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Bebop Spoken There

Sullivan Fortner: ''I always judge it by the bass player: If the bass player is happy, it's going to be a good night". (DownBeat, February 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

17805 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 126 of them this year alone and, so far, 51 this month (Feb.16).

From This Moment On ...

February 2025

Sun 23: Musicians Unlimited @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 23: Paul Skerritt @ Hibou Blanc, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free. Vocalist Skerritt working with backing tapes.
Sun 23: More Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 23: Mark Williams Trio @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 3:00pm.
Sun 23: Ruth Lambert Trio @ The Juke Shed, Union Quay, North Shields. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 23: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 23: Jazz Jam Sandwich! @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 23: Mississippi MacDonald @ Georgian Theatre, Stockton. 3:00pm. Blues.
Sun 23: Mu Quintet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. CANCELLED!
Sun 23: Jazz Jam @ Fabio’s, Saddler St., Durham. 8:00pm. Free. A Durham University Jazz Society promotion. All welcome.

Mon 24: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 24: Michael Young Trio @ The Engine Room, Sunderland. 6:30pm. Free.

Tue 25: ?

Wed 26: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 26: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 26: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 27: Jamie McCredie @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Fri 28: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free. THIS WEEK ONLY JAMES BIRKETT (guitar)!
Fri 28: Luis Verde Quartet @ The Gala, Durham. 1:00pm. £8.00. SOLD OUT!
Fri 28: Spilt Milk @ St. James’ STACK, Newcastle. 7:00-9:00pm. Free. Nolan Brothers (vocal harmonies).
Fri 28: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £8.00.
Fri 28: Knats @ Lubber Fiend, Newcastle. 7:30pm. £11.50. (inc bf.). Album launch gig. Support act TBC.
Fri 28: Black is the Color of My Voice @ The Gala, Durham. 7:30pm. Apphia Campbell’s one-woman show inspired by the life of Nina Simone, performed by Florence Odumosu.
Fri 28: Great North Big Band Jazz Festival: Musicians Unlimited @ Park View Community Centre, Chester-le-Street. 8:00pm. £10.00. (Weekend ticket £20.00., available on the door). Day 1/3. Musicians Unlimited in concert.
Fri 28: Redwell @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

MARCH 2025

Sat 01: Great North Big Band Jazz Festival @ Park View Community Centre, Chester-le-Street. 11:00am. £15.00. Day 2/3.
Sat 01: TJ Johnson Band @ St Augustine’s Parish Centre, Darlington. 12:30pm. £10.00.
Sat 01: Play Jazz! workshop @ The Globe, Newcastle. 1:30pm. £25.00. Tutor: Steve Glendinning. Get your funk on! Enrol at: learning@jazz.coop.
Sat 01: Shunyata Improvisation Group @ The Watch House, Cullercoats. 2:00-3:30pm. Free.
Sat 01: Ray Stubbs R&B All Stars @ Billy Bootleggers. Ouseburn, Newcastle. 4:00pm. Free.
Sat 01: Struggle Buggy @ The Peacock, Sunderland. 6:00pm. Blues band.
Sat 01: Edison Herbert Trio @ The Vault, Darlington 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 01: Rendezvous Jazz @ Red Lion, Earsdon. 8:00pm. £3.00.
Sat 01: Jack & Jay’s Vintage Songbook @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

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.

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.

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!

Corey Mwamba said...

Absolutely disgusting decision. Chance of appeal??

Anonymous said...

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

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