Bebop Spoken There

"The artist's first responsibility is to communicate with himself" - Cecil Taylor (Down Beat April 10, 1975).

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“I get transported with that material [Blue Note classics of the 1960s], I feel as if I’m there.” - Anita Wardell (Jazz Journal September 2008).

Bebop Spoken There archives (From Greg Abate to Mike Zwerin!)

CD Review: Frank Potenza Quartet - For Joe.

Frank Potenza, John Pisano (gtr); Jim Hughart (bs); Colin Bailey (dms).

(Review by Roly V.)

When you listen to a new CD and feel compelled to listen to it over and over, it must be a good one!

Guitarist Frank Potenza is a Joe Pass protégée who has gone on to work with many jazz luminaries among them Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody and Mose Allison. You can see why – he has subtle accompaniment skills, is capable of exciting yet lyrical improvisations and all executed with a gorgeous, singing tone.

CD Review: Brian Molley Quartet - Clock

Brian Molley (ten/sop/bs clt/pno); Tom Gibbs (pno); Mario Caribe (bs/gtr/perc); Stuart Brown (dms).

(Review by Lance)

I wasn't familiar with Molley's work until I discovered he'd played with SNJO and the Stu Brown Sextet who gave a memorable re-creation of the Raymond Scott Sextet a couple of years back at Sage Gateshead.

Graeme Wilson Quartet @ Bridge Hotel Sunday Sept. 29

Graeme Wilson (ten); Paul Edis (pno); Andy Champion (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms).
(Review by Lance)

Fiery, contemporary yet always with that essential sense of swing whether up front or implied. Close you're eyes and you're in the Vortex, the 606 or Ronnie's. Keep them closed and you're in Birdland, or the Village Vanguard. This isn't fanciful thinking - these four guys could cut it anywhere. Tonight it was the weekly Splinter session at the Bridge Hotel, Newcastle and it was totally compelling.

CD Review: Paul Edis Not Like Me

Paul Edis (piano).

(Review by Russell)

Paul Edis deservedly won praise for his sextet’s debut album There Will Be Time and his first solo piano recording is set to win further plaudits. This review of twelve tracks (nine of them composed by Edis) was undertaken without the usual accompanying notes indicating titles and running times. So, in a blindfold test, what to make of it? The album title is intriguing… Not Like Me. Having heard Edis in concert on numerous occasions,  one observation is that this is just like him!

There's Life After Jazz Café

ICENI are dead chuffed to announce that they'll be supporting (musically rather than emotionally) Jamie Cullum at his Gateshead gig on October 18 in Hall 1 of the Sage Gateshead.

Apparently so impressed was he of the quality of the acts on the nationwide ‘BBC introducing’ site that he decided to pick an act from each region for his tour and ICENI made the grade for the north. Gan on! And ‘woot’, possibly..

Get in quick - last I heard tickets were going fast.

Meanwhile, down on Oxford's High Street PETER GILLIGAN plays a solo jazz piano gig at the Grand Café on Friday October 4 at 7:30pm. The former Pink Lane pianist is making a few waves in the university town and this could be the first of many. So if you live in the Oxford area treat yourself to some food and fine piano playing.

The Pink Lane Jazz Co-op continue their Saturday night gis at the Salsa Café on Westgate Rd., Newcastle with the SAFE SEXTET on October 5 and GABRIELE MIT DREI on October 12. Whilst on October 4, REDEMPTION JAZZ are at Number 28, Nelson St.,

Lance

The Customs House Big Band @ St. Cuthbert’s Parish Centre, Crook. Friday Sept. 27

Bill Watson, Michael Lamb, Ken DeVere, Gordon Marshall: (trumpets); Gareth Weaver, Chris Kurgi-Smith, Michael Fletcher, Peter Morgan: (trombones);  Jill Brett, Kim Webb, (alto);  Alan Marshall, Peter Hepplewhite (tenor); Chris Kaberry(baritone); Bill Brittain (piano); Alan Smith (bass guitar); Barry Black (drums); Roy Willis (guitar)..

(Review and photo by Jerry)

7.15, and almost dark; under the open-beamed roof, candles glimmer beside simple floral displays and bowls of nibbles on each red-clothed table. The bar is well stocked with bottled ales and the band is doing a quick sound-check - a hint of what is to come. We are at Crook – my favourite venue bar none!

Hitched!

Congratulations to Hilary Gilby and John Say who "tied the knot" yesterday.
Best wishes to you both from all at Bebop Spoken Here.

Café Society Swing looks good!

Cafe Society Swing - A    T R U E    S T O R Y

Starring China Moses, Harold Sanditen, Alexander Stewart - and introducing Cherise Adams-Burnett

Written by Alex Webb  Directed by Simon Green. A Copasetic production

The Leicester Square Theatre  6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX 

Saturday 21 December and Sunday 22 December 2013, 9.30pm

The Times ****  ‘A genuine treat’

Financial Times ****  ‘Fabulous’

Evening Standard ***  ‘An eight-piece band worthy of any West End stage’

US cabaret star Harold Sanditen fronts this swinging show about the legendary New York nightclub which promoted racial equality and progressive causes. From 1938 to 1947 Cafe Society played host to some of the finest musical talent of the 20^th century, including Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie and many others.

Performing the classic songs of the period are Paris-based China Moses (daughter of jazz giant Dee Dee Bridgewater), rising jazz star Alexander Stewart and a startling new vocal talent, Cherise Adams-Burnett.

Radio Russell

It’s a Radio 3 New Day for Jazz Line-Up

Five o'clock Saturday means one thing…Jazz Record Requests, followed at six o'clock by Jazz Line-Up. Yes, the Sunday night Radio 3 programme moves to a new, regular Saturday slot following JRR. Tune in to In Tune Monday (4:30 pm) to hear Jacqui Dankworth and on Friday (4:30 pm) Stacey Kent will be in the studio. 

Monday evening’s Jazz on 3 (11:00 pm) is full of promise for fans of free jazz with highlights of this year’s Vision Festival from New York. 

On Tuesday evening make sure you're in front of the telly to watch Later Live...with Jools Holland (BBC 2, 10:00 pm) to hear the wonderful Gregory Porter.   

Russell
(Editor) As an addendum to the above I'd like to draw attention once more to the Save the BBC Big Band petition which now has a blog related to the band - http://www.savethebbcbigband.com

CD Review: Blue Touch Paper - Drawing Breath.

Colin Towns (keys); Chris Montague (gtrs); Edward Maclean (bs); Benny Greb (dms); Stephan Maass (perc/electronics); Mark Lockheart (ten/sop).

(Review by Lance).

I'm not certain if this is a giant piss* take or the greatest jazz record of the past 12 months! Upon reflection probably somewhere in between.

All the compositions are by Towns. As the blurb says, "His CV is a staggering list of achievements including the soundtrack for the tv series Doc Martin. The good doctor isn't represented on these tracks - at least for the sake of his patients I hope he isn't!

Jazz North: Board Director opportunities

Further to successfully recruiting a team of new board members there are positions available for individuals with energy, enthusiasm and professional expertise in one or more of the following areas:

·  Jazz practitioner with broad experience *see note below

·  Fundraising (public and private sector)

·  Finance

·  Music education

·  Digital technologies

*Jazz Practitioner

Any musician joining the board would not be able to benefit from any Jazz North scheme or project. This position might suit an established artist or one who lives outside of the area. 

Beverley Beirne Quartet @ The Lit and Phil

Beverley Beirne (vcl); Graham Hearn (pno); Ian Mann (bs); Ronnie Bottomley (dms).

The band drove up from Leeds with 6,000 fans in their wake - sadly, they were football fans heading for St. James Park. None of them dropped off at the Lit and Phil. Nor, for that matter, did the scores of aspiring jazz singers from the north east drop in either. I'm not going to call them "Wannabees" because, if they really do want to be they should have been here tonight.

It was a masterclass in singing and if Leeds United had  played as well as this band and singer did they wouldn't have lost 2-0!

CD Review: Francois Bourassa Quartet Idiosyncrasie

Francois Bourassa (piano, voice), André Leroux (tenor & soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, voice), Guy Boisvert (double bass, voice) & Philippe Melanson (drums)

(Review by Russell).

Canadian pianist Francois Bourassa recorded Idiosyncrasie in 2011. The participating  musicians are long time associates, firmly established on the jazz scene in Canada and beyond. The album explores the links between contemporary jazz and twentieth century composers such as Berg, Schoenberg and Webern. Isola, the opening track, suggests off-centre Monk.

Autumn in New York looks good.

If you're planning a visit to New York and want a jazz experience you may care to check out some of the tours offered by Zerve. They look good and vary in price. Boy have I got blues to be there!
http://www.zerve.com/d/new-york-city/jazz

Lance.
PS: And not just New York.

Happy Birthday Herb Jeffries - 100 today!

Singer Herb Jeffries, last survivor of the great Ellington bands of the 1940s is one hundred years old today. Check him out on David Brent Johnson's Night Lights.
Happy Birthday Herb.
Lance.

CD Review: Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita - Clychau Dibon

Catrin Finch (harp); Seckou Keita (kora).
(Review by Lance)

A Welsh harpist and a West African kora player may seem an unlikely combination to appear on a jazz blog but, as readers know, we sometimes stray from the parameters of the mainstream if the the journey is worthwhile. Well I may not journey to Mali or even Wales to hear this but it's certainly well worth a trip to the CD player or even to Kendal Brewery Arts Centre on November 13 which is the penultimate date on their forthcoming tour.

Graham Hardy and the Paul Edis Trio @ The Cherry Tree, Monday Sept. 23

Graham Hardy trumpet and flugelhorn, Paul Edis piano, Paul Susans bass and Rob Walker drums.

(Review by Jerry).

A brief review as I am out of practice!

A disappointing, but not disappointed audience at The Cherry Tree this evening enjoyed fine food, a first set which was excellent, and a second set which was amazing!

Andy Wilson, guitarist formerly of Burdon Tce, Jesmond info required.

A reader has asked me for help in locating her former guitar teacher Andy Wilson who lived in Burdon Tce. Jesmond. This would be about 20 years ago. Anybody know Andy?
Lance.

Duke Ellington in Kabul - 1963

Thanks to Colin Aitchison for this link to the BBC World Service.
Lance

This Wednesday - Beverley Beirne Quartet at The Lit and Phil September 25, 7:30pm

Just a few of the plaudits for Beverley Beirne who's on at the Lit and Phil on Wednesday.

'Finger Clicking Good! My obsession of the week.' Jenny Eels, BBC Introducing  Beverley Beirne.

Beirne is a jazz singer fast becoming known as much for her ability to innovate as for her stunning voice. A truly gifted interpreter, she sings a captivating mix of beautifully arranged standards and exciting interpretations from other genres. 'Beverley's arrangements of well known songs like 'Walk On By' make them her own. She has a wonderful feeling for interpreting numbers into a jazz context yet still keeping the original feel of the song.' UKJazzRadio

Delius, Brice & Sanders @ The Bridge Hotel. Sept. 22

Tobias Delius (tenor saxophone & clarinet), Olie Brice (double bass) & Mark Sanders (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Jazz North East’s On the Outside strand of free jazz and improv gigs began its autumn season with a co-promotion with the Bridge Hotel’s resident jazz promoters Splinter @ the Bridge. Toby Delius was in town making a first appearance in the north east working with regular visitors Olie Brice (bass) and drummer Mark Sanders.

Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ Hoochie Coochie Sunday Sept. 22

Michael Lamb (leader/tpt); Pete Tanton. Gordon Marshall, Tom Hill (tpts); Mark Ferris, Don Fairley, Mr John Flood, Robert Perry (tmbs); Steve Summers, Nadiah Killick (alt); Paul Gowland, Jamie Toms (ten); Sue Ferris (ten/bar). Marc Jolliffe (pno); Pavel Jedrzejewski (gtr); Michael Whent (bs); Guy Swinton (dms); Lindsay Hannon, James Hedley (vcls).

(Review by Lance).

Hoochie Coochie had a good crowd in for SSBB's monthly afternoon workout and it has to be said that this band seems to take giant steps forward with each hearing. A few personnel changes today.  Don Fairley has replaced Alex Leathard in the trombone section and Marc Jolliffe has taken over from Chris Finch at the keyboard. Sue Ferris occupied the baritone chair although this might be only a dep job. All acquitted themselves well.

CD Review: Empirical Tabula Rasa

Nathaniel Facey (alto saxophone), Shaney Forbes (drums), Tom Farmer (double bass) & Lewis Wright (vibes) 

(Review by Russell)

Tabula Rasa is Empirical’s fourth CD. The listener is encouraged to approach the album without preconceptions, a blank slate (Tabula Rasa). Ears open, mind receptive. A two disc CD, Empirical work with the Benyounes String Quartet, having first  encountered them at Trinity Laban, London. All four members of Empirical have written for the album (fourteen tracks in total).

Salsa Café Hits Westgate Road Swinging. - BudTones @ Salsa, September 21

Fiona Finden (vcl + ten), Stuart Finden (tnr), Dean Stockdale (pno), Jim Crimson (bass), Eric Stutt (dms) + unexpected but welcome guest Paul Gowland (ten)

(Review by Dave Parker)

This was the first gig at what we hope will become a regular Saturday night venue for jazz in Newcastle. I cannot be objective because I helped to organise the event. But neither can I lie ... It was a really enjoyable night of jazz in a venue with just the right ambience.

Future Passed Trio @ Vortex Jazz Club Dalston . Sept 21.

Tony Kofi  alto/baritone sax; Anders Olinder  Hammond organ; Winston Clifford drums

I am not a trained musician, but I've been listening to jazz since Adam was a lad, and I do like to recognise  a tune, and hear a lyric  I can relate to.  There are exceptions to the rule and this  experience was my Sea Change.

The Trio was cohesive, but individuals were given generous  solo space.   With one exception,  a McCoy Tyner piece, the main bulk of the varied set list was written by Tony Kofi,.  I didn't need lyrics, the arrangements spoke volumes, and the musicality was magnetic. Seeing/Hearing is Believing, get to see these guys, or you will never know what a cracking night you missed.

Flore.

CD Review: Dave Askren/Jeff Benedict - It's All About The Groove

Jeff Benedict (alt); Dave Askren (gtr); John Belzaguy (bs); Ramon Banda (dms).
(Review by Lance)

Cool but not in a sanitised way, rather more of a groove which is what this albums all about. It's All About The Groove is a delicious mix of standards and originals by two great players supported by another two top notchers. Benedict's alto has a bright post Parker fluency that gets the enigmatic Nature Boy - even without words it's an enigmatic tune! - up and running, the enigma solved! Askren, is a lyrical guitarist. The pair combine to make Old Folks work over a Kansas City shuffle beat - now that's a groover's groove if ever there was one!

A Big Yes for Steve Howe @ Sage Gateshead.

Steve Howe (gtr); Ross Stanley (B3); Dylan Howe (dms).

This was a jazz gig- don't let anyone tell you otherwise! How could it be anything else with Ross Stanley pedaling the B3? And Steve Howe? Well I've long believed that beneath every rocker there is a jazzer and so it proved tonight when Yes guitarist Howe made it clear that he could cut it as a jazzman.

The majority of the audience that filled the ground floor of Hall 2 (plus a few who overlapped onto the next level) probably had never heard of Miles Davis, Roland Kirk, Jimmy Smith or Kenny Burrell or even realised they were listening to jazz yet they gave a standing ovation at the end and, for an encore, Steve Howe played a wonderful, unaccompanied piece. He didn't give the title but it could have been a composition by Albert Harris, Carl Kress, Dick McDonough or even Eddie Lang. It was lush! For the second encore it was more Kenny Burrell and more standing ovations.

In between the jazz we had jazzified versions of numbers associated with Yes but it was the fifties Blue Note Jimmy Smith/Kenny Burrell grooves that made this listener's night. Ross Stanley was incredible in support and solo whilst Howe Jr. on drums drove and booted, soloed and foured, did crazy and sedate. It was one of those gigs that just flew by.

Lance.

CD Review: Synergy - Nine Tales of the Pendulum

Mick Coady (bs); David Binney (alt); Michael Buckley (ten); Ivo Neame (pno); Sean Carpio (dms).

(Review by Lance)

Led by Irish bassist Mick Coady this is undoubtedly from the cutting edge of contemporary jazz - as Jazz Journal described it. However, it still retains a sense of form and remains within the bounds of sanity. Binney is an outstanding alto player, the American is rightly considered a giant of the saxophone world and he backs those claims up with ease. Not that his frontline partner Buckley is in anyway overshadowed he holds his own in the ensembles and solos with intense feeling. Neame we've known about for a long time as an exceptional piano talent capable of dealing with any situation. Coady and fellow Irishman Carpio handle the engine room chores expertly.

Ruthie Culver and the Utter Jazz Quartet with readings of the works of W H Auden by Nikolas Grace @ Hexham Abbey. Sept 20.

(Review by Peter Ninnim.)

The theme of the concert was  Benjamin Britten's songs with W H Auden's words re-arranged into a jazz score! I was sceptical at first but within a few minutes it was obvious that this was going to be something special. There were so many good things that it is hard to know where to start. Each piece of music was followed by an extract from a W H Auden poem read with great care and feeling by late stand in Nikolas Grace. The pieces were modern jazz to gentle rock; jazz waltz to samba and swinging like mad in places.

Arts Council Pull the Plug.

(From Paul Bream's Jazz Alert) I am numb with shock. . . the Arts Council has rejected Jazz North East’s application for the essential funding that would have enabled them to continue and expand their activities into 2014 and beyond.

The adventurous programming policy that has earned Jazz North East an outstanding national and international reputation means that they have long operated close to the financial edge; this funding decision means that there is a very real possibility that JNE will be forced to shut up shop by the end of this year, depriving the North East audience of the chance to hear a wide range of brilliant musicians, and also leaving a gaping hole in the touring plans of many developing artists for whom a gig on Tyneside was regarded as a crucial component in building their experience and reputation.

The Arts Council claims that its mission is that of “Achieving great art for everyone”, and its first stated goal is to ensure that “talent and artistic excellence are thriving and celebrated”. Their decision in respect of Jazz North East runs directly counter to both aims.

Ironic, then, that the first gig I list in this week’s ‘Jazz Alert’ is a prime example of JNE’s exciting, risk-taking programming. And there are more examples in the weeks to come, with, for instance, bands from Canada and Luxembourg who have chosen to come to Tyneside for their only English gigs outside London. The Arts Council clearly don’t recognise the value of this; the best riposte from local audiences would be to show their support by packing the gigs.  

Paul Bream Jazz North East.

Dominic J Marshall Trio Tour Dates.

Pianist Dominic J. Marshall along with Sam Vicary, bass, and Sam Gardner, drums, set off on a nationwide tour next weekend. The tour takes in a Splinter @ The Bridge gig on October 6 Click on poster for all dates.

Plus see YouTube clip of the trio introduced by Jamie Cullum.

Lance.

Sunday (Oct 22) Afternoon @ Hoochie Coochie

Don't forget to get along to Hoochie Coochie on Sunday for the Strictly Smokin' Big Band's gig. Doors are open at 4pm with the band on stage circa 4:30pm. It's free so no excuses. I'll be there.
Lance.

CD Review: John Abercrombie Quartet - 39 Steps.

John Abercrombie (gtr); Marc Copland (pno); Drew Gress (bs); Joey Baron (dms).
(Review by Lance)

Copland and Abercrombie go way back having played in a number of bands together starting with the Chico Hamilton Quartet some 40 years ago so this is no "Pleased to meet you, what shall we play?" session. Instead it's two guys familiar with each other's musical thinking which of course is important in a quartet containing two chordal instruments. Gress and Baron have also had long associations with Abercrombie and Copland's own bands so the scene was set fair for a meeting of kindred spirits.

CD Review: John Funkhouser - Still.

John Funkhouser (pno); Phil Sargent (gtr); Greg Loughmans (bs); Mike Connors (dms); Aubrey Johnson (voice).

(Review by Lance)

Funkhouser is well named! Not that this is a funk album but he displays all the qualities of a funkster i.e. drive, dancy (at times), rocky with a touch of Indian Raga to spice things up. 

Complex rhythms, deep soulful moments, rock and passion and sensitivity. He explores many genres but the jazz element is always there.

Son of Charlie Galbraith please get in touch.

Could the son of the late trombonist Charlie Galbraith contact me. He posted on this site a few years back but hasn't been back. A friend of his father's wishes to get in touch.
Lance.

This Sunday (22nd) @ The Bridge

Jazz North East in a co-promotion with Splinter@The Bridge present an "On The Outside" concert by Delius, Brice and Sanders.

Bassist Olie Brice and drummer Mark Sanders back Berlin based reedsman Tobias Delius, who is hugely admired on the European improvisation scene, but rarely sighted in Britain (despite having been born in Oxford).

Sunday Sept. 22, 8pm Bridge Hotel, Castle Garth, Newcastle. £8/£6 (concessions).

Pink Lane Jazz Co-op Update

Salsa, the friendly relaxed café/bar in Westgate Road, is going to be hosting jazz on Saturday nights - starting this Saturday 21 September with the BudTones, a well known modern jazz quintet that used to play at the Jazz Cafe.  Music starts at 9.30pm and continues to midnight.  Admission is free.

On the following Saturday nights we've lined up Debra Milne Ensemble, Safe Sextet, Gabriele mit Drei, Blue Jazz Quartet with Lindsay Hannon and more (for details see http://www.pinklanejazz.co.uk/events/).  

Salsa is a friendly, relaxed cafe/bar that serves delicious snacks and light meals.  It's busy in the early evening, and the owners are hoping that by putting on jazz after 9.30pm it will stay busier later and attract new customers.  We think it could become a very attractive venue for jazz that both musicians and audiences will love.  We need your help to make it succeed.

Please tell all your friends to come to Salsa on Saturday nights.

PLJC.

CD Review: Suzi Stern - Romancing The Dark

Suzi Stern (voice, percussion); George Oldziey (piano, accordion, percussion);  Paul Unger (acoustic bass); James Anderson (violin); Steve Schwelling(drums, percussion) Also various musicians on cello, violin, viola, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, guitar, acoustic bass, drums.

(Review by Ann Alex)

Suzi Stern has released 7 jazz CDs previously, but for her latest release, Romancing The Dark, she has stepped outside of the jazz idiom, and come up with an album of her own original compositions and arrangements.  I’m afraid to say that this CD didn't quite cut the mustard for me.  The voice is sweet, with competent singing and good work from the musicians, but the songs mostly don’t catch the listener’s attention.  Perhaps more hooks are needed for full enjoyment of the lyrics, which are closer to a wandering poetic style rather than the sharper, catchier words which go well in songs.

CD Review: Colorado Conservatory For the Jazz Artist - Hang Time

Group Giz:  Kyle Bollacker (bs); Stephen Chen (alt0; Garrett Bodley (ten); Michael Lenssen, Christopher Navarrete (tpt); Robert Delgardo (dms); Zack Demos (tmb); Carlos Snaider (gtr).

Group Gunn: Molly Sauer (tpt); Daryl Gott (alt); Danny Meyer (ten0; Mark Clifford (vbs); Jake Alvarez (gtr); Patrick McDevitt (bs); Alejandro Castano (dms).

(Review by Lance)

Two groups based at the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts offer a taste of the Jazz Future and, it has to be said, based on this CD the future looks good.

Or does it?

Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe) in Some Like It Hot.

I love this monologue from Some Like it Hot - Lance.
"Yeah, you better keep a look out. I’m not very bright I guess. No, just dumb, if I had any brains I wouldn't be on this crummy train with this crummy girl’s band. I used to sing with male bands but I can’t afford it anymore, have you ever been with a male band? That’s what I'm running away from. I've been with six different ones in the last two years . Oh brother! … I’ll say…I can’t trust myself. I have this thing about saxophone players , especially tenor sax. I don’t know what it is but they just curdle me. All they have to do is play eight bars of “Come To Me, My Melancholy Baby” and my spine turns to custard. I get goose pimply all over and I come to them. Every time. … But you’re a girl thank goodness. That’s why I joined this band: Safety first. Anything to get away from those bums. You don’t know what they’re like! You fall for them. You really love them, you think, “This is going to be the biggest thing since the Graf Zeppelin.” The next thing you know, they’re borrowing money from you, they’re spending it on other dames and betting on horses. Then one morning, you wake up, the guy’s gone, the saxophone’s gone. All that’s left behind is a pair of old socks and a tube of toothpaste all squeezed out. So you pull yourself together, you go on to the next job, the next saxophone player. It’s the same thing all over again. See what I mean? Not very bright. I can tell you one thing, it’s not going to happen to me again. Ever. I'm tired of getting the fuzzy end of the lollipop."

North East Bands in Manchester.

Matt and Phreds is one of the UK's major jazz venues outside of London and it's good to see the north east gaining a foothold in the north west.
Sept. 27: The Paul Edis Sextet
Oct. 19: King Bee
Nov. 23: Durham University Big Band..
All gigs are from 9:30pm to 1am and admission is £5.
More detail from the club website.
To book Telephone 0161 8397187 (before 6pm) or 0161 8317002 (after 6 pm).
Lance.

Aussie Alto Ace Dead

Australian alto sax player Bernie McGann has died after undergoing heart surgery. McGann, reported to be Australia's most outstanding jazzman, was 76.

I never heard him play as he rarely left his home country but his reputation was known and respected worldwide.
Bernie McGann died on September 17.

Obituary. Rest In Peace..Lance.

CD Review: Jason Lee Bruns Jazz Collective - Live at Catalina Jazz Club

Jason Lee Bruns (dms, pandeiro); Mahesh Balsooriya (pno);  Edwin Livingstone (bs); Angelo Matz (gtr Portuguese vcls); Kevin Bachelder (English vcls); Kim Richmond (alt/sop); Jason Garner (tpt, flug); Jacquez Voyemant (tmb).

(Review by Lance)

One of the joys (and the non joys) about this blog are the CDs that drop through the letterbox almost everyday - some are absolutely delightful - others are absolutely not! The ones that you don't see reviewed here are in the latter category! However, I do appreciate that my tastes aren't everyone's and everyone's isn't mine. So if there are any reviewers out there who want to lighten the burden please get in touch.

This, I'm pleased to say is one of the more delightful ones.

CD Review: Wilford Brimley with the Jeff Hamilton Trio.

Wilford Brimley (vcl); Tamir Hendelman (pno); Christoph Luty (bs); Jeff Hamilton (dms).
(Review by Lance).
Brimley is a 78 year old American actor who's appeared in film and on tv. Films include Cocoon, The Firm and Absence of Malice whilst his television  gigs were in The Waltons, Seinfield and Our House. He's also been a ranch hand, a horse wrangler, a blacksmith a stuntman and now - he's a singer! A veritable jack of all trades.

Jazz A-B-Z by Wynton Marsalis and Paul Rogers

Jazz A-B-Z by Wynton Marsalis is a book from 2005 that has some absolutely stunning and original jazz inspired artwork by Paul Rogers. Visit his website and you'll see what I mean!
http://paulrogersstudio.com/?section=gallery&gallery_id=32.
Lance.
PS: And while you're there go to the Home Page and check out the On The Road graphics to Kerouacs novel. They're amazing. They even make the book seem readable (I've tried a few times. I'm told it's  the Hipsters Bible so I should read it!)

Katherine Stone Quartet @ The Cherry Tree, Jesmond.

Katherine Stone (vcl); Dean Stockdale (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Steve Doyle (dms).
(Review by Lance.)
The singer, the band and the chef were on form tonight.

The trio kicked things off with Lady Be Good (or maybe that was just a soundcheck as they reprised it in the second set. It was good both times and I'd happily have reprised my starter - Craster crab salad, avocado, chicory and pomelo.

Ms Stone took to the stage and gave us a choice selection of tried and tested Gasbook fayre including Fly Me To The Moon, Sway, Let There be Love, I Get a Kick Out of You and My Baby Just Cares For me. The Nina Simone piece has long been a favourite of mine - it's timeless, or at least it would be if singers updated the lyric. It's 2013 and we're still singing about Liz Taylor, Lana Turner and Liberace! It wouldn't take the genius of a Cole Porter to update the lyric to something more topical. This isn't aimed at Katherine Stone, it's aimed at everyone who sings it!

Film/Improv Music on Radio 3 Tonight.

Film/improv buffs check out Radio 3 tonight. Details courtesy of The Jazz Breakfast. 11pm or iplayer for next 7 days.
Lance.

Daryl Sherman and Houston Person Wednesday, September 18, 7pm (just the two of us!)

Don't Tell Mama

343 W 46th St, NYC

212-757-0788 (after 4pm) www.donttellmamanyc.com

$15 cover 2 drink min (CASH only!)

We're like-minded spirits when it comes to great melodies and lyrics.

Houston is tops at creating soulful tenor sax magic. We've recorded and performed together --but never just the two of us.  Autumn in New York ..the gleaming rooftops at sundown..it lifts you up when you're run down....Please join us!  more info: www.darylsherman.com. (photo from Algonquin Oak Room)

(Editors note) Daryl, the population of Manhattan is 1.602 million - how ya gonna seat 'em all? Because no one will want to miss this! - Lance.

Paul Edis Sextet @ Blaydon Jazz Club. September 15

Paul Edis (keyboards), Graham Hardy (trumpet & flugelhorn), Graeme Wilson (tenor saxophone & flute), Chris Hibbard (trombone), Mick Shoulder (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums)

(Review by Russell.)

Great North Run day, gusting winds, nights drawing in. Blaydon Jazz Club at the Black Bull would welcome competitors (stragglers), spectators, anyone making their way home. In the event it was the usual suspects, the faithful few who turned out to hear the Paul Edis Sextet.

Blaydon Update

All gigs at Black Bull, Blaydon.
Sunday Oct 20 - 8pm - Adm. £4.00 
Billy Harper Quartet with Anne DeVere. 

For 15 great years Bill played some wonderful jazz piano every week at Blaydon Jazz Club. He was also first call pianist for 'Jazz North East' concerts, backing top UK, European and American visiting soloists. Bill and his wife, superb jazz singer Anne, are back on Tyneside for a short stay. For this concert they are joined by Neil Harland bass, Adam Sinclair drms and Roly Veitch gtr. 

Sunday Nov 17 - 8pm - Adm. £4.00

Paul Edis Trio plus special guests Steve Andrews sax and Graham Hardy tpt/flgl.

Steve Andrews, absolute master of swing style saxophone, and the versatile Graham Hardy (equally at home playing Satchmo through to Hubbard) are two of the area's finest jazz musicians. For this concert they are accompanied by the Paul Edis Trio.

Sunday Dec 15 - 8pm - £4.00

Christmas Concert - including our usual DIY buffet (please bring along an item of food to add to the feast)

Roly Veitch/Jeremy McMurray Quartet

One of the North's finest straight ahead jazz pianists, Teesside's Jeremy McMurray, joins with Blaydon's own Roly Veitch on guitar, Neil Harland bass and Adam Sinclair drms for an evening of songbook repertoire.

Roly.

Mitch Laddie Band @ The Cluny. September 13

Mitch Laddie (guitar & vocals), Rhian Wilkinson (electric bass) & Matt Connor (drums)

(Review by Russell)

The much heralded Mitch Laddie chose the Cluny down in the Ouseburn Delta to record his new ‘live’ album. In his early twenties, Laddie, from County Durham, has quite a pedigree for one so young; two successful CD releases, signed to Provogue (the legendary Walter Trout’s back catalogue is the US label’s cash-cow), gigs across Europe, championed by Mr W.Trout. The Cluny bar was busy, though in the performance space things were somewhat quieter. Two Fender Strats on stands, a gigantic pedal board, Marshall stacks, all the indications were we were in for something special. Come gig time the place was packed to the rafters. The trio bounced onto the stage, ‘up’ for it.

Big Band Broadcast from 1969.

Peter Drysdale sent me this YouTube clip of  a 1969 big band led by Ronnie Scott and featuring many well known faces.
How many can you recognise?
Lance.

Back in the USSR (Ukraine actually)

Arrived safely last night in the Ukraine. Now hanging out at Koktebel Jazz Festival. Rehearsed and sound checked with the wonderful musicians. Just enjoying the sunshine and waiting for showtime tonight. Beautiful surroundings and lovely people.

Zoe Gilby (on F/b)

CD Review: Stephen McQuarry Trio - Azure.

Stephen McQuarry (pno); Ted Burik (bs); Greg German (dms).
(Review by Lance).

Another fine piano trio. This time all originals - or are they? Well, yes they are although some tracks do paint a portrait of an individual. 

Blues For Jack is very much Monk orientated although John McLaughlin is quoted as being the main influence. Not a bad combination to work around! Azure is is a lovely flowing piece with no one in mind save the pianist himself whose original and complex chord progressions present a worthwhile challenge to both player and listener. Lunar, the liner notes tell me, uses the compositional technique of inverted melody and chord changes based on the tune Solar.

Advice from Raymond Chandler

Came across these words of wisdom from the late (great) Raymond Chandler. Chandler is talking about writing but, substitute playing for writing or musician for writer and it still makes a lot of sense.

Lance.

CD Review: Mike Jones Trio - Plays Well With Others.

Mike Jones (pno); Mike Gurrola (bs); Jeff Hamilton (dms).

The world hasn't gone mad - not when there are records like this around! This is simply the best piano record I've heard since the heyday of Oscar Peterson. Strong words I know but it is so refreshing to hear a pianist who draws from the classic repertoire rather than his own compositions although Jones does have a couple of his own pieces included.

Autumnal Songs

The London PR Agency  sent me the results of a survey to find the favourite Autumn song.
Here are the results:

1. Mamas and the Papas: California Dreamin’                                     21%

2. Moody Blues: Forever Autumn                                                             18%

3. Frank Sinatra: September Song                                                             15%

4. The Kinks: Autumn Almanac                                                                   14%

5. Green Day: Wake Me Up When September Ends                           12%

6. Earth Wind & Fire: September                                                                 6%

7. Paulo Nutini: Autumn                                                                                  5%

8. Eva Cassidy: Autumn Leaves                                                                     4%

9. The Small Faces: The Autumn Stone                                                      2%

10. The White Stripes: Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground                1%

(Others)                                                                                                                   2%

I personally would have chosen (in no particular order): Autumn in New York, September in the Rain,  Autumn Serenade, 'Tis Autumn, It Might as Well Rain Until September, Come September, plus from the above list, September Song, Autumn Leaves, California Dreamin' and Autumn Almanac.
Have I missed any out?
Lance.

Northern Monkey Brass Band @ The British Science Festival.

Graham Hardy (trumpet), Alastair Lord (trumpet), Sue Ferris (tenor saxophone), David Grey (trombone), Don Fairley (trombone), Phil Rosier (tuba), Brendan Murphy (bass drum, Nik Alevroyiannis (snare drum) + assorted university student boffins.

(Review by Russell)

The 2013 British Science Festival has taken over Newcastle city centre this last week or so. The closing outdoor event at Grey’s Monument involved university science students and an endangered species – the Northern Monkey Brass Band. The boffins conducted experiments (the Northern Monkeys weren't harmed) with the participation of budding school student scientists and curious passers-by.

CD Review: Brass Jaw - Minted

Ryan Quigley (tpt); Paul Towndrow (alto); Konrad Wiszniewski (ten); Allon Beauvoisin (bar) + Michael Owers (tmb final track).
(Review by Lance)

A new album by Brass Jaw is always an event to be celebrated and this one is no exception. The four horns entwine and intermingle during the theme statements as if it was a hip fugue by Bach.  Even during the solos there is often a rich harmonic carpet being laid beneath them. When there isn't it's left to Beauvoisin to provide the underpinnings which he does nonstop - no take five for him, he's a constant and vital presence.

Preview: Denys Baptiste's Now Is The Time...Let Freedom Ring! @ Sage Gateshead Oct. 5, 2013

(Press Release)

A tribute to the 50^th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther Kings’ historic ‘I Have A Dream’ speech will be performed by top UK saxophonist Denys Baptiste at Sage Gateshead this October.

It is a prequel to his original suite ‘Let Freedom Ring’ which was nominated for a MOBO award for Best Jazz Act in 2004, the BBC Jazz Awards for Best New Work and Best Album, and the Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Album 2004, sealing his position as one of the top saxophonists in Europe.

CD Review: Gregory Porter - Liquid Spirit

Greg Porter (vcl); Chip Crawford (md/pno); Aaron James (bs); Emanuel Harrold (dms); Yosuke Sato (alt); Tivon Pennicott (ten).

(Review by Lance).

"Gregory Porter, the man most likely to bring jazz back into the mainstream." So said The Independent whilst The Guardian described Porter as "A rapidly ascending star with a magnificent blues-baritone voice."

Pretty fair descriptions of a man whose appealing lush baritone has already been nominated for two grammy awards.

CD Review: Shane Cooper - Oscillations.

Shane Cooper (Bass); Bokani  Dyer (Keys); Reza Khota (Guitar); Kesivan Naidoo (Drums); Justin Bellairs (Alto); Buddy Wells (Tenor).

(Review by Steve H.)

One of the greatest gigs I ever attended was in the early 80's at the 100 Club in Oxford Street when the cream of exiled South African Jazz musicians, led on this night by Johnny Dyani and his band Witchdoctor’s Son, had the entire club on their feet dancing around the tables. Sadly much of that group  Chris McGregor on Piano, Dudu Pukwana on Saxophone and Dyani himself on bass are no longer with us all passing away far too young. We are lucky that legends from that era are still performing such as  Louis Moholo the drummer from Witchdoctor’s Son and the more internationally renowned Hugh Masekela and Abdullah Ibrahim to name but three.

Caro Emerald @ Sage Gateshead. Sept. 10

Caro Emerald (vcl) + Band. (Apologies but I didn't catch any of the band members' names. If anyone can help out please do.)

Sage Gateshead was three tiers full which means totally sold out as indeed it has been for several weeks - and deservedly so. By no means was this a jazz gig although there were enough jazz elements present to appeal to all but the most blinkered aficionado. Jazz, Rock, Latin, Pop, Ska even Charleston were all in the mix along with a few more - often in the same tune!

Emerald has a voice that easily absorbs whatever genre she sings in and comes out as pure Caro. I didn't catch all the song titles but among the ones I did note were You Came Along, How Long, Liquid Lunch, I'm Comin' Back as a Man, Stuck, Tangled Up, Back it up. Night Like This, I Belong to You, I Want You, The Wonderful in You.

Her voice takes these songs and sings them as no one else could which isn't surprising as I believe she wrote them all herself!