Corey Mwamba

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29th Jan 10

I'm shattered from the travel - a fair few hours standing on a train there and back, and a good forty-five minutes trying to find the place - but the Rising Sun is a wonderfully interesting space: what they achieve there, with only good-will, puts lots of better-known places to shame.

The audience were warm and friendly and although we were tired - Dave having a massive car trek from Leeds -we played some lovely music. One of the audience took a short video too!

Still, got to wake up for London and Cardiff back-to-back!

15th Feb 10

I'm shattered from the travel - a fair few hours standing on a train there and back, and a good forty-five minutes trying to find the place - but the Rising Sun is a wonderfully interesting space: what they achieve there, with only good-will, puts lots of better-known places to shame.

The audience were warm and friendly and although we were tired - Dave having a massive car trek from Leeds -we played some lovely music. One of the audience took a short video too!

Still, got to wake up for London and Cardiff back-to-back!

19th Oct 10

A gentle day after the London excursion: currently in the process of uploading the latest trio recording for download, and writing out the maps for Arun and Ntshuks for Mulungushi which we'll play on Saturday. Might even head out into fresh air today!

13th Nov 10

It's all about London Jazz Festival at the moment - although I also have some writing to do for the poet Lydia Towsey, and LOTS of prep for Heralds. Speaking of which, if you'd like to hear Heralds near you, just get in touch! If you know a local promoter it'd be great to get the group out there!

18th Nov 10

In London from 1 o'clock-ish should be free from about 4... then gig with Dave Kane! Get in touch if you want to hang out over Friday... although I will have the instrument in tow! Hope to see you tonight!

23rd Nov 10

Finally back from the London madness! Caught up with everyone, and even bumped into Geri Allen which was AMAZING. Totally star-struck. I will have to write about it at some point.

Today however I'll be working with another star: I'm composing the music for poet Lydia Towsey's new work The Venus Papers. I'll stick it on the listings, ver' ver' soon.

10th Mar 11

Hi! head to Heralds on Soundcloud and listen to the Newcastle recording! Off to London now for a gig with Lydia Towsey at the Vibe Bar on Brick Lane, then two weeks with Arun Ghosh's quintet around Germany and Austria.

19th Sep 11

Last week was epic... which perhaps explains why I'm feeling very run down and virus-infested now.

It all started on Tuesday at the Bradgate Mental Health Unit in Leicester with the biblio-therapy project for Everybody's Reading [want an explanation? Ah, well I gave one on the mailing list - do it, you know you want to!] and then moved into Wednesday with Arun's Afro-coustics and Indo-vations project at the Decibel showcase in Manchester. It was a long rehearsal; but a great gig, and new drummer Eddie Hick laid it down.

I then had to prepare Lydia's show: and the CD burner would not play ball. Luckily we had some great technicians in Fiona, Oz, and Bill. My brother-in-music Dave Kane was down for that, and we performed an effective extract of the full show... and I got some very good news... that I will talk about soon...

But anyway. The next day I spent my time waiting for four o'clock: that was when I was going to get into Matt and Phred's to rehearse bassist Gavin Barras' new quintet tunes. As some of you may know I can't actually read music, but I made the effort this time. Tenor sax giant Ed Jones was on the gig - He was sounding immense! The music was also blessed by Dave Walsh on drums and Steve Plews on piano. Gavin had written the music inspired by the Blue Note "avant garde" sound, with powerful statements and great harmonies. Although I think the primary influence was Andrew Hill, some of the tunes reminded me of Tony Williams' Spring [worth checking that album out, if you can get it]. Everyone in the band "got it" and we blew up a veritable storm by the second half. Steve Berry came down to listen, and the audience loved it. Must do that again!

While all of that was happening, I began [and have now finished] my response to what some of us are calling the Group. It's a long story that has been helpfully summarised by Peter Hum.

There are lots of issues surrounding the question of the profile and status of black jazz musicians in this country; it isn't a new question by any means and in fact is something I have been talking about in many ways since 2003, from Nature's Glory, Fancy's Child, through my blog on MyOpera, and the two albums Popular Delusions and Songs for the New Folk. This is in no way a new problem.

But the ways in which we are talking about the problem possibly have remained as stagnant as the problem itself. The fact remains that the profile and status of any jazz musician in this country is not perhaps as we would like. For a small island - and let's face it, it is a small island - the lack of understanding of the national scene is shocking. The conversations are still centred inevitably around London. There's also a sense of polarisation in this discussion, and some very war-like stances that are actually creating more divisions. It's saddening.

It's an emotional issue. It should be: it's important. But the thing about emotional issues in relationships is that they require sensitive talking as well as plain speaking: an awareness of the whole picture. I think everybody is struggling through this now. Some voices are [perhaps unduly] louder than others. We are being treated as a homogeneous mass. There has always been too much shouting and over-simplification, through all the decades that this has gone on.

So I am trying, in my own way, to balance this. My view is that we have a complex situation: and it is a situation that will require some generosity of spirit, some love and care. I love my family in music. There are long yet reasonable conversations that need to be had: and, as When Daniel Barenboim said in his Reith Lecture "peace requires dialogue, a dialogue which consists of sensitive talking and often painful listening".

So I have created a space, here, where I am hoping this dialogue can occur. When there's some content, I'll announce it. It is not the solution: it's just an approach. I hope it helps.

6th Nov 11

Learning a haunting arrangement of Traumerei by Mr Mitchell, and generally just getting the house in order, testing the new 1/4 size 'cello bows, which are working a treat. London Jazz Festival in a few weeks - will be going to hear Threadgill and catch up with people!

19th Nov 11

London Jazz Festival today! I'll be down with Robert Mitchell, Dominic Lash, Dave Kane, Mat Maneri [yes], Chris Sharkey and then off to see Henry Threadgill later. Epic day!

21st Nov 11

Just got home from the London Jazz Festival - about which there is lots to say - to find a great review of Nat Birchall's album! It looks like I'm the Derbyshire Tabasco of jazz... used sparingly to enhance!

22nd Nov 11

Richard Kaby took some fantastic shots of the London Jazz Festival gig!

13th Jan 12

Man, I'm totally knackered. Both of the trolley's tyre deflated whilst dragging it around London: 90+ kg doesn't seem to get any easier to shift...

Anyway, the gig with @[Nat Birchall] was fantastic! Here's some great photos from Richard Kaby...

15th Mar 12

Not long until the album recording for @[the trio]: very exciting! This is a bit last minute - but I'm in London tomorrow at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, playing with @[Arun Ghosh], Neil Charles and Cerys Mathews. Maybe see you there?

16th Apr 12

If you get chance, I'm going to be on Radio 3 tonight - they're broadcasting the set I did with @[Robert Mitchell] at London Jazz Festival! Tune in!

15th Jul 12

The Nottingham gig was lovely, just lovely, even though there was a stage [hate stages]. Really needed it - and thanks for coming if you did!

But this week coming is lots of work with Arun Ghosh in Shipley and London; and then a gig in Newcastle with Ntshuks Bonga and Andy Champion! In that time I\'ll be working on letters for that there petition, which reached 4000 signatures last night; and perhaps doing some music writing too...

25th Sep 12

Another early morning, another day thinking about the Orrery,and how consistently conduct the thing.

One Note Sunday gets a rest this month, and to be honest I\'m quite glad. October seems to have turned into a behemoth in terms of activity. Not only with gigs and composing; I\'m also working in two Pupil Referral Units in London this month, and meetings/writing for Way In To The Way Out. Really nice to be busy - but all at the same time?

24th Oct 12

Right - early start for London, rehearsing for Arun\'s double showing of Prince Achmed. If you\'re near the Albany tomorrow, come along!

22nd Nov 12

Really looking forward to the next few days in Newcastle - although obviously quite hectic and close to Orrery, and with minimal time of rest from getting back from London last week. If you\'re northwards and see me about, say hello!

3rd Jul 13

Just got back from meeting up with Lucian Ban, after the gig in Bucharest with @[Robert Mitchell]. Audience here was lovely, really enjoyed playing with Deborah, Neil and Laurie. Such a great band! Many thanks to Alex for lending me his vibes - playing my own tomorrow in London!

24th Oct 13

London today, with @[Olie Brice]! And a venue near St Pancras! Hope to see you there.

4th Nov 13

Sonsale [me, @[Andy Champion], Sylvain Darrifourcq, Valentin Ceccaldi] are in London: http://www.coreymwamba.co.uk/gig/sonsale-1385294400

11th Nov 13

In @[London Jazz Festival] twice this year! with @[Rachel Musson] on Tue 19th, and Sonsale on the 24th: http://www.coreymwamba.co.uk/gigs

14th Nov 13

And JNE also put together the quartet I'm going with to @[London Jazz Festival] : oemb::http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYgarqPxL4s

18th Nov 13

@[London Jazz Festival] jaunt tomorrow with @[Rachel Musson]! http://www.coreymwamba.co.uk/gig/general-1384891200

19th Nov 13

Right. LONDON. See you for jazz/improv later? http://www.coreymwamba.co.uk/gig/general-1384891200

23rd Nov 13

Full dance card for the next few days: London, Derby, Newcastle, Glasgow and Bath http://www.coreymwamba.co.uk/gigs/

26th Nov 13

I was about to write a Sherrineqsue piece about @[London Jazz Festival], but stopped. Suffice to say, I saw many people and it was fun.

6th Jan 14

London: down next week with @[Nick Malcolm] and @[Simon Roth]: see you there! http://www.coreymwamba.co.uk/gig/general-1389646800

13th Jan 14

London bound! Hope to see you at the Oxford, later.

15th Apr 14

London - I am heading your way... See you for LUME on Thursday?

20th May 14

Out with @[Nick Malcolm] today, until Friday! London, Bournemouth, Monmouth and Bristol... here we go!

25th May 14

London! I'll be doing a solo set in you tomorrow...

26th May 14

Didn't think I'd make it to the station on time: but it looks like the exercise is paying off! See you soon, London.

4th Jun 14

But this week: London!

12th Jun 14

In London today, with @[Cath Roberts] and @[Olie Brice]!

4th Aug 14

The next thing - in London with vibes buddy @[Martin Pyne]!

11th Aug 14

Tomorrow: I'm in London with vibes wizard @[Martin Pyne]!

30th Aug 14

London! Eight days away!

5th Sep 14

Sunday in London! Hope to see you there...

16th Sep 14

New gig: Sprawlin' (tour): London - http://www.coreymwamba.co.uk/gig/trio-1430425800

13th Nov 14

London-wards! Last workshop at St Paul's Way School before the gig tomorrow...

17th Nov 14

@[the trio] hits @[London Jazz Festival] with @[Anton Hunter] and @[Cath Roberts] tomorrow...

18th Nov 14

@[London Jazz Festival] craziness part one today!

10th Dec 14

London! The Midlander is drinking your beer and playing with your folk: specifically @[Olie Brice] and @[Cath Roberts]!

26th Feb 15

London-Ness!

5th Mar 15

London! I'm with @[Adam Fairhall] & Johnny Hunter at @[LUME]: come down!

24th Mar 15

AND on Sunday I'm in London with @[Graham Clark] and @[Laura Cole]!

26th Mar 15

Sunday! @[Graham Clark], @[Laura Cole] and I head to London: hope to see you there!

29th Mar 15

In London tonight!

13th Apr 15

Shhh... don't tell him, but I'm down in London now to catch @[Alexander Hawkins]' gig at Oto...

1st May 15

New Ramble: Thank you London!

4th May 15

Now,off to London to see @[Rachel Musson], Mark Sanders and Neil Charles!

9th Jul 15

To London!

6th Aug 15

...but before that, down to London with Mark Wastell's new group!

11th Aug 15

A gentle day after the London excursion: currently in the process of uploading the latest trio recording for download, and writing out the maps for Arun and Ntshuks for Mulungushi which we'll play on Saturday. Might even head out into fresh air today!

11th Aug 15

In London today, playing at @[Cafe Oto] later...

9th Sep 15

New gig: Chicago-London Vibration: AACM at 50 - http://www.coreymwamba.co.uk/gig/orphy-1447509600

29th Oct 15

Not long until @[London Jazz Festival]: first gig is with @[Rachel Musson]! Here's our first gig.

29th Oct 15

Second @[London Jazz Festival] gig is with @[Robert Mitchell] on 14th Nov

17th Nov 15

@[London Jazz Festival] has been a blast so far; @but next week it's @[JazzUK] #4jazz and @[GIO]!

3rd Jul 16

Put sunglasses on to head to the station: forget normal glasses in case at home. Standard. See me not see, later in London!

7th Dec 16

Busy week; Uni presentation today; then gig tomorrow in London...

6th Sep 17

Saturday in London! With @[Tom Ward], @[Cath Roberts], @[Colin Webster]

28th Oct 17

Later today in London!

28th Oct 17

Ah - apparently the gig in London tonight is sold out.

14th Nov 17

Short notice gig at @[Cafe Oto] in London on Friday!

16th Nov 17

London tomorrow!

17th Nov 17

Today! And I'll be heading down to London early to see what I can see of @[London Jazz Festival]...

24th Feb 18

New gig listing: Dunmall/Mwamba/Dessanay/Bashford at The Vortex, London

23rd May 18

Speaking of gigs, I'm in London with the legendary Paul Dunmall in June!

11th Jun 18

In London on Thursday!

14th Jun 18

Gig in London today!

26th Jun 18

I'll be talking about THE RHIZOME in September, at this symposium in London.

27th Nov 18

Quick reminder of where I am over the next month: Newcastle, Glasgow, DERBY (twice), Birmingham, London. See you somewhere with my new trolley!

11th Dec 18

London, part one with @[Colin Webster], @[Cath Roberts], @[Tom Ward], @[Sam Andreae] and John Edwards at @[BRÅK]!

11th Dec 18

London, part two with the brothers @[Dave Kane] and @[Joshua Blackmore] at the Vortex!

15th Dec 18

Tonight in a little place in London called Brockley... I may be in a Christmas jumper mood too.

18th Dec 18

London! We will see you later

19th Feb 19

London tomorrow with @[Rachel Musson]!

21st Feb 19

London on Sunday with @[Cath Roberts] and @[Olie Brice]!

23rd Feb 19

London tomorrow with @[Cath Roberts] and @[Olie Brice]!!

26th Feb 19

London on Thursday!

27th Feb 19

Last ever London gig tomorrow!

28th Feb 19

London today for the last time, at @[Jazz re:freshed] with @[Robert Mitchell], @[Rachel Musson], @[Richard Olatunde Baker] and @[Liran Donin]!

19th Mar 19

To London for the last lecturing session at Goldsmiths; then to Birmingham to present at the public seminar with Niccolo Granieri!

19th Apr 19

Now publicly available: @[yana]'s last London gig.

Subscribers already have this: new music is coming today!

21st Jan 20

Off to Goldsmiths College, London to start this year's "What Is Jazz?" lectures with Tom Perchard!

5th Feb 20

Birmingham on Monday London on the Tuesday Salford on the Wednesday Birmingham on Thursday Derby Jazz on Friday Dead on the Saturday Buried on the Sunday Up again on Monday

11th Jul 20

Found this on an old drive! Loved this gig -- Black Top at Cafe Oto during (but not part of) London Jazz Festival. Totally inspiring to play with people whose music I'd consumed so much of...

Photo by Roger Thomas.

4th Sep 20

Thanks to London Jazz News for this lovely review of the duo album with Rachel Musson!

2nd Oct 20

Almost in London, heading to work on @[Alya Al-Sultani]'s adventurous opera "Two Sisters" over the weekend. Meeting my bros @[Dave Kane] and @[Robert Mitchell]; also with @[Charlotte Keefe], @[Alice Zawadzki], and GRANDMIXXER...

13th Jul 21

Some nice news: #freeness is continuing for another year; and I have just accepted a musicology lecturing/research post at Goldsmiths, London. I'm very much looking forward to both.

24th Aug 21

Off to London and The Proms for BBC World Service!