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, April 01, 2011

Customs House Big Band @ The Customs House, South Shields.

Personnel as per usual 'cept Kevin Eland on trumpet for Ken de Vere and Tom of The Pimptones on second tenor.
The boys and girls blew up their usual storm kicking off with Buddy's Love for Sale - is there a band in the world that hasn't played this chart? Maybe not but I bet few do it as precise as the CHBB!
Kevin Eland impressed with his high note excursion on Gravy Waltz. Tom the Tenor also grooved on this one.
Ruth Lambert was in good voice as she ran through Time After Time, Come Fly With Me, At Last (ten stars for this one!) I Get a Kick Out of You, Lady Is a Tramp, World on a String, Valentine, Coffee and Ok You Win.
Jill Brett had some expertly crafted - albeit familiar - alto blasts. Jill has one of the best alto sounds around.
Elaine played clarinet on Woodchoppers and Alan grabbed most of the rest.
Apart from the high noters from Kevin Michael Lamb provided measured restraint in his trumpet outings.
It was enjoyable - even comfortable - and may they continue to promote big band jazz in South Shields.
Lance.
PS: Catch them for free on Tuesday at the New Crown Hotel, South Shields. Open rehearsal 7:30pm, concert with Ruth circa 8:30pm.

No comments :

Blog Archive