Bebop Spoken There

Ron Carter quoting Sonny Rollins: ''What we call jazz - that's keeping the world in equilibrium. I don't care what kind of music you like out here today. It all comes from jazz.'' (DownBeat August, 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

18799 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 663 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Aug. 12) 32.

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

From This Moment On

August

Thu 13: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 13: Eva Fox & the Sound Hounds @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 13: 58 Jazz Collective @ The Blacksmith’s Arms, Stranton, Hartlepool. 8:00pm. Free. CANCELLED! Back on Aug. 27.
Thu 13: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.

Fri 14: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 14: John Settle Quartet @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm. £9.00. John Settle (vibes); Rick Laughlin (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Tim Johnston (drums).
Fri 14: Bold Big Band @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £8.00 + bf.

Sat 15: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Blacksmith’s Arms, Hartlepool. 1:30pm. Free. Open rehearsal.
Sat 15: Jake Leg Jug Band @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm. £16.26.

Sun 16: Vintage Explosion @ Cliffe Park, Roker, Sunderland SR6 8DB. 5:00-10:30pm. £44.00 (inc. bf).

Mon 17: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 18: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, Abbie Finn.

Wed 19: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 19: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

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.

New York Week

This is the beginning of a New York Week,
My guitar, and ukulele, and a song I'm soon to speak.
Words flow like water as I ride the subway home,
I tell you, New York, has a time frame of its own.
I moved across the ocean from a place that I called home
In search of an adventure, to dive into the unknown
Quickly I discovered the passion in its eyes
Though New York is just a city, it’s a lover in disguise.
You’ll never know a stranger till you’re locked in his embrace.
You’ll never know how rain feels till it tumbles from your face.
You’ll never know you’re dreaming cause this city never sleeps,
And if you think of leaving, New York has your heart for keeps.
Everyday is different, every minute, every hour
So keep your eyes wide open and your heart a blooming flower,
Fearful things may happen, so embrace the darker days,
It’s my muse and it’s my madness, yeah I’m caught in New York’s gaze!
Oh, this is the beginning of a New York week,
And this, my introduction, and my memoir, so to speak,
Be bold and be courageous
Sing your dreams out loud,
Never lose yourself… but go get lost inside that crowd.
© Jo Wallfisch.

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