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

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Don Fairley and the Friends of Jazz. ASHINGTON JAZZ CLUB - 06. 06. 12

(Review by Peter S.)
This review is written at a time of sadness. Many of you will now have heard of the passing of Sheila Taylor on Friday. John’s wife had been bravely fighting her illness during the past twelve months while supporting and encouraging John to manage the progress of AJC. All the members were aware of Sheila’s illness and appreciated the time and energy she continued to give to the Jazz Club. She attended as often as was possible and would be seen on the door greeting members as they arrived, managing the admissions and the raffle tickets and generally making herself useful during the evenings. A friendly and lovely lady whose company we enjoyed and who will be missed by all members and visitors. 
On behalf of Ashington Jazz Club members I offer our condolences and support to John and his family during this difficult time. We shall miss her greatly and I personally will miss her friendship and company. She made everyone welcome and comfortable despite her own illness and everyone appreciated all that she gave in time and enthusiasm to John and the members . It was her wish that John and his planning for this Jazz evening should carry on as normal. It has been a privilege to have known Sheila and we shall never forget her and the contribution she made to ensure we enjoyed the music we love. She enriched our lives and was a wonderful friend.
FRIENDS OF JAZZ took to the stage as always immaculately presented and gave us two sets of superb music. All together we enjoyed 20 musical treats from six versatile musicians who supported Mia during ten vocals. The front line played its part with good arrangements and accomplished solo performances while the engine room section at the back drove every musical nuance forward with such skill and energy. The Programme was interesting and varied and helped us shake some of our Blues away. A big thank you to Don Fairley (tmb), Laurie Brown (dms), Mick Hill (tpt), Bill Colledge (bs), Bill Britain (pno), Andy Bennett (sax/clt) and Mia Webb (vcl) for the musical entertainment and for your understanding on what was a difficult evening for us.
Peter S.

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