Happy New Year Folks

As 2011 draws to a close I ponder as to whether a year has ever passed so quickly?! Seems like only yesterday we were bemoaning the loss of gigs because of the weather. Today we seem to be losing them because of a "cold spell" in Arts Council funding. As a non-political person it ill-becomes me to comment except it must be bad when Vasilis Xenopoulos has to go to Greece for a gig! - or maybe it was a working holiday.

So, although I sympathise with those organisations who have had funding withdrawn, let us not forget those entrepreneurs who present our music with little or no help from the state.

I refer to men like Keith Crombie at the Jazz Café, Warren Thomson at Hoochie Coochie, Peter Wardle at the Cherry Tree, Roly Veitch at Blaydon, John Taylor at Ashington Jazz Club, Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Party, Ron and Joyce Pollard at Gateshead, Dave Weisser's Take it to the Bridge and the various pubs and clubs who give our local bands a platform to perform.

Now, more than ever, it is the time to support your local jazz venue so why not make it your New Year's Resolution to frequent a place near you. You may even enjoy it!

Happy New Year everyone.

Lance.

Saturday Night/Sunday Morning @ The Jazz Café

Keith's New Years Eve jam session for all of the bands/musicians who play/have played at the caff. Get along for a night of good company and jamming, or come after your gig. Beats looking for a party that will never happen or waiting in vain for something good to come on Jools Holland. Pass the invite on.

Paul Grainger (on Facebook).

"Goin' Home" (Earlier) with the Vieux Carré Jazzmen

To make life easier for those who have to 'leg it' for a last bus or Metro, I've decided to start and finish the sessions by the Vieux Carré Jazzmen half an hour earlier. Also, these revised times will allow the band members to have a couple of leisurely pints after the gig - it's what you call a 'win-win situation'. 

THE MILLSTONE 

Haddricks Mill Road, South Gosforth

8.30 - 10.30pm commencing Thursday 5 January 2012 

THE CORNER HOUSE 

Heaton Road, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne

8.30 - 10.30pm commencing Monday 9 January 2012 

Best wishes for the New Year, 

Brian

Best YouTube 2011 video

John Taylor has suggested that this Caro Emerald video is the best. Maybe - it's PDG and I love Caro Emerald (I wish!) What do you think?
Lance.
PS: Caro, along with Sandie Shaw and Buddy Greco, is on Jools tonight.

Gabriele Mit Drei Hoochie Coochie Thursday Dec. 29.

Gabriele Heller (vcl); Paul Beck (keys); Steve Glendinning (gtr); Dave Parker (bs).

 Another successful gig from this new band.  I hesitate to call them promising, because they’ve already fulfilled promises, with even more assurance than at their first gig a couple of months ago.  This time they faced the challenge of a noisy audience, especially from the back of the room, but they rose to the challenge well through sheer force of musicianship and the help of a kazoo!  Yes, in the fourth song (a Gabi original, Don’t Mess Around With Me) Gabi silenced the crowd at the back with an amazing jazz chorus on kazoo, and they made much less noise after that.  I suppose people are so used to hearing music as wallpaper nowadays that they don’t know when to really listen.

After a smooth instrumental to start, the songs that Gabi treated us to included All or Nothing at All (effectively beginning with bass and voice only); a sensitive Imagination; a stomping Old Devil Moon; Like Someone in Love (with scat, which I wouldn’t have expected in that song, but it worked.)  Later came a heartfelt Good Morning Heartache; and the more unexpected songs such as Falling in Love Again (in German with German (I think!) scat); the mathematical Inchworm; and a wonderful 8 bar blues, Come on in My Kitchen.

The band came up with lots of punchy solos, notably from Paul Beck on keys on Old Devil Moon, and a gutsy guitar on Come on in My Kitchen.

This gig had less of a cabaret feel than previous gigs, although Gabi was dressed for the part, with a long red coat and striped tights.  I’d have loved to hear a number such as Mack the Knife, but maybe the jazz cafe is a better setting for this style of song.

Here’s to the band’s next gig.

Photos.

Ann Alex

Tom Gilroy.

Whilst enjoying Gabi and co at Hoochie last night I met Tom Gilroy - a pianoman whose CV includes residencies at La Dolce Vita and Club 69 back in those "Get Carter" days when Newcastle had a thriving night club scene.

Actually, at Hoochie, that scene could be resurrected.... 

Tom was interesting to talk to and surely has a million memories of the local scene from back then to share. Must catch up with him again...

Lance.

PS: Review from gig will follow shortly..

R.I.P. Barbara Lea.

Although not the best known of singers Barbara Lea who died yesterday (December 28) was indeed one of the best - if you doubt me listen to her singing Hoagy's Baltimore Oriole (and dig the lyrical trumpet of Johnny Windhurst).

Back in 1956 Downbeat critics voted Barbara the most promising newcomer - she certainly lived up to that promise. Where Have You Been? (Great song, great singing and, again, great Windhurst.) Barbara Lea was 82.

Sadly missed.

Obituary. Lance.

Tonight @ Hoochie

Thursday night jazz returns to Hoochie Coochie tonight with up and coming new band Gabriele Mit Drei (Gabriele Heller (vcl); Paul Beck (pno); Dave Parker (bs); Steve Glendinning (gtr).) The band's first gig even brought them a mention among our Gig of the Year nominations which is no small achievement given the number of gigs that take place. I've seen and heard them since and can confirm that they are well worth catching tonight at Hoochie (54 Pilgrim St., Newcastle.) The name and the singer may be German but, rest assured, this ain't no Oompah Band! Lance.

Our Thoughts are With Dave Savill

Hi Lance, I enclose a copy of an email I have just received, which you may want to mention on the blog. You will remember Dave Savill as a trumpet player who came to San Sebastian with the Newcastle Big Band around 1970. A lovely guy who has lived for several years in the south Lakes and has played with me on and off for a long time. If anyone remembers him I'm sure he would appreciate their good wishes to the address shown.

Steve Andrews.

-----

There are a lot of people who are still unaware that trumpet player Dave is seriously ill and in a hospice. . He's  in St Mary's Hospice, Ford Park, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7JP. 

Although he gets very tired when visitors have called and it is not possible to visit him without phoning the hospice first, he would love to either read or have read to him, well wishing cards and messages.

Mike Lovell.

fred.burnett@btinternet.com. 

------ 

Steve, I was on that San Sebastion gig with Dave and we had a great time (as far as I can remember!) He's a lovely guy and both Ian Heslop and myself were disappointed not to see him when Mike Lovell's band played the Saville - little realising that he was in ill-health.

In the photo Dave is at the forefront sitting - I'm the tenor player standing directly behind.

Please pass on my sincerest best wishes to Dave.

Lance.
----- 

Dave Saville is a good all-rounder . Solid musically, great company and a good laugh . I wish  him great comfort and send my best wishes. Here attached is another pic from that trip. The band were largely topless due to the heat - Mercifully Solly remained fully clothed!

Regards

Andy Hudson.

Video clip.

One Morning in December

Wandered into one of our local charity shops - CD  "Dave Newton Meets Brian Lemon to play Hoagy Carmichael" - 99p!
"Keep the change", I said as I left for the more (less) serious shopping of the day.
Tell you what if this 1998 disc had been released in 2011 it would have been the one. Great players, great songs.
Lance.
PS: One Morning in May - what a song - Mel Tormé and Matt Monro also handled this one good! My wife tells me that Dave Weisser once sung it for her at Jim's Two Rooms way back when Jim had two rooms!

Jazz Esquires @ Porthole - Nowt as funny as folk!

Miles Watson (tpt/vcl/dms); Terry Dalton (tmb); Andy Lee (alt); Tony Winder (ten/sop/fl/clt); Roy Gibson (keys); Robin Douthwaite (gtr); Stan Nicholson (bs); Laurie Brown (dms/vcl/clt).

When enquiring if today's session was on - many have fallen by the wayside owing to the holiday season etc.- Miles assured me that the show would go on comparing it to The Windmill who didn't close during The Blitz. Of course the famous London Theatre had only The Luftwaffe to contend with. The Porthole was faced with an invasion of Folk Musicians and their camp followers who arrived armed with penny whistles, guitars, fiddles, mandolines, bodhrans, banjos, accordions, melodions and a few other weapons of mass destruction. I gave them a listen and I wasn't sure if they played a 100 choruses of 3 tunes or 3 choruses of a 100 tunes.

Scurrying back to the "Jazz Room" One O'Clock Jump marshalled Dad's Army a.k.a. the Jazz Esquires into a rearguard action and, by the time Laurie Brown had taken the final drum break we knew the invaders had been repelled and contained in the bar.

Miles chantez C'est Magnifique and blew trumpet like Buck (this damn keypad!). Tuxedo Junction, In a Mellowtone and a storming Tiger Rag were a few other memorable moments.

Andy blew nice pre-Parker alto, Tony had moments on tenor and Terry scored on trombone. It's a good band that straddles the line just north of Dixie thanks to some good arrangements. Teresa (pictured) belied her venerable years with a spritely I'm Confessin' and an evocative Sway.

Meanwhile, at the far end, the tune continued as fiddlers fell and were replaced seems like the whole world and their instruments were fighting to be in.

The Esquires just laid back and blew - Laurie even had a go at Moonglow on clarinet with Miles on drums.

If our Ann Alex had been here she'd have been worn out dashing from one room to the other!

Photos.
 Lance.
PS: For Ann (see comments) some Penny Whistle Jazz.

Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party 2012 Tickets Now Available.

Following the success of this year's Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party tickets are now on sale for the 2012 event held again at the four star Village Hotel (weekend of Oct. 26/ 27/28). Tickets are limited to 280 so it would seem to be a good idea to get in PDQ!
This, I'm informed from across the Atlantic, will be the last ever...
Details here.
Lance.

R.I.P. Sam Rivers

American tenorist (plus sop/flute/piano) died on Boxing Day aged 88. A musician capable of crossing most divides it is reported he left Miles Davis's band because "The music was too conservative!) He recorded with Andrew Hill on Blue Note as well as under his own name. A spell with Cecil Taylor followed by which time he was considered to be one of foremost avant garde players.

The link includes several examples of his playing.

http://funkmusicnews.wordpress.com/2011/12/26/rest-in-peace-sam-rivers/

Rest in Peace.

Lance.

Have Trombone Will Travel - Tommy Weatherley.

Our man in Hong Kong, that intrepid trumpet player, trombonist, band leader and jazz archivist Colin Aitchison, has collated 38 photos and memorabilia of trombonist Tommy Weatherley. Photos show Tommy with bands such as Teddy Foster, The Squadronaires, Jimmy Bence, Harry Bence, Ronnie Keene and Don Smith. 

Some photos were taken on board Cunard liners others at various ballrooms including the Oxford Galleries.

To view click here.

Lance.
PS: If anyone can add a few names please do.

Gig of the Year - so far.

As the year draws to a close I'm struck by the diversity of the bands nominated in our Gig of the Year feature. So much so that no one gig is a clear leader which just goes to show that our local promoters are providing a wide and varied program.

Those gigs which have got the slight edge are Greg Abate, The Paul Booth Organ Trio - both at the Corner House - The Tomasso Starace Quartet at The Chilli and Vasilis Xenopoulos at Blaydon.

Still time to make your own choices if you haven't already done so.

Lance.

How High The Moon?

Logging on to SHOUTcast, the site that collates all the jazz on-line radio stations, has been a positive delight this evening. Particularly the station Bebop - S K Y . F M - swinging to the sounds....Listening to Dexter Gordon, Sonny Criss, Serge Chaloff, Oscar Peterson, Red Rodney, Milt Jackson, Cannonball and countless others from my favoured idiom more than made up for the Val Doonican style sweater that Santa dropped down the chimney.

Check SHOUTcast out and this site in particular.

Lance.

PS: Honestly it's a really lovely sweater honey...

Tonight on Radio 3.

There is a 'gig' today - Christmas Day! Radio 3's Jazz Line-Up (11:00 pm) honours the late Michael Garrick who died in November with a session recorded earlier this month at the BBC's Maida Vale Studios featuring a performance of Garrick's Peter Pan jazz suite directed by his son Gabriel.

Russell.

Deirdre Cartwright & Kathy Dyson - All the Things You Are

We haven't run a "CD of the Year" poll but if we had I think Deirdre Cartwright and Kathy Dyson's Emily Remembered would have been high on my list. Their tribute to the late Emily Remler is as effective on disc as it was when they played the Side Café a couple of years back.

Lance.

Vieux Carré Jazzmen go AWOL!

There I was on King Street, camera at the ready, all keyed up to hear the VCJ adding to the Xmas festivities. Alas, I heard no banjo strumming and by rights I should have picked up on it 'round 'bout Tyne Dock. Disappointed(ish) I left King Street and drowned my sorrows in the Alum House.

Approaching the Metro an hour or so later I was informed that the VCJ had indeed been playing their unique brand of NOJ so how come I missed them? I don't know - perhaps they'd had a "coffee break".

Sorry guys - missing your King Street session is like waking up and finding Santa has gone to the wrong house!

Maybe next year.

Lance.

Christmas in Kowlooney

We'd Just like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2012.
From;
Colin, Mike and All The Gang At Ned Kelly's Last Stand, Hong Kong.
PS. As you can see by the photos we are in the festive spirit.

Congrats Mark Cavendish!

Nothing to do with Jazz but, as a cycling enthusiast, to me Mark Cavendish winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year was akin to say Brass Jaw being awarded the Mercury Prize or Jack Vettriano the Turner Prize!.
Lance.

Christine Tobin - Tapestry Unravelled, The Sage, Gateshead, Dec. 22.

Christine Tobin (vcl); Liam Noble (pno).

This was a really enjoyable Hall Two gig from the strong, sweet voice of Christine Tobin and the talented Liam Noble.  Carol King’s 1971 Tapestry album was celebrated lovingly, with most of the original songs performed in a more jazzy style, with some excellent piano solos.  Someone commented on Tobin's dress - blue with a golden pattern which may have been tapestry-type shapes – I was too far from the stage to see.

Notable songs included the haunting Home Again; the very positive Beautiful (dedicated to Tobin’s late sister who introduced Tobin to the Tapestry album); the spiritual-like Way Over Yonder with a lovely bluesy piano solo; and So Far Away, where Liam Noble somehow made the piano portray distance and space and what I can only call ‘farawayness’.  Then there was a heartfelt Natural Woman and Smackwater Jack, done as a funky piano piece.

Less successful, at least to my ears, were the 3 songs which were not from Tapestry.  First there was a Yeats poem set to music which would have been better left as a poem.  Next came a Brazilian song which I’d classify as world music, which was ok in parts.  For the encore Tobin did a song of her own which was good but not particularly striking.  Like many people of a certain age, the Tapestry songs brought back memories of my younger days, so it’s quite difficult to listen to newer versions of the songs, but it was an enjoyable evening anyway.

Ann Alexander

Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ The Millstone

Brian Bennett (banjo & vocals), Fred Rowe (trumpet & vocals), Barry Soulsby (clarinet & vocals), Lawrence McBriarty (trombone), Brian Sibbald (double bass) & Fred Thompsom (drums & vocals)

The Millstone in South Gosforth has a renewed commitment to real ale and with the recent opening of the upstairs function room (latterly occupied by pigeons) it didn't take long for the entrepreneurial Brian Bennett to realise the potential for establishing a regular jazz gig in the area. 

The Vieux Carré Jazzmen's regulars have followed the band and on this occasion it was Christmas party time. A host of tunes - jazz and the popular song of the day -  were despatched in good humour amidst the merriment and pints of this and that. When You Wore a Tulip, By the Beautiful Sea (Fred Rowe vocal) and Duke's Saratoga Swing (feat. Rowe and trombone man Lawrence McBriarty) went down well as did a pint of the Jarrow Brewery's Rivet Catcher. The set list was a real gumbo and Hank Williams' Jambalaya served to prove the point. Some of These Days (strong trumpet from Rowe) and When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam continued the Dixieland feel until MC Bennett surprised (horrified?) his band mates as he handed out a job-lot of Santa hats (origin South Shields' market?). They went along with it, donning the quality merchandise, perhaps fearing that refusing to do so would see them being fired on the spot, season of goodwill or not! The inevitable Jingle Bells (yes, I will mention it Mr.B!) provided the first opportunity for (compulsory?) audience participation. As we sang along some of us went down to the bar for a much needed seasonal/medicinal drink. Rivet Catcher had been seen off (not all of it by me), so it was with great delight that the hard to find draught Bass was on the bar. I ordered a pint. The barmaid said: That's £2.45.please. I said: £2.45! I'll have two! What a bargain. 

Climbing the stairs once more to find Barry Soulsby and Fred Thompson in vocal harmony on I Get the Blues When it Rains restored order to the proceedings only to be followed by the outrageous Fanlight Fanny. A George Formby 'classic', veteran Fred Rowe positively revelled in vocal devilment. Jelly Roll Morton featured before the night was done and Bennett and Co. sent us on our way with Goin' Home. This was a good night in a good pub, on a bus route into town and close to South Gosforth Metro station. Should you be one for making resolutions then resolve to get along, if not next week, then in the new year. Admission is free, the beers are tip-top and you can't go wrong with the Vieux Carré for a 'canny night out'.

Russell

Christmas Jazz at Rosie Malone's.

Joe Errington (tpt/vcl); Herbie Hudson (tmb/hca/vcl); Jim McBriarty (clt/sop/vcl); Mike Bird (clt); George Richardson (pno); Alan Rudd (bs); Mike Humble (dms); Olive Rudd (vcl)..

Plus Mike Bird and the Fledglings. Mike (clt); Emma (euph/alt); Alexander and William (cor.)

This was quite a memorable afternoon and not least because I won a Xmas tea towel in the raffle - delete 'not'! Joe Errington was in town from Denmark, Mike Bird and his musical family flew in from Wakefield and the room was crowded. The ambiance was good and it was nice to hear ex River City Jazzman/Papa Bue trumpeter Joe punching out that New Orleans style lead. Herbie and Joe ignited a few sparks off each other with Jimmy Mac filling in the cracks. 

George Richardson is near perfect on piano - even when he switches to vibes or banjo mode he manages to produce the characteristics of those instruments so much so that you are wondering how they managed to hide a set of vibes on such a small stage!

Olive looked good and sounded great on Some of These Days and Doctor Jazz to mention but a couple.

Earlier, walking up King Street, I heard what at first sounded like the Salvation Army playing carols. This wasn't no army but Mike Bird, his good lady Emma and their children William and Alexander doing a spot of street entertainment. Later on they played an intermission carol set before returning later to blow Satin Doll and Jazz Me Blues.

A stomping afternoon.

Photos.

Lance.

Splinter @ The Bridge - Impressions

Merry Christmas to you and all the 'Bebop Spoken Here' followers and I hope to see you in the New Year. Jan 8th Ruth Lambert (plug!)

Adrian T.

Splinter @ The Bridge.
PS: Splinter & The Bridge?

Take it to The Bridge Xmas Party. The Chillingham, Heaton.

Dave Weisser (Fluglehorn/Vocals/Percussion), Kevin Eland (Trumpet), Paul Edis (Alto Sax/Clarinet), Jeff Smith (Tenor Sax) Barry Ashcroft/Harley Johnson (Keys), Lloyd Wright (Guitar), Ivan Scutt/Jonathan Proud (5 string bass) and David Francis/Michael Howard (Drums).

 Repertoire included Secret Love, On Green Dolphin Street, Straight No Chaser and Alice in Wonderland. Solos were elegant and imaginative at times, particularly from the Legohead team. Audience numbers were reasonable and there was plenty of Dave's infamous apple cake to pass around.

Harley.

Gig of the Year time.

Now's The Time to let us know the gigs you have enjoyed most this year. Because of the impossibility of rating one above all others - a bit like not getting married some might say - perhaps a ceiling of 3 gigs.

I look forward to reading your choices. you can either enter them here as a comment or email me direct at lanceliddle@gmail.com.

Lance.

PS: See comments for complete listings to date. Don't forget there are still more to come so don't delay and send your choice(s) now.

Lickety Split on The Concourse @ The Sage.

Eddie Bellis (tmb); John Hudson (ten); Alan Marshall (alt); Kevin Eland (tpt); Bill Brittan (pno); Alan Rudd (bs gtr); Roy Willis (gtr);  Paul Wight (dms).

Eddie Bellis can frequently be seen at The Sage selling icecream, cd's etc. you name it Eddie has sold it. However, tonight he was moonlighting at the same venue with his new band Lickety Split.

I'd heard good reports about the band and I'm pleased to say they weren't unfounded.

First impression was of 1950's West Coast reminiscent of the old Shorty Rogers sides.

Things moved up a gear with Four announced as a Miles tribute but Eland's solo wasn't Miles it was Fats Navarro and that is fine by me!

Marshall, on alto, had a Bud Shank/early Art sound whilst Hudson blew some nice boppy tenor.

Eland came to the fore again on Midnight Oil - a L'il Darlin' clone - that was as smooth and delicious as the title indicated.

Bellis nodded towards the season with a few Christmassy things including an inovative Silent Night, White Christmas and the final Have Yourself a Merry Little Xmas which was a sumptuous arrangement that made for a nice finish.

It was a good gig although I would guess this wasn't the ideal setting. Still they are pros's and did a good job.

It wasn't the Gig of the Year by a country mile but it was still very enjoyable and I look forward to catching them again.

Photos.

Lance.

Tonight Two gigs for a Quid.

Xmas may be almost upon us but Santa has come early for jazz fans.

Tonight that great new band, Lickety Split play on the Concourse at The Sage, Gateshead. It is free and they give the down beat at 6:00pm.

I have yet to hear them although everyone who has done raves about the band so give it a shot.

The early start means you also have time to hot foot over to The Chilli on Chillingham Road, Heaton for the annual Xmas Party by the Take It To The Bridge outfit. Admission is but one pound sterling. I understand tenor player Doug is ill and unable to make it so I'm sure Dave will find an adequate replacement - Paul Gowland perhaps?.

So there you have it - 2 gigs for £1 with the added attraction of, possibly, some of Dave's legendary applecake.

Alternatively you could fork out £34.50 for Jools Holland at the City Hall.

Lance.

Gig of the Year Update

Just a reminder that there are those out there who have yet to submit their Gig of the Year nominations. I'm not going to name names but I know who you are and You know who you are (song title in there somewhere.)

So please put on those last minute thinking caps and add your comments via this link.

Lance.

Stan Tracey Quartet @ The Sage. Dec.19.

Stan Tracey (piano), Simon Allen (alto & tenor saxophones), Andy Cleyndert (double bass) & Clark Tracey (drums) + Ben Tracey (narration)

Reviewing Sunday's storming session at the Bridge Hotel, Bebop Spoken Here's Main Man - LL - suggested that Stan Tracey would have to play like he's never played before at The Sage the following night to win the accolade of 'Gig of the Year'. LL said all bets were off. Well, he should have put his money on Stan the Man. This was gig of the year!

A good turn-out in Hall Two greeted the Great Man and his Merry Men. Tracey introduced the band and in so doing said he would leave the stage temporarily during the first number not because of his bladder rather his memory - he had left his sheet music back stage! The first tune - Triple Celebration - most recently recorded on the apposite CD Senior Moment was but one of many gems mined from the Tracey back catalogue during the first set. Rocky Mount followed, then Duffy's Circus. The quartet's standard of musicianship could not be bettered. The tunes swung mightily, Simon Allen played great tenor then even better alto. Hearing Andy Cleyndert again served as a reminder of just how good a player he is.

Clark Tracey and Cleyndert have been the rhythm section for years and years and it showed; smiles, a nod of approval, the appreciation mutual. Tracey Snr played more piano on this gig than in a long time. He was in Monk mode, right foot tapping out the rhythm at a rate of knots. What a first set!

Stan's grandson Ben Tracey joined the quartet for the second set as narrator of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas. This jazz suite, the first music Tracey had written in years, recalled Under Milk Wood. Comparisons were inevitable and perhaps against expectation any such comparisons were most favourable. Ben Tracey, at twenty two years of age, is a star in the making. He cut a figure right out of PG Wodehouse or perhaps that of a young Stephen Fry. One could imagine him as an intern working under the tutelage of Ian Hislop in the office of Private Eye. His delivery of Thomas' words was simply immaculate. Words and music integrated wonderfully; Allen opted to play alto throughout the piece, Cleyndert laid down one of the great solos of all time (not for the first time) and Tracey Jnr (that's drummer Clark) played like he knows he's good (and he is).

The year has brought us many fantastic gigs here in the north east. Stan Tracey at The Sage topped the lot. Stan Tracey celebrates his birthday next week - Friday 30th - in concert in Umbria, Italy. How good is that?

Russell 

The Blossoming Kylie

It isn't often Kylie Minogue pops up on this site however, today she is here with good reason for on Thursday - on Radio 2 at 22:00 hours (10pm in civilian time) - Kylie presents an hour length program on the late Blossom Dearie.

Details.

Thanks to John Taylor for this info.

Lance.
iplayer.

Tim Garland, Jim Mullen, Andy Champion and Adrian Tilbrook @ The Bridge.

Tim Garland (ten/sop); Jim Mullen (gtr); Andy Champion (bs); Adrian Tilbrook (dms).

GIG OF THE YEAR? For me all bets are off - this was it! Never have so many enthusiasts been crammed into the small confines of the Bridge Hotel for a Splinter gig and justifiably so. Such was the ambiance created between band and listener that I didn't allow myself to ponder the question as to where were you all the rest of the year?

From the opening Invitation to the closing Caravan we were treat to virtuoso playing by all four participants. None of the "and now here is another composition of mine..." syndrome but instead straight down the middle tried and tested tunes that never stopped swinging.

In a Sentimental Mood had been played earlier by Pete Gilligan at the Jazz Café but this was something else again and this is no reflection on Pete.

Jim Mullen is such a melodic player I could wallow in his lyricism for eternity yet when the chips are down he can put the boot in as hard as anyone.

Tim Garland, bobbing and weaving like a fighter preparing to land the killer punch, took the tenor on a wild journey that had many deviant variations yet never lost its way.
Andy and Adrian - homegrown talent - were far from outshone and contributed on an equal basis with the visitors to make this such a memorable evening. Imagine if they'd had a rehearsal!
To top this, Stan Tracey at The Sage tomorrow (Monday Dec. 19) is going to have to play like he's never played before and on Thursday, also at The Sage, Christine Tobin too is going to have it all to do. But who knows what yet may happen before the year is over.
Photos.
Lance.

Etta James - the sad news.

Doctors have released the sad news that soul/blues singer Etta James has been diagnosed as terminally ill with chronic Leukaemia. It was just last month I reviewefd her final studio recording The Dreamer, little realising the underlying tragedy beneath it all. May you find peace you were a musical inspiration to many.

Report and recording of At Last. 

Lance.

Tough choices on Sunday and I don't mean beef or (Michael?) lamb.

Tomorrow it is all happening - unfortunately most of it at the same time!

The Jazz Café Jam gets later and later in kicking off so I would guess that no sooner has it started than it will be time for Jambone to stomp off at The Sage but, across the river at The Bridge, Tim Garland, Jim Mullin, Andy Champion and some chap called Tilbrook on drums will be preparing to wassail!

To complicate matters further, The Strictly Smokin' Big Band are over at Cluny 2 performing a Xmas Suite by no less a maestro than Claude Werner.

I want to go to them all but I guess the saying that "I want never gets" is going to be true  on Sunday!

Maybe you guys should get round a table and say, "Let's coordinate things..."

But of course this is music, it's jazz...

Lance.

R.I.P. Bob Brookmeyer.

Three days before his 82nd birthday, Roberta Gamberini has broken the news on Facebook of the death of Bob Brookmeyer earlier today (Dec. 16).

Arguably jazz's finest valve trombone player he was also a capable pianist and a very fine composer and arranger frequently associated with Gerry Mulligan. Brookmeyer also recorded with Stan Getz, Clark Terry and countless others including this live duo track with Jim Hall on guitar.

Sadly missed - he was one of the greats.
Obituary.

Lance.

30's Jazz

YouTube classics from the 1930's - 30's Jazz.

Lance.

Zoe Gilby Quartet @ Hoochie Coochie Dec. 15

Zoe Gilby (vcl); Mark Williams (gtr); Andy Champion (bs); Richard Brown (dms).

An office party had been celebrating all day - the volume of noise was akin to that at the Leazes End at St. James' Park - or whatever they call it now - after Newcastle had scored the winning goal.

Zoe faced a daunting task!

The start was delayed but the decibels increased until it was a case of "The Show Must Go On"

And go on it did - and how!

Zoe didn't silence them but she won their applause with All or Nothing at All and from then on it was immaculate interpretations from her ever increasing songbook.

I'm Always Drunk in San Francisco (how appropriate re the audience!); You'd Be so Nice to Come Home to; You Turned the Tables on me; One Note Samba; Straighten up and Fly Right and Travellin' Blues made for a scintillating first set and by the third number I hardly noticed the crowd noises. Zoe was in great voice and Mark, Andy and Richard (One Note Samba - phew!) were with her all the way.

Because of the late start I had to leave before the end but I stayed long enough to enjoy I Thought About You; On The Edge; I'm Beginning to see the Light/When Lights Are Low; Beautiful Love; Waters of March and Comes Love.

Quite a night!

Photos.

Lance.

Lickety Split & Take it to the Bridge @ The Chilli. December 14th

Lickety Split: Eddie Bellis (trombone), John Hudson (tenor saxophone), Alan Marshall (alto saxophone), Kevin Eland (trumpet), Bill Brittan (keyboards), Alan Rudd (electric bass), Roy Wills (guitar) & Paul Wight (drums) 

Eddie Bellis' Lickety Split made a return visit to the Chillingham following a most successful debut performance in October. Blues Walkopened the set with trumpeter Kevin Eland setting the bar at near unscalable heights. Jim Martin's Don't Take the B Train and a Ray Chester arrangement of Alan Hare's Lift Off (the latter featuring bandleader Eddie Bellis on trombone and John Hudson on tenor) maintained the high standard. Miles Davis' So What introduced altoist Alan Marshall as bassist Alan Rudd did the business with the now familiar hypnotic bass line. Marshall featured on Four, as did the veteran Bill Brittain (piano). Solos were plentiful on Monk's Well You Needn't and an encore was demanded (and won) by an appreciative audience. Zoot' Sims' Red Door closed the door on another polished set by Lickety Split.

 Take it to the Bridge: Dave Weisser (trumpet, flugehorn & vocals), Barry Ascroft (keyboards), Dougie Fielder (tenor saxophone), Paul Wight (drums) + first set Alan Rudd (electric bass) 

 Dave Weisser's Merry Men (seasonal reference) played two short sets either side of Lickety Split; Wayne Shorter's Lester Left Townfeatured regular tenor man Dougie Fielder, Duke Pearson's Chant wrought solos from Fielder, Weisser (flugel and vocals). Gerry Mulligan'sFive Brothers put the spotlight on Ascroft and an all too brief highlight came from a seemingly unlikely source - a vocal duet between Weisser and drummer Paul Wight on It Had to Be You. Extra rations to Wight - he played all three sets without a break. He is a great fit in Bellis' band and there is another chance to hear them next Wednesday (December 21st) at the Sage, Gateshead (6:00 pm on the concourse - admission free). Take it to the Bridge's Christmas party follows at the Chillingham (8:30 pm, £1.00 admission) and you never know who will show. Yo Ho Ho!

 Russell 

Maine Street Jazzmen @ Rosie Malone's

Olive Rudd (vcl); Herbie Hudson (tmb/hca/vcl); Jim McBriarty (alt/clt/vcl); George Richardson (pno); Alan Rudd (bs); Mike Humble (dms).

Christmas spirit was in the air as Herbie sent his vocal letter to Santa  - I Want A Little Girl (or a big one!). Herbie had foresaken his trusty Bb/F trombone for the standard Bb model (with copper bell) - he still blew well although on one number, I've forgotten which, he couldn't quite reach the bass note wanted to finish on.

Olive was in good voice particularly on I Wish I could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate and, to the delight of one of the more extrovert regulars, Back in your Own Backyard.

Jim sang Avalon as well as blowing some excellent Goodmanesque clarinet. Mike Humble does amazing things on his minimalist kit whilst George Richardson ensures the Shearing sound lives on. Alan ensures the ship isn't "Rudderless".

Christmas cards were distributed and raffles were won by others.

Next week Mike Humble and family will be playing carols during the intermission as well as blowing some jazz.

Lance.

Mingus on Mingus Update

I know Valeria has been the one to be in touch with you all while her

and I worked side by side this month. I wanted to let you know how

moved I am by your openness to support this project.  I could not

think of a more fitting context under which to present Mingus on

Mingus than that of the dedication, love and drive you have for this

music.

Your posts have connected us to a community which is now in support of

the project.

We have 3 DAYS LEFT and I graciously ask you for one last push. We

need you to reach out once more to let folks know we are in THE FINAL

PUSH! Please let your readers know how far we have come, what we have

accomplished together and the bit we need to go.

Thank you very much
Kevin Ellington Mingus
http://kck.st/vCCn8N

Radio Jazz Online

It's amazing just how many jazz radio stations there are on-line. The site Shoutcast lists pages of them. To give you a hint as to whether you're going to like a particular station they list the name of the last disc played which is a good guide as to whether it is worth pursuing.

Lance.
Link to Jazz FM.

Highlights Of The Ned Kelly's Christmas Big Band Bash 2011. From Colin, Our Man in Hong Kong,

Lindsay Hannon Plus @ The Cherry Tree

Lindsay Hannon (vcl); Alan Law (pno); John Pope (bs); Mark Robertson (dms).

Opening up with a somewhat restrained Stomping at the Savoy followed by a cool, laid back, The End of a Love Affair - re-phrased almost re-written - Lindsay then took the band up a gear for Blue Monk. This was the first time I'd heard a vocal version of Monk's famous composition and I hope it won't be the last. Likewise my Atlantic Prawn and Crayfish Cocktail and Whisky Marie Rose.

Out of consideration for the diners this first set was quite low key. Unfortunately, some of the diners didn't show the same consideration which made the slower, more tender numbers, not always easy to hear. And while we're talking tender my Eight Hour Confit of Pork with Spiced Red Cabbage and Sour Cherries was the tenderest, most succulent cut of pork I have ever tasted! Last week's turkey was good but this was sensational - in France the chef would be made a member of la Légion d'honneur for a dish like this! And a dish like Lindsay would surely join that exclusive club for her renditions of Why Try To Change Me Now? Blue Motel Room, In Walked Bud and Harold Arlen's So Long Big Time.

But Beautiful, Stormy Weather, Lullaby of Birdland and, to finish, an up tempo Long Ago and Far Away.

Which went nicely with my Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce. 

Alan Law, as ever, was a tower of strength soloing and 'comping whilst John Pope and Mark Robertson kept the engine room ticking over.

This was a class act in a class place all that is needed is an audience mute!

Lance.

Tonight @ The Cherry Tree.

Tonight at The Cherry Tree Restaurant, 9 Osborne Rd., Jesmond (0191 2399924), The featured band is Lindsay Hannon Plus. Those who caught the band at Hoochie on Thursday will know that the diners are in for a treat tonight - apart from the superb Christmas Fayre menu which is a treat in itself. Combining the two ingredients is the recipe  for a mouthwatering evening.

Music starts 7:30/7:45pm.

See you there.

Lance.

Friday Night is Tony Bennett Night on BBC4.

BBC 4 Friday Dec 16, 9:00pm.The truly legendary American singer celebrates his 85th birthday in fine style, with a special concert at the historic London Palladium. Accompanied by his quartet, Tony Bennett moves effortlessly through a repertoire spanning 60 years, with songs such as Steppin' Out With My Baby, The Good Life, Smile and his favourite, I Left My Heart In San Francisco. He is joined for two unique duets, by stellar British singers Cleo Laine and Leona Lewis.

BBC4 Friday Dec 16, 10:00pm. Tony Bennett celebrated turning 80 in 2006 with this television special created and directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha). In this 'docu-musical', the viewer is taken on a musical journey of Tony's life via a re-creation of the seminal venues of his career. From 52nd Street swing clubs to the Columbia recording studios where he first recorded, from the classic TV studios of the 60s to the Rat Pack's Las Vegas stage and from Carnegie Hall to his triumphant performance on MTV Unplugged, Tony is paired with some of today's greatest artists to perform duets of his greatest hits, including Barbra Streisand, Elton John, John Legend and Christina Aguilera.

These performances are seamlessly woven throughout with narratives by Billy Crystal, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Robert De Niro.

----- 

Thanks to Liz for forwarding the above details. 

They are also repeated in the Wee small hours hours.

Lance.

ASHINGTON JAZZ CLUB CHRITMAS PARTY NIGHT AT THE ELEPHANT.

Guest Group – Gypsy Jazz with Keith Stephen and Roly Veitch (Guitars); Bruce Rollo (Bass); Caroline Irwin (Vocals) 

Christmas came early at the AJC on Wednesday, December  7^th.,  for as we drove up to the Elephant Pub I could have sworn that a star shone brightly down upon the impressive dome of the Jazz Temple known to us affectionately as The Elephant.  It was obvious immediately that a good crowd of fans and friends had made the effort to travel from far away to be there on this special evening. They had all come to witness the arrival on stage of the three wise musicians of Gypsy Jazz supporting the Newbiggin singing Angel bringing  beautiful Jazz ballads to our celebration. We would not be disappointed for a programme of twenty one melodies were performed during this exceptional evening. 

Since the group was formed the quality has improved as the members have understanding of each others professional abilities producing a delightful sound with exquisite taste which blend together like Christmas Pudding and rum sauce. Keith and Roly exchange rhythm sections and solo improvisations like the gear box of a Formula 1 performance car.  Bruce on Bass is incredible at times giving the impression of two instruments bass and drums. How does he achieve that wonderful combination? The repertoire has been extended with the developing arrangements of the guitars and this was elegantly seen throughout the comprehensive programme. 

It must be very satisfying for Caroline to be working so well out front and she too is developing in stage presence with a voice maturing with each performance. She enjoys singing before an appreciative audience and is an accomplished performer for one so young. Her confidence grows and her rapport with her audience is excellent. Singing on more than half the numbers Caroline introduced a taste of seasonal lyrics with Winter Wonderland and Santa Baby, Cuckoo (in French) and a very pacey Happy as the day is long. I don’t know anyone who can sing as quick without stumbling. 

There were other numbers more romantic and smooth included throughout the evening.  Roly sings well and gave us All of Me and Honeysuckle Rose and also made time for his own composition Calypso Jim. Keith and he offered a superb interpretation of Stardust – brilliant. There was almost too many to list here but we got more than our monies worth. One item which must not be forgotten was Caroline’s recitation of an instant poem composed by herself earlier in the evening. So now you know this versatile lady is also a poet and not many people know it. 

 As the happy audience left the building Caroline was overheard saying to Keith, “I told you the room would be full this Christmas evening. We should have gone to the Holiday Inn.”  (not true)

But as I left the Elephant and looked up into the Heavens the bright star had definitely moved South in the direction of Blaydon or maybe Low Fell. That does not need an explanation for Jazz Fans.

Finally on behalf of Ashington Jazz Club may I thank all those who have supported throughout 2011 and a big thank you to John Taylor for making this possible. Thanks to Lance Liddle for posting the reviews and pics and to Elephant management for the encouragement. The Club owes much to all musicians and band groups who have willing performed for us and made our lives the better for the music they create.  May you all have a wonderful Christmas wherever you are and may 2012 bring everything you could wish for yourselves and families.

REMINDER  The Club will resume in the New Year after a Winter break on the first Wednesday in MARCH 2012. See you there.

Peter S.    

Info wanted on Teddy Warren and Newcastle's Paramount Jazz Band

My wife and I  (we are both in our 70's)  are seeking information on her father's  band  The Paramount Jazz Band who were based in Newcastle during the 1940's. His name was Teddy Warren who died in  1963. She has happy memories of musical nights with various musicians who came to the house, perhaps you know of anyone that may help. 

PG3 @ The Aletaster, Low Fell

There aren't may jazz pianists around who swing like Pete Gilligan, guitarists who create like Mark Williams and nor are there many bass players who can hold a band sans drummer together like Paul Grainger. This might lead you to believe it was a recipe for success. 

Not in Low Fell!

Sadly, the denizens of the Lower of the Fells did not turn out in their droves in fact they hardly turned out at all.

By staying in to watch the X-Factor Final they missed the best version of Bernie's Tune this side of Gerry Mulligan, All Blues, Senor Blues and Autumn Leaves before intermission.

Refreshed, the Trio came back and gave us Beautiful Love, Whisper Not, In a Sentimental Mood, and a Blues in F - Should have been  called Blues in LF!

The music was great, the ale 'Real' but, alas, the people few.

Lance.

Mine's Santa Baby what's yours?

What's your favourite Christmas Song? I kinda like Santa Baby although the MJQ's God Rest You Merry Gentlemen isn't bad either.
Interesting to hear what others think.
Lance.
PS: Ann - here's a jazz(ish) version of Bleak Midwinter.

Clark Terry undergoes surgery.

That great trumpet player Clark Terry, at the age of 91 (on Dec. 14) has successfully coped with a leg amputation. We wish him the very best and refer you to this message from Gwen Terry on the Clark Terry website.

One of my favourite memories is of listening to the Clark Terry Big Band at the San Sebastian Jazz Festival in 1972.

It was an open air concert in the city square. Although raining heavily the crowd stayed (The band was under cover) and must have surely, like Charlie Carmichael, myself and legendary French jazz critic Hughes Panassie considered this as a contender for the 'Gig of a Lifetime'! M.Panassie wasn't actually with Charlie and I but sitting at a nearby table under a huge umbrella with a glass of wine - we were on Bacardi.

It was quite a band and included Jimmy Heath on tenor, Richard Williams alongside Clark on trumpet, Horace Parlan on piano - who I got to talk to at a pre concert reception the previous afternoon - and Grady Tate on drums. This was an amazing band.

Apart from this there were the memories of hearing Clark with Ellington at Newcastle Odeon and later at the North Sea Festival in Den Haag. 

Best wishes Clark we love you.

Lance.

Jazz Child: The Story of Sheila Jordan

Sheila Jordan is one of the vocal icons of jazz. As music critic Robert Palmer raved in The New York Times, “Her ballad performances are simply beyond the emotional and expressive capabilities of most other vocalists.” 

As a jazz vocalist and colleague of Sheila, Ellen Johnson brings her own professional expertise through the organization of the book and her knowledge of the specific subject matter, which reaches out to both the music community and the general public. Bringing Sheila Jordan’s message to the world through this book has been her goal and passion, cumulating in research for the last six years. She emerged on the jazz scene during the beginning of the bebop era, created as a revolt against restrictions on creative freedom. Her mentor and best friend, one of the most prominent artists and the main musical founder of bebop, was alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. Through her devotion to Parker, Jordan etched out a niche in the jazz world, becoming the first jazz singer to record on Blue Note Records (Portrait of Sheila, 1962). She was Lennie Tristano’s most celebrated jazz student, the only singer George Russell ever arranged for, the innovator of bass and voice duets (her very first with bassist Charles Mingus), and one of the precursors to free jazz singing. Her story, told here for the first time, is rich with depth, humor, and honesty. 

Besides its historic content, this book is both a narrative and the memoir of a courageous woman who battled against racism during the 1950s, raised a biracial daughter alone, and made a successful recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. At eighty-two, Sheila has an indomitable spirit; her faith in the music she dedicated her life to continues to be heard as she travels around the world, “carrying the message” through graciously paying homage to the great jazz artists she personally knew, singing songs about Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lennie Tristano, Don Cherry, Thelonious Monk, and, of course, Charlie Parker.

Having made twenty-three solo recordings and thirty-five as a guest artist, Sheila Jordan can be heard daily on jazz stations throughout the world. She is known to be the most highly respected of jazz singers and educators, with a large following of professional singers, musicians, and students whom she has mentored over the years. She is always in demand internationally for conferences, jazz festivals, high-profile concerts, and jazz education workshops.

----- 

Taken from Facebook this is one book I must read and I think anyone who heard Sheila at the Gateshead Jazz Festival a couple of years back will agree, Lance.

Paul Booth Organ Trio @ The Corner House. December 8th

Paul Booth (tenor saxophone & flute), Ross Stanley (organ) & Andrew Bain (drums)

Local lad made good. Hammond Organ maestro. Drum sensation. Great gig. Paul Booth, originally from County Durham, has covered a lot of ground (quite literally) over the years yet his jazz journey is no where near it's mid-way point. At around fourteen years of age Booth was afforded the opportunity to sit-in at Blaydon Jazz Club. His exceptional ballad playing was noted and it wasn't too long before Jazz North East booked him to play at the Corner House. The inevitable move south, mixing it with some seriously good musicians, trips to America and see-the-world tours with some heavyweight names from the pop world followed. 

December 2011, in his mid-thirties, Booth re-visited his old stamping ground with two supremely talented musical pals. Organist Ross Stanley, last heard on Tyneside with guitarist Mark McKnight, took a different approach to this trio gig - less Blue Note Hammond, more Ross Stanley. Drummer Andrew Bain was a little known name on the scene until this Newcastle appearance. After this gig he is the favourite drummer of this reviewer! What a player! Everything he played was spot-on, endlessly inventive and he goes by the nickname of 'Faces' Bain.. His facial expressions were infinite, each one etched his considered response to the magical music-making of the trio. The material was drawn from Paul Booth's latest CD Trilateral. The CD title tells a tale; Booth's desire to work in trio format with three different trios, the recording project occurred in Booth's thirty third year and so on. First set highlights included Three of a Kind and Three's a Crowd featuring some world-class blistering tenor work from Booth. A trip to Brazil inspired Chorinho Triangular with Booth's flute playing a delight. An interval refill (Black Sheep), a chance to catch-up with some old jazzer pals and it was time for a second helping of the Paul Booth Organ Trio. Menage a Trois (Booth assured us he had tried - unsuccessfully!?!) proved to be a further highlight. The evening drew to a close as homage was paid to two of the most influential bass players of the last fifty years; Charles Mingus - Self Portrait in Three Colors - and Jaco Pastorius - Three Views of a Secret. Highlight after highlight. Three, yes three cheers for Paul Booth! A wonderful way to end Jazz North East's 2011 programme.

Russell