Bebop Spoken There

Emma Rawicz: "In a couple of years I've gone from being a normal university student to suddenly being on international stages." DownBeat January 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

18246 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 100 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Jan. 31), 100

From This Moment On ...

JANUARY 2026

Wed 04: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 04: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 04: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 05: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject:Times of the Day & Trios.
Thu 05: Jeremy McMurray’s Pocket Jazz Orchestra @ Arc, Stockton. 8:00pm. Special guest Emma Wilson.
Thu 05: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 06: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 06: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 06: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 06: Durham Alumni Big Band & Saltburn Big Band @ Saltburn Theatre. 7:30pm. £12.00. Two big bands on stage together!
Fri 06: Nauta + Littlewood Trio @ Little Buildings, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Double bill + jam session.
Fri 06: FILM: Made in America @ Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Ornette Coleman.
Fri 06: Deep Six Blues @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 7:30pm.

Sat 07: The Big Easy @ St Augustine’s Parish Centre, Darlington. 12:30pm. £10.00. Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club.
Sat 07: Tees Bay Swing Band @ The Blacksmith’s Arms, Hartlepool. 1:30-3:30pm. Free. Open rehearsal.
Sat 07: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Red Lion, Earsdon. 8:00pm. £3.00.

Sun 08: Swing Tyne @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 12 noon (doors). Donations. Swing dance taster class (12:30pm) + Hot Club de Heaton (live performance). Non dancers welcome.
Sun 08: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 08: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 08: Gerry Richardson’s Big Idea @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 09: Mark Williams Trio @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm.
Mon 09: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 10: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

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

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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