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.

Jazz on the Tyne – What’s On & What’s New, December 2023

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead previews gigs taking place in December, with tunes by Zoë Gilby, Paul Edis, the Milne/Glendinning Band and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.  He also showcases new releases by Knats, John Donegan and uroboro, and plays music by Shirley Smart & Robert Mitchell, Norma Winstone & Will Bartlett, and James Brady.

You can listen to the show anytime from noon on Saturday Nov. 25 HERE.

Plus, you can request tunes for future programmes by emailing Colin at jazz.tyne.hive@gmail.com or heading to www.jazzonthetyne.org.

Album review: John Wojciechowski - Swing of the Pendulum

John Wojciechowski (tenor sax/alto flute); Xavier Davis (piano); Clark Sommers (bass); Dana Hall (drums)

The pendulum does indeed swing albeit not without some tender moments particularly when Wojciechowski leaves his tenor on the stand and blows alto flute. He's a star on both horns which is why he is so highly rated in Chicago and it surely can't be long before he is equally acclaimed in Europe and the UK.

His sound on tenor is as big as Dexter Gordon was tall with an angular agility that was common to both men. On flute his tone is round and mellow - a thing of rare beauty.

Film review: Kansas City (1996)

The last time I saw a Robert Altman film was at the Tyneside Cinema, and I think it was pretty good, but I'd forgotten to bring my packed lunch. This is considerably shorter and is quite the best ‘jazz’ film I’ve ever seen: better than 'Round Midnight, better than Bird.

It’s a crime story with all the links and sub-plots interspersed with scenes from a jam session, ostensibly featuring Lester Young, but the actual cast of musicians includes Joshua Redman, Nicholas Payton, David Murray, Geri Allen and others.