CD Review: Lionel Loueke - The Journey.

(Review by Max Goodall)

Benin-born guitarist Lionel Loueke is a composer and performer of fierce originality and individuality. For The Journey, his first release on French label Aparté, Loueke has reached deep into his rich pool of influences and musical interests, drawing out a really engaging album full of deep understated musicality.

Having performed with a who’s who of jazz throughout his career, the guitarist features an impressive roll call of high calibre musicians. The influence of Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista is particularly present, especially on tracks such as Bawo. The album, however, also features bassist Pino Palladino, Patrick Messina (solo clarinet of the Orchestre National de France), cellist Vincent Ségal and violinist Mark Feldman.

Olie Brice Quintet @ Jazz Café - Oct. 18

Olie Brice (Double Bass); Mike Fletcher (Alto); George Crowley (Tenor & Bass Clarinet); Alex Bonney (Cornet); Jeff Williams (Drums).

 (Review/photos courtesy of Ken Drew)

The same line-up also appeared here 2 years ago. It went down well then, so would it be equally as enjoyable?  Not exactly - it was way more energetic, the pieces seemed to have an extra energy and vibrancy. Overall the quintet produced much more than the sum of the parts (i.e. the original compositions plus 5 players).  The compositions were influenced by musical and literary heroes of Olie's, and were wonderfully executed by each player’s musical freedom producing an exciting energetic sound which had everyone enthralled.  Such a tight, well-honed band, yet very adventurous both in the compositions and their delivery.  The music explores that wonderful space between the composed and the improvised, and succeeds!

Middlesbrough Jazz Weekender: NYJO + Tees Valley Youth Jazz Collective @ Middlesbrough Town Hall - October 20

(Review by Russell). 

NYJO is an institution. Bill Ashton formed the band in the mid-sixties. In 1978 it was an established part of the jazz landscape, it was the year NYJO took part in the Newport Jazz Festival in Middlesbrough. In the line-up forty years ago was a promising trumpeter...one Gerard Presencer. Many young musicians of the highest calibre - before and since - have held chairs in the nation's big band. Recent success stories include Sam Glaser (alto) and the Jam Experiment boys, Jonathan (Jonny) Mansfield (vibes/percussion) and Rory Ingham (trombone). 

NYJO returned to Middlesbrough this weekend to play a concert in the recently renovated Town Hall. Invariably the band's personnel comprises students (graduate and undergraduate) drawn from prestigious institutions (Guildhall, Royal Academy, Trinity, Chethams) with a busy gigging schedule (Ronnie's, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Halls Albert and Festival, European festivals, NYC engagements). 

There'll be Some Changes Made @ The Caff

Following 5 success filled years running live music at the Jazz Café, Newcastle Arts Centre has decided to change the layout and make better use of the 3 venues housed there.

The Jazz Café with its comprehensive bar and food service will move from the current location to larger more accessible space within the Arts Centre itself.  Our Black Swan Venue will continue to run the Jazz Café music programme which will have the benefit of a much greater capacity, lift access and a more extensive bar offering.

This move links all aspects of the Centre together with a social space at its heart. This is a big step forward providing both a social and cultural hub only 100 metres from the Central Station.
The Pink Lane site will close its doors at the end of October for a refit and will operate under new management as Prohibition Cabaret Bar to open in January 2019. All in all, an exciting and positive New Year for both organisations.

(Press release).

Middlesbrough Jazz Weekender: Beats & Pieces @ Middlesbrough Town Hall - October 19

(Review by Lance).

After hearing the Mingus Big Band at Ronnie's on Wednesday, I hope I can be forgiven for feeling that nothing could follow that until this coming Sunday when the American ensemble brings the MJW to a close.

However, it is fair to say that the Manchester-based outfit, Beats & Pieces who opened the weekend, produced a scintillating performance that set the benchmark for all the bands who follow.

Ben Cottrell has, over the years, whipped up a crew that holds a candle to no one. His arrangements and compositions are as imaginative as those by any of his contemporaries. 

Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra Jam Session @ Bar Loco - October 18

NUJO's first jam session of the new academic year and the place was crammed. A battalion of bright young things drinking like there was no tomorrow, sorry, studying hard (see photo of a study desk inexplicably littered with empties), this was a 'social' as much as a jazz gig.  

President Tom McDonald has knocked the NUJO boys and girls into some kind of shape so that they broadly resemble a big band. 

Enthusiasm by the bucket load, trombonist Tom and bandmate Matt Green whipped up Bar Loco's partying crowd and counted in the ever-changing band line-up. 

Lullaby of Birdland, former Jamboner Kate Garnett bold as a shiny brass trombone on My Funny Valentine, a debuting vocalist emboldened by a bottle of house white singing Billy Taylor's I Wish I Knew, NUJO blew for fun in a fun, party atmosphere.