Improv Catalogue: September 2024
Improv gigs and jams in Glasgow during the month of September.
Welcome to the twelfth edition of the Idionomadic Improv Catalogue, and the final one to be produced by me and hosted on this platform. That’s a year gone, and if I may, I feel quite proud of the work I have done here. My goals with regard to jazz and improvised music — now and always — are to expand access and awareness, inspire curiosity, and encourage wider collaboration (and a little discomfort while we’re at it). If I got through to one person or created a single opportunity through my writing and organizing over the past year, that’s a win.
I am also proud that the Catalogue will live on following my departure. Another shoutout to my friends at the University of Glasgow Jazz Society, and in particular to Anna who will spearhead the making of these lists from next month onward. Check out their Instagram for up-to-date information.
I note two main storylines this month. One is the long-promised arrival of the 1.5 Months All Dayer on the 21st of September at The Old Hairdresser’s. The indefatigable Alistair and co. are taking over the whole building with ten whole hours of brilliantly bizarre performers, art installations, food, an acoustic open improvisation led by Raymond Macdonald, and more. An astonishing amount of work has gone into this thing, so get out there and show them some support.
Also notable is the planned opening of the Basement Jazz Cafe in Garnethill. Located in the Singl-end Cafe, this new Sean Megaw jont promises live jazz three nights a week, starting with their grand opening on the 12th of September. I am writing some further thoughts about my hopes for this space, but the bottom line is that it’s real exciting! So get out and back them up, too. In the early going, it is vital to demonstrate that this type of model is viable in Glasgow.
Finally, Jack Heavenor has recently started up a variety hour jam session, running every Thursday evening at The Maverick. I haven’t been, but all reports indicate that it’s a great time — fun, relaxed, and welcoming to all tastes and levels. Keep it up, gang.
Gigs
1/9: Jazz Sundays @ Bossa, 14:00
3/9: DREAMSCAPES @ The Glad Cafe, 19:30
4/9: Act Shy @ The Rum Shack, 20:00
7/9: Ando Glaso Festival 2024 @ CCA, 14:00-2:00
8/9: Jazz Sundays @ Bossa, 14:00
10/9: Andy Clausen / Samuel Sharp / Diljeet Kaur Bhachu @ The Glad Cafe, 19:30
11/9: Mahuki @ The Hug and Pint, 19:30
15/9: Jazz Sundays @ Bossa, 14:00
20/9: Tommy Smith @ Glasgow Cathedral, 21:00
21/9: 1.5 Months All Dayer @ The Old Hairdresser’s, 13:00-23:00
21/9: The Glasgow African Balafon Orchestra @ Stereo, 19:30
22/9: Jazz Sundays @ Bossa, 14:00
22/9: Stephen Henderson: Modern Vikings @ The Merchants House, 19:00
23/9: More Skin Sound / Luke Fowler & Nakul Krishnamurthy / Giuseppe Mistretta @ The Old Hairdresser’s, 19:30
28/9: SNJO: Kurt Elling - Steppin’ Out @ Royal Concert Hall, 19:30
29/9: Jazz Sundays @ Bossa, 14:00
Jams
1/9: Non-Stop Bop @ Bloc+, 20:00-23:00
4/9: Jazz @ The Butterfly and the Pig, 21:00-23:30
5/9: Rhythm and Brews @ The Maverick, 20:00
7/9: Merchant City Jazz @ Avant Garde, 14:00-17:00
8/9: Non-Stop Bop @ Bloc+, 20:00-23:00
11/9: Jazz @ The Butterfly and the Pig, 21:00-23:30
12/9: Rhythm and Brews @ The Maverick, 20:00
14/9: Merchant City Jazz @ Avant Garde, 14:00-17:00
15/9: Non-Stop Bop @ Bloc+, 20:00-23:00
18/9: Jazz @ The Butterfly and the Pig, 21:00-23:30
19/9: Rhythm and Brews @ The Maverick, 20:00
21/9: Merchant City Jazz @ Avant Garde, 14:00-17:00
21/9: 1.5 Months Open Improvised Group Session @ The Old Hairdresser’s, 17:15-18:00
22/9: Non-Stop Bop @ Bloc+, 20:00-23:00
25/9: GIOdynamics @ The Glad Cafe, 19:30
25/9: Jazz @ The Butterfly and the Pig, 21:00-23:30
26/9: Rhythm and Brews @ The Maverick, 20:00
28/9: Merchant City Jazz @ Avant Garde, 14:00-17:00
29/9: Non-Stop Bop @ Bloc+, 20:00-23:00