Jazz concerts

O.K. Here's a couple of concerts I've been to recently that I've enjoyed. Firstly the concert at St. Georges Bristol of Andy Sheppard's latest trio "Trio Libero" showcasing the ECM album of the same name. Sheppard has collaborated with Bassist Michel Benita and drummer Sebastian Rochford on an album of semi-improvised jazz that played to a full audience in Bristol and proved to myself the maxim that it is always better to familiarise yourself with the music beforehand (I'd pre-ordered the album two months before and played it constantly in my car).Great evening , see  Sheppard's website for album and tour details.
P.S. Always, always, get the band to sign the album sleeve notes, after all you would if it was a book and they were all too pleased to do so!!
Secondly an appearance that I was recommended to catch, this time at the Old Duke Bristol of the "Moscow Drug Club". Superb evening, even though it appeared to be a different line-up than usual,(no violin?) nevertheless a lovely set from a bunch of musicians that don't take themselves too seriously but have a hell of a good time see their website http://www.moscowdrugclub.com/ for future gigs.

Trip to Brugge (Artists in focus No.1)

 

 

 

 

I'd like to tell you about a recent trip to Brugge. We stayed at a boutique hotel by the canal called Koning Huis. We had a great time with our host, Lynn who was an excellent cook. Check out the accomodation at http://www.koninghuis.be/
 I decided beforehand to look at the contemporary art scene in Brugge, as I was not particularly interested in the Flemish Masters. I came across an artist working in Brugge by the name of Svein Koningen,an abstract expressionist. His website is extremely interesting Google his name to find out lots more info . Both he and his wife Diane made us extremely welcome, showing us his prolific output of work and even being allowed to see work in progress in the studio, a rare treat.




Koningen at work in the studio



The studio floor



Work table with acrylics

  

Life drawings

Here are a selection of drawings from the life class held each Thursday in Bristol.We're holding an exhibition at the Grant Bradley Gallery in June. More deatails to follow.

alanbackwellart

Hello everyone.I am in the process of building this art blog.
Eventually it will feature examples of my paintings,drawings and photography.
I'll also,from time to time give details of exhibitions and galleries that I've visited and Jazz concerts that I've been to, both in the U.K. and worldwide