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

18383 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 247 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 17 ), 57

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

Mon 30: Gerry Richardson Quartet @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm.
Mon 30: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

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.

Friday, August 06, 2010

Keith Stephen's Hot Club Trio w. Steve Andrews @ Ashington Jazz Club - Take 2

Steve Andrews (ten/alt/clt.whistle), Keith Stephen (gtr/bjo), Roly Veitch (gtr/vcl), Bruce Rollo (bs.)
The large audience were disappointed to hear that Caroline, the vivacious and energetic vocalist, was unable to appear due to illness. Caroline has a face and energy which launches big smiles from our mature audience... However, the versatile and accomplished Steve Andrews, who was depping for Caroline won the admiration of the audience as the evening progressed. It was Steve's first visit to our venue and what an enjoyable evening we experienced.
The unit played together in a very spontaneous free and joyful style and each number and solo received a deserved reaction. From the very start we knew we were in for some good Jazz.
Steve's Penny Whistle was introduced - a first for this Club and a surprise. His saxes were heard frequently and the rendition of Stardust a delight.
The group played gypsy jazz with style - they are outstanding in this idiom. Roly introduced his own West Indian composition, Calypso Joe, which created a holiday atmosphere and as we all know Roly sings a good tune on Sweet Sue and I'm Confessin' in the Chet Baker style. As always he found the moment to introduce a traditional Geordie Song and one known in our area as the Happenny Woods at Bedlington. Several numbers created excitement, pacy rhythms and fast moving fingers. The combo gave a professional, delightful performance and all went home happy after an evening well spent.
Our thanks to Keith, Roly, Bruce and our special guest Steve from Cumbria for a great evening's entertainment. We shall see you at our Christmas meet.
Can't wait.
Peter S.
P.S Keith managed to use the banjo on the final number and his singing voice.

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