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, April 21, 2013

CD Review: Klökkeblömst

Anders Banke (tenor sax); Peter Danstrup (acoustic bass guitar); Anders Provis (drums and cymbals.).
(Review by Lance.)
A contemporary slice of Danish jazz that is surprisingly melodic. I quote: "Corresponding to an overall theme - songs that could have been Danish" is somewhat confusing as all ten tracks were written by acoustic bass guitarist Danstrup who is Danish which, by my reasoning, means not only could they have been Danish but they are Danish unless I'm missing something!
Danstrup describes the themes as singable but quirky. Quirky they certainly are but I think it would take one helluva singer to get the best out of them.
I don't know if anyone has put lyrics to them but the titles should inspire someone to put words to the quirks.
e.g. Under the Crown of the Beech in the Warm Lap of a Maiden; And the Wave Curled Upon the Briny Beach; The Harvest has Been Reaped, the Whisper of the Southern Wind, Merrily Twirls the Maiden's Ringlets; The Bitter Rain Strikes me, and the Sun Disappears in the Darkness; Smile my Friend, Just Swig the Golden Chalice, You Are Free.
Having said all that, I do actually like the music (and the titles!) Tenor saxophonist Banke gets a good sound and despite his tendency to occasionally venture "Outside" he doesn't stray too far.
As well as the compositions, Danstrup provides meaningful lines rather than traditional double bass patterns. He had a long association with the late John Tchicai and his Ballad to John T is an emotional homage.
Provis, on drums and cymbals - the description is from the album notes - adds his 3 kroner to the mix making this a delightful insight into the Danish Jazz World.
Find out more at www.peterdanstrup.com.
Klökkeblömst was released on April 15 by ILK Music.
Lance.

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