Bebop Spoken There

Gary Bartz: ''Music is nature's gift to man. It's the only religion. We're living in a terrible era, but what a beautiful thing music is. Look how it brings us together like religion is supposed to; and with no language barriers.'' (Jazzwise September, 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

18878 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 742 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Sept. 4.) 21.

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

September.

Wed 09: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 09: Jam session @ The Tannery, Hexham. 7:00pm. Free.
Wed 09: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 09: 58 Jazz Collective @ Hartlepool Cricket Club. 7:30pm. £7.00.
Wed 09: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Wed 09: NONUNONU @ Elder Beer, Heaton, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £12.00. JNE. Excellent trio.

Thu 10: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 10: Jacenaite All Crew @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 10: Emma Rawicz INKYRA @ Glasshouse, Gateshead. 8:00pm. £22.30. Sage Two. Line-up: Emma Rawicz (sax); Scottie Thompson (piano, keyboards, synth); David Preston (guitar); Kevin Glasgow (bass guitar); Jack Thomas (drums).

Fri 11: Esther Bennett @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm. £10.00. Esther Bennett (vocals); Rick Laughlin (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass).
Fri 11: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 11: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 11: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 11: Ray Stubbs’ R&B All Stars @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm. £14.09 (inc. bf).

Sat 12: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Blacksmith’s Arms, Hartlepool. 1:30pm. Free. Open rehearsal.
Sat 12: Lindsay Hannon: Tom Waits for No Man @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm. £16.26 (inc. bf).

Sun 13: 58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00-3:00pm. Free.
Sun 13: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 13: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 13: King Bees @ Shape Patisserie, Darlington. 3:00pm. Free. Duo (Michael Littlefield & Scott Taylor). A Rhythm & Blues Fringe event. Blues excellence.
Sun 13: Alligator Gumbo @ The Cluny. 5:00pm. £17.15.; £11.43; £5.72.
Sun 13: Eternal Triangle + Andy Champion @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. JNE.

Mon 14: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 15: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Ben Lawrence, Paul Grainger, Bailey Rudd.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Charles and Friends @ The Black Horse, Boldon.

Charles Gordon (kbd), Ken Hewitt (ten/alt).
After the profoundness of the Profound Sound Trio I felt in need of something to sooth the savaged breast. The Black Horse at Boldon provided just such sanctuary.
Currently Charles Gordon holds court although he only had one friend tonight in the form of Ken Hewitt and a built in rhythm section.
It's predominantly jazz funk with such as "Watermelon Man", "Light My Fire", "Give Me The Night" seemingly the staple fair although they did do a few ballads such as "Nearness of You" and "My Funny Valentine". Because of the lack of a live drummer the formula works best in the funkier groove and both guys played some good stuff - Ken with a touch of the Grover Washington's and Charles in Herbie Hancock/Ramsey Lewis mode.
Having known them both from my days working in Newcastle's premier music store it was nice to hear them in situ and I enjoyed it.
At closing time I was invited to 'have a blow' - I suspect they wanted the bar cleared - and I fumbled my way around "Ain't Misbehavin" "Canteloupe Island" and "Green Onions".
Thanks guys.
Charles and Ken jam here every Thursday and sitters in are welcome.
The only problem is remembering the name of the pub as Boldon has a Grey Horse, a Black Horse, a Black Bull and a Red Lion and it is essential to co-ordinate the animals and the colours.
The Black Horse is the one on Rectory Bank and is run by former frontman of the Punk band the Toy Dolls, Pete Zulu (or is it Zulu Pete?) He is also a highly respected chef.
Lance.
PS: I've just counted - 3 gigs in one day no wonder I'm tired!

1 comment :

Charles said...

Hi Lance, what a tremendous blog you have, and thank you for the report on the gig last night. My hero is Herbie Hancock, so I am proud to have had recogonised some elements of his style.
I am really impressed with the format of your blog and the detail and care with which you write. Keep it up old son, and come and play with us any time.
Best wishes
Charles Gordon

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