R.I.P. Al Belletto

New Orleans sax/clarinet player Al Belletto died on Dec. 26. age 86. A versatile musician capable of playing both Dixieland and Bebop who recorded for Capital and also toured with Woody Herman. I'm not over familiar with his music but the respect in which he was held by his peers in New Orleans and far beyond speaks volumes.
He will be sadly missed.
Obituary.
Lance.

New York or Newcastle there's a NYE Party for you!

Two great singers in two great cities - choose the one nearest you...

CDs of 2014

I receive so many CDs for review picking out one above all the rest is impossible so next year I hope to pick out a CD and a gig of the month which will narrow the field somewhat. Readers are, of course, invited to make their submissions although I won’t be holding my breath!

Anyhow, here we go (Alphabetical):

Book (s) of the Year

Enjoying reading Herbie Hancock's Possibilities (Viking Press). This particular paragraph re the Mwandishi Orchestra made a lot of sense.

"And everybody was really into percussion, partly because it sounded good but also we wanted something to do when the solos were happening. It's a little dull watching five guys standing around on stage while one of them goes off on his solo, so we'd pick up anything we could find and bang on it.."

If Ann Alex had been around with her coffee cup and saucer the session would have really percolated!

Definitely my Autobiog of the year.

On the fictional side, Mark Robertson's Off Key (Pub. Matador) will take some catching. A superb novel set amid the glitz and squalor of jazz in the north east by a writer/musician operating on the inside. If you've got any vouchers leftover from Xmas then either/both will make you appreciative of the great aunt who gave you them.

Lance.

Herbie Hancock's Possibilities (Viking Press)

Mark Robertson's Off Key (Pub. Matador).

CD Review: Hansu-Tori - An Improvised Escape.

David Austin Grey (keys); Eliza Shaddad (vcls);  Sam Wooster (tpt); Chris Young/Adam Jackson (alt); Nick Rundle (ten); Nick Jurd (bs); Jim Bashford (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Russell reported on DAG's gig at the Cluny in 2013 with the Greyish Quartet which was basically the root line-up here minus Shaddad, Wooster, Jackson and Rundle.

Russell was enthusiastic then just as I am now.

Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ Hoochie Coochie - Dec. 28

(Review by Lance).

A mere week had passed since I last heard them but SSBB still sounded as fresh as if it was the first time!

Perhaps it was the new faces among the saxes or Paul Skerritt's vocals but whatever it was, the high standard from previous gigs was maintained.

The fact that there were a few Lindy-Hoppers gyrating also added to the atmosphere.

Big Band Sunday

Just watched NYJO on Sky Arts 2. They gave a cracking performance of Xmas tunes - as befits a program entitled Cool Yule! The show was compèred by Clare Teal who sung a splendid version of What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? 

This set the mood perfectly for this afternoon's performance by the Strictly Smokin' Big Band at Hoochie Coochie.

SSBB for this gig have FIVE singers! Including Paul Skerritt. There's also plenty of space at the Pilgrim St. venue to trip the light fantastic so put on your dancing shoes and those listening ears and have a ball. It's only £7 and stomp off is at 5pm.

Lance.

Brassy B Brave Baltically Brass Conditions @ Monument. December 27

Having just read Chris Barber’s autobiography with its references to good times in New Orleans and meeting heroes such as Barbarin, Purnell, the Humphrys and others, it was a treat to wander into town to find Brassy B at Monument blasting out N’Awlins-inspired street jazz. One of Newcastle’s better street bands, the Doc Marten, mitten-clad twenteens play it with gusto. Trombone, two trumpets, baritone, two (female) altos, flute, drums and a shuffling, dancing (advancing and retreating) tuba entertained the frost –frozen bargain hunters. Cracking stuff, catch them in town sometime. Why not book them for your 2015 summer BBQ?   

Russell.

The Boneshakers’ Fourth Annual Boxing Day Blues Party @ The Tyne Bar.

Russ Hird (guitar & vocals), Ronnie Semple (harmonica & vocals), John Morgan (electric bass) & Gordon Smiles (drums)

(Review by Russell).

The Bodega: a pint of Prince Bishop (the impeccable house beer at the Camra award-winning hostelry), a good crowd in for the match (a deserted nearby Wetherspoon’s wasn’t showing the match). Man Utd 3 The Toon 1. Kind of inevitable, little in the way of disgruntlement. Move on, as they say.

A walk along the Quayside, the Tyne in full food (albeit a millpond). Sage Gateshead slept, green and red lights dimmed. The Pitcher and Piano sparkled, bubbly at the ready, somewhat optimistically with not a reveller in sight (inside or out). Up ahead at the Ouseburn the Tyne Bar glowed invitingly. Would there be any room at the inn?

Buddy De Franco (Feb. 17, 1923 - Dec. 24, 2014)

One of the world's great jazz clarinettists, Buddy De Franco, died on Christmas Eve.

I still get a kick out of hearing those lyrical 8 bars he played on Tommy Dorsey's 1944 recording of Opus One. Then there were the sides he made with Basie's Octet alongside Wardell Gray and Clark Terry. By this time he'd moved away from the swing era into bebop territory, his new direction coming to fruition in the memorable Hot versus Cool sessions where modernists and Dixielanders gave their versions of the same number.

CD Review: Woven Entity

Lascelle Gordon (perc/electronics); Patrick Dawes (perc); Paul May (dms); Peter Marsh (bs) + on several tracks; Ben Cowan (keys/electronics); Julie Kjaer (alt/fl); Alan Wilkinson (alt).

(Review by Lance).

Releases on the Babel Label are rarely straight ahead and this is no exception. Woven Entity are described as a freewheeling expanded rhythm section who cook up a rich, strange brew of psychedelic jazz, electronic explorations, ethnological and unstoppable ritual grooves - I guessed it was something like that!

So how did you spend Xmas Day?

Usual, turkey, vino, Kiss Me Kate on TV (if only I hadn't seen the Keel/Grayson movie first!) digging into my back catalogue of CDs - Harold McNair's Flute & Nut (the best flute disc ever - plus some tasty alto). Another late great Jamaican, tenor player Bogey Gaynor's Blue Bogey. Laughing at the jokes in Nick Harris's Have You Heard The One About... enjoying reading Herbie Hancock's autobiography Possibilities whilst tucking into some Belgium chocolates and, I'm pleased to say, not wearing a Xmas jumper!

So how was it for you?

Lance.

Whiplash Update

The eagerly anticipated movie - Whiplash - opens at the Tyneside Cinema, Pilgrim St., Newcastle on January 16, 2015.
We've already shown you a preview.
Here, now, is the official trailer.
Lance

Overheard...

"Is he singing in the wrong key?"
"He's singing in the wrong pub!"

Requiem by the River - Jazz Esquires @ The Porthole

Miles Watson (tpt/vcl); Pepe Greenaway (alt); Laurie Brown (ten/clt/dms); Roy Gibson (pno); Robin Douthwaite (gtr); Peter Ninnim (dms) + Teresa Armstrong & Dave Bosomworth (vcl).

(Review and remembrance by Lance).

This was quite an emotional day for me - not because it was the Eve of Christmas but because it was the Eve of Destruction for The Porthole pub. A pub that has stood for many years near North Shields' Ferry Landing, now faces the fate of its once glorious neighbours the Crane Locker and the Northumberland Arms (AKA "The Jungle").

For at least 25 years, maybe longer, the Porthole has been a popular jazz watering hole and many are the names both local and beyond who have passed through its portals.

King Bee @ Hoochie Coochie - Dec. 23

Jason Holcomb (tmb); Richard Burns (tpt); Chris Jelly (vbs); David Wilde (ten/bar/fl); Steve Glendinning (gtr); Marco Cafolla (keys); Brendan Murphy (perc); Dan Brady (bs); Paul Crown (dms) + Graham Hardy (tpt).

(Review by Lance).

They had a ball - we had a ball. If this is Xmas? Let's have it every week never mind every year! Hoochie was full of festive cheer, antler adorned 'airstyles, tinsel everywhere even the band added to the glitter with the band manager's missis' sparkly top just outshining Dave Wilde's green waistcoat! Trumpet player Richard confessed he'd spent a fiver on more sparkly stuff most of which was woven around his trumpet - these Aussie's sure know how to push the boat out! Brendan wore an elfish hat and beards abounded (real ones!)

Which only leaves the music.

Esquires say "Goodbye Porthole, Hello Maggie Bank

Tomorrow, Christmas Eve, sees the final session by the Esquire Jazzmen at the Porthole down by North Shields ferry landing.

That's the bad news.

The good news is that on January 7 the Esquires start off a new venture at the Magnesia Bank, also in North Shields (1 Camden St.).

The "Maggie Bank" has long been established as a music venue on the North Side of the river although I'm not sure if it has any jazz history being a predominately Rock and Blues orientated bar. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

In it's favour, they have a wider selection of ales on offer although it is a slightly longer walk from the ferry but nearer to North Shields Metro.

Lance.

RIP Joe Cocker (May 20, 1944 - Dec. 22, 2014)

A rocker and a bluesman - time to get the vinyl out and remember one of the best - sadly missed.
Obituary.
Lance.

Joke

Musician; Did you hear my last recital?
Friend: I hope so.

Harlem Hot Stompers @ Boston Spa - Dec. 20

John Ronan (tmb), Bill Smith (cornet), John Reade (pno), Ian McCann (bjo/gtr), Grant Taylor (dms), Dave Parr (bs/tuba), Dave Thomas (cl)

(Review by Ray)

Time again to listen out for Santa's sleigh bringing goodies ......remember ...if you believe ...you can hear the bells on his sleigh ....no bells tonight, but a festive treat nevertheless as the boys from Manchester crossed the Pennines to provide a packed house at Boston Spa with jazz of a festive nature at the annual party bash.

Suitably attired in Santa hats the guys kicked off with Closer Walk with Thee then That's a Plenty taking us back to the spiritually uplifting Won't be Here Too Long. Back to trad ....a couple of features ....Dave Thomas on vocals with Button up Your Overcoat and John Reade a piano solo on Wildcat Blues. Jelly Roll Morton's FroggimoreRag took us up-tempo and into You're Nobody's Sweetheart Now, then Down by the Riverside saw the first audience participation of the evening & took us to the break.

Roly Veitch-Jeremy McMurray Quartet with Steve Andrews @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. December 21

RolyVeitch (guitar & vocals), Jeremy McMurray (keyboards), Mick Shoulder (double bass), Adam Sinclair (drums) & Steve Andrews (tenor & soprano saxophones, clarinet)  + Ruth Lambert (vocals)

(Review by Russell).

Derby day (0-1), the shortest day, Blaydon Jazz Club day (evening). Black Bull regulars spent hours in the kitchen preparing, baking and cooking all manner of culinary delights (cakes, pies, quiche, sausages) for the traditional table of festive offerings. The music in store promised to be the icing on top.

Club promoter Roly Veitch invited old friend Steve Andrews to make the journey across the Pennines to play a few tunes in the company of Teesside pianist Jeremy McMurray, County Durham’s Mick Shoulder (double bass) and Tynesider Adam Sinclair (drums). A relaxed set of some rarely heard numbers together with one or two standards and a Father Christmas sack full of one liners from Andrews made for an enjoyable evening.

Send us your Favourite Things of 2014

Don't procrastinate in sending your Gig of the Year, CD of the Year, Festival of the Year, Venue of the Year, Musician of the Year, Beer of the Year and any other 'Of The Years' you can think of!
Lance.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jazz Radio All the Way

(Preview by Russell)

Clare Teal (BBC Radio2, Sunday 21, 9:00pm) features…Clare Teal! Our programme host joins the BBC Big Band, conducted by Jiggs Whigham. Guest vocalists Matthew Ford and Mica Paris join Teal, as does blues guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor. Radio 2 on Monday evening (10:00pm) presents Glenn Miller, 70 Years of Mystery. A wag may say it remains a mystery how Miller became hugely popular, however this programme, presented by Len Goodman, looks at the man’s music and, no doubt, disappearance. A marked contrast at 11:00pm over on Radio 3 is Jazz on 3. Jez Nelson and guests get to choose favourite releases of the year.

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ Black Swan - Newcastle Arts Centre: December 20

(Review by Ann Alex/photo by Mike Tilley)

They were certainly smokingly good, firing on all cylinders, and in (not too) strict timing, as a big band needs to be. A real Christmas treat, right from the start, with a jazz version of We Three Kings right through to the final tune, which included two altos duelling and a spirited Good King Wenceslas. A brilliant way to start the Christmas break, and mostly Christmas songs in the second half.

Mark Williams/Paul Susans @ Jazz Café - Dec. 20

Mark Williams (gtr); Paul Susans (bs).
(Review by Lance/photo by Mike Tilley).

After the jazz, the razzmatazz, of a Strictly Smokin' Big Band Christmas Special in the adjoining Newcastle Arts Centre the withdrawal had to be done gently to avoid a coronary.

Mark and Paul provided the perfect antidote.  

After a couple of hours of the swingingest big band this side of Count Basie a chill-out was needed.

Some of us found it in the Jazz Café where guitar and bass provided the panacea.

Alter Ego @ The Globe - Dec. 19

Dave Hignett (tpt/flug); Keith Robinson (alt); Niall Armstrong (ten/fl); Andy Hawking (pno); Tony Abell (bs); David Francis (dms).

(Review by Peter Ninnim/Photos courtesy of Ken Drew).

What a night at the Globe!

Visiting the Globe is like struggling through the jungle of the Congo; you fight your way between creepers, avoid dangerous animals, duck low hanging branches and then finally arrive at a clearing in the forest to see sparkling in a shaft of sunlight a priceless jewel! OK, so that’s a bit over the top but the Globe is really a jewel in the Newcastle music field.

Last night the Globe featured a band providing a cornucopia of delights! It was like a beautiful Christmas present, wrapped in silver paper and tied with red ribbons! And when the box was opened out popped Alter Ego!

I count myself fortunate to have been there.

CD Review: Vance Thompson's Five Plus Six - Such Sweet Thunder

Vance Thompson, Michael Wyatt, Joe Jordan (tpt/flug); Tylar Bullion, Sean Copeland (tmb); James Mitchell (alt/sop); Greg Tardy (ten bs. clt); David King (bar/sop);  Keith Brown (pno); Taylor Coker (bs); Nolan Nevels (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Reimagining Ellingtonia, Monk and Dolly Parton is the album's subtitle. Well, Hello Dolly, I guess you never quite expected to be moving in such exalted jazz circles! By the same token I think Monk and Duke may have been equally surprised to be alongside Country's most Royal personage!

The heart of Five + Six is Thompson's working quintet - the Marble City Five (in bold above) - augmented  by additional horn players to make for a cracking biggish band ensemble.

Preview - Len (not Benny!) Goodman's Big Band Bonanza

David Brown alerted me to this program which goes out on Tuesday Dec. 23 at 9pm on BBC 4. It features Strictly Come Dancing adjudicator Len Goodman looking at the British Big Band era and highlights the Surrey based Kingswood Big Band who rehearse in the local village hall..

The band, formerly fronted by the late Sheila Tracy, includes Trombonist Bill Geldard, Trumpet player Ronnie Hughes and saxist Duncan Lamont - all veterans of 1950s big bands such as Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth and Jack Parnell.

David Brown also has an impressive musical pedigree having played under the baton of Andy Hudson in the Newcastle Big Band in the early '70s.

Here is a short snippet of what to expect.

There appears to be some fault with the colour as David, the tenor player sitting at the left of the saxophone section, appears to have grey hair which he certainly didn't in 1973 when I last met him. Then again, neither did I!

Don't miss it - it definitely "Gets a Ten from Len - and me!"

Lance.

CD Review: Jakob Dinesen - Yasmin

Jakob Dinesen (ten); Darin Pantoomkomol (pno); Andres Christensen (bs); Jakob Hoyer (dms) Per Møllehø (gtr); Hugo Rasmussen (bs) + string quartet.

(Review by Lance).

Just as the old saying goes that every comedian wants to play Hamlet, in our world I guess this equates with the belief that every jazzman wants to record with strings.

Many of then have - Bird, Dizzy, Brownie, Art (Pepper), Chet, Bobby Hackett, the list goes on. The artists themselves, generally speaking, enjoyed these breaks away from the wham bang thank you ma'am of their everyday gig at the office. By and large the critics didn't go along with it some even referring to jazz and strings as 'lift music'!

CD Review: Ruth Lambert Trio – Three

Ruth Lambert (vocals), Giles Strong (guitar) & Mick Shoulder (double bass)

(Review by Russell)

Three is Ruth Lambert’s third CD release and the first with her trio of Giles Strong (guitar) and Mick Shoulder (double bass). Twelve tracks (six original compositions     and six standards) sustain a remarkably high standard of performance. Voice, guitar     and bass have been recorded with painstaking attention to acoustic detail by studio producer Adam Sinclair.

Ruth Lambert Trio @ The Jazz Café. December 17

Ruth Lambert (vocals), Giles Strong (guitar) & Mick Shoulder (double bass)

(Review by Russell/photos courtesy of Ken Drew & Crufts)

Ruth Lambert had the world (and a rapt Jazz Café audience) on a string, wrapped around her finger. Lambert launched her trio’s new CD at Jazz North East’s Christmas Schmazz concert promotion. All seats taken, Ms Lambert, in the company of Giles Strong (guitar) and Mick Shoulder (double bass), gave a commanding performance in the art of intimate jazz singing.

Tenth Anniversary Bash @ Sage Gateshead. Dec. 17

(Report by Lance)
Talk about a party? This was a party! OMG just so much happening! We know that when Sage Gateshead throws a party it's going to be the best thing ever outside of Buckingham Palace and the White House. In fact the only thing that shaded it for London 2012 was that Roz Rigby didn't arrive by helicopter with 007 - where was Eddie Bellis when you needed him?

Apart from that, Sage Gateshead has never had quite a night like this! Jugglers, Gymnasts, Acrobats, Unicyclist, the ISIS window cleaners (this was when we felt we felt we really needed James Bond!). The steel pans, the percussionists producing the most amazing rhythms from the staircase rails.

Jamming @ The Jazz Café - Dec. 16

Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Paul Wight (dms) + David Gray (tmb/tpt); Johnny "Blue Hat" Davis (ten); Don Forbes (tpt); Rob Bates (dms); Michael Mather (dms); John Pope (bs); Briony Wright (vcl); ? (gtr).

(Review by Jamie O - a.k.a Lance)

Another recipe for Jam at "The Caff" and a potent one it is too.

Prepare a seasoned mixture of piano, bass and drums, add some yet to ripen trumpet (or wild trombone) and simmer for 12 bars or (much) longer. Bring back to the boil and add a black Selmer saxophone and a blue hat. Tenderly stir in a good measure of mature trumpet,  an assortment of percussionists and an extra bass. Separately prepare a generous helping of Ricki Lee Jones to spice it up and Voila! Nous avons la confiture.
All we need now is the bread...
Photos.
Lance.

Tonight! Ruth Lambert CD Launch

(Preview by Russell).

Singer Ruth Lambert launches her new CD tonight in the upstairs room at the Jazz Café. Three comprises standards and original compositions with Lambert in the company of a first rate guitar/double bass partnership. Sensitive, intimate guitar accompaniment to the singer of standards is an art form and in Giles Strong there is none better for Lambert. A sensitive double bassist is hard to find. Ms Lambert has found a gem in Mick Shoulder.

CD Review: Keith Jarrett/Charlie Haden/Paul Motian – Hamburg '72

Keith Jarrett (piano, soprano saxophone, flute, percussion); Charlie Haden (double bass); Paul Motian (drums, percussion).

(Review by Hugh)

The Trio with Charlie Haden and Paul Motian was Keith Jarrett's first great band. This recording is of the trio playing live at NDR Funkhaus, Hamburg in July 1972. This concert was part of the first European tour for this trio, organised by ECM. Manfred Eicher returned to the original analogue sources 42 years later, remixing the music first recorded by NDR, together with engineer, Jan Eric Kongshaug. It is somewhat poignant that this work took place the day after Charlie Haden's death.

Snowmen from Prague visit the Bell & Bucket. December 16

Bell & Bucket New Orleans Jazz Band:

Paul Bacon (drums), Dick Straughan (piano), Mac Rae (clarinet & vocals), Lawrence McBriarty (trombone) & Doris Fenn (banjo) + Marilyn Hunter (vocals), Eddie Casey (vocals) & Ray (percussion)

(Review by Russell).

A linen table cloth, paper party hats, tinsel. Yes, it’s Christmas pub grub time! A three courses meal – posh, eh? The Bell and Bucket on Norfolk Street in North Shields was busy. If it can’t do good business at this time of year it never will.

Paul Bacon’s Bell and Bucket New Orleans Jazz Band assumed their usual seats (the band is a New Orleans all-seated affair) and mixed it up; Tishomingo Blues the pick of the first few tunes. Guest vocalist Marilyn Hunter (tucking into turkey and trimmings) sang C’est Magnifique, the band pined for My Old Kentucky Home and Eddie Casey, saloon bar style, assured us I Can’t Give You Anything but Love, Baby.

Jazz gigs at the Globe in January and February 2015

Jazz.Coop gigs are usually held on the first floor of the Globe. There’s a lift and accessible toilet.

Saturday 10 January 2015

STEPHEN GLENDINNING QUARTET

Top local jazz guitarist who features in so many bands, here fronting his own ensemble

Stephen Glendinning - guitar, Chris Jelly – vibes, Michael Clark – bass, Mark Robertson – drums.

Doors open 8pm

Late bar

Tickets available on the door: £5

Durham Alumni Take on the Yorkshire Suite. Dec. 14

Tony Eales, big band aficionado and friend of Bebop Spoken Here, reports that the  Durham Alumni Big Band did themselves proud at the Forum’s end-of-season jazz session. The Borough Road venue in Darlington welcomed the young Leeds-based composer James Hamilton who put the band through its paces in performing several challenging pieces including a recent commission, The Yorkshire Suite.

The Forum’s main hall accommodated a good number of supporters and many of the band’s big hitters impressed with cracking solos. Alex Baker took on the tenor parts, veteran ‘bone man Terry O’Hern (catch him at the Cluny, first Sunday in the month, knocking out top class rhythm and blues with the Smokin’ Spitfires) did the business, likewise Steve McGarvie (alto) and Dean Stockdale (keyboards) immersed himself in reams of Hamilton’s headache-inducing black dots.

The Forum’s jazz club reconvenes on Sunday 11 January (5:30pm) with the return of   the Jazz Tones. Two weeks later (Jan 25) be prepared to be impressed with the award-winning Durham University Big Band.   

Russell/Tony Eales.

Choose your Gig of the Year

Gig of the Year? Tough choice most years. This year I've narrowed it down to two, paradoxically six months apart to the very day.

March 14 - Gregory Porter at Hoochie Coochie. An incredible experience hearing the great man up close in a small venue.

September 14 - Richard Pite's Jazz Repertory Company recreating Jazz At The Philharmonic at London's Cadogan Hall. The 1940s alive and swinging. I was sitting in the gallery which is exactly where the music was aimed at.

At grass roots level, any of the Strictly Smokin' Big Band gigs - particularly the Sunday afternoon sessions at Hoochie.

They are my thoughts let's be having yours!

Lance.

DooWop (and more) Spoken Here!

Watching Bette Midler on ITV - what a performer. Loved her since the film For The Boys and various albums.
The show covered many aspects of her career but, for me, this is THE Track (not sung on the show) - Am I Blue?
Lance.

This Sunday at Blaydon.

Sunday 21st December - 8pm - £5.00

Christmas Concert (+ DIY buffet) - Roly Veitch/Jeremy McMurray Quartet plus guest Steve Andrews sax/clt

Steve Andrews, a masterful devotee of swing style sax/clarinet, joins with Jeremy pno, Roly gtr, Mick Shoulder bass and Adam Sinclair dms.

As is the custom please bring some small food contribution to add to the buffet selection.
Roly.

Hello 2015 - New Year’s Eve Party at the Jazz Café Pink Lane, Newcastle.

8pm-2am . 

Two Floors, Two Bars, Live Music to dance to, a Light Buffet, and Festive Fun.

8.30pm Ruth Lambert & Mark Williams (ground floor cafe)

A favourite Jazz Singer and an ace guitarist get the night underway with smooth sounds.

11pm onward Havana Club 5 upstairs venue with dance floor.

Havana Club 5 are a gifted Latin Jazz ensemble playing a spirited mix of standard and original tunes with authentic Latin and Afro-Cuban grooves.

Splinter Jam Session @ The Bridge. Dec. 14.

Alan Law (pno); John Pope (bs); Jonathan Marriott (dms) + Zoë Gilby (vcl); Matt Müller (pno); Andy Champion (bs).

(Review by Lance/photos courtesy of Ken Drew).

Zoë had been scheduled to sing at a Whitley Bay eaterie but fortunately, for us, unfortunately for her, the gig was cancelled at the last minute so we had a top class chanteuse to compensate for the minimal number of jammers present.

After a couple of impressive Alan Law originals, one of which - a jazz waltz - contained a piano solo to die for, Mrs Champion gave out with Bye Bye Blackbird. This must be one of the most often played tunes ever yet, unlike say Summertime, to me it always sounds fresh and Zoë's version did it no harm at all.

Digital Review: Big Chief - Blues in Twos

Dick Heckstall-Smith (sop/ten); John Fry (ten/vcl); Mike Jacques (gtr); Adrian Paton (elec. pno); Tony Edwards (dms/vcls); Cliff Colins (vcl on Stormy Monday).

(Review by Lance).

Recorded in 1982 at the Pegasus pub in Stoke Newington these previously unreleased tracks are a timely reminder of one of the UK's best ever "Blues 'n Roll" bands. I don't think I ever visited the Pegasus - in fact. listening to this digi release, I know I didn't. I wouldn't forget blasts like this!

Jeremy Platt Jazz Soul Moment @ The Globe Dec. 13

Jeremy Platt (pno/korg/vcl/gtr); Frank Felix (bs); John Boulton (dms).

Review/Rant by Lance).

The normal feeling you get upon entering the upper room at The Globe is claustrophobia - tonight, because of the lack of punters, - it was agoraphobia!

Groovin' @ The Globe Tonight

The Jeremy Platt Jazz Soul Moment play some funky Ramsey Lewis/Les McCann jazz at The Globe (11 Railway St., Newcastle) tonight. I reviewed the trio's recent CD earlier and was impressed. Catch them tonight and you will be too.

This is another attempt by the Jazz Co-op to bring jazz to the people and, in this band, they must surely do it - unless they're all at The Emirates!

Doors 8pm. £7.
Lance.

Radio Russell: A Duke, a Doctor, a Surrealist and a Welshman

Pete Long discusses Duke Ellington’s Carnegie Hall concerts (1943-1948) with Clare Teal (Radio 2, 9:00pm, Sunday 14). Jamie Cullum (Radio 2, 7:00pm, Tuesday 16) is visited by Dr John who talks about his new album inspired by Louis Armstrong. BBC Radio 4 Extra (Tuesday, 6:30pm) repeats a 1992 edition of The Tingle Factor with a surreal look at the musical choices of George Melly. Radio 3’s In Tune (Friday, 4:30 pm) invites the David Rees-Williams Trio into the studio to play a couple of numbers. And finally, Composer of the Week (Radio 3, Monday-Friday, 12 noon and 6:30pm) hears presenter Donald Macleod in conversation with a living composer! André Previn discusses his long career in classical music, Hollywood and the jazz world. Tuesday’s programme – Jazz Pianist Extraordinaire – looks at Previn’s work in the fields of jazz and popular music.       

Russell       

Brother Strut @ Hoochie Coochie. Dec. 12

Stevie Jones (ten/keys); Sam Tanner (vcl/keys); Otha Smith (gtr); Steve Pearce (bs); Frankie Tontoh (dms); Mary Okeiyi (vcl).

(Review by Lance).

Brother! is this band well named? Take it from me, the Brothers Strut are well named! On stage they strutted and swayed and a sold-out Hoochie audience swayed and strutted along with them. The groove is infectious, the excitement enough to cause a coronary, the funk is the most soulful, the soul is the funkiest whilst the actual music is merely magnificent!

Situation Vacant: Jazz Services Recruiting For New Project Director

12th December 2014: Jazz Services Ltd. today announces it is recruiting for the newly created post of Project Director, with applications being accepted until 5pm on Friday 2nd January 2015.

The appointment of this new post comes as part of JSL's redevelopment plans for the coming year.  Full details on the role, including the job description, person specification and how to apply, are available on the Jazz Services website.

The Big Chris Barber Band @ Sage Gateshead. December 11

Chris Barber (trombone & vocals), Bob Hunt (trombone & trumpet), Mike Henry (trumpet & clarinet), Pete Rudeforth (trumpet), Richard Exall (baritone & tenor saxophones, clarinet), Bert Brandsma (tenor & alto saxophones, clarinet),Trevor Whiting (tenor & alto saxophones, clarinet), Joe Farler (guitar & banjo), Jackie Favelle (double bass & electric bass) & Alan ‘Sticky’ Wicket (drums)

(Review by Russell)

A broken down vehicle left the Chris Barber band on the hard-shoulder of the M69 for hours on end. Their Sage Gateshead concert was delayed one hour with a nine o’clock start and a ready agreement to play one long set (ninety minutes) without pause.

Sage Gateshead’s café, bar and brasserie did unexpected extra business and the hiatus was accepted by all as just one of those things. Hall One staged a Motown revue and a glittering fashion parade (the punters) walked on by to the amusement of the hardened jazzers killing time on people watching duty. Hall Two opened its doors in good time – Sage staff were, as ever, courteous in admitting patrons and assisting some in finding a numbered seat. All three levels in the cockpit-theatre space were open (level one, or the ‘stalls’, if you will, well-populated).

CD Review: Michael Mantler – The Jazz Composer's Orchestra Update

Nouvelle Cuisine Big Band (Conductor: Christoph Cech) – soloists: Michael Mantler (trumpet), Harry Sokal (tenor saxophone).

radio.string.quartet.vienna: Bernie Mallinger (violin), Igmar Jenner (violin), Cynthia Liao (viola), Asja Valcic (cello) + Bjarne Roupé (guitar), Wolfgang Puschnig (alto saxophone), David Helbock (piano)

(Review by Hugh C.)

Vienna born composer-trumpeter Michael Mantler recorded The Jazz Composer's Orchestra in 1968. First released on the orchestra's own label, this was later reissued by ECM. The album featured Mantler conducting a large jazz orchestra which included some of the luminaries of the time including: Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, Roswell Rudd, Pharoah Saunders, Larry Coryell and Gato Barbieri.

New Years Eve @ The Cherry Tree

Ring out the old year and ring in the new in style…

Glass of champagne on reception. 

Special six course menu - CLICK HERE for details. 

Live music throughout the evening from the fabulous James Harrison Trio and guest star vocalist Caroline Bagley. 

Dancing from around ten o-clock to live music.

Auld Lang Syne at midnight and Big Ben from London

More dancing.

Carriages.

Jazz London Radio Calling...

Jazz London Radio is London’s first internet jazz station and is committed to playing a variety of styles of jazz and related music. Jazz London Radio also believes in bringing new talent to the public’s attention not just from these shores but anywhere in the world.

Jazz London Radio is pleased to announce composer, educator and pianist Andrea Vicari will be joining the station for a new show called “Andrea Vicari’s Jazz Doodles” The show will focus on the music that has influenced Andrea and what is happening on the scene today whilst paying attention to the British jazz scene as well.  Andrea Vicari’s Jazz Doodles will be aired on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

EP Review: Circus FM

(Review by Lance).

Four tracks - The Day's Too Dark; Man Down; Déjà Blue; It's All Good. The latter title perfectly sums up this EP. In fact, the term good undervalues it, it is so much more!

Remember how knocked out we all were upon first hearing Madeleine Peyroux? Well this has that same effect 'cept the songs are better and the accompaniment jazzier and, dare I say it? but Scots lassie Flora Munro has a greater emotive range across the folksy/jazzy spectrum. The notes describe her as "Having a storytelling voice" and I'll go along with that.

Porter Quartet @ Lit & Phil. Dec. 8

Robin Porter (ten); Jonathan Brown (gtr); Sam Vicary (bs); Tom Hawthorn (dms).
(Review by Lance).

The first set came to a triumphant close with as good a version of Airegin as I've heard this side of Sonny Rollins. Likewise, the penultimate number of the second set, Monk's Misterioso also got the adrenalin flowing with an original arrangement that I'm sure would have won the composer's approval.

Shiver @ Splinter - Dec. 7

Andy Champion (bs); Chris Sharkey (gtr); 

Joost Hendrickx (dms);

(Photo Ken Drew).

Splinter Sunday

Sharkey’s Shiver

Set starts   

Strumming Stratocaster

Slapping strings

Stinging sticks

Soulful symphonic

Seismic soundscapes

Swinging steaming

Second set

Screeching screaming

Sailing surfing

Strutting soaring

Singing stomping

Stimulating scintillating

Smashing swashbuckling

Stupendous spectacular

Speechless …..

Steve.

CD Review: Roller Trio – Fracture

James Mainwaring (tenor & soprano saxophones, electronics), Luke Wynter (guitar, electric bass & electronics) & Luke Reddin-Williams (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Roller Trio gig extensively across the country honing their live sound (winning accolades along the way) and their second album Fracture (and Lamplight Social Records first CD) retains the immediacy of their live gig sound. Roller Trio’s sound is of its time. Twenty-somethings listen to it and move to it on the student hip-hop dance floor. Of its time, will it stand the test of time?

The Barber of Sage Gateshead

The ageless Chris Barber chalks off another gig on Thursday (December 11) at Sage Gateshead. One thing is for sure, the man won’t be coasting. Leading a band with an enthusiasm that puts to shame some others several decades his junior, you’ll get two hours worth or so of committed music ranging from New Orleans to Ellington to the blues.

His band, including young recruit Amy Roberts, will be kept on their musical toes, no slacking allowed! The spirit of the Three Bs (now down to one) lives on; integrity, an appreciation of their life-long fan base hanging on in there and a determination to give the audience a great time. If any non-American jazz musician can be described as the ‘real deal’ it’s Chris Barber – a genuine, passionate, ambassador of the music.

The Ambassador invites you to his party this Thursday (December 11) in Hall Two at Sage Gateshead. Please be seated by eight o’clock. A few tickets remain unsold, so to avoid disappointment contact the box office on 0191 443 4661. 

Russell.

Budtones: Jazz Co-op @ The Globe: December 6

Fiona Finden (tenor sax, vocals); Stu Finden (tenor sax); James ? (Keys); Jim Crinson (bass); Eric Stutt (Drums).

(Review by Ann Alex).

This was a hugely enjoyable gig, which deserved a larger audience, although this venue looks full with just 15 or so people. The only problem was that the band has the alphabet in a different order from the rest of us, or so it seemed.  The order of tunes was alphabetical we were assured, starting at ‘M’ with The Message, but it seemed to go haywire from there! But joking apart, a fine set, adventurously boppy, interesting songs, tight playing and lots of great solos.

Keith Stephen’s Hot Club Trio w. Caroline Irwin – Christmas @ Ashington Jazz Club. Dec. 3

Keith Stephen (Guitar), Caroline Stephen (Vocalist), Roly Veitch (Guitar),  Keith Rollo (Bass).

(Review by Peter S.)

The final Gig of the year provided an evening with the ever popular Gypsy Jazz of Keith Stephen’s Hot Club Trio on stage for the sixth year in a row to entertain at our Christmas Party.

A good audience took their seats to enjoy an exciting evening of wonderful music. The first set got underway in some style. Keith, recovering from illness, had returned to his best while Caroline presented her lyrics as only she can with a smile and youthful energy and occasionally in another language. What a talent! Mr. Rollo’s ability on slap bass was incredible - at times sounding almost like a small drum kit. The dependable and very accomplished guitar of Roly Veitch is always a pleasure for the AJC audience which he has supported over many years. 

Matt Anderson & Jiannis Pavlidis @ The Jazz Café. December 6

Matt Anderson (tenor saxophone) & Jiannis Pavlidis (guitar)

(Review by Russell)

The Leeds-Newcastle connection brought tenor man Matt Anderson and Leeds College of Music guitar tutor Jiannis Pavlidis to the Jazz Café on another Toon Party City night. Santa hats (flashing lights variety) and Toon shirts (Toon 2 Chelsea 1) paraded down the street, choosing to give the jazz a miss (another pint or six, a kebab and a mad scramble in the marshalled taxi queue the preferred option).

CD Review: Jim Rattigan/Thomas Gould/Liam Noble - Triplicity

Jim Rattigan (French Horn); Thomas Gould (violin); Liam Noble (piano).

(Review by Lance).

I took one look at the press release for this disc and relegated it to the pending tray. I mean to say, French horn, violin and piano - what will they be trying to palm off on us next as jazz? Then, in a weak moment, I said to myself, "WTF I'll give it a spin - nothing else in the pending tray appeals and, with Liam Noble on piano, it can't be all bad.

Truth is - it's all very good!

Paul Edis Trio @ The Jazz Café. December 5

Paul Edis (piano), Mick Shoulder (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums) + Ruth Lambert (vocals)

(Review by Russell)

Friday night down at the Village Vanguard, NYC. The resident Paul Edis Trio is the only show in town. Soon to sign to Blue Note, a coast to coast tour scheduled, a Down Beat front cover confirmed…

First there was the Titanic...

What may or may not have been the longest running (with a recent small break) lunchtime session on Tyneside wraps up on Christmas Eve. The Porthole, near North Shields ferry landing, has featured the Jazz Esquires in various formats for many years. Currently led by ex Squadronaires drummer Laurie Brown, the band has seen many of the area's top names pass through its ranks including Arthur Mowatt, Tommy Moran, Joe McMullen, Stan Martin, Eric Pollard, Dave Weisser, Ian Trewella (whatever happened to him?) to mention but a few. Sitters in included Eric Delaney (!), George Laing, Deena Wilde (Get Carter), Teresa Armstrong - our own Ann Alex even warbled the occasional tune - so sad to see this waterfront hostelry sink - and with it a lot of riverside history.

Here's an idea, why don't we all go down on Xmas eve (1pm) and give the guys a great send off?

Lance.
PS: The pub itself winds up on January 4.

Matt Anderson & Paul Edis @ The Lit & Phil. December 5

Matt Anderson (tenor saxophone) & Paul Edis (piano)

(Review by Russell).

This month’s lunchtime session at the Lit & Phil paired Leeds-based tenor player Matt Anderson with pianist Paul Edis. A set of standards, the amiable duo worked   comfortably together, the audience hanging on every note.

A magical aspect of a jazz gig is the meeting of two accomplished musicians who decide to play a few tunes and it all sounds like a well-rehearsed occasion.  For an unsuspecting audience the belief could be that Anderson and Edis were long-time musical associates. The Lit and Phil crowd knew better and were rightly impressed with the hand-in-glove musicianship of the duo.

Cozyjo’s Cozy Christmas Concert @ Washington Arts Centre. December 4

(Review by Russell).

The City of Sunderland Youth Jazz Orchestra (Cozyjo, with a ‘z’) made a return visit to Washington Arts Centre on a cold winter’s night and couldn’t be happier upon seeing a capacity audience in the auditorium. Family, friends, supporters, they were out in force.

A one set performance of forty five minutes rattled along with more than one Christmas tune given a swing treatment. Chattanooga Choo Choo, C Jam Blues, Hark the Herald Trumpets Swing, Tuxedo Junction, the band did a grand job. Four altos, a tenor/clarinet player, a tenor/baritone player, four trumpets, a lone trombone, two guitars, piano, bass and drums, all acquitted themselves well. Beth on tenor was responsible for the dreadful Christmas jumpers on display (it was her suggestion!); Santas, sleighs, trees, holly and, shamelessly, out front, ‘Sir’ (aka Mr John ‘Redemption Jazz’ Hall) sporting a reindeer strewn number!

Alex Garnett's Bunch of 5 - Andromeda

Alex Garnett, Tim Armacost (ten); Liam Noble (pno); Michael Janisch (bs); James Maddren (dms).

(A musing by Lance.)

The CD isn't released until January 26 so this is not the official review - that will follow nearer the release date.

If it had been released this month it would be in with a shout for the Album of the Year Award - one of BSH's most coveted accolades - the other is "Who can drink the most beer without getting a round in?"

Imagine if the Jazz Couriers had arrived on the scene sixty years later - I think they may have bore more than a passing resemblance to the music here.

However, this isn't a CD review but an advance warning of the musical pleasure that awaits the jazz populace of Colchester on Jan 9 followed by gigs in Welwyn Garden City (Jan 18); 606 (Jan 19); Cardiff (Jan 20); Swansea (Jan 21); Bristol (Jan 22); Wakefield (Jan 23); Derby (Feb 6) and Reading (April 2).

Sadly, Derby and Wakefield are as far north as they get which is hardly north at all!

Could the jazz factions that rule from, say Leeds to Edinburgh (via York, Darlington, Newcastle) not combine to let the natives of Antarctica UK hear this tremendous group? 

As a matter of interest, my latest tax statement says that 8 quid of my contributions go to "Culture eg sports, libraries, museums" - is it possible for me to channel my coins to a "Cultural Activity" of my own choosing?.

Lance.

Bebop Spoken Here’s Faves Score in Downbeat Poll

(Comments by Russell).

Some familiar names to readers of Bebop Spoken Here feature highly in the prestigious Down Beat 79th Annual Readers’ Poll. Gregory Porter tops the chart as Male Vocalist. Second place goes to Kurt Elling and the promising Tony Bennett took third place. The Female Vocalist list contained some big names; all but three of them (Krall, Reeves and Spalding) denying Cécile McLorin Salvant top spot. 

The Jazz Artist category featured Porter in ninth place, Elling (13th) and 22nd (and one of only four women on the list) McLorin Salvant.   

Gregory Porter’s Liquid Spirit took fourth place in the Jazz Album of the Year category, with McLorin Salvant’s Woman Child making the top twelve.

Joshua Redman just missed out on third spot to Joe Lovano in the tenor saxophone poll. Hear the man in concert at next year’s Gateshead International Jazz Festival April 10-12 at Sage Gateshead. Third best in the guitar stakes went to John Scofield. Sco will also be joining Redman in an impressive line-up at Sage Gateshead next year. Festival tickets are available by telephone. Book now on 0191 443 4661.   

Russell.

CD Review: Darrell Katz and the Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra – Why Do You Ride?

(Review by Russell).

A press release accompanying Why Do You Ride? proclaims:

‘Darrell Katz and the Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra play music about Albert Einstein, the Zen of riding bicycles, and a six-toed cat.’

The CD cover art features a sepia-tinted photograph of Einstein riding a bicycle. Question: Will listening to this recording make your brain hurt?

The opening bars threaten cinematic horror. Fears quickly dissipate as Ellingtonian muted horns growl reassuringly, then just as quickly a menacing flute asserts, finally ceding to a  swinging (sixties tv theme) tune swirling around Rebecca Shrimpton’s soaring vocals. An accomplished raft of soloists step up; Phil Scarff (tenor), Hiroaki Honshuku (flute, EWI), Joe Doubleday (vibraphone), Mike Peipman (trumpet), Dan Zupan (baritone), bandleader Darrell Katz (guitar), all marshalled  by the superb big band drumming of Luther Gray.

Samuel Eagles Quartet @ The Globe - Dec. 3

Samuel Eagles (alt/sop); Ralph Wyld (vbs); Daniel Kasimir (bs)[ Eric Ford (dms).
(Review by Lance)
I'm not going to review this gig save for saying that it lived up to, and beyond, the expectations raised by listening to their CD. I raved about it in my review but did our readers take note? Did they ....! Well those sad souls missed out big time! The band replicated the album live and the few believers in attendance seemed to concur.

CD Review: Samuel Eagles Quartet - Next Beginning - LIVE TONIGHT @ THE GLOBE NEWCASTLE (8pm £10)!

(I make no apologies for re-posting this CD review as the band are appearing tonight at the latest Jazz Co-op gig at The Globe. If they are only half as good as they are on the CD it would still be one helluva gig! However, I confidently expect them to be even better live! Don't miss out! - Lance)
Samuel Eagles (alt/sop); Ralph Wyld (vib); Fergus Ireland (bs); Eric Ford (dms).
(Review by Lance).

What a talented family the Eagle Clan must be! Brother Duncan has already achieved recognition with the contemporary trio Partikel and now, Sibling Samuel has emerged from the eyrie in full flight displaying a technique well capable of expressing the multitudinous rush of ideas that flow from his head/soul via either alto or soprano.

Jazz Café Jam - Dec 2.

Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Bradley Johnston (gtr); Paul Wight (dms) + Lindsay Hannon (vcl); Matthew MacKellar (dms); Mitch? (dms); Russ Morgan (dms); Nick Gould (ten); Jeremy (tpt); ? (vcl); ? (bs gtr) - maybe Uncle Tom Cobbly and all...

(Review by Lance/photo courtesy of Mike Tilley)

The room was literally jam packed with jammers, lined up in an orderly(ish) fashion, eager to blow. And who wouldn't with the house quartet laying down such a solid foundation?

CD Review: Fini Bearman - Porgy and Bess.

Fini Bearman – voice, Matt Calvert – guitars, Ross Stanley – organ, piano, Wurlitzer, Jon Cox – bass, John Blease – drums, percussion.

(Review by Debra M.)

Fini Bearman’s second album Porgy and Bess is a reimagining of the Gershwin & DuBose Heyward opera ‘through the prism of the classic Miles Davis/Gil Evans’ album’, but clearly has many other influences too. She and her collaborators have interpreted the music quite differently to their predecessors, whilst maintaining the strength of the narrative.

CD Review: Maurizio Minardi - Piano Ambulance.

Maurizio Minardi (pno); Nick Pini (bs); Shirley Smart (cello); Jason Reeve (dms).
(Review by Lance).

I'm not sure what a "Piano Ambulance" is. Is it a furniture van that takes ailing pianos to the knackers yard? (If so, Jazz Café take note.) Maybe it's a mobile piano repair unit (If so, Jazz Café take note.) 

The album booklet isn't too clear on this either.

Leash: Splinter @ the Bridge Hotel. Nov. 30

Mark Williams (gtr); Andy Champion (bs); Adrian Tilbrook (dms).
(Review by Lance/photo courtesy of Ken Drew).

If ever the term Supergroup was to be applied to a North East (or anywhere) jazz combo then there can be few more deserving of the title than tonight's triumvirate of talent - truly the Cream of the crop "flailing" under a flag of convenience - Leash. Possibly because they've been let "off the leash" by the various other bands they are associated with - AVC, Zoe Gilby, Shiver etc.