CD Review: Dice Factory.

Tom Challenger (ten); George Fogel (pno); Tom Farmer (bs); Jon Scott (dms).

(Review by Lance)

The name, Dice Factory, was chosen as a result of a fascination with author Luke Reinhardt's cult classic novel The Dice Man where decisions made by dice rolling determine structural events which are then lived through for periods of time.

Jam Session @ Hoochie Thursday November 29.

Pete Gilligan (pno); Mark Williams (gtr); Paul Grainger (bs); Jeff Armstrong (dms) + many others.

(Review by Lance).

The quartet kicked things off with, I think, Straight No Chaser. It was Pete's birthday and he was on the money as well as the coffee! Mark, Paul and Jeff stayed with him all the way and this was one helluva opener. I didn't recognise the next one although I should have done likewise the Latin number that followed. Skylark and Beautiful Love finished the set off with panache and solos all round.

Jazz in Amsterdam Part 2 (of 3)

North Sea Jazz Club November 24
(Review by Ron Ainsborough.)

.

Sidi Toure Band, Mala in Cuba Live & Gilles Peterson

This jazz club is located 1-2 miles from the centre of Amsterdam, and had a couple of quirks much to our amusement, firstly for drinks you have to buy tokens to use at the bars,cash is not accepted. Secondly you have to have bladder control because after you have had a drink you have two options to pay to use the toilets, one if you exercise that control and only need to go once it only costs you 50 cents, but if you have no control you can pay 2 euros and go as many times as you like (an absolute bargain!)

Different!

Jazz in Amsterdam - part 1 (of 3).

(For my birthday we had a four night trip to Amsterdam recently and discovered a very vibrant jazz scene and had a great time going to some venues - Ron Ainsborough.) 

Part 1 - Bimhuis. Billy Hart Quartet - All Our Reasons. (November 23).

Billy Hart - Drums, Ethan Iverson - Piano (also plays for Bad Plus) Ben Street - Bass, Mark Turner - Tenor Sax

The 'Bimhuis' concert hall is a fantastic venue which has world/jazz music on most weeks Wednesday through to Sunday. It has 225 seats with standing room for 150 with great acoustics.  On concert nights it also has a top class restaurant open which has a quality menu well worth sampling, which we did of course.

RIP Mickey Baker.

(Obituary by Jim Simpson)

Yesterday one of the all-time great jazz, blues and rhythm and blues guitar men, Mickey Baker died.

From Louisville, Kentucky, following a tumultuous upbringing at 19 Mickey found himself in New York, determined to make a living as a jazz musician. He formed his own combo, went on the road and found himself stranded in California where he fell under the spell of bluesman Pee Wee Clayton. This altered Mickey’s music direction overnight. He returned to New York with a new guitar style and the trademark Mickey Baker determination.

Don't Miss Saturday Night @ Hoochie Coochie!

New Cool Collective are in town and set to ignite Hoochie Coochie on Saturday night. NCC is made up of saxophonist Benjamin Herman, guitarist Anton Goudsmit, drummer Joost Kroon, percussionists Frank van Dok and Jos de Haas, pianist Willem Friede, bassist Leslie Lopez and trumpet player David Rockefeller. The band themselves describe their role division as: ‘Frank is the captain. Leslie is the balls. Willem is the brains. Jos is the fists. Ben is the founder and the style keeper. Joost is the joy and the sex. And David is Mister X and the most musical of us all.' They could not say it better.This band from Holland play some of the jazziest, funkiest stuff at home and around the globe. Ya don't believe me? Cop this YouTube track. Simply unmissable and at a mere tenner an absolute bargain.

Beats the shit out of staying in to watch X Factor or Strictly!

Lance.

PS: Get into Hoochie mood tonight with Pete Gilligan's Jazz Jam - it's free and cocktails are 2 for the price of 1.

RIP Stan Greig

I've belatedly learned of the death of Stan Greig - pianist, drummer with various bands such as Sandy Brown, Humph and Acker. I last heard him, I think, at the Corner House. Was it with Pat Halcox or some other trad line-up? I can't remember.

What I do remember(ish) is returning from the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1983 (with Charlie Carmichael) and meeting Stan on the ferry that ran from Rotterdam to Folkestone. Stan had been to the festival, I can't remember which band he was playing with or what we talked about - it was one of those 'Lost Weekends' that jazzers have from time to time! I do remember him though as a gentleman who did, on this occasion, suffer fools gladly!

Stan died November 18 aged 82.

Obituary.

RIP Stan I treasured that meeting even though the content was vague!

Lance.

Lord Puttnam Announces Lord Falconer as New Chairman of The Sage Gateshead

(Press release.)

Lord Puttnam of Queensgate today [28 November] stepped down as chairman of The Sage Gateshead after five years and welcomed Lord Falconer of Thoroton as his successor. Lord Puttnam will continue his association with The Sage Gateshead as a patron of the 10^th Birthday Endowment Campaign.

CD Review: Paul Baxter Quartet - Monuments

Tom Harrison (alt/fl); Tom Taylor (pno); Paul Baxter (bs); Jon Ormston (dms).
(Review by Lance.)

Double Bassist Paul Baxter's Quartet played a Splinter at the Bridge gig a couple of weeks ago that, due to other commitments, I missed. This, their début CD, goes some way to making up for it.

(Preview) Doctor (Contemporary) Jazz prescribes trio VD

Valentine’s Day has come early. This Saturday (December 1) at the Sage Gateshead the hottest trio on the planet - trio VD – returns to the Northern Rock Foundation Hall. The band’s Jazz Festival appearance resulted in a standing ovation and a similar reaction is to be expected this weekend. Key members of LIMA - Leeds Improvised Music Association - the trio of Chris Sharkey (guitar), Christoph de Bezenac (alto sax & electronics) and Chris Bussey (drums) will dazzle and amaze. Their music isn't for the faint-hearted; laser-like precision, mega riffs, rapier thrusts, swaggering virtuosity. The first CD Fill It Up with Ghosts was met with critical acclaim, the next one - Maze – is due out early next year and is sure to garner plaudits. Laden with prizes (Mojo, Jazzwise) trio VD will be an absolute treat for those with open ears. Arrive early to ensure you get a ticket. There is a support act and it all kicks-off at 8:15 pm.

Russell.               

Sonsale @ The Bridge Hotel.

Corey Mwamba (vibes), Valentin Ceccaldi (cello), Andy Champion (double bass) & Sylvain Darrifourcq (drums & electronics).
(Review by Russell).

An Anglo - French collaboration, a world premiere performance, one half of a double bill - this was quite an occasion at the Bridge Hotel. The French component - cellist Valentin Ceccaldi and genial drummer Sylvain Darrifourcq - arrived days earlier to meet up with a Gateshead lad (bassist Andy Champion) and an emerging figure in the vibes fraternity, all the way from the midlands, Corey Mwamba. The getting-to know-you sessions promised much.

The Jazz Age.

Great Web Site, Graphics and Arrangements - note no Ferry singing!!
http://www.bryanferry.com/
John T.

More Charlie Smith and north east jazz memorabilia from Jean.

Well, I never knew that Charlie Smith played bass with the Emcee Five at one time. And where was the Opus 3 Club? Was it  a forerunner of the Opus 4 currently operating from the Traveller's Rest nr. Darlington?

Who were the mystery men? Freddie Ands, drums, Frankie Martinelli, alto & tenor and Joe Patterson, tenor?

Probably from the early '6os. Thank you Jean.

Lance.

Tom Gibbs Quartet/Sonsale @ The Bridge

Tom Gibbs (pno); Will Vinson (alt); Euan Burton (bs); James Maddren (dms).
(Review by Lance.)

Having reviewed their CD Fear of Flying I knew what to expect and I wasn't disappointed. This was simply superb. An alto player who'd absorbed the lessens of Charlie Parker and merged them into his own psyche - just thinking, I've heard so many wonderful alto players recently - Greg Abate, Alan Barnes, Tom Harrison, Tommaso Starace - Will Vinson is another member of that exclusive club. He swung like the proverbial.

Jessica Needs Help.

Apologies if you've already covered this but if not, your readers might want to know that Jessica Williams, who gave some memorable recitals in Darlington and Gateshead a few years ago, is no longer able to play her piano following spine surgery in July.

She's even had to sell her piano to pay for current living expenses (although the cost of the operation itself was covered).

Full details are on her website but she will be unable to play for at least a year.

She's asking for donations or for people to buy some of her CDs to help out

More (much more) on http://www.jessicawilliams.com/donations/index.html

Also, Leo Records are having an "end of the world sale" (Before we all perish on 21.12.2012) with their entire catalogue available at £2 a CD (minimum order 10). Lots of your readers could well be interested, n'est ce pas?

Keep up the good work.

Peter Bevan. 

The BSH Awards

As we approach the Santa Claus Season it's time to start thinking about what we've most enjoyed musically this year. Without stipulating categories - create your own if you wish such as "Which Jazz Promoter has the longest beard? Others may be: Band of the Year (Local/National); Musician of the Year (Local/National); CD of the year etc. In fact anything you feel is worthy of recognition. In other words, ignore categories and vote for what you like about the last 12 jazz months. 

Venues:
Bands:
Concerts:
CD:
Sexxxxiest Musician/Singer/other.
Lance (I'm batting in the other cat - not I hasten to add... )

The Week Ahead

The Cherry Tree this Monday night is rather special. Owner Peter Wardle makes a point of booking singers and musicians from out of the area when they're nearby hence we've had Veronica Chard, Sarah Ellen Hughes, Jo Harrup, Vasilis Xenopoulos and Tasha Seale.

Earlier this year, Tasha wowed the diners with her knock-out versions of, among others, Love Me Or Leave Me, Bye Bye Blackbird and All of Me as well as more contemporary material such as Billy Joel's New York State of Mind. In the meantime, she's had a baby and is now back swinging and singing. Coupled with the Stu Collingwood Trio and the Cherry Tree's reputation for fine dining this promises to be quite a night - don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

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Today's Jazz Record Requests

While we're in Radio mode John T has sent this link to today's Jazz Record Requests playlist. John has a request played this afternoon - Carol Kidd's When I Dream.
If you click on Carol Kidd it takes you through to a very interesting interview with Carol on Radio Scotland
Jazz Record Requests is on Radio 3 at 5pm.
Lance.

Kings of Cool Monday Nov. 26 Radio 2 @ 10pm.

(From Radio 2 Preview) 
(Thanks to Liz for drawing this series to our attention.)
Following on from last year's Strong and Sassy, jazz lover Moira Stuart turns her attention to the Kings Of Cool, exploring the lives and careers of some of her favourite jazzmen.

Over this four-part series, we'll be looking at the fascinating lives of Mel Torme, Chet Baker, Lou Rawls, Joe Williams and Billy Eckstine. Moira shares her passion for jazz as she discovers explores the personal journeys of each artists, with the help of notable contributors.

Matt Schofield Trio + Sam Hare @ The Cluny. November 23

(Review by Russell).

Matt Schofield is touring his latest CD Ten From the Road. Forever on the road, the three-times winner of Best Guitar in the British Blues Awards, is playing a select few dates in the UK before heading for Europe. This Newcastle gig, booked into Cluny 2, moved upstairs into the main room such was the demand for tickets.

The Good Die Young. RIP Austin Peralta

It's always sad when someone dies. When that someone is an outstanding jazz pianist it is even sadder. However, the saddest thing of all is that Austin Peralta was only 22 when he passed on November 22.

An outstanding prodigy who played the Tokyo Jazz Festival at the tender age of 15 Peralta looked to becoming a jazz legend alongside such as Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Brad Mehldau. Sadly that will no longer come to pass - or has it? Judge for yourself.

Obituary.

Lance.

CD Review: Modern Jazz Quartet - Original Album Series.

John Lewis (pno); Milt Jackson (vbs); Percy Heath (bs); Connie Kay (dms). + Jimmy Giuffre Three,  Beaux Arts String Quartet.
(Review by Lance.)
Another release in Warner Jazz's Original Album Series this time featuring five albums by the MJQ from the early 1960s. I've always viewed the Modern Jazz Quartet with reservations. When they get it right they are on the money and on The Sheriff and Pyramid they do just that. Jackson's vibes are always a delight - a cool mint julep on a sunny day. Lewis, economical, never a note out of place with a very melodic side to his playing - the guiding light. Strangely enough, I think Lewis would also have made a good vibes player. Heath and Kay provide the solid foundation beneath it all.

The Worthy Member for Downtown Chester-le-Street ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4zQ2E3My38
Perhaps Paul should stand in the next election?
Lance.

Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ The Millstone.

Fred Rowe (tpt.vcl); Barry Soulsby (clt/vcl); Laurence McBriarty (tmb); Brian Bennett (bjo/vcl); Brian Sibbald (bs); Fred Thompson (dms.vcl).
(Review by Lance.)

It was good to hear the VCJ again - it had been a while - and I'm pleased to say that the slings and arrow that are occasionally thrown their way have not affected their enthusiasm and indeed skill. They have never strayed away from the dictum that jazz is entertainment and entertain they certainly do.

As I bellied up to the bar to order a pint of Doom Bar Bitter - one of several real ales on offer - the band were looking back at the old Skiffle days with Worried Man Blues. Indeed with the recent drastic cuts in Arts Council Funding there must be a lot of worried men and women singing a worried song - let's hope they won't be worried long!

Lauren Kinsella, Mark Sanders & Will Edmondes @ King’s Hall. November 22

Lauren Kinsella (vocals), Mark Sanders (drums) & Will Edmondes (vocals & electronics)

(Review by Russell.)

Small world. At the Sage last night two drummers - one very good British drummer schooled at Newcastle College (Seb Rochford), one legendary drummer (Jack DeJohnette), then today across the Tyne in King’s Hall at Newcastle University the ubiquitous free jazz drummer Mark Sanders turns up. 

Courtney Pine's album voted Jazz Record of the Year by Jazzwise.

Courtney Pine - due to appear at Hoochie on February 23 has just won Record of the Year at Jazzwise magazine. Details.
Lance.

7.30PM SUNDAY 25TH NOVEMBER SONSALE + TOM GIBBS QUARTET with WILL VINSON

Valentin Ceccaldi (cello); Andy Champion ( bass); Sylvain Darrifourcq (drums); Corey Mwamba (vibes) //

Will Vinson (alto sax); Tom Gibbs (keyboards); Euan Burton (bass); James Maddren (drums)

Since our last e-mailing, Tyneside's Andy Champion has been named as one of eight young British jazz musicians to participate in the 2012/13 Take Five professional development scheme (predecessors include Kit Downes and Soweto Kinch) covering all aspects of a jazz musician's life. He is joined in the Jazz North East - curated brand new quartet, Sonsale, by two Parisians and by Derby's Corey Mwamba. The band will re-convene next year for a UK/European tour for which promises of subsidy have been obtained from French and British sources and for which a first booking has just been received - from a venue in Paris.

Jack DeJohnette Group/Polar Bear @ The Sage, Gateshead.

Jack DeJohnette (dms); Don Byron (ten./sop.clt); George Colligan (keys/tpt); Marvin Sewell (gtr); Michael Mondesir (bs).

(Review by Lance)

DeJohnette took his seat (throne?) behind the kit and made various adjustments as the audience sat in hushed silence awaiting to hear the great man speak. This he eventually did, introducing the members of the band by name before setting the ball rolling with a drum introduction to his own composition - Blue. In fact all five extended pieces were DeJohnette originals.

Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2013 Announced

Gateshead International Jazz Festival, the largest UK festival held under one roof, has today [21 November] announced its headline acts and themes for 2013 including The Brand New Heavies,  Lighthouse, Phronesis, National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Christine Tobin and Ruby Turner. The festival will take place in the spectacular surroundings of The Sage Gateshead on Friday 5^th - Sunday 7^th April 2013 and tickets go on sale on Friday 7th December.

Courtney Pine booked to appear at Hoochie in New Year!

Big news is that Warren has booked Courtney Pine to appear at Hoochie Coochie on Saturday February 23, 2013. Tickets are only £20 so get in soon - this is a massive one for Hoochie - don't hang about but get your tickets ASAP.

Here's a clip of him on Jools.

Lance.

7UP!

This Friday, 23 November @ 8pm, Leeds big band leader Tony Faulkner has arranged a “Tribute to Pepper Adams” suite to be performed by the Yorkshire Jazz Orchestra and guest US baritone sax player Gary Smulyan. This suite is due to tour stateside - Leeds is the only UK date!

With Rod Mason (alto/soprano saxes), Dave Logan (alto), Will Howard, Riley Stone-Lonergan (tenor saxes), Tony Harper (baritone sax) Dale Gibson, Greg Nicholas, Ian Chalk, Kim Macari (trumpets) Lee Hallam, Brian Archer, Chris Burge, Tony Smith (trombones) Derrick Harris (guitar) Graham Hearn (piano) Simon Reid (bass) Peter Fairclough (drums) Louise Gibbs (voice) Tony Faulkner (director)

£15/12 concessions, student standby £5 on the door, bookings ring 0113 2626777.

The above is one of 3 gigs this weekend celebrating Seven Jazz Leeds 5th birthday landing the world's number one baritone player, Gary Smulyan is quite a coup.

More details at www.sevenjazz.co.uk.

Lance.

CD Review: Joey Stuckey - Mixture.

Joey Stuckey (gtr & drum programming); Tom Rule (keys & drum programming); Miguel Catro (dms & Perc) + Marcus Reddick ((dms & Perc. on 2 tracks); Mark Williams ((dms & Perc. on 1 track.); Pam Rule (vcl 1 track); Monty Cole (fl. 1 track).

Stuckey describes his music as "Jazz infused rock with southern attitude" which sounds like a good description even if I don't know what he means! There's enough jazz here to include it within these pages - but maybe only just!

Having said that, the blind, Florida born guitarist is no mean performer and Too Pooped to Bop displays his jazz cred. Likewise, keyboardist and co-writer Tom Rule shows that he too has the chops although to draw comparisions with Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson and Dave Brubeck is perhaps a slight exaggeration. Sunday Brunch is a cool bossa that wouldn't be out of place in the better class of elevator. Give Five follows a similar pattern with the addition of Cole - a.k.a. Dr. Flute-a-licious - who helps to maintain the smoothness.

Raining incorporates the sound of rain but  Holly Tree Hopeful is a cracking track. Another bossa but a great tune that deserves a lyric. Rule excellent on vibes and Stuckey working out on guitar. Crooked is a swinger that again shows Stuckey and Rule off to advantage.

Well worth checking out tracks here.

Joey Stuckey - Mixture is available on Senate Records from November 27.

Lance.

Cool For Cats

Ginger is one funky feline - just dig what he reads!
Lance.

R.I.P. Pete La Roca

The death was announced yesterday of American drummer Pete La Roca who played and recorded  on Blue Note. with Sonny Rollins, Freddy Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Jackie McLean, Art Farmer, Jaki Byard, Johnny Coles and many others - they all benefited from his inspired drumming. He preceded Elvin Jones with Coltrane.

To remind myself of his ability, I dug out Freddie Hubbard's Night of the Cookers - a 2 volume live recording from 1965 with Hubbard and Morgan on trumpets alongside James Spaulding on flute and alto.

La Roca is solid throughout holding it all together whilst the horns are going berserk in the kitchen! He has an extended solo on Volume 2 that further rubber stamps his CV - a greatly underrated drummer who actually took time out to become a lawyer successfully suing a record company for re-releasing his second album as a leader under Chick Corea's name.

Sadly missed.

Obituary by Dave Liebman.

Lance.

More Charlie Smith

More memories of guitarist Charlie Smith in this article from the Evening Chronicle circa mid- sixties I would guess. Thanks go to Charlie's daughter Jean.
Lance.

Preview of the DeJohnette gig at The Sage

If there are any out there who still haven't made up their mind about Wednesday's Jack DeJohnette concert at The Sage - a read of the LondonJazz review of the great drummer's gig at The Queen Elizabeth Hall may tip the balance.

Lance..

CD Review: Hot Club of Cowtown - Rendezvous in Rhythm

Elana James (fiddle/vcl); Whit Smith (gtr/vcl); Jake Erwin (bs).

(Review by Lance).

Coming hot on the heels of last night's concert at The Sage this CD  is  an  item to savour, not least because, for me, it displays their  jazz   side  -  Gypsy  Jazz  that is - as  opposed  to  their Western Swing. The evocation of the 1920's and  1930's  is  all around  and  there  is  the  mystical  presence  of  Django   and Stephane hovering above the speakers like guardian angels.

Paul Baxter Quartet @ The Bridge Hotel. November 18

Paul Baxter (double bass), Tom Harrison (alto saxophone & flute), Tom Taylor (keyboards) & Jon Ormston (drums)

 (Review by Russell). 

Darkish, a darkish tune opened the set.Tom Harrison’s biting alto set the tone with the spirit of Coltrane in the air. Pianist Tom Taylor sketched out Monuments and Harrison eagerly stretched the canvas. The musicians clearly enjoyed one another’s company - a smile, a joke - with Baxter anything but the task master. The material was, for the most part, the bandleader’s, yet the standard My Foolish Heart stood out; intense alto, a beautiful piano part, measured bass playing and sensitive percussion from Jon Ormston. 

Hot Club of Cowtown @ The Sage, Gateshead

Elana James (fiddle/vcl); Whit Smith (gtr/vcl); Jake Erwin (bs/backing vcl).

(Review by Lance)

Long ago when I was very young and just taking my first uncertain steps into the mysterious world of jazz I heard a record by Hank Williams. I can't recall the title 'cept it was a blues and had a scorching violin solo in the middle. Even at that early age I realised that it wasn't a jazz record which confused me as, without doubt, the fiddle solo was as jazzy as anything I'd heard up to that point by Grappelli or Venuti. Over the years I've listened to lots of genres and, call it what you may, when the solos come round they're playing jazz.

CD Review: Chris Higginbottom – Where Land Ends (F-IRECD63)

(Review by Wesley Stephenson.) The second and new studio album by Chris Higginbottom features 6 tracks and clocks in at just under 50 minutes in length. In that time the music makes a good effort to be “both accessible and challenging, to play and to listen” as stated in the press release, but I guess that depends on who’s listening?

Gavin Lee's New Orleans Jazz Band @ The Trinity Centre, Gosforth November 17.

Gavin Lee (clt),Brian Chester (piano), Phil Smith (bs), Bill Evans (drums), Derek ? (banjo).

(Review by Ray Robson).

An unusual start to the evening ..we are accustomed to any delay being the wait for the crowd to arrive, but on this occasion it was the last minute rush for seats, lovely to see a crowd of surely 100+ in to see this very talented but essentially local jazz ensemble provide a promised musical history of the New Orleans clarinet.

Gavin had to hand his trusted yet ancient "New Orleans" style clarinet ....he did mention it having come from the Titanic, but the only water we perceived was the excellent Pedigree ale.......

CD Review: Nicholl & Farquharson - Della by Moonlight.

Michael Farquharson (various basses); Matthew Nicholl (pno/keys/perc.); Greg Badolato (ten); Tim Miller (gtr); Stebe Langone (dms)
(Review by Lance).

Some lovely music here whether it be the jazz quintet tracks or the infusion of the woodwind quintet on Farquharson's City Suite. This latter item is a portrait of three cities the composer has lived in - Boston, Halifax (Nova Scotia), Istanbul - is a delightful mix of what might have happened had, say Mozart replaced Gil Evans as arranger for Miles Davis or Claude Thornhill.

A Flute and Nut Case

This is one of my favourite flute albums - and the alto playing isn't bad either! Harold McNair, sadly, died in 1971 when he was only 39 but if he'd only made this one record his place in jazz history would have been assured.

Originally released on RCA's budget International label without giving any personnel details on the sleeve, this has been a source of frustration to many of us including trumpet player and vocalist Dave Weisser who has only recently discovered the disc.

Dave wonders if anyone out there are able to supply details of the big band personnel that accompanies McNair.

Can anyone help? - Lance.

Swing City Quartet @ The Customs House, South Shields

Steve Andrews (ten/clt/whistle); Paul Edis (pno/fl); Roly Veitch (gtr/vcl); Roy Cansdale (bs).
(Review by Lance.)

In the big picture, I suppose I could be excused for referring to this as a low-profile gig although the 60.or so paying customers, myself included might disagree.

I'm not going to go out on a limb and vote it as my gig of the year but, tell you what, it's up there in a photo finish!

Kurt Elling & Sheila Jordan @ The Southbank Centre/ Queen Elizabeth Hall. November 14

Kurt Elling vocals/ Laurence Hobgood piano/ John McLean guitar/ Clark Sommers bass/ Bryan Carter drums.

Sheila Jordan vocals/ Brian Kellock piano/ Kenny Ellis bass/ Stu Ritchie drums.

(Review by Debra Milne.)

This year's London Jazz Festival has featured a number of vocalists, and one of the highlights was the double bill of Sheila Jordan and Kurt Elling. Ms Jordan was accompanied by her favourite pianist Brian Kellock (who was also with her at the Sage Gateshead a few years ago) and his trio. 

The Collective @ Hoochie.

Arthur Higgins (ten); Tim Bloomer (gtr); Dominic Snaith (pno); Katie Trigger (bs); Robbie Houston (dms).

(Review by Lance)

The Collective is collecting fans judging by the decent sized audience. Deservedly so. The formula of house band and soloist works fairly well.

Jazz North seeks bands to be touring ambassadors for Northern jazz scene

Jazz North is looking to recruit up to twelve bands to be ambassadors for the Northern jazz scene between January 2013 – March 2014 as part of northern line, a new model for supporting touring for northern jazz musicians across the north.

northern line artists will be able to access professional development training combined with new gigging employment opportunities. northern line artists will be available to Northern promoters on a sliding scale subsidy. This will enable promoters to choose from an exciting and diverse rostrum of artists with low financial risk. northern line will benefit from a full marketing package in National and northern media. northern line artists will be introduced to promoters across the North at three showcases during 2013.

Application Criteria

Heard they crowded the floor to say goodbye to Stan Coates

We entered the crem to Ray Anthony playing Dancing in the Dark and the same band played us out with Cheek to Cheek. In between we heard Here's That Rainy Day by Bill Evans and Stan's granddaughter Fiona gave an emotive reading of Spike Milligan's piece of nonsense On the Ning Nang Nong a favourite of Stan's.

It was standing room only by the time everyone got in - an indication of the respect Stan was held in. 

Circumstances decreed I was unable to get to the Wake afterwards for a buffet and music.

The potential was there for this to have been the greatest big band set ever played in the north-east. Just look at the hypothetical line-up.

Saxes: Tommy Moran, Jim McBriarty, Bill Smith, Elaine Francis, George McDonald.

Tpts: Alan Smith, Tom Hill, Gordon Marshall.

Tmbs: Peter Morgan, Ray Chester, Don Fairly.

Pno: George Richardson, Bill Brittain.

Bs: Alan Rudd, Ray Newton, J.C.Hallam.

Gtr: James Birkett, Roy Willis.

Dms: Laurie Brown.

Vcl: Olive Rudd.

The above were just some of the mourners that I recognised or remembered. My apologies to those I've missed out.

R.I.P. Stan.

Comments and obituary.

Lance.

Ferryboat Serenade

(Post by Brian Bennett).
Here's a few pic's from my 70's archives which may stir a few memories. 

The nucleus of the band worked together in the Art Studio at Redheads Advertising Agency in Newcastle. As was mentioned in an earlier post, the band were resident on the floating restaurant, 'The Northumbrian', formerly the old North Shields ferry which was berthed on the site of Mitchison's ship repair yard on the south bank of the Tyne at Friar's Goose, Gateshead.

Bebop Speaks!

The aim of Bebop Spoken Here is to draw attention to the great bands and musicians we have playing in and around the North-East. To publicise their gigs and promote their CDs and to make the public aware of them. In return, all we ask is that they occasionally find time to mention us.

Jukebox Mambo

This is The Mambo! What the Heck is The Mambo? Well this is the dance that made its mark in the States back in the 1950's which maybe has returned if enough people buy this CD!. A health warning! This isn't the sanitised form celebs danced to at the Copa back in the 'forties. That blandness is conspicuous by its absence here. Instead we get it at, in the main, street level.

The Cavendish Club.

More memorabilia from Jean. On the right a reminder of how classy the Cavendish Club was and the calibre of entertainment. On the left, the resident George Ricco Quartet.Charlie Smith is the guitarist, pianist George Richardson (Ricco) is sitting, Andy Milne (bass?) is in the centre but who is the drummer?

Lance.

A Date With Daryl

 ShanghaiJazz (storm make-up date!)

Sunday, November 18, 6- 8:30 pm

DARYL SHERMAN with HARVIE S, bass ... SHERRIE MARICLE, drums

Chinese food and jazz have always been a great duo and with Daryl Sherman on the bill, the combo is a perfect match. Not only does she pick great musicians and songs, but no one knows how to order (and consume) Chinese food like Daryl Sherman! Join in on the fun ....an easy(hopefully)  Midtown Direct train ride from Manhattan or easy to reach by car...

Shanghai Jazz 24 Main Street, Madison, NJ 973-822-2899     http://www.shanghaijazz.com

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And if you can't make it to Madison, NJ

Catch her next year at Whitley Bay.

Lance.

Charlie Smith remembered.

Delighted to receive this photo of the great Barney Kessel with local guitar hero the late Charlie Smith. Thanks go to Charlie's daughter Jean for sending me the photo.
Jean also sent me a photo of the Peter Fielding orchestra which has been oft mentioned on here recently.
Lance.
PS: Maurice Summerfield has sent more photos of Charlie with Barney Kessel, Ike Isaacs, Maurice and a mystery big band. Maurice actually took the photo on the left of this post at the Imperial Hotel Jesmond.
Link.

The Music of Bill Evans: Paul Edis Trio at the Cherry Tree, November 12.

Paul Edis (piano), Mick Shoulder (bass) and Adam Sinclair (drums)

(Review by Jerry)

Musical ignorance is not actually bliss, but it does have one upside: I am always learning. On Friday it was Django and last night the life of Bill Evans and his music – which can be summarised thus: one bleak, t’ other beautiful!

Customs House looks good on Friday

For all of you Alligators and Hepcats in the North East, I'm playing at the Customs House, South Shields, on Friday, 16th November, with the Swing City Trio ( me, Roly Veitch on guitar & Roy Cansdale on string bass) and our special guest, Paul Edis on piano (and maybe flute, even clarinet - as long as he doesn't play better than me!). Should be a great night - I'll be playing my "new" 1928 Conn tenor - DON'T MISS IT, FOLKS!!!!!

Steve Andrews.

Serious select Andy Champion and Chris Montague as part of Take Five Edition VIII

               

(Press release.)

Trio Riot @ The Bridge Hotel. November 11

Sam Andreae (tenor saxophone), Mette Rasmussen (alto saxophone) & David Meier (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Tenor saxophonist Sam Andreae lives in Macclesfield, alto saxophonist Mette Rasmussen lives in Trondheim and drummer David Meier lives in Zurich. All three get together rarely and on those rare occasions it’s a riot - Trio Riot, you might say.
The Bridge Hotel audience heard composed pieces rehearsed and committed to memory with the trio having some fun on improvised sections, returning to the head and ending on a succession of entertaining stop-time tom foolery.

CD Review: Masha Campagne Like Water, Like Air

Masha Campagne (vocals); Guinga (acoustic guitar, spoken word); Hendrik Meurkens (vibes, harmonica); Weber Iago (piano, fender rhodes); Harvey Wainapel (bass clarinet, alto sax); Jeff Buenz (electric guitar, nylon string guitar); Dan Robbins acoustic and electric bass); Jason Lewis (drums); Michael Spiro (percussion); Guello (percussion).

(Review by Ann Alex).

I have a confession.  I was tempted to review this CD without listening to it!  I could maybe have got away with such a trick, because there are copious notes enclosed, including all the song lyrics, descriptions of how each song is performed in jazz-like language, and seven photos of the singer, one of poster size.  The only item missing was a photo of the instrumentalists, which I’d have liked.

RIP Bill Kell

The pub where I was introduced to jazz as a teenager was the Portland Hotel in Ashington . The band I listened to was the Clem Avery Jazzmen but the previous (and original) band was Peter Deuchars Vieux Carré Jazzmen. The landlord, Bill Kell was a personal friend of the Deuchars  Peter's dad also owned the brewery who supplied the beer! Bill has died and attached is a page from his book about the Portland called "A pint of Scotch" telling how he brought jazz to Ashington

Jam Session @ The Jazz Café Sunday November 11

Pete Gilligan (pno); Ted Harbot (bs); Ray Burns (hca/acc); Debra Milne (vcl); Paul Gowland (ten); Mike Papapavlou, Kazumi Ishigaki and ? (gtr).

(Review by Lance.)

Ann may have been a little premature in thinking the jam had started at the Caff (see previous post) - it's definitely now an evening thing. And the roars from St. James' were more likely groans!

Nevertheless, it was a superb evening with Pete Gilligan back on keys (he looks like Hoagy Carmichael in a 1940's movie and plays a lot more piano!)

Sunday Afternoon ...

Chatted with a woman on the Metro on my way to Jesmond.  She told me how much she’d enjoyed visiting Rome, Florence and Milan.

Later, on my way back home, I walked down Newcastle’s Northumberland Street with the bustling crowds.

A young man was playing really good jazz flute, moving around the scales like nobody’s business.

Across the way, there was Pudsey Bear, collecting for charity. 

Further on, another young man, playing gutsy, Hendrix-like guitar, although he was far too young to have been alive at the same time as Hendrix.

Then came a roar from the direction of St James Park

Another few steps and there was a man on African drums, playing a tricky rhythm which many a lion and gazelle must have heard.

Another St James roar.

Then I thought of the Jazz Café a few yards further on, where the jam would be starting up, where anyone with a jazz feel and an instrument could get up and join in.

And I realised that I didn't want to be anywhere else but Newcastle, just for that time. 

Ann Alex.

CD Review: FADO EM SI BEMOL

Paulo Goncalves, Miguel Silva (gtr); Pedro Matos (vcl); Nuno Campos (bs); Manuel Santiesteban (perc).

This is quite compelling and hypnotic music! Is it jazz? Maybe it is, maybe it ain't - who cares? It's music and very appealing. So I don't know a word of Portuguese  - in many ways this adds to the appeal! 

Without the distraction of the lyric Matos' voice becomes an instrument and a fine instrument it is too! I can't get over it! If I was a woman I'd be swooning! Maybe I should learn Portuguese and I'd have the women swooning - dream on Senor Lance!

Seriously, it has the appeal of, say, a French chanson with a jazz backing, but, I don't know, there is just that something extra. Love it.

The brainchild behind FADO Em Si Bemol is Goncalves who envisioned combining the  soft sounds of jazz with the flare of Portuguese music. That he succeeded is proof in this album. Goncalves, as well as providing interesting lines behind the vocals, has his own feature on Armando's Rumba which also gives Santiesteban a chance to work out. There's some nice piano in there too ...

Damn it - the disc is finished! No problem - I'm going to play it again Paulo and again and again. Maybe I'll move to Oporto.

What a lovely disc to review - and from Portugal! If there were any justice in the world this disc would put that country back in the red!

The CD FADO EM SI BEMOL is released on November 27 by Vidisco Records and available through the usual suspects ie Amazon etc.

Lance.

A Voyage of Discovery - Djangologie at St.Cuthbert’s Hall Crook – November 9.

Mick Shoulder( bass), Emma Fisk (violin), Giles Strong (guitar) and James Birkett (guitar).

(Review by Jerry).

 St. Cuthbert’s had provided the warmest possible reception (big audience, bigger applause, real ale on tap, MASSIVE pizza and booming CD sales alongside the half-time raffle) so Mick Shoulder’s two-fingered gesture would have been unpardonably rude had he not merely been demonstrating Django’s dodgy digits! Indeed Mick himself acknowledged this “lovely venue” when signing off at the end of a hugely successful gig. An organiser talked about their hopes of reviving a tradition of jazz in Crook by having events in this hall on a monthly basis. All I can say, and I feel certain it would be echoed by all those present last night, is: “Bring it on….!”

Remembering the Northumbrian Restaurant and the Brass n' Banjo Band.

When the old Shields ferry 'Northumbrian' was decommissioned, it was bought by a consortium of local businessmen and converted into a floating restaurant and bar which for a few years was highly successful. It was berthed on the south side of the Tyne near Gateshead International Sports Stadium  - one of the partners was Captain Frank McNulty, a boatyard owner from South Shields - in later years McNulty's became a successful business supplying rigs in the North Sea oil fields. Clarinettist Bill Scott , trumpeter Alan Taylor and Brian Bennett as part of the Brass n' Banjo Band played there weekly for at least 2 years - Brian describes it as a terrific residency while it lasted, probably between '71 - '74. 

In the picture are (L to R): Hughie Aitchison, valve trombone; Norman Helm, trumpet (a Redhead's copy writer); Ray Brown, drums; Bill Scott, clarinet and Howard Swanson, tuba. Clive Gray and Brian Bennett on banjos are out of picture. 

Picture and modified text were supplied by Brian Bennett via Colin Aitchison. Colin, incidentally, has added a couple of more Melody Makers to his vast on-line collection. They are the issues for October 6 and 13, 1945. Fascinating reading.

Lance.

Harry James Band @ Newcastle Odeon Mystery

Browsing through a 1971 Crescendo I noticed the Harry James Band advertised for Newcastle Odeon on October 20 of that year. At that time, as now, I rarely missed a concert and I wonder why I have no recollection of it even being advertised? This was one band I'd have loved to have seen and I wonder if any of our older readers can recall the concert?

Lance

Ray Harley Fractures Elbow.

I've just heard that Ray Harley  had a bad fall last Saturday and fractured his elbow. Apparently it's a bad break and Ray has undergone an operation in Darlington Hospital. I'm sure we all wish Ray, trumpet player with the Maine Street Jazzmen, a speedy recovery and a quick return to the local jazz scene.
Thanks to Gordon Solomon for this update.
Lance.

Lickety Split @ Ashington Jazz Club November 8.

(Review by Peter S.)
If I owned a parrot I would teach him to repeat "Pieces of Eight Lickety Split" again and again to support this wonderful 8 piece group of musicians led by Eddie Bellis. This is a dynamic workman-like unit who reintroduced our audience to the music commonly regarded as West Coast Jazz. Eddie named the great musicians from Jazz development who created and inspired this musical style.