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Bebop Spoken There

Stan Woodward: ''We're part of the British jazz scene, but we don't play London jazz. We play Newcastle jazz. The Knats album represents many things, but most importantly that Newcastle isn't overlooked". (DownBeat, April 2025).

The Things They Say!

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

Postage

17923 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 244 of them this year alone and, so far, 91 this month (March 31).

From This Moment On ...

MARCH 2025.

Tue 01: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, Mark Robertson.
Tue 01: Customs House Big Band @ The Masonic Hall, North St., Ferryhill DL17 8HX. 7:30pm. Free.

Wed 02: Lauren Bush: The Jazz Singer’s Toolkit @ The Pele, Corbridge. 1:00-4:00pm. Vocalist Lauren Bush with pianist Jamil Sheriff presents a jazz singing workshop. £40.00. (inc. evening concert, see below). Registration required for workshop: www.laurenbushjazz.com. All ability levels welcome.
Wed 02: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 02: Jason Isaacs @ St. James’ STACK, Newcastle. 2:30-4:30pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Wed 02: Lauren Bush & Jamil Sheriff @ The Pele, Corbridge. 7:00-9:00pm. £10.00. Concert performance. Tickets: www.laurenbushjazz.com.
Wed 02: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 02: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE! See website for updates: www.theglobenewcastle.bar.

Thu 03: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £4.00. Subject: Women in Jazz.
Thu 03: Eva Fox & the Jazz Guys @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Thu 03: New ’58 Jazz Collective @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm. Free. A Tees Hot Club promotion. First Thursday in the month.

Fri 04: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 04: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 04: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 04: Ruth Lambert Quartet @ Saltburn Community Hall. 7:30pm. £12.00.
Fri 04: Tom McGuire & the Brassholes @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 7:30pm. £20.00.
Fri 04: Nicolas Meier’s Infinity Group + Spirit of Jeff Beck @ The Forum, Darlington. 7:30pm.

Sat 05: Tenement Jazz Band @ St Augustine’s Parish Centre, Darlington. 12:30pm. £10.00.
Sat 05: Sleep Suppressor @ Head of Steam, Newcastle. 5:30-6:00pm.
Sat 05: King Bees @ Billy Bootlegger’s, Ouseburn, Newcastle. 6:00pm. Free.
Sat 05: Raymond MacDonald & Jer Reid @ Lubber Fiend, Newcastle. 6:00-9:30pm. £7.72., £1.00. (minimum donation). MacDonald & Reid + Objections + Yotuns.
Sat 05: Jeff Hewer Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 05: Kamasi Washington @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 7:30pm. £33.00.
Sat 05: Vermont Big Band @ The Seahorse, Whitley Bay. 7:30pm. Tickets: £10.00 (from the venue).
Sat 05: Rendezvous Jazz @ Red Lion, Earsdon. 8:00pm. £3.00.

Sun 06: Smokin’ Spitfires @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 12:45pm. £7.50.
Sun 06: Learning & Participation Showcase @ The Globe, Newcastle. 1:30pm (1:00pm doors). Free. Featuring participants from Play More Jazz! Play More Folk! Blue Jam Singers & more.
Sun 06: Joe Steels Group @ Central Bar, Gateshead. 2:00pm. £10.00. Ferg Kilsby, Joe Steels, Ben Lawrence, Paul Susans, John Hirst.
Sun 06: Paul Skerritt @ Hibou Blanc, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free. Vocalist Skerritt working with backing tapes.
Sun 06: Paul Skerritt @ The Hooch, Quayside, Newcastle. 6:00pm.
Sun 06: Leeway @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 07: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

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

Friday, September 20, 2013

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.
at

4 comments :

Exasperated from Tynemouth said...

So really, the Arts Council's claims are just a load of bollocks? Well, someone had to say it. It would be interesting to find the true reason (and not the initial explanation which will no doubt be vague) for their DISCRIMINATION against the North East. Very sad, no doubt the "experts" that make these decisions (an "ex-spurt" being a drip under pressure) - will not be affiliated in any way to the North East. Very disappointing. I look forward to seeing the allocation of funding, and the subsequent justification from the "ex-spurts". In the meantime people, GO TO ALL THE GIGS, and prove them wrong.

Friday, September 20, 2013 6:22:00 pm
Lee Paterson said...

that is shocking Paul! sure you were only asking for a very modest amount. Jazz NE has long and wonderful track record of taking risks and booking outstanding musicians, and respecting that audiences are up to the challenges and delights. Shame on Arts Co. and commiserations to all those at JNE who have worked so hard..we salute you! I second comment above, vote with your bums on the seats!

Saturday, September 21, 2013 6:08:00 pm
Corey Mwamba said...

Absolutely disgusting decision. Chance of appeal??

Saturday, September 21, 2013 7:52:00 pm
Anonymous said...

how much shortfall will there be as a result of this?

Sunday, September 22, 2013 12:56:00 pm

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