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Bebop Spoken There

Van Morrison: ''Basically, I'm coming from jazz. Not pop, not rock, not what's commercial. That's where I started, and that's still where I am. I feel the same as I did when I was listening to Louis Armstrong, Lead Belly, Jelly Roll Morton''. (The Northern Echo, 12 June 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

18037 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 458 of them this year alone and, so far, 36 this month (June 11).

From This Moment On ...

JUNE 2025

Sun 15: Lewis Watson Quartet @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 3:00pm.
Sun 15: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 15: Pasadena Roof Orchestra @ Alnwick Playhouse. 7:00pm.
Sun 15: Under the Wellie @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 15: Hannah Brine Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 16: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club (1:00pm). Free.
Mon 16: Giles Strong Quartet @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. 8:00pm. £10.00.

Tue 17: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Alan Law, Paul Grainger, Abbie Finn.

Wed 18: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 18: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:30pm. Free. Concert performance (open to the public)..
Wed 18: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 19: Gareth John & the SOS Big Band @ The Forum Music Centre, Darlington. 7:00pm. £25.00.

Fri 20: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 20: David Gray's Flextet @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. SOLD OUT!
Fri 20: Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ Alnwick Playhouse. 7:30pm. £21.50. ‘Time After Time’.br/> Fri 20: Alexia Gardner Quintet @ Sunderland Minster. 7:30pm.
Fri 20: King Bees @ Billy Bootleggers, Ouseburn, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. Superb Chicago blues band.

Sat 21: Milne Glendinning Band @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 21: Red Kites Jazz @ Staithes Café, Dunston. 7:00-9:00pm. Free.
Sat 21: Papa G’s Troves @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Reviewers wanted

Whilst BSH attempts to cover as many gigs, festivals and albums as possible, to make the site even more comprehensive we need more 'boots on the ground' to cover the albums seeking review - a large percentage of which never get heard - report on gigs or just to air your views on anything jazz related. Interested? then please get in touch. Contact details are on the blog. Look forward to hearing from you. Lance

Friday, May 23, 2014

EP Review The Slowlight Quartet In Flight

Paul Loraine (keyboards), Ian ‘Dodge’ Paterson (double bass), Jonathan Marriott (drums) & Tom Quilliam (tenor & soprano saxophones)
(Review by Russell).
The Slowlight Quartet’s debut five track limited edition EP is a study in beautifully crafted, understated composition and performance. The five tunes, written by Paul Loraine, are a feast for the ears. Melodies marinate, infused with subtle spices, the music world’s equivalent of the slow cooking movement.
The title track, In Flight, exemplifies the band’s sound; deceptively simple melody, layered introduction of the instrumentalists, brevity of solo subservient to the composition. Loraine’s keyboards deny Tom Quilliam’s sinewy tenor an extended solo (a compositional hallmark), a sudden, triumphant ending leaving the listener wanting more. Shifting Ground opens with Ian Paterson’s commanding double bass figure shadowed by Quilliam’s shimmering tenor. A typical twist (or shift) engages piano and Jonathan Marriott’s drums in a drum ‘n’ bass vibe, disturbed by Quilliam switching to fiery soprano, ultimately quelled by Loraine’s keys.
Iris – flower or eye? Perhaps inspired by petals opening, revealing themselves over time, perhaps a slow shutter speed, time-lapse photography. Who knows? The tune hears the Slowlights at their most reflective. Paterson leads off, Marriott uses brushes to great effect, Quilliam’s measured tenor, a magical phrase from Loraine makes the tune. The EP’s penultimate track – Peregrine – begs the question: Who’s that like? Familiar, contemporary jazz? Yes, but…it’s the Slowlights, that’s who! Keys and tenor state the theme over Marriott’s mallets, Quilliam threatens to ratchet-up the tension, the ensemble takes it down, bassist Paterson intervenes with a considered solo, ceding to Quilliam and Marriott who have the last word.  The Slowlight Quartet isn’t about solo flights, the final track – Walking Spanish – typifies the collective approach of Loraine, Paterson, Marriott and Quiliam. In Flight is a welcome addition to the burgeoning catalogue of fine recordings by north east musicians. The EP is a limited edition release. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Liam Gaughan. A download alternative is available. Visit www.theslowlightquartet.co.uk Highly recommended.     
Russell.             

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