Stan Tracey Quartet @ The Sage. Dec.19.

Stan Tracey (piano), Simon Allen (alto & tenor saxophones), Andy Cleyndert (double bass) & Clark Tracey (drums) + Ben Tracey (narration)

Reviewing Sunday's storming session at the Bridge Hotel, Bebop Spoken Here's Main Man - LL - suggested that Stan Tracey would have to play like he's never played before at The Sage the following night to win the accolade of 'Gig of the Year'. LL said all bets were off. Well, he should have put his money on Stan the Man. This was gig of the year!

A good turn-out in Hall Two greeted the Great Man and his Merry Men. Tracey introduced the band and in so doing said he would leave the stage temporarily during the first number not because of his bladder rather his memory - he had left his sheet music back stage! The first tune - Triple Celebration - most recently recorded on the apposite CD Senior Moment was but one of many gems mined from the Tracey back catalogue during the first set. Rocky Mount followed, then Duffy's Circus. The quartet's standard of musicianship could not be bettered. The tunes swung mightily, Simon Allen played great tenor then even better alto. Hearing Andy Cleyndert again served as a reminder of just how good a player he is.

Clark Tracey and Cleyndert have been the rhythm section for years and years and it showed; smiles, a nod of approval, the appreciation mutual. Tracey Snr played more piano on this gig than in a long time. He was in Monk mode, right foot tapping out the rhythm at a rate of knots. What a first set!

Stan's grandson Ben Tracey joined the quartet for the second set as narrator of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas. This jazz suite, the first music Tracey had written in years, recalled Under Milk Wood. Comparisons were inevitable and perhaps against expectation any such comparisons were most favourable. Ben Tracey, at twenty two years of age, is a star in the making. He cut a figure right out of PG Wodehouse or perhaps that of a young Stephen Fry. One could imagine him as an intern working under the tutelage of Ian Hislop in the office of Private Eye. His delivery of Thomas' words was simply immaculate. Words and music integrated wonderfully; Allen opted to play alto throughout the piece, Cleyndert laid down one of the great solos of all time (not for the first time) and Tracey Jnr (that's drummer Clark) played like he knows he's good (and he is).

The year has brought us many fantastic gigs here in the north east. Stan Tracey at The Sage topped the lot. Stan Tracey celebrates his birthday next week - Friday 30th - in concert in Umbria, Italy. How good is that?

Russell 

The Blossoming Kylie

It isn't often Kylie Minogue pops up on this site however, today she is here with good reason for on Thursday - on Radio 2 at 22:00 hours (10pm in civilian time) - Kylie presents an hour length program on the late Blossom Dearie.

Details.

Thanks to John Taylor for this info.

Lance.
iplayer.

Tim Garland, Jim Mullen, Andy Champion and Adrian Tilbrook @ The Bridge.

Tim Garland (ten/sop); Jim Mullen (gtr); Andy Champion (bs); Adrian Tilbrook (dms).

GIG OF THE YEAR? For me all bets are off - this was it! Never have so many enthusiasts been crammed into the small confines of the Bridge Hotel for a Splinter gig and justifiably so. Such was the ambiance created between band and listener that I didn't allow myself to ponder the question as to where were you all the rest of the year?

From the opening Invitation to the closing Caravan we were treat to virtuoso playing by all four participants. None of the "and now here is another composition of mine..." syndrome but instead straight down the middle tried and tested tunes that never stopped swinging.

In a Sentimental Mood had been played earlier by Pete Gilligan at the Jazz Café but this was something else again and this is no reflection on Pete.

Jim Mullen is such a melodic player I could wallow in his lyricism for eternity yet when the chips are down he can put the boot in as hard as anyone.

Tim Garland, bobbing and weaving like a fighter preparing to land the killer punch, took the tenor on a wild journey that had many deviant variations yet never lost its way.
Andy and Adrian - homegrown talent - were far from outshone and contributed on an equal basis with the visitors to make this such a memorable evening. Imagine if they'd had a rehearsal!
To top this, Stan Tracey at The Sage tomorrow (Monday Dec. 19) is going to have to play like he's never played before and on Thursday, also at The Sage, Christine Tobin too is going to have it all to do. But who knows what yet may happen before the year is over.
Photos.
Lance.

Etta James - the sad news.

Doctors have released the sad news that soul/blues singer Etta James has been diagnosed as terminally ill with chronic Leukaemia. It was just last month I reviewefd her final studio recording The Dreamer, little realising the underlying tragedy beneath it all. May you find peace you were a musical inspiration to many.

Report and recording of At Last. 

Lance.

Tough choices on Sunday and I don't mean beef or (Michael?) lamb.

Tomorrow it is all happening - unfortunately most of it at the same time!

The Jazz Café Jam gets later and later in kicking off so I would guess that no sooner has it started than it will be time for Jambone to stomp off at The Sage but, across the river at The Bridge, Tim Garland, Jim Mullin, Andy Champion and some chap called Tilbrook on drums will be preparing to wassail!

To complicate matters further, The Strictly Smokin' Big Band are over at Cluny 2 performing a Xmas Suite by no less a maestro than Claude Werner.

I want to go to them all but I guess the saying that "I want never gets" is going to be true  on Sunday!

Maybe you guys should get round a table and say, "Let's coordinate things..."

But of course this is music, it's jazz...

Lance.

R.I.P. Bob Brookmeyer.

Three days before his 82nd birthday, Roberta Gamberini has broken the news on Facebook of the death of Bob Brookmeyer earlier today (Dec. 16).

Arguably jazz's finest valve trombone player he was also a capable pianist and a very fine composer and arranger frequently associated with Gerry Mulligan. Brookmeyer also recorded with Stan Getz, Clark Terry and countless others including this live duo track with Jim Hall on guitar.

Sadly missed - he was one of the greats.
Obituary.

Lance.

30's Jazz

YouTube classics from the 1930's - 30's Jazz.

Lance.

Zoe Gilby Quartet @ Hoochie Coochie Dec. 15

Zoe Gilby (vcl); Mark Williams (gtr); Andy Champion (bs); Richard Brown (dms).

An office party had been celebrating all day - the volume of noise was akin to that at the Leazes End at St. James' Park - or whatever they call it now - after Newcastle had scored the winning goal.

Zoe faced a daunting task!

The start was delayed but the decibels increased until it was a case of "The Show Must Go On"

And go on it did - and how!

Zoe didn't silence them but she won their applause with All or Nothing at All and from then on it was immaculate interpretations from her ever increasing songbook.

I'm Always Drunk in San Francisco (how appropriate re the audience!); You'd Be so Nice to Come Home to; You Turned the Tables on me; One Note Samba; Straighten up and Fly Right and Travellin' Blues made for a scintillating first set and by the third number I hardly noticed the crowd noises. Zoe was in great voice and Mark, Andy and Richard (One Note Samba - phew!) were with her all the way.

Because of the late start I had to leave before the end but I stayed long enough to enjoy I Thought About You; On The Edge; I'm Beginning to see the Light/When Lights Are Low; Beautiful Love; Waters of March and Comes Love.

Quite a night!

Photos.

Lance.

Lickety Split & Take it to the Bridge @ The Chilli. December 14th

Lickety Split: Eddie Bellis (trombone), John Hudson (tenor saxophone), Alan Marshall (alto saxophone), Kevin Eland (trumpet), Bill Brittan (keyboards), Alan Rudd (electric bass), Roy Wills (guitar) & Paul Wight (drums) 

Eddie Bellis' Lickety Split made a return visit to the Chillingham following a most successful debut performance in October. Blues Walkopened the set with trumpeter Kevin Eland setting the bar at near unscalable heights. Jim Martin's Don't Take the B Train and a Ray Chester arrangement of Alan Hare's Lift Off (the latter featuring bandleader Eddie Bellis on trombone and John Hudson on tenor) maintained the high standard. Miles Davis' So What introduced altoist Alan Marshall as bassist Alan Rudd did the business with the now familiar hypnotic bass line. Marshall featured on Four, as did the veteran Bill Brittain (piano). Solos were plentiful on Monk's Well You Needn't and an encore was demanded (and won) by an appreciative audience. Zoot' Sims' Red Door closed the door on another polished set by Lickety Split.

 Take it to the Bridge: Dave Weisser (trumpet, flugehorn & vocals), Barry Ascroft (keyboards), Dougie Fielder (tenor saxophone), Paul Wight (drums) + first set Alan Rudd (electric bass) 

 Dave Weisser's Merry Men (seasonal reference) played two short sets either side of Lickety Split; Wayne Shorter's Lester Left Townfeatured regular tenor man Dougie Fielder, Duke Pearson's Chant wrought solos from Fielder, Weisser (flugel and vocals). Gerry Mulligan'sFive Brothers put the spotlight on Ascroft and an all too brief highlight came from a seemingly unlikely source - a vocal duet between Weisser and drummer Paul Wight on It Had to Be You. Extra rations to Wight - he played all three sets without a break. He is a great fit in Bellis' band and there is another chance to hear them next Wednesday (December 21st) at the Sage, Gateshead (6:00 pm on the concourse - admission free). Take it to the Bridge's Christmas party follows at the Chillingham (8:30 pm, £1.00 admission) and you never know who will show. Yo Ho Ho!

 Russell 

Maine Street Jazzmen @ Rosie Malone's

Olive Rudd (vcl); Herbie Hudson (tmb/hca/vcl); Jim McBriarty (alt/clt/vcl); George Richardson (pno); Alan Rudd (bs); Mike Humble (dms).

Christmas spirit was in the air as Herbie sent his vocal letter to Santa  - I Want A Little Girl (or a big one!). Herbie had foresaken his trusty Bb/F trombone for the standard Bb model (with copper bell) - he still blew well although on one number, I've forgotten which, he couldn't quite reach the bass note wanted to finish on.

Olive was in good voice particularly on I Wish I could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate and, to the delight of one of the more extrovert regulars, Back in your Own Backyard.

Jim sang Avalon as well as blowing some excellent Goodmanesque clarinet. Mike Humble does amazing things on his minimalist kit whilst George Richardson ensures the Shearing sound lives on. Alan ensures the ship isn't "Rudderless".

Christmas cards were distributed and raffles were won by others.

Next week Mike Humble and family will be playing carols during the intermission as well as blowing some jazz.

Lance.

Mingus on Mingus Update

I know Valeria has been the one to be in touch with you all while her

and I worked side by side this month. I wanted to let you know how

moved I am by your openness to support this project.  I could not

think of a more fitting context under which to present Mingus on

Mingus than that of the dedication, love and drive you have for this

music.

Your posts have connected us to a community which is now in support of

the project.

We have 3 DAYS LEFT and I graciously ask you for one last push. We

need you to reach out once more to let folks know we are in THE FINAL

PUSH! Please let your readers know how far we have come, what we have

accomplished together and the bit we need to go.

Thank you very much
Kevin Ellington Mingus
http://kck.st/vCCn8N

Radio Jazz Online

It's amazing just how many jazz radio stations there are on-line. The site Shoutcast lists pages of them. To give you a hint as to whether you're going to like a particular station they list the name of the last disc played which is a good guide as to whether it is worth pursuing.

Lance.
Link to Jazz FM.

Highlights Of The Ned Kelly's Christmas Big Band Bash 2011. From Colin, Our Man in Hong Kong,

Lindsay Hannon Plus @ The Cherry Tree

Lindsay Hannon (vcl); Alan Law (pno); John Pope (bs); Mark Robertson (dms).

Opening up with a somewhat restrained Stomping at the Savoy followed by a cool, laid back, The End of a Love Affair - re-phrased almost re-written - Lindsay then took the band up a gear for Blue Monk. This was the first time I'd heard a vocal version of Monk's famous composition and I hope it won't be the last. Likewise my Atlantic Prawn and Crayfish Cocktail and Whisky Marie Rose.

Out of consideration for the diners this first set was quite low key. Unfortunately, some of the diners didn't show the same consideration which made the slower, more tender numbers, not always easy to hear. And while we're talking tender my Eight Hour Confit of Pork with Spiced Red Cabbage and Sour Cherries was the tenderest, most succulent cut of pork I have ever tasted! Last week's turkey was good but this was sensational - in France the chef would be made a member of la Légion d'honneur for a dish like this! And a dish like Lindsay would surely join that exclusive club for her renditions of Why Try To Change Me Now? Blue Motel Room, In Walked Bud and Harold Arlen's So Long Big Time.

But Beautiful, Stormy Weather, Lullaby of Birdland and, to finish, an up tempo Long Ago and Far Away.

Which went nicely with my Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce. 

Alan Law, as ever, was a tower of strength soloing and 'comping whilst John Pope and Mark Robertson kept the engine room ticking over.

This was a class act in a class place all that is needed is an audience mute!

Lance.

Tonight @ The Cherry Tree.

Tonight at The Cherry Tree Restaurant, 9 Osborne Rd., Jesmond (0191 2399924), The featured band is Lindsay Hannon Plus. Those who caught the band at Hoochie on Thursday will know that the diners are in for a treat tonight - apart from the superb Christmas Fayre menu which is a treat in itself. Combining the two ingredients is the recipe  for a mouthwatering evening.

Music starts 7:30/7:45pm.

See you there.

Lance.

Friday Night is Tony Bennett Night on BBC4.

BBC 4 Friday Dec 16, 9:00pm.The truly legendary American singer celebrates his 85th birthday in fine style, with a special concert at the historic London Palladium. Accompanied by his quartet, Tony Bennett moves effortlessly through a repertoire spanning 60 years, with songs such as Steppin' Out With My Baby, The Good Life, Smile and his favourite, I Left My Heart In San Francisco. He is joined for two unique duets, by stellar British singers Cleo Laine and Leona Lewis.

BBC4 Friday Dec 16, 10:00pm. Tony Bennett celebrated turning 80 in 2006 with this television special created and directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha). In this 'docu-musical', the viewer is taken on a musical journey of Tony's life via a re-creation of the seminal venues of his career. From 52nd Street swing clubs to the Columbia recording studios where he first recorded, from the classic TV studios of the 60s to the Rat Pack's Las Vegas stage and from Carnegie Hall to his triumphant performance on MTV Unplugged, Tony is paired with some of today's greatest artists to perform duets of his greatest hits, including Barbra Streisand, Elton John, John Legend and Christina Aguilera.

These performances are seamlessly woven throughout with narratives by Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Robert De Niro.

----- 

Thanks to Liz for forwarding the above details. 

They are also repeated in the Wee small hours hours.

Lance.

ASHINGTON JAZZ CLUB CHRITMAS PARTY NIGHT AT THE ELEPHANT.

Guest Group – Gypsy Jazz with Keith Stephen and Roly Veitch (Guitars); Bruce Rollo (Bass); Caroline Irwin (Vocals) 

Christmas came early at the AJC on Wednesday, December  7^th.,  for as we drove up to the Elephant Pub I could have sworn that a star shone brightly down upon the impressive dome of the Jazz Temple known to us affectionately as The Elephant.  It was obvious immediately that a good crowd of fans and friends had made the effort to travel from far away to be there on this special evening. They had all come to witness the arrival on stage of the three wise musicians of Gypsy Jazz supporting the Newbiggin singing Angel bringing  beautiful Jazz ballads to our celebration. We would not be disappointed for a programme of twenty one melodies were performed during this exceptional evening. 

Since the group was formed the quality has improved as the members have understanding of each others professional abilities producing a delightful sound with exquisite taste which blend together like Christmas Pudding and rum sauce. Keith and Roly exchange rhythm sections and solo improvisations like the gear box of a Formula 1 performance car.  Bruce on Bass is incredible at times giving the impression of two instruments bass and drums. How does he achieve that wonderful combination? The repertoire has been extended with the developing arrangements of the guitars and this was elegantly seen throughout the comprehensive programme. 

It must be very satisfying for Caroline to be working so well out front and she too is developing in stage presence with a voice maturing with each performance. She enjoys singing before an appreciative audience and is an accomplished performer for one so young. Her confidence grows and her rapport with her audience is excellent. Singing on more than half the numbers Caroline introduced a taste of seasonal lyrics with Winter Wonderland and Santa Baby, Cuckoo (in French) and a very pacey Happy as the day is long. I don’t know anyone who can sing as quick without stumbling. 

There were other numbers more romantic and smooth included throughout the evening.  Roly sings well and gave us All of Me and Honeysuckle Rose and also made time for his own composition Calypso Jim. Keith and he offered a superb interpretation of Stardust – brilliant. There was almost too many to list here but we got more than our monies worth. One item which must not be forgotten was Caroline’s recitation of an instant poem composed by herself earlier in the evening. So now you know this versatile lady is also a poet and not many people know it. 

 As the happy audience left the building Caroline was overheard saying to Keith, “I told you the room would be full this Christmas evening. We should have gone to the Holiday Inn.”  (not true)

But as I left the Elephant and looked up into the Heavens the bright star had definitely moved South in the direction of Blaydon or maybe Low Fell. That does not need an explanation for Jazz Fans.

Finally on behalf of Ashington Jazz Club may I thank all those who have supported throughout 2011 and a big thank you to John Taylor for making this possible. Thanks to Lance Liddle for posting the reviews and pics and to Elephant management for the encouragement. The Club owes much to all musicians and band groups who have willing performed for us and made our lives the better for the music they create.  May you all have a wonderful Christmas wherever you are and may 2012 bring everything you could wish for yourselves and families.

REMINDER  The Club will resume in the New Year after a Winter break on the first Wednesday in MARCH 2012. See you there.

Peter S.    

Info wanted on Teddy Warren and Newcastle's Paramount Jazz Band

My wife and I  (we are both in our 70's)  are seeking information on her father's  band  The Paramount Jazz Band who were based in Newcastle during the 1940's. His name was Teddy Warren who died in  1963. She has happy memories of musical nights with various musicians who came to the house, perhaps you know of anyone that may help. 

PG3 @ The Aletaster, Low Fell

There aren't may jazz pianists around who swing like Pete Gilligan, guitarists who create like Mark Williams and nor are there many bass players who can hold a band sans drummer together like Paul Grainger. This might lead you to believe it was a recipe for success. 

Not in Low Fell!

Sadly, the denizens of the Lower of the Fells did not turn out in their droves in fact they hardly turned out at all.

By staying in to watch the X-Factor Final they missed the best version of Bernie's Tune this side of Gerry Mulligan, All Blues, Senor Blues and Autumn Leaves before intermission.

Refreshed, the Trio came back and gave us Beautiful Love, Whisper Not, In a Sentimental Mood, and a Blues in F - Should have been  called Blues in LF!

The music was great, the ale 'Real' but, alas, the people few.

Lance.

Mine's Santa Baby what's yours?

What's your favourite Christmas Song? I kinda like Santa Baby although the MJQ's God Rest You Merry Gentlemen isn't bad either.
Interesting to hear what others think.
Lance.
PS: Ann - here's a jazz(ish) version of Bleak Midwinter.

Clark Terry undergoes surgery.

That great trumpet player Clark Terry, at the age of 91 (on Dec. 14) has successfully coped with a leg amputation. We wish him the very best and refer you to this message from Gwen Terry on the Clark Terry website.

One of my favourite memories is of listening to the Clark Terry Big Band at the San Sebastian Jazz Festival in 1972.

It was an open air concert in the city square. Although raining heavily the crowd stayed (The band was under cover) and must have surely, like Charlie Carmichael, myself and legendary French jazz critic Hughes Panassie considered this as a contender for the 'Gig of a Lifetime'! M.Panassie wasn't actually with Charlie and I but sitting at a nearby table under a huge umbrella with a glass of wine - we were on Bacardi.

It was quite a band and included Jimmy Heath on tenor, Richard Williams alongside Clark on trumpet, Horace Parlan on piano - who I got to talk to at a pre concert reception the previous afternoon - and Grady Tate on drums. This was an amazing band.

Apart from this there were the memories of hearing Clark with Ellington at Newcastle Odeon and later at the North Sea Festival in Den Haag. 

Best wishes Clark we love you.

Lance.

Jazz Child: The Story of Sheila Jordan

Sheila Jordan is one of the vocal icons of jazz. As music critic Robert Palmer raved in The New York Times, “Her ballad performances are simply beyond the emotional and expressive capabilities of most other vocalists.” 

As a jazz vocalist and colleague of Sheila, Ellen Johnson brings her own professional expertise through the organization of the book and her knowledge of the specific subject matter, which reaches out to both the music community and the general public. Bringing Sheila Jordan’s message to the world through this book has been her goal and passion, cumulating in research for the last six years. She emerged on the jazz scene during the beginning of the bebop era, created as a revolt against restrictions on creative freedom. Her mentor and best friend, one of the most prominent artists and the main musical founder of bebop, was alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. Through her devotion to Parker, Jordan etched out a niche in the jazz world, becoming the first jazz singer to record on Blue Note Records (Portrait of Sheila, 1962). She was Lennie Tristano’s most celebrated jazz student, the only singer George Russell ever arranged for, the innovator of bass and voice duets (her very first with bassist Charles Mingus), and one of the precursors to free jazz singing. Her story, told here for the first time, is rich with depth, humor, and honesty. 

Besides its historic content, this book is both a narrative and the memoir of a courageous woman who battled against racism during the 1950s, raised a biracial daughter alone, and made a successful recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. At eighty-two, Sheila has an indomitable spirit; her faith in the music she dedicated her life to continues to be heard as she travels around the world, “carrying the message” through graciously paying homage to the great jazz artists she personally knew, singing songs about Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lennie Tristano, Don Cherry, Thelonious Monk, and, of course, Charlie Parker.

Having made twenty-three solo recordings and thirty-five as a guest artist, Sheila Jordan can be heard daily on jazz stations throughout the world. She is known to be the most highly respected of jazz singers and educators, with a large following of professional singers, musicians, and students whom she has mentored over the years. She is always in demand internationally for conferences, jazz festivals, high-profile concerts, and jazz education workshops.

----- 

Taken from Facebook this is one book I must read and I think anyone who heard Sheila at the Gateshead Jazz Festival a couple of years back will agree, Lance.

Paul Booth Organ Trio @ The Corner House. December 8th

Paul Booth (tenor saxophone & flute), Ross Stanley (organ) & Andrew Bain (drums)

Local lad made good. Hammond Organ maestro. Drum sensation. Great gig. Paul Booth, originally from County Durham, has covered a lot of ground (quite literally) over the years yet his jazz journey is no where near it's mid-way point. At around fourteen years of age Booth was afforded the opportunity to sit-in at Blaydon Jazz Club. His exceptional ballad playing was noted and it wasn't too long before Jazz North East booked him to play at the Corner House. The inevitable move south, mixing it with some seriously good musicians, trips to America and see-the-world tours with some heavyweight names from the pop world followed. 

December 2011, in his mid-thirties, Booth re-visited his old stamping ground with two supremely talented musical pals. Organist Ross Stanley, last heard on Tyneside with guitarist Mark McKnight, took a different approach to this trio gig - less Blue Note Hammond, more Ross Stanley. Drummer Andrew Bain was a little known name on the scene until this Newcastle appearance. After this gig he is the favourite drummer of this reviewer! What a player! Everything he played was spot-on, endlessly inventive and he goes by the nickname of 'Faces' Bain.. His facial expressions were infinite, each one etched his considered response to the magical music-making of the trio. The material was drawn from Paul Booth's latest CD Trilateral. The CD title tells a tale; Booth's desire to work in trio format with three different trios, the recording project occurred in Booth's thirty third year and so on. First set highlights included Three of a Kind and Three's a Crowd featuring some world-class blistering tenor work from Booth. A trip to Brazil inspired Chorinho Triangular with Booth's flute playing a delight. An interval refill (Black Sheep), a chance to catch-up with some old jazzer pals and it was time for a second helping of the Paul Booth Organ Trio. Menage a Trois (Booth assured us he had tried - unsuccessfully!?!) proved to be a further highlight. The evening drew to a close as homage was paid to two of the most influential bass players of the last fifty years; Charles Mingus - Self Portrait in Three Colors - and Jaco Pastorius - Three Views of a Secret. Highlight after highlight. Three, yes three cheers for Paul Booth! A wonderful way to end Jazz North East's 2011 programme.

Russell   

Lindsay Hannon Plus @ Hoochie Coochie

Lindsay Hannon (vcl); Alan Law (pno); John Pope (bs); Mark Robertson (dms).

Tonight was a tough call - Paul Booth Organ Trio at the Corner House, The Puppini Sisters at The Sage or Lindsay Hannon Plus at Hoochie.

In the end, on a cold and windy night, the proximity of the Metro to the latter venue prevailed so Lindsay it was!

Looking tall and tan and young and lovely she didn't sing Girl From Ipanema but opted instead for Herbie Hancock's What If I Don't? setting the mood for an evening of unbridled pleasure.

There Will Never Be Another You was a clever arrangement and featured one of many superb solos from Alan Law that were a highlight of the evening. John Pope too had his say not least in the intro to Night in Tunisia. Mark Robertson also impressed.

As for the voice - what can I say 'cept this was the best I can recall hearing her. The vocal mood swings, the sultry sound on Blue Motel Room, the cynicism of So Long Big Time, the swinginess of It's All Right With Me, Lullaby of Birdland and In Walked Bud, the amazing treatment of Basin Street Blues and my number one from her vast repertoire - Why Try To Change Me Now? Change it she does! successfully varying the tempo from the slow and dreamy original to a bouncy swing and back again.

An evening that could possibly be the best Thursday yet at Hoochie.
Hoochie photos.

Lance.

Maine Street Jazzmen @ Rosie Malone's and a surprise.

Olive Rudd (vcl); Herbie Hudson (tmb/hca/vcl); Jim McBriarty (alt/clt/vcl); George Richardson (pno); Alan Rudd (bs); Mike Humble (dms).

Well jazz is the sound of surprise and no one was more surprised than me when the Maine Street Jazzmen unleashed their version of Mobile - a long time favourite of mine since I first heard Ray Burns (not the harmonica bluesman!) sing it back in 1955 when it charted at number 4.

The swinging big band accompaniment on the disc (78rpm) was by Eric Jupp and his Orchestra and, if I remember correctly, it may have included a very young Tubby Hayes in the sax section. A great number well worthy of revival and even if Herbie didn't quite get the lyric as per the disc it was still the highlight of today's session.

Earlier, Olive had sang, rather inappropriately, Blue Skies - a colour they certainly weren't - Keepin' Out of Mischief Now, I Double Dare You and later My Blue Heaven.

Jimmy Mack sang If I Could Be With You and it was an all round good afternoon but oh that song - the memories (not to be repeated here!).

Lance.

Xmas Dance for Peace - Cluny 2. Friday Dec. 9

Not certain if there will be any jazz here but it sounds a fun thing so I've posted it more or less as Fred sent it - Lance.

----- 

This Friday (9th Dec) will be the 25th! annual Christmas Dance for Peace and So and we have a great line up for ya:

Geezer - a new group formed specially for the event featuring musicians from a number of local bands old and new such as the Bagdaddies, Ashram and the Backyard Rhythm Orchestra. Definite fun!

Side Cafe Orkestar - Playing trad dance tunes from around Europe and beyond.

The Backyard Rhythm Orchestra - Big energetic party music with a revolutionary twist, this is the bands first gig in Newcastle since June and it is set to fire up the floor big time! 

As is the tradition, there will also be a turn from the prize winning rapper dance group The Newcastle Kingsmen.

Details:

Cluny 2

Friday - 9/12/11 

7-30pm to 12 midnight

Door damage £5...

Please forward to anyone you think will be interested in this event...

Peace, love and happy winter festivities,

Fred

Le Bon Vivre

Tony Bennett posted one of his paintings on FB and I thought 'our gang' might also like to view it complete with Tony's comments.
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"We're closing out our European trip here in Paris, and I want to share with you a painting I made a few years ago that came to mind. Around the holidays this City of Lights is truly filled with the spirit of the season, and I hope you are too! Joyeuses fêtes!"
----- 
Certainly saves on a thousand words.
Lance.

Another Sunday Gig!

The ubiquitous Peter Gilligan and PG3 are at the Ale Taster Pub on Low Fell High St. this coming Sunday (Dec. 11).With Pete on keys PG3 are completed by Paul Grainger (bass) and Mark Williams on guitar. This is hopefully going to be a regular slot with, according to Pete, various bands rotating each week. start time is 7:30pm.

Admission is free and the ale is real.

Lance.

Customs House Big Band. Open Rehearsal New Crown, South Shields. Dec 6th.

For tonight's recital the band were in close confinement in a corner of the main bar, however, the usual suspects were not intimidated by the surroundings and played with their normal skill and finesse. The first set began with Out Of Nowhere, Gordon Goodwin's High Maintenance and a laid back Nestico version of Sunny Side Of The Street.

Second set started with The 12 Days Of Christmas a la Kenton, followed by Green Dolphin Street, I Love Paris by the Cole Porter (not a coal porter (( Ronnie Scott 1975)) ) Basie's Straight Ahead, and a beautiful Harlem Nocturne. The ever consistent Miss Lambert (Ruth) entertained us with Santa Baby, Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend, I've Got The World On A String and Fly Me To The Moon. This was all enjoyed by a small but appreciative band of followers, about the same number that watched the Chelsea match at the other end of the bar but we got the best deal. Next week is another show with different numbers so get there if you can and hear big band music at its best for the price of a pint.

Miles.

Mingus on Mingus Project.

Mail from Valeria Rios.
----- 
I have received many inquiries concerning relationship between Mingus on Mingus and Sue Mingus:
- Is Sue affiliated to the Mingus on Mingus project?
- Why is Sue not supporting the project?
- Why there is no information on the project on the Official Charles Mingus Website and Facebook page?
- Why is Sue not listed as an interviewee?
To that end Kevin Ellington Mingus have written the following Open Letter, here is the link   http://orangethenblue.com/open-letter/
We have 10 days left and we've got some support from you, please, we need to push harder and as you'll notice from the letter we are working quite independently. Now more than ever we need to spread the word to make this project real.
Thank you!!!
Valeria

Customs House Big Band @ The New Crown tonight.

The Customs House Big Band and Ruth Lambert are in the main bar of the New Crown Hotel, Mowbray Rd., South Shields tonight and the next two Tuesdays. Admission is free and includes vocals from Ruth Lambert.

7:30pm start.

Lance.

Music While You Drive

This snippet was on one of the early morning TV news programmes. Apparently a survey recently carried out indicated that drivers listening to Jazz whilst driving are more likely to be breaking the speed limit. The reason given being that because of the complexity of the music it requires more analytical thought and the driver might not realise that he/she is speeding.

Those listening to pop/rock, the survey said, are most likely to have an accident and the safest drivers are those who listen to classical music.

So think carefully before slotting that Ellington CD into the player it could mean 3 points on your licence - unless of course it's his version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite which will presumably slow you down.

Lance.

PS: I did once get done for speeding so maybe the survey has some merit!

Live Wire Unplugged @ The Cherry Tree

Karen Harding,vcl; Andrew Garner, pno/vcl; Richard Dudley, gtr; Stuart Davies, bs.

Atlantic Prawn and Crayfish Cocktail, Whisky Marie Rose and Buttered Brown Bread. This seemed as a good a place as any to start after my aperitif of Black Sheep ale. Both were delicious.
Being the Christmas Fayre menu I felt obliged to order Roast Turkey Breast, Roasted Roots, Sage and Onion, Roast Gravy and Mulled Cranberry Compote and it was a wise choice the unfortunate turkey just fell apart under my knife and went down a treat. What could possibly follow that save Home Made Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce. I'm not quite sure how a dish served in a restaurant can be described as 'home made' but nevertheless it too hit the taste buds right on the nose.
Which brings me to the music of which there isn't a lot to say.
Karen Harding is young, attractive and has, I think, a good voice. I say 'I think' as the sound could have been better and at times it was difficult to hear her above the accompaniment. This difficulty was exacerbated by the Christmas party bonhomie and the exploding crackers.
Carole King, Roberta Flack, Chaka Khan, Adele and Alicia Keys were some of the contemporary singer/songwriters who were represented along with the inevitable Summertime.
I could only stay for the first set so hopefully the sound improved for the second.

Lance.

Durham University Big Band @ The Bridge

This was one of those Splinter gigs where the band really did outnumber the audience - and by a rugby score 19-8! This made it really strange, and sad, when you consider the number of big bands in the area and not one of them were represented. Take it from me those missing "musicians" could have learned a lot tonight - like how to swing.

From the opening Apple Honey there was never any doubt that we were in for a treat. These young guys (and gals) are just so talented the only worry is that upon leaving uni their skills will be channelled away from music to the lesser professions such as Medicine or Law.

A couple of good singers - Danny and Adele - added to the ambience with a touch of Sinatra and Peggy whilst the solos from the saxes were comparable with anything going around. However, in a band like this it's unfair to single any one person out they all contributed and not least the rhythm section who ensured that the essential ingredient of any big band was omnipresent - the ability to swing.

You folk who couldn't be bothered to turn out tonight just don't know what you missed.

Photos.

Lance.

Long Range Weather Report

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) under the direction of Tommy Smith take on board some big names next February - Composer/arranger Vince Mendoza, saxist Bob Mintzer and former Weather Report drummer Peter Erskine (pictured left) to work with the band in a tribute to the legendary jazz/rock outfit Weather Report. Although the dates are all north of the border a trip to Edinburgh is a viable proposition for any interested parties in the north-east and beyond.

For more details of the project which is sponsored by  Creative Scotland, Grasshoppers Hotel and Arts and Business Scotland go to http://www.snjo.co.uk/index.php?id=424.

Lance.

Gabriele Mit Drei @ The Jazz Café

Gabriele Heller (vcl); Paul Beck (pno); Dave Parker (bs); Steve Glendinning (gtr).

Lotte Lenya meets Carmen McRae meets Marlene Dietrich via Anita O'Day might sum up this gig. Certainly Frau Gabi has all of the attributes of the above and tonight she brought them in to play at the crowded Jazz Café. Lenya and Dietrich provided the Cabaret/Blue Angel/.Threepenny Opera feel, McRae the clipped delivery and O'Day the wonderful scatting. Ann reviewed Gabi's first gig in glowing tones and I can do little more than re-iterate her words.and maybe  add a few of my own.

Darktown Strutters Ball! Can you think of a more unlikely number for a hip modern singer to open up with? I can't and yet it worked fine! Imagination was another that was sung - wait for it - imaginatively whilst All Or Nothing At All had plenty in the way of vocal dynamics as Gabi took the song by the scruff of the neck and re-worked it beautifully - I think Frank would have approved.

As well as the standards, Gabi's original Don't Mess Around had a funky feel and a scary message - I sure ain't gonna mess around!

Throughout, the band gave her excellent support and there were some wiz solos from Steve on guitar and Paul on piano with Dave throwing in the odd bass solo for good measure.

I think we can safely say that this "Warbler" - sorry that's flippant - this "Singer" has arrived!
It was a good night and I think King Keith will be well pleased to see his superb venue so well patronised tonight (...maybe...) 

Photos.

Lance.

PS: I had to leave early to catch The Metro but I have to say that my favourite number of the ones I heard was the sound-check version of Kurt Weill's Johnny!

PPS: Catch Gabiriele Mit Drei at Hoochie Coochie on Dec. 29.

Seb Pipe's Life Experience @The Bridge Hotel - Sunday 27th November

Seb Pipe (alto sax); Arthur Lea (keyboards); Rich Gold (guitar); Kevin Glasgow (bass); George Hart (drums)

Isn't it a pity, isn't a shame - sadly anticipated by the 'slightly angry' Paul B in his recent

Jazz Alert - that a band likeSeb Pipe's LE should travel all this way from the southern capital to be greeted only by a handful of old faithfuls, some quite young, spread thinly through the Bridge upstairs; surely the soul of jazz stems from open-mindedness, yet it seems that if the band's name isn't familiar the telly stays on and the car sits outside, cold and forlorn. This sanctimoniousness is of course simply intended to divert attention from my inability to put notional cyber pen to paper until now - can't be that bothered if he's waited 6 days t' say summit! Well there it is, maybe it's just cos Christmas is comin'! 

Get on with it!! I lingered too long as usual in the anteroom so the first number, Star Eyes, a romantic vision of diamonds on deep blue velvet, drew me into my seat and, being impressed by the unique tight sound of SP'sLE, my pen gravitated towards the odd bits of paper on the table in front of me. 

Trassouet, positively ECM with hints of EST, from Seb's Pyrenean experiences began with a promising Yamaha 6-string bass intro, which turned into a bit of an extended foothills ramble. I really loved the warmth of the descending 3 chord theme - sometimes with a 'see how they run' reply, but you can have too much of a good thing - for me a bit more reflection and modulation on this trek could have widened the vista on these mountains. There was no sitting still to Tiscali, set in Sardinia, this contrapuntal number had me moving in my seat, Kevin giving us some excellent John Patitucci-esque, Brazilian waterfront developments. 

Cerca de ti - Closer to you - gave George a chance to open on his blindingly yellow sun kit - very impressive percussion with some wonderful piano work from Arthur Lea.

In set 2, with Full Steam, their impressive counterpoint moved into a 4th dimension with a seamless transition into Reggae and eventually back to bebop, showcasing the band's fingertip control with Arthur and Seb really bouncing the theme around and Rich making some initially hesitant but eventually confident moves on the fretboard as Seb gallantly kneeled down to give us a better view of their guitarist. The last number before the encore, Manintal Din Sig, was a celebration of Seb's Romanian experience - he's a well-travelled bloke obviously and the clever complex chromatics of this composition reflected his take on the lively and passionate music of Eastern Europe - arousing sounds.

I was pleased that I went to see these 5 talented and good-humoured young men from London - a solid performance with outstanding dynamics control, sometimes maybe even a bit too pianissimo subtle for the genre, which crescendoed with their energetically deserved encore - Woobe - Seb's composition, also featuring him on some scat-ripping rap with typically contrapuntal prestidigitation - nice!V!

Check out some live performances on http://www.myspace.com/sebpipe showing the band playing happily to packed audiences!
Photos.

George M.

Get your kicks on Elkie 66! - Elkie Brooks @ The Sage, Gateshead.

Elkie Brooks (vcl); Stevie Jones (ten); Melvin Duffy (gtr); Brian Badham (bs); Andrew Murray (keys); Lee Noble (keys/perc/vcl); Michael Richardson (dms).

This was AWESOME!. It had been 30 years since I'd last heard Elkie live. What would she be like? Had the voice held out? Was she now a frail old lady of 66? Would anyone turn up?

They turned up - boy did they turn up! Hall One was packed up to the rafters - this seems to be the norm for this tour - Sold Out notices everywhere.

Deservedly so. The voice, like Lilac Wine, has matured, ripened with age.

Age? What's that? This chick looked younger now than she did all those years ago (at least from Row P she did!)

And the agility! Elkie strutted and moved like a teenager before giving out with that rusty nail edged voice.

The old faves were here, Lilac Wine, Pearl's a Singer, Sunshine After The Rain, Fool if you Think it's Over etc plus belters like Gasoline Alley, Nights in White Satin and tender moments such as Perry Como's first hit Till The End of Time. Elkie explained that it was number one the year she was born - 1945. I think Perry would have liked Elkie's version - maybe even been a little jealous! If Billie Holiday had been around today she may have sounded like Elkie!
There were also selections from her latest CD - Powerless.. (Xmas hint here...)

Our girl looked stunning. A diva style gown for the first set, and, let's face it, she's a diva's diva, contrasted with  the slinky black number (see CD cover) she wore for the second set. She looked good in both.

The band provided great backing with Stevie Jones blowing some outstanding jazz/rock tenor.

This was some gig - I fell in love with Elkie back in 1980 doggone it but here I am in love again with the same sweet you!

Lance.

"i" got it wrong and so did the Daily Mail.

My preferred daily paper is the "i" -  the concise version of The Independent. However, my faith in the press was shattered when alongside of a previously unpublished photo of Marilyn Monroe getting out of a helicopter with Ray Anthony was a reference to "Legendary crooner Ray Anthony."
Now we all know that Ray Anthony was a band leader and a trumpet player and even if the newspaper didn't know the fact he was holding his trumpet might have given them a clue!
The Daily Mail purported the same error - read the article and see the picture here.
Lance.
PS: In another photo on the Mail's website Marilyn and Anthony, still holding his trumpet, observe a drummer who looks to me like Mel Tormé - what do you think?

John Taylor @ St. Chad's College, Durham. Nov.10

Review by Peter Bevan published in the Northern Echo (or is it the Darlington and Stockton Times?).
Lance.

Tonight @ The Sage - Don't miss Elkie!

Elkie Brooks is that rare creature - a vocalist who can cross the genre with ease. Jazz, blues, pop, rock - you name it she has the voice to adapt to her surrounds and still sound uniquely herself. I have fond memories of hearing her live a number of times at Newcastle City Hall as well as at Sunderland Empire back in the '70s and '80s.I still have the vinyl from those halcyon days and a pure jazz CD 'Round Midnight from the '90s. Recent reports say Elkie is back on the scene with a bang which makes Tonight Friday (Dec. 2) a must for me and anyone who likes their vocalists to have a slightly jagged edge to their delivery and the years haven't changed that.

The concert will include songs from her new album Powerless.

Grab a sample here.
Lance.
Elkie Brooks in Concert - Friday December 2 @ The Sage, Gateshead. 7:30pm. £25/£20/£7.50.

Charles Gordon All Stars @ Hoochie Coochie.

Charles Gordon (keys); John Wheeler (ten/alt); Ben Grant (dms).

A funky couple of sets from an organ inspired group with leader Gordon setting down some big fat Hammond-like sounds that almost made the room a soul food convention - pass the chitlins baby.

On saxes John Wheeler is surely the best kept secret around - we need to hear more of him. Tonight he blew up a storm sounding at times like Wayne Shorter. In fact the whole gig had a Weather Report/Crusaders feel too it with a touch of the Herbies (Hancock not Hudson) thrown into the mix.

Ben Grant was rock solid and made sure it never dragged.

Summertime (vocal by Charles), Masquerade, Midnight Voyage, Chitlins, New Destination (vocal), Watermelon Man, Moon Dance, Sunny were just a few of the numbers that had the room rocking.

Another good evening at Hoochie and an appreciative young crowd. Talking of age where were the older jazz people? A good venue in the town centre with good music and good beer - London Pride my particular choice although the range is wide - should drag them away from the telly but in fact, with a couple of noticeable exceptions, excluding myself, it was mainly a young audience which can't be bad but a wider mix would have been nice. Next Thursday it's the delightful Lindsay Hannon Plus so put it in your diary!

Photos.

Lance.

CD Review - Ronnie Ross Quintet.

Ronnie Ross (bar); Bert Courtley (tpt/mello); Eddie Harvey (pno/tmb); Pete Blannin (bs); Andy White (dms).

Another delightful re-issue from the Ember jazz originals vault and a timely reminder of how, back then, we sold our UK musicians short. We'd go to a gig by the band - love it - but the next day we'd spend our cash on an American LP.

How wrong we were! This disc holds its head high against most of what was happening state-side on the west coast.

Ronnie Ross was the melodic link between Harry Klein and John Surman in the British baritone hierarchy and the nearest thing we had to Gerry Mulligan.

Bert Courtley, a fine trumpet player, had the feel of Chet Baker and the drive of Kenny Dorham. Together they made for a swinging front line making them one of the best bands on the local scene at that time (early '60s.) Rhythm section proves that those detractors of British rhythm sections were wrong - they say the same thing about Scottish goalkeepers...

Highly recommended and not just for nostalgic reasons - I'm playing it regularly to make up for the years when I foolishly didn't buy the original vinyl!

Released Dec. 5.

Lance.

Maine Street Jazzmen @ Rosie Malone's.

Olive Rudd (vcl); Herbie Hudson (tmb); Jim McBriarty (alt/clt); George Richardson (pno); Alan Rudd (bs); Mike Humble (dms).

Close your eyes and you're at Eddie Condon's club in New York back in the 1940's. Maybe it's Lou McGarity on trombone and could that be Peanuts Hucko on liquorice? Definitely Joe Bushkin on piano with Pops Foster and George Wettling on bass and drums. Hey and dig Maxine Sullivan doing the vocal on Can't Help Lovin' That Man of Mine. Only person missing is Wild Bill - guess he's across the street at Jimmy Ryan's.

"Two pintsa Stella, marra" and I'm brought back to 2011 and South Shields. Still the music and the dream lives on with another fine session at Rosie's.

Too many great numbers to list but Honeysuckle Rose stood out and Doctor Jazz could surely cure anyone's blues particularly when served up by Staff Nurse Rudd.

A superb afternoon only marred by my decision to take the number 88 bus as opposed to my normal 27. This route visited every council estate known to man, we admired (not) their garish Christmas lights and illuminated Santas whilst hoping the reindeer didn't distract the driver.

Thinking I was saving ten minutes the journey added an extra half hour - I didn't get my kicks on Route 88.

Lance.

CD Review - PARTIKEL: Cohesion.

Duncan Eagles (ten/sop); Max Luthert (bs); Eric Ford (dms/perc.).

I gave a rave review to Partikel's previous CD and I can do no less with this, their latest offering. Having just finished a national tour which began with a Schmazz @ The Cluny gig in Newcastle and terminated 15 venues later at the RAFA Club, Chatham, many will be acquainted with the trio's music.

For those that aren't Cohesian is a good place to start.

Partikel are an integrated trio that complement each other with contrasting lines and rhythms. Eagles can hold his own with any of his contemporaries blowing inventive, at times mind blowing solos, as well as displaying deep reflective moments - particularly on soprano - searching, exploring digging deeply into harmonic structure.

That harmonic structure is underlaid by Luthert a foundation who also adds his own thematic probing.

Drummer Ford drives, cruises, kicks adds exotic touches without disrupting the direction of the other two.

This is music that is as modern as tomorrow but with yesterday's influences mingled with the jazz of today.

Highly recommended.

Lance.

PARTIKEL - Cohesion. Whirlwind WR4618. General release Jan 23, 2012. Advance copies available from http://www.whirlwindrecordings.com/cohesion/