Bebop Spoken There

Donovan Haffner ('Best Newcomer' 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards): ''I got into jazz the first time I picked up a saxophone!" - Jazzwise Dec 25/Jan 26

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

18146 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 24 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Jan. 7), 24

From This Moment On ...

JANUARY 2026

Sat 10: Mark Toomey Quintet @ St Peter’s Church, Stockton-on-Tees. 7:30pm. £12.00. (inc. pie & peas). Tickets from: 07749 255038.

Sun 11: New ’58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: Eva Fox & the Sound Hounds @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 12: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 12: Saltburn Big Band @ Saltburn House Hotel. 7:00-9:00pm. Free.

Tue 13: Milne Glendinning Band @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm. £11.00. Coquetdale Jazz.
Tue 13: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Wed 14: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 14: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 14: Jam Session @ The Tannery, Hexham. 7:00pm. Free.
Wed 14: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 15: Mark Toomey Quartet @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm. Free. Quartet + guest Paul Donnelly (guitar).

Fri 16: Giles Strong Quartet @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. £8.00. SOLD OUT!
Fri 16: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 16: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 16: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 16: Darlington Big Band @ The Traveller’s Rest, Darlington. 8:00pm. Opus 4 Jazz Club.
Fri 16: Leeds City Stompers @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle. 9:00pm. 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

Friday, March 04, 2011

Maine St. Jazzmen @ Ashington Jazz Club

Ray Harley (tpt); Herbie Hudson (tmb/vcl/hca); Jim McBriarty (clt.sax/vcl); Colin Haikney (pno); Alan Rudd (bs); Mike Humble (dms); Olive Rudd (vcl).
The March meeting was a new chapter in the history of Ashington Jazz Club when a good audience welcomed The Maine Street Jazz Men and Olive, who have taken up a monthly residency at The Elephant. Over a quarter of a century ago, The River City Jazzmen occupied that role for a memorable 6 - 7 years.
We enjoyed an energetic and interesting musical evening from the very first number from this superb band.
Olive's contribution to the evenings entertainment was sadly restricted to three vocals as she was poorly but nevertheless her vocals pleased the company.
This versatile group could rely on Herbie and Jim to add their dulcet tones and Herbie the Harmonica is always a wonderful sound experience.
Instrumentally the group was well balanced and blended together like a good gin and tonic. The front line of Herbie, Ray and Jim moved between their improvised solos with ease while the back room rhythm section supported so well with an obvious bond and mutual respect.
Alan on bass and Mike on drums drove the music onward while Colin on keyboard danced effortlessly on the keys creating a pleasant blend.
A foot tapping evening and everyone went home happy. I feel sure the band appreciated the applause and will look forward to our next meeting on Wednesday, April 6th when guitarist Jim Birkett guests with the band. See you there.
Programme:- Rose Room. Sunnyside of the Street, Clarinet Marmalade, Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans, Gonno Get a Girl, I've Got Rhythm, Original Dixieland One Step, How Could You Leave me?, Stevedore Stomp, Ballin' the Jack, Mamas Gone Goodbye, Pete Kelly's Blues, Varsity Drag, Old fashioned Love, C Jam Blues and finally Bourbon Street Parade.
Peter S.

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