Favourite Things | The Live Jazz Jam in London

Favourite Things 16.08.10: Nik Weston

favethingsjazz — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 23:44:59 +0000

So we’re back… again… and this time we’ve enticed Favourite Things resident Mr Nik Weston (Mukatsuku Records) back behind the decks to supply the next instalment of the podcast series. And as always he doesn’t disappoint. Kicking off with some classic Toki Hidefumi before taking us through a masterclass of funky jazz and Latin & Brazilian rhythms before rounding it all off with a little tribute to Abbey Lincoln (RIP), who sadly passed away last week at the age of 80.

For those of you in London town tonight, we start our monthly Favela Chic get together and both Nik and Rob Coley (Soul-Identity) will be joining the live band set-up of Jake Telford, Jessica Lauren, Francesco Mendolia and guests for another funky jazz jam. If it’s half as good as last month’s session, then it should be a blast. But don’t take our word for it, pop down and say hello. In the meantime though, peep this mix, it’s a classic!

Until next week…

TRACKLIST

Toki Hidefumi :: Let’s Get Together
Barcelona Traction :: Sudamérica
Claudio Medeiros, Victor M & Friends :: Soar
Toninho Horta :: Aquelas Coisas Todas
Vira Lata :: Cascavel
Pedro Ruy-Blas :: El Jaleo
Yaron Gershovsky :: Jazz Funk
Indigo Jam Unit :: Sphinx
Donald Byrd :: Blackjack
Abbey Lincoln :: Afro Blue

Favourite Things 16.08.10: Nik Weston by Favourite Things London on Mixcloud

Favourite Things Jazz Jam at Favela Chic, Wednesday 18th August

favethingsjazz — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:48:59 +0000

Has it really been nearly a month? It’s been a bit quiet on the site as of late, but don’t worry, we haven’t gone anywhere. In fact we can now announce that Favourite Things Jazz Jam has got a new permanent home for the foreseeable future. After last month’s storming little session at Favela Chic in Shoreditch we’ve ended up with a midweek monthly there, so I guess you could say we’re back! (Time to work on a new flyer maybe?)

On Wednesday 18th August we’ll be packing up our instruments again and heading back out to Great Eastern Street for another essential throwdown of jazz, Latin and fusion from the Favourite Things Quartet led by Jake Telford on Sax. Back in July we were joined on stage by the very talented Alix Anthony, who preceded to wow the crowd with a set of explosive funk and soul, while the band completed two killer live jams, bringing their usual funky jazz stylings to the fore while an ever assorted range of guests stepped up to add their own unique twists to the occasion. Those wanting to get a little flavour of that night, can peep a selection of videos out from the evening (Make sure to check the vibe on Jessica Lauren‘s keymanship on the last one! Divine). Who knows who might just end up on stage this time around.

And just to complete the line up, resident DJs Nik Weston (Mukatusku) and Rob Coley (Soul-Identity) will also be on hand to fill in the musical gaps between jam sessions, pulling our their own choice discoveries on a jazz and Latin tip.

The fun starts from 7.00pm with the first band set up around 8.30pm. If you fancy getting involved, either on a vocal tip or with an instrument, why not drop us a line for details or just drop in (The earlier the better really, as the second set tends to be busy!) and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. If Facebook is your thing, you can also check all the event details and RSVP too. Hope to see you next Wednesday for another great night of music!

In the meantime, we should have some more podcasts coming up shortly and don’t forget that over the past couple six months or so we’ve already built up quite an archive (all of which can be downloaded on this blog or streamed via Mixcloud). So why not get involved and give us a listen.

Favourite Things 19.07.10: Podcast #6

favethingsjazz — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:48:01 +0000

All roads lead to Favela Chic tonight for the return to action of the Favourite Things live session. But before then there’s just enough time to squeeze in another podcast to get you in the mood. This week, we’re back in the studio, pulling out the newness (and not so newness) on a strictly jazz tip. We kick off proceedings with a great cover of Herbie Hancock’s ‘Blow Up’ from the legendary Joe Chambers, before hitting our stride with some fusion and soul jazz business courtesy of Mike Longo, Walter J Bishop and an amazing turn by Peter Fish and his band on ‘Esmond’ .

In the second half of the show, we drop the tempo briefly with the classic Horace Silver workout ’The Aztec Sun God’ before Weldon Irvine, The Dave Holland Octet and finally The Detroit Experiment take us into the home straight. This is definitely up there as one of our most uptempo mixes in recent times. And if you need more , why not catch the band and DJs later. The fun starts at 8pm through till 1am.

Stream it now via Mixcloud below or subscribe to our podcast feed and get the download in a week. Next week, we should have some bits and pieces from the live gig at Favela Chic. Watch out.

TRACKLIST

Joe Chambers :: Blow Up (from New World, Porter Records)
Mike Longo :: A Thief In The Night (from 900 Shares Of The Blues, Groove Merchant)
Walter Bishop Jnr :: Philadelphia Bright (from Soul Village, Muse Records)
Peter Fish :: Esmond (from The Silver Apple, Kindred Spirits)
Horace Silver :: The Aztec Sun God (from Silver ‘N Percussion, Blue Note Records)
Weldon Irvine :: The Power & The Glory (from Spirit Man, RCA)
The Dave Holland Octet :: Pathways (from Pathways, Dare2 Records)
The Detroit Experiment :: Revelation (from TThe Detroit Experiment, Ropeadope Records)

Favourite Things 19.07.10: Podcast #6 by Favourite Things London on Mixcloud

Favourite Things Jazz Jam at Favela Chic, Tuesday 20th July

favethingsjazz — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:24:33 +0000

After a little hiatus, the band are back in action. On Tuesday 20th July, the Favourite Things Jazz Jam drops into one of Shoreditch’s most colourful venues, Favela Chic for an evening of live jazz, Latin, funk and fusion.

Led by host and lead saxophone player Jake Telford, the Favourite Things Quartet (featuring Jessica Lauren on keys, Graham Silbiger on bass and Francesco Mendolia on drums) plus extended players Max O’Donnell (guitar) and Oliver Nelken (trumpet) will be tearing up the stage live again with an assortment of improvised funky jazz standards over two extended sets.

Resident DJs Nik Weston (Mukatsuku Records) and Rob Coley (Soul Identity Music) will be on hand to ensure the music keeps flowing between the jam sessions.

If the event is new to you, you can get a flavour of what to expect by checking out the videos from our last night at Vibe Bar back in May. And of course, if you’ve got a instrument or an amazing voice, why not bring it down and step up and perform live with the band during the later set.

Hope to see you there.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Favela Chic London
91-93 Great Eastern Street
London EC2 3HZ
http://www.favelachic.com/london
6.00pm – 1.00am

RSVP on Facebook

Favourite Things 10.07.10: A Blackclassical Mix

favethingsjazz — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 09:47:01 +0000

An extra special treat this week in the form of a second guest mix from our good friend Blackclassical. This one dropped into the inbox earlier this week and it seems only right to share it with the masses. A top quality selection of Japanese spiritual jazz stunners, this isn’t your usual jazz mix, but something we’ve come to expect from the man who always digs deep. From the opening strains of Masayuki Takayanagi‘s ‘Bohemei’ through to the gentle guitar stylings of the Sunao Wada Quintet +1, via amazing music from the likes of Masahiko Togashi, Don Cherry and Milton Marsh, this selection wreaks quality. Perfect Sunday music. Get on it.

Make sure to peep the last guest mix he did for us and for more of the same, don’t forget to check out the Blackclassical Blog where you’ll find news of his radio show and more archived mixes.

Stream the mix below via Mixcloud or subscribe to our podcast feed and get the download in a week.

TRACKLIST

Masayuki Takayanagi & New Direction Unit :: Bohimei
“Jojo” Takayanagi & The Arts :: Sun in the East
Masahiko Togashi :: Spiritual Nature
Don Cherry :: Bra Joe from Kilimanjaro
Don Cherry :: Terry’s Tune, Hope, The Creator has a Masterplan, Sidharta, Utopia & Visions
Milton Marsh :: Everlasting Beauty
Milton Marsh :: Lighter Side of Dark
Minoru Ikeno :: Sunset On The Street
Sunao Wada Quintet +1 :: Shimmer Of The Morning Sun

Podcast – 10.07.10: A Blackclassical Mix by Favourite Things London on Mixcloud

Favourite Things 05.07.10: JC (Here and Now Recordings)

favethingsjazz — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:41:05 +0000

This week we’re proud to present a very special something from long time friend of Favourite Things and killer collector of all vinyl, Mr John Cunningham AKA JC. From his time behind the counter at some of London’s finest record emporiums (including a stint at the revered but now defunct Reckless Records in Soho) JC has constantly been on the search for those rare and beautiful tunes you just need to own on black wax, and as such we’re very honoured to host a selection from the man.

JC now heads up his own digital and physical record label Here and Now Recordings with an eclectic roster including the likes of Yam Who?, DJD, Chaz Jankel, Chanan Hanspal, Yaaba Funk and Funkanala. Next up on the release front will be new Motivators and Chanan Hanspal material, both of which should see the light of day before the end of the year. Check out the Here and Now Recordings back catalogue on Juno and for more mixes from the man, bookmark his page on Mixcloud for a lovely little boogie mix.

Stream the mix below via Mixcloud or subscribe to our podcast feed and get the download in a week. Next week we’re back in the studio digging out some classic fusion and some newer bits and pieces.

TRACKLIST

The Brass Company :: Spanish Dancer :: Strata East
Max Roach :: Lonesome Lover :: Impulse
Buster Williams :: Pinnacle :: Muse
Penderecki, Don Cherry and The New Eternal Rhythm Orchestra :: Daisy Mckee :: Philips
Don Cherry, Janusz Muniak Quartet, Pierre Pausgen :: Race Face :: Muza
Michal Urbaniak :: Seresta :: Muza
Mel Brown :: Swamp Fever :: Impulse
Ronnie Foster :: First Light :: Blue Note
Michael White :: Commin’ From :: ABC
Babatunde And Phenomena :: Merely A Suggestion :: Theresa

Favourite Things 05.07.10: Jc (Here & Now) by Favourite Things London on Mixcloud

Favourite Things 28.06.10: Podcast #5

favethingsjazz — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:22:58 +0000

After a little enforced break, we’re back behind the turntables and this week we’ve been a wee bit self indulgent, providing just over 50 mins of mainly straight ahead, instrumental jazz for your listening pleasure. Kicking off with two deep and spiritual pieces from two powerful jazz duos, Mr Gregory Porter then steps up and drops a masterful jazz vocal on ‘Wisdom’, out now on Montema Records. It’s then time for some Brit jazz from the new school – the excellent ‘Becoming’ from one of the UK’s current leading lights Nat Birchall, before young jazz quartet Allsop, Stanley, Vosloo and Giles pull out an impeccable cover of the Coltrane classic “Mr Day”. Rounding it all off, we dip once again into the Black Jazz archives with “The Highest Pleasure” from Rudolph Johnson, before ending rather abruptly on an absolutely stunning piece of music from The Neil Cowley Trio.

Stream it now via Mixcloud below or subscribe to our podcast feed and get the download in a week. Next week we’ve got another guest mix for your ear, this time around from good friend and man with impeccable taste in music JC from Here and Now Recordings. Watch out, it’s killer!

TRACKLIST

Gato Barbieri & Dollar Brand :: Eighty First Street :: Arista/Freedom
Billy Harper & Jon Faddis :: Two D’s From Shinjyuku, Dig & Dug :: Trio
Gregory Porter :: Wisdom :: Montema
Nat Birchall :: Becoming :: Gondwana
Allsop, Stanley, Vosloo, Giles :: Mr Day :: Impossible Ark
Rudolph Johnson :: The Highest Pleasure :: Black Jazz
The Neil Cowley Trio :: Vice Skating :: Naim Jazz

Favourite Things 28.06.10: Podcast #5 by Favourite Things London on Mixcloud

Favourite Things – 24.05.10: Live at Vibe Bar [Part 2]

Favourite Things — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:05:17 +0000

Something hot to accompany the ridiculous London weather this week. Here’s the second DJ set from the recent Favourite Things jazz jam that took place at Vibe Bar in Brick Lane. In between the band’s live jazz sessions, Nik Weston (Mukatsuku) and Rob Coley (Soul-Identity Music) kept the bar bubbling with this little selection of dancefloor orientated jazz and Latin. Definitely a bit more lively than the first set of the night. Stream it below courtesy of Mixcloud. Download available in a week via the podcast, which you can sign up to on the right.

TRACKLIST

Eddie Cano & His Quintet :: I Can’t Cry Anymore (Dunhill)
Cal Tjader :: Mambo Mindoro (Concord)
Carlos Garnett :: Uncle Ben & Aunt Jemima (Muse Records)
Freddie Hubbard :: Gibraltar (Pablo)
Ocho :: Oriza (West Side Latino Records)
The Latinaires :: Ya Llegaron (Fania)
Patrice Rushen :: Haw Right Now (Prestige)
Mary Lou Williams :: Praise The Lord (Saba)
Della Reece :: I Got The Blues (Mojo)

Favourite Things 24.05.10: Live At Vibe Bar #2 by Favourite Things London on Mixcloud

Favourite Things 17.05.10: Nik Weston (Mukatsuku)

favethingsjazz — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:18:31 +0000

Resident Nik Weston evokes the spirit of the jazz boogie for the next chapter in the our jazz mix series, now available on the Favourite Things Mixcloud page. Warming things up nicely from the off with release number #20 and #21 from his now well-established Mukatsuku Records label, Nik moves from deep future soul, through to the unmistakeable sounds of an unreleased bruk soul re-edit of Side Effect and some Latin-tinged instrumental hip hop business before setting the floor alight with some choice jazzy disco cuts. Definitely one for dancers.

Catch Nik spinning this Friday at The Vortex in Dalston as part of the Twin Cities single launch (Peep ‘Rain Clouds’ in this very mix) where Twin Cities will also be joined on stage by vocalists Shea Soul, Duchy and D.ablo.

TRACKLIST
Hundred Strong feat Amp Fiddler :: Stylin’ Free (Guynamukat Dubbier Vocal Mix) :: Mukatsuku
Twin Cities feat Shea Soul :: Rain Clouds :: Mukatsuku
Side Effect :: Always There (Unreleased Remix) :: Dubplate
Freddie Joakim :: Shadow of Smile :: Subcontract
Soul Scream :: Pastime’s Paradise (DJ Celory’s Instrumental Remix) :: Future Shock
Arts The Beatdoctor :: The Anthem (Album Instrumental) :: Unexpected Records
Ronnie Laws :: Nuthin bout Nuthin (Special Disco Mix) :: Blue Note
Board of Directors :: Hangin’ Tough :: White Label
Killer Funk Disco Allstars :: Shake Your Booty Baby! (Peak Time Disco Re-Edit) :: Killer Funk Disco
Freeze :: Flying High (Remix) :: Beggars Banquet
Guynamukat :: Enjoy Your Life (Afro Disco Re-Edit) :: Guynamukat

Favourite Things 17.05.10: Nik Weston by Favourite Things London on Mixcloud

May 13 2010: Emanative at Favela Chic | Aronas at Jazz Refreshed

favethingsjazz — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:12:49 +0000

Nick “Emanative” Woodmansey and his brand new live setup take centre stage at Favela Chic London tomorrow evening for the next installment of the Wah Wah 45s Live sessions, and more importantly, the band’s debut full live show. The night is essentially pitched as a launch for Emanative’s recently released album on the Futuristica Music label, “Time”, (available to buy at Juno and all good music stockists), and on the night Nick will lead a very talented lineup of musicians, including Favourite Things’ own keyboard maestro Jessica Lauren, and a trio of vocalists, Heidi Vogel, Cecilia Stalin and Liz Elensky.

The album itself is a companion piece to last year’s critically acclaimed “Space” long player, also available on Futuristica Music, and compiles a number of unreleased tracks and remixes from the project. The contributors to this release read like a veritable who’s who of the UK’s undergound music scene, including Mark Rapson, Soundspecies, Tony Wahchuku, Kay Suzuki, Jazz Chronicles, K15 and Wah Wah 45′s own Scrimshire, not to mention Manchester’s Matthew Halsall, who lends his trumpet skills to one of the new cuts ‘Find You’. As a taster, Nick has made available an alternative version of a track from ‘Time’, namely a sublime cover of John Coltrane’s ‘Naima’ on Emanative’s Bandcamp page.

Renowned Italian jazzman Nicola Conte will also be making a rare UK appearance on the night, supplying not one but two DJ sets, which will likely take his own unique blend of 60′s jazz and bossa nova, and couple it with his love for deep spiritual soul and contemporary electronic sounds. The bill is rounded off with DJ sets from the irrepressible pairing of Wah Wah 45s’ Dom Servini and Scrimshire.

Doors open at 8pm and it’s a mere £3 to get in. The band make it on stage at 9.45pm with Nicola Conte DJing just before and just after.

On the other side of London, in Notting Hill tomorrow night, our equally impressive second keys player, Aron Ottignon will be blessing the crowd at Mau Mau bar in Portobello Road with a live performance of his own as part of the imitable Jazz re:efreshed crew’s weekly expose of cutting edge jazz talent. Aron bring’s his own Aronas quartet, which also features Jon Harvey on Bass, Alexis Nunez on Drums and Sam Dubois on Steel Pan percussion, to West London for a night of self-confessed “Punk Jazz”, a fierce combination of live jazz and dance music, underpinned by South Pacific influenced grooves.

“Culture Tunnel”, Aron’s debut album as Aronas, was released back in 2006 on Solid Air Music and can be found on iTunes. As a taster for the show tomorrow, Aron has made available a download of one of the tracks from that album, “Happy Song”. You can get the MP3 from his Soundcloud.

After the show tomorrow, the band can be found supporting Angélique Kidjo at The Barbican on Saturday, before they all head off for this year’s Montreal Jazz Festival in June.

Doors open at 7.30pm and it’s £5 on the door.