Bebop Spoken There

Gary Bartz: ''Charlie Parker was my introduction to the religion of music. And so he's always with me .'' - Downbeat November 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

17927 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 891 of them this year alone and, so far, 104 this month (Oct. 31).

From This Moment On ...

November

Fri 07: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 07: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 07: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 07: Castillo Nuevo Trio @ Revoluçion de Cuba, Newcastle. 5:30pm. Free.
Fri 07: Hejira @ Alnwick Playhouse. 7:30pm. Celebrating Joni Mitchell.

Sat 08: Milne Glendinning Band @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 08: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Red Lion, Earsdon. 8:00pm.

Sun 09: New ’58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Salty Dog @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 12:30pm (doors). Jazz, blues, Americana.
Sun 09: Graham Hardy’s Eclectic Quartet @ Central Bar, Gateshead. 2:00pm. £10.00.
Sun 09: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: NUJO Jazz Jam @ Cobalt Studios, Newcastle. 7:00pm.
Sun 09: David Gray’s Flextet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

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

Tue 11: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Tue 11: Laura Jurd @ The Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle. 8:00pm. JNE.

Wed 12: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 12: Tannery Jam Session @ The Tannery, Hexham. 7:00pm. 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: Thu 04: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £4.00. Subject: Seasonal/Festive Music & Songs - autumn into winter.
Thu 13: Awen Ensemble @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £5.00. Jazz-folk.
Thu 13: SwanNek + Ellen Beth Adbi + Phantom Bagman @ Glasshouse, Gateshead. 8:00pm. A BBC Introducing event.

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

Sunday, February 09, 2014

Alter Ego @ Ashington Jazz Club. February 5

Andy Hawking (Roland Key Board), Tony Abell (Bass),  Keith Robinson (Alto. Sax.), Dave Hignett (Tpt. Flugel.), Niall Armstrong (Ten. Sax. Flute), Dave Francis (Drums).
(Review by Peter S.)
The AJC reopened, after a winter break, with Alter Ego. The members arrived in force if a little apprehensive realising this would be a new experience for them as many would
not have listened to this West Coast Modern Jazz style.
The Band exploded onto our stage with Set 1 and the applause after the first number established their approval. We enjoy a variety here and acknowledge quality musicianship and control. The instrumentalists were brilliant and delivered great music with style and panache. We were quickly aware that this was a much together and gifted unit who were more than comfortable in this chosen genre. The arrangements were slick and organised  and the interplay of the front line was exceptional, while the rhythm department established its importance within the group. All had the opportunity to present themselves  as soloists and establish their mastery of each instrument. Our audience gave a positive response and it was obvious that this group had our
respect and acceptance. Alter Ego will have successfully drawn attention to the place this jazz style has in the development of the music. See this band at their next gig. You will not be disappointed. I recommend Alter Ego to you.
Cheese Cake, In Walked Horace, Coastal Breeze, Swinging Low, Karita, Nice and Easy, Little Man, Soulful Mr. Timmons, Hit and Run, All the Things You Are, Wheel Within a Wheel, Think of   One, Zee Kay 30, Get Back in, A bittadose.... and more.
AJC next meeting March 5th. The Elephant at 8.00 p.m. Brian Carrick and His Band.
See you there.
Peter S.

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