Intothecool line-up anounced for Wirral jazz festival

May 9 2008 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

THE Pacific Road Arts Centre in Birkenhead will be the coolest place for music fans to head for next week.

Over the years intothecool has featured some of the world’s finest jazz artists and this year is no exception.

There will be four stunning nights of cutting-edge performances, from some of the most critically acclaimed artists on the jazz circuit today.

On Monday, May 12, Polar Bear & Led Bib kick things off. Polar Bear has been in the vanguard of the new wave of UK jazz groups to emerge over the past five years.

Led by drummer Seb Rochford, the band appeals to both jazz and rock audiences but became known to a still wider audience when its second album Held On The Tips Of Fingers was Mercury nominated. Switching labels, from Babel Records to V2, for its latest album, as yet untitled, Andy Robson catches up with the band members on the eve of the album’s launch.

Led Bib, relentlessly dodging definition, is both a maverick jazz band and an unlikely rock quintet. They paved the way for an exciting new generation of jazz musicians, daring to rip up the rulebook and leap into the unknown.

On Tuesday, May 13, the Gwilym Simcock Quartet will be in action, featuring Stan Sulzmann. Cheshire born pianist Gwilym Simcock is one of the most talked about pianists currently working on the jazz scene. He has worked with the cream of contemporary musicians including Kenny Wheeler, Tim Garland and Bill Bruford’s Earthworks as well as fronting several groups of his own.

On Wednesday, May 14, there is a performance by Ola Onabule, considered by many to be one of the finest soul/jazz singer-songwriters of his generation.

He has carved a unique career for himself via his powerful live performances and consistently fine albums.

Nigerian in origin, Ola’s music is influenced by the soul, jazz and African music of his childhood. He has opened and guested with many great artists, including Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Diane Reeves, Al Jarreau, and Patti LaBelle.

Finally, on Thursday, May 15, there is a chance to catch the rising star that is Gwyneth Herbert.

Gwyneth is known as one of the finest vocalists currently working from the UK. Her first solo album Bittersweet and Blue highlights her unique interpretations of jazz standards and contemporary pop songs.

Her latest recording for the legendary Blue Note label features her own beautiful compositions, which touch on the worlds of country, folk and jazz.

For tickets for any of the intothecool dates, contact the box office on 0151 647 0752. Book on-line at www.pacificroad.co.uk