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

18395 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 259 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 30 ), 69

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

March

Tue 31: Bede Trio @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. Albert Hills Wright (alto sax); Finn Carter (piano); Michael Dunlop (double bass).

April

Wed 01: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 01: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 01: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 02: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: Musicians playing classical & orchestral music.
Thu 02: The Noel Dennis Band @ Prohibition Bar, Albert Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RU. 7:00pm (doors). £10.84. Quartet plus special guest Zoë Gilby. Over 21s only.
Thu 02: Renegade Brass Band @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 02: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00. adv..
Thu 02: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 03: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 03: King Bees @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle. 7:00pm (doors). Free. Chicago blues.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

RIP Al Martino

No one would ever charge Al Martino with being a jazz singer. Nevertheless, he could interpret a lyric and his repertoire included many great standards.
He played a significant role in my life inasmuch as he was the first American singer/musician I ever saw live. Early 1950's - Newcastle Empire. I can still recall him walking on stage wearing a dark blue tuxedo and opening up with "I've Got The World on a String" - it was also the first time I'd ever heard that song.
For that memory alone I am saddened but I'll remember him too for his part in "The Godfather".
Al Martino died, aged 82, October 13, 2009. He was a legend.

Lasting Tribute site. Obit. Lance.

4 comments :

Patrick said...

The Lasting Tribute website has updated its memorial pages to include Al Martino.

http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/martino/3167052

It's a respectful memorial to Martino and somewhere to pay tribute to his family's fortitude at this difficult time.

EVERY comment is monitored so that nothing offensive or inappropriate is published.

Hil said...

My beautiful Mum loved him singing "Spanish Eyes".

R.I.P. Al Martino.

Liz said...

I loved Al Martino, he depicted an era of unattainable glamour that could only come from America. Also to those of us who couldn't get home quick enough to get the words down of the latest songs on Radio Luxembourg. Heady exciting stuff to teenagers who loved their music & dance halls
Liz

Anonymous said...

AL MARTINO HAS ONE OF THE BEST VOICES I EVER HEARD. MR. MARTINO I SEEN IN DELAWARE AT THE THREE LITTLE BAKERS. AFTER THE SHOW HE WAS IN THE LOBBY SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS , HE STAYED THERE UNTILL EVERY ONE WAS TAKEN CARE OF. MAY GOD BLESS, REST IN PEACE..

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