Posted by Adrian Litvinoff on Nov 3, 2014
We’re launching a new Blog page on this site, so that we can share things with you that arise through our involvement in music even though they may lie slightly outside the activities of the band. Its hard to predict exactly what the topics will be, but music is a field of endless fascination so there should be plenty to interest you as we develop this new thread. As ever, we will welcome your views and feedback, and hope that through this process we can get to know each other a little better. You’ll find the Blog under the ‘News’ tab on the main menu bar. Our first blog post will be with you...
See MorePosted by Adrian Litvinoff on Jun 13, 2014
Jazz critic Ian Mann has given a glowing report of Interplay’s recent performance at Warwick Arts Centre. He endorses the band’s musical approach and individual creativity. Read the whole review here. There aren’t many people writing about jazz like this, who invest time and effort in attending to local and regional artists as well as the big names. Those that do are much sought after, and we appreciate the care and attention of people like Ian in trying to evaluate and promote a wider interest in this great music at all levels. If you want to be sure of knowing about our future gigs please join our mailing list – just put your email address in the box at the bottom of this...
See MorePosted by Adrian Litvinoff on Mar 12, 2014
Did we mention that you can now add your favourite tracks from ‘Global’ to your playlist? Head over to Spotify right now (or do it later)!
See MorePosted by Adrian Litvinoff on Feb 16, 2014
I’ve been in to the Priory Place studio of BBC Coventry and Warwickshire today to talk about our Interplay Duo gig at Wilde’s tomorrow night. This will feature me and Richard Baker (trombone) exploring more of those gorgeous low frequency tonalities. The invitation came from Marian McNamee – just after I said that mainstream radio didn’t show much interest in the regional jazz scene! Marian presents the Sunday afternoon show from 1.00 – 3.00pm. This looks like being a good outlet for local music information from here on, and of course we will make sure that Marian has all the information she could need in future. If you’d like to hear the broadcast it runs from about 8.00 minutes in, duration 14 minutes approximately. You can also hear ‘Swift Return’ – enjoy!...
See MorePosted by Adrian Litvinoff on Feb 9, 2014
Interplay has been booked to play at Birmingham’s prestigious Symphony Hall in the popular Jazzlines series of Friday foyer concerts. This marks our return after a gap of some four years. This has prompted me to reflect on how the jazz scene in the city has evolved in recent times. The return of the Town Hall to major jazz events, and continuation of excellent programmes at places like the CBSO Centre, have set a high bar at their level, while exciting developments such as the jazz promotions at the Hare and Hounds and Spotted Dog have added something more ‘street’. The growing presence and impact of the jazz course at the Conservatoire, also, stimulates a lively self-help scene among young and emerging musicians.. Creatively things are really buzzing. Is there a down side? Well, the lack of a really coordinated approach to jazz promotion in the city and the region could be one. Compared to other parts of the country we don’t seem to have the ability to pool energies or resources the way some of our neighbouring regions appear to do. The ‘jazz community’ here thus provides a somewhat fractured and polarised environment in which to work, and this is not helpful at any level. The absence of a recognised broadcast platform for the music might be another. With notable important exceptions such as internet radio The Bridge’s Alan Musson or Theresa Kellegher at Seclow Sounds we are hardly overwhelmed by broadcasters thirsting to share our music or experiences. Outside the city itself the jazz picture is also mixed, but certainly not disheartening. Warwick Arts Centre still offers a varied programme although Jazz Coventry is but a shadow of its former self and Stratford Jazz has, understandably, scaled back its activities. At more local level Leam Jazz is still hanging in there after three years of unsubsidised promotions and only this week the new Kenilworth Jazz Club got off to a flying start, while Spa Jazz at The Clarendon is going from strength to strength. There are no shortages of players or listeners at jazz jam sessions either – Rugby now has two – and there seems to be a steady flow of people wanting to learn to play jazz, of all ages and stages. Much of this activity of course comes as a result of dedicated voluntary effort. So it’s clear that jazz in this region is not ‘dead’, that it has...
See MorePosted by Adrian Litvinoff on Jan 16, 2014
‘Thanks for Monday. Really cool set. A mention and pic at www.everysmith.com and also an interesting comment! The second one I think.’ Max (Wilde’s)
See MorePosted by Adrian Litvinoff on Dec 15, 2013
Gilles Peterson, the much-admired BBC 6Music presenter and long-standing aficionado of British contemporary jazz, has been in touch after listening to Interplay’s ‘Global’. In a brief email to Adrian Litvinoff he commented: ‘Beautiful record – thanks so much for sending!’ Just a few words, but the fact that he took the trouble to pass them on means a lot to us. After all, this is the man who put out two volumes of ground-breaking British jazz of the 1960s and 70s, under the title ‘Impressed’. Thanks very much...
See MorePosted by Adrian Litvinoff on Oct 23, 2013
Sunday evening was a really memorable night for Interplay, as a lively crowd of music fans, friends, music scene movers and the simply curious packed into LAMP, Leamington’s Live Arts and Music Project, to share in the launch of the band’s new album ‘Global’. Steve Steinhaus was in the compere’s chair to move proceedings along and the band got swiftly down to business with the Cuban classic ‘Amor Verdadero’. After a reflective ‘Hermitage’ it was time for the first of the night’s original compositions, ‘Autumn Magic’, followed by an outstanding version of ‘Weightless’ featuring Alan Wakeman on soprano sax and Dave Balen in exceptional form on tablas. ‘Fashion Statement’ made for a complete mood shift, calling up some fine trombone from Richard Baker, before the band wrapped the set up with their north African-tinged version of ‘Imam’. For the second half opener ‘El Cuarto de Tula’ the entire audience was equipped with hand percussion, leading to a riotous rendition. ‘Shapeshift’ followed, with Neil Hunter building an exciting extended keyboard solo supported by the whole band. We then welcomed saxophonists Ray Hinks and Onno van Winden to sit in on ‘Su Baille Nuevo’, producing a spirited four-horn improvisation. ‘Slow Flame’, the evening’s deep ballad, really seemed to draw everyone in before ‘Swift Return’ and ‘The Shuffle’ brought the night to a celebratory climax. Thanks to everyone who helped to make the evening such a success! To the 100 or so souls who packed the venue and responded to our music with such warmth and enthusiasm, to all those who bought albums – over 40 were sold – and to all those who signed up to our mailing list. Not forgetting the crew at LAMP, Steve Steinhaus for mastering the ceremony, Rob Bridge our brilliant photographer, our lovely crew of helpers on the night, and all those nearest and dearest to the band who support us with their encouragement, patience and understanding. Without you all it could not happen! And to top it off there is a cracking review of the night and the album by Sundari Cleal of the Leamington Courier. Please check it out, and of course add any comments of your own – we’d love to have your feedback too!...
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