Zaragoza to Madrid, London, Paris and Munich

Fred's first tour with the Celebration of Jimmy Smith finished with good vibes and good reviews last week in Munich. Click here for a nice review by Funk-U online magazine, here for one with pictures from the blog Fonkadelica, here for one in London Jazz News and here for one in London's Financial Times.

The time in London also gave Fred a chance to meet Anthony Joseph, his sight-unseen collaborator on the hot Andrea Benini aka Mop Mop track "Run Around," to do an interview for the International Ronnie Scott's Radio Show, and to enjoy gourmet wine and vittles at La Vinoteca de Tempo before the hot, sold-out show at Madrid's Tempo Club.

Here are some pictures.

Fred with Victor Dominguez Gracia of the Slap! Festival in Zaragoza

Fred blows at a Zaragoza news conference

Soundcheck in Zargoza

Ceviche in Madrid

Soundcheck with Leo Coraddi, Fred, Jesse Davis, Tony Match and Fabrizio Bosso

Fred with Anthony Joseph

Producer Silas Armstrong, Fred and Ian Shaw

The trio backstage in Munich -- Fred, Leo and Tony

Setting up for summer

After finishing up his spring Celebration of Jimmy Smith at Jazzclub Unterfahrt in Munich, Fred will be off to the International Trombone Festival in Columbus, Georgia, then back to Europe with the New JBs after a few weeks rest at home.

Tickets, where available, are on sale now for these New JBs summer dates:

July 27 -- The Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Edinburgh
July 28 -- Manchester Academy, Manchester
July 29 -- Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, London
July 30 -- Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, London
August 9 -- Jazz in Marciac Festival, Marciac, France
August 11 -- Worms: Jazz and Joy Festival, Worms, Germany

Still celebrating Jimmy Smith

With the groovy classic "Road Song" setting the tone for French drummer Tony Match's Celebration of Jimmy Smith, the unit featuring Fred, Tony and Italian organ phenom Leonardo Corradi becomes a trio this week for gigs in Zaragoza, Spain, and Madrid. It then becomes a quintet with the addition of Jesee Davis and Fabrizio Basso for two sold out shows at London's Ronnie Scott's and one Saturday night at The New Morning in Paris. 

Last week's quartet shows kept Fred smiling, thanks to friends and fans at a new club in Stuttgart, Germany, and at a familiar favorite just outside Bern, Switzerland. They included a rare glimpse of Fred's vocal improvisation genius on his version of "Got My Mojo Workin'," and featured trumpeter Flavio Boltro and saxophonist Xavier Querou. There also were Paris interviews with Funk-U magazine and TSF Jazz Radio. Here are some photos.

Fred with Funk-U journalist Noe Termine

Flavio Boltro, Leo Corradi, Fred and Tony Match

TSF Jazz Radio, Paris

Fred and Xavier

Onstage at Club Bix, Stuttgart

Back in Europe for a celebration of Jimmy Smith

Fred flew to Amsterdam on Friday to start a tour celebrating the music of the legendary organist Jimmy Smith. Rounding out the band are young Italian organist Leonardo Corradi, music director and drummer Tony Match, and trumpeter Flavio Boltro alternating with saxophonist Jesse Davis.

The first stop was the Jazz at the Lake festival, which also featured star saxophonist and longtime friend Candy Dulfer. Other stops include Ronnie Scott's in London and the New Morning in Paris.

Many thanks to Amsterdam photographer Charline Goud for this excellent shot.