Not only that, this week Gilles Peterson announced their 2006 album was winner of The Worldwide Award for Jazz Album of the Year. I’d have thought it must have been a close call between their Borderlands and The Trip by Paul Murphy (and congratulations to Paul who picked up the John Peel ‘Play More Jazz Award’) but there’s no stopping Ben Lamdin’s group as they fly the flag for Impossible Ark Records.

This gig is the start of a monthly live jazz night on the last Tuesday of the month at the Spitz, showcasing bands on the label and their friends.

“This is a rare chance to see the Octet at an intimate gig situation”, said Hugo Mendez of Impossible Ark Records. “Especially as many of the members of the Octet also record independently for Impossible Ark, we thought it’s the best way to get everyone involved for the first gig”.

Future dates planned include the Plumstead Radical Club, the Fiction Trio,Lizzie Parks and Examples of Twelves.

We know about Lizzie Parks but who are these other guys? Hugo explained: “Examples of Twelves is the project of Riaan Vosloo (the bass player for the Nostalgia 77 Octet), The Plumstead Radical club is Trevor Mires’ project [Trevor being the trombonist in the Octet] plus Graham Fox [drums], Ross Stanley [piano] and Riaan Vosloo [bass] who are all in the Octet”.

Hugo’s got plans for future releases on the label and some new projects. It looks like Impossible Ark are going to be very busy but don’t forget you can hear all the good stuff first at Proud every Monday at Favourite Things where Hugo joins Dom Servini on the decks with live music from the house band and guests.

Fly will be closely following the fortunes of Impossible Ark Records this year and congratulations again to Nostalgia 77 Octet for picking up the Worldwide top Jazz album award. It’s thanks to Ben for his foresight and the band’s expertise that modal, spiritual, improvised jazz is back on the agenda. Nice!

Reviewed: The Nostalgia 77 Octet — Borderlands (Tru Thoughts) Cat. No. TRU CD 113 Release date: Sept 2006: Recorded at Bullens Bank, February 2006. Tom Allan — Trumpet, Flugelhorn — Graham Fox — Drums, Mark Hanslip — Tenor, Benedic Lamdin — Producer, Guitar & Percussion, Trevor Mires — Trombone, Jonny Spall — Alto, Ross Stanley — Pianos, Riaan Vosloo — Bass

Links:
Nostalgia 77 Octet: The Spitz www.spitz.co.uk
30th January 2007 109 Commercial Street, London E1 6BG Admission £8/£7 Adv doors 7pm — 1am online booking at www.wegottickets.com
www.tru-thoughts.co.uk
Nostalgia 77 Octet — The Impossible Equation Pre-order now www.soulseduction.com
Various — Rebtuz Presents EP www.phonicarecords.co.uk
Gilles Peterson: Thursday 18 January:
The Worldwide Award Ceremony
Jazz Album of the Year Winner: The Nostalgia 77 Octet — Borderlands (Tru Thoughts)
Session of the Year Winner: Seu Jorge in Brazil
Club of The Year Winner: Co-Op
Record Label of the Year Winner: BBE
Album of the Year Winner: Bonobo — Days To Come’ (Ninja Tune)
John Peel ‘Play More Jazz Award’: Winner: Paul Murphy
Record Shop of the Year: Piccadilly Records, Manchester
Track of the Year Winner: Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators — ‘Feeling Free’ (Timmion)