If you're in town next Monday, 20th Feb...

...then you're in for a treat. It's the Guildhall Postgraduate Small Band Gig at Sundial Court Music Room, Chiswell Street, 7.30pm, and you're invited. There will be two bands and we're on first with a set of five fantastic pieces.
You won't get a better London jazz gig for your money as it's free and you can spot all the upcoming young talent about to released into the world that is jazz. I include myself in the 'young' thing. No need to tell anyone exactly how old I really am. It's rude to ask a woman those things.
There will be a second gig on Tuesday 21st, same time, same place, featuring a third postgraduate band. Is there no end to this generous free entertainment...

Rx

Were you on my email list? Do you want to be?

I had a slight mishap last night, erasing my carefully compiled mailing lists. Grrrr - well, that hints at what I'm thinking... Not a great marketing move.

Anyway, if you were on my mailing list and still want to be, please can you send me a quick email to give me your details so I can rebuild my precious and meticulously formed marketing database - ahem. It's just a good job that I've hardly deleted any emails in the last couple of years so I should be able to rebuild from what I have. Just the kind of thing one wants to spend hours and hours and hours of time on... Here's my email info@rachelbrand.com - go on, send me a note.

Rx

A BIG date and a few more to boot...

Lot's to fit in. Here goes...

The next big gig is Sunday 26th February at The Bull's Head, 373 Lonsdale Road, Barnes 8.30pm, £8 Bruno Heinen - Piano, Henrik Jensen - Bass, Matt French - Drums
Fantastic venue, fantastic thai food if you're feeling that way inclined and top tunes with a fab trio. Can't beat it. Tickets on the door but you'll get directions at www.thebullshead.com

The totally fab BIG date is that I'm in the semi-final of the London International Jazz Competition for Vocalists. Whey hey! It's being held on Saturday 18 March 2-6.30pm at The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Street, London N16 8JH 0207 254 4097 www.vortexjazz.co.uk
Top tip, if you want to come along, there are 12 semi-finalists, only two from the UK, and tickets will be at a premium, so book soon! The final is to be held at the Cadogan Hall on Wednesday 22nd March 7-10pm. Keep them crossed! 0207 730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com

I've also got some gigs lined up in the North West with the fantastic Gavin Barras trio, check them out at www.gavinbarras.co.uk Two feature the fantastic guitarist, Jim Mullen. Here are the dates...

Saturday 4th March Ashton Golf Club, Ashton in Makerfield with The Gavin Barras Trio - Gavin Barras - Bass, Dan Whieldon - Piano, Jonas Backman - drums

Sunday 2nd April - The Lowry Centre, Manchester with the Gavin Barras Trio - www.thelowry.com

Tuesday 4th April - The Cinnamon Club, Manchester with The Gavin Barras Trio featuring Jim Mullen

Wednesday 5th April - Matt+Phreds, Manchester
with The Gavin Barras Trio featuring Jim Mullen

Do come along. I love to see you there and there will be plenty of new stuff mingled in with the fab faves.

Rx