10 Favourite Jazz Autobiographies

Anita O’Day: High Times – Hard Times (1981)

Art Pepper: Straight Life (1979)

Artie Shaw: The Trouble With Cinderella (1952)

Benny Green: Swingtime in Tottenham (1976)

Eddie Condon: We Called it Music.(19480

George Melly: Owning Up (1965)

Humphrey Lyttleton: I Play as I Please (1959)

Marian McPartland: Shall We Play One Together? (2012)

Pete King: Flying High. (2011)

Ronnie Scott: Some of my Best Friends Are Blues (1979)

Lance.

PS: Send me yours.

CD Review: Spiritual Jazz Vol 4 - Americans in Europe.

Although the blurb below is a press release from Jazzmen Records I endorse some of it and would elaborate more if the booklet had been written in braille as opposed to the miniscule font size. Having said that, I understand it is also available as a triple LP where, presumably the sleeve notes are more suitable for us 20-20 visioners!. The music, however, is, in the main, interesting. And the avant garde I abhorred back then is nearer accessibility. Who would imagine that I would derive pleasure from Albert Ayler's tortured version of my most unfavourite tune Summertime (familiarity breeds contempt)? and yet it is possibly the only Ayler record I've got something out of! Jazz is a strange world never ceasing to throw you a curve...

Lance.

CD Launch. Dan Nicholls - Ruins. The Vortex June 1, 2013.

Dan Nicholls – Rhodes and Wurlitzer pianos, organ, tapes, Roland Sh-101; Kit Downes – organ; Shabaka Hutchings – bass clarinet; James Allsopp – tenor saxophone/clarinet; Dave Smith – drums; Tom Challenger – alto clarinet (tracks 1+2)

Bennett Bulletin (Not Tony - the other one).

Hello, everyone! 

Just a reminder that this Sunday (2 June), The Vieux Carré Jazzmen perform their regular first-Sunday-of-the-month session at The Red House Farm Pub & Restaurant, Hepscott Drive, Whitley Bay NE25 9XJ. Showtime 8.00 - 10.00pm. It's a terrific evening of 20's jazz with guest singers and musicians. Graham Hardy leads the band on trumpet. Will 'the Broddler' be there? We'll find out on Sunday night! 

See you there, 

Brian 

Pete Gilligan and Friends/Zoe Gilby @ Hoochie Coochie, May 30.

Pete Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Steve Glendinning (gtr); Rob Walker (dms). Zoe Gilby (vcl) + Eric Stutt(dms).

(Review by Lance.)

The quartet opened the batting with C Jam Blues and it was immediately apparent that they were on fire for this, the final Thursday night jazz session at Hoochie.. Unfair to single out any one person as they all went for it each one managing to say something just a little different on the old warhorse. Even the fours seemed to have meaning.

Horace Silver features heavily in the Gilligan repertoire and tonight it included Opus de Funk and the delightful Summer in Central Park.

Last Night at Hoochie Tonight

Tonight sees the final Thursday Jazz Night at Hoochie. It's going to be a cracking night with Pete Gilligan, Paul Grainger, Steve Glendinning and special guest Zoe Gilby who kicked things of at Hoochie a year gone August. So lets see a good crowd along for a night of great jazz.

Lance.

CUSP @ The Cluny. May 28, 2013

Chris Bridges (trombone), Keith Phillips (guitar), Dave Tompkins (double bass) & Hugh Lawrence (drums)

(Review by Russell).

The quartet CUSP are the duo String and Bone - Chris Bridges, trombone, and Keith Phillips guitar - augmented by the bass and drums pairing of Dave Tompkins and Hugh Lawrence. The band's debut CD all there is has stirred sufficient interest to make it worthwhile taking it on the road. The Cluny featured on the itinerary. 

Film Review ‘Beware of Mr Baker’ Director Jay Bulger

(Review by Steve.)

This movie begins as it ends with the 75 year old Baker breaking the directors nose on camera by attacking him with a  cane. 

This is not so much a ‘Rockumentary’  as a ‘Jazzumentary’ for Ginger Baker is first and foremost a Jazz drummer although he found  fame and fortune with  cult rock outfits Cream and Blind Faith. To this day his drumming heroes are Phil Seamen, Max Roach, Art Blakey and Elvin Jones. As Eric Clapton says on camera he was in a different league to the two rock drumming  giants of the late 60’s and early 70s John Bonham and Keith Moon .

Hannabiell @ The Star Inn, Newcastle.

Hannabiell Sanders (Percussion/Bs. tmb); Yilis Del Carmen Suriel (Percussion); Matthew Ross (congas); Paul Ruddick (alto) + Chris Finch (flugel); Kevin Eland (trumpet).

(Review by Lance)

Hannabiell took to the stage and the set at last began. The formula is simple. Ms. H attacks the djembes (?) with her palms gradually building up the tension till it seems unbearable then, just when you thought it safe to check your heart monitor up steps Yilis Del Carmen Suriel to join Hannabiel and the duo raise the pulse rate even higher - smacking and beating the skins with hypnotic cross rhythms - flailing away like a pair possessed.

Otriad @ Bridge Hotel, Newcastle. May 26 , 2013

Alex Roth (guitar & effects), Joe Wright (tenor saxophone & electronics), Nick Roth (alto saxophone), James Opstad (electric bass) & Simon Roth (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Firebrick, the recently established micro brewery in Blaydon vied for attention on the bar at the Bridge Hotel. A good start to another Splinter at the Bridge Sunday night session! The upstairs room sparsely populated, guitarist and band leader Alex Roth took to the stage with tenor player Joe Wright (earlier pre-occupied setting-up his Apple Mac) and for the next half hour or so the duo painstakingly created a pastoral electro-acoustic soundscape, dissolving, fading, resolved. 

RIP Mulgrew Miller.

Following the many unconfirmed reports the New York Times have released the news that Mulgrew Miller died this morning following a stroke a few days ago.

One of the greatest contemporary modern jazz pianists his loss will be mourned throughout the jazz community worldwide.

I was never fortunate enough to hear him live but the album Live at Yoshi's is one of my most treasured piano albums.

Sadly missed.
Mulgrew Miller died May 29, 2013, aged 57.
Obituary.
Lance.
(Apologies for confusion re previous post now withdrawn.)

CD Review: Arne Jansen – The Sleep of Reason, Ode to Goya

Arne Jansen (guitars, piano), Andreas Edelmann (bass), Eric Schaefer (drums), Friedrich Paravicini (keyboards, cello, vibraphone), Stephan Braun (cello), Nils Wülker (flugelhorn)

(Review by Les)

Born in Flensburg, educated in Berlin, German guitarist Arne Jansen releases his third album, the majority of the content of which is an attempt to convey his personal feelings and emotional experiences as a result of viewing the Goya paintings in Madrid’s Prado Gallery.  Nine of the pieces are composed by Jansen, with two covers (U2’s Love is Blindness and Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms) thrown in for good measure.

CD Review: Ira Wiggins - When Freedom Swings.

Ira Wiggins (ten/fl); Cyrus Chestnut (pno - 8 tracks); Ed Paulantonio (pno - 4 tracks); Baron Tymas (gtr 4 tracks); Joe Metzger (vbs/mar - 4 tracks); Alvester Garnett (dms - 7 tracks); Thomas Taylor (dms - 5 tracks); Herman Burney (bs); Mavis "Swan" Poole (vcl - 2 tracks).

(Review by Lance).

Ira Wiggins, Director of Jazz Studies at North Carolina Central University, has shared the stage with such luminaries as Jimmy Heath, Grady Tate, Fred Wesley, Louis Bellson, Nneenna Freelon and Branford Marsalis but, after 15 albums as soloist and sideman, this is his first outing on record as leader and he seizes the moment with both hands in the course of this most delightful double CD.

CD Review: Moss Project: What Do You See When You Close Your Eyes?

Moss Freed (composer, bandleader, guitar); Ruth Goller (acoustic/electric bass); Alice Zawadzki (vocals/violin); Shabaka Hutchings (tenor sax/bass clarinet); Marek Dorcik (drums)

The writers: Naomi Alderman (The Bubble); Colum McCann (Anniversary); James Miller (What Do You See When You Close Your Eyes); Lawrence Norfolk (Caravans); Joe Dunthorne (Freud And Jung In The Tunnel Of Love); Hanan al-Shaykh (The Angel)

(Review by Ann Alex.)

Fingerbuster

Our intrepid reporter, reviewer, bon vivant and man about town, Russell, has broken his typing finger so our boy's incisive descriptions of jazz at the cutting edge will be curtailed until the healing process is complete or he acquires the services of a secretary...
He assures me the incident was not alcohol related.
Lance.

Redemption Jazz

Claire Martin, Joe Stilgoe, Mark McGann, Northern Sinfonia Pay Tribute to Lennon and McCartney @ Sage Gateshead.

Northern Sinfonia; Claire Martin: Joe Stilgoe; Mark McGann.

In my defence, your 'onour, every gig I've ever  been to in 'all One began at 7:30pm. Them as is in 'all Two do their thing at 8pm. So, tonight, my old mucker Andy 'udson and me strolled down to Sage Gateshead with an independent air only to have our sanguineti desanguetinesed when we were informed the concert had begun at 7pm!

7pm! I know folk who aren't even out of bed at that hour! But, c'est la vie. 

I don't know what we missed but what we didn't miss was good.

Thinking Allowed - A History of Live Music from the Dance Hall to the 100 Club.

The above program was first broadcast on Radio 4 last Wednesday. It is repeated tonight at a quarter past midnight. It can also be heard here on BBC iplayer.
Thanks to Russell for drawing this to our attention.
Lance.

James Birkett & Bradley Johnston @ Sage Gateshead. 24 May 24, 2013

James Birkett & Bradley Johnston (Gtrs)

 (Review by Russell).

They were there in their hundreds, in every nook and cranny, every vantage point taken. Guitarists James Birkett and Bradley Johnston had certainly pulled a crowd for their gig on the concourse at Sage Gateshead. Alas, the drinking and chattering gave the game away...the hordes were there to attend performances in Halls One and Two. Most didn't listen and many of those seemed oblivious to the brilliance of the master and pupil duo. 

Two sets of bossas, waltzes, swingers and blues held the attention of the few. Dick McDonough and Carl Kress made a flying visit (Stage Fright), John Lewis waltzed in Skating in Central Park, so too Dave Brubeck (In Your Own Sweet Way). The clattering of plates, the clink of glass on glass, the I'm at the Sage mobile types did little to dampen the enthusiasm of performers and the listening few.

RIP Ed Shaughnessy.

One of the all-time drumming greats has passed away. Ed Shaughnessy spent most of his career with Doc Severinson's band on the American Tonight TV show but in his early days he was part of Charlie Ventura's legendary Bop For The People band. He was one of the most sort after drum tutors and the favourite drummer of many more well known percussionists including Buddy Rich.

I think I'll listen to those old Ventura tracks again.

Ed Shaughnessy died on May 24, 2013 aged 84.
Rest In Peace.
Lance.
Obituary.

CD Review: Keith Jarrett/Gary Peacock/Jack DeJohnette - Somewhere.

Keith Jarrett (pno); Gary Peacock (bs); Jack De Johnette (dms).

Pick out your three faves to form a trio and, maybe, this could be it. Request that they play from the good old GAsbook and your dream has come true!

Listening to Jarrett playing Stars Fell on Alabama brings to mind Eddie Condon's famous quote on hearing Bix for the first time - you know the one - "the sound came out like a girl saying yes". That is how powerful this, and the other standards, are on this disc recorded back in 2009 at a concert in Lucerne, Switzerland as part of his "Standards Tour".

CD Review: Yoron Israel - Visions: The Music of Stevie Wonder

Yoron Israel (dms); Lance Bryant (ten/sop); Laszlo Gardony (pno); Henry Lugo (bs); Larry Roland (spoken word); Thaddeus Haggarth (gtr/hca)

(Review by Lance.)

When a disc such as this one lands in my mailbox 'midst all the  contemporary offerings it's like getting a tax rebate.

Not that this is by any means old hat - unless strong melodic content and rich harmonies are now considered passé...

Tonight on BBC4

9pm: Trad Jazz Britannia (R. 1:40am).
10pm: George Lewis w. Acker Bilk.
10:40pm: Smokey Dives (R. 2:40am.)
11:40pm: Sonny Rollins '74.
12:40am: Ronnie Scott.

Lucian Ban & Mat Maneri @ The Recital Room, Newcastle University. May 23, 2013

(Review by Russell)

Pianist Lucian Ban and viola virtuoso Mat Maneri, on a short British tour to promote their new ECM release Transylvanian Concert (ECM 2313), were greeted by glowering rain clouds on arrival in Newcastle. 

The Recital Room in Armstrong Building, Newcastle University, elevates the Lit & Phil’s intimate Loftus Room, by comparison, to stadium rock dimensions. A few rows of chairs set-out, a makeshift bar set-up, would an audience materialise? It did, in good numbers.

Dropping Bombs @ Hoochie Coochie May 23.

Danny Allan (alt/clt); David Gray (tpt/tmb); James Harrison (keys); Ian Simpson (gtr); James Robson (bs/bs gtr); Tom Chapman (dms); Belinda Voshinta (vcl).

(Review by Lance.)

Jazz is dead? Nah! I'm hearing so many fantastic young musicians these days that I'm sure it is very much alive!

Tonight was quite amazing. Tell me the last time you heard a boisterous traddy version of Bourbon Street Parade followed by All Blues? You heard it tonight!

Yes, Dropping Bombs came on like Katrina with jaw-dropping ferocity when they hit us with Bourbon Street. David Gray demonstrated his ever increasing prowess slidewise with a sort of modern tailgate that blew the cobwebs out of the cobwebs! This guy - like the other bombers - is on a roll. Danny Allan on clarinet kept the spirit of New Orleans alive and Tom Chapman had some breaks the late Lennie Hastings would have been proud of.

CD Review: Worldservice Project – Fire in a Pet Shop

Dave Morecroft – Keyboards; Tim Ower – Saxophones; Raphael Clarkson – Trombone; Conor  Chaplin  - Bass; Neil Blandford – Drums

 (Review by Steve H.)

This is WSP’s second album and what a joy ! Blistering kickass new wave jazz with a sense of humour to boot.

We launch straight in to De-Frienders a frenzied start full of crash bang wallop what a picture. Next up the title track Fire in a Pet Shop which continues the excitement with plenty of baying and roaring as presumably the animals make their escape. Barmy Army   has the feel of a fairground  Klezmer style terrace chant whilst Villain of the Aeroplane evokes the feel of the ‘Bloody Red Baron’ soaring through the skies.

Slowlight Quartet @ The Star Inn, Westgate Rd., Newcastle. May 22.

Tom Quilliam (ten/sop); Paul Lorraine (keys); Ian Paterson (bs); Jonathon Marriott (dms).

(Review by Lance/Photo by James Sebright Photography).

The opener was neither slow nor light as Quilliam set the room on fire with an aggressive almost punk-like nonstop tenor blast that started on the intro and ended on the coda. No prisoners were taken.

A switch to soprano for a more mellifluous approach - at least for a while - before building  up for the kill until Lorraine brought it back from the brink and cooled it.

SAGE GATESHEAD UNVEILS PATRONS SUPPORTING FUNDRAISING APPEAL

Sage Gateshead has today announced big names from the world of arts, business, education and sport who are supporting its 10th Birthday Appeal. The Appeal is to raise a new endowment for the music centre, which is a registered charity, to coincide with its 10th birthday in December next year.

The Patrons include David Miliband, film producer Lord Puttnam and world record-breaking athlete Jonathan Edwards. From the world of business Sir Peter Vardy, Gary Lydiate, Louise Halbert and John Squires, and architect of Sage Gateshead Lord Foster. They join musicians Mark Knopfler, conductor Lorin Maazel andKathryn Tickell.

The Appeal is to raise £4 million in order to capitalise on the Arts Council’s 50 per cent match funding scheme, which will make every pound raised worth an additional 50p, generating an additional £2 million.

The money will help Sage Gateshead continue to bring the best international musicians to the North East as well as support new and emerging artists, build its international music education links and extend its urban arts training programme by bringing urban performers from across the world to Gateshead.  

New Band in the North East.

Just finished listening to a demo record by a new band The North East Four (NE4). Four good men and true - Paul Gowland (tenor sax); Ray Truscott (6 string electric bass); Alan Law (piano); Paul Wight (drums).

A modern quartet that doesn't stray  too far from the contemporary mainstream. A couple of originals by Truscott  and a piece entitled Savoy Cabbage which is based on the Eddie Daniels/Gary Burton arrangement of Stomping at the Savoy are what's on the demo and it shows them off to advantage - well it would wouldn't it!

The Star, The Forum, Travellers Rest,.Splinter, Lit and Phil are some of the clubs/venues this band would easily slot into.

Interested parties email Ray Truscott - raytruscott@gmail.com.

Lance.
            

CD Review: Man Overboard - All Hands on Deck

Thomas Gould (vln); Ewan Bleach (clt/sax); Dave O'Brien (bs); Jean-Marie Fagon (gtr); Louisa Jones (vcl).
(Review by Lance).

Just imagine, if Grappelli and Goodman had got together, what the end product would have sounded like!

By closing your eyes and allowing a little (well quite a bit) of imagination it's reasonable to assume the outcome could have sounded like this.

Farewell Heather Jane Arthur

(Report by Lance)
It was an emotional occasion - how could it be anything else?  A woman so vibrant and caring taken so tragically from us. It was a fitting service of thanksgiving for the life of Heather Jane Arthur.
Those in attendance represented the many facets of Heather's interests including, of course, the north east jazz world.

Rebecca Parris Tells it Like it is (on F/b)

Roy Haynes is at Scullers this weekend. Drummers! Have you lost your minds??? Why each and every one of you within a 100 mile radius aren't fighting over seats amazes me. One of the MOST prolific musicians of our time with more energy and experience in his little finger than a million of your heads is sharing his energy with you. Get your arses to that box office promptly!

Preview: Two of us: Celebrating the Lennon and McCartney Songbook.

This Sunday (May 26 - 7:30pm) sees another blockbuster event coupling the Northern Sinfonia with the jazz and pop world at Sage Gateshead..

Two of Us: Celebrating the Lennon and McCartney Songbook..

Yes it may be aimed at The Beatles still considerable following but as the participants include Claire Martin and Joe Stilgoe (along with Mark McGann) this is going to appeal to a wider audience and even without John Wilson on baton it should still be an evening full of Liverpudlian lyrics and Merseyside music - hopefully with a few jazz gestures along the way.

Have a look at Sage Gateshead's link above to view a video showing clips from previous performances.
Lance.

Lewis West @ The Recital Room, Newcastle University. May 20, 2013

(Review by Russell)

Newcastle University’s Stage 2 Music Student End of Year Recitals are in full swing and today’s busy schedule ended with drummer Lewis West up for examination. Last week’s Finals Recitals featured guitarist Mike Papapavlou with West in a supporting role, today the roles were reversed with guitarist Mike only too pleased to return the favour. The presence of five string electric bassist Ruairidh Patfield made for something of a reunion as the amiable Irishman was also in on Mike’s session.

Ukulele River Girl Song by Gordon F. Phillips.

Ukulele River Girl Song

Down by the river when the moon’s above

It sent me crazy and it got me love,

I’m crazy for my ukulele girl.

Curtis Stigers @ Sage Gateshead

Curtis Stigers (vcl/gtr/ten/sop); James Scholfield (gtr).

What can I say? The guy pleased his fans, of which there were many, he strummed acoustic and blew some nice tenor on Centrepiece. He sang You Are Too Beautiful - arguably the best version ever outside of  Johnny Hartman -  and did ok on Body and Soul. So what what didn't float my boat? I don't know. I guess I wanted more sax, less  "Greatest Hits" although the applause that greeted these numbers indicated that I was in the minority!

James Scholfield played some great guitar backing and was worthy of a solo feature.

It was a good gig but the earth didn't move.

Lance.

PS: Rather sad that my itsy bitsy light pen (essential for writing a review in the dark) was taken to task whilst the camera flashers went scot free.

CD Review: Raquel Cepeda - I'm Confessin'

Bob Chadwick -  flutes; David Caceres - alto & tenor sax; Warren Sneed – tenor & soprano sax; Dennis Dotson  - trumpet; Paul English - piano, flugel horn, trumpet; Thomas Hulten  – trombone; Brennen Nase - guitar; Guil Fonseca - guitar; Jeffry Eckels - Bass; Dean Macomber  - drums; Jorge Orta - Cro-Cro, percussion; Tony Parana - percussion; James Metcalfe  - percussion; Marcia Sterling - violin; Oleg Sulyga  - violin; Dan Strba – viola; Shino Hayashi -  cello.

(Review by Debra).

Venezuelan  jazz singer Raquel Cepeda is now resident in Houston, on account of her day job (no doubt far better paid) , as a geologist in the Texas oil industry.  Her solo debut is of jazz standards and a number of South American   bossa  novas, sambas and boleros. 

Harambee Pasadia North East Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th May, 2013

Harambee Pasadia North East, is a unique all day and night celebration of music, food and fun for all the family.  Harambee literally means "all pull together" in Swahili, its an event in which invitations are spread predominately by word of mouth, and Pasadia means to spend the whole day.  This event is set on an idyllic Easington farm on Saturday May 25th to Sunday May 26th (with grounds opening at 11 am Saturday and closing 12 Noon on Sunday). 

Live music: Hannabiell & Midnight Blue, Afrodisiac, Nansady Keita Band, 10th Avenue Band

DJ: Volta 45, Zero dB, Ras Mike

For more information vist: Harambee Pasadia
For tickets visit: Wegottickets

When in Shields Do as the Romans Do!!

For time immemorial I have spent Saturday afternoons in South Shields. The open air market is legendary, the charity shops many and the books and CDs I have picked up - with the exception of Miles' On The Corner - well worth the journey. Today however, it rained so I took shelter in a pub - Arbeias.

This used to be the British Legion Club where Charlie McKie A.K.A. Chic Cole - a talented but temperamental pianist - resided during the 1970's. It later became a glitzy disco bar the name of which I forget.  But now it's a bar et brasserie...

Timecraft Tour Details

Timecraft is an exciting new octet that plays the compositions of drummer Dave Smyth. After a debut performance that featured iconic saxophonist Iain Ballamy as a special guest, the group are embarking on this seven date tour in June 2013 before heading into the studio to record their first album. 

Soul Snippets

North East guitar hero Lloyd Wright is now performing with South Shields pop/soul diva Lulu James and over the past couple of weeks the band have appeared on Later With Jools. Admittedly Lloyd's guitar plays second fiddle (!) to Lulu's legs and larynx but, nevertheless it's good seeing the boy get the exposure he deserves. Check it out here (The band are on circa 16 and 42 mins into the program).

-----

Another North East soul singer emerging from the pack is Sam Dickinson who impressed at Hoochie earlier this year. Sam's first album is due for release on June 3. Details here.
Lance.

Glasgow Jazz Festival June 19 - June 27.

Full Program
Looks good!
Lance.

Soweto's Stolen Sax Surfaces

The Selmer Mark VI Alto that Soweto Kinch had stolen last month has been returned to its owner.
Details.
Lance.

Lindsay Hannon Plus Plus @ Hoochie Coochie May 16.

Lindsay Hannon (vcl); Paul Gowland (ten); Graham Hardy (tpt); Alex Leathard (tmb); James Harrison (pno); John Pope (bs); Mark Robertson (dms).

(Review by Lance)

Ironic that, as the Hoochie jazz nights draw to a close, the crowds increase and tonight was very well attended for a stonking session by Lindsay and her plus plus. The extra plus being the horn section of Gowland, Hardy and Leathard. Paul's had a busy 24 hours - Star the night previous, Uni gig this afternoon and this one. All brilliant in their own way.

Heather Arthur Funeral.

The funeral of Heather Arthur will take place on Tuesday May 21. It will be a private cremation. A memorial service will be held at 3pm on the same day at All Saints Church Gosforth.
Evening Chronicle.
Lance.

Mike Papapavlou’s Finals Recital @ Newcastle University. May 16, 2013

Mike Papapavlou (guitar) + accompanists Paul Gowland (tenor saxophone), Ruairidh Patfield (electric bass) & Lewis West (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Summer term is nearing its end. Cramming, late nights, its examinations time! In the  basement of the Music Studios on the main campus of Newcastle University a procession of final year music students were in the spotlight, no, make that under the microscope. At five o'clock jazz guitarist Mike Papapavlou stood on stage awaiting his turn. If he was nervous he didn't let it show. The examiners were delayed…five minutes, then ten. At a quarter past five they arrived, took their seats and it was all eyes (and ears) on Papapavlou. The place was packed. Was this a recital or a gig? If Mike wasn't nervous then some of us in the audience were!

Chop Sticks for Zoe

My quartet have got a gig next month at a jazz festival in China! Yes thats right folks, China. That is about as far as I have ever travelled, let alone for a gig. On my way to the post office now to send off our visa applications, mega exciting!
Zoe Champion (on F/b)

Daryl Sherman

Fans of Daryl Sherman might like to check her out on Michael Steinman's blog -  Jazz Lives. Our girl is in good voice and her fingers hit all the right notes - as ever - Listen here. Catch her at Whitley Bay in November.

Lance.

Theo Jackson

As I've often mentioned in the past, there seems to be a conveyer built churning out women jazz singers. Not that I'm objecting - may they continue to delight my ears and elsewhere. However, just for a change, it would be good to have a factory producing a few more men serenading the moon.

Et Voila!

The Jam Factory in Oxford has delivered!

Theo Jackson

Date: 26 May, 2013

Venue: The Jam Factory, Hollybush Row, 27 Park End St, Oxford OX1 1HU

Start Time: 8:15pm

Website page: http://www.theojackson.com

Description: As part of his UK tour, Theo will be playing at this relaxed and intimate venue. One definitely for the Bank Holiday weekend!

Pianist/vocalist composer has that contemporary Tormé feel that few achieve, he plays good piano and stands comparision with other better known artists.

Check out the website and listen to the samples then book a ticket to Oxford..

Lance.

Mike Papapavlou's Degree Finals Recital - Details

Guitarist Mike Papapavlou's Degree Finals recital is at five o'clock today (Thursday 16 May) in the Music Studios, Newcastle University (behind the Crow's Nest pub on Percy Street). Pedestrian access via Haymarket Lane. Mike's programme includes Miles and Monk and an original composition. Mike's band for the occasion features Ruairidh Patfield (bass), Lewis West (drums) and on tenor, Paul Gowland.

Russell.

Paul Gowland Quartet @ The Star Inn. May 15.

Paul Gowland (ten); Mike Papapavlou (gtr); Ray Truscott (bs); Lewis West (dms) + Kevin Eland (tpt); Dave Weisser (cor); Chris Finch (flug); Peter Ninnims (dms).
(Review by Lance)

Have You Met Miss Jones? was Paul Gowland's musical query. We knew the lady well - or so we thought!

Turns out she's a right little raver in the hands of Gowland, Mike P, Truscott and young West! They took her on a rollercoaster ride to Paradise and beyond. Later, they shared her for four bars at a time before taking her home - God knows what she told her mother!

CD Review: World Behind Your Eyes: Lynn Jolicoeur And The Pulse

Lynn Jolicouer (vocals); Mike Natsis (guitar); Steve Travis (piano); Warren Olsen (bass); Jean-Marie Corrois (drums); also Bill Vint (tenor sax on 2 tracks)

(Review by Ann Alex)

Boston based Jolicoeur, has traced an interesting career path,  worked as a TV journalist, done all kinds of singing, including pop, choral and jazz, as well as playing piano.  The Pulse, formed in 2008, have performed at many jazz and arts festivals.  This is their debut album.

CD Review: Deborah Latz - Fig Tree.

Deborah Latz – vocals; Jon Davis – piano; John Hart – acoustic & electric guitars; Ray Parker – double bass; Willard Dyson – drums, percussion; Peter Apfelbaum, tenor & soprano sax, flutes, percussion, Abdoulaye Diabate – voice on She Was.

(Review by Debra M.)

Fig Tree, Deborah Latz’s third album, comprises vocal jazz classics plus a number of World Music - flavoured songs, mostly original compositions. The opening   Blue Skies has a laid back, slightly funky groove. Other stylishly delivered standards  include; Hi-Fly, You’d be so Nice to Come Home to and S’wonderful, the latter featuring Ray Parker who can be heard  vocalising  his  solo.

CD Review: Pat Metheny – Tap: John Zorn’s Book of Angels Vol 20

Pat Metheny (guitars, sitar, tiples, bass, keyboards, orchestrionics, electronics, bandoneon, perussion, flugelhorn), Antonio Sanchez (drums, percussion)

(Review by Les)

Back in the nineties, John Zorn wrote 500 tunes inspired by traditional Jewish music.  This became known as Book One of the two volume work that became known as The Masada Book.  Book Two consisted of 300 tunes and was written in three months.

Over the past eight years, the tunes from Book Two have been recorded as volumes of The Book of Angels by a number of world-class musicians.  Volume 20 is a selection of six pieces recorded by Pat Metheny, assisted by his oft percussionist Antonio Sanchez.

CD Review: Laszlo Gardony - Clarity

(Review by Steve H)

Laszlo Gardony, a Hungarian born pianist now resident in the USA and a long time professor at Berklee College of Music. His regular trio comprises of John Lockwood and Yoron Israel.

Clarity, a solo album of 10 compositions, was recorded in one extended session in 2012 and you get the feel of an almost recital like performance as piece after piece segue seamlessly  into each other. The playing is at times mellow, melancholy , moody and magnificent. Peaceful  passages are followed by romping bass lines. All the pieces are sensitively named  reflecting the nature and character of the playing and no doubt the inspiration behind them.

Video from Bute by John Taylor.

View here.
T.J.Johnson Band.

Lewis Watson Quartet @ The Cherry Tree May 13.

Lewis Watson (ten); Paul Edis (ten); Paul Susans (bs); Rob Walker (dms).
(Review by Lance).

The audience tonight wasn't a collection of folk who like a bit of music with their meal. Oh no! Tonight they liked a bit of food with their music and there were several familiar jazz faces spotted enjoying the sounds coming from the stage.

WJRK – 1984 to 2013

(By Roly Veitch)

In 1984 Newcastle based jazz trumpeter and vocalist Mike Durham formed his band the West Jesmond Rhythm Kings specifically to play the classic hot jazz of the 1920s. His band was totally dedicated to this unique repertoire, performing songs well known and obscure (invariably including the verse) all played with neat, polished and sometimes quite complex arrangements often in various contrasting sections and including breaks, harmonised passages, accented rhythmic figures, clever intros and endings, in fact all the 'tricks of the trade' used in the music of that era. This was no run of the mill, busking jazz band. The ensemble soon built a considerable reputation leading to jazz club and festival gigs all over the UK, abroad in France, Italy, Holland, Spain, Ireland and twice to the Chicago area of the USA.

Claire’s Big Apple warm up gigs ahead of Sage gig

Tonight (Monday) and again tomorrow night if you happen to be in New York you could  get along to Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club at Lincoln Center to lend your support to the UK’s Claire Martin. Our girl is in town for a couple of gigs before flying home to prepare for her forthcoming appearance with the Northern Sinfonia at Sage, Gateshead (May 26) in a concert devoted to Beatles’ classics - ‘Two of Us’: The Lennon and McCartney Songbook. Her Big Apple shows are with a non-too shabby ‘local’ trio - Nikolaj Hess (piano), Peter Washington (bass) and drummer Matt Wilson. Admission: $30 ($10 with valid student ID). Knock ‘em for six, Claire (or should that be a ‘home run’?).  

Russell.

Miles Ahead by BOP @ Tyne Theatre May 5, 2013

Dollie Henry (choreographer) Paul Jenkins (musical director/flugel) Jason Yarde (alto) Julian Seigel (tenor) Jay Phelphs (trumpet) Jo Caleb (guitar) Graham Harvey (piano) Neil Charles (bass) Shane Forbes (drums)

(Review by Dave Parker)

This was an unusual evening’s entertainment put on by an innovative company with a total commitment to jazz. Sadly there was only a small audience to enjoy it.

Body of People (aka BOP) is a contemporary jazz dance and music theatre company set up in 1999 by choreographer Dollie Henry and jazz trumpeter Paul Jenkins. BOP aims to promote and develop jazz music and dance through performance and education.

Maine Street Jazzmen @ Seaton Sluice & District Social Club. May 13, 2013

Herbie Hudson (trombone, harmonica & vocals), Ray Harley (trumpet), Jim McBriarty (baritone saxophone, clarinet & vocals), George Richardson (keyboards), Alan Rudd (double bass), Ian Hetherington (drums) & Olive Rudd (vocals)

(Review by Russell).

Seaton Sluice Social Club, overlooking Collywell Bay, rivals Cullercoats Crescent Club for its panoramic views of the North Sea. Cullercoats jazzers could do worse than to get along to the Maine Street Jazzmen’s monthly session up the coast and for those keen to trip the light fantastic the concert room boasts a sizeable dance floor – they were up from the first number. The beers, standard CIU keg variety, activated this reviewer’s default position…a pint of Guinness, please.

Gabriel Mit Drei @ Bridge Hotel, Newcastle May 12.

Gabriele Heller (vcl); Steve Glendinning (gtr); Dave Parker (bs); Paul Beck (pno).
(Review by Lance)

I've noted the rise of Gabriele (Gabby) from her first tentative steps at the Chilli - that breeding ground for so much talent - via her increasingly confident appearances at The Caff, the gigs that are now less infrequent, and on to her emergence as a contender. This was very much in evidence tonight with a performance that was verging on jazz theatre. The jazz was in the material, the improvised vocal choruses, the varying note timbres and the unexpected intervals which could be a fleeting octave plus jump or a surprising, indefinable, shot in the dark that miraculously hit the mark.

The Jazzman - Keith Crombie Documentary

The 60 minute documentary by Abi Lewis is running to schedule - release date October 2013..
Details.
Teaser.
Lance.
(Poster by James Cheltenham)

CD Review: Tatterdemalion Rachel Musson/Mark Sanders/Liam Noble

Rachel Musson (tenor & soprano saxophones), Mark Sanders (drums) & Liam Noble (keyboards)

(Review by Russell)

Tatterdemalion is a 2012 recording on the Babel Label. North East audiences are familiar with the work of free jazz drummer Mark Sanders (a frequent visitor to Tyneside) and pianist Liam Noble turns-up in a variety of contexts, most recently with Christine Tobin at the Gateshead International Jazz Festival. Schmazz regulars heard Rachel Musson at the Cluny some time ago and this CD release confirms her arrival on the improv scene. 

Peter Ninnim -"New kid on the block"

I came across Peter Ninnim at Keith Crombie's wake and I was impressed with his drumming - he certainly can swing. After hearing him again at a couple of the Star jam sessions I persuaded him to come forward and tell us about himself. Lance.

"I was always interested in just being a swinging drummer so that seems to be working. Wish I could find more opportunities to play. I play drums with the Tyne Valley Big Band (third in the open section at Sunderland Big Band Festival!) and of course I was around and playing for most of Keith's wake. My real love though is small group jazz.

Watson Walker Edis @ The Lit & Phil. May 10, 2013

Lewis Watson (tenor saxophone), Rob Walker (drums) & Paul Edis (piano)

(Review by Russell - Photo by Jerry)

Another in the monthly lunchtime series of jazz gigs at the Lit & Phil and another full house. For some reason the jazz public has taken to the city centre venue from the get go; central location, a warm welcome from the Lit & Phil’s staff, quality bottled beers, tea, coffee and…top class jazz. It isn't rocket science, simply jazz.

Leo Harwood Memorabilia

Leo Harwood, still blowing tenor sax at 88 years old, sent me these photos and memories via his daughter Angela Penwarden.

Many of the photos are of Leo and the Mighty Joe Young Band with whom he spent three and a half years playing at various venues as listed below. Some of the photos need names added.

April 3, 1959  - Jazz Club, Grand Hotel Tynemouth for 4 weeks.

May  1959 - Peter Deuchar's Club, Nelson St, Newcastle.

May 30, 1959 to Nov 1962 - every Saturday at New Orleans Club.

March 25, 19 60 to Sept 1961 Downbeat Club.

Sept 1961 Nov 11, 19 62 Club Agogo every Sunday.

Numerous other gigs at clubs. parties, dances, jazz band balls etc. Alnwick Castle and Durham Castle.

Previous post re Joe Young Band.     
Link to Photo Album. 
Lance.                

Big Bear Stompers @ Customs House South Shields May 10.

Dave Moorwood (ldr/bjo/vcl); Andy Woon, Tony Davis (tpts); Gavin Lee (clt/sop); Bob Wilson (tmb); Perry Lock (pno); John Arthy (tuba); Andy Crisp (vcl); Judy Eames (vcl).

(Review by Lance.)

In the beginning there was King Oliver and his Creole Jazz Band in New Orleans, then, 20 or more years later, his music was revived in San Francisco by Lu Waters' Yerba Buena Jazz Band whose re-creation was itself revived by the Big Bear Stompers in the Midlands (UK). in 1989 - they have been stomping ever since or as one of the numbers went, Charlestoning Back to Charleston!

Stravena @ Hoochie Coochie 8/5/13

Sarah Travena (sop sax/flute) Mark Williams (guitar) Alan Law (piano) John Pope (bass) Mark Robertson (Drums)

(Review by Ed Case)

A very well attended night at Hoochie Coochie kicked off with a flawless arrangement of No More Blues, Sarah's sop. sax making light work of the many changes and the rhythm section kept the piece firmly placed in Brasilia. 

How High the Moon was excellently handled by Sarah, floating over the band, ornamenting beautifully a loose interpretation of the melody rubato before kicking it into tempo with a three times tag. As if this wasn't pleasing enough the whole thing morphed into Ornithology half way through with Mark and Sarah taking an obviously well rehearsed dual head. (Sounds filthy!)

BBC 4 Tonight

Lots of jazz on BBC 4 tonight:

20:30 Dave Brubeck Quartet. A Jazz 625 broadcast from 1960s.
21:00 Jazz Divas. (Repeated 0100)
22:00 Jazz Divas Gold. (Repeated 0200)
23:00 Jazz Piano Gold.
00:00 Sonny Rollins. (Repeated 0300).
Link for more details.
Truly a feast although, personally, I'd prefer it if they were shown nightly or even weekly rather than in one marathon sitting. I suppose Catch-up is the answer here.
Lance.

Glasgow Jazz Festival 2013 Program

This year's Glasgow Jazz Festival runs from June 26 - June 30. It's an exciting program,
Check it out here: http://www.jazzfest.co.uk/
Lance.

2013 Parliamentary Jazz Awards - Result

The 2013 results have been announced in Jazzwise magazine and LondonJazzNews.
For comprehensive and descriptive info visit Jazz Services.
Lance.

CD Review: Gene Ess - Fractal Attraction.

Gene Ess (gtr); Thana Alexa (voice); David Berkman (pno); Thomas Kneeland (bs); Gene Jackson (dms).

(Review by Lance)

The blurb sums it up exactly - Eight original compositions which are forward thinking but  simultaneously respecting the best of the past from the rich jazz music history. I'll raise a glass to that.

The guitar/voice front line is used very effectively. Japanese American guitarist Ess has a pedigree that includes a stint with the Rashied Ali Quintet and sessions with Ravi Coltrane, Archie Shepp and many others.

Despite that contemporary company, former child prodigy Ess' playing here is relatively straightforward.  Grant Green is cited as an inspiration and certainly many of the guitar solos have a Blue Note feel about them.

CD Review : MYRIAD3 - TELL

(Review by Dave Brownlow)

Chris Donnelly (pno), Don Fortin (bass) and Ernesto Cervini (dms).

Donnelly is an acclaimed pianist/composer equally at home in jazz and classical music,

Fortin has a background of jazz and rock and Cervini, a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music plays in or leads several local ensembles. Fortin explains “with MYRIAD3, a lot of varied styles and approaches converge, and that makes for a very different music”. This is very true and the album by the recently formed Toronto based group is far from the usual piano/bass/drums trio in the jazz tradition It is more that bass and drums have equality with the piano and where each musician contributes as they “share ideas and craft each piece collectively”. There are frequent mood, tempo or style changes within each piece. Of the 11 tracks on the CD, the pianist contributes 4 originals, the bassist 3 the drummer 3 and there is 1 standard - Duke Ellington’s C Jam Blues.

Hot Club Gone Cold

It's a sad day for music today as the long established music venue, the Station at Stokesley is closing.
The landlord, Jim has decided it's finally time to retire. I am sure everyone will wish to thank him for the many years he has supported the local music scene.

The Tees Hot Club Wednesday evening session is cancelled for the time being but we will be performing at the Dormans, Linthorpe as usual. Jim is going to join us there occasionally, now that he is a man of leisure!

Tees Hot Club.