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

Monday, April 01, 2013

Gateshead International Jazz Festival 2013 Preview. Saturday April 6 - Workshops.

Saturday 6 April. The Sage Music Education Centre. 10:00 am
Workshop for Young Instrumentalists with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra
(Preview by Russell).
An amazing opportunity for 13-19 year olds with an instrumental performance standard of Grade 5 or above to participate in a workshop with NYJO’s MD Mark Armstrong and some of the ensemble’s star performers.
Saturday 6 April. Gateshead Old Town Hall. 11:00 am
An Introduction to Vocal Improvisation
Lindsay Hannon, one of the north east’s leading jazz vocalists, will lead a workshop exploring ways into improvisation from scat to ‘wordless musical expression’ delving into the Great American Songbook along the way. The session takes place in the Old Town Hall (the Sage’s recently acquired annexe), five minutes’ stroll from the Sage. Hannon is sure to offer invaluable insights to the aspiring vocalist in a welcoming, supportive group.
Saturday 6 April. Gateshead Old Town Hall, 11:00 am
An Introduction to Jazz Guitar
Festivals are at their best when there is a hive of activity around the place. At the same time as Lindsay Hannon examines vocal chords, master guitarist James Birkett will offer a diagnoses of chord progressions (Dr. Birkett knows all the chords), scales and arpeggios. If you have achieved a reasonable level of facility on the instrument then this is the workshop for you. Hannon will be in the Millennium Hall, Birkett in the Council Chambers. It all sounds very grand, perhaps intimidating, but don’t be put off, the staff at the Old Town Hall will give you a warm welcome and you’ll be in the hands of experienced tutors. Each session costs £10.00. A bargain, it could be the best tenner you’ll ever spend.
Saturday 6 April. The Sage Barbour Room. 11:00. am & 1:30.pm
Early Years Big Family Jazz Bash
Fun, song and movement for all the family. The first session is aimed at under fives, the second is for five to eight year olds. Sharon Durant will lead the sessions which will be for all the family. Adults must attend with their children. A give-away at £2.50 per person
 Russell.

No comments :

Blog Archive