Corey Mwamba

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Entries for May 2013

I've been staring at the screen for hours now, trying to write about the music we played. But—I can't. I spoke briefly about the cathartic element of it the other day: After the gig, I felt I'd had a lot of darkness and distress burned from me, and able to laugh again.

As with all the trio recordings, here is the entire gig. As they're all improvised, none of the songs has a name, although tradition cycle IV is Milt Jackson-played-this-tune-fest, nodding to The Golden Striker by John Lewis, John Brown's Body [played by Milt Jackson and Oscar Peterson on Very Tall] and Criss Cross by Thelonious Monk. Hope you like it.

Just a quick note to express heartfelt thanks to Kostas and everyone at Duende Jazz Bar, and all who came out to hear Nat Birchall's quintet. The kindness, friendship and respect that we received was a pure blessing.

I was at this—and it was truly amazing; so I strongly urge you to soak it in.

Some footage of the gig—this song's called World Without Form.

So—you know how I decide I have too much money and occasionally programme things? I'm doing that again, but this time with some help.

Last year I was approached by Derby Jazz and asked if I'd like to select some gigs, and arrange them into a series to run alongside their usual programme. Second Line is the result; a reference to the drumming style as well as the parallel nature of the series. They're quite spread out; but I think they represent some really exciting new music!

The first gig in the series is Lucian Ban and Mat Maneri. Lucian and Mat have been to Derby before—I know this because I brought them here last time, and they've asked me to join them again which is a fantastic honour. Their new album received a four-star review in the Guardian and the upcoming concert is a Guardian gig of the week, which is great. I really hope you can make it down—7pm on a Wednesday means most people can make it back home at a late but not unreasonable hour, but with luck still allows time to eat some dinner beforehand. Hope the series inspires you to come out and hear some great music!

Sorry for the silence on here—spent my life dealing with a Virgin Media SuperHub. Fixed now.