Hiss and Hum

Released in 1969, Monk Montgomery decided it was time for the bass guitar to come to the front of the ensemble and play the role of lead instrument. Joined by a large ensemble formed around a core of Jazz Crusaders,…

York has always been a stronghold for independent record stores in the North of England. Residents of the city will become dewey eyed and nostalgic when you mention Track Records, Red Rhino, Ark Records, Wild Cat, Inkwell or Hellraiser…

People succumb to the weight of the post-festive world like a national flu epidemic. Grey skies weigh on the spirit and over indulgence weighs on the gut. Attempts to fight off the bug appear in easily abandoned exercise regimes and…

Released in 1971, Monk Montgomery’s second album as leader took him in new directions. On Bass Odyssey, the electric bass pioneer sat on top of the mix and came to the fore as both performer and composer. Joined…

York is regarded as one of the most culturally rich cities in the north of England. This is true in some respects. However, the type of riches have historically been quite limited. The city has three large theatres, several orchestras…

Bradford City Library is an inconspicuous building. Based in Centenary Square, this sleepy institution is cloaked by corporate cafes, busy bars, optimistic street vendors and children playing in the fountain. Despite its unassuming presence, the library still offers a…

Noisecore is a musical endgame. Displaying an unrivalled level of nihilism, this is a style of music which takes elements of punk, metal, jazz and free improvisation and compacts them into highly charged sonic bullets.  

The genesis of…

Although it may come as a surprise to many, Hull has a vibrant jazz scene that dates back to the 1960’s. On an average week, there are at least 4 opportunities to hear live jazz in the city. Local…

In 2017 we are walking the line between a golden age and the darkest days of independent publishing. With the growth of the internet and related technologies, anyone and everyone can publish their thoughts in an instant. This can…

York is not a city well known for its musical exports when compared to other parts of the county. However, it has a friendly and welcoming jazz scene which has been growing steadily in recent years. The resurgence of…

The north of England has its fair share of jazz festivals. Manchester, Scarborough, Burton Agnes & Gateshead are just some of the towns & cities which host national & international talent annually. These well attended festivals bring jazz in…

The Montgomery family name is well established in jazz history due to the musical accomplishments of Wes, perhaps the most influential jazz guitarist of his era. Yet the legacy of the Montgomery name stretches further. Buddy Montgomery, one of…