CD Review: Kelley Suttenfield and Tony Romano - Among The Stars

Kelley Suttenfield (vocals); Tony Romano (guitar)

(Review by Ann Alex).

This is Kelley Suttenfield’s second CD.  She has performed in the USA and Europe, and her guitarist is a musician and educator with 20 years experience.  On this enjoyable CD they give us 5 jazz standards, plus songs by Neil Young (Harvest Moon); KD Lang (Wash Me Clean); Carol King (One Fine Day); Buffy Sainte-Marie (Until It’s Time For You To Go); and Bob Dylan’s I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight.  

Jazz Education Program to start at the Globe

Jazz.Coop is starting a new learning programme in October, to be held in the refurbished Globe, which is the first co-operatively owned music venue in the UK.  

The new programme comprises a 10-week improvisation course for all instruments, a 5-session advanced jazz guitar course and a monthly amateur jam session. The programme builds on the success of the monthly Play Jazz! workshops that Jazz.Coop has been running for the last 12 months in association with Sage Gateshead. These workshops will continue to be held on the first Saturday of each month at the Sage.

CD Review: Jacob Karlzon 3 - Shine

Jacob Karlzon (piano, keys, synths & programming); Hans Anderson (bass); Robert Mehmet Ikiz (drums).

(Review by JC)

Jacob Karlzon is a new name to me but he was initially widely known as a piano partner of Viktoria Tolstoy and he released a well-received debut trio record More in 2012. In the sleeve notes to this new album Shine he describes his aim as wanting to combine the best of two worlds: '- the openness, curiosity and energy of jazz, and the power, catchiness and the production techniques of pop'. At first glance this was not a project to set my pulses racing as it has never seemed to me a combination that enriches either genre. And this was confirmed somewhat by a number of the tracks that feature the piano/keys over the solid rhythm section and various background washes of synths and programming. Enjoyable but not particularly outstanding.

Salute Adolphe with Stobart, Brass Jaw and more

(Report by Russell)

Radio 3 is the place to be this Saturday (August 30). Kathy Stobart is remembered on Jazz Record Requests (5:00pm) - nice one Hugh! and Brass Jaw come from the Edinburgh Fringe at six o’clock (Jazz Line-Up). The midnight appreciation of Mose Allison should be worth a listen (Geoffrey Smith’s Jazz) then on Sunday afternoon Radio 4 (1:30pm) broadcasts a programme that isn’t about jazz or maybe it is…The Map That Made Manhattan is a half hour documentary ‘Filled with the sounds and atmosphere of New York...’ Odds on a film noir, Bowery Boys, Hopper-esque soundtrack!

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ The Millstone. August 28

(Review by Russell).

This being the holiday season most of the sections in the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band were bolstered by deps. The band’s last Thursday in the month date at the Millstone goes from strength to strength – no matter who answers Michael Lamb’s call, all do a sterling job.

A late summer upturn in the weather made for something approaching a summer evening; the upstairs room in the Millstone on Haddricks Mill Road resembled a boiler shop. Beer, wine, bottled water, all slaked a thirst. The first set started slightly late due to a straggling dep who shall remain nameless. Once Paul Grainger was set-up and ready to go (oops!), a cracking take on Lester Leaps In featured the first of many tenor solos from Jamie Toms. JT took full advantage of the absent Paul Gowland, the second tenor chair being occupied by dep Kim Webb. Blues Machine heard solos from Keith Robinson (alto) and trombone section stalwart Mark Ferris with the reeds’ ensemble work a highlight.

Jazz In The Afternoon; Tynemouth Metro Station : Thursday August 28

As I [Ann Alex] write this, I’m not sure if I’m a restaurant critic, jazz reviewer or diarist, as this event had all these elements mixed up together. My long-standing friend Mary and I were meeting to eat at Davanti's, an Italian  restaurant next to Porters Coffee House on Tynemouth Metro Station (I hadn't realised they had porters on metro stations, I certainly didn't see any - perhaps they were all drinking coffee.)
Delicious: I had vegetable lasagne, followed by tiramisu, Mary treated herself to chicken risotto, then cheesecake. (I sound like Lance on Mondays at the Cherry Tree.)  We next looked at photos of Mary’s grandchildren, aged 2 and 5 (aaah) and of myself singing on a Tyne ferry trip in 2012 (best not to ask!).

Willie Payne remembered

This was posted as a  comment on an earlier  post but I felt the sincerity expressed by Colin deserved more. (Lance.)

----- 

"I'm pleased to see that Willie Payne is so well respected and remembered.
I first watched Willie on TTT where he used to sit in the canteen with his guitar until an announcement said “willie to Studio?” 

He would go to the studio and play solo jazz as long as needed. This was in the days of unedited TV.

The saddest thing I heard him say was, when he was in the resident band at the Sands Club, Whitley Bay he was thinking of swopping his jazz guitar for “one of those electric things” so he could fit into the band better. Hope he never did.

My other local hero was Charlie Smith. I took over studio guitar after Charlie (with Ken Maddison}.
Charlie told me he was a banjo player but got a gig on guitar so he pawned his banjo and tuned the guitar like his banjo. He thought afterwards, there must be more to the guitar than this and a long term love started."

Colin Woodland.

CD Review: Manu Katché - Touchstone for Manu

(Review by Lance)

This is an absolutely enthralling compilation. Contemporary? Yes! Melodic? Most certainly!! Touchstone For Manu is one of those very rare occasions when it DOES mean a thing if it ain't got that swing! Then again, maybe it does have that swing, Upon reflection, that swing is there in all good jazz, even if we don't always recognise it! We can be fooled as sometimes it's disguised in different forms, time signatures, even when there is no discernible  time signature, key or changes. But, if it's got it, it's got it.

As Lieber and Stoller, Peggy Lee and Zoe Gilby have said - Some Cats Know.

These cats know!
Released August 18 on ECM.

Lance..

RIP Richard Attenborough

We all remember Lord Richard Attenborough for his various roles in films such as The Great Escape and my personal favourite Brighton Rock (The remake didn't even come close) but Simon Spillett has drawn my attention to this still from the film All Night Long.

In the picture "Dickie" is on vibes next to Tubby Hayes (also on vibes) with Allan Ganley on the left of the shot. Somebody remind me who the bass player is? Mingus was in the film but it sure ain't him!

RIP Lord Attenborough, sadly missed.

Lance.
PS: He also did a pretty good job on mass murderer Christie in 10 Rillington Place...
PPS: Here's the opening ten minutes to All Night Long - sent by John Taylor.

The Savannah Jazz Band @ The Customs House, South Shields. August 25.

John Meehan (dms); Bill Smith (cor/vcl/hca); Roger Myerscough (clt/alt/vcl); Brian Ellis (tmb/pno); Bill Lawrence (bs); Chris Marney (bjo/vcl).

(Review by Lance).

This was like walking back in time and encountering the ghosts of the Panama Jazzmen, the Rivermouth Jazzmen, the River City Jazzmen, Clem Avery, Hughie Aitchison's Cellarmen and various reincarnations of the Vieux Carré Jazzmen - the latest of which had been playing that very afternoon but a couple of miles away across the river (as the seagull flies).

The silver haired audience showed their appreciation of the silver haired stomping Savannahs, applauding solos and laughing at the jokes.

Edinburgh venue The Outhouse wins a Herald Angel award at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

(Report by Rob Adams).

The Outhouse, which is home to the weekly Playtime series of Thursday jazz concerts and hosted Playtime’s first Fringe run this year, has been presenting jazz on the Fringe since 2009 and this year featured American singers Barbara Morrison and Lillian Boutté and Barbadian saxophonist Arturo Tappin as well as shows involving Scottish musicians including singer Alison Affleck and pianist David Patrick.

It's a Trad Day Today!

Today isn't just a Bank Holiday - if you're a Trad fan then it is the Bank Holiday!

Over on the north sde of the river we have two sessions stomping under the Jazz in the Afternoon banner.

Firstly we have the band of the same name strutting their stuff at their regular Monday lunchtime session at Cullercoats Club (1pm) then, just along the coast, the Vieux Carré Jazzmen are entertaining commuters and daytrippers on Tynemouth Station (1-4pm.).

In the evening we move south of the river to the Customs House in South Shields where West Yorkshire's top classic jazzmen - the Savannah Jazz Band  - take to the stage at 7.45pm.

The band, which features Roger Myerscough on clarinet (no stranger to this area) have a pedigree too lengthy to list here so I suggest a visit to their website to discover what's in store for you tonight!.

Lance.

Hurry! Book now for Woodlawn

New plots have recently been released next to Jazz Corner in Woodlawn Cemetery, NYC  and three quarters of them have already been snapped up. One dyed-in-the-wool fan paid a jazz-cool $10,000 for her spot near to those of Duke, Miles et al.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living jazz musician, Trombone Shorty continues to tour the album – Say That to Say This – and in doing so continues to speak of the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. TS was one of the lucky ones. He got out of New Orleans, heading  for Houston, making it far as Dallas (the eight hour journey taking him more than twenty hours). He switched on the tv in his hotel room to see friends and neighbours clinging to rooftops. He formed his first band at a young age recruiting his peers…four, five and six year olds!   

Thanks to the BBC World Service for fulfilling its public service jazz broadcasting remit – Weekend for the Woodlawn item (6.05am) and Outlook for interviewing Trombone Shorty (7.32am). Both programmes broadcast August 24 and available for 7 days on BBCiplayer..      

Russell.  

CD Review: Nancy Kelly - B That Way.

Nancy Kelly (vcl); Dino Losito (B3); Jerry Weldon (ten); Peter Bernstein (gtr); Carmen Intorre (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Yet another vocalist! They sprout overnight like mushrooms - on both sides of The Pond. 

The Huffington Post describes mushrooms as: ...They can even be magical. They have the ability to add a depth of flavour to our dishes that is otherwise unattainable.

Ms Kelly is just such a delicacy - perhaps a Chanterelle (fruity and peppery) - and she certainly makes her mark on this, her long awaited 5th CD and her first with the B3 line-up.

Play Jazz Workshop @ Sage Gateshead

It's time to enrol for the next jazz workshop at Sage Gateshead - I know some of you leave it to the last moment to buy tickets but it's really helpful if we know in advance who is coming.

If you haven't been to one of these workshops before, don't be shy, give it a try. Each workshop is self-contained and not part of a course.  Usually about a third of the participants are new.

If you haven't been for a while, I have to tell you that the workshops have been getting better and better. The feedback forms have been extraordinarily positive.

And if you have been recently, you know how good they are. Please book again.

You can book online here http://www.sagegateshead.com/event/play-jazz-workshop33075/

or by phoning the Sage ticket office 0191 443 4661

or by visiting the Sage in person

If you've got any specific questions please email me

Dave Parker

CD Review: Larry Fuller.

Larry Fuller (pno); Hassan Shakur (bs); Greg Hutchinson (dms).

(Review by Dave Brownlow).

Larry Fuller’s second piano trio album as a leader showcases his formidable technique in the mainstream tradition. Fuller, pianist in bassist Ray Brown’s last trio, also worked with Ernestine Anderson and John Pizzarelli among others. There is no doubt that Oscar Peterson is a huge influence on Larry’s style together with other forceful players like Gene Harris and Monty Alexander. The material is all very familiar – three songs from the GASbook, eight jazz classics plus a more contemporary item.

Customs House Jazz

Next week sees some jazz happenings at the Customs House, South Shields and some jazz not happening at the Customs House, South Shields.

First the good news.

On Monday (August 25) the very stomp-worthy Savannah Jazz Band strut their stuff. Lovers of New Orleans style jazz will not want to miss this one! 7.45pm - £15.

Then on Thursday (August 28) there is a double treat in store. Ruth Lambert serenades the diners with a lunchtime special. Regarded as one of the top jazz singers in and beyond the area Ruth's trio will enhance any menu. 1pm. £12.50 inc. light lunch.

In the evening, long before the sun goes down, the Big Chris Barber Band play a mix that runs from New Orleans to Harlem with some Ellington and Bechet thrown in alongside the classics associated with the legendary trombonist. 7.45pm £20.

Now the bad news.

Friday's concert by YolanDa Brown will not take place on Friday August 29. Instead the popular saxist has, I'm told, been rescheduled to appear in March 2015.

Lance.

The 4 Bs – Bacall, Barber, Brecon & Bremen

BBC and ITV fall short in marking the passing of Lauren Bacall. ITV screens Murder on the Orient Express (Saturday 23 August, 3:55pm).On Monday the Beeb does a little better with a repeat showing of Talking Pictures (BBC 2, 1:30pm) and at five past two settle down to North West Frontier.    

The Big Chris Barber Band can be heard in concert on Jazz Line-Up (Saturday, Radio 3, 6:00pm) recorded at the recent Brecon Jazz Festival. Barber follows your five o’clock appointment with Jazz Records Requests. Holiday Monday Jazz on 3 (11:00pm) reports from Jazzahead in Bremen. Wednesday’s Proms Plus Late (Radio 3, 10:00pm) presents a poet – Dominic Hale – and the Ashley Henry Trio. The AH3 (Leeds College of Music graduates) are Henry (piano), Simon Read (bass) and Sam Gardner (drums).

Moira Stuart’s Strong and Sassy – Inspiring Women of Jazz concludes with two icons in the spotlight (Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan) on Thursday evening over on Radio 2 at 10:00pm.     

Russell.

Pilgrim St. Set @ Hoochie Coochie August 22

Gary Turner (ten); Lloyd Wright (gtr); Paul Susans (bs gtr); Rob Walker (dms).
(Review by Lance).,

Those around me expressed reservations when it was revealed that "The Pilgrims" would be sans Edis and Burns. However, when Wright hit the ground 'strumming,' the doubters became devotees as the young Fenderman, spurred on by Walker and Susans, laid down the first of the evening's grooves. 

CD Review: Blue-Eyed Hawk – Under the Moon

Lauren Kinsella (voice), Alex Roth (guitar, effects, synth, voice), Laura Jurd (trumpet, synth, voice), Corrie Dick (drums, percussion, harmonium, piano, voice).

(Review by Hugh Cochrane)

Blue-Eyed Hawk are a London-based band who take their name from a line in a W.B. Yeats poem Under the Moon. This their debut album, titled after the same poem.

The album is a record sellers nightmare, as it defies classification by genre. While there are certainly elements of jazz in what is offered, it would probably not be out of place any of the conventional categories.

Writing is shared between all four musicians, each contributing in more or less equal measure across the album. Kinsella and Jurd also wrote some of the lyrics with acknowledgements of inspiration to W.B. Yeats, Seamus Heaney, and Armand Silvestre.

Tonight at Hoochie Coochie

Don't miss Hoochie tonight - it will be superb.  Regular Monthly house band The Pilgrim St Set return for a funked up, jazzed up, collection of tunes known & unknown. This month's line up features regulars Paul Susans (bass), Rob Walker (drums), Gary Turner (sax) with special guest Lloyd Wright (guitar) launching The Pilgrim St Set's "Book of Groove" - A device for getting new & classic grooves into the set.

8pm - 54 Pilgrim St., Newcastle NE1 6SF

FREE ENTRY!

2 FOR 1 ON COCKTAILS TILL 10PM!

Lance.

CD Review: Solitary Moon - Ginger Berglund & Scott Whitfield Sing the Johnny Mandel Songbook

(Review by Lance.).
Remember Jackie & Roy - Jackie Cain & Roy Kral - who provided the bop vocals in Charlie Ventura's Bop For The People band and who, later on, recorded many albums under their own name? Of course you do and so do I. They were a class act.
Well, in the form of Ginger Berglund and Scott Whitfield, they ride again and in good company (see list of featured soloists below). Add the music of Johnny Mandel, lyrics by such as Dave Frishberg and Alan and Marilyn Bergman and arrangements by Whitfield, who also cooks up some tasty trombone solos, and you have the recipe for a very satisfying album. 

CD Review: Andy Milne and Dapp Theory – Forward in All Directions

Andy Milne (piano, prepared piano, Fender Rhodes and synths), Aaron Kruziki (soprano and alto saxophones, clarinet, bass clarinet and douduk), John Moon (vocal poetics), Christopher Tordini (acoustic and electric bass), Kenny Grohowski (drums and percussion).

(Review by Hugh Cochrane).

This is Andy Milne's first recording for Whirlwind Recordings. It is Dapp Theory's third release and features guest performances from Ben Monder (guitar), and Jean Baylor and Gretchen Parlato (vocals).

Dapp Theory was formed by Milne in 1998 to “tell passionate stories, promote peace and inspire collective responsibility towards uplifting the human spiritual condition”. The music seeks to explore the truths that exist in universal wisdom, while creatively expressing life’s journeys.

Preview - Chapel Allerton Festival, Leeds.

This year the Chapel Allerton Festival in Leeds features the Leeds Youth Jazz Rock Orchestra, just back from a tour of South Africa, bassist Simon Read's new Octet with rising trumpet star Laura Jurd, Richard Ormrod’s seven piece ska tribute to John Coltrane  “A Dread Supreme”, trumpeter Enrico Marchesi’s brand new edition of his salsa band “Bourbon et Tequila” and the nine piece blues band led by guitarist Al Morrison- the  Blues Experience. All these dates are on Sunday 31 August - the music starts at 12.30pm and finishes at 5.30pm and costs only £3 in the famous festival buckets.

Paul Edis Trio @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. August 17

Paul Edis (piano), Mick Shoulder (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums)

(Review by Russell).

On leaving the Black Bull at the end of the evening one astute listener said: Paul was inspired tonight!  Pianist Paul Edis is at the top of his game and one wonders what the future holds. The intimate jazz club setting will continue to offer Edis opportunities to play but what of the bigger stage (the concert hall platform)? Piano trios are big news, they’re everywhere – Sage Gateshead, the London halls, the Big Apple, splashed over double page spreads in the jazz press. If there was any justice Edis would be landing at JFK ahead of a headline appearance at the Village Vanguard!

Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party Update

The Annual Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party, which this year takes place over the weekend of November 7-9 at the Village Hotel near Shiremoor, is an event that attracts musicians and classic jazz fans from all over the world. Deservedly so as you will discover when you click on the poster at the top of the left hand column.

On the Monday following this year's Jazz Party weekend, Julio Schwarz Andrade and Paul Adams from Lake Records are planning to record an album of tunes that Bix is known to have played, but that he never recorded. Andrade and Adams intend to use some of the great musicians coming to the CJP, particularly those who know the Bix style inside out, so it's going to be world-class Jazz recorded in Newcastle!

Full details can be found on the Lake Records Facebook page.

www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-Records/363827747045326  

In the meantime, there are still a few tickets (and rooms should you wish to make a weekend of it) available for the party. http://www.whitleybayjazzfest.org/
Lance.

A Celebration of Chris Hodgkins’ 29 years as Director of Jazz Services at PizzaExpress Jazz Club Tuesday August 26 doors 7pm, £15 - CHRIS HODGKINS QUARTET

Chris Hodgkins (tp), Diane McLoughlin (ss/as), Max Brittain (gt), Alison Rayner (bs)

plus Special Guests

Henry Lowther (tp); Christine Tobin (vc); Andrea Vicari (pn); Sophie Alloway (dm); Charlotte Glasson (ts); Juliet Kelly (vc)

In May 2014 Chris Hodgkins retired after 29 years as Director of Jazz Services, the UK’s national support organisation for jazz. Chris is a fine trumpeter and composer in his own right as well as being a tireless champion for British jazz. For this very special night Chris celebrates his long career as a leading advocate for jazz with a stellar line-up of top UK musicians.

Tonight at 7 on BBC 4 TV.

Full details here of BBC 4's Battle of the Bands as part of the 2014 Prom season from the Royal Albert Hall.
What a line-up!
Lance.

Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ The Tyne Bar Newcastle August 16

Michael Lamb (MD), Pete Tanton, Tom Hill, Dick Stacey (tpts); Mark Ferris, Steve Grey, Mark Fletcher, John Flood (tmb); Steve Summers, Sue Ferris (alt); Jamie Toms, Paul Gowland (ten); Niall Armstrong (bar); Charles Harrison (pno); Pawel Jedrejewski (gtr); Michael Whent (bs); Guy Swinton (dms); James Hedley/Lindsay Hannon (vcls).

(Review by Lance).

Who in their right mind would arrange an open air gig in August! August in Newcastle? Not exactly Autumn in New York - more like Summer in Siberia. The wind howled, the audience shivered and the band blew - did they not!

22 tried and tested numbers that somehow sound different every time you hear them. Vocals by James and Lindsay and some fantastic solos made this an afternoon to remember.

Zoe Gilby Trio @ The Jazz Café. August 15

Zoe Gilby (vocals), Mark Williams (guitar) & Andy Champion (double bass)

(Review by Russell)

The Jazz Café’s last night of the summer season until September and the place was busy. More than busy, the place was packed. And no wonder, Zoe Gilby was holding court. A gig or two in the West Country, hundreds of miles on the clock, then back home to fulfil an engagement at the Pink Lane establishment.

R.I.P. Frankie Dunlop.

Belated information has come through that drummer Frankie Dunlop died last month (July) aged 85. Best remembered as a member of the definitive Thelonious Monk Quartet I personally remember him from a Lionel Hampton concert at Newcastle City Hall (see photo) back in 1983 - he retired shortly after, his name a legend in jazz drumology.

Obituary.

Lance.

Goodbye...Ginger

Sadly, Ginger - the coolest cat on our block for the past ten years - had to be put to sleep today.
Absolutely gutted.
RIP Dear Friend.
Lance.

The Collective @ Hoochie Coochie August 14

Dominic Snaith (gtr); Dan Fawzi (keys); Martyn Dixon (bs); Michael McCaughey (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Martyn said it would be different and it was!

Instead of playing masterly keyboard, Dominic proved to be equally adequate on lead guitar albeit without the flamboyance of Tim Bloomer - in the audience tonight after a continental trip fell through. The erstwhile keyboardist did a solid job as did his replacement, London based, Dan Fawzi.

Bet on a Weekend Double with the Tees Valley Jazzmen

Two opportunities this weekend to hear the long-established Tees Valley Jazzmen. On Saturday afternoon the TVJ entertain diners at the Devonport Hotel at the new time of 1:30pm. The hotel is in Middleton One Row (16-18 The Front), Darlington. DL2 1AS. The proprietor’s advice is to arrive early as the fortnightly session tends to get rather busy. Telephone: 01325 332255.

On Sunday afternoon the TVJ turn up in Spennymoor at the Olive Grove on Half Moon Lane (DL16 6HQ). Stomp off at the smart eaterie 1:00pm. Telephone: 01388 205689.

Russell.

Barry Manilow & All That Radio Jazz

(Preview by Russell)

First, a reminder of an unmissable television event this Sunday (17 August) – Battle of the Bands (BBC4, 7:00pm) featuring Clare Teal, Gregory Porter and two big bands slugging it out at this year’s Proms. Meanwhile on the wireless (the pictures are better) Bruce Turner is one of the requests on Jazz Record Requests (Radio 3, 5:00pm) and Jazz Line-Up, broadcast later than usual at 8:45pm (Radio 3), airs the second part of a concert recorded in Prague by John Scofield’s fantastic Uberjam Band.

Monday (18 August) tune into Paul Jones (Radio 2, 7:00pm) for an appreciation of the late Johnny Winter. At 11:00pm retune to Jazz on 3 (Radio 3) for some Edinburgh Festival highlights. Switch over to BBC 6 Music for a late night treat (2:00am) Alexis Korner: Rhythm and Blues Champion (the first of two programmes). Jamie Cullum meets Ben Jaffe, leader of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (Radio 2, Tuesday, 7:00pm) and at eleven o’clock Barry Manilow (Bazza on BSH!) looks at the work of Sammy Kahn in They Write the Songs. Finally, on Thursday the third part of Moira Stuart’s Strong and Sassy – Inspiring Women of Jazz (Radio 2, 10:00pm) focuses on Adelaide Hall.         

Russell.

Hoochie Coochie Birthday

Three years today since Hoochie Coochie opened.

Congratulations Warren you've done music and Newcastle proud and, of course, your charitable work that extends far beyond these shores speaks volumes.

Show your support for this fab venue tomorrow night when the Collective hit the deck running at 8.30pm.

It's free and cocktails are two for the price of one.

Lance.

RIP Lauren Bacall

I must confess that I can't recall ever seeing a Robin Williams movie although I'm sure, given the media coverage, he was a major star and due to the nature of his passing it is a story that will run and run.

By contrast, Lauren Bacall, who died August 12 aged 89, was a long time favourite of mine and I find it sad that the death of this icon has been overshadowed by that of Robin Williams.

The jazz content in her life?

Well there was the movie Young Man With a Horn with soundtrack by Harry James (it purported to tell the story of Bix but didn't). The Big Sleep where she croaked her way through And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine. To Have and to Have Not with Hoagy Carmichael singing Am I Blue? (it was claimed her voice was dubbed by Andy Williams!) and the famous line [to husband in real life Bogart] "You don't have to act with me, Steve. You don't have to say anything and you don't have to do anything. Oh, maybe just whistle. You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and... blow."
Sadly missed.

Obituary.
Lance.

CD Review: Scottish National Jazz Orchestra featuring Bobby Wellins - Culloden Moor Suite

Bobby Wellins (ten) w. SNJO led by Tommy Smith.
(Review by Lance).

You've got to hand it to them, they do it every year! The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra never fail to come up with a winner. Last year it was In the Spirit of Duke, this year it's  Bobby Wellins' Culloden Moor Suite featuring the composer himself on tenor sax.

Originally recorded by Wellins' Quartet over 50 years ago this big band version (a specially commissioned orchestration by Florian Ross) captures the drama, the bloodyness of battle, the emotive air of tragedy on the killing fields that was Culloden Moor in 1746. Wellins pours his Scottish soul into this epic musical enactment of that dark historical chapter. Perhaps no one could portray it better than the Glasgow born saxophonist, nor could he find a more supportive army than the first battalion of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.

This Sunday at Blaydon Jazz Club

Paul Edis Trio - Paul Edis pno, Mick Shoulder bass and Adam Sinclair dms.

Surely now one of the finest jazz pianist in the UK, Paul brings his acclaimed trio to play some great American Songbook gems and no doubt some superb original compositions too.  

Sunday August 17 - 8pm - £5.00. Black Bull, Bridge St., Blaydon.

Roly.

And Everybody Stayed - Paul Skerritt Band @ The Cherry Tree. August 11

Paul Skerritt (vcl); James Harrison (pno); Neil Harland (bs); Tom Chapman (dms).

(Review by Lance/photo by Simon).

Restaurant gigs, any musician will tell you, are gigs where the music runs a distant third behind the Crêpe Suzette or the latest piece of gossip! Even at a jazz orientated estab. such as the Cherry Tree I've witnessed some of the most wonderful music being totally unappreciated by the diners.

Tonight wasn't like that. 

CD Review: Matthieu Marthouret Bounce Trio - Small Streams ... Big Rivers

Matthieu Marthouret (org/keys); Toine Thys (ten); Gautier Garrigue (dms).
(Review by Lance).

A classic organ trio capable of laying down a groove without being stuck in a rut. The format may at times bring to mind past organ masters such as Shirley Scott, McDuff, McGriff or Wild Bill Davis but the end product is a few decades further down the line and more in keeping with the jazz of today (but fortunately not tomorrow!)

It's funky, it's danceable and it's very listenable.

Gary Copley on Radio York/Leeds

Listening to an interview with Jiggs Wigham (pictured at Corner House 1984) on Gary Copley's Sunday night show on Radio York/Leeds - 6pm-9pm. Urbie Green playing Love Walked In. - the bench mark for all trombone players!

Lance.
Link to show.

Gregory Porter Live @ Newport Jazz Festival.

Listen to our man Gregory at Newport in an hour long set courtesy of NPR.

A memory of Hoochie in March and a foretaste of Sage Gateshead in October.

Link.
Lance.

The Paul Skerritt Band @ Ashington Jazz Club August 6

Paul Skerritt (Vocals), James Harrison Keyboard), Anthony Ord (Bass), Tom Chapman (Drums).

(Review by Peter S.)

The August meeting at the AJC attracted our best audience of the year with the appearance of the Paul Skerritt Band. This was a first time for the Club witnessing an up-front male vocalist singing throughout the evening. Dave Hedley of the River City Jazzmen may have come close to this in the past and occasionally male instrumentalists in other bands vocalized but at this session the voice led from the front.

RIP Kenny Drew Jr.

Pianist Kenny Drew Jr. passed away on August 3. I only heard him once, some years back (2007), at Sage Gateshead with the Mingus Big Band. I was impressed.
Although his father was a renowned pianist he claimed not to have been influenced by him - perhaps it was in the genes.
Whatever, Kenny Drew Jr. left a considerable recorded legacy.
Sadly missed.
He was 56 years old...
Obituary.
Lance.

Paul Edis Trio @ The Jazz Café August 8

Paul Edis (pno); Mick Shoulder (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms).
(Review by Lance/photos courtesy of Mike Tilley.)

Previous keyboardists had opted for Nords and Rolands and other 'thingys' but Dr Edis elected to use the much maligned steam piano.

Tonight, that noble animal, under the capable jockey-ship of Paul Edis, proved itself to be no longer a selling plater but a potential Derby winner!

The trainer, or rather the tuner, had done the job well and the sound was superb, as was the playing.

Opening up with What is This Thing Called Love? (surrounded as I was by three charming ladies it was a question I too posed!) Paul impressed and the inevitable round of fours that are de rigueur with trios didn't do too much harm (actually they were great!)

The Mark Williams Trio @ The Cherry Tree, August 4

Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); Rob Walker (drums). (Review by JC).

By my reckoning the Cherry Tree has been running its free Monday night jazz sessions for at least five years and as far as I am aware, the sessions have taken place every Monday regardless of summer holidays and other events. This probably makes it the most consistent jazz session in the North East, which is no mean achievement. As I live just a couple of drumbeats away I have been there on quite a few occasions and have always had a good time both musically and gastronomically. I have heard all the best local and regional musicians in a variety of different bands some longstanding formations, others creatively brought together for the occasion. Also, musicians and singers from further afield pass through and often present a feast of great jazz.

CD Review: Grand Fatilla - Global Shuffle

Roberto Cassan (accordion); Matt Glover (electric mandolin); Fabio Pirozzolo (percussion, voice); Mike Rivard (double bass, sintir); also Claudio Ragazzi (acoustic and 12 string guitars, cuatro puertorriqueno); Christian Cassan (additional percussion)

(Review by Ann Alex).

Lance said ‘You’ll love this CD’ and he certainly wasn’t wrong, though I still don’t know what a ‘cuatro puertorrqueno’ is.  It sounds like a Spanish medicine.  The sintir is apparently a 3-stringed bass lute, so think Medieval for that one.  Anyway this is a humdinger of great listening, a whirl of world sounds, encompassing Bulgarian dance song, Moroccan chaabi grooves, Italian folk ballads and slinky tango rhythms.  Not jazz as such, but some tracks have what sound like improvised solos, so why worry about classifying it, the music is superb.

[To Stan Getz] "Isn't the saxophone the easiest instrument of all to play?"

[Getz's reply]: "Technically speaking, yes. I suppose it's the easiest from that point of view. Just to play the saxophone - well, that's not so hard to learn. But mere playing isn't enough. To be any good you have to play the saxophone properly, as you would any other instrument; you have to get a good musical sound and that is not so easy at all. The saxophone is - well, you might call it a b******d instrument. It's not pure, like the violin or the piano or the trumpet. You don't see any saxophones in symphony orchestras, you'll notice. The tenor, especially, is out of tune, in a sense, and a musician can pretty much make of the tenor saxophone what he will. That's one reason why there are so many tenor styles - or noises...To anyone just starting out who wants to study the tenor I'd suggest he first study piano, first learn what music itself is all about; the first thing is to become a musician, then a tenor saxophone player..."

From the sleeve notes to the above album. Thanks to Simon Spillett for sharing this quote which is very true.

Lance.

Fusion collective Fat-Suit hit the road in Europe

Scottish fifteen-piece fusion collective Fat-Suit have announced their first European tour, beginning later this month. The band, which formed last year and has been hailed as the Scottish representation of the spirit of Loose Tubes and American funksters Snarky Puppy, has made a big impression at Aberdeen and Edinburgh jazz festivals this year and recently caused much excitement at the more mainstream music event, the Wickerman Festival in the Scottish Borders.

Co-op's Dividends (Musically speaking)

The Jazz Co-op, based at The Globe pub, Newcastle languishes in the shadow of the Metro Arena. However, as the refurbishment gains momentum the languishing and the shadows are receding and, as befits its location on Railway Street, it's full steam ahead with some ambitious programming.

This includes an appearance by the Clark Tracey Quintet on Saturday November 1 (plus afternoon drum workshop by CT) and a mouthwatering gig by American saxist Benn Clatworthy in the company of fellow American Cecilia Coleman on piano with Brits Simon Thorpe and Matt Home on bass and drums respectively. This latter gig is on Thursday November 20.

More details of these and other happenings can be found on the Co-op's website.

Lance.

CD Review: Topology & Trichotomy - Healthy.

Topology: John Babbage (sax/fl); Kylie Davidson (pno); Robert Davidson (bs); Bernard Hoey (vla); Christa Powell (vln).
Trichotomy: Sean Foran (pno); John Parker (perc); Pat Marchisella (bs).

What happens when you put two of Australia's most inventive bands together, one taking a completely fresh look at the classic jazz piano trio, the other reinventing chamber music? You get music like no other - music that sounds like right now, with infectious grooves and seductive melodies, taking the best from a plethora of influences.

CD Review: Minimal Klezmer - OY OIOI

Francesco Socal (clts); Roberto Durante (pno/mel/objects); Martin Teshome (cello).
(Review by Lance).

My knowledge of Klezmer music could be written in two words with the latter word being "all". Now, such are the all encompassing  tentacles of this music we call jazz, with the landing of this disc on my doormat, I'm expected to be an expert on yet another of the jazz fringes! 

In actual fact, Klezmer is probably less of a fringer than so much contemporary improv is!

Jazz Café Jam. August 5.

Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Paul Wight (dms) + Bradley Johnston (gtr); Ray Burns (hca); Cormack Loane (alt); Nick Gould (ten); James Creswick (bs); Jordan Alfonso (alt); Eric Stutt (dms); A.N. Others on guitar/flute/keys.

(Review by Lance).

This week's jam was jam-packed - the joint jumped!

The house trio set the bar level high on Bouncing With Bud and Wave. Bradley Johnston kept it there Meeting Miss Jones in the process. Ray Burns gave us Body and Soul. All the Things You Are, There Will Never be Another You and Cantaloupe Island followed bringing a new bass player on stage. Wearing a jauntily angled baseball cap I pigeon-holed him as a rapper or a hiphopper - how wrong can you get? James Creswick, of the musically notable Creswick family, proved to be as adept a jazz bassist as his father is a violinist and conductor.

CD Review: Dave Kain - Raising Kain.

Dave Kain (gtr); Thomson Kneeland (bs); Joe Abba (dms).
(Review by Lance).

An unfamiliar name to me, Berklee student and recipient of a bachelors degree in jazz improvisation from Five Towns College of Music, Long Island, Kain impresses with this, his first trio album.

Playing original material, the guitarist displays sensitivity and a lyricism normally associated with longer, more established names. Reflective and thoughtful, this is music to devour whilst languishing in the shade. Even the up-tempo swingers are relaxed such is the warmth of his playing.

On drums, Abba is indeed a Super Trouper soloing and supporting, sympathetically contributing to the ambiance of the album. Likewise, bassist Kneeland adds his own brand of melodic and harmonic awareness to the mix. 

Previous albums include Citizen Kain, No Pain No Kain - what's the odds the next one will be Sugar Kain?

A disc for those who like to hear jazz guitar sans pedals.   

Dave Kain - Raising Kain  was released in June on Stop Time Records.

YouTube.

Lance.

             

Jazz Co-op News.

The Jazz Co-op would like jazz musicians and bands who are interested in playing at The Globe, Newcastle, to contact us using the form on the Jazz Co-op website. http://jazz.coop/contact/

The Jazz Co-op have an inclusive and very wide definition of jazz – from Trad to Avant Garde, from Latin to Celtic, from solo piano to big band.

The intent is to encourage new bands as well as providing a new venue for established ensembles.
(Photo courtesy of Ken Drew)

Joshua Redman @ Jazz en la Costa, Almunecar, Spain, July 21

Joshua Redman (sax) , Aaron Goldberg (piano), Reuben Rogers (bass) and Gregory Hutchinson (drums).

(Review by JC). 
Almunecar is a very pretty coastal town on the Costa Tropical in Southern Spain. One thing it's famous for is being the town where Laurie Lee ended up after his epic walk through the length of the country in 1936 with just a fiddle and a loaf of bread in a knotted handkerchief on the end of a stick as luggage. Unfortunately, he arrived in the middle of the Spanish civil war and things were a bit dangerous as the next town along was on a different side to Almunecar, so eventually he had to be rescued by the British navy. He later wrote about his adventures in his book As I walked Out One Midsummer Morning.

Sant Andreu Jazz Band Reign in Spain

Just watched/listened to the Sant Andreu Jazz Band with alto player Jesse Davis playing Benny Carter's Easy Money. Even taking alto wiz Davis out of the equation this still adds up to one superb band - imagine what they'll be like when they leave school!

Thank you Patti D for bringing this amazing band to my attention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjo75CFJjG4.
Lance.

Iceni @ Cumberland Arms. August 3

Lindsay Hannon (vcl/bs gtr); Elizabeth Corney (vcl/keys); Caroline Roach (vcl/dms).

(Review by Lance).

The sun was shining but the wind had arrived via Siberia which meant that sitting supping wasn't as serene a setting as it usually is at the Cumberland Arms. Nonetheless, Iceni* generated enough heat to ensure that our timbers didn't shiver too much.

Zoe Gilby and Mark Williams : Jazz Cafe: Saturday August 2

Zoe Gilby (voice); Mark Williams (guitar).

(Review by Ann).

This was billed in the Jazz Café leaflet as a different take on the Great American Songbook and it more than lived up to its description from the very first song, Don’t Get Around Much Any More right through to the last, a stomping blues, with a special appearance by Pete Gilligan on the house piano .In between we were treated to standards played as skilfully and entertainingly as we've come to expect from this hugely talented duo.

Next Week at the Spanish City Plaza

Start date: 04-AUG-2014 - End date: 10-AUG-2014 Time: 12-4pm Venue: Spanish City Plaza

Contact telephone number: 0191 643 7409

Supported by Capita, this week of classic jazz sees daily 45 minute sets at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3.15pm...

Monday 4 The Vieux Carre Jazzmen

Tuesday 5 Broadway Melody

Wednesday 6 New Orleans Jazz Band

Thursday 7 Friends of Jazz

Friday 8 Broadway Melody

Saturday 9 The Vieux Carre Jazzmen

Sunday 10 New Orleans Jazz Band.

Details from North Tyneside Council Website

Thanks to John Taylor for information.

RIP Lol Wells.

Just received the following sad news from Gene Jarred:

Lol Wells, Alto/Baritone with all the good bands on Teesside and greater area passed
away last night in hospital.

More details as and when I receive them.

Lance.

Alan Glen Trio @ Jazz Café August 1

Alan Glen (pno); John Pope (bs); Mike Humble (dms).
(Review by Lance).

A laid back, relaxed evening of  classic modern jazz piano. Communication with the audience may have been done through the music rather than with words but, what music!

A tried and tested selection of standards and originals by a pianist who is now legendary in north east jazz circles. As The Bard once wrote, back in 1606, Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety. Fast forward 400 years, substitute his for her and Will could have been writing about tonight!

Zane Lowe's Hottest Record of the Week (Radio 2)

Not really relevant to a jazz blog except Hudson Taylor happen to be the sons of Andy Hudson former leader of Newcastle Big Band and co-promoter of various jazz festivals in Newcastle, Middlesbrough and London (Capital Jazz Festival).

Zane Lowe nominated Hudson Taylor's Chasing Rubies as Radio Two's Hottest Record of the Week - check it out here. There's 4 days to go.

Give the boys our congratulations Andy.

Lance.

RIP Idris Muhammad.

Drum legend Idris Muhammad passed away Tuesday July 29 aged 74.
In career that began with Fats Domino and Blueberry Hill, Muhammad played with many jazz greats including Gene Ammons, Lou Donaldson, Ahmad Jamal, Andrew Hill and Pharoah Saunders proving an inspiration to others drummers and a musician capable of crossing all genres.
Rest In Peace.
Obituary.
Lance.

Sits Vac.

National Youth Jazz Collective (NYJC) is recruiting a new Chair for its Board of Trustees - deadline 5pm 19th September

After five years of service, NYJC’s beloved chair, Martin Kemp,  is stepping down 

“Now is the time for a new chair to take over, to work closely with NYJC’s Artistic Director and CEO as she leads NYJC into its recently elevated status of NPO, filling a key role in driving the organisation forward through a period of significant change and expansion” 

Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ The Millstone. July 31.

Michael Lamb (MD), Gordon Marshall, Dick Stacey (tpts); Mark Ferris, Kieran Parnaby, Michael Fletcher, Matthew Fletcher, Robert "Pez" Perry (tmb); Steve Summers, Keith Robinson, Paul Gowland, Jamie Toms, Laurie Rangecroft (reeds); Chris Harrison (pno); Bradley Johnston (gtr); Michael Whent (bs); Guy Swinton (dms).

(Review by Lance).

In the upper room, the disciples of the SSBB numbered many more than the traditional twelve. The gospel had been preached even unto Cullercoats from whence many travelled overland to worship and drink goblets of Real Ale.

It was well worth the journey to the promised land for yea verily this nomadic band of musical vagabonds were in fine form.