Bingley Music Live 2014

Those whose tastes are broader than mine may fancy a trip to Bingley in August for Bingley Music Live 2014 over the Bank Holiday weekend (Aug. 23-25) The Pet Shop Boys are the headliners.
http://www.bingleymusiclive.com/
Lance.

Michelson Morley @ The Jazz Café. April 29

 Jake McMurchie (tenor & soprano saxophones, electronics), Will Harris (double bass), Mark Whitlam (drums, electronics) & Dan Messore (guitar)

(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy of Ken Drew).

The Jazz Café’s upstairs performance space hosted Jazz North East’s monthly Schmazz night. Michelson Morley made the journey from Bristol for this, their first date of a nationwide tour. Band leader Jake McMurchie brought with him the just released CD - Aether Drift - which was to prove a popular purchase on the night.

Culture Magazine & Hannabiell/ Esquires are Going Home/ NCRO cancelled at Darlo.

The Journal - Tyneside's morning newspaper which appears on the news-stands about ten minutes before Tyneside's evening paper, the Chronicle - features a column interview with the iconic African, American, Jamaican Geordie bass trombonist, percussionist Hannabiell. The leader of Midnight Blue talks about her ipod playlist citing tracks by Bill Frisell, Trombone Shorty, Fred Wesley as well as a couple of selfie tracks.

Check it out here (page 17).

In other news - away from Culture - the Jazz Esquire's lunchtime stint at the Black Horse, Monkseaton, finishes today and next Wednesday they return to their old stomping ground, The Porthole by North Shields' ferry landing (1pm May 7.)

Not certain as to what's happening with the Friday session by Rendezvous Jazz at the Black Horse...
Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club have had to cancel the June 7 session owing to problems with the venue. They hope to re-book the New Century Ragtime Orchestra at a later date.

Lance.

The Paul Edis Trio @ The Cherry Tree. April 28.

Paul Edis (pno); Mick Shoulder (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms).

(Review by JC).

The cherry tree on the terrace was in full blossom with all the sweet pink icing flowing down. Inside the restaurant things were also blossoming, but with no danger of cakes being left out in the rain or recipes forgotten. In fact the food was terrific with a delicate cheese soufflé followed by perfectly cooked Thai flavoured halibut. The Paul Edis Trio was in great form too, playing a constantly exciting selection of Evans, Monk, Basie, classical, Jobim, Tatum, show tunes and audience requests.

Funkallero got things going, followed by Gershwin's Our Love is Here to Stay and then Stomping at the Savoy and Someone to Watch Over Me. All played beautifully with rippling piano solos and solid support and plenty of nice creative touches from the drums and bass.

CD Review: Pierrick Pédron – Kubic’s Cure

Pierrick Pédron (Alto); Thomas Bramerie (Bass); Franck Agulhon (Drums). + Mederic Collignon (trumpet); Thomas De Pourquery (vocals);  Ghamri Boubaker (Algerian Flute).

(Review by Steve Horowitz).

Many jazz artists have paid homage to popular music Herbie Hancock’s River - The Joni Letters (Joni Mitchell)  and Bill Frisell ‘s All We Are Saying a John Lennon  tribute are just two that spring to mind. To this growing cannon of work a most unlikely contender can be added. Pierrick Pédron’s previous album Kubic’s Monk  was a tribute to the great Thelonious, his latest album Kubic’s Cure  is a  tribute to 80’s goth rock icons The Cure. I must confess  to being  a big fan of Robert Smith’s legendary band so it is not without prejudice that I come to this album .

Lonnie Liston Smith for Hoochie!

STOP PRESS ! World class Jazz, Funk, Soul artist Lonnie Liston Smith @ Hoochie Coochie on Thurs June 26, for the incredible price of only £10 !!

----- 

Nice one Warren! 

Lance.

Jason Isaacs - Singles, Spandau Ballet & travelling South...

After 10 years I finally did it – I finally found Jason a proper, bona fide management team – and boy have they been busy! Please welcome Karl, Steven and Chris from Melbury House Music, Giles from On The Rocks Music along with our new, fabulous and very well connected ‘pluggers’ Dylan and Neil.

With the fantastic backing of these industry professionals, we are releasing our first ever self-produced single, which is an upbeat cover of ‘Too Marvellous For Words’. As it will also be available as a physical CD and limited edition vinyl, you get Mr Bojangles as a bonus B side.

With a provisional release date of May 11, both are now available for pre-order at iTunes and Amazon at a set price of just £1.29 (click here). And once again we need your support. If everyone we know gets 4 others to buy it we are assured of chart movement. Let’s put the sophisticated face of Newcastle in the spotlight for a change.

More from The Real Group

More from those swinging Swedes  The Real Group - this time a Basie Medley. And another version of Pass Me The Jazz. Thanks again Colin for introducing me to this fantastic group - Lambert, Hendricks, Ross, Man Tran. now shooting for second place!

Lance

Darlington Jazz Festival. Sunday Evening Part Two April 27

(Review by Russell (AKA Tolstoy).

The weekend’s finale featured the Al Wood Nine. Multi instrumentalist Al Wood (trumpet, flugelhorn, alto & soprano saxophones) always puts on a good show. Bebop Spoken Here last heard him at the Cluny in Newcastle, for this Darlington engagement the veteran Yorkshireman brought his A-team with him.

 The band: Al Wood, Jim Corry (alto & soprano saxophones), James Russell (alto & baritone saxophones), Stuart MacDonald (tenor and bass saxophones), Sam Thornton (baritone saxophone & vocals), Graham Hearn (piano), Gary Jackson (double bass) & Bob Howard (drums) + Ernie Jackson (percussion)

Darlington Jazz Festival. Sunday Evening Part One April 27

(Review by Russell (AKA Tolstoy).

The evening session (the Darlington Jazz Club showcase) saw the transformation of the marquee. A few tables were moved around, the chandeliers dusted, beer supplies checked, stage reset. Tutors Ian Robinson (trumpet) and Chris Hibbard rounded up their young charges for a concert performance by the Little Big Band. Described as the Darlington and Durham Big Band, it is the feeder band from which the young musicians will, in due course, progress to the Durham County Youth Big Band.

Darlington Jazz Festival. Sunday Afternoon Interlude. April 27

(Review by Russell (AKA Tolstoy).

A key component of the Darlington Jazz Festival is the community involvement of musicians, tutors, volunteer workers and audience (in some cases they are all of these things). This year Matt Roberts (trumpet) acted as the festival’s Jazz Educator in Residence. A local lad made good, it is wonderful to see Roberts return and as they say, ‘put something back’. 

Darlington Jazz Festival. Sunday Afternoon Part Two. April 27

(Review by Russell (AKA Tolstoy).

Djangologie. Is there anything left to say about bassist Mick Shoulder’s Hot Club combo? Low maintenance virtuosi. Professional, on stage bang on time, the musicianship exemplary. A beer tent crowd can be problematic -ie noisy. In no time the band had them (Djangologists or not) listening to every nuanced turn. Minor Swing, Shoulder’s waltz Beautiful Till 3, one tune after another, all enthralling, totally engrossing. 

Darlington Jazz Festival. Sunday Afternoon Part One April 27

(Review by Russell (AKA Tolstoy).

Noon in the marquee. The bar open (White Boar Bitter), the Tyne Valley Big Band, all six million of them, on stage ready to go but not before Jazz in My Pants marched in to once more give it a blast. Fantastic. Dave Hignett, the TVBB’s MD, has knocked into shape a cracking band in next to no time. Resplendent in band t-shirts and matching music stands (all six million of them) the orchestra presented a programme ranging from Sweet Georgia Brown to Sway and Mack the Knife (featuring vocalist Barbra Hignett) to Sammy Nestico’s Lonely Street (alto solo from Kelly Rose) to the Pink Panther Theme (hear that triangle!). Our expert triangularist marched New Orleans’ style around the marquee, taking the opportunity on the way to order a pint from the bar at the back of the room without missing a beat! At this point it should be noted that the TVBB enjoys a ‘working relationship’ with the Wylam Brewery but on this occasion it was a case of ‘needs must’. Alistair Lord played the high register stuff in the trumpet section, Andrea DeVere took the big tenor parts and singer Barbra Hignett returned to belt out R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Respect to BH! The TVBB left us with a cookin’ Apple Honey (DeVere solo, rhythm section, ensemble). If anyone had been in a Sunday morning stupour they would certainly have been woken up by the Tyne Valley Big Band.

Darlington Jazz Festival. Sunday Morning April 27

(Review by Russell (AKA Tolstoy).

On the last day of the 2014 Darlington Jazz Festival musicians, event organisers and fans decamped from HQ (The Forum Music Centre) with all departures for the Head of Steam on North Road. The organisers’ team of volunteers worked non-stop to ensure the site at Darlington Railway Museum would be ready to welcome hundreds of visitors from 11:00 in the morning ‘til late at night. Drizzle greeted the early arrivals alighting the Darlington Jazz Festival Express. The red beans and rice catering outlet (aka the burger van) parked up at the entrance to the grounds of the old station, the main performance space a deluxe marquee and as a bonus festival goers gained free entry to the Head of Steam Museum!

Darlington Jazz Festival. Saturday Evening April 26

(Review by Russell)

A pint of White Boar Bitter (the Forum’s house beer), a chance to check-out guitarist Tom Stephenson’s set in the bar, a bit crack, then back to the hall for the main event of the evening.

Darlington Jazz Festival can be proud to have secured the services of world class trombonist Mark Nightingale. A virtuoso musician, his concert performance exceeded the highest of expectations and throughout his stay the British born star made himself readily available to all, no airs and graces, down to earth, approachable, happy to sign a CD cover, have a chat and sit-in at the late night jam session. In concert (the hall standing room only) Nightingale worked with the magnificent Durham Alumni Big Band.

Darlington Jazz Festival. Saturday Afternoon April 26

(Review by Russell)

This year’s Darlington Jazz Festival, the third, incorporated a new, additional venue across town at the Head of Steam (Darlington Railway Museum). Gigs at the Forum Music Centre on Borough Road have become an established part of the region’s jazz scene - the venue hosted an eve of festival workshop and a full day of jazz - and the opportunity to showcase the music at other venues showed commendable ambition.

Trumpeter Matt Roberts led a Thursday evening workshop, participants ranging from pre-teens to sprightly octogenarians, and the results of their efforts would be heard on Sunday afternoon at the Railway Museum.

Saturday, the first full day of action, got underway at one o’clock with an array of the musicians of tomorrow on stage in the main hall. Durham County Youth Big Band (MD Shaune Eland) don’t do things by half. A quick head count mustered something like seven reeds, six trombones, six trumpets and a rhythm section of piano, guitar, bass and drums. All did themselves proud during a varied programme (Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and Cantaloupe Island to name but two). Matt Roberts joined the ensemble on flugel on the latter number. The weekend’s big draw - Mark Nightingale - took time out to listen to the band (the trombones passed with flying colours) then suggested he join them on his own composition Carnifest! An occasion none of those present will ever forget.

Blaydon Update.

Check out the Blaydon Jazz Club website for an up to date listing of forthcoming events.
There's some tasty items coming up.
http://www.rolyveitch.20m.com/JazzClub.html
Lance.

CD Review: Vasilis Xenopoulos - The Wind Machine.

Vasilis Xenopoulos (ten); Steve Fishwick (tpt); Nigel Price (gtr); Bill Mudge (Hammond); Pete Cater (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Vasy crops up so frequently on this site that I no longer have to name check the spelling! The recent Wind Machine gigs at The Bridge Hotel, Newcastle and St. Cuthbert's Centre, Crook, created a lot of favourable waves and although the personnel, with the exception of Mr X, is totally different the tunes are the same i.e. swinging small group arrangements of big band classics.

Splinter Jam Session - Bridge Hotel

Alan Law (pno); John Pope (bs); Jonathan Marriott (dms) + Zoe Gilby, Lindsay Hannon, Kathryn Lowdon (vcl); Andy Champion (bs); Jeff Armstrong (dms),

(Review by Lance).

The trio set the ball rolling with Alone Together and There is no Greater Love (is there a greater standard that conveys the love between two people?) Zoe gave us Wave and a new piece in her bass/vcl repertoire - Nick Cave's Red Right Hand. Very dark.. Zoe did some of her individualistic vocalesing on the old bebop anthem Now's The Time before the trio said That's All.

Pass Me The Jazz

Thanks to Colin - the King of Kowloon - for sending me this superb example of close harmony singing. It's the Real Group from Sweden - Abba, watch listen and learn!
Link
Lance.

Ballads and Blues @ The Jazz Café - April 25.

John Rowland (ten); Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Steve Doyle (dms).
(Review by Lance/ photos courtesy of Mike Tilley).

The Jazz Café had an air of vibrancy about it tonight. Seats were at a premium and the noise levels were high. However, an early arrival, meant we had the most comfortable seats in the room and, with the chatterers behind us, were able to wallow in the music.

And it was worth wallowing - particularly with a bottle of Workie Ticket to add to the ambience.

CD Review: Michael Feinberg's “HUMBLEBRAG” Live at 800 East

Michael Feinberg (Bass/ Bass guitar); Godwin Louis (Alto); Billy Buss (Tpt);  Julian Shore (Pno); Terreon Gully (dms); Jacob Deacon (Gtr on 1 track).

(Review by Dave Brownlow).

This album offers us a “Glimpse of Jazz’s Future” featuring six original compositions by bassist/composer Michael Feinberg (who also leads The Elvin Jones Project in the U.S.) played by an up and coming group of young musicians on  the New York scene.

“TIMEO DANAOS ET DONA FERENTES”? Vasilis Xenopoulos - The Wind Machine @ St. Cuthbert's Centre, Crook April 25

Vasilis Xenopoulos (ten); Martin Shaw  (tpt/flg); Paul Edis (pno); Andy Champion (bs); Matt Home (dms). 

(Review and photos by Jerry).

If Virgil had been at Crook last night, he’d have hated the rat-grey, mizzly weather but he’d never have penned that line about fearing the Greeks even when bearing gifts! Aided by two “local heroes” (his words, not mine) and by two top-class London-based colleagues, Vasilis brought his considerable gifts (and chirpy, Mediterranean charm) and took Crook by storm, not by stealth.

35th Montreal Jazz Festival June 26 - July 6

Montreal looks good this June/July. Just check out the program for the 35th International Jazz Festival. Literally something for everyone across the genres unlike most European festivals who, by and large, tend to concentrate on either the ancient or the modern with only a token representation of the wonderful music in between.

Not so in Montreal! They've got all the bases (or basses) covered.

Tickets go on sale today (April 26) at Noon EDT which is about 5pm in the UK.

To view the program or to book tickets click here. I suggest you wear a bib as salivating may take place.

Lance.

SAGE GATESHEAD LEADERSHIP TO CHANGE

General Director Anthony Sargent CBE announces he’ll stand down in early 2015 after venue’s 10th birthday

Anthony Sargent has announced that he will stand down after 15 years as General Director in April 2015, following the venue’s 10th Birthday in December 2014.

In addition, Katherine Zeserson, who has been Director of Learning and Participation at the venue since 2002, has said she will also be moving on in early 2015.

Anthony Sargent, who was awarded the CBE in July 2013 and also currently chairs the International Society of Performing Arts based in New York, said:

“Sage Gateshead has been the longest chapter of my life I’ve ever committed to a single project. It’s been an enormously fulfilling 15 years, and I’m proud beyond words of the extraordinary team of staff, musicians and board colleagues whose achievements have together given Sage Gateshead such an internationally acclaimed first decade. Working with them has been a daily inspiration, seeing Sage Gateshead now so vividly established as one of the international triumphs of a region with so much cultural success to be proud of. I’m looking forward very much to our 10th Birthday celebrations, and then to seeing all the new developments and triumphs of Sage Gateshead’s second decade building on the foundations we’ve established so far”

CD Review Taupe

Adam Stapleford (drums), Jamie Stockbridge (alto saxophone) & Mike Parr-Burman (guitar)

(Review by Russell).

Mammatus, the opening track of five on Taupe’s eponymous release, begins with a guess-where-this-is-going series of bass-end notes from Mike Parr-Burman’s guitar. Drummer Adam Stapleford hides a crunching snare under a canopy of splashing cymbals as Jamie Stockbridge’s alto emerges from the dense undergrowth blinking into the daylight, an insistent riff taking command. Carnival’s Quarrel  takes a tightly loose guitar intro into a rasping alto blowout, Coupling requires a First Degree in Counting such is its quirky time signature! Clattering drums and Salt Peanuts-like tooting suggest an element of fun is present in the trio’s collective thinking.

Brassy B - Massive Waxa EP Launch - Cluny May 1. 7pm. £5.

(From the Cluny website).
"Often seen on the streets of Newcastle, Brassy B are a unique new addition to the North East scene with their trendy horns and tasty beats.

Their self-titled début EP, recorded at Loft Studios, is a rare mix of brassy jazz with hints of hip hop, dub, disco and funk complete with a range of original tunes as well as a brassed up version of Paul Simon’s ‘50 Ways To Leave Your Lover’.

Vasilis Xenopoulos - The Wind Machine @ Bridge Hotel Newcastle. April 24

Vasilis Xenopoulos (ten); Martin Shaw  (tpt/flg); Paul Edis (pno); Andy Champion (bs); Matt Home (dms). (Review by Lance/Photos  courtesy of Ken Drew).

It may not have been the line-up in the Jazz North East brochure but, after hearing the opening bars of Four Brothers, I said, "This will do for me!"

A blind person could be excused for thinking he was hearing the Woody Herman saxes whilst sighted persons were marvelling at how 5 could sound like 16! Honestly, if they'd packed up and gone home after that storming opener I would have still felt I'd got my money's worth! 12 hours later the tune is still running through my head!

TONIGHT! Vasilis Xenopoulos Wind Machine @ Bridge Hotel, Newcastle.

Vasilis Xenopoulos (ten); Martin Shaw (tpt); Paul Edis (pno); Andy Champion (bs); Matt Home (dms).

The first time I heard Vasy was at the Side Café. I was with my buddy Jim McDowell and we were both knocked out by the best Grecian tenor playing we'd ever heard. Jim would have loved to be going to tonight's session but, sadly, he is no longer with us - it was his funeral this morning.

A tasteful service with Erroll Garner playing Misty as we arrived and Ella singing Every Time We Say Goodbye as we left. In between I fumbled my way through a eulogy to my old buddy.

Tonight will have special memories for me. For others it will be a chance to hear some beautifully played jazz.

Lance 

Ashington Jazz Club Preview

Katherine Stone’s a versatile singer capable of covering several genres. She has appeared at AJC several times and, on this occasion, much of her material will be drawn from the Great American Songbook. As well as teaching music at a local high school, Katherine has just returned from a successful stint with the resident trio on the cruise ship MS Amsterdam. 

The concert starts at 8 pm on Wednesday May 7 - £5 on the door.    

The Elephant Public House on Newbiggin Rd, which is where the jazz club started some 33 years ago, plays host to the club on the first Wednesday of every month . All styles of jazz have been featured over the years ranging from New Orleans to West Coast and beyond. Organizer John Taylor is currently putting together the  clubs autumn programme. He hopes to book a mix of artists including a seventeen piece big band. 

For more details ring 01670 813 983 or visit the clubs website.

CD Review: Great Voices of Harlem - Gregory Porter, Mansur Scott, Donald Smith & Paul Zauner's Blue Brass

Gregory Porter, Mansur Scott (vcls); Donald Smith (vcl/pno/Rhodes); Paul Zauner (tmb); Barney Girlinger (tpt/flug); Klaus Dickbauer (alt/bs clt); Klemens Pilem (ten/alt fl); Martin Reiter (pno/Rhodes); Wolfram Derschmidt (bs); Howard Curtis (dms).

(Review by Lance).

The Gregory Porter name on the sleeve should be enough to have the fans scuttling to their nearest Amazon. The discovery that the great man only flies solo on three numbers may halt them in their tracks but it shouldn't. Even if Mr Porter had bought a ticket for Austria, and ended up in Crewe this would still be an important disc  - not least because it brings Mansur Scott and Donald Smith to a wider public.

Pining For Courtney...

Despite our near blanket coverage of the recent Gateshead International Jazz Festival held at Sage Gateshead earlier this month, it has been brought to my attention that we, somehow or other, missed out on Courtney Pine - one of the mega attractions of the festival.

In an attempt to remedy this, if any of our readers were at the gig and would like to submit a belated review it would be most appreciated.

Lance.

The Jazz Machine @ The Victoria, Whitley Bay. April 22

Pepe Greenaway (alto saxophone), Jayne Robertson (flute), Tony Kindlan (guitar), Dave Parker (bass), Peter Ninnim (drums), Richard Herdman (guitar) & Ray Burns (harmonica & guitar)

(Review by Russell)

The Victoria on Whitley Road is a big roadhouse of a pub. Chelsea’s European adventure occupied the many plasma screens, a range of ‘popular’ (non-real ale) beers occupied the bar, sophisticated locals drinking brand lager from flower vases. A buskers’ night delayed by the football (FT 0-0), the jazz cats were at it, undisturbed, in the upstairs room. 

EVERYONE DESERVES MUSIC AT SAGE GATESHEAD

Sage Gateshead is hosting its second annual festival - ‘Everyone Deserves Music’- aimed at everyone interested in the value of music in our lives.

Teachers, musicians, music practitioners and music organisations will descend on the international music centre from April to hear from inspirational cultural leaders as well as performances from music degree students studying at the venue. The festival is being run in partnership with Sound Sense – the UK professional association promoting community music and supporting community musicians.

Hurry on down to The Vic - new jazz venue. Show your support

Quick reminder if you live on the coast - north side - there's jazz on at the Victoria, Whitley Bay, tonight.
Give it a shot - Lance

I'll Join the Legion That's What I'll do!

The Royal British Legion Club in West Jesmond (Near West Jesmond Metro station) are, as of June, adding Friday nights to their jazz calender.

Forthcoming attractions include...

June 6: PG+, 13: Mo Scott Band, 20: Sarah Travena and 27: Mark Williams Trio.

These are in addition to the regular Tuesday night sessions featuring the Maine St., Jazzmen. More details when known.

Lance.

Jazz in the Afternoon @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. April 21

Brian Chester (keyboards, trombone, silly hat), Derek Fleck (clarinet, tenor saxophone, silly hat), John Carstairs Hallam (double bass) & Ollie Rillands (drums & vocals) + Lawrence McBriarty (trombone), Barry Soulsby (clarinet & vocals), Miles Watson (trumpet,) Roy Gibson (keyboards), Doris Fenn (banjo), John Broddle (vocals), Theresa Armstrong (vocals) & Lisa Murphy (vocals)

(Review by Russell).

Easter Monday, sunshine, Metro to the coast packed (buckets and spades, screaming tots, tattoos, harmless pit-bulls). A nice day to sit on the prom and watch the disembarked disport themselves. To more pressing matters…an afternoon of jazz in the Crescent Club. The club, like the train, packed, standing room only.

Alter Ego @ Blaydon Jazz Club. April 20

Keith Robinson (alto saxophone), Niall Armstrong (tenor saxophone & flute), Dave Hignett (trumpet & flugelhorn), Andy Hawking (keyboards), Tony Abell (double bass) & David Francis (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Jazz Messengers were to be heard across the Tyne on Easter Day. Down river at the Bridge Hotel, Messenger Pete Gilligan preached the Gospel of Silver (H.Silver), up river Alter Ego the torch bearers for Blakey (A.Blakey). Two cracking bop outfits a matter of three or four miles apart on the same night - an impossible choice. Why Blaydon? No reason, one was sure to be as good as the other.

Paul Skerritt Band @ Cherry Tree. April 21.

Paul Skerritt (vcl); James Harrison (pno); Anth Ord (bs); Tom Chapman (dms).
(Review by Lance).

The tables weren't empty, the dance floor wasn't deserted and Paul Skerritt didn't sing Learnin' The Blues although he did croon plenty other classics from the Sinatra Songbook.

Like the opener, I've Got You Under my Skin followed by Witchcraft. I don't know if the chef dabbles in the occult but my opener of Pan seared breast of wood pigeon, raspberry vinaigrette and baby salad certainly had the edge on Eye of Newt - out of this world (as indeed was the unfortunate wood pigeon.). The Way You Look Tonight, If I Had You, My Funny Valentine, Fly me to the Moon, Ain't no Sunshine, I Get a Kick Out of You and Let There be Love. A line from this latter number could have been, Let there be char-grilled bistro rump, peppercorn butter, traditional steak garnish and, of course, fries.

The set closed with Fry me a Liver.

Bombay Jazz Radio 4 - 4pm.

Radio 4 at 4pm today has what looks to be an interesting program on early jazz in Bombay.
Follow the link when available.
Lance.

Peter Gilligan Quintet The Music of Horace Silver - Splinter @ the Bridge April 20.

Peter Gilligan (pno); Don Forbes (tpt); Gary Turner (ten); Paul Grainger (bs); Dave McKeague (dms).

(Review by Lance/photo by Zoe Gilby).

Zoe's interview with Peter Gilligan gave us a foresight of what to expect and we got it - in spades! It would be easy to say that you can't go wrong with the music of Horace Silver and you can't - providing you can play in the first place. These guys can play!

Jazz at the Fighting Cocks, Middleton St George = This Thursday

Jazz at the Fighting Cocks, Middleton St George, returns this Thursday. Starting at 8.00pm, the gig features Noel Dennis (Trumpet) and Mark Toomey (Alto Sax) with the regular rhythm section with Paul Smith on drums, Pete Ayton on Bass and Jeremy McMurray on Piano. Guest vocalist Tony Maxwell will also join us.

It promises to be a great night of jazz, get there early!

Jeremy.

CD Review: Jeremy Wilms - Diamond People.

Jeremy Wilms (gtr/Rhodes); Matt Hilgenberg (tpt); Cochemea Gastelum (sax); Steve Blanco (keys); Danton Boller (bs); Tomas Fujiwara/Greg Gonzalez (dms); Reinaldo De Jesus (perc).

(Review by Lance).

Diamond People indeed! Wilms and his cohorts are just some of the many New York musicians (and likewise the many talented and creative musicians in this country) whose names may be lost mid-Atlantic were it not for sites such as ourselves.

Peter Gilligan interviewed by Zoe Gilby

Z: Tell us a bit about your band. How it formed? band line up and their influences?

P: The Music of Horace Silver band was formed following chats between Paul, Don and Myself about the prolific, brilliant composer that is Horace Silver. Prompted even further by the (inaccurate) reports of his death, we decided it would be cool to form a quintet and learn, play, attempt a selection of his music.

Burandanga @ Hoochie Coochie April 18.

Gemma Hutton/Belinda Voshtina (vcls); Alan Law (pno); Ian Simpson (gtr); Katy Trigger (bs); Paco Rivera/Carlos Rivera (perc.).
(Review by Lance).

Good Friday, Bad Friday, Any Friday "The Toon" is overrun with packs of hunters and predators roaming the streets in search of watering holes and mating opportunities. Those hoping to score for something more stimulating may have been drawn to Hoochie Coochie who were advertising Burundanga Free!

Book Review: Bathed in Lightning: John McLaughlin, the 60s and the Emerald Beyond by Colin Harper, Jawbone Press.

(Review by JC)

I can still remember the excitement as a teenager of hearing the Mahavishnu Orchestra's album the Inner Mounting Flame for the first time. Obviously the speed of playing was staggering but so also was the fusion of jazz and rock and Eastern and Indian influences. And then there were some really weird, but memorable, time signatures. We knew about John McLaughlin from his recordings with Miles Davis, particularly Bitches Brew, but this was something else. The album was much played over the following months. Even now when some of us from those days meet up, a few MO tracks are usually played again.

CD Review: Yolanda Duke - Te Llevo Bajo La Piel

Yolanda Duke (vocal); Arturo Sandoval (piano & trumpet); Champian Fulton, Ricky Gonzalez, Sonny Bravo (piano); Ruben Rodriguez, Gerry Madera (bass); Willie-Cuch Be Wictha-Martinez (drums); Jose Madera (timbales); John Rodriguez (bongo, bell, guiro); Luis Quintero (conga, bongo, guiro, bell, timbales); George Delgado (conga); Bobby Portcelli (alto sax, flute); Pete Miranda (baritone sax); Mitch Fruhman, Pete Brainin, Todd Brashore (tenor sax, flute); John Walsh, Kevin Bryan, Pete Nater,Richard Viruet (trumpet); Lewis Kahn, Noah Bless, Reynaldo Jorge, Sam Burtis (Trombone)

(Review by Ann Alex).

Yolanda Duke grew up in New York City and she has performed in venues around the world with the Tito Puente Latin Jazz Orchestra.  She is experienced in singing Latin jazz, merengue, ballads, bossa nova, salsa and bolero, and this is her latest CD.  I’m no expert in those different styles but I know a good CD when I hear it, and this is certainly tops. 

Art Pepper

Go here to hear Art Pepper - it's beautiful in fact it's But Beautiful.
Thanks to Laurie Pepper for making this available.
Lance.

Pilgrim St. Set @ Hoochie Coochie. April 17

Richard Burns (tpt); Gary Turner (ten); Paul Edis (pno); Paul Susans (bs. gtr); Rob Walker (dms).

(Review by Lance/Photo courtesy of Jerry Edis.)

In contrast to last month's "select audience" this time round the joint was jumpin'. Of course it was Easter Eve which is as good an excuse as any to get bladdered - the Hoochie slogan "Every true music believer now has their church" certainly rung true tonight.

CD Review Led Bib The People in Your Neighbourhood

Mark Holub (drums), Pete Grogan (alto saxophone), Chris Williams (alto saxophone), Liran Donin (bass) & Toby McLaren (keyboards & piano)

(Review by Russell)

A crowd funding campaign helped fund the making of Led Bib’s new release. The Mercury Prize nominated quintet have rewarded those who donated to the project with a recording embracing the familiar groove and newer chilled-out elements. Altoist Chris Williams’ own tune New Teles opens the album and it is the composer who sets the pace. 

COMPETITION TIME!!!

Win a Northern Monkey Brass Band High On Life CD and Free Entry for 2 to the launch gig on 6th July at Hoochie Coochie in Newcastle!

We're often approached after gigs by people saying "You should do a version of 'this' tune" or "I'd love to hear you play 'that' tune" etc, so to mark the band's first CD launch, we want you to nominate a piece of music you'd like to hear us play.

The suggestion we like the most will be played at the gig, the person that nominates it will win our CD, 'High On Life', plus free entry for them and a guest to the gig itself.

Fred Wesley @ Ned Kelly's

Those of us who were knocked out by Fred Wesley and the JB Horns when they played Hoochie last year will like these photos and comments by our man in Hong Kong after members of the band jammed at Ned's.

Great night at Ned’s with Fred Wesley and Ernie Field on tenor sax, who played one set with us, Fred is 71 and Ernie Field Jnr is 81. As many of you will probably know his father had his own big band and made a few albums. Some great stories from Ernie of when he was with the Hampton Big Band, nice guys and they really enjoyed themselves.

Colin.

Chaka Khan @ Hoochie next month!

We are honoured to announce the appearance of Chaka Khan & Incognito @ Hoochie Coochie on May 17. Chaka Khan has sold 200 million records & won 10 Grammy's . This is a once in a lifetime gig to see her up close with 249 other people. Any profit from the gig will be donated to The Chaka Khan Foundation which helps women & children. Tickets will not last long. - Warren.

http://hoochiecoochie.skiddletickets.com/event.php?id=12158858

CD Review: Nancy Goudinaki - I Wanna Be Your Star

Nancy Goudinaki (vocals, electro-classical guitar); Orrin Evans (piano, arrangements); Dwayne Burno (bass); J D Allen (tenor sax); Rudy Royston (drums); also guests Miles Griffith (vocals); Daniel Sadownick (percussion); Richie Goods (bass).

(Review by Ann Alex).

 Ms Goudinaki hails from Greece and this is her debut album.  She was trained in classical guitar but she felt inspired to sing jazz, and she is making a name for herself in and around New York.  The CD includes standards, Almost Like Being In Love; I’ll Be Seeing You; Fine And Mellow; My Heart Stood Still; A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square; Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea;, two originals by Ms Goudini Bird Of Paradise; I Wanna Be Your Star; and another two tracks Just Friends and an instrumental Milonga.

R.I.P. Jimmy McDowell

Just received the sad news that my dear friend and fellow jazz fan Jim McDowell passed away this morning. We'd known each other for over 50 years and when I got married Jimmy was my best man. In the photo Jimmy is at the piano and we had a jam as we waited for the taxi to take us to the church. I remember we were playing Sir Charles Thompson's Robbin's Nest (probably rather badly!).

Over the years Jim and I attended many jazz gigs and concerts at Newcastle City Hall, Corner House, Side Café, Bridge, Sage etc. and there was also a memorable trip to Leeds to see Dave Brubeck.

We shared an interest in cycling and had several Sunday bike rides. Until fairly recently Jimmy was a regular at the Splinter at the Bridge sessions until Parkinson's Disease limited his mobility.

After my wedding Jimmy and Marlene's bridesmaid, Valerie, got together and they too married and the friendship between the four of us continued to this very day augmented by their daughter Jane.

It is to Valerie and Jane that our sympathies go out to and the memories we all shared.

Rest In Peace dear friend.

Lance.

Jazz Café Jam Session - April 15

Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Paul Wight (dms) + Stuart Finden (ten); Fiona Finden (vcl); Ray Truscott (bs); Ian Forbes (dms); Josh Bentham (alt); Paul Skerritt (vcl); Paul Gowland (ten); Kath Jobes (vcl); Belinda Voshtina (vcl).

(Review by Lance/Photo of Fiona and Stuart Finden courtesy of Mike Tilley.)

The trio got things off to a good start with Horace Silver's St. Vitus Dance - a prequel to Sunday's Silver tribute session at the Bridge by Gilligan and co - book your seat now! I Fall in Love Too Easily, Alice in Wonderland and My Romance, taken at a most unromantic tempo, set the scene for the jammers waiting in the wings.

JJA Awards 2014

This year's Jazz Journalists Association Awards can be found here - quite a few names seen and heard recently on Tyneside are among the winners.
Lance.

Pink Lane Jazz Co-op at The Globe is going ahead!

Good news! Pink Lane Jazz Co-op at The Globe is going ahead. It will be the first freehold music venue in the UK to be owned by its members.
We've raised the money we needed to get started and we've instructed our solicitor to proceed with the purchase. We’ll post more details when the sale is completed.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the people who have invested in this exciting venture and to those who have helped to promote and publicise it. Our community share issue exceeded our target. We don’t know the exact sum invested yet because there are still cheques arriving in the post. We’ll give you an accurate figure in the next couple of days. Thank you all.

Britain's Greatest Ever Jazz Musician?

Simon Whittle uploaded this magnificent shot of Tubby Hayes to the Facebook page of the Tubby Hayes Appreciation Society.

Britain's greatest ever jazz musician? I wouldn't bet against it although I'm sure others will!

Lance.

Mitch Laddie Band @ The Tyne Bar. April 13

Mitch Laddie (guitar & vocals), Rhian Wilkinson (electric bass) & Matt Connor (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Sunday afternoons at the Tyne Bar are invariably busy with regulars eager to hear some blues. This week the Maling Street hostelry almost burst at the seams. Three deep at the bar (Wylam beers occupying every hand pull), they had come to hear Mitch Laddie. The man from out Consett way plays gigs in pubs, clubs, concert halls (Sage Gateshead) and on the blues festival circuit. Laddie, five string bassist Rhian Wilkinson and drummer Matt Connor make for the tightest of units rampaging across a blues rock landscape, the big bonus being they avoid the mind-numbing, sledgehammer approach.

Preview Darlington Jazz Festival April 24 – 27

(Preview by Russell).

The third Darlington Jazz Festival runs over four days, at three venues, wider in scope and ambition. The Forum Music Centre on Borough Road (the event’s HQ in previous years) presents a workshop and a full day of music (twelve hours worth!), the Head of Steam  (Darlington Railway Museum) on Station Road (a new venue) offers ten hours of jazz and the Voodoo Café on Skinnergate hosts a late night session of danceable Latin American sounds.

The first event takes place at the Forum on Thursday evening (April 24). Trumpeter Matt Roberts will lead a workshop for all ages and abilities, sectional tutors will be on hand and take note - the event is certain to be over-subscribed, so be quick, contact details. The workshop fee is a bargain £6.00., 5:30 pm start.

This Sunday (April 20) @ Blaydon.

Alter Ego

This great sextet has six of the North's finest jazz musicians. Since their début performance in 2008, Alter Ego have entertained audiences at many North East jazz venues and festivals. The group draw much of their material from the rich catalogue of original compositions created by the likes of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Hank Mobley and Miles Davis. The result is a stylistically varied programme including Up-tempo Swing, Hard Bop, Funk and Latin Jazz. 

“The spirit of the Jazz Messengers is with the band from first note to last.” - Lance Liddle, Bebop Spoken Here.
Roly.

Sunday April 20 - Black Bull, Blaydon. 8pm. £5.

Krysztof Urbanski - The Urban Jazz Society @ Bridge Hotel, Newcastle. April 13.

Krysztof  Urbanski (ten/alt); Martin Longhawn (pno); Sam Vicary (bs); Sam Gardner (dms).

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

If Johnny Hodges had played tenor, tonewise, he may have resembled Urbanski particularly in the latter's opening, unaccompanied, introduction to Nature Boy. Paradoxically, when Urbanski did play alto in the second set he sounded nothing like Hodges!

Nature Boy was the only non-original composition, the rest were mainly from the pen of the leader who never fails to impress with his big saxophone sound and technique to match.

CD Review: Colin Vallon Trio - Le Vent

Colin Vallon – piano   Patrice Moret – bass  Julian Sartorus – drums.

(Review by Steve H.)

This is the Swiss trio’s second ECM album. It’s a very modern European offering revolving not around virtuoso solos but a collaboration of like minded musicians who have produced a piece of work which may not have you jumping around on the kitchen table with excitement but instead will provide a stimulating relaxing and peaceful experience.  This is definitely more Swiss Roll than rock and roll but sometimes it’s nice to have your cake and eat  it.

Mick Shoulder Website.

Bass players having websites? Bloody drummers will be wanting them next!
Never heard the like!
Check out Mick's website here. Lots of info on one of the region's top bassists.
Lance.

CD Review: Leslie Pintchik - In the Nature of Things.

Leslie Pintchik (pno); Steve Wilson (alt/sop); Ron Horton (tpt/flug); Scott Hardy (bs); Michael Sarin (dms); Satoshi Takeishi (perc).
(Review by Lance).

So many review CDs come through the letterbox that I've had to replace the mat in the hall and the postman is complaining of a bad back so I hope those who have sent CDs for review will understand if they don't get reviewed immediately or even ever!

This disc is such a one that most undeservedly got shuffled back down the deck. Not any longer! It's a cracker!

Jazz Café May Program.

Jazz Café phone 0191 2229882 25-27 Pink Lane near the Central Station

Open from 11am daily as a Cafe, closed Sun and Mondays. Fridays and Saturday  - admission free up to 9.00pm*, Live from 9.30pm - 11.30pm admission for most events £5 on the door, *Except Schmazz 

Full programme at   www.jazzcafe-newcastle.co.uk

Jazz Record Requests - BBC Radio 3 today 5pm.

Recorded live at Sage Gateshead on Day 2 of the GIJF - Listen here.
Interesting with one or two folks you may know.
Great selection of music not least Paul Edis' choice of a track by Vasilis Xenopoulos - surely one of the truly great underrated tenor players. "Vasy" is at The Bridge, Newcastle on Thursday April 24 and the following day at St Cuthbert's Centre Crook. Get your diary out now! Then go down to the bookies and put your house on it being the Gig of the Year but don't double it up with Sunderland avoiding relegation!
Lance.

If you happen to be out Tokyo way...

Konichiwa!

On Duke Ellington's 115th birthday Tuesday, April 29, I will play a concert of his music with subarashii bassist Koji Tetsui -- including Ellington classics and some less known songs.

This special event "Daryl At Duke's Place" at Tableaux Lounge starts 6:00 pm until 8:00pm.

Special guests: clarinetist Yoshihiko Miyazaki and singer Yasuko Nakatani.

I hope you will join us for this celebration of a jazz legend. Details below.

Arigato!  

Daryl Sherman  

contact:tableaux-lounge@global-dining.com www.darylsherman.com

Paul Edis Trio @ The Jazz Café. April 11 (second set)

(Review by Russell)

Good to see a group of young lads (musicians?) checking out the Paul Edis Trio. The second set proved to be just like the first…the best jazz piano trio you’ll hear west of NYC. Chatter from the back of the room receded as the trio resumed with Our Love is Here to Stay (Edis recalling the lilting style of Erroll Garner). Milestones/What is This Thing Called Love? heard the trio playing to the highest standards. B Minor Waltz won out over the distant chatter before Doxy took centre stage. 

Paul Edis Trio - Jazz Café April 11

Paul Edis (pno); Mick Shoulder (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms).

The Jazz Café had a fair smattering of punters in tonight. Some stayed, some left and there was much shifting around of seats before, eventually, we got our favourite pew 'twixt bar and piano.

In recent weeks, "The Caff" has seen no small percentage of the area's top pianomen in the spotlight. Collingwood, Gilligan, Glen, Harrison, Law and tonight Edis.

We are truly blessed in this neck of the woods to have so many magnificent manipulators of the well-tempered clavichord except this one tonight was a slightly ill-tempered Hyundai! If it was an Hyundai car it wouldn't have passed its MOT!

Blood Count - Radio 4

Quite a delightful and at times poignant drama by trumpet player and dramatist Ian Smith on Radio 4 this afternoon (available on BBC iplayer for 7 days) in which a lady reporter for Time Magazine interviews Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn during the course of the latter's last recording session.

Clarke Peters gives a convincing performance as the urbane, sophisticated Ellington fending questions from Ashleigh Naddad as interviewer Elaine Robillard. Don Gillet as Strayhorn also gives a realistic performance as a man philosophically viewing the cancer that is killing him even changing the title of his final piece to Blood Count.

Robillard tries to get Ellington to admit he stole some of Strayhorn's music but neither of the two men give direct answers and the listener is left with the impression that both needed each other.

Musical snatches can be heard including a complete version of Ellington's monologue - Pretty and the Wolf.

Worth checking the iplayer link.

Musicians: Ian Smith (tpt); Alan Barnes (reeds); Dave Newton (pno); Andy Cleyndert (bs); Matt Holm (dms).

Lance.

Virtuoso Jazz Trio @ The Lit & Phil. April 11

George MacDonald (clarinet), James Birkett (guitar), & Tony Abell (double bass) + Bernice MacDonald (vocals)

(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy of Jerry Edis).

The latest in the Lit and Phil’s monthly lunchtime concert series presented the Virtuoso Jazz Trio. The trio’s performances are few and far between and this city centre date drew a large audience keen to hear timeless material from the Great American Songbook. Three Gershwin tunes to begin with: But Not For Me, Somebody Loves Me and Lady Be Good. Clarinet virtuoso George MacDonald took the first solo of the afternoon, on the second number virtuoso guitarist James Birkett developed a solo from a welter of chords and on a swift Lady Be Good virtuoso bassist Tony Abell swung none stop. 

The Collective @ Hoochie Coochie. April 10.

Tim Bloomer (gtr); Dominic Snaith (pno); Martyn Dixon (bs); Paul Crown (dms) + Elliott Todd (tpt/flug).

The young guns were on target once again with their brand of jazz rock, funk, fusion call it what you will. The influences were many ranging from heavy metal to Herbie Hancock. This month's guest, Elliott Todd, first heard at a Jazz Café Jam, excelled on trumpet and flugel at times bringing to mind those days of yore when Miles dipped his toes into the muddied waters of rock and roll.

Keep an eye out for Elliott at a gig near you.

Tim, needless to say, led by example laying down some strong lines and soloing with much aplomb. Dominic hit the Hammond button and laid down the kind of groove you'd only expect to get from a fully grown B3.

On bass guitar, Martyn gave solid support and Paul Crown is surely one of the most underrated drummers around.

Maybe just another day at the office but, nonetheless, an enjoyable one.
Lance.
PS: Good to see Chris Jelly digging the sounds..

GIJF Day Three:Double Bill - Bill Frisell’s Beautiful Dreams Trio/ Pablo Held Trio. April 6

(Review by Steve H.)

Frisell, dressed in plaid shirt, slacks and sneakers seemed relaxed as he came on stage likewise  the other members of the trio Eivand Kang on Viola and Rudy Royston on drums who were also dressed comfortably   What followed was pure unadulterated joy as the trio performed in a merry go round of styles moving in and out of  folk, country, oriental, rock, classical  and jazz idioms. Guitarist Frisell, shy and retiring, didn’t do much chatting preferring instead to twiddle the various electronic effects he had on stage but with the most magnificent range of sounds emanating from the great man’s Telecaster who could complain? Kang and Royston blended in effortlessly as the trio swirled in and out of the assorted genres described.  The set finished with not one encore but two and the audience were able to leave the perfect Hall 2 happy, joyful and enraptured.

Lindsay Hannon and Guests @ The Cherry Tree April 7

Lindsay Hannon (vcls); James Harrison (p); John Pope (db); Tom Chapman (drs)

(Review by JC).

A recent leg operation meant that the Gateshead Jazz Festival was out of reach but a nice compensation was that a trip to the Cherry Tree just up the road was possible. Lindsay Hannon and the band were in great form, both in seeming to be enjoying themselves and also playing very well. The first song was I Can't Give You Anything But Love and James Harrison quickly showed his intent by launching into a full-blooded solo demonstrating how his playing continues to develop at a fast pace. What is great about Lindsay Hannon and the band is that each of the songs, although mostly standards, has individual touches added to it to give it something extra. Miss Otis Regrets was taken at a slow, soulful tempo full of languid regret, while I Thought about You had a moody double bass and voice intro which the drums and piano then took into double time with Harrison seeming to go into double, double time for his solo. Blues in the Night had a saloon bar feel with touches of barrelhouse piano.