CD Review: In The Country – Sunrise Sunset

Morten Qvenild (Piano); Roger Arntzen ; (Bass); Pal Hausken (Drums)

(Review by Steve).

 Nordic culture is currently enjoying a high profile through  the mediums of Films TV  and Literature. We should also add Nordic Jazz to this burgeoning  cultural  list Jan Garbarek and  Esbjorn Svensson  are perhaps the most established artists of  this genre but this Norwegian Trio ‘In the Country’ are a welcome addition to this growing artistic smorgasbord.

Simon Spillett Quartet @ The Corner House

Simon Spillett (ten); Paul Edis (pno); Mick Shoulder (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms).
(Review by Lance).

Wonderful! Wonderful! - an apt opener for this is what this evening surely was. Spillett soared through the changes of the old Johnny Mathis number at Tempo de Lick. It was a performance that was truly formidable. My heart was pounding and this was only the first number! Not that this was a one man show. The Edis Trio more than held their own impressing both audience and star. All four were on a roll tonight. 

This was like a gig by the old Jazz Couriers - Tubby Hayes inspired tenor and Ronnie Scott inspired jokes!

Jazz Caf Refugees @ The Star.

Lindsay Hannon Plus: Lindsay Hannon (vcl); Mark Williams (gtr); John Pope (bs); Mark Robertson (dms).

Jam Session: Paul Gowland (ten); Mike Papapavlou (gtr); Pope/Katie Trigger (bs); Robertson (dms).

(Review by Lance)

Crombie may be gone but his legacy lingers on. I wonder if he ever dreamed that he would be remembered in this way? - Probably not.

However, this latest venture indicates that the gone but not forgotten tag will be around for a while longer.

The Headhunters descend on Under The Bridge for their only UK date in 2013 25th April 2013, 7PM Under the Bridge, Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS

Although some 300 miles away from our normal stomping ground I think a lot of our regulars may be interested in the sole UK appearance of The Headhunters. - particularly those interested in some of the more peripheral  forms of contemporary jazz.

Read what Dom Christopher has to say about the gig...

Lance.

ASHINGTON JAZZ CLUB AT THE ELEPHANT, Newbiggin Road, Ashington.

Wednesday March 6 - The Third visit of DJANGOLOGIE
Featuring Emma Fisk on violin and Mick Shoulder on double bass. Now joined by guitarist James Birkett (a long time favourite at the Elephant) and Giles Strong on second guitar. This band is much in demand for their own material as well as their gypsy repertoire. Expect a night of swinging gypsy jazz paying tribute to the legendary Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli.
The concert starts at 8:30 and admission is £5

John T.

Stop Press!

I have a bit of stop press news for you; Simon Spillett's new album "SQUARE ONE" is released today - and the first place it will go on sale will be at the Corner House tomorrow night. It's Simon's first album since 2007 - so please form an orderly queue! I'm already thinking of it in terms of my CD of the year and I haven't even heard it yet!

Lance.

Graeme Wilson Quartet @ The Cluny. February 26

Graeme Wilson (tenor saxophone), Paul Edis (keyboards), Andy Champion (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums)

(Review by Russell)

The Graeme Wilson Quartet’s debut gig at the Central Bar in October of last year was such a success that it was just a matter of time until there was another outing. Wilson’s talents as a composer made the band an ideal choice for a Schmazz @ the Cluny gig. A  set list of tunes familiar to those who take every opportunity to hear Wilson made for a memorable night down in the Ouseburn. 

Music Shop Memories

“I need a stick - we've got a booking!”

“What for – substance abuse?”

“No, the group's playing at this club.”

“Ah! you mean a gig?”

“What's one of them like?”

“A gig is when you move towards musical respectability.”

“What's he on about? I only want to buy a fuckin' drumstick!”

"We don't sell drum sticks separately - sir"

"What? You've gotta buy a pair when only one's broke! - rip-off merchants you lot."

"Goodbye Buddy."

"My name's not Buddy,"

" No I didn't think it was - Ringo."

Lance Totally untrue but not too far away...

Keith or Cody* Jarrett

As Keith Jarrett won't be playing The Bridge, The Cherry Tree, Hoochie Coochie or The Star readers may care to read the review by Sebastian Scotney on LondonJazzNews (and the comments!)

Lance.

PS: He also missed out on The Crescent Club, Ashington, Blaydon, The Porthole, Gateshead Legion, The Corner House, The Cluny and The Lit and Phil.

He could have played The City Hall but he was concerned that the council may have pulled it down before he got there.

The Sage was an option but it would have meant having to cancel April's 3 day jazz festival to pay him.

* Cody Jarrett - bank robber played by James Cagney in the '40s film White Heat.

JNE Update

8pm Thursday 28th February

SIMON SPILLETT & PAUL EDIS TRIO

Simon Spillett (tenor sax); Paul Edis (keyboards); Mick Shoulder (bass); Adam Sinclair (drums)

One of our STRAIGHT ahead promotions brings you the British Jazz Awards'  2011 Tenor Sax Of The Year with the North East region's finest mainstream/modern jazz trio. Adding real excitement and imagination to music rooted in the 1960s.

CORNER HOUSE HOTEL, Heaton Road/Coast Road, Heaton NE6 5RP

Tickets £10.00, £8.00 concessions, £5.00 students

On sale now at J.G.Windows, Central Arcade Tel 0191 232 1356. On sale at the door from 7.30pm on the night. Reserve by calling Dave & Pam 0191 265 5699. 

VERSE & JAZZ for International Women’s Day

Newcastle City Library:  Friday 8 March, 12.00 – 1.00 pm

Writer Gordon Phillips and singer Gabriele Heller with her band Gabriele mit drei are the entertainers for International Women’s Day.  The pieces are inspired by this year’s theme of “gaining momentum.”

Interview with Anne DeVere

Anne, did you have a musical background?

My parents were both musical--father pianist, mother singer--they played in Concert parties in the 1930's.

Who were your early favourites?

My first inspiration was butterscotch Ella Fitzgerald, then came Carmen McRae and Peggy Lee.

Do you recall your first gigs?

First gig was at the Rex Hotel Whitley Bay with a Big Band but within a few weeks I got the gig at La Dolce Vita with the Bob Stephenson Quintet 7 nights per week.

There must be many things that stand out from those days...

Highlight was going to a party with Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and having a long chat with Eric Dixon, tenor player in Basie band.

Northern Spirits – Jazz Festival celebrates North East Landscape Saturday 6 April 2013

The music of two of the UK’s most distinctively original jazz composers – Tim Garland and native Tynesider Ian Carr – will be featured at Gateshead International Jazz Festival, inspired by the landscapes of the North East of England.

The Northern Spirits concert will include the world premiere performance of ‘Songs to the North Sky’ composed by Tim Garland. In addition to this new suite will be the first performance in the North East of ‘Northumbrian Sketches’ (both to be conducted by Clark Rundell) which was composed by the late musician Ian Carr. Featuring Northern Sinfonia, orchestra of The Sage Gateshead, both performances will offer the combined forces of jazz musicians and classical, appealing to a wide range of music lovers.

Katie Patterson’s Allsorts @ Splinter @The Bridge Hotel. February 24 (second set)

Russ Henderson (ten/alt/sop/fl); Oli Cadman (keys); Pete Gavin (bs); Eirik Svela (gtr); Katie Patterson (dms). 

(Review by Russell)

LL, BSH’s Head Honcho, sped off into the night on the no.27. Meanwhile, back at the Bridge, an inviting pint of Mordue’s Rye IPA (6%) found its way upstairs to catch the second set from the Allsorts. First set, Patterson suggested that for some, the band played too much jazz, for others, too little. The second set certainly had a greater focus; Return to Forever, Brian Blade’s Fellowship Band, deconstructed Bob Marley and a high-flying Patterson original.  

Katie Patterson Allsorts @ Splinter @ The Bridge

Russ Henderson (ten/alt/sop/fl); Oli Cadman (keys); Pete Gavin (bs); Eirik Svela (gtr); Katie Patterson (dms). 
I'll be honest, I was still on a high from last night's Courtney gig and the transition from 220 heaving bodies to a small number of semi-immobile bods took some adjustment. However, once this adjustment was made, the music was fine. Great arrangements and original compositions. Nice to hear Russ Henderson again and Katie plays drums as good as she looks. The other guys did the biz but the 27 bus was on the horizon and, after spinning a double headed coin, I left for the bus.
Lance.

Friday on BBC4: Sings the Great American Songbook: 10.30pm

(By Ann Alex) Further to Lance’s note below, I watched this item with great interest.  I don’t imagine that blog readers would enjoy all the versions of the songs, but I have to say that I liked most of them.  I was put off by the first item, Shirley Bassey, who is a bit too dramatic for my taste, but this was followed by some gems from such as Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett,  tousle-headed Diana Krall, and also Jamie Cullum doing I Get a Kick Out of You, giving the piano a playful kick on the appropriate word. I hadn't realised what a skilled pianist Diana Krall is.  

Courtney Pine at Hoochie Coochie.

Courtney Pine (soprano sax/ewi); Cameron Pierre, Chris Cobbson (gtrs); Darren Taylor (bs); Samuel Dubois (steel pans); Robert Fordjour (dms)
(Review by Lance)
Was this or wasn't this a night to remember?
It was!

In fact it was quite fantastic although - shock horror - Courtney made the mistake of showing that jazz can also be entertainment! This was entertainment with a capital E and jazz with a capital J. I imagine some of the jazz mafia shaking their heads at the thought of people enjoying themselves whilst listening to jazz!

Coldest Night of the Winter but...

Brian Sibbald, bass; Fred Thompson, drums; Lawrence McBriarty, trombone; Graham Hardy, trumpet and Brian Bennett, banjo

It's the coldest night of the winter, but The Vieux Carré Jazzmen played 'red hot' 1920's jazz at Gibside National Trust's 'Half-Term Hog Roast' barbecue. 

In spite of the intensely cold weather, there was a fantastic turn-out of families and friends to enjoy this popular winter event. 

Watch out for other VCJ events at Gibside later in the year. 

Brian

CD Review: Tomasz Stanko New York Quartet - Wislawa

Tomasz Stanko – Trumpet; David Virelles- Piano; Thomas Morgan -  Bass; Gerald Cleaver – Drums.
(Review by Steve Horowitz)

70 year old Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stanko leads his New York Quartet in an album dedicated to the late Nobel Laureate and fellow compatriot Wislawa Szymborska who’s poetry inspired Stanko and indeed provides some of the song titles on this album

Tonight on BBC 4

1. Some delights on BBC4 tonight from 9pm. They're all repeats so you may have seen them before but if you haven't - this is the schedule.
   Thanks to Liz for drawing this to my attention.
   Lance.

Saxophone Massive Your Chance to Join in One of the Largest Saxophone Performances at The Sage Gateshead

Over fifty saxophonists will come together this weekend (Sunday 24 February) to rehearse for ‘Saxophone Massive’, which takes place at this year’s Gateshead International Jazz Festival (GIJF).

Andy Sheppard, jazz musician and composer, is leading on this exciting project, which is taking place for the first time in the North East at GIJF in April. This week’s rehearsal will be lead by Gateshead born but world-renowned jazz musician, Chris Sharkey.

Tonight!

Friday 22 February 6.00 - 9.00pm

'Half-Term Hog Roast' at Gibside National Trust. 

Real Ale Bar by Wylam Brewery + Hog Roast Barbecue + The Vieux Carré Jazzmen at Gibside National Trust. Free - pay for optional BBQ, tho! 

Tea, coffee, snacks available in The Potting Shed Café. 

See you there - and wrap up warm! 

Brian 

Paul James Band @ Hoochie Coochie

Phil Hudson (gtr); Paul James (bs); Gary Lowey (keys);Dave Lourie (dms); Laura Adams (vcl).

(Review by Lance.)

The James Band are known, primarily, as a function band - you know the thing - Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Dinner Dances and Hunt Balls. I'm sure they do it very well. Tonight, however, it was a  chance to let their hair down and unleash their jazz/rock chops.

Darlington Jazz Festival

The 2013 Darlington Jazz Festival will, this year, be held in The Forum on the weekend of April 20/21.
When details are finalised the program will be posted.
Lance.

Jazz North/Northern Line info for Promos

We have now put all the information about how promoters can apply for a northern line subsidy onwww.jazznorth.org. We have extended the first round booking period until 31 July 2014 so I hope this will give NorVolJazz members an opportunity to take advantage of the scheme. Here are some links:

List of ambassador bands: http://www.jazznorth.org/projects/northern-line/

How to apply for a subsidy: http://www.jazznorth.org/projects/northern-line/how-to-apply-for-a-northern-line-promoter-subsidy/

The first northern line showcase will be in Liverpool on 25 March at The Capstone Theatre. We are offering promoters and venue representatives complimentary tickets plus they can apply for an attendance bursary of up to £50 for each showcase.

About Liverpool showcase http://www.jazznorth.org/liverpool-to-host-first-northern-line-showcase/

Bursary information http://www.jazznorth.org/projects/northern-line-showcases/bursary-available-to-attend-northern-line-showcases/

Complimentary guest tickets for promoters http://northern-line-showcase.eventbrite.co.uk

Jazz Esquires @ The Porthole

Miles Watson (tpt/vcl); Tony Winder (ten/sop/clt); Terry Dalton (tmb); Roy Gibson (pno); Robin Douthwaite (gtr); Stan Nicholson (bs); Laurie Brown (dms) + Ann Alex (vcl); Neville (comedy).
(Review by Lance).

It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing saw the Jazz Esquires hit the ground running. On their day they are reminiscent of one of the later Lyttleton bands and, I'm pleased to say, this was one of those days. Miles threw in the vocal on this and most numbers and there were good solos all round. Miles took the vocal again on Undecided - that Charlie Shavers classic with it's triple rhymed middle eight - 

I've been sitting on a fence/And it doesn't make much sense/'Cause you keep me in suspense/And you know it.

On drums, ex Squadronaire, Laurie Brown - surely the 'Last of The Few' - drove things along culminating with an idiomatic solo.

It's Going to be Chilli Tomorrow - on Chilli road...

Live Jazz + Jam session upstairs at the Chilli  tomorrow night! We've got 2 trumpets, guitar, piano, bass Ruairidh Maclaren Patfield, drums and Tenor Paul Gowland. Bring your instruments and or vocal chords and play! 8 to 11.
Mike Pav.

Vote for Hoochie Coochie if you like music.

Hoochie Coochie has been short-listed as the best new bar in the North East by the Licensed Trade awards, but it's down to the public who wins. If you like us can you click on this link & vote for us, would be much appreciated. Warren 

PS: Given that I'm a half wit with technology I hope this link works 

http://www.licensedtradeinternational.com/votestart.php

(It works Warren - I've voted - now let's hear it from the rest of us - Lance)

Sue Ferris Quartet @ The Cherry Tree

Sue Ferris (ten/flt); Stuart Collingwood (pno); Neal Harland (bs) Rob Walker (dms).

Ms. Ferris opened up with All of Me whilst I opened up Tempura Oysters with Asian Salad both were tasty offerings. Sue isn't perhaps the first name that crosses your mind when you're talking tenor players but she should be high on the list. Her solos float effortlessly through the changes with a  nice 40's/50's feel to them. Stu Collingwood too is always worth hearing. Second time in as many days for Neal Harland and none the worse for that. Driven along by Rob Walker on drums this was as near perfect a rhythm section as you're gonna get.Blue Monk and Black Sheep Bitter what a perfect combination!

The quartet decided they were Taking a Chance on Love whilst I was taking a chance on a Bavette Steak, Frites, Marmite Butter, Garden Salad and Mustard. The steak was done medium rare but Sue's solo was very rare indeed - almost precious!

Black Orpheus, Sue's flute feature, compensated for the Marmite Butter although, in truth, it wasn't like neat Marmite and tasted okay.

Moonglow, Comes Love and a blast on All The Things You Are brought the set and my Jamaican Ginger Cake, Salt Butter Caramel, Rum and Raison Ice Cream to a close and, much as I would have liked to have stayed for the second set, my waistband was almost at breaking point! So I bid my farewell and bounced down to the Metro with All The Things You Are lodged between my ears.

Lance.

Robert Mitchell & Corey Mwamba @ Lit & Phil. February 13

The Lit and Phil’s latest concert featured the brilliant Robert Mitchell (piano) and Corey Mwamba (vibes). 

(Review by Russell)

Leicester’s Corey Mwamba has become a familiar face thanks to Jazz North East booking him to work in a variety of contexts including Alexander Hawkins, Ntshuks Bonga and Andy Champion. On this occasion he played a solo set featuring a selection of modern jazz standards and one or two original compositions. Extended techniques (bow, body and breath) and audible exhalation held the audience spellbound. Herbie Hancock’s One Finger Snap, Monk’s Evidence, Mack the Knife and Mwamba’s Then She Looked were stand-out tunes delivered with intensity by the amiable vibes man. 

Bobby Wishart International Quintet @ The Jazz Bar Edinburgh March 15

Bobby Wishart (ten/pno); Robert Henderson (tpt); Geno Ciancio (keys); Ed Kelly (bs); Karoly Nagy (dms).

(Review by John T.)

It’s been a while since I visited this prestigious venue but was pleased to see that standards have not dropped. Still at least three sometimes four gigs a day. Lunchtime, early evening, 9 pm to midnight and midnight to 3 am sessions still in place

Sunday 24 February.- It's 'Swing Sunday' at Picasso's Restaurant with The Vieux Carré Jazzmen

Playing and singing all (maybe some of?) the hits of the 1920's and 1930's. 

Call Judy or Tony on 0191 251 3110

Showtime 12.30pm.  

Fresh, local ingredients 

Picasso's are proud of their food, and proud to rely on the many excellent local producers of 

meat, fish and vegetables. Award winning butchers Nicholson of Whitley Bay supply, among 

other produce, our mouth-watering fillet steaks, and locally made black puddings. 

Our fish comes direct from North Shields fish market, supplied by the long established firm of 

Frank Round. And all our greens come from Alan Bridge of Cullercoats, who delivers and 

buys daily on the Newcastle Market, ensuring fresh produce. 

Picasso's Restaurant, 2 Claremont Crescent, Whitley Bay NE26 3HL 

Claire Kelly Trio @ The Bridge Sunday February 17.

Claire Kelly (vcl); Mark Williams (gtr); Neil Harland (bs).
(Review by Lance)

Not so long ago, Claire Kelly was the ingénue of our local larynx ladies. Not any more! Recent performances - and particularly tonight's - show that she can hold her head high in any company.

Looking stunning in a red gown, she, paradoxically, opened up with Born to be Blue. Despite the clash of colour it was a fine interpretation and with solos by Mark and Neil it set the mark for what was a most enjoyable evening.

CD Review: Vo-Duo - Nou La

Monvelyno Alexis – Guitar/Vocals; Markus Schwartz – Percussion
(Review by Steve)

Nou La is the first album by Vo-Duo and draws on the traditional Haitian Voodoo tradition for it’s content both lyrically and musically. All songs are sung in local language Kreyol although helpfully the liner notes translate all the lyrics into English. The practice of Voodoo in Haiti originates from the time of West African enslavement  and in the past this album may have been labelled patronisingly as World music but this is Afro-Haitian Jazz.

Blaydon Jazz Update

I can confirm we are moving the club back to The Black Bull in Blaydon. As many of you know its a thriving traditional pub with beautifully kept ale and a host of  activities, including a firm commitment to supporting live music. Take a look at their website - http://www.blackbull-blaydon.co.uk/index.asp

But it does unfortunately  involve changing to a Sunday evening 8 to 10.30.  Admission is £4. Sundays is the only evening we can get the room. Its a very good room with a stage, seats around with ideal capacity then the bar at the back. I'm very sorry if Sundays are awkward for you.

The pub hosts are Carl Haley and wife Jackie. Carl is Pauline's younger brother - it was Pauline who invited us to start the jazz club when she had the pub back in 1984. Very happy days they were. Carl & Jackie have made it plain they are very keen to have us back there and will help with the running of the jazz club.

So we start on Sunday 17th March with a trio I've put together for this first evening (Neil Harland bass, Adam Sinclair drums + myself gtr) plus special guest Sue Ferris on sax/flute. 

After that we will be on 3rd Sunday each month. 21/4 guest James Birkett (guitar); 19/5 guest Jeremy McMurray (piano). Further details on personnel for these two dates later.  I hope you can continue to give us your support. 

Best wishes

Roly

Stars at the Star.

As a temporary replacement for the Jazz Café The Star on Westgate Rd, Newcastle, is starting a Wednesday night Jazz Session. The following bands have been, provisionally, lined up.
27/2/13 Lindsay Hannon Plus
6/3/13 PG3
13/3/13 Grace Ellen Quartet
20/3/13 Don Forbes Safe Sextet
27/3/13 Gabriele mit Drei ?
3/4/13 Stevie Glendinning Trio
10/4/13 Budtones/FJE?
17/4/13 Lickety Split
24/4/13 Kath Stone Quartet.
Admission is free and music begins 8:45pm.
More will be revealed as the details unfold.
Lance.

CD Review: Martin Wheatley - All Day Breakfast.

Hula Bluebirds: Martin Wheatley (gtrs/uke/bjo/vcl); Jake Rodriguez (gtr); Dave Croft (uke); 

Arcadians: Martin Wheatley (gtr/uke/vcl); Mike Piggott (vln/gtr); Tom Langham (gtr/vcl/uke); Roger Graham (bs);.
(Review by Lance.)

A lovely souvenir of last night's gig at the Customs House plus some gems by Wheatley's Arcadians.

Hula Bluebirds @ Customs House, South Shields Friday February 15.

Jake Rodriguez (gtr/vcl/uke); Martin Wheatley (gtr/uke/ etc.); David Croft (uke/magic).
(Review by Lance.)

This was a zany, yakka hula hickey dula ride through various genre Hawaiian style.

It was jazz - with Martin Wheatley taking the bulk of the solos it couldn't be anything else"

But it was also Hawaiian, Country, Rock - it was everything but, most of all, it was entertainment.

This band were here to put on a show and they did just that.

CD Review - Charles Lloyd/Jason Moran: Hagar’s Song

Charles Lloyd  - Reeds,  Jason Moran- Piano.

(Review by Steve Horowitz)

This is a classic Saxophone – Piano duo. Lloyd, a 60’s, legend and his current quartet’s pianist Moran combine seamlessly and are clearly at ease in their own musical company.

The album begins with a series of classic tunes written by the greats  Pretty Girl (Strayhorn), Mood Indigo (The Duke), and Bess you is my Woman Now (Gershwin)  are all played with grace and subtlety with a suitable addition of melancholy  and bluesiness where required, The next 3 tracks. A Charles Lloyd composition Pictogram is then sandwiched between two classic ballads All About Ronnie (Joe Greene),  and You’ve Changed (Carl Fischer).  

Andy Champion Interview.

Jazz Yorkshire have just posted an interview with Andy Champion - read it here.
Lance.

The Beat Goes on in Eric's Memory.

The Tower Ballroom are to honour the late Eric Delaney with a commemorative plaque.

Stephen Pierre of Utopia Music was instrumental in arranging sponsership of the event by his company

Eric was a resident at the famous ballroom and it is indeed fitting that he should be remembered in this way.

Lance.
Blackpool Gazette Tribute.

Daryl Sherman's Valentine Faves.

I just spent Valentine's night at my Tokyo gig choosing songs I hoped would resonate with a Japanese audience of varying ages. Thank goodness there are some things that don't get 'lost in translation'. I've always felt these two songs are most direct in saying what I'd long to hear someone say to me. They certainly worked last night:

Isn't it Romantic?

As it's Valentines Day - not that many of our readers seem to have noticed - I thought I'd retrieve this item from the archives of Bebop Spoken There;

Clare Fischer: "We were in the high school orchestra. When she was 18 and I was 20 I asked her parents permission to marry her. They were classical snobs and I was a jazz musician and they kicked me out of the house and I lost her. To cut a long story short, 44 years later we got together and she became my wife. All this is in the words of Morning." - (Jazz Journal August 1997.)
I'm just an old sentimentalist...
Lance.

Pink Lane Jazz Co-op Latest.

Good news. We had our first meeting with the landlord today and it felt very positive. He’s keen for the Jazz Cafe to reopen as soon as possible after some essential refurbishment. We’ll be having further meetings with him to discuss the details.

(On Facebook).

Miles Ahead and Birth of the Cool with SNJO.

Miles Davis was one of the coolest figures in jazz and a constant innovator. Together with Gil Evans, Miles created Birth of the Cool and Miles Ahead: two of the greatest jazz milestones of the 1940 / 50s that shaped new movements in jazz and influences music even today.

Sardinian trumpet master, Paolo Fresu, joins the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra in paying tribute to Miles, bringing these two jazz gems to the live stage with direct emotion, quiet power and vivid orchestral colour.

Feb. 21 Caird Hall, Dundee.

Feb. 22 Queen's Hall Edinburgh.

Feb. 23 Royal Conservatoire Glasgow. - SOLD OUT.

Feb. 24 Stirling Macrobert Centre.

More info.

Billie Holiday - P.S. I Love You

Composer/Producer/Conductor Ryan Truesdell's Groundbreaking Project CENTENNIAL: Newly Discovered Works of Gil Evans Wins Best Instrumental Arrangement GRAMMY Award for the Late Gil Evans

Renowned composer/producer/conductor RYAN TRUESDELL's highly acclaimed CD CENTENNIAL: Newly Discovered Works of Gil Evans (ArtistShare) has won a posthumous Grammy Award for Gil Evans in the category of Best Instrumental Arrangement (How About You) in the 55th annual GRAMMY Awards. This arrangement of How About You was written in 1947 for the Claude Thornhill Orchestra and is Gil Evans' first GRAMMY win for arranging.  Evans had 11 prior nominations and two wins.

Tonight @ The Lit and Phil

Jazz North East presents
COREY MWAMBA(solo vibraphone)
+ ROBERT MITCHELL
(solo piano)+ MITCHELL - MWAMBA DUO

Wednesday 13th February | 8.00pm
Literary & Philosophical Society | 23 Westgate Road | Newcastle NE1 1SE
Tickets £10.00 | £8.00 concessions from 0191 232 0192

Note: Steps to this venue make accessibility difficult for wheelchair users

CD Review: Mac Gollehon - La Fama

Mac Gollehon (tpt) plus "Legends of the New York Latin Scene".

Recorded in the 1980's when Latin Jazz was making its emergence (or should that be re-emergence thinking back to Dizzy, Machito, Puente etc?) the "Legends" include Doc Cheatham, Eddie Montalvo, Hilton Ruiz, Potato Valdez, Lester Bowie and Charlie Palmieri. The arrangements are by Gollehon and are perfectly tailored to this outfit.

Poignant Message...

This sad message was posted on Facebook by Cassie Durham, daughter of trumpet player/bandleader/organiser of Whitley Baby Jazz Party and a dedicated servant to classic jazz, Mike Durham. Our thoughts are with Mike and the family.

Lance.

Dear Mike's Facebook friends....for those of you that do not know already, I have some sad news. This is Cassie Durham, Mike's daughter and I am writing to tell you that Dad is seriously ill having being diagnosed with terminal (and untreatable) brain tumours on January 22nd. Things have moved on very fast and he is now in a hospice in Newcastle. I could not think of another way of letting everyone know and this seemed a good an option as any. As you can imagine, it has been a huge shock to Mum and Dad and my brother and I and all I can say is that he is comfortable and is not in any pain....say a wee prayer for him all of you - thanks.

Cassie.
PS: thanks for all the kind messages - and as a footnote which I forgot to add last night, the Classic Jazz Party 2013 will be going ahead as planned - Dad wants it this way and it will be a fitting memorial to him that everyone makes it the brilliant weekend that it has been each year before.

Djangologie @ The Cherry Tree

Emma Fisk (vln); James Birkett, Giles Strong (gtr); Mick Shoulder (bs.)

(Review by Lance)

Djangologie, one of Jazz North's 12 bands selected as Northern Line Ambassadors, gave Cherry Tree diners a taste of why they have been given this accolade with a varied program of Hot Club classics, newer numbers and some original compositions. Indeed some of the band's originals sounded more original than the original if you follow my drift. I didn't catch many of the announcements, partly because they came over slightly muffled and partly because I was too engrossed in my Game Ravioli, Fricassee of Cabbage and Peas, Truffle Consomme - a dish, like Djangologie, deserving of a Bistro in Montmartre.

Katherine Stone Quartet @ Ashington Jazz Club. February 6.

Katherine Stone (vcl); Dean Stockdale (pno); Neil Harland (bs); Steve Doyle (dms).
(Review by Peter S.)
Jazz returned to the Elephant after what has been a long winter. Our members returned in numbers to welcome the Katherine Stone Quartet on a first visit to A.J.C.. 

Ms Stone was impeccably supported by the brilliant musicians behind her who delivered a selection of melodies from the Great American Song Book with style and spirited interpretations.

Jo Wallfisch in NY.

I first met Jo Wallfisch on one of my occasional London trips at, of course, The Spice where she was singing. Jo's now moved to New York and, seemingly, rapidly becoming a Native New Yorker - as I did on my visit and I was only there for ten days!

Read the poem, it  captures the feeling of Manhattan perfectly although perhaps not the current snow storms.

Then check out the website and hear the slim lady sing.

Lance.

CD Review: Soren Gemmer - at first

This is quite a sublime album. One that I didn't expect to like but I've become quite taken by it.

For once, the press notes tell it like it is and I have no qualms about endorsing them - no it's not a cop-out!

Lance.

Street Corner Blues Win North East Battle of the Blues Heat.

The north east heat of this year's New Brunswick Battle of the Blues - held at Redcar - went to Street Corner Blues. Street Corner Blues, a duo comprising Chris James (vcl/gtr) and Martin Fletcher (hca), were, reportedly deserving winners.

I was delighted to hear this as I remember Martin well from my time working in Windows Music Shop where he bought many a Blues Harp, Marine Band, Special 20, Lee Oskar etc. from me over the years. I in turn bought a Hardisty racing bike from him which I still have although it hasn't been pedalled for a number of years.

We wish you both all the best for the final.

Lance.

CD Review: Joe Lovano UsFive - Cross Culture.

Joe Lovano (tenor, G mezzo Sop., tarogato, aulochrome + various ethnic instruments); Lionel Louke (gtr); James Weidman (pno); Esperanza Spalding/Peter Slavov (bs); Otis Brown III, Francisco Mela (dms).

(Review by Lance.)

This Blue Note release is a living endorsement of the labels motto The finest in jazz since 1939. This has all the elements of those classic '50s sessions by Mobley, Blakey, Turrentine, Byrd and co. albeit in a more contemporary vein.

John Harvey Mystery

John Harvey revealed the answer to the question as to the whereabouts of tenor saxist Al Gay. John confirmed that Al Gay died some 8/9 years ago.

This however, opens up another query. Is this John Harvey the John Harvey who writes the wonderful Charlie Resnick novels that feature the jazz loving detective?

Lance.

Change of address for LondonJazz.

LondonJazz has changed its address - it is now http://www.londonjazznews.com (the www is necessary).
A good place to check out what's going on in "The Smoke" and more general jazz issues.
Lance.

Alister Spence Quartet + Watts and Weston @ Lit & Phil Feb. 8

Alister Spence (piano & keyboards), Raymond MacDonald (alto & soprano saxophones), Joe Williamson (double bass) & Chris Cantillo (drums) + Trevor Watts (alto & soprano saxophones) & Veryan Weston (piano)

(Review by Russell)

The Lit and Phil hosted a return visit by pianist Alister Spence. The Australian decided to forsake a southern hemisphere summer for a British winter to tour once again with his international quartet – Scot Raymond MacDonald, Canadian Joe Williamson and from Sweden Chris Cantillo. Spence’s previous visit to Newcastle drew a full house and this time around there was a similar healthy turn out.

James Harrison

Check this article from Middlesbrough Gazette.
Lance.

Donald Byrd's Death a Mystery

I've learned via The Guardian, LondonJazz and several other online sources of the death of Donald Byrd. According to Byrd's nephew the influential trumpet player died on Monday (Feb. 4), aged 80, in Delaware. Yet, for some mysterious reason, details are being withheld 

Byrd was one of the cornerstones of the Blue Note and played on many of that illustrious label's most popular jazz LPs of the '50s and '60s. Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey, Hank Mobley, Lou Donaldson, Stanley Turrentine and many more benefited from having Donald Byrd in the line-up. He also led a more contemporary band Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds.

Check out his discography.

.When the story breaks, and I'm sure there is one we will keep you informed.

Lance.

Zoe Gilby Trio @ The Lit and Phil

Zoe Gilby (vcl); Andy Champion (bs); Mark Williams (gtr).
(Review by Lance.)

This was a class gig - they even had programmes. Don't see that very often apart from, say, at the Albert Hall. However, this was the Literary and Philosophical Society and they know how put on a Recital - particularly when Paul Edis is at the helm.

It was a well attended event requiring extra seats to be drafted in. To get artists of the calibre of the above three for a quid each is a mega bargain.

They were worth more - considerably more.

Collective @ Hoochie Coochie, February 7 - Second Set.

So now I have to follow Lance the Poet!  I too enjoyed the first set, not least because I’ve finally defined what is meant by ‘funk’, that interesting combination of rock and jazz.  I’d been listening to it for years and just didn’t know it. 

The second set had plenty of funk, and soul, gospel and blues for good measure.  The line-up was the same except that Al Saxon on sax disappeared and Hannah Rickard came on stage to entertain us mightily with strong stylish vocals, on songs such as Take Me To The River and Let The Good Times Roll.  And the good times did roll as the large audience of mainly young people clapped and shouted their approval, with dancing in front of the stage – I counted 12 dancers towards the end of the set.  The instrumentalists showed no signs of flagging, the guitar howled, the drums went the full measure, underpinned by the keys and the cool Katie on bass guitar.  Naturally the fans hollored for more and they got it when Al Saxon returned for a rocking, belting, blues. Just one minor quibble.  I wanted to be able to make out more of the announcements, but I could only do this when Al Saxon spoke in the first half.  I noticed he didn't try to eat the mic and talk at the same time.

A really enjoyable gig.

Ann Alex.
Photo of Hannah Rickard by andy siddens LPRS

James Birkett and Bradley Johnston @ Queen's Halll, Hexham. February 7.

We paid our first visit to the Queens Hall to see James Birkett and Bradley Johnson give a concise history in Jazz guitar music, what we did not expect was to be entertained by two world class guitarists for £7.50. My brother, a Jazz fan of over 50 years, on seeing James Birkett and Bradley Johnston for the first time was “completely blown away.” The whole audience were completely lost in the music and the immaculate guitar playing. This was a great show, many thanks to you all at the Queens Hall, whoever is running the show don’t fix it, you are doing a cracking job.

Phil and Ray Dougan.

Collective @ Hoochie Coochie February 7 - First Set.

Al Saxon (alt/fl); Tim Bloomer (gtr) Katie Trigger (bs); Dominic Snaith (keys); Robbie Houston (dms)

Funky alto wails. 

Guitar rocks.

Organ grooves. 

Drummer drives. 

Al Saxon on sax

Knows his axe

It's Armageddon. 

Ice Cool Katie 

Doesn't flip

She's hip.

Fuck the glory

Without her ,

'twould be

Another

Story

Lance.
More photos courtesy of  Andy Siddons LRPS

Pink Lane Jazz Co-op Latest (on Facebook.)

It looks like 25 Pink Lane is going to remain closed for a while. In the meantime four different venues have offered to provide a temporary home for Jazz Café activities. We think it's a good idea to keep the jazz flowing until we can get back to Pink Lane. Would you come?

PLJC

Customs House Big Band Open Rehearsal @ New Crown Hotel, South Shields

A new year, a few new faces and a few new tunes, at least to me but the Customs House crew proved they can still do it. Ruth Lambert being indisposed, it was an evening of instrumentals,  they rehearsed Sweet Georgia Brown, Prelude To A Kiss, Sing Sang Sung, and But Beautiful. The two ballads were out of this world.

The Concert set had The Way You Look Tonight, Just Friends, Georgia On My Mind, with some lovely trombone solos, It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing, and then two numbers I hadn't heard before North Shore Morning and Switch In Time,  the set ended with a swinging Indiana.

 It was a good night with a sparse audience probably due to the cold weather, we came from as far apart as Durham and Dinnington, so where were the locals? It's a funny old world when name bands (and some of them dead names) can get people to pay to listen to the old warhorses whilst a good contemporary local band performs to a handful.

Miles