Bebop Spoken There

Dominick "Domo" Branch: ''Most people say drummers can't write, they're just time-keepers only beating on things. But I have a very musical brain.'' (DownBeat February, 2026)

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

18288 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 142 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Feb. 14), 42

From This Moment On ...

February

Thu 19: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: George Shearing Jazz Moments.

Fri 20: Alex Clarke w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. SOLD OUT! Clarke w. Dean Stockdale, Mick Shoulder, Abbie Finn.
Fri 20: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 20: Squabble @ Warkworth Memorial Hall. 7:00pm. Steve Chambers (organ); Jude Murphy (double bass, vocals); Sid White (drums).
Fri 20: Jive Aces @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 7:00pm (6:30pm doors).
Fri 20: Alex Clarke w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ Sunderland Minster. 7:30pm. Clarke w. Dean Stockdale, Mick Shoulder, Abbie Finn.

Sat 21: ???

Sun 22: Musicians Unlimited: Big Band Blast @ West Hartlepool RFC. 1:00-3:00pm . Free.
Sun 22: Joe Steels Group @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 3:00pm. A Blue Patch album tour.
Sun 22: More Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 22: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 22: Harben Kay Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 23: Joe Steels Group @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm. A Blue Patch album tour.
Mon 23: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 24: Finn-Keeble Group @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm. £11.00.
Tue 24: Liam Oliver & Shayo Oshodi @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 26: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £6.50.
Thu 26: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00 adv.
Thu 26: Mick Cantwell Band @ The Harbour View, Roker, Sunderland. 8:00pm. Blues.

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

Monday, December 30, 2013

Night Owl Blues

I note that Jazz Café gigs start at 10pm (apart from the 'all day jazz extravaganza') and Pink Lane Jazz Co-op gigs start at 9.30pm. That's generally off-puttingly late for me. Audience numbers could be affected if, as is possible, a significant number of others feel similarly.
I recall the late Chris Yates making a point of starting the JNE gigs he promoted at 8pm, not least for the benefit of audience-members catching public transport home (like the 27 bus). Perhaps it would be worth the Jazz Café and the PLJC considering starting gigs at 8pm – like Splinter @ the Bridge – or, latest, 8.30pm.
Mike Jamieson.

8 comments :

barry said...

Couldn't agree more.

Jen E said...

I feel the same. No way would I come out for a 9.30/10 pm start!

Dave Parker (on F/b) said...

I agree with you Lance Liddle. I can't speak for the Jazz Cafe but in the case of Salsa Cafe and Tapas Bar the owners want the jazz to start after the main dinner rush. On the occasions that Pink Lane Jazz Coop has had total control over the programming the gigs have started at 7.30 or 8pm.

Lance said...

Although this post was actually by Mike Jamieson I do agree with him whilst at the same time appreciating Dave's position re the venues. Back in Keith's time the Jazz Café was always a late night venue so I suppose the present administration want to keep it that way.

Kath Jobes (on F/b) said...

In Keith's words... "Jazz happens between 1 pm and 4 am!"

Ann Alex said...

I too would love the coop gigs to start at 8 or 8.30pm as I have to get home to South Shields. I wonder if the Salsa venue could be persuaded to start earlier, even if the meals were still going on.

Lance said...

Problem there Ann is that musicians bringing in drum kits etc whilst waiters are carrying heaped plates in a contra-flow direction could lead to a contretemps!

Pete Gilligan (on F/b) said...

Aye put all the gigs on early so you can be back in bed before you turn into pumpkins. Traditionally not a major concern of jazz musicians and fans. Some people want to be able to do something other than clubbing after their shifts, gigs or just want to go to a venue and leave late. If we support the gigs and they are successful we will then be in a position to lobby for early and late sets at venues like the cafe. Thus pleasing everyone and generating more work and music.

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