Spotlight on Jazz

Michael Barkley Quartet –

Michael Barkley is a versatile trumpet and flugelhorn player who has worked with a diverse range of artists across different genres, including Van Morrison, the Brian Irvine Ensemble, and some great local musicians.

At the heart of the Michael Barkley Quartet’s music is a commitment to melody, exploring the depth and complexity of human emotions, harmonic textures, and sounds and respecting the tradition of jazz music. Led by Michael Barkley, and featuring the alto saxophone and bass clarinet of Cathal Roche, this chordless quartet delivers a rich and captivating sound that is both intimate and expansive. The rhythm section of James Anderson on drums and Rohan Armstrong on double bass provides the perfect foundation for the quartet’s musical explorations.

Gene Calderazzo –

Currently residing in the UK, the New Yorker has established himself as one of the busiest drummers on the International Jazz scene. Notable performances have included Steve Lacy, Pharoah Sanders, Steve Grossman, Eddie Henderson, The NDR, Mike Gibbs, BekhimMseleku, UMO, Sting, Radiohead, James Moody, Phil Woods, Benny Golson, Ulf Wakenius, Gary Husband, Wayne Krantz, Bobby Watson, Eddie Gomez, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Evan Parker, Randy Brecker and brother Joey Calderazzo, Bheki Mseleku, Hans Koller, Crass Collective, Phil Robsons’ Six Strings and the beast among others. Currently touring with Partisans, Zoe Rahman, and the Julian Siegel quartet. Gene is also a visiting tudor at The Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College of Music and The Guildhall.

Hannes Riepler –

Hannes Riepler grew up in Austria, studied jazz guitar in Amsterdam and moved to London in 2006, where he dived into the vibrant scene and played all over the city alongside fellow jazzers young and old. An energetic and inventive guitar player, spirited composer and host of the renowned Vortex Downstairs Jazz Night jam session, he has become a mover and shaker of jazz in London himself.

Riepler’s music is rooted in jazz tradition, contemporary and melodic, but always immediate and hot. Freewheeling at times, it thrillingly swings in New York Downtown style, which is perfectly matched by the fine musicians in his Quintet.

Joel Frahm Trio –

Joel Frahm is known to all jazz-lovers as a modern icon of the tenor saxophone. An unsurpassed emotional projection and technical ability always characterize his playing which draws on the breadth the American musical tradition including jazz, funk, rock and blues. Joel’s new trio is an international affair, consisting of Toronto’s most prolific bandleader Ernesto Cervini (Myriad3, Turboprop) on drums and composer /bandleader /bassist Dan Loomis (of The Wee Trio, TS Monk) on bass. The Joel Frahm Trio released their latest album, “The Bright Side” (Anzic Records) in 2021 to rave reviews across the globe including a 4-star review in Downbeat Magazine and a feature on NPR’s “Fresh Air”