Bebop Spoken There

Gary Bartz: ''Music is nature's gift to man. It's the only religion. We're living in a terrible era, but what a beautiful thing music is. Look how it brings us together like religion is supposed to; and with no language barriers.'' (Jazzwise September, 2026)

The Things They Say!

This is a good opportunity to say thanks to BSH for their support of the jazz scene in the North East (and beyond) - it's no exaggeration to say that if it wasn't for them many, many fine musicians, bands and projects across a huge cross section of jazz wouldn't be getting reviewed at all, because we're in the "desolate"(!) North. (M & SSBB on F/book 23/12/24)

Postage

18918 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 782 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Sept. 18.) 61.

Reviewers wanted

Whilst BSH attempts to cover as many gigs, festivals and albums as possible, to make the site even more comprehensive we need more 'boots on the ground' to cover the albums seeking review - a large percentage of which never get heard - report on gigs or just to air your views on anything jazz related. Interested? then please get in touch. Contact details are on the blog. Look forward to hearing from you. Lance

From This Moment On

September.

Sun 20: More Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 20: Michael Young Trio @ The Engine Room, Sunderland. 2:30pm. Free.
Sun 20: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 20: Tweed River Jazz Band @ Barrels Ale House, Berwick. 7:00pm. Free.

Mon 21: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 21: Lewis Watson Quartet @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. 8:00pm. Coltrane centenary.

Tue 22: ???

Wed 23: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 23: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 23: Lewis Watson Quartet @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 7:30pm. A John Coltrane Centenary Concert (b. 23. 09. 1926). SOLD OUT!
Wed 23: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 24: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 24: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. £6.50. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 24: Arun Ghosh @ Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle. 8:00pm (7:30pm doors). £21.05. (£22.00. on the door). A Newcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music event.
Thu 24: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00.

Fri 25: Mark Williams Trio @ The Gala, Durham. 1:00pm. £9.00.
Fri 25: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 25: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 25: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 25: Get the Blessing + Dilettante @ The Cluny (Cluny 2), Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £18.00. + bf. A Newcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music event.
Fri 25: Jazz Sabbath @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 8:00pm.

Sat 26: Adam Fairhall & Johnny Hunter: Play Mary Lou Williams @ The Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle. 6:00pm. Free. A Newcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music event.
Sat 26: John Pope Quintet + Urvashi @ The Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £15.40. A Newcastle Festival of Jazz & Improvised Music event.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

CD Review: Claudia Morris: Secret Love: A Celebration of the Music of Doris Day

Claudia Morris (vocals); Malcolm Edmondstone (piano/Fender Rhodes/arranger);  Andrew Bain (drums/percussion); Julian Jackson (bass); Freddie Gavita (trumpet);  Simon Allen (saxophone); Iain Mackenzie (backing vocals).
(Review by Ann Alex)
This is not an easy CD to review because it is simply so good that there’s not much to say except ‘listen to it for yourself’.  Claudia Morris has a sweet pure toned-voice with excellent diction, you’ll be able to hear every word.  She doesn't imitate Doris Day but has her own distinctive style and she sings in ‘English’, that is, without any trace of Americanisms, which emphasises the universal quality of the songs.The musicians are more than up to the task; they have short solos as the emphasis is on the singing.
My favourite track is the most minimalist one: I’ll Never Stop Loving You – try listening to this without a tear in your eye; it’s just a single chorus of voice, piano and emotional truth.  This track is wisely followed by an upbeat I’ve Got The Sun In The Morning, showing a sensible track order, for people who listen to CDs straight through. The first track, Sentimental Journey, is typical of the whole CD, it opens with voice and light drums, has piano and guitar solos, call and response between voice and guitar, and a little tasteful scat added to the mix.  Other tracks include Orange Coloured Sky; Shanghai; Day By Day; Love Me Or Leave Me; Perhaps, Perhaps; and the final track is a slow version of Secret Love.  Enjoy!
The CD, due for release in September, actually showcases songs from a new musical play, Secret Love, which is set to tour the UK this Autumn.  The play celebrates the life and music of Doris Day.  For more details about Claudia Morris, the CD and the play, go to www.claudiamorris-music.com
Ann Alex.
PS: Worth adding to your Xmas list

1 comment :

Lance said...

Love the line in Shanghai (first DD record I ever bought)
"Why don't you stop me when I talk about Shanghai,
I'm even allergic to rice!"

Blog Archive