GROOVE THURSDAYS
For the past year, Rob Harrison, Jed Potts, Aki Remally and others, have been hosting a groove/pop/funk jam session on the last Thursday of each month. Recently these sessions have been taken over by the ‘next generation’, with Toni McVey (drums), Amy Reader (vocals), Fraser McMillan (guitar), Luke Cunningham (keys), and Mochi Robinson (bass).
We are always looking for ways to get the younger generation involved as it is absolutely vital for the future of jazz to not only make live jazz accessible and representative for them, but to get them directly involved and shake off the idea that jazz can be elitist or exclusive. The response to these events has been huge, with a packed out room each month of people looking for a non-jazz jam outlet. We’ve been told that jazz jam sessions can be a little ‘intimidating’ (though we absolutely enourage people to join in), so the groove jam sessions are fully inclusive and open to all genres.
As many local players such as Alan Benzie and Matt Carmichael have shown, age doesn’t equal talent, and we have been thrilled to see the huge involvement of young musicians in these sessions. Many younger folks and students have taken to our stage for these events and it’s a great opportunity to mix with more experienced players to gain new insights and techniques, as well as serving as an initiation into a huge network of Scottish musicians.
Check out their Facebook page for more videos and details!
THE FUTURE HEROES
Superbly creative guitarist Aki Remally fronts this five-piece funk monster. Featuring Jonny White on saxophone, these guys will keep your feet moving all night long with the deep-funk rhythms of Toni McVey (drums), Luke Cunningham (keys) and Tom Wilkinson (bass).
To support the band you can contribute via PayPal.me/akiremally
DONATE
You can continue to support us and the professional musicians who are struggling right now, by donating what you might usually spend on an entry fee or a drink, or any other amount that you wish. Professional musicians and all hospitality/event staff are facing an incredibly difficult time, having seen months of steady work disappear over-night. Any donations would be extremely appreciated to help us to continue to pay our staff through our closure and support our local event staff community in any way that we can.