Bebop Spoken There

Ludovic Beier (Django Festival Allstars): ''Manouche means 'free man,' and gypsies have been travelers since they migrated west from India to Europe.'' (DownBeat March, 2026)

The Things They Say!

This is a good opportunity to say thanks to BSH for their support of the jazz scene in the North East (and beyond) - it's no exaggeration to say that if it wasn't for them many, many fine musicians, bands and projects across a huge cross section of jazz wouldn't be getting reviewed at all, because we're in the "desolate"(!) North. (M & SSBB on F/book 23/12/24)

Postage

18395 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 259 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 30 ), 69

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

From This Moment On

March

Tue 31: Bede Trio @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. Albert Hills Wright (alto sax); Finn Carter (piano); Michael Dunlop (double bass).

April

Wed 01: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 01: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 01: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 02: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: Musicians playing classical & orchestral music.
Thu 02: The Noel Dennis Band @ Prohibition Bar, Albert Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RU. 7:00pm (doors). £10.84. Quartet plus special guest Zoë Gilby. Over 21s only.
Thu 02: Renegade Brass Band @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 02: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00. adv..
Thu 02: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 03: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 03: King Bees @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle. 7:00pm (doors). Free. Chicago blues.

Friday, May 09, 2014

Katherine Stone Quartet w. Paul Gowland @ Ashington Jazz Club May 7.

Katherine Stone (vocal); Stu Collingwood (keys); Paul Grainger (bass); Steve Doyle (drums); Paul Gowland (tenor).
(Review/Photo by Peter S.)
The appearance of Katherine Stone and her Quartet drew a good crowd including members old and new. Ms. Stone, not long back after a lengthy engagement on "the high seas", had managed to get together a unique group of exceptionally good musicians. Although there had been little time to discuss arrangements before taking to the stage the group blended together seamlessly. This has always amazed me, how do they achieve that? It just goes to show how accomplished these musicians are. Three of them were appearing at Ashington for the first time and they expressed their enjoyment through the music they produced.
We have witnessed our vocalist's ability and confidence growing and she was organised with electronic tablets for all of the band. She also has a comfortable audience relationship.
The vocal interpretations and instrumental improvisations were applauded by our enthusiastic audience and I'm sure band and singer knew our responses were genuine.
A sound selection of classic songbook material by this exceptionally good combo makes then highly recommended.
As the AJC continues to offer a variety of jazz  may I remind you all of the the next two events:
Wednesday June 4 - Gavin Lee's Dixieland Group.
Wednesday July 2 - Djangologie.
Both at The Elephant, Ashington. 8pm.
Peter S.

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