"The Golden Age of Jazz" is a term often bandied about. It's a subjective thing and to some it is New Orleans in the 1920s whilst to others it could mean the big bands of the '30s, 52nd St in '40s and so on. For those living in the North-east of England the 1980s was a particularly lustrous time with the seemingly endless stream of name Americans brought by JAZZ NORTH EAST to, mainly but not always, the Corner House in Heaton. Supported by a local rhythm section of Malcolm Saul/Billy Harper (pno); Pete Stuart/Derk Dixon (bs); Scott Adair/Ronnie Pearson/Adrian Tilbrook (dms) just about every available name turned out at least once and, if some didn't always live up to their reputation others often surpassed it.
Names I remember include: Nat Adderley, Doc Cheatham, Al and Joe Cohn, Lockjaw Davis, Harry Edison, Tal Farlow, Art Farmer, Jimmy Forrest, Al Grey, Slide Hampton, Peanuts Hucko, Barney Kessel, Jimmy Knepper, Jimmy McPartland, Jay McShann, Memphis Slim, James Moody, Mark Murphy, Joe Newman, Red Rodney, Bobby Shew, Sonny Stitt, Buddy Tate, Cleanhead Vinson, Jiggs Whigham, Kai Winding and Jimmy Witherspoon to mention just some.
Peanuts Hucko played with the Mainstreet Jazzmen whilst McPartland and Cheatham (I think) were with the Saratoga - please correct me if I'm wrong (as if I have to ask!)
Did you have a special favourite (Sonny Stitt for me)? Who have I missed out?
For photos from many of those sessions right click here then 'open in new window'.
12 comments :
Clem (Avery) used to take me to sit in on the Mainstreet Jazzmen sessions at C/Hse on a Tues evening. I was just getting started and very fortunate to be on the sessions when Wild Bill Davison, Peanuts Hucko, Dick Wellstood and Ralph Sutton came over. That was 1979/80.
Joe McMullen tpt, Steve Andrews/Stan Martin/Jimmy Ruddick reeds, Lawrence McBriarty tbn, Billy Calboutin drms, Norman Rudd pno & Clem Avery bass.
I went also to listen to many of the JNE sessions featuring local R/Secn + legendary guest. As you say, a golden age.
Great memories.
Roly
I can't believe I've played at the same venue as Sonny Stitt [and all those other people!]...
One day some young chap will say "I can't believe I've played at the same venue as Paul and Roly (and all those other people!)..."
I remember as a young flugelhornist seeing Art Farmer (late 80s early 90s ??). It was great!
Mid 1980s I think.
I nearly fell of my seat when I came across this..Malcolm Saul is my dad and I have been trying for years to find out any info about him on the internet....I would be more than grateful if anyone knew him or has any old pics or any thing about to contact me at jes46@hotmail.co.uk........This is a real blessing for me...Thank you sooo much....Janet Saul
I grew up in the North east....& spent many nights watching or playing Jazz at the Corner House....One night I went to see The Michael Garrick band & his flight was delayed & I ended up Playing Fender Rhodes with the rest of his Band.......A massive night for me......Mal Maddock
Hey Mal I remember. I also remember when you used to come into Windows Music Shop (where I worked)and play the keyboards entertaining both staff and customers. How ya doin' man?
Lance.
Hi Lance I am doin good....Working as a Freelance Keyboard player/MD in London.....Incredible that you remember me from all those years ago......There was something fresh about the Jazz scene around the North East back then.....I miss it I gained lots of valuable experience....Hope to get up to that part of the world soon.....& maybe catch some local Jazz........Regards Mal Maddock
Does any one know what happened to Willie Payne.....The last I saw of him he left the trio I was working in to tour with Dizzy Gillespie........?
Mal Maddock
I heard that Willie died. Can anyone confirm?
Hi Lance... Just looked through all the photo's..... Stunning..... There was one pic where there was a? about the drummer... I think it may have been a guy called of all things Dennis Healy ?....... Once again fantastic pics.... Mal Maddock
(You are right I'll correct it if I can find it! - Lance)
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