Blackstaff Sessions jazz performers featured on the 5 December programme (l-r): Steve Davis, Jack Kelly, Ben Flavelle Cobain, Matt Evans, Dave Howell, Dana Masters, Linley Hamilton, Fiona Scott Trotter, Orla Murphy, Scott Flanigan, Damian Evans and Ken Haddock
Four concerts showcasing specialist music are to be broadcast next week on BBC Radio Ulster.
The Blackstaff Sessions take their title from the name of the recording studio in Belfast where the concerts took place, and form part of BBC Music – a new strategy consisting of a wave of programmes and partnerships the corporation describes as “the BBC’s strongest commitment to music in 30 years.”
Hosted by broadcasters each with a regular specialist programme on Radio Ulster: Linley Hamilton (jazz), Ralph McLean (soul and heritage rock), Rigsy (indie), and Colum Sands (traditional Irish music), artists were selected by each presenter chosen from their area of interest who then performed in front of a studio audience.
Jazz and blues interest includes the appearance of guitarist/vocalist Ronnie Greer on Ralph McLean's 4 December programme aired after the 8pm news; and the following night (after the 10pm news) the main strand on Linley Hamilton’s programme featuring the Scott Flanigan Trio, Dana Masters, the Matt Evans Trio, Orla Murphy, Fiona Scott Trotter, and Ken Haddock.
Trumpeter and presenter Linley Hamilton says: “There was a great atmosphere of support and goodwill that typifies the spirit that is in the local jazz scene these days. Added to that two piano trios making their debuts, the Scott Flanigan Trio christening the evening with a European sounding original by the pen of Flanigan, and the young Matt Evans Trio, all teenagers but displaying the confidence that suggests the future holds no bounds for them.”
You can listen to the Blackstaff Sessions via 92-95FM, DAB digital radio, digital TV live or on listen-again after initial broadcast at bbc.co.uk/radioulster
Of related interest:
• Dana Masters live album recording sessions
• Linley Hamilton In Transition review