Bebop Spoken There

Christian McBride: ''I believe we are living in a historically embarrassing moment in American history.'' - Downbeat December 2025

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

18083 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 1047 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Dec. 14), 61.

From This Moment On ...

DECEMBER 2025

Sun 21: New ’58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 21: Paul Skerritt @ Hibou Blanc, Newcastle. 2:00pm. ‘Xmas Swingalong’. Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Sun 21: Ruth Lambert Trio @ Juke Shed, Union Quay, North Shields. 3:00-5:00pm. Free.
Sun 21: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 21: Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ o2 City Hall, Newcastle. 6:00pm. £35.80., £33.25., £31.00.
Sun 21: The Globe Xmas Party @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:00pm. Free. Live music.
Sun 21: Tweed River Jazz Band @ The Barrels Ale House, Berwick. 7:30pm. Free.

Mon 22: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 23: Paul Skerritt @ Chakh Dhoom, Jesmond, Newcastle. 7:00pm. Indian restaurant. Skerritt w. backing tapes.

Wed 24: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 24: Alexia Gardner @ The Townhouse, Bridge St., Morpeth. 1:30-4:30pm. ‘The A Capella Sessions’. Gardner, Paula Gardner, Alexia Hope Gardner Diamany.
Wed 24: Paul Skerritt @ Mambo Wine & Dine, South Shields. 1:30pm. Skerritt w. backing tapes.

Thu 25: Alexia Gardner @ The Townhouse, Bridge St., Morpeth. 1:30-4:00pm. ‘All About the Bass Sessions’. Alexia Gardner, Paula Gardner, Jude Murphy.

Fri 26: ???

Sat 27: Abbie Finn Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. CANCELLED!
Sat 27: Leeds City Stompers @ Billy Bootleggers, Ouseburn, Newcastle. 7:00pm. Free.

Sun 28: Paul Skerritt @ Hibou Blanc, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Sun 28: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 28: Paul Skerritt @ 3 Stories, High St. West, Sunderland. 6:30pm. Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Sun 28: The Society Quartet @ Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland. 6:30pm. Jason Holcomb & co.

Mon 29: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 30: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £8.00., £7.00. adv.

Wed 31: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 31: Lil Miss Mary & the Mr Rights Trio @ Billy Bootlegger’s, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free. ‘Early NYE Bash’. Rockabilly, rhythm & blues.
Wed 31: Abbie Finn Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. ‘Midnight in Manhattan’ NYE party. £49.46 (inc. bf) & £29.38 (inc. bf).

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

Thursday, November 15, 2012

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
  • The majority of band members in any group must be living and working in the north of England (please see separate geographical description below)
  • We will prioritise musical excellence, in terms of musicianship, creativity and innovation, from artists committed developing their careers
  • We will prioritise artists who can engage an audience (or are willing to learn): e.g. those who show an awareness of stagecraft, the ability to connect with audience or talk about their music and craft
  • There is no age restriction or stylistic barriers. We expect the final portfolio to reflect the vibrant and diverse range of styles played by musicians across the North
  • This is no limit to the size of band, group or ensemble
  • Bands where all the musicians are in full time education will be ineligible. Bands where one or more musicians are still in full time education will be assessed on a case-by-case basis
  • Bands on the Jazz Services Touring Support Scheme between January 2013 – March 2014 will not be eligible. If there is a cross-over then a conversation will be required before being offered a place.
  • northern line artists will be invited to attend an induction day and all artists will have access to a series of professional development modules with industry professionals between January 2013 – March 2014. Modules to include the following areas: stagecraft, building relationships with promoters, diary organisation, marketing skills, travel practicalities, best practice on gigs, performing and workshops for children and young people.
Method of application and deadline
To apply, see www.jazznorth.org/projects/northern-line and complete the online application form.
Deadline for applications: 10:00 am Monday 17th December 2012
How we will choose the bands
All applications will be assessed by an advisory panel pooled from Jazz North staff, peer groups (musicians), experienced promoters and industry professionals. Selected bands will be notified by 18/1/2013.
The North: Definition
For the purposes of this scheme, ‘the north’ refers to the following counties: Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, County Durham, Northumberland, Tees Valley and Tyne and Wear, Yorkshire, Humber (North and North East Lincolnshire).
Jazz North is supported by Arts Council England.



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