Nick Mondello Interview with Trumpet great, Keith Fiala

 

Greg Abate @ the Lescar, Sheffield - July 16

Greg Abate (alto sax, flute); Andrew Wood (drums); Mathew Ratcliffe (keyboards); Martyn Spencer (double bass)

After my previous trip to see Greg at the Lescar I was doubtful about attending yesterday's gig but as it turned out I'm very glad I did.

In spite of Greg having to condense his music down to a single set instead of the usual two. He was outstanding as always. He seemed very happy with his backing trio and reading the info on the Lescar's flyer, I learn that they play frequently at the Nottingham Jazz spot Peggy's Blue Skylight. I must pay this place a visit soon as it sounds a great venue. 

Jazz @ the Lit & Phil:Mejedi Owusu with the Francis Trio - July 17

© Sylvia

Mejedi Owusu (trumpet); Francis Tulip (guitar); Tommy Fuller (bass); Noah Stone (drums)

There are moments in jazz folklore that, over the years, have become etched in stone. The north east has it's fair share: Members of the Basie band turning up for an after concert jam at Billy Botto's club in Byker. The amazing Polish band at the New Orleans Club on Forth Banks. Harry Connick Jr. sitting in at the old Jazz Café. They all provided examples of what Whitney Balliett described as "the sound of surprise".

© Pam

Never was that description more apt than at the Lit and Phil this afternoon.

This afternoon, Suffolk born, Julliard (NYC) graduate, twenty year old trumpet ace Owusu, blew up the storm to end all storms. Closing my eyes I was hearing Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan and then some!

Opening with Kenny Dorham's inappropriately named Short Story, Owusu's blistering solo lasted just under ten minutes - Wow! I knew this was going to be good but, come on, I didn't think it could  (in my wildest dreams) be this good. Pinch me in case I am dreaming.

Vieux Carré Jazzmen + guests @ the Millstone, South Gosforth - July 16

© Russell

Brian Bennett (banjo); Jim McBriarty (tenor sax, clarinet, vocals); David Gray (trombone, trumpet, vocals); Colin Aitchison (trumpet, trombone, vocals); Chris Perrin (keys) + Neville Sarony (vocals, keys); Ben Helm (guitar); Jenna Stewart (vocals)

A 6 oz medium cooked rump steak, with chips, onion rings, peas and peppercorn sauce went down well. The steak, exactly as I like it, was succulent and hadn't long stopped sizzling. The chips were neither skinny nor chunky but comfortably in between and easily digestible whilst the onion rings had a piquancy about them that hit the spot. I found the peas not as warm as I like them but that could have been because I left them till last causing them to cool off, However, overall, I can only say "Mes félicitations au chef".

© Russell

Félicitations too to the augmented Vieux Carré who, aided and assisted by their guests, blew away those World Cup blues.

Vocals abounded: Colin Aitchison sang Sweet Lorraine and Sunday: Jim McBriarty gave out with Avalon and Honky Tonk Town: David Gray crooned I'll be Seeing You and Exactly Like You whilst the up and coming Jenna Stewart (make a note of that name) made an impression with Love me or Leave me.

Single Review: Gio Washington-Wright and Nakyshia Lazarre - Meet Me in Venice. (Jive Patrol Music

Unknown (muse vocal & instrumental accompaniment); Gio Washington Wright: (comp., arr., producer); Nakyshia Lazarre: (lyricist)

“When I seek another word for ‘music,’ I never find any other word than ‘Venice.’” 

That quote is from none other than German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Long recognized as one of the world’s most romantic cities, Venice has been celebrated in many movies, music, art and other media. It gets yet another accolade in Meet Me in Venice, a marvelously infectious single from the combined pens of musical siblings, Gio Washington-Wright and Nakyshia Lazarre.

Hot Club du Nord on Radio 4 - Today 1.45pm

 

Stockport Jazz Update!

Last night's football result means that Sunday's session at the Moor Club, Stockport, will go ahead as usual without distraction.

This week Stockport Jazz welcomes Swing 26! featuring past and current members of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Julian Gregory (violin) and Matthew Compton (accordion) together with Paul Hartley (guitar) and Ken Marley (double bass).

Sunday 19th July 2026

8-10pm, doors open at 7.30pm

£5 entry on the door, all welcome

The Moor Club, 35 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport SK4 4PB  (next to the Elizabethan PH) 

Denny Farrell

Regular visitors to BSH will be familiar with Denny Farrell's Late Night Chicago Radio show which is listed and linked on BSH. His laid back, laconic introduction to the 'platters' he plays are as cool and refreshing as a Chet Baker vocal on a summer's night. Below is an excerpt from his entry in the Big Band Hall of Fame of which Denny is a member. Makes for interesting reading.  Lance

(Hall of Fame): Denny Farrell is a veteran Chicago broadcaster whose career has been devoted to preserving and celebrating the music of the Big Band, swing, Dixieland, and classic jazz eras. He is best known as the longtime host of The Original Big Band Showcase and Late Night Chicago Radio, programs that have been syndicated on stations in the United States and internationally. He is also a member of the Big Band Hall of Fame and has received the National Ballroom & Entertainment Association Award for his radio work. 

EP review: Judy Whitmore - This is Home (self)

Judy Whitmore (vocals) + Chris Walden Orchestra.

This is Home celebrates America's 250th birthday (July 4, 1776 - ?) featuring Judy Whitmore on six patriotic songs appropriate to the age they were composed. Less so in the current American environment.

Judy Whitmore is an excellent singer and I love the two previous albums of hers that I have had the pleasure of hearing: Isn't it Romantic (2022) Let's Fall in Love (2025). This album however, is a different kettle of fish - Elvis' American Trilogy springs to mind.

Pure Blues & JazzTastic

A lost Chick Corea track is always worth finding.