Album review: Giacomo Smith Quartet - Artfullness (Stunt Records)

Giacomo Smith ( clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano/alto sa); Joe Webb (piano); Anders Fjeldsted (bass); Snorre Kirk (drums)

Having heard Smith with SSBB earlier this year (LINK) and Joe Webb at Bonner's Music Store in Kingston Park just under a year ago (LINK) it was good to hear them together on this album of six originals by Smith and one by Ellington.

It's quite a session with all four at the top of their game. Smith, at times romantic and lyrical, on other occasions it's as if Benny Goodman had formed a relationship with John Coltrane. Webb swings, stomps meditates captures the moment whatever the mood. Fjeldsted and Kirk add their own drive to an excellent album.

Bonnie Raitt + Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA - Oct. 14

Bonnie Raitt (vocals, guitar); Jon Cleary (piano, vocals)

After losing so much time with live music after Covid, tonight was a beautiful reintroduction to what music can do for the soul by two great artists.

Bonnie hasn’t lost her ability to reach her audience and tonight was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute she was on stage and felt grateful for the experience - she had everyone in the auditorium captivated!

Album review: Darius Brubeck Quartet - Live Again (Gathering Forces/ECN)

Darius Brubeck (piano); Dave O'Higgins (tenor sax); Matt Ridley (bass); Wesley Gibbens (drums)

Following on from the quartet's album Live in Poland, Live Again takes them to Italy  - these jazz musicians do get around!

It's a worthwhile trip. Darius has undoubtedly inherited his dad's talents as composer, pianist, improviser and bandleader with all four musicians given their moment in the sun.

Another holiday snap!

Kevin Eland sent me this iconic photo that he snapped in a back street in Civitavecchia, an Italian coastal port north west of Rome and a popular calling port for cruise ships.

Jazz, it seems, is everywhere!

 

The 2026 APPJG Awards @ World Heart Beat, London - Oct. 13

© Patti

London was busy - what's new? Shirt sleeves in mid-October, what's going on? The All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) awards at World Heart Beat in Nine Elms invariably attracts a who's who of the UK's jazz scene. 

This evening's star-studded occasion included a couple of self-styled 'Geordie Jazz' characters - Stan and Ferg. More anon.

Chris Hodgkins once again took the role of MC. Throughout the evening the very mention of a 'name' would elicit whoops and hollers. The usual gaggle of parliamentarians didn't materialise. It seems they were busy voting on various motions. 

Stockport Jazz

Join us on Sunday for our 100th Stockport Jazz gig at the Moor Club! This week features multi-award-winning saxophonist Simon Spillett with Andrzej Baranek (piano), Ken Marley (bass) and Eryl Roberts (drums).

Sunday 18th October 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)

Photo supplied by Stockport Jazz.

Derek Hook's heritage

During a recent  holiday in The Lakes we visited the National Trust property Allan Bank in Grasmere. 

I was interested to see the attached information panel in one of the rooms giving insight into the origins of  Ambleside jazz bar Zeffirelli's. Hugh C

RADIOPHONICX second season starts 2pm this Saturday, 17th October at Cobalt studios

Unheard-of Journeys - listing into outer space 

17th October 2-4pm at Cobalt Studios, 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle NE2 1AP

This Saturday at Cobalt studios the second season of Radiophonicx communal listening event will start with a special selection from the UK International Radio Drama Festival in Canterbury.

We will listen to 4 very different pieces from Spain, Iran, Netherlands and Georgia. The pieces are all supported by an English video translation which is a fantastic way to engage with international audio work. Come and hear yourself. 

Compliments to Alan, Julija, the Chef, the Boro and Knats

© Chris K

Phew! What a day this has been...

Starting off at the Ticket Office, that lovely micro-pub on Whitley Bay Station with a captivating performance by two of my favourite jazz people - pianist Alan Law and singer Julija Jacenaite - I followed up with a delicious serving of Chicken Fried Rice from my local takeaway.

A pint of Pepsi Max set me up to the formidable task of watching Boro away to Stoke whilst posting the winners from the All Party Parliamentary Jazz awards as they were announced.

APPG Awards 2026 - Winners now announced!

The winners will be posted on BSH as they happen.

Watch this space. Any jazz tipsters got any ideas? Because it's a cultural event the bookies aren't laying any odds so it will be down to the 'office sweep' with whoever picks the most winners receiving a CD (not necessarily by one of the winners!) Email me before 7.00pm when entries close. MPs are not allowed to vote.