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

18818 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 682 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Aug. 20) 51.

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

Wed 26: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 26: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 26: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 27: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 27: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. £6.50. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 27: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Thu 27: 58 Jazz Collective @ The Blacksmith’s Arms, Stranton, Hartlepool. 8:00pm. Free.
Thu 27: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00.

Fri 28: Graham Hardy Quartet @ The Gala, Durham. 1:00pm. £8.00.
Fri 28: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 28: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 28: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.

Sat 29: Brian Jackson @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 8:30pm (doors). £32.00.

Sun 30: Musicians Unlimited @ West Hartlepool RFC. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 30: Tango Jazz Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 31: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

September.

Tue 01: Customs House Big Band @ Masonic Hall, Ferryhill. 7:30pm. Free.
Tue 01: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, John Hirst.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Nick Pride and the Pimptones @ Queens Hall, Hexham

I’d listened to the Pimptones before, after listening to literally one minute I’d decided that they were a cool band, cool most certainly being the definitive word in this case. So when I arrived, sat down by the table next to them and saw Pride eating an omelette, I instantly decided that it was the coolest food ever. The band were on with the newest addition to their line-up, brand new trumpet player Keith Nicholson so I was looking forward to hearing what he’d bring.
As soon as they played their first few bars, I instantly knew I was going to be in for a treat. Straight away, bassist Ian Patterson and head man Nick Pride had visibly got into the groove starting with the funky number “Come and Get It”.
In the first two songs, the Pimptones had already shown off their variety, moving from funk to a very British 60’s jazz number. It wasn’t long before the technical talent was shown, sax/flute player Dave Wilde, trombonist Alex Leathard, and drummer Oscar Cassidy all showing off excellent abilities in their solos.
From the entire band, it truly was effortless musicianship the entire night. It was easy to see that they enjoyed playing together and they totally dispelled the stereotype of moody jazz bands. This just furthered their appeal, I wanted to get up and play a few riffs with them myself! Pride was an excellent leader, guiding the band through numerous complex arrangements and playing fantastically himself. I can’t say anything critical about the music for the night, though there was one technical thing that bothered me very slightly during the night; Pride’s vocals were very quiet compared to the band during the two or three songs that they played. Apart from this though, perfect.
As soon as they left the stage, there was raucous applause and calls for more from the audience, and they delivered, doing a brilliant cover of Britney Spears to finish. (The only non-original material of the night). All in all, a fantastic night of music, and a band I’d love to see again, perhaps in a standing venue next time!
Stuart Shevlin.

2 comments :

Lance said...

Thanks Stuart and welcome to Bebop Spoken Here.
Just one thing - you didn't give the date of the gig.

Stuart said...

Ah sorry bout that, the date was Saturday 28th November.

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