Bebop Spoken There

Ron Carter quoting Sonny Rollins: ''What we call jazz - that's keeping the world in equilibrium. I don't care what kind of music you like out here today. It all comes from jazz.'' (DownBeat August, 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

18799 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 663 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Aug. 12) 32.

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

From This Moment On

August

Fri 14: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 14: John Settle Quartet @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm. £9.00. John Settle (vibes); Rick Laughlin (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Tim Johnston (drums).
Fri 14: Bold Big Band @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £8.00 + bf.

Sat 15: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Blacksmith’s Arms, Hartlepool. 1:30pm. Free. Open rehearsal.
Sat 15: Jake Leg Jug Band @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm. £16.26.

Sun 16: Vintage Explosion @ Cliffe Park, Roker, Sunderland SR6 8DB. 5:00-10:30pm. £44.00 (inc. bf).

Mon 17: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 18: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, Abbie Finn.

Wed 19: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 19: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 20: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 20: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00.
Thu 20: Edson Angus Quartet @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 20: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Alan Glen Quintet @ The Cooperage - a few memories from Roly.

Recent enthusiastic comment about Alan Glen's great playing reminded me of going to hear his quintet some years back, maybe in the late late 70s I guess? They had a regular gig at The Cooperage down on the Quayside.
The music they played was very attractive - all original material, some quite extended or segued compositions. Alan on piano, a great guitarist Terry Ellis (with his blonde Gibson 345), Ray Truscott on electric bass, Billy Golding on tenor - I can't remember the drummer. Nice memories of what was a unique band.
Terry Ellis worked locally as a peri teacher and played both guitar and elec. bass professionally. I have a Bobby Thompson video from somewhere in CIU clubland and I'm sure it's Terry on bass in the background. I'm not too sure if he is still around locally - I've not seen him for quite a long while now.
I think Billy Golding passed away - he was a fine player. Ray Truscott I've not seen around for years either. Anyone got any more info?
Roly

3 comments :

Lance said...

Terry is still around - I think he lives up in the hills around Shotley Bridge - possibly Medomsley.
I spoke to him at the Cluny last year - Gilad Atzmon gig - he looked well.

Russell said...

Hi Lance

I saw Terry in the street in Newcastle just the other day. About five years ago Terry was gigging with Alan Glen ( playing electric bass ) at a short - lived residency in Gateshead ( The Three Tuns ) and in Jesmond Vale. Mr Glen and Mr Ellis should have regular gigs ( if only ! ).

Russell

Unknown said...

Hi Roly

The drummer at the Cooperage was either Derek Lunn or Barry Black (Barry is still around) Terry is still around teaching and living at Rod Sinclairs at moment. Ray Truscott and Sylvia are now in Florida & the great Bill Golding died 22 years ago. Hope to see you at the Chilli

Alan G

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