Bebop Spoken There

Dominick "Domo" Branch: ''Most people say drummers can't write, they're just time-keepers only beating on things. But I have a very musical brain.'' (DownBeat February, 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

18288 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 142 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Feb. 14), 42

From This Moment On ...

February

Thu 19: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: George Shearing Jazz Moments.

Fri 20: Alex Clarke w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. SOLD OUT! Clarke w. Dean Stockdale, Mick Shoulder, Abbie Finn.
Fri 20: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 20: Squabble @ Warkworth Memorial Hall. 7:00pm. Steve Chambers (organ); Jude Murphy (double bass, vocals); Sid White (drums).
Fri 20: Jive Aces @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 7:00pm (6:30pm doors).
Fri 20: Alex Clarke w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ Sunderland Minster. 7:30pm. Clarke w. Dean Stockdale, Mick Shoulder, Abbie Finn.

Sat 21: ???

Sun 22: Musicians Unlimited: Big Band Blast @ West Hartlepool RFC. 1:00-3:00pm . Free.
Sun 22: Joe Steels Group @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 3:00pm. A Blue Patch album tour.
Sun 22: More Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 22: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 22: Harben Kay Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 23: Joe Steels Group @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm. A Blue Patch album tour.
Mon 23: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 24: Finn-Keeble Group @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm. £11.00.
Tue 24: Liam Oliver & Shayo Oshodi @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 26: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £6.50.
Thu 26: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00 adv.
Thu 26: Mick Cantwell Band @ The Harbour View, Roker, Sunderland. 8:00pm. Blues.

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

Monday, October 03, 2011

New Century Ragtime Orchestra @ Ashington Leisure Centre Sept. 30

Financial support from  U.K. COAL enabled Ashington Jazz Club to engage the New Century Ragtime Orchestra for an evening in the Bothal Suite of Ashington Leisure Centre.
This unique occasion attracted a capacity audience who were treated to a fine selection of Ragtime Music from early 1900's to 1930's. 
The concert turned out to be of a very professional high standard not only in the music delivered but also by the musicians' appearances and the group presentation on stage resembling the styles of those dancing years.
Each item was duly introduced by Steve Andrews in his own personal and humorous style which encouraged much laughter in the audience as he linked melody to melody. He recounted brief anecdotes which gave the selections life and his historical Jazz information painted an interesting colourful background to the composers and musicians. 
The venue was ideally suited to the needs of the orchestra who delivered over twenty great pieces which were warmly acknowledged by an appreciative audience. 
The composition of the ensemble offered trombone, four saxes/clarinets, Trumpet, cornet,violin, sousaphone, drums, guitar, banjo, ukulele and keyboard all contributing passionately to the various arrangements which were
so realistic of the times. All were so good it would be unfair to comment on an individual for they were all playing a big part on this wonderful experience. In addition to the instruments two members doubled up on vocals and the realism of this evening was enhanced. Everyone worked vigorously during the evening and all should be proud to be part of this band who obviously go together with the arranger like gin and tonic (doubles).          
These competent musicians need no further comment from me and I urge you to look out for their concerts in the future. You will not be disappointed. Our thanks to UK.COAL for allowing this event to take place, a big thank you to the audience who attended, thanks to the Centre staff and to John Taylor who applied a lot of time and effort to bring this night together. Finally our gratitude and best wishes to  the Orchestra and members who gave a us a joyful evening to remember.
REMINDER THE NEXT ASHINGTION JAZZ CLUB MEET IS ON WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 5th AT THE ELEPHANT AT 8.30 P.M  DJANGOLOGIE
Photos.
See you there.
Peter S.

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