Bebop Spoken There

Ludovic Beier (Django Festival Allstars): ''Manouche means 'free man,' and gypsies have been travelers since they migrated west from India to Europe.'' (DownBeat March, 2026)

The Things They Say!

This is a good opportunity to say thanks to BSH for their support of the jazz scene in the North East (and beyond) - it's no exaggeration to say that if it wasn't for them many, many fine musicians, bands and projects across a huge cross section of jazz wouldn't be getting reviewed at all, because we're in the "desolate"(!) North. (M & SSBB on F/book 23/12/24)

Postage

18383 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 247 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 17 ), 57

Reviewers wanted

Whilst BSH attempts to cover as many gigs, festivals and albums as possible, to make the site even more comprehensive we need more 'boots on the ground' to cover the albums seeking review - a large percentage of which never get heard - report on gigs or just to air your views on anything jazz related. Interested? then please get in touch. Contact details are on the blog. Look forward to hearing from you. Lance

Monday, February 09, 2009

Farewell - Blossom Dearie

I feel sad - very sad - hearing of the death of Blossom Dearie on Feb 7. I vividly remember her gig at Newcastle's University Theatre back in the 1970's/80's. So much class, so much talent - charisma to spare. It was only a few months back that I was waxing eloquently in these columns over her version of "They Say It's Spring".
Never has such a small voice delivered so much.
And now she's gone and the world of jazz vocal is that much poorer.
She was 82.
Thank goodness we've got the recorded legacy.
I'm obliged to Russell for passing on this sad news.
Listen here. Listen again. (From John Taylor)
Lance

3 comments :

Anonymous said...

Yes - very sad. She was special. She had all the necessary attributes of an international class jazz artist, time, touch, feel etc. but possessed that extra ingredient that sets her apart - total uniqueness.
Roly

Hil said...

I remember hearing Blossom at Ronnie Scotts in the late 60's.

I just loved her, and her wonderful sweet voice.

RIP.

Anonymous said...

Hil mentioned hearing Blossom Dearie at Ronnie Scott's
My first "non trad" LP was Blossom Time at Ronnie Scott's. I now also have the official CD released a few years ago
Blossom voice was that of a female Chet Baker - a one off!

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