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Bebop Spoken There

Steve Coleman: ''If you don't keep learning, your mind slows down. Use it or lose it''. (DownBeat, January 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

17719 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 39 of them this year alone and, so far, 39 this month (Jan. 15).

From This Moment On ...

January 2025

Sun 19: Glenn Miller Orchestra UK @ Glasshouse, Gateshead. 3:00pm. ‘Glenn Miller & the Rat Pack Era’.
Sun 19: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 19: Spilt Milk @ St James’ STACK, Newcastle. 5:15-7:00pm. Free. Nolan Brothers (vocal harmonies).
Sun 19: Tenement Jazz Band @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 19: Nick Ross Orchestra @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 7:30pm.
Sun 19: Freight Train (Tobin/Noble/Clarvis) @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.
Sun 19: Jazz Jam @ Fabio’s, Saddler St., Durham. 8:00pm. Free. A Durham University Jazz Society promotion. All welcome.

Mon 20: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 21: ???

Wed 22: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 22: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Wed 22: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 22: Pasadena Roof Orchestra @ Fire Station, Sunderland. 7:30pm.

Thu 23: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ The Holystone, Whitley Road, Holystone. 1:00pm. Free. Fortnightly.
Thu 23: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £4.00. Subject: Obituaries 2024.
Thu 23: Jason Isaacs @ St James’ STACK, Newcastle. 4:30-6:30pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Thu 23: Pedal Point Trio @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Fri 24: Zoë Gilby Quartet @ The Gala, Durham. 1:00pm.
Fri 24: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 24: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 24: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 24: Creakin’ Bones & the Sunday Dinners @ Lindisfarne Social Club, Wallsend. 9:00pm. Admission: TBC. Jazz, blues , jump jive, rock ‘n’ roll.

Sat 25: Boys of Brass @ St James’ STACK, Newcastle. 3:30-5:30pm. Free.
Sat 25: Edison Herbert Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 25: Jack & Jay’s 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

Thursday, November 07, 2013

CD Review: Odessa/Havana – Walk to the Sea

David Buchbinder (Trumpet; Flugelhorn); Hilario Duran (Piano) John Johnson(Clarinet, Tenor and Soprano Saxes, Alto Flute); Aleksandar Gajic (Violin, Viola); Roberto Occhipinti (Bass, Guitar (3)); Mark Kelso (Drums, Bata, Percussion); Michael Cohen (Vocal (2); Maryem Hassan Tollar (Vocals (3,5,9); Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo (Congas, Dumbeq, Bata, Chekere (1-3, 7-9); Jamey Haddad (Riq, Frame Drum, Dumbeq (3-6); Bassam Bishara ( Oud (3);  Demetrios Petsalakis ( Oud (5); Elmer Ferrer ( Tres (4).
(Review by Steve H.)
This album is an unlikely fusion of Jewish and Cuban traditions - a kind of Kosher Tapas one might say. The group is led by its two composers -  Canadian trumpeter David Buchbinder  and Cuban pianist Hilaro Duran.
A Klezmer style opening to the album Coffee Works soon embraces all the joys of the Latin oeuvre. Landrico is a  reworking by Duran of a traditional Spanish tune  where an unaccompanied vocal soon develops into a seriously good jazz number. Aventuria Judea is a highly enjoyable lively Latin number with a fine tenor solo from Johnson and some adventurous ensemble playing. Laroza Una  has a spiritual feel to it with superb vocals by Maryem Hassan Tollar .
The title track Walk to the Sea is a cracking trumpet led number with both the Klezmer and Latin influences apparent throughout. Another vocal number La Rosa Dos follows again sung with great feeling by Tollar. Valentin is a melodious trumpet led  ballad. The penultimate track Calliope is a romantic Latin swinging number and the album concludes with Conja an emotional vocal combines with uplifting beats and a great violin solo from Gajic leaves the listener on a high.
This album is a triumph:  a cocktail of genres encompassing Jazz,  Cuban and Judeo Spanish traditions. Think of  Chicken Soup for starters,  Paella for Main course and Flan De Cuba for dessert all accompanied by the odd Mojito or two.  It may seem like a gastronomic no-no but I assure you it is not only fulfilling but also absolutely delicious.
Steve H.

1 comment :

Anonymous said...

Another great review Steve H.

I feel the enthusiasm you have for music as i read this.
I particularly like your references to food and culture, and the coming together of the two.

Keep up the good work.

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