellist Sneaky, who is probably better known for his work as part of hip-hop duo Fingathing, will perform with drummer Luke Flowers to blend some big grooves and break beats. Support comes in the form of Classical Revolution – a streetwise mini Orchestra delivering jumped up Classical music to the general public.

Wednesday 27^th July – Skamel

This frenetic young band is heavily inspired by a love of jazz, ska, dub, reggae and free improvisation: they effortlessly deliver a punchy sound full of grooves and rhythms.

One of local favourites Stuart McCallum is playing just down the road at the RNCM too, so if you’re interested in the launch of his new album check out the link here.

Thursday 28^th  July - Quinteto Chamalongo.

The last Thursday of the month is always ‘Latin Thursday’ at the club, so this is our perfect bridge into the weekend. Chamalongo refers to the Kongo and Bantu roots of Latin music: tonight, a percussion-focused exploration of South American and Latin American rhythms, including Cuban salsa, showing how jazz, funk, soul are closely related.

Friday 29^th July – Kalimero

Featuring a special and virtuosic line-up, Kaimero are adept at many different genres, with a hybrid style embracing the Indian Classical, Arabic, Flamenco, Latin and European folk traditions. They make it work perfectly in a Jazz club and are definitely a one for music lovers of any form.

Saturday 30^th – Renegade Brass Band

Of course to end the festival we’re planning on really letting our hair down. If you’re still hungry for live music into the small hours, this ultimate party band should do the trick: a tight ensemble from Sheffield mixing the best of raw brass with funk, hip-hop and soul, playing a range of original material and covers of Stevie Wonder, The Herbaliser and Cannonball Adderley.

Also, don’t forget that there are bands a plenty playing for free for the entire duration of the Festival in the tepee in St. Albert’s Square (formerly of Manchester International Festival).

All gigs cost £5 and start at 10pm. To book a table call the club on 0161 831 7002 after 6pm, or the office between 10am-6pm, Mon-Fri, on 0161 839 7187.

Enjoy!

It’s that time of year again, time to announce with a drum roll that Manchester Jazz Festival is just around the corner! It’s something that we start building up to in the Autumn of each year – just when the heady days of Summer are disappearing we start planning how we’ll be spending the next ones and get about coming up with our ‘thing’ that will dictate our festival programme. 

As you can imagine it’s an exciting time for us and one of our opportunities to shine as a niche music venue amongst Manchester’s overwhelming bounty of them. Each year we try to come up with something a bit different – and curate our programme in a way that shows off our most exciting discoveries of the year before. This year we’ve put together a line-up that we think directly represents the versatility within Jazz and it’s associated genres. As usual we’ll be blending together a bit of old and new by premiering a couple of brand new projects and celebrating the long careers of some of out loyal musical compatriots.

Ever present throughout is the insistence that there is something to be found in ‘Jazz’ for everyone. For us the Festival is not just about celebrating our beloved music but also re-shaping the boundaries of what we work with. The opening weekend for example launches us straight into the heart of it.

On Friday 22^nd we have ‘Amani’ launching the festival for us.They played a preview gig at the club back in May and were received wonderfully by the audience. This is a six-piece who mix melodic jazz with the rhythms and grooves of traditional Congolese and Camaroonan music, the native country of bandleader Serge Tebu. The vocals of Lis Murphy and Emmanuela Yogolelu add an uplifting and celebratory front to the music, carried along by the percussion section that grounds the music to the roots of it’s traditional heritage.

And then, on Sat 23^rd it’s party time for Myke Wilson’s ‘Hidden Treasures’, celebrating the drummer’s 50^th year. Myke has assembled a group of old and new friends to perform some of his material, unheard until tonight, and covering the breadth of his playing experiences: straight-ahead, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, fusion, Latin and electronica.

Taking us through the rest of the festival we have the first ever Blues Vs. Jazz Jam in which the two schools will battle it out for superiority. Then hip-hop infused break-beat from Sneaky (Fingathing)  & drummer Luke Flowers, Ska, Dub and Reggae from the energetic Skamel, South American Latin from Quinteto Chamalongo, jazz fusion from Kalimero featuringIndian Classical, Folk and Flamenco and a massive Big band Brass explosion in the form of Renegade Brass Band to finish the programme in style. 

Please find the time to come and check out some of the gigs we’re putting on – we say it often but for us we really do rely on the fans to keep the club going. Don’t forget to check out the other festival events as well – including the free gigs that you can catch at the Pavillion throughout the festival. This year the line-up features no less than 10 bands who have played at the club in the early stages of their careers, and we’re thrilled to see them using such a great platform to promote themselves.

To book a table for any of the events please call 0161 839 7187 Mon-Fri-10am-6pm.

Thanks for Reading!

M&P

First order of business today is to let you know that we have changed the starting times of gigs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, due to popular demand, back to an earlier time of 9pm. You ask for it, we do it – that’s how we roll.

Also, not to forget that this Saturday 9^th we’ll be playing host to yet another Art Sale from the guys at Comme Ca Art. It starts at 1pm and they have a variety of paintings and photography going for as little as £5, so swing by if you’re in town and pick yourself up a bargain.

Mon 11^th – Blues Jam

Next Monday it’s the turn of Franny Eubanks and his faithful Harmonica to lead us in the way of the Blues Jam. All-comers are welcome and it’s a great opportunity for less experienced musicians to get a taste for performing with the house band. Express your wishes to perform when you arrive, or if you simply want to be an audience then take a seat and make yourself comfortable. Starts at 9pm, Free Entry.

Tues 12^th – Paul Latham

Paul and his quartet deliver up the perfect antidote to a slow starting week – playing early heritage classics from the school of Blues, with a bit of swing and latin to keep things interesting. 9pm, Free. 

Wed 13^th – Chris Manis Trio

In the usual Matt & Phred’s style Wednesday sees a complete change of direction towards the sounds of South America. This comes in the form of a Latin piano trio treating us to selected tracks for the likes of Peruchin and Charlie Palmieri.

Fri 15^th – Michael Cretu & Baba Isreal Collaboration

We’re really excited about this new project. Composer and double bassist Cretu is joining forces with New York artist and director of Manchester’s Contact Theatre Baba Isreal. Their aims are to forge a crossover between jazz compositions that include elements of classical and gypsy folk with Baba’s rap and rhythmical spoken word.  This isn’t just a first for the club, but the first time the project will be shown in public. Music from 9.30pm, £5 Entry.

Sat 16^th – Toe Rag

And picking up the precedent set down for Michael, young upstarts Toe Rag will be playing out the week in true Saturday party style.

Toe Rag are a gypsy jazz ensemble based in Manchester. The music pays homage to the likes of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli whilst still sounding fresh and original.

With 10 members on board, playing everything from accordion to piano, saxophone to clarinet, snare drum to washboard, this band are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Thanks for reading,

M & P

Hot on the heels of Rachael Gladwin this Friday, next week sees the completion of our female trifector; a showcase from Kristyna Miles & Friends on Tuesday and the welcome return of Terri Shaltiel on Saturday.

Female bandleaders are something we don’t see enough of at the club, but with such bold offerings in the diverse realm of jazz and soul music we couldn’t help but bill them all in such close proximity. And anyways we’re really pleased to be promoting such good musicians in the club ahead of Manchester Jazz Festival at the end of the month - which is always one of our most exciting times of the year. Who says it’s all work and no play…….

Monday 4^th July – Jazz Jam with Dave Spencer

Dave will be leading the way on stage and inviting musicians up for an old school Jam. To be involved you simply have to register your interest to get onstage when you arrive and you’ll be slotted in with the house band. For the audience – you just sit back and enjoy the innovation of the jam and the magic of the moment. Free Entry For All.

Tuesday 5^th July – Kristyna Myles & Friends

A triple billing showcasing 3 incredible breakthrough artists. Singer-songwriter Kristyna began her career busking on the streets of Manchester. Since winning the BBC Radio 5 Busker Of The Year she has performed her songs on BBC television and radio, recorded at Abbey Road studios and played dates across Europe. She shares the bill with René, an exciting soul-funk band playing acid-jazz and soul fusion, and mesmerising vocalist Laura Housley. Music from 10pm, FREE ENTRY. And don’t forget it’s Happy Hour until Midnight every Tuesday!

Wednesday 6^th July– Myke Wilson

The phenomenal drummer Myke Wilson leads his trio through a blend of groove-based and straight ahead jazz. Consider this a warm up for his date as part of Manchester Jazz Festival later in the month, which sees him introduce his ensemble project ‘Hidden Treasures’ for a festival debut. The gig on the 23^rd July will see him taking cues from his extensive knowledge of music to realise songs that he has imagined for most of his working career. This magical journey through his mind and works of Myke Wilson asks the question ‘what is jazz?’, You can book your table now by calling on the usual number (below).

Thursday 7^th July– Kamikaze Quartet

Kamikaze is a Manchester based quartet that plays a mixture of jazz standards from the likes of Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Freddy Hubbard, Wes Montgomery and many more. The band also plays original material with inspiration taken from jazz and fusion.

Friday 8^th July – The Initiative

High energy, contemporary jazz melded together with the highly danceable groove and feel of funk. The Initiative, based in Lancaster, are a relatively new 5-piece collective formed between some pretty well traveled north west players. The band explores everything from original material to extensions of classic charts - plumbing the depths of free improvisation while still maintaining distinct grooves. £5 Entry, Music from 9.30pm.

Saturday 9^th – Terri Shaltiel

Best described as a funky soul and blues singer fused with contemporary R&B and Jazz, Terri has recently been on tour with Jazz guitarist Jim Mullen. She performs both her own material and her versions of chart classics. Her songwriting shows lyrical prowess and comes from an eclectic lifestyle, with inspiration coming from artists including Aretha Franklin, Marlena Shaw, Roberta Flack and Ray Charles, but with a contemporary twist. Terri is a genuine talent guaranteed to get people dancing.£5 Entry, music from 9.30pm.

To book a table for any event at Matt & Phredscall the office on 0161 839 7187 (10-6pm Mon-Fri) or Call the club on 0161 831 7002 (after 6pm Mon-Sat).