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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

17777 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 98 of them this year alone and, so far, 23 this month (Feb.8).

From This Moment On ...

February 2025

Mon 10: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 11: Steve Summers Quintet @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm.

Wed 12: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 12: Jam session @ The Tannery, Gilesgate, Hexham. 7:00-9:00pm. Free.
Wed 12: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 12: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 13: Student Performances @ King’s Hall, Newcastle University. 4:00pm. Free. Inc. Olly Styles (tenor sax).
Thu 13: MOBO Awards Fringe 2025: Artist Showcase @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 7:00pm. Free (ticketed). Line-up inc. Hannabiell & Midnight Blue.
Thu 13: Indigo Jazz Voices @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:45pm. £5.00.

Fri 14: John Rowland Trio @ Jesmond Library, Newcastle. 12:30-1:30pm. £5.00. at the door. New second Friday in the month concert series.
Fri 14: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 14: Jason Isaacs @ St. James’ STACK, Newcastle. 4:00-6:00pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Fri 14: Archipelago + Anna Tempest @ Cobalt Studios, Newcastle. 7:00pm. £12.00., £10.00., £8.00.
Fri 14: Paul Jones & Dave Kelly @ Alnwick Playhouse. 7:30pm. Rhythm & blues.
Fri 14: Alexia Gardner Quintet @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm.
Fri 14: Jazz Sabbath @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 8:00pm.

Sat 15: Joseph Carville Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 15: James Birkett & Emma Fisk @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 7:30pm. £15.00. at the door; £14.35. (inc £0.35 bf) online, in advance.
Sat 15: Elkie Brooks @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 7:30pm. ‘The Long Farewell Tour’.
Sat 15: Milne Glendinning Band @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Sun 16: Jason Isaacs @ STACK, Exchange Sq., Middlesbrough. 1:00-2:45pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Sun 16: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 16: MOBO Awards Fringe 2025: BBC Introducing NE X MOBO Showcase @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 6:00pm. Free (ticketed). Line-up inc. Jambone, Knats, Rivkala, SwanNek.
Sun 16: The Shayo Experience @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 16: Gerry Richardson Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.
Sun 16: Jazz Jam @ Fabio’s, Saddler St., Durham. 8:00pm. Free. A Durham University Jazz Society promotion. All welcome.

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

Thursday, November 14, 2013

CD Review: Nicolas Meier Trio+ Kismet

Nicolas Meier (acoustic nylon guitar, glissentar & jazz guitar), Kevin Glasgow (bass), Laurence Lowe (drums), Demi Garcia (percussion) + Lizzie Ball (violin), Bernard Gregor-Smith (cello) & Cenk Erdogan (acoustic fretless nylon & electric guitar)
(Review by Russell)
Kismet, the title track, is placed third of nine on Nicolas Meier’s new album released at the beginning of next week (Monday 18 November). An original composition of Meier’s, inspired by a Turkish folk tune, it encapsulates what this recording is all about; a fusion of Eastern cultural elements, the brilliance of  Flamenco musicians and the nonchalance of the Manouche guitarists past and present. Meier’s relaxed approach and imperious technique make this new recording one for students of the guitar and for those appreciative of a beautifully realised project.
The UK-based Swiss bandleader has recruited a wonderful group of musicians capable of playing the music so expertly. Cenk Erdogan’s guitar playing contrasts and complements Meier’s and the bandleader is fortunate to have the Turk on board. Erdogan’s tremendous solos on Kismet and Horizon are a match for Meier. The Swiss himself dazzles throughout; Giant Steps and Nuages offer fresh interpretations of classic tunes and October in Ankara embraces change in tempi and mood with ease. Bassist Kevin Glasgow’s musicianship is outstanding throughout the recording. His solo on the closing track Not For Me (a bluesy, swinging, snorter of a track recalling Sco’s Piety Street Band) is as good as it gets. Drummer Laurence Lowe, like Glasgow, of the new generation, has it all at his fingertips. Percussionist Demi Garcia peppers the CD with infinite rhythmic patterns. How do these guys do it? String players Lizzie Ball (violin) and cellist Bernard Gregor-Smith add earthy hues to Meier’s compositional palette making Kismet an excellent addition to this year’s many new releases. Nicolas Meier takes it on the road in the coming weeks. Kismet the CD (MGPCD010) is available on MPG Records from November 18. The album launch at The Forge, London follows on November 22. North east gig goers should make sure that they are at the Lit & Phil, Newcastle on December 6. That’s when Nicolas Meier will be in town.            
Russell.         

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