RIP Laurie Frink

David Brownlow has reminded me that I've overlooked the passing of famed trumpet player and teacher Laurie Frink who left us on July 14 Highly rated by her contemporaries as both teacher and player Ms Frink played in the big bands of Benny Goodman, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis and many others including the award winning tribute to Gil Evans by Ryan Truesdale.

Laurie Frink was 61.
Rest In Peace.
Obituary.
Lance.

Desolation Blues

Rob Edgar over at LondonJazzNews sets out a case to prove that, despite the opinion of some geezer from Guildford, the North East and Berwick in particular is not desolate. To strengthen his case, he mentions this very blog! Thank you Rob. If Brian Martin cares to send me details I'll add his venue to the listings.

Lance.

CD Review: Resonance - Introductions

Stephen McQuarry (pno/ldr/comp); Georgianna Kreiger (saxes); Ted Burik (bs); Greg German (dms); Laura Austin Wiley (vcl/fl/picc); Nancy Bien (cello); Michelle Mastin (vla); Michelle Walther (vln).

(Review by Lance).

An intriguing disc! Not quite sure how to categorise it - lift music it ain't! It's contemporary for sure. It straddles a lot of borders - jazz, classical, popular and maybe others.

The strength of the album lies in the compositions and arrangements of pianist McQuarry. The instrumentation combines a jazz quartet with a string trio plus flautist/vocalist Wiley.. With all these permutations at hand no wonder McQuarry came up with a near unique sound. If these three guys and five gals had been bigger names reviewers may have compared them to Miles' 1949 Nonet. I won't go that far 'cept to say that McQuarry has a future in both composition and arranging. He plays fine piano too!

Daryl Sherman @ Ronnie Scott's. July 7.

Check out this review of Daryl Sherman at Ronnie's.
Lance

RIP Berry Yaneza

It is with sadness, I have to announce, that Filipino trumpet player Berry Yaneza who spent many years at Ned Kelly's playing trumpet, with The Kowloon Honkers & The China Coast Jazzmen, has passed away, I'm sure quite a lot of you remember Berry, with his sweet trumpet playing and antics on stage, plus his amusing vocals on his Japanese and Korean songs. 

Berry came to Hong Kong in 1949, and told me that one of his greatest experiences in life was being invited to meet Louis Armstrong while playing a concert in Hong Kong in the 1950's. 

From all the  management, staff & musicians at Ned Kelly's Last Stand, our condolences to his family.

http://youtu.be/xtBHUYbsKKA

Obituary.

Colin Aitchison

Bandleader

China Coast Jazzmen

Ned Kelly's Last Stand

Hong Kong.

YouTube - Videos from this email

Jam Session @ The Bridge

Alan Law (pno); Jonathan Marriott (dms); Katie Trigger (bs); + Fiona Findon, Ann Alexander, Julija Jaicenaite Jolie (vcl); Paul Gowland (ten); Sarah Travena (sop); Chris Finch (pno); Simon Stephenson, Dan Stanley (gtr); Graham Archer (bs) - apologies if I've missed anyone!)
(Review by Lance).
This was the first of the Splinter Jam Sessions that I've attended - let's hope, as is rumoured, that it's not the last. The word is that, after the summer break, it will be back to booked bands.
So, if you enjoyed tonight - and the well attended upper room certainly did - savour it.

Wayne Shorter 4tet /ACS @ Marseille Jazz Festival – July 23

ACS : Geri Allen (piano), Terri Lyne Carrington (drums), Esperanza Spalding (bass) 

WAYNE SHORTER 4TET:  Wayne Shorter (saxophone), Danilo Perez (piano), John Patitucci (bass), Brian Blade (drums).

(Review by JC)

After an entertaining (but hot) motorized meander through France, we arrived as planned at Marseille in time for Wayne Shorter’s appearance at the local jazz festival. Cooling down in an air-conditioned room overlooking the old port, the view from the window was very pleasant, even if there was no sign of a pork pie hat – neither Popeye Doyle’s nor the ‘Prez’.

Arriving at the venue by taxi, the Palais Longchamp had that quiet, understated elegance so typical of France, with a towering entrance of fountains, statues and pillars at least six stories high and curved staircases running up each side. We had expected something outdoors but not quite as grand as this and so had brought some bottles of water and bottles of wine. The smiling security at the gate were quite happy for us to bring in as much wine as we wanted but insisted that the tops were taken off all the bottles. When asked why, the mimed explanation was that they might be used as missiles (fair enough, but just imagine an open air gig in England where the audience would throw full bottles of alcohol at the stage).

CD Review: Phil Meadows Group - Engines of Creation

Phil Meadows (alto & soprano saxophones), Laura Jurd (trumpet), Elliot Galvin (piano & Fender Rhodes), Conor Chaplin (double bass & electric bass) & Simon Roth (drums)

(Review by Russell)

The pedigree is impeccable. Phil Meadows, First Class Honours from Leeds College of Music, postgraduate studies at Trinity Laban and having occupied the lead alto chair in NYJO, the Lancastrian has, to date, worked with some of the biggest names on the scene including John Dankworth, Cleo Laine, Tim Garland and Jason Yarde. Engines of Creation marks the saxophonist’s debut CD release as bandleader and composer.

R.I.P. Rita Reys

Dutch jazz singer Rita Reys died earlier today (July 28) aged 88. Known as Europe's First Lady of Jazz., Rita Reys continued performing almost to the end.
Listen to her 1963 version of After You've Gone with the Dutch Swing College Band.
Sadly missed.
Obituary.
Lance.

The Chase

No, not Wardell Gray and Dexter Gordon but a tv quiz program.
Question: What instrument did jazz musician Ronnie Scott play?
a Clarinet; b Saxophone; c: Piano.
The contestant, a musician herself, plumped for a - clarinet.
The answer was, of course, b - saxophone.
However, it is probable that Ronnie did play clarinet as most sax players of his generation did. So maybe they ought to have brought the third umpire in on this one.
Lance.

CD Review: Shan Kenner - The Behaviour of Vibration

Shan Kenner (gtr); Albert Marques (pno); Ryan Berg (bs); Darrell Green (dms).

Yet another new set of names to me. There must be a million of them in The States and a fair number of them are trying to turn a buck in New York City which is where this quartet hails from. One wonders if there are enough fans around to sustain and support the many emerging artists.

I have my doubts and it would be a shame if this band didn't achieve more than passing recognition. 

Lady Day

New poem by Keith Armstrong - Lady Day.
http://armstrong-dixon.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/lady-day.html
Lance.

Lindsay Hannon Plus @ Sage Gateshead. July 26.

Lindsay Hannon (vcl); James Harrison (pno); John Pope (bs); David Francis (dms).
(Review by Lance)

It was all happening at Sage Gateshead tonight. A flower show had taken over the main concourse area relegating Lindsay and co to the café area. Paradoxically, to my ears, the acoustics were better in this less cavernous space. Elsewhere, the remnants of a wedding reception floated about but in our improvised performance area another wedding took place - that of Words and Music.

Jazz Services is seeking to appoint a new Chair to its Board of Trustees

If you are passionate about music, and the state and future of jazz in particular, and could offer leadership, strategic direction and serve as an ambassador and advocate for the work of Jazz Services, we would like to hear from you. 

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ The Millstone. July 25

Trumpets: Michael Lamb, Pete Tanton, Kevin Eland, Tom Hill, trombones: Mark Ferris, Alex Leathard, John Flood, Robert Perry, reeds: Laurie Rangecroft, Nadiah Killick, Steve Summers, Paul Gowland, Jamie Toms, guitar: Pawel Jedrzejewski, keyboards: Colm Rooney, bass: Michael Went, drums: Guy Swinton, vocals: Lindsay Hannon.

(Review by Russell)

The Strictly Smokin’ Big Band’s regular last Thursday in the month date at the Millstone in South Gosforth is, ostensibly, the band’s rehearsal night but to all intents and purposes it is a fully fledged concert performance. This month’s affair was hot, too darn hot. Beers and bottled water quenched a thirst as the heat wave continued. Windows closed, perhaps to placate nearby residents, the Millstone’s upstairs function room resembled a sauna for the duration.

CD Review: Rebecca Harrold - The River of Life

Rebecca Harrold:(pno); Will Ackerman(gtr); Tony Levin (bs); Richard Gates:(bs); Jeff Haynes:(perc); Tom Eaton: (perc); Jill Haley: (English horn); Premik Tubbs (lyricon, sop); Charlie Bisharat: (violin); Eugene Friesen: (cello); Penni Lane: (vocals).

A very listenable disc of original compositions by leader Harrold. Is it jazz? If so, which pigeon-hole does it occupy? In truth, delightful as it is, I don’t think it will be rubbing shoulders on my shelves  between Herbie Hancock and Gene Harris. More likely I’ll file it under bland.. It is just too repetitive. Perhaps it is smooth or easy listening or even – almost - contemporary classical chamber music. But jazz?

Nah!

Still worth a listen if your definition of jazz is looser than mine and certainly worthy of the better class of lift – except on those tracks where the strings and the horns are sent out for the coffees then it becomes more meaningful and less predictable.

A curate’s egg.

Rebecca Harrold: The River of Life is available on the Imaginary Road Studios label.

Lance.

Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ The Millstone, South Gosforth featuring Colin Aitchison and Don Armstrong

Fred Rowe (tpt/vcl); Barry Soulsby (clt/vcl); Laurence McBriarty (tmb); Brian Bennett (bjo/vcl)); Ian Heslop (bs); Fred Thompson (dms/vcl). + Colin Aitchison (tpt/vcl); Don Armstrong (clt/alt).

(Review by Lance/ photo of Colin and Lance by Jeannie Aitchison)

A jolly afternoon listening to the goodtime jazz of the VCJ was enhanced today by our man in Hong Kong in Tynemouth 'till Saturday Colin Aitchison on trumpet and vocals and ex-pat Aussie based Don Armstrong playing clarinet and alto.

It was a  good boisterous session with the guests blending in well with the band. Too many choice moments to pick out save to say the room was crowded and appreciation was shown vociferously. Good also to catch up with Colin who is playing well. Like his late dad, famed trumpet man, Hughie, Colin has a penchant for the humorous quote in his solos and there were several which all added to the light hearted summery atmosphere. 

Next Wednesday @ The Chilli - Chillingham Rd., Heaton, Newcastle.

Next Wednesday, July 31, we have the international regarded recorder virtuoso Alan Davis appearing with Take It To The Bridge but playing his first love, jazz clarinet!  He did that years ago while at university, but the baroque repertoire, especially that written for recorder took pride of place.

Currently teaching at Chetham's music school, he's in the northeast taking part in the annual NORVIS early music workshop held at Durham University over six days, and this is his fourth annual visit with us.  We are all looking forward to this. 

Jazz Cafe Refugees: The Star: Debra Milne Ensemble: July 24

Debra Milne (vocals); Steve Glendinning (guitar); Paul Grainger (bass/drums); Rob Bates (drums) + John Rowland (ten); Dave Parker (bs); Steve Summers (sop); Ann Alex , Kathy Jobes, Barry Keatings (vcls). (Review by Ann Alex).

 BSH arrived late at the gig because a gas leak had caused metro delays – we’d travelled on the good old 27 bus instead, we really need a song about this bus, it serves BSH so well.  Some of the gas must have seeped into the Star, as Debra and the lads were doing their stuff with aplomb when we arrived, ‘cooking with gas’ as they say.  

Government in swing with Edinburgh Jazz Festival cash.

The Scottish Government are to inject cash into the jazz scene over the border.
The Scotsman report.
Thanks to John T for drawing this to my attention.
Lance.

David Jacobs to step down from radio show

One of the longest serving BBC disc jockey's - David Jacobs is to step down from broadcasting. Jacobs, 87, was first seen on Top of the Pops in 1964.
Guardian story.
Thanks to Liz for drawing this to my attention.
Lance.

Too Darn Hot.

Never was a song more appropriate than this one sung here by Anthony Strong from his album Stepping Out. Too Darn Hot!
Lance.

Jazz Mastermind

Switched on TV - they were showing a re-run of Mastermind. I was just about to change channels when I heard the 'J' word. Yes, someone intended to answer questions on Jazz. Not only that, but the guy in the hot seat was non other than Ron Simpson of Big Bear Music, the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival and the Jazz Rag magazine.

Ron scored an impressive 14 points on his specialist subject only 1 point behind a girl answering questions on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He only slipped up on Slim Gaillard and Flat Foot Floogie.

It was a tight skirmish in the General Knowledge Round with Ron ending up 3rd on 23 pts, "Buffy" on 24 and the eventual winner on 25.

Well done Ron.

Lance.

That Lovely Weekend

We don't normally comment on things other than jazz although Chris Froome winning the Tour de France did almost inspire us to  turn the page into yellow but why should we? We won it last year, we won it this year, who's to say we won't win it next year and forever?

The alternative was to turn the page into Red White and Blue but we don't have the techno to do that so what I want to say is that the best comment on the Royal Birth is this one - Call him George Michael because he took so long to come out!

Lance.

CD Review: Chick Corea - The Vigil

Chick Corea (keys/synth); Tim Garland (ten/sop/clt/fl); Charles Altura (gtr); Hadrien Feraud (bs); Marcus Gilmore (dms); Perneil Saturnino (perc); Gayle Moran Corea (vcl) + Stanley Clarke (bs) Ravi Coltrane (sax).

(Review by Lance).

A new release by Chick Corea is an event not to be overlooked. When it also features Tim Garland then the interest is doubled for those of us in the north east who have a special affection for Tim due to his long association with the area (One time Director of Music at Newcastle Uni, various collaborations with Northern Sinfonia and the delightful quirkiness of living in a lighthouse at Whitley Bay) and, of course, his instrumental and compositional skills.

Wynton Marsalis Quintet Live Videocast from Ronnie Scott's - 10:30pm Tonight!

Tonight's the night for to dig Wynton Marsalis live at Ronnie's. Never mind that the show's sold out you can hear/see it as it happens - blow by blow at 1030pm - right here in the comfort of your living room/bedroom or wherever.
Read the LondonJazz News review of opening night.
Lance.

Americana bits and pieces

A couple of photos from Summertyne Americana Festival - not related to any reviews.Left - John Turrell Band with Andy Champion (bs) and David Wilde (ten).Right - Sharon Durant leads choir on concourse.
Lance.

CD Review: Patrick Cornelius - Infinite Blue.

Patrick Cornelius (alt); Frank Kimbrough (pno); Michael Janisch (bs); Jeff Ballard (dms). + Nick Vayenas (tmb 5 tracks); Michael Rodriguez (tpt 3 tracks);  John Chin (pno 1 track).

(Review by Lance)

Cornelius emerged from the prestigious musical hotbeds of Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music and Julliard with a sackful of degrees and diplomas alongside compositional and instrumental skills that are ably displayed here - he wrote all but one of the nine pieces the other, Projection, being by pianist John Chin.

Each of the nine titles has a discrete story to tell e.g.

Martha Wainwright and Sam Amidon @ Sage Summertyne Americana Festival. July 20

 Martha Wainwright (vocals, guitar).

(Review by Ann Alex)

What an entertainer this lady is!  Even if she didn't sing, she could make a living as a comedienne, telling tall tales.  She had level 1 of Hall One laughing all the way, with tales of how the songs came to be written, comments about why her hair was wayward (problems with the hairdryer).  Approximate quote  ‘I used to write songs about being unloved and unhappy, now I write songs about being loved and unhappy; my husband takes no notice anyway!’  

Keith Stephen’s Hot Club Trio with Caroline Irwin & Steve Andrews @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. July 21

Keith Stephen (guitar), Roly Veitch (guitar & vocals), Bruce Rollo (double bass), Caroline Irwin (vocals) & Steve Andrews (clarinet & tenor saxophone) + Colin Aitchison (trumpet & vocals)

(Review by Russell).

Coquette, Exactly Like You (showcasing Caroline Irwin’s expressive vocal style), great tunes to start with, bandleader Keith Stephen and bassist Bruce Rollo first to step up. The latter number bright and breezy with reedsman Steve Andrews doubling on clarinet, then tenor. Irwin sang Walking After Midnight (Andrews featured once again). Hot clarinet covered the Andrews Sisters’ hit Bei Mir Bist du Schon, followed by Roly Veitch telling us What a Little Moonlight Can Do. Steve Andrews’ clarinet accompanied vocalist Irwin on I Get the Blues When it Rains (no chance!) and Wild Child Irwin ran amok on Running Wild concluding an excellent first set.

Mud Morganfield @Summertyne Americana Festival July 21.

Mud Morganfield (vcl); Ronnie Boyson (gtr); West Watson (hca); Ian Jennings (bs); Eric Ranzoni (keys); Chris Burns? (dms).

(Review by Lance.)

The opening set of Sunday night's double bill in Hall One featured Mud Morganfield, son of the legendary Muddy Waters and now becoming something of a legend in his own right. Resplendent in a white (or was it cream?) suit, Mud took us to Chicago maybe looking in at Detroit along the way. Staple blues fayre that his old man would loved.

Heritage Blues Orchestra @ Summertyne Americana July 21

Bill Sims Jr. (vcl/gtr/pno); Chaney Sims (vcl); Junior Mack (vcl/gtr); Vincent Bucher (hca); Kenny ‘Beedy Eyes’ Smith (dms); Bruno Wilhelm (ten/arr); Didier Havet (tmb/tub); Michel Feugère, Jean Gobinet (tpts).

(Review by Lance)

“The grit of low-down country and urban blues with the bold brass of New Orleans; the hand-clapping fervor of gospel punctuated with fiery postmodern, jazz-infused horn arrangements; the haunting cries of work songs and pulsating drums that reach back to the real roots of it all. You’ll journey across the Middle Passage, be driven down Highway 49 from Clarksdale to New Orleans, go from chain gangs and juke joints to orchestra pits, church pews and even back porches. HBO’s music is an inspiring testament to the enduring power, possibilities and boundless beauty of African-American music.”

Rare Croker @ Summertyne Americana. July 21

(Review by Russell)

We don’t see much of Brendan Croker on Tyneside these days. This solo outing on the Jumpin’ Hot’s Americana stage was an all too rare appearance.  Sage Gateshead bustled  with seemingly half of Tyneside on site. Stetsons, the ten gallon variety, sold at a fiver a time. I’ve heard of ‘disposable income’ but really! Cowgals in cowboy boots, wannabee cowboys in sandals. Yes, Geordie Cowboy dresses to impress! Face-painted offspring, running around, having a wonderful time, the ‘little darlings’.

Every Person Counts At The Sage Americana Festival

It may be my quirky sense of humour, but I thought that this notice I saw at the side of the Americana outdoor stage is truly amusing and thought provoking.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY

ON PERFORMANCE SQUARE IS 1500 OCCUPANTS

So does this mean that if the square is crowded you have to count all the people to make sure that you are not person number 1501, and if you are, you have to go back inside?  Or sneak on to the square and feel guilty, and worry that the Americana police will catch you? Or worse, you may simply be hit over the head with a banjo, or even worse again, be forced to listen to a banjo.

But seriously, I suppose the notice is mainly for the staff to keep an eye on numbers, which they could count by adding up the number of rows occupied.  It’s a good job that BSH isn’t working in the business of crowd control, I don’t think we’d be much use!

Ann Alex

Early Morning Americana @ Sage Gateshead. July 20

(Review by Russell)

Saturday morning brought the massed ranks of the Suumertyne Gospel Choir to the concourse at Sage Gateshead led by Sharon Durant for a Gospel Brunch meeting with first time visitors to the UK, the fabulous McCrary Sisters. Four sisters, Ann, Deborah, Regina and Alfreda, the daughters of the late Rev Samuel McCrary, backed by an ace band (keyboards, guitar, bass and drums), gave a stunning display of gospel singing to a huge crowd hanging on their every word. Café, bars, stairs, balconies, every vantage point was taken. The McCrarys set about lifting us up. Rise up! Jesus is in the house! There’s a train a comin’. You get the picture. Lots of clapping (mostly in time), swaying (some wobbling) and much applause. The McCrary Sisters will be back, no doubt about it.

Sage Summertyne Americana Festival 2013; Fri July 19 to Sun July 21

The Mavericks Hall 1 Friday July 19

Raul Malo (lead vocals, guitar) Eddie Perez (guitar) Jerry Dale McFadden (keys)  Paul Deakin (drums);Other instruments are guitars, trumpet, sax, accordion, bass, and various percussion.  Sorry, didn't catch the names of the musicians.

(Review by Ann Alex)

Not a jazz band, but music influenced by country, 1950’s pop, Tex-Mex, Latin and Cajun.  Three tiers of Hall 1 were full of very enthusiastic fans of all ages who lapped it up, clapped along and stood to move around to the music.  The band was very rousingly led by Malo.  The keyboards player was ultra extravert, dancing as he played and jumping about.  The bass player stood out because of his mode of dress, all in black except for a golden cross, and white jacket and top hat.   

The Blues on Radio 4

Just a note to readers about an item on Radio 4 this morning.  This was an analysis of the blues presented by Nick Barraclough.  The 12 bar blues is the basis of lots of popular music since, and it was said that, Chris Barber was the musician who spotted its potential, even before the white musicians in the USA.  Apparently Muddy Waters wouldn't have come to this country if it hadn't been for Chris Barber.  There was a quite technical analysis of the blues, with information about the contribution of WC Handy.  So if you want to know more, (although many readers will already know about all this), check out the BBC i player (Saturday 20^th 10.30am )

Ann Alex  

Wild Flower Quintet @ Lit and Phil July 18.

Matt Anderson (tenor saxophone), Laura Jurd (trumpet), Jamil Sheriff (piano), Sam Vicary (double bass) & Dave Walsh (drums)

(Review by Russell/Photo by Ken Drew.)

The music of Wayne Shorter, the music of Matt Anderson. The heat wave continued but it didn't deter a fair number turning out to hear Matt Anderson’s Wild Flower Quintet. One of the joys of this concert (there were many) was the entirely acoustic performance by the quintet, including double bassist Sam Vicary eschewing the use of his base amp, who confided during the interval that he was having to work his instrument that little bit harder. 

BBC Radio Jazz and Blues July 20 - July 26.

The Twelve Bar Blues (Radio 4, FM only, Saturday, 10:30 am) explores the enduring appeal of the form in jazz, blues and pop. Geoffrey Smith’s Jazz (Radio 3, Saturday, midnight) looks at the work of Stan Kenton. Jazz Line-Up (Radio 3, Sunday, 11:00 pm)  features the Buck Clayton Legacy Band and Alan Barnes’ Liquorice Stick All-Sorts from Wavendon. Proms Plus Late (Radio 3, Monday, 10:10 pm) broadcasts sessions by Jazzlines and Alex Woods Quartet. Jazz on 3 (Radio 3, Monday, 11:00 pm) includes two sessions with north east connections – Trio VD (Chris Sharkey) and Shatner’s Bassoon (Andrew Lisle). Hey! Bo Diddley (BBC 6 Music, Monday, midnight) the first of three documentary programmes (parts two and three Tuesday and Wednesday). Friday Night Is Music Night (Radio 2, Friday, 8:00 pm) celebrates the career of Georgie Fame. The BBC Concert Orchestra is conducted by Guy Barker who also leads his own big band. Recorded at this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Fame’s special guests include Madeline Bell, Zoot Money and Geordie legend Alan Price.       

Russell.

Situations Vacant - Board director opportunities with Jazz North

Board director opportunities with Jazz North see http://www.jazznorth.org/opportunities/board-director-opportunities-with-jazz-north Jazz North – the jazz development agency for northern England, founded in October 2012 with Strategic Funding from Arts Council England – is looking for a group of talented individuals to join the Board of Directors. These are voluntary positions, although reasonable expenses will be re-imbursed. Individuals are sought from a range of age groups, cultures and backgrounds, with skills and experience to a high level in one of more of the following areas: · Arts management/production · Strategic and business planning · Jazz practitioner with broad experience · Fundraising (public and private sector) · Finance · PR/Marketing/Communications · Music education/outreach · Governance/trusteeship of other organisations · Digital technologies

RIP Peter Appleyard.

Sad to report the death of drummer/vibes player and composer Peter Appleyard. British born but Canada based Appleyard played with Benny Goodman, Sinatra, Tormé, Ella and many others. I seem to recall hearing him at Newcastle's Tyne Theatre with, I think Peanuts Hucko although I could be wrong.

He died yesterday (July 18) aged 84.

Rest In Peace.
Obituary.
Lance.

Vintage Tea Dance With Jazz Bands : 150 Years of the Co-operative Society The Great Hall, Discovery Museum, Newcastle; July 17

The Blue Jazz Quintet: Chris Finch (keys); Karen Rann, Jeff Smith (saxes); Dave Parker (double bass); Michael Howard (drums)

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band with Lindsay Hannon and James Hedley (vocals)

Sorry, don’t know the big band names except for Chris Finch (keys, again!) and Paul Gowland (sax)

(Review by Ann Alex)

This was a wonderfully enjoyable do involving a celebration of the co-op, great value for your £5 ticket, with the money going towards this years’ co-op charity, a carers’ organisation. And the music to enhance the occasion was jazz, supplied as above. Jazz musicians sure do get around! The Great Hall itself is a joy to see, finely decorated in an Art Deco or maybe Art Nouveau style – sorry I’m no interior design expert. About 200 people gathered, many of them being ladies from co-op committees or ex-employees, and Tyne Tees Television were present doing interviews. Apparently the hall used to be part of the co-op warehouse in former days, and there was a stall with items from the co-op archives.

Georgia Mancio Trio @ Cadogan Hall

Georgia Mancio (vcl); Nigel Price (gtr); Julie Walkington (bs).

(Review by Lance.)

Voice and guitar opened up with Alone Together - total empathy 'twixt the two. Adventurous reading of the lyric and meaningful chords and counter melodies from guitar. The Walkington bass entered the fray for No More Blues sung, initially, in Portuguese. It sounded authentic. Guitar and bass played interesting lines that complemented each other.Softly, As I Leave You, reminded us of the late Matt Monro but Georgia put her own brand on it with an emotive bass and voice introduction. This girl can interpret a lyric with the best of them adding sweeps and slurs to reshape the song in her own image.

Lickety Split @ The Star Inn. July 17

Eddie Bellis (trombone), John Hudson (tenor saxophone), Alan Marshall (alto saxophone), Kevin Eland (trumpet & flugelhorn), Roy Willis (guitar), Bill Brittain (keyboards), Alan Rudd (electric bass) & Paul Wight (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Eddie Bellis’ Lickety Split began by playing to the faithful few at the Star Inn on Westgate Road in Newcastle. It was oppressively hot and a big ‘do’ just up the road at the Discovery Museum hit audience numbers. No matter, Bellis’ classy outfit played for the few and, no doubt, their own enjoyment. The tunes choice, the ensemble work first rate, the soloists polished, any jazz fan walking in off the street couldn’t fail to be impressed.

CD Review: PETE McGUINNESS – VOICE LIKE A HORN

Pete McGuinness – vocals, trombone; Jon Gordon – alto sax, flute; Bill Mobley- trumpet; Ted Kooshian - piano; Andy Eulau – bass; Scott Neumann - drums

(Review by Debra M.)

Pete McGuiness is an established jazz arranger, trombonist & vocalist, based in New York City. The first album to showcase his voice, this combination of all facets of his musicianship has resulted in the swinging scatfest ‘Voice Like A Horn’. The recording features a small ensemble of piano trio and horns, & McGuinness’s arrangements provide ample opportunity for improvisation for all the instrumentalists, of which his scatting is an integral part.

Mississippi Swamp Dogs @ Spice of Life

Jeff Williams (tmb/vcl); Titch Walker (tpt);Simon Picton (gtr/vcl); Manuel Alvarez (bs gtr); Jono Lee (dms).

(Review by Lance)

Outside tney were frying eggs on the pavement, in the basement bar of the Spice - that most ambient of London jazz venues - the Swamp Dogs were cooking Creole Gumbo Chicken a la Jaco.

This is modern day New Orleans although without clarinet. Mercifully, also sans banjo.

From the opening I'm Going Back to New Orleans we knew we were in for a treat. Williams blows a robust, almost ribald trombone that shouts its message at you. Subtlety doesn't live here - it would be as out of place as a nun in a bordello. Pianist Miller took the vocal. Bourbon St. Parade was done as a rhumba and St James' Infirmary as a samba. No slaves to tradition are these guys, finishing off the latter number with the intro to Night in Tunisia!

Barry Harris Trio @ Pizza Express

Barry Harris (pno/vcl); Dave Green (bs) Steve Brown (dms).
(Review by Lance).

Harris is more than just a pianist he's a showman an entertainer an audience participator who delighted the well attended Soho eaterie.Yes he's all of them but most importantly he's one of the best jazz pianists on the planet.

He builds almost from nothing as witness the opening Heart and Soul. Starting off like the most basic of pianists - Heart and Soul is second only to Chop Sticks in the fledgling pianist's repertoire - he gradually filled it out with some luscious block chords. When Green and Brown were added to the canvas the harmonies were rich and the angular lines flowed freely. The bassist held his own solowise and the immaculately dressed Brown's brushwork was equally immaculate.

CD Review: Glenn Cashman's Southland Nonet - Music Without Borders

Carl Saunders, Ron Stout (tpt/flg); Andy Martin (tmb); Bruce Babad (alt); Glenn Cashman (ten/comp/arr); Bob Efford (bar); Ed Czach (pno); Luther Hughes (bs); Paul Kreibich (dms); Eric Fütterer (comp/arr)..

Don't let the title put you off - this is no pet shop fire! In fact I'm a little unclear what the title implies! Médicins Sans Frontières is said to be the inspiration Perhaps it means that music should be without borders? Fortunately, the compositions and arrangements of Glenn Cashman and Eric Fütterer are well within the borders of what I recognise as good jazz. 

CD Review: Brandon Bernstein Trio - But Beautiful

Brandon Bernstein (gtr); Putter Smith (bs); Kendall Kay (dms).

(Review by Lance)

Brandon Bernstein lists Jim Hall and Ed Bickert as being among his influences and it has to be said that those influences have been well absorbed albeit without dampening Bernstein's own creativity. But Beautiful is an apt title for this disc as, not only does he do justice to Jimmy Van Heusen's immortal tune, first heard crooned by Bing in Road to Rio (1945), but it also sums up the album - beautiful.

Northern Monkey Brass Band @ The Cumberland Arms. July 14

(Review by Russell)
It was a dog day afternoon up on the hill. The Cumberland’s summer beer festival was in full swing – rumour had it supplies were running out! The barbie similarly packed-up too soon as a crescent moon rose in the still burning blue sky. The strains of a Crescent City jazz band could be heard in the distance. A marching band wound its way into view along James Place Street. Graham Hardy’s Northern Monkey Brass Band entered the arena to impart the good news…we have a friend in Jesus! More good news…the beer continued to flow. 

Tyne Bar Blues Festival. July 14

The annual all-dayer. Non-stop blues down at the Ouseburn Delta. The outdoor stage for once came into its own. Beer, shades and tans occupied every vantage point on a jumpin’ hot day. Chicago blues, Mississippi Delta blues, West Coast, all blues. A flying visit (an alternative option beckoned) hit upon TC and the Moneymakers. TC (Tom Cocks – harmonica & vocals) and the boys- Karl Moon (guitar), Lee Parry (bass), Andy Westbrook (drums) - made the journey from York. The front man vocalist blew a mean harp backed by a tight trio of guitar, bass and drums. Fifties Chicago blues, a Texas shuffle, straight vocals complimented authentic blues guitar throughout a well-received set. If you happen to be in York…Local lad Bob Bates brought along three guitars and any number of tunes, to take us On the Road Again by way of Bo Diddley, Robert Johnson to a Mannish Muddy Waters. The festival main attraction Lyndon Anderson would soon be closing a perfect Ouseburn blues day but the call of a Horn Dog up on the hill made your reviewer hit the trail (Hellhound or not).

Russell.

CD Review: Holy Moly and the Crackers - First Avenue.

Ash Etchells-Butler (dms/mand); Conrad Bird (gtr/vcl); Ruth Patterson (vln/vcl/cell); Rosie Bristow (acc/dms); Ali Reay (bs gtr).

(Review by Lance)

The album notes are great...”At its heart the album is a kind of journeyman’s diary of the road to First Avenue from ‘beats and bars’, the vibrant heart of our hometown music scene, to a host of delightful venues hidden in the crevices of the Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The rambling lovers, the fairy forest-dwellers, the lost sea-souls and Dixieland cowboys, the Romani rock ‘n rollers, with their healthy amount of medicinal booze and burlesque, are just a few of the people we met along the way. Hope you enjoy...”

Well that’s a pretty fair description making my job almost done!

Almost!

EP Review: Iceni - Iceni

Line-up as per launch gig

(Review by Ann Alex)

 The launch gig review shows one side of the EP cover - the reverse, seen here, shows a brightly coloured partridge, very attractive, which sets the mood for four bright, lively, assertive tracks. 

CD Review: The Buck Clayton Legacy Band - Claytonia

Matthias Seuffert (clt/ten/co-leader); Alyn Shipton (bs/co-leader) Menno Daams/Ian Smith (tpt); Adrian Fry (tmb); Alan Barnes (alt/clt); Martin Litton (pno); Martin Wheatley (gtr); Norman Emberson (dms).

(Review by Lance)

When something like this drops through the letterbox amidst the plethora of boundary pushing CDs  that Joe the Postie usually brings from near and far it is like a cool breeze in a heatwave although Claytonia is neither cool nor hot. What it exudes is warmth.

Iceni: EP Launch @ Nancy’s Bordello; Friday July 12

Lindsay Hannon (vocals, bass); Elizabeth Corney (vocals, keys); Caroline Roach (vocals, drums)

(Review by Ann Alex)

Forget about women singing love songs, this was something quite different, intelligent songs about life, with attitude, imagination, humour, all originals composed by the band, and very good musicianship. Not a jazz gig but well worth reviewing for the blog. The Iceni were apparently a Celtic tribe during Roman times, connected with Boadicea, and Lindsay had dressed for the part, flimsy pale dress and golden criss-cross sandals, plaited hair, a suggestion of the goddess, with a bass guitar instead of a lyre.  White fairy lights round the bass drum added to the atmosphere. The audience stood in front of the stage wowing the band on, knowing many of the songs. Good harmony singing, sometimes wonderfully dissonant, the keys illustrating the words, instrumental breaks, constantly repeated riffs such as ‘I’m scared of my own genius’, drums commenting, and a steady effective bass.

Djangologie @ The Lit & Phil. July 12

(Review by Hugues Panassie.)

Some years ago your reviewer attended a lecture on French cinema. The lecturer began by speaking in French. The look of disbelief on the faces of most of those present was priceless, then a look of relief when the speaker stopped and spoke in English to say that his introductory remarks were but a little joke! So to Djangologie at the Lit and Phil. 

Michael Bublé @ O2 - July 7

(Review by Liz)

The thrills of SW19 would have been enough for many people on Sunday July 7, but for me the delights were yet to come! My surprise from my family was a trip to the 02 Arena to see Michael Bublé live, and oh my goodness I have barely come down from the clouds after the experience.

This guy is the highest grossing male live performer (Beyoncé being the female) and it is not difficult to see why after watching his faultless performance. This was the 7th of 10 shows, all sold out. He came on in a blaze of glory and just knocked our socks off with his opening number I've Got You Under my Skin. More of the same calibre followed as he went into his sentimental mood, for which he made no apologies telling his adoring audience that from being a young boy and listening to jazz records belonging to a relative he had loved this timeless genre of music.

Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival Update.

UNLUCKY 13^TH

A 7 a.m. call this morning informed organizers that songstress Johanna Graham has gone down with chicken pox and therefore is cancelling her scheduled performances for tomorrow with her Quartet at The Mall, Sutton Coldfield(12:30) and Gosta Green (17:30). Johanna will be replaced in these listings by Bob Hall & Dave Peabody.

Unlucky 13^th has certainly lived up to its name with a string of cancellations on Saturday, all involving female artists. Along with Johanna, The Flamin’ Mamies, an all-girl five-piece from Liverpool and one of the festival’s hottest tips, were rehearsing on the Wednesday before the festival when a serious argument broke out. To cut a long story short, the five singers vowed never to speak again and unsurprisingly, no longer exist! But in the wake of their absence, we have the following fantastic acts booked to replace them:

British Jazz Awards

The British Jazz Awards were announced yesterday at the Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival.
For the winners visit LondonJazzNews.
Lance.

Wynton Marsalis Live web stream from Ronnie Scott's Tuesday 23rd July - 10:30pm (BST)

In a Ronnie Scott’s first, jazz legend Wynton Marsalis’ sold out show on Tuesday 23^rd July is to be broadcast live to a potential audience of millions around the world.  Thanks to the power of the internet and a ground breaking partnership with Panasonic, a world-wide audience will be given an unparalleled opportunity to experience the famed ambience of one of the world’s most iconic venues, swinging to one of jazz’s most iconic stars, all in stunning HD.

Benn Clatworthy Seeks Date

The Benn Clatworthy Quartet with John Donaldson on piano is in the north west in November They play Wakefield on November 15 and Southport on November 17 and are looking for a gig on November 16. Interested promoters visit the Benn Clatworthy website for contact details.

YouTube.
Lance.

Take it to the Bridge @ The Chillingham. July 10

Dave Weissser (trumpet & vocals), Peter Hepplewhite (clarinet), Rachel Rickman (alto saxophone), Barrie Ascroft (keyboards), Ray Truscott (electric bass), Norman Redhead (drums), Matthew MacKellar (drums)

(Review by Russell)

With the advertised attraction Mike Papapavlou absent, it was a case of wait and see who turned-up at Dave Weisser’s weekly workshop. The mainstays were there, of course – Dave Weisser, Barrie Ascroft and Norman Redhead – and the frequently gigging Ray Truscott took his turn in the bass chair. Add altoist Rachel Rickman and the keen clarinet of Peter Hepplewhite (himself something of a regular at the weekly session at the Chilli) and we had the makings of a good night. A pint of Workie Ticket at hand, let’s go!

Don Forbes' Safe Sextet @ The Star Inn + Jam Session(ish) July 10.

Don Forbes (tpt); Paul Gowland (alt); John Rowland (ten); Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); David Francis (dms). + John Pope (bs); Peter Ninnim (dms).

(Review by Lance)

Opening with One by One it soon became apparent that the "Safe Sextet" were playing anything but safe going for the jugular right from the start. The front line fire, well stoked by the power drive of Gilligan, Grainger and dep drummer Francis, became an inferno when they took Horace Silver's amusing classic Quicksilver even quicker. Previously the calypso rhythm of McCoy Tyner's Island Birdie had proved infectious - man I was almost in Trinidad!

Blue Jazz Voices 2nd End Of Term Gig; Ernest Cafe-Bar; July 8

See the review for last Monday’s event. The jazz-singing class is too numerous for all of us to strut our stuff on the same evening, so the second set of ‘voices’ performed last night, and they made a really good sound and entertained us mightily.  Once again, I cannot comment on my colleagues, but it was lovely to sit back and listen to others, without having the responsibility of performing myself, without having to decide on which key to sing in, the timing, the style of song, be it swing, ballad or bossa, the intros and outros etc.  As I said previously, there’s more to jazz-singing than you might think.

Readers may be interested to know our repertoire for this term.  The 5 songs we covered were: All The Things You Are; If You Never Come To Me; Get Out Of Town; Darn That Dream; and Four.  We rounded off proceedings with mass singing of Four.  We thoroughly enjoyed doing this, but I'm not sure what Miles Davis would have made of it!

Thanks again to Lindsay and the Blue Jazz Quintet.  See you all next term!

Ann Alex.

Vinyl Review: Mark Murphy - A Beautiful Friendship - Remembering Shirley Horn.

Mark Murphy – vocal; Alex Minasian – piano; Curtis Lundy – double bass; Steve Williams – drums; Till Bronner – trumpet.

(Review by Debra M.)

Originally the idea of George Mesterhazy,  Shirley Horn’s pianist , this project  was  dedicated to them both following his sudden death at the age of 59.  The result is a vinyl EP, engineered, produced and designed as a 1950s or ‘60s  jazz album.  The sleeve includes extensive background information, from the instruments used, to the equipment that cut the vinyl.  This obsessional attention to detail is reflected in the quality of every aspect of the recording. 

SNJO @ Gala Theatre, Durham - In the Spirit of Duke July 8

Tommy Smith (ten/md); Ru Pattison (alt/sop/clt); Martin Kershaw (alt/clt); Konrad Wiszniewski (alt/ten/clt); Bill Fleming (alt/bar/bs. clt/clt); Ryan Quigley, Cameron Jay, Tom McNiven, Lorrie Cowieson (tpt); Kevin Garrity, Phil O'Malley (tmb); Michael Owers (bs. tmb); Brian Kellock (pno); Calum Gourlay (bs); Alyn Cosker (dms).
(Review by Lance)
I knew what to expect - or at least I thought I did. The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra's CD In the Spirit of Duke has never  been far away from the machine and yet, hearing it live added a new dimension and the richness of the saxes combined with the power of the brass and a tightly knit rhythm section made for a band that ticked all the boxes.
Having said that, I found even the abbreviated version of Rhapsody in Blue still a tad (well several tads) too long. Likewise Tommy Smith's showstopping closer the tenor sax marathon  Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue paying homage to the legendary Newport '56 solo by Paul Gonsalves could also have benefitted from a little more brevity. But these are minor quibbles in an evening that fairly sizzled both musically and weatherwise.

Claudia Morris talks to Bebop Spoken Here about her new show and CD.

(Claudia's replies in bold type.)

BSH: Hi Claudia nice to hear from you again. I loved Twelve O’clock Tales it was so fresh and I still play it which is something I don’t do with too many review CDs.

I'm glad you still play it, that makes me happy!

BSH: You have a background of theatre and singing and now you are combining the two. Tell me about this new project – Secret Love. About Doris Day I guess. My very first schoolboy crush!

I think she had that effect on a lot of boys and men!

BSH: True! Tell me how this project came about.

A few years ago I discovered Doris's voice when a pianist I worked with thought there were similarities vocally between Doris and me. I started listening to her and fell in love with her wonderful voice, I have never tired of it. I then felt compelled to read her biography (which I found fascinating) and watch her movies. I knew I wanted  to tell her colourful  life story and sing her songs. Last year I was also asked by actress Tracy Ann Oberman to sing a Doris Day part in her play for BBC Radio 4. She was so thrilled by my singing of Doris - this was the catalyst I needed to start the project.

Alter Ego @ The Bridge Hotel. July 7

Keith Robinson (alto saxophone), Niall Armstrong (tenor saxophone & flute), Dave Hignett (trumpet & flugelhorn), Andy Hawking (keyboards), Tony Abel (double bass) & David Francis (drums)

(Review by Russell).

Murray Mania. The Scot we’re proud to claim as a Brit! The town was quiet, the denizens BBQ-ed out, in a slumber. But wait, Sunday means one thing… Splinter @ the Bridge. The faithful turned out as usual. Good to see Alter Ego back at the Bridge. It was warm, very warm. Windows open – the sounds of modern jazz hung on the air.

New York Brass Band @ The Cumberland Arms July 7.

(Review by Lance)

The sun was shining and, at this year's Cumberland Reel, plenty folk were rocking and reeling thanks to the excellent selection of ales from the Allendale Brewery.

There were several bands throughout the day and into the evening although I didn't hear them all. Fortunately I did hear the New York Brass Band - not from Lower Manhattan as the name might imply but from Downtown York. that's right, York just 90 miles down the road. They arrived after gigs in Spennymoor and Durham as part of the Brass Festival

We learned that in York the council has banned them from busking in the city because they were causing congestion - such was their popularity. Understandably so - they don't just play they march, they put on a show. At one stage one of the trombone players was standing on the roof playing whilst others were on tables. It was sheer madness but musically sound as they transported us over to Louisiana and the funkiness that prevails in the Big Easy today.

Sexual Healing I think it was - or maybe it was the George Michael number they played -  was the one that got the crowd going and soon the dancers were strutting their stuff on the cobbles. They're all good soloists and all, literally, had their moment in the sun. My apologies but I didn't catch their names although I did hear Simon from Jarrow mentioned.

Check them out here.

Photos

Lance.

Next Sunday is the Summer Beer Festival at the Cumberland Arms and among the bands playing are the Northern Monkey Brass Band (8:45pm)

Budtones @ Ashington Jazz Club July 3.

Fiona Finden (ten.sax and vocals), Stuart Finden(ten. sax) Jim Crinson (bass), Eric Stutt (drums), Harley Johnson (keyboard).
(Review by Peter S.)
The Bud Tones were first time visitors to AJC and introduced their brand of modern Jazz in which they strongly believe.
I must admit that although not to everyone's taste you could not disregard their passion and commitment to the music or their instrumental skills. Our audience listened with interest and applauded warmly.

Jazz and Bowls in Hebburn Park

The Hebburn Open Bowls Tournament has been held for decades every Summer on the bowling greens in Carr-Ellison Park, Hebburn. The event takes place TODAY and Aussie reed player, Don Armstrong, with a few of his Tyneside 'cobbers' will be there playing popular 20's jazz to entertain competitors and spectators from 3.30 - 5.00pm. 
Brian.

Mingus Oh Yeah

Hanging around South Shields Market today - I'm an inveterate hanger around of markets - I came across a CD - Mingus Oh Yeah. I shrugged, I've had it on vinyl for years and wasn't really bothered about duplicating it on CD. However, when I noticed there was a previously unreleased 24 minute  interview with Mingus by Atlantic guiro Nesumi Ertegun the three quid tag looked a bargain - and it was!

For those, unfamiliar with the disc Mingus Oh Yeah has the bass player on piano singing and playing some blues inspired originals. Booker Ervin, Roland Kirk, Jimmy Knepper and Danny Richmond are in there along with Doug Watkins who merely has to play bass in a Mingus led band - no pressure!

Leo Blanco @ Sage Gateshead July 5.

Leo Blanco (piano).
(Review by Lance).

A solo piano recital that defied definition although brilliant will do for starters. The tall, slightly greying, Venezuelan pianist nodded to the audience before sitting at the Steinway. It was a percussive start as Blanco got into his rhythm by stamping his feet, clapping his hands, slapping his thighs and having a few raps on the wood of the grand piano - it set up a groove for him  to start rolling.

And roll he did. From South America to Africa to maybe the Moon. This was a composition, like most of his repertoire, that crossed the genre. It was indefinable, impossible to pigeonhole, wait a minute, of course it's definable - it's Music!

Blue Jazz Voices End Of Term Gig: at Ernest Pub, Monday July 1 With The Blue Jazz Quintet

(Review by Ann Alex).

I can't write a normal review of this event, as I was one of the ‘voices’, and it wouldn't be appropriate to write about my friends and colleagues from Lindsay’s Monday evening jazz-singing class at Sage Gateshead.  Enough to say that the gig was planned and performed by those of us who've been attending the class for a year or two now, and have a bit more experience of jazz-singing. I thought we put on a good show, which was appreciated by the audience.  Our material was mostly from the Gasbook.  It was hugely enjoyable to be part of this, and special thanks are due to the band, who showed both skill and stamina by playing for about 4 hours with just a short break.  Also a special thank you to Lindsay Hannon who teaches us each week, and to Steve Glendinning who played guitar for us in class.

Shafafa Trio at The Star Inn, Wednesday July 3

 Belinda Voshtina (vocals); Ian Simpson (guitar); James Robson (bass guitar)

(Review by Ann Alex).

The three of them sat together, Belinda between the guitarists, giving a relaxed and intimate feel to a very enjoyable set, mostly of standards, sung in Belinda’s strong, rich voice, with adventurous, skilled instrumentation, and solos, mostly from Ian, James' powerful bass made up for the absence of drums. 

I suppose they just had to start with their namesake song, Frim Fram Sauce, which mentions the ‘shafafa’ on the side.  What is it, you ask?  Apparently no-one is sure, answers on a postcard please. Tesco didn’t even have Frim Fram Sauce on the shelf which meant I had to make do with ketchup.