CD Review: The Gil Evans Orchestra - Hidden Treasures Volume 1, Monday Nights

(Review by David Brownlow).

Every now and again a CD emerges which causes one to react and take a deep breath – this is such a moment – the first release of new music from the Gil Evans Orchestra in over forty years, albeit without the maestro himself at the helm! This is a project by Gil’s sons, Miles and Noah, to produce a trilogy of CDs, of which this is the first, featuring different eras of Gil’s music recreating compositions originally played by the famous ‘Monday Night At The Sweet Basil, Greenwich Village’ during the ‘80s and ‘90s.

There are five compositions by various members of the group and two from Gil himself; the musicians involved are a nucleus of the original regulars plus a whole host of impressive players from the current scene like Gary Smulyan and Jon Faddis. From this amalgam, a magnificent orchestra has emerged where the discipline is much tighter, exuberance is high, the music is astonishing in places and is a wonderful tribute to the man who over several decades influenced much of today’s cool, modal, free and fusion genres.

Jam Session @ The Black Swan - Dec. 11

Paul Grainger (bass); Steve Glendinning (guitar); Russ Morgan (drums) + Neville Hartley (trombone); James Cuxson, M.G. Smith (guitars); Ray Burns (harmonica/vocals); John Pope (bass); Patrick Freyne (drums); Faye Thompson (alto sax).

(Review by Lance).

PHOTOS.

Whilst this may not have been one of those 'never to be forgotten nights' there was, nevertheless, still much to enjoy from the offerings on display - not least Ron's homemade mince pies!

The house trio for the evening hit the deck with Stella By Starlight; All Blues and Have You Met Miss Jones? Steve Glendinning in good form setting the standard for the guitarists waiting in the wings.

Gigs/CDs of the Year coming shortly...

It's that time of year again when we ask you to send your favourite gigs and CDs of 2018.
Look forward to your lists. Either add them as a comment or email me.
Lance.

Jazz North’s northern line

(Press release)

Since its launch in 2013, Jazz North’s northern line has supported 67 jazz artists and ensembles from across the north with over 700 gigs. This month, applications open for Round Seven of the scheme giving more artists the chance to develop their profession.

RIP BMus @ Sage Gateshead.

Paul Edis has reminded me that tomorrow, and Wednesday, there are performances by (very sadly) the final ever cohort of the BMus students at Sage, Gateshead.

The BMus course has been around, Paul reminds me, since before he was born, and many of the musicians featured on BSH were schooled by Birkett/Sinclair/Richardson or have some connection to it. 

As well as jazz, over the next two days, there are all sorts of musical interests and disciplines on display reflecting the diversity of the students. Also, in amongst the student bands, there are cameos from Paul Grainger, Bradley Johnston and Thomas Dixon amongst others... 

Full programme here: http://www.sagegateshead.com/event/future-grooves-2018/

CD Review: Emma Fisk's Hot Club du Nord - Hot Club du Nord

Emma Fisk (violin); James Birkett (guitar); Dave Harris (guitar); Bruce Rollo (double bass)

(Review by Russell).

Hot Club du Nord hit the ground running. Emma Fisk and Dave Harris worked together in Djangology and James Birkett and Bruce Rollo were well-versed in the Hot Club idiom. In a matter of weeks, the quartet began to play to full houses in jazz clubs and theatres. Hot Club du Nord is the band's recently released debut CD and already it's selling like hot cakes.

Preview: Indigo Jazz Voices – Dec. 13 @ The Globe

Jen Errington; Carrie McCullock; Jenny Lingham; Miriam McCormick; Barry Keatings; David Edgar (all individual vocals); Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Rob Walker (drums)

Get yourself along to hear these talented singers next Thursday (December 13). They’ll be accompanied by the stellar trio listed above. Lucky singers – I’d give away an arm or a leg to sing with this trio (only joking, I think!) There are some Christmas songs such as Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and Winter Wonderland and standards such as Unforgettable and No Moon At All.

And you also get nibbles to eat, including mince pies and chocolate truffles. Yumm!

It all starts a 7.30pm and admission is £5, a bargain.

Be there!

Ann Alex

House of the Black Gardenia @ Hoochie Coochie - Dec. 9

(Review by Lance).

Photos.

Hoochie was heaving. The Lindys were hopping and the Shaggers* were er dancing. The sound system belted out gems from Basie, Ella, Frank, Billie and Der Bingle. Had I died and gone to heaven? No, this was just the pre-nuptials before the House of the Black Gardenia eventually hit the stage.

The Mooche got the live show underway and it soon became apparent that we were in for a treat. Newcomer Tham slotted in effortlessly as anyone who'd heard him at the jam sessions around town already knew he would. Robinson, a black gardenia in his lapel, impressed on liquorice stick as he also did, during the course of the evening, on various saxophones. Michael Lamb proved he can blow swing style as well as he blows bebop and Showtime was, well, Showtime. Add a stomping rhythm section to die for plus the effervescence on the dancefloor and it was little surprise that, to coin a phrase, the joint was jumpin'! 

Time Change at Hoochie.

The previously advertised time for today's gig at Hoochie by The House of the Black Gardenia is now doors at 6pm indicating a much later start to accommodate the band's soundcheck and the advertised 10pm finish.
It's still free and still the place to be!
Lance.