New Live Music Licensing Bill Criticised On 10 September, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport published its long-awaited public consultation on radical deregulation of entertainment licensing. The key proposal is that the regime would only apply to events with audiences of 5,000 or more. Tourism minister John Penrose said: “Current entertainment licensing rules are a mess. Pointless bureaucracy and licence fees imposed on community groups trying to put on simple amateur productions and fundraising events sap energy and deaden people’s desire to get involved.” The announcement was well received by the music industry, performers unions and arts organisations. But campaigners warned that the latest DCMS proposals would confer no benefit for gigs in pubs and bars. Under paragraph 2.25 of the 44-page consultation document, in premises already licensed for alcohol and entertainment, licence conditions would be retained. Licensees could apply, at their own expense, to remove them, but the final decision would remain with the local council. Such conditions include restrictions on performer numbers, genres, days and times of performance. A spokesperson for the Welwyn Live Music Forum said: “We are deeply concerned at the DCMS proposal to retain entertainment licence restrictions. We urge the government to scrap this proposal and give genuine support and parliamentary time to the Lord Clement-Jones Live Music Bill as an interim measure.” This bill includes an exemption for gigs with audiences of up to 200, between 8am and 11pm. It is expected to progress from the House of Lords to the Commons before Christmas. Hamish Birchall

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Hungarian Jazz Showcase Part Of Busy 606 Club Autumn/Winter Billings Kicking off its packed autumn bookings Chelsea’s 606 Club presents The Budapest Jazz Club, showcasing some of Hungary’s finest jazz musicians across three nights of double bills running from 2-4 November. Opening with two powerful piano-led groups George Vukan teams up with a fine UK rhythm section, followed by pianist Daniel Szabo in a mainly Hungarian trio with acclaimed UK drummer Martin France. Brit jazz altoist Peter King leads off the second night before veteran Hungarian piano virtuoso Béla Szakcsi Lakatos makes a rare club showing. The third night closes with a busy triple bill featuring 2005 Shure Montreux Jazz Voice Competition winner Nikoletta Szöke, charismatic AngloHungarian diva Natalie Williams and a final set from Budapest-born pianist/composer Kálmán Oláh. Other highlights across the month include award-winning flautist Gareth Lockrane’s funky Grooveyard band (10 Nov), plus ten days of London Jazz Festival gigs with appearances by the likes of the Gwilym Simcock Trio (15 Nov), a Femi Temowo and Adriano Adawle double bill (16 Nov), and Liane Carroll Trio (20 Nov). Other notable gigs include the Tony Kofi Quartet (26 Nov), UK-based Swiss guitarist Nicolas Meier (1 Dec) and Israeli alto sax man Gilad Atzmon (5 Dec). For more go to www.606club.co.uk

Brass Jaw Go On The Road After picking up a plethora of awards earlier this year, including ensemble of the year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and album of the year and contemporary band of the year at the Scottish Jazz Awards, the inimitable all-brass quartet Brass Jaw have lined up an extensive UK tour for November and December. Featuring trumpeter Ryan Quigley, alto saxophonist Paul Towndrow, tenorist Konrad Wiszniewski and baritone saxophonist Allon Beauvoisin, Brass Jaw have built up a fanatical following over the past three years with their powerful energetic performances that move from robust hardbop into more adventurous areas. Tour dates are supported by Jazz Services and are: Lit & Phil, Newcastle (3 Nov); Wakefield Sports Club, Wakefield (4 Nov); Merkinch Community Centre, Inverness (11 Nov); Hawth, Crawley (21 Nov); Dempseys, Cardiff (22 Nov); Acorn Arts Centre, Penzance (23 Nov); Bonington Theatre, Nottingham (24 Nov); Colston Hall Foyer, Bristol (25 Nov); Arts Depot, London (27 Nov); Blue Train, London (28 Nov); St Austell Brewery, Cornwall (1 Dec); Poly, Falmouth (2 Dec); Glasgow City Halls, Glasgow (4 Dec); and Stamford Sports And Social, Grimsby (8 Dec).

Fantastic Yamaha New Jazz Sessions CD Free with Jazzwise December/January Double Issue Don’t miss the special December/January double edition of Jazzwise, on sale 24 November, that comes with a fantastic 10 track free covermount CD, The Yamaha New Jazz Sessions, featuring the six rising star finalists of the 2011 Yamaha Jazz Scholars initiative, including hot new names such as pianist Chris Eldred and saxophonists Josh Arcoleo and Riley Stone-Lonergan, together with guest tracks from Gwilym Simcock, Arun Ghosh and hot newcomer pianist Mathis Picard. Demand will be big for this special double issue that includes albums of the year poll results, a look ahead to the hot tips for next year, a major retrospective on Joe Harriott, Portico Quartet and much more. So be sure to place an order at your local newsagent, subscribe on page 64 save money on a year’s issues and get a great CD free or download the Jazzwise app.

Tony Kofi and Nigel Price for The Spin Club Oxford’s leading jazz club, The Spin, the gigs of which take place every Thursday at the Wheatsheaf, 129 High Street, Oxford, has announced a lively autumn programme that runs through to December featuring Tony Kofi’s Standard Time Trio, Art Themen with Big Colours Big Band and the Nigel Price Organ Trio. (Nigel Price, inset) Hosted by guitarist Pete Oxley and drummer Mark Doffman the club, which was nominated as jazz venue of the year from 20062009, has presented the Sam Crowe Group, Dave O’Higgins and Kate Williams with the Spin Trio in recent weeks. Forthcoming dates are: Roger Beaujolais with the Spin Trio (27 Oct); Art Themen with the Big Colours Big Band (3 Nov); Tom Allen (10 Nov); Tony Kofi (above) and his Standard Time Trio (17 Nov); Nigel Price Organ Trio (24 Nov); and Deirdre Cartwright with the Spin Trio (1 Dec). Go to spinjazz.com

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Siegel To The Power Of Four Julian Siegel tours this month having received a prestigious Jazz Services national touring support scheme grant. Siegel, one of the most respected and accomplished saxophone players in the country whether playing acoustic or jazz-rock, is with pianist/synths player Liam Noble, bassist Oli Hayhurst and drummer Gene Calderazzo. Dates are: Vortex, London N16 (3 November); Sports Club, Wakefield (11 Nov), Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall (12 Nov), and Millennium Hall Polish Centre, Sheffield (16 Dec), continuing with more dates in 2012.

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