Pete Tanton's Chet Set @ Newcastle Arts Centre - Nov. 28

 (© Mike Tilley)

Pete Tanton (trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals); Alan Law (keyboards); Mick Shoulder (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

There would be sleet, there would be snow, 'tis the season, but not before the Chet Set. On a freezing midweek evening November's jazz concert at Newcastle Arts Centre attracted an encouragingly large audience. The Black Swan jam sessions are the stuff of legend, such is the popularity of the twice monthly jam night it's not unheard of for a 'one in, one out' policy to be in operation. This evening the adjoining performance space opened its doors to accommodate an expectant audience.

(Press release) Kenny Barron garners a GRAMMY nomination.

New York, NY - Renowned jazz pianist Kenny Barron has garnered a GRAMMY® nomination in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album for his recently released solo album The Source (Artwork Records/ [PIAS]). The 66th GRAMMY® Awards will take place on February 4, 2024.

“Being nominated for a GRAMMY® is, of course, a great honor and maybe the thirteenth time will be my lucky charm. But win or not, I will be forever grateful,” Barron shared in a statement.

Social Call - Art Farmer & Gigi Gryce

Whilst Social Call is remembered by most for its lyrical story-line as recorded by Jon Hendricks as well as often being featured by Alice Grace with the Strictly Smokin' Big Band, this instrumental version by composer Gryce and Art Farmer proves that, if the melody is good enough it, can be a song without words.

When I had my first saxophone lesson from the late Jackie Laing,  Gryce, who was born this day in 1927, was one of Jackie's listening suggestions. It was a good suggestion.

Gigi Gryce died  on March 14, 1983. Lance

The Lewis Watson Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle - Nov. 26

(© Sheila Herrick)

Lewis Watson (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

The Globe's usual cabaret-style arrangement of tables and chairs was augmented by several rows of seats set out close to the stage, a sure sign advance sales had been rather good! The regular faces took their seats, joined by more than a few long-time fans of the evening's star attraction. At a little after eight the quartet tore into Wayne Shorter's Yes and No. 

(© Pam)

The 'quartet'? The Lewis Watson Quartet, no less! One sensed our tenor saxophonist was in the mood. Glorious playing from the off. Watson's quartet - Mark Williams, guitar, Andy Champion, bass and drummer John Bradford - couldn't be bettered. All four musicians on the same wave length, transport them to London or NYC and they wouldn't be out of place.

(© Pam)

Times Past, Watson's Song for Keith (for Keith Morris), this was Watson in total command. To close an engrossing first set, No Light, No Tunnel (the phrase 'wonky blues' sprung to mind) featured the Main Man and stellar solos from Williams and Champion (Bradford would feature later in the evening). 

Tonight @ the Globe ...

(© Roly Veitch)

Tonight promises to be one of THE gigs of the year at the Globe - the Lewis Watson Quartet.

I've been a fan of Lewis, or Lew as he was back then, when he emerged from music college as a member of SNECK who played a regular Tuesday night gig at the Corner House which, back then, was the centre of the north east jazz universe.

R.I.P. Steve Voce (1933-2023)

Jazz journalist and writer Steve Voce passed away on Nov. 23 at the age of 89.

Best known for his monthly column in the print version of Jazz Journal his writing provided a breath of fresh air in comparision to many of his contemporaries. He didn't suffer fools gladly, nor any over-pretentiousness in the music he loved.

Like himself, his sense of humour will be sadly missed even by those such as myself only knew him from the written word.

R.I.P. Lance

Dexter Gordon: The Savoy Sessions

After re-reading Maxine Dexter's biographical/autobiographical book about Dexter Gordon, her eventual, husband, - Sophisticated Giant - I had the understandable urge to listen to the great man again.

However, rather than go for the legendary Blue Note albums which, in truth, I've almost worn out - let's face it, they are the modern jazz equivalent of the Armstrong Hot Fives, the 1940 Ellingtons or the Beethoven Symphonies - so, I went back to his earlier Savoy recordings.

Jazz on the Tyne - What's On & What's New, December 2023

Jazz on the Tyne presents the best in jazz from North East England and beyond. In this edition, I preview upcoming gigs, with tunes by Zoë Gilby, Paul Edis, the Milne Glendinning Band, and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra. I also showcase new releases by Knats, John Donegan and uroboro, and play music by Shirley Smart & Robert Mitchell, Norma Winstone & Will Bartlett, and James Brady. You can request tunes for future shows, pass on news, or leave feedback by heading to jazzonthetyne.org. 

Aycliffe Radio: Jazz Time - Sundays 6.30-8.00 pm (repeat Tuesdays 8.00-9.30pm)

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

Aycliffe Radio is now available on DAB in County Durham & Darlington Area.

Playlist 26/11/23. (Repeated Tuesday 28/11/23)

Birthday Memory: Teddy Wilson/Billie Holiday/Lester Young. 

Check out Nigel Price’s Charity : Grassrootsjazz.com

Book review: Mezz Mezzrow - Really the Blues (1946)

It’s many years ago since I first read this book but I was recently reminded of it during a discussion around what happens during the final part. I wouldn’t want to give a spoiler, but the book takes an extraordinary turn towards the end, which is explained in an appendix that you may or may not wish to read first. I didn’t and was totally caught unawares, wondering what on earth was going on.