Jazz South Spotlight with Kevin Le Gendre

In this special episode of Jazz South Spotlight, Kevin Le Gendre speaks to composer, instrumentalist and writer, John K Miles, about his new Radar Commission piece for Jazz South.River and Ash – Play a Mighty Groove is a reimagining of the myth of ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’ for 8-11 year olds, focussing on the themes of friendship and the power of music. It features John K Miles narrating and playing saxophone, flute and keys, with Winston Clifford on drums and Dave Manington on basses.The p...

In this episode of Jazz South Spotlight, Kevin Le Gendre speaks to vocalist and songwriter Sara Colman.Kevin and Sara talk about writing music during lockdown, triggers for creativity and the Sara Colman Band's new music commission for Jazz South, Turning Over Stones and Ribbons. Plus, they discuss Sara's influences, including her huge affection for Joni Mitchell, a major inspiration, and how 2020 has given Sara time and space to assess what she wants to do over the next couple of years...

In this episode of Jazz South Spotlight, Kevin Le Gendre speaks to vocalist and band leader Kate Westbrook, of Kate Westbrook and The Granite Band.Kevin and Kate discuss how the band have adapted to working and recording in lockdown, the origins of the band's name and capturing the sounds of the Dartmoor quarries on their album. Plus, they discuss the The Granite Band's new music commission for Jazz South, Says The Duke, a celebration and tribute to the great Duke Ellington, and memories of s...

In this episode of Jazz South Spotlight, Kevin Le Gendre speaks to vocalist and songwriter Louise Victoria of Bristol-based quartet, We Are Leif.Kevin and Louise chat about the impact of the pandemic and the struggles the musical community is going through, how the band has stayed creative through this difficult time, the rich musical community in Bristol and the importance of trying to stay connected. Plus, they discuss the thought-provoking lyrics and inspiration for We Are Leif's Jazz Sout...

In this episode of Jazz South Spotlight, Kevin Le Gendre speaks to tenor saxophonist and composer Greg Heath of the mighty sextet from Hastings, Hexagonal.Kevin and Greg discuss Hexagonal's influences and inspirations, from African and Afrobeat to Jazz, and how the group has found ways to stay creative and stay connected during this challenging year. Plus, they discuss how the band approached their new commission for Jazz South, producing a high energy piece, The Temple of Juno.“The band...

In this episode of Jazz South Spotlight, Kevin Le Gendre speaks to Fourth Page drummer Paul May. They discuss the band's entirely improvised approach to making music, what it was like making new music during these unprecedented times, the musical chemistry and language that has developed in the band over the years and much more. Plus, we get a preview of Fourth Page's new piece, The Signs Were High, commissioned by Jazz South and written during lockdown in 2020."Fourth Page takes improvised m...

In the 1st episode of Jazz South Spotlight, Kevin Le Gendre speaks to internationally acclaimed saxophonist and ECM recording artist Iain Ballamy about his influences, inspirations and experiences working with the musicians in his quartet; world-renowned pianist Jason Rebello, the remarkable trumpeter and bassist Percy Pursglove and the superb drummer Mark Whitlam. Plus, we get a preview of Iain Ballamy Quartet's new piece, Ivan, written during lockdown in 2020.Jazz South Spotlight is a new p...

Jazz South Spotlight is a new podcast series shining a light on outstanding jazz talent from the South of England. Over 6 episodes Kevin Le Gendre will be meeting six bands from across the region, who have been specially commissioned by Jazz South to create new music.Originally part of a scheme to perform to live audiences across the South of England, Jazz South Spotlight is a digital re-imagination to reach audiences everywhere in 2020 through new tracks. Launching on Monday 2nd November, in...