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Bebop Spoken There

Steve Coleman: ''If you don't keep learning, your mind slows down. Use it or lose it''. (DownBeat, January 2025).

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

17719 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 39 of them this year alone and, so far, 39 this month (Jan. 15).

From This Moment On ...

January 2025

Thu 16: Pete Tanton & the Cuban Heels @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Fri 17: Lindsay Hannon: Tom Waits for No Man @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. SOLD OUT!
Fri 17: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 17: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 17: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 17: Joe Steels Trio w. Graham Hardy @ The Pele, Corbridge. 7:00pm. £10.00. (inc. a welcome drink & table reservation). Book at: www.drinks@thepele.co.uk. A ‘Jazz at the Pele’ promotion.
Fri 17: Russ Morgan Quartet @ Traveller’s Rest, Darlington. 8:00pm. Opus 4 Jazz Club.
Fri 17: Redwell @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Sat 18: Abbie Finn Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 18: Alter Ego + Jamie Toms/Graham Don Duo @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 7:30pm. £15.00. at the door; £14.35. (inc £0.35 bf) online, in advance.
Sat 18: Tweed River Jazz Band @ Repas 7 by Night, West St., Berwick TD15 1AS. 7:30pm. Free. Album launch gig.
Sat 18: Delta Prophets @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Sun 19: Glenn Miller Orchestra UK @ Glasshouse, Gateshead. 3:00pm. ‘Glenn Miller & the Rat Pack Era’.
Sun 19: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 19: Spilt Milk @ St James’ STACK, Newcastle. 5:15-7:00pm. Free. Nolan Brothers (vocal harmonies).
Sun 19: Tenement Jazz Band @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 19: Nick Ross Orchestra @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 7:30pm.
Sun 19: Freight Train (Tobin/Noble/Clarvis) @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 20: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 21: ???

Wed 22: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 22: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Wed 22: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 22: Pasadena Roof Orchestra @ Fire Station, Sunderland. 7:30pm.

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

Saturday, February 26, 2011

I WENT TO CHURCH ON FRIDAY – TO HEAR THE JAZZ RASCALS

Jazz fans who weren’t at the Unitarian Church in Newcastle on Friday evening to hear Elaine Binney and the Jazz Rascals have missed an absolute treat. I wasn’t sure whether to pray or hum a tune as I entered the elegant early 20th century church (a listed building), but, along with about 80 other fans, I soon forgot about all that as this live album recording kicked off with Take 5. Guitar, drums and bass played rhythmically, punctuated by strong cuts across from Elaine’s violin to start this number. Elaine explained that this band was different; they relied more on melody rather than improvisation. All I can say is that what they did was really good to listen to, and exciting, with more improvisation than Elaine had suggested. Classically trained Elaine, very much the leader of the band, looked smart in black trousers and waistcoat, white blouse, and black and white trailing belt. The violin wore a matching long black and white streamer, very cool. Elaine gave us lively chat between numbers, mostly to exhort us to pre-order the album! Peter on guitar sang wonderfully freely on 4 of the pieces; the original Swan Like; Autumn Leaves; Stormy Weather (this version had effectively simplified words); and a very tender version of You Are So Beautiful. The band’s other original numbers were Jokers and Kings; Treaty of Trianon and January Blue. There was a very strong melodic feel, but with enough improvisation to add interest, four very capable musicians, led by the violin which was luscious, or tricky or jagged as necessary. Other standard items were Summertime; and Work Song; which was dedicated to all the nine to five workers.
After the actual recording ended, the band decided that we should have some relaxing fun, which we did with a lively upbeat version of Ain’t Misbehavin, with lovely call and response between the violin and the rest of the band. If I had a complaint it would be that I’d have liked numbers to last longer with longer solos, but I suppose this was due to the constraints of recording. There is to be a full concert when the album is released later in the year – I can’t wait! Ann Alex.

2 comments :

Lance said...

...and not forgetting bass and drums who were right on the money...

Unknown said...

I was there and have to say it was brilliant. I thought Elaine was excellent, but special mention must also be made for the band who were all exceptional. Big up the rascals and much love to J Bizzle, some killer fills and solos!

Rich...

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