Album review: PRIME Play Standards (Laundry Room Music)

Kevin MacKenzie (guitar); Peter Johnstone (organ); Doug Hough (drums)

Back in the 1950s/1960s there seemed to be a wealth of organ trios - Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Billy Preston and a million more. In America you got the impression that every corner bar and juke joint had one. In the UK it began with a trickle, the late Mike Carr, Brian Auger Trinity, Alan Haven and today, in Newcastle, Gerry Richardson.

Over the border in Scotland, PRIME, led by guitarist Kevin MacKenzie, continue the tradition doing what it says on the tin and playing standards. Unlike their forebears the emphasis is on the standards. More melodic and less blues/funk/soul orientated although none of those elements are totally missing - how could they be with a tried and trusty Hammond B3 in the mix?

Kyran Matthews Quintet @ Swan and Chequers, Sandbach - August 2

© Richard Morris

Kyran Matthews (tenor sax); Jamie Taylor (guitar); David Austin Grey (piano); Josh Cavanagh-Brierley (double bass); Luke Flowers (drums)

My first visit to the Swan and Chequers, Sandbach a modern, recently refurbished bar in the historic market town of Sandbach, Cheshire. Housed in a late nineteenth century corn exchange, it features an open plan interior, a large outdoor courtyard beer garden with a dog friendly policy. It hosts regular events such as live music including jazz and community gatherings.

This free concert featured five of the UK’s very best jazz musicians. Led by stellar sax player and composer Kyran Matthews who I have seen play on previous occasions as indeed I had with all the other musicians save for David Austin Grey the renowned pianist from Birmingham who I was seeing for the first time. I have seen Jamie play in various ensembles to include with Dean Stockdale and Trio JDM. Luke Flowers is a longstanding member of the Cinematic Orchestra since 2000 and has worked with artists such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Roots Manuva and Matthew Halsall. I rarely go more than a few weeks without seeing Josh Cavanagh-Brierley so busy is he mainly on the North West Jazz scene and elsewhere. He is a composer too with a new album out on August 7 titled The  Mild Mannered and the Mortal.

Album review:Benny Green - Renovation (Sunnyside)

Benny Green (piano)

Recorded live at Dizzy's Club in NYC Renovation poses the question as to why Benny Green's name wasn't in the shuffle for a mention in this year's Annual DownBeat Critics Poll? On the strength of this solo piano album he could lock Steinways with any of those who did.

Green's playing can be bluesy, funky, soulful, balladic or none of those things. Like Paul Edis last night he can slot in a stride chorus at the drop of a hat and make it feel so right.

Press release: Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music - Sept. 24-27/Sept. 30-Oct. 4

We’re absolutely delighted to announce funding has been secured for Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2026 and gratefully acknowledge Arts Council England along with our partners and investors for their support. We’ve an amazing programme lined up and tickets are now on sale.

This year more than 67 musicians will feature over 26 performances in 9 days across 7 of the region’s top music venues including Gosforth Civic Theatre, The Cluny, The Cumberland Arms, The Globe, The Lubberfiend, The Lit and Phil and Glasshouse International Centre for Music. 

We’ve commissioned Manon McCoy to create our festival interludes this year, Jon Bradley will make two performances at the historic Edith Adamson Carillon, and we’ve two great workshops lined up with Rachel Musson and Free The Aanimals.

Sunday night @ the Globe: Nel Begley and Paul Edis - August 2

© Sylvia

Nel Begley (voice); Paul Edis (piano)

Begley and Edis had spent the weekend tutoring at one of the Jazz Co-op's highly acclaimed workshops. Several of the students from the course made their way to the evening's gig to observe their educators practicing what they'd preached and, judging by the applause and demands for an encore, concluded that it was money well spent.

I last heard heard Begley at the nearby Newcastle Arts Centre in April last year. The voice hadn't changed and nor had the set list which wasn't surprising as she was in effect touring the same album Small Flame. What was surprising was the fact that she still needed the crutch of the lyrics on a music stand. 

However, if the end deserves the means, then so be it.

Frank Griffith Radio Show - THE JAZZ CAVERN

On www.purejazzradio.com (from NYC) on Mondays at 12PM, Fridays at 6AM and Saturdays at 7AM- NYC time. (5 hours later in the UK)

My next show will be broadcast  starting Monday, 3 August. New releases from the likes of Alan Skidmore and Paul Dunmall, Zoë Gilby, Per Ekdahl, Chris Lee/Eleonora Kouneni, James Chadwick and Dave and Judith O'Higgins.

None of the above shows are available on a catchup option.

Album review: Carrie Hamilton – Dreaming in Blue (Pastiche Records)

Carrie Hamilton (vocals, flute); Jamie McCredie (guitar, producer); Mike Gorman (piano); Phil Donnelly (bass); Luke Tomlinson (drums)

There is something quietly refreshing about Dreaming in Blue. At a time when many vocalists feel compelled to reinvent the Great American Songbook, Carrie Hamilton instead places her trust in the songs themselves, approaching them with warmth, honesty and a clear respect for the tradition. The result is an EP that feels intimate, elegantly produced and rooted in genuine musicianship.

Stop Press! R.I.P. Mike Jamieson

© Russell

Just received the sad news of the passing of Mike Jamieson earlier this evening. Although it came as a shock it wasn't a surprise as he'd been in bad health for several years limiting his mobility in getting to jazz gigs.

I first met him when he wrote a weekly jazz column for Newcastle's Evening Chronicle. He rarely missed a concert and his reviews were always well written. When not listening to jazz he was usually blowing blues harp in some club.

Away from jazz and blues Mike contributed a fascinating 24 part memoir of his time as a National Serviceman for 'North East Bylines' who collated all twenty four of them which can be read HERE. Fascinating. A man of many talents.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to family and friends. He will be sadly missed. Lance

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (July 30-August 6)

Stan Kenton: Misty.

Bobby Dukoff: It's a Wonderful World.

Russ Carlyle: Sometimes I'm Happy.

Jo Stafford: Imagination.

Dave Brubeck: You go to my Head.

Mel Tormé: Body and Soul.

Maynard Ferguson: Whisper Not.

George Shearing: Autumn in New York.

Chris Connor: All This is Mine and Heaven Too.

Jonah Jones: St. James Infirmary.

Chet Baker: Thank Heavens For Little Girls.

LISTEN HERE 24/7

Check out Denny's Original Big Band Showcase HERE.

Jazz Time Aycliffe Radio - Sundays 6.30-8.00pm (repeated Tuesdays 8.00-9.30pm).

https://www.ayclifferadio.co.uk/listen.

Playlist 02/08/26 (repeated Tuesday 04/08/26)

Seasonal: Itzhak Perlman with the Modern Jazz Quartet, Sidney Bechet.
Memories: Tony Bennett/Diana Krall.
Requests: Chris Potter.
More Memories: George Melly & Digby Fairweather.
Request: Bill Evans Trio/Stan Getz.
Memories: Louis Armstrong, Kenny Burrell (95th birthday), JATP/Herb Ellis/Ruby Braff/Hank Jones/Jim Hall.
Request: Art Tatum.
What’s on in the NE: Bridget Metcalfe, Mr Wilson's Second Liners, Sticky Lips.
Tony Eales Big Band: Voice Of the North Jazz Orchestra. 
Aycliffe Radio is available on DAB in County Durham & the Darlington area or via your smart speaker.