Desert Island Discs

Bill Gallon drew this item to our attention - Louis Armstrong Desert Island Discs Archived On-line.
Thanks Bill.
Lance.

Dead Hedge Trio @ The Jazz Café. January 30

Nick Branton (tenor saxophone & clarinet), Rory Ballantyne (guitar) & Michael Metcalfe (drums) 

(Review by Russell/photos by Kath Jobes - left - and Mike Tilley - Right.)

All seats were taken before the eight o’clock start. The Dead Hedge Trio started on time. Liverpool based, a gig in Leeds the previous evening, the trio were, for the first time, on the road in earnest. Saxophone, guitar and drums and, of course, a few pedals. Tenor man Nick Branton the (visual) focus, the trio kicked-off with North West and Lonely Woman. The Jazz Café, essentially a standards jazz venue, took a little while adjusting to the sound of Dead Hedge.

Gig of the Month (January)

I haven't been to very many gigs this month so perhaps my colleagues Russell, Steve, Ken, Ann, Kath etc can add their choices.

For me the Paul Skerritt Band at Hoochie Coochie stood out as did The Allsorts Band at The Globe, The DB Project at the Jazz Café and, of course, the two jam sessions at the latter venue.

I look forward to your choices.
Lance.
PS: Of course tonight's gigs at the Jazz Café or The Globe could well join the above list!

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ The Millstone. January 29

(Review by Russell)

The Strictly Smokin’ session at the Millstone is fast becoming the ‘must get to’ gig on the local scene, second only to the band’s all too infrequent appearances at Hoochie Coochie. Word of mouth has ensured all seats are taken in advance of the seven o’clock start in the upstairs room of the Haddricks Mill Road hostelry. Arrive early to bag a seat.

One or two deps (to be expected in a band of this size) spiced it up a bit and MD Michael Lamb went to and fro – trumpet section to rostrum – keeping an eye/ear on developments.  For openers – Song for My Father and the sing-a-long Sweet Georgia Brown.

CD of the Month (January)

As usual there has been no shortage of CDs for review this month and, in any other month, just about each and every one could have got the nod.
As it is, my choice goes to
The Jeff Hamilton Trio - Great American Songs (Capri Records).
Closely followed in no particular order by
Kenny Wheeler - Songs For Quintet (ECM).
Tom Green Septet - Skyline * (Spark).
Alex Garnett - Andromeda (Whirlwind).
Wildflower Sextet - Wildflower. (Jellymould).
These are purely my choices, I'm sure our other reviewers/readers will have their own ideas so please let us have them.
Lance.
* The Tom Green Septet are at the Jazz Café (Newcastle) on Tuesday Feb. 24.

Jason Isaacs

The date for your diary is Sunday February 8  at Hoochie Coochie (5pm, doors 4pm)..

Jason Isaacs!

Jason goes down a storm wherever he appears, be it at Newcastle City Hall, Bon Bar or Boisdale down in London's trendy Canary Wharf.

He blows good saxophone too and has a band of aces backing him up.

The occasional Sunday Afternoon Swing Sessions at Hoochie  with the Strictly Smokin' Big Band and The Paul Skerritt Band have pulled in the fans and I'm sure Jason Isaacs and the Ambassadors of Swing will do likewise.

£15 - sale of the century!

Lance.

EP Review: The Hot Wok - I Have to Peas

Raúl Romo(alt/bar); Gonzalo Fdz. de Larinoa (tmb); Perico Ráez (dms); Jon Ander Sanchez Revach (helicon); Coco G. Diez (vbs).

(Review by Lance).

I'm not quite sure how to pigeon-hole this disc from Spain - Spanish Funk? (Spunk!). It's dancy, it's jazzy and I'm not surprised that Hoochie offered them a gig if they came to NEUK (North East United Kingdom) - they're that kind of band - NUKE them they would!.

Take it to the Bridge @ The Chillingham. January 28

Dave Weisser (trumpet & vocals), Don Forbes (trumpet), Rachel Richman (alto saxophone), Barry Ascroft (keyboards), Ray Truscott (electric bass), Norman Redhead (drums) & Matthew MacKellar (drums).

(Review by Russell)

Alice in Wonderland. Stop! said workshop leader Dave Weisser. A false start. The ‘E’ is missing, I can’t play the melody said Barry Ascroft. How reassuring to know that some things are for ever! Take it to the Bridge keeps on keeping on at the Chillingham, come rain or come snow.

Snow flakes skirting the Chilli, someone called a couple of Jobim tunes – the wonderful juxtaposition wasn’t lost (a chilly Chillingham to a cooking Copocabana). Jobim didn’t proceed without discussion: Nah, scrap that, come in last beat, fourth bar. You couldn’t make it up! Drummer Norman Redhead had seen and heard it all before, taking it in his stride. Weisser decided to opt out of Joy Spring and Redhead willingly vacated the drum stool to the late arriving Matthew MacKellar (detention at school? – “Not quite my tempo Matthew”).

The Globe in February...

Some good things happening at the Railway Street HQ of the Jazz Co-op next month - check them out here.
Lance

CD review: Jack DeJohnette – Made in Chicago

Jack DeJohnette (drums), Muhal Richard Abrams (piano), Larry Gray (double bass & cello), Roscoe Mitchell (sopranino, soprano & alto saxophones, baroque flute, bass recorder) & Henry Threadgill (alto saxophone & bass flute)

(Review by Russell).

Made in Chicago was made at the 2013 Chicago Jazz Festival. Five veterans of the scene on Chicago’s Southside united after fifty years travelling the globe in their own and other bands to open the thirty fifth edition of the Windy City’s annual parkland jazz jamboree. 

Jack DeJohnette accepted an invitation to put together a group entirely of his choosing to play music of his/their choosing. The legendary drummer made a few calls to friends and the project was on. 

Laura Jurd Septet @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. January 27

Lauren Kinsella (voice), Laura Jurd (trumpet), Chris Batchelor (trumpet), Colm O’Hara (trombone), Mick Foster (bass saxophone), Alex Roth (guitar) & Corrie Dick (drums)  

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

Last Tuesday in the month, Jazz North East’s Schmazz strand, upstairs at the Jazz Café. The ‘Caff’ was closed, the shutters down. Had Laura Jurd’s gig been cancelled? Ah! Of course, the gig had been scheduled in the Black Swan around the corner!

The Newcastle Arts Centre on Westgate Road was open for business. The Black Swan – a basement bar and performance space – is a large venue. Jazz North East anticipated a larger audience than usual for the visit by the much talked about trumpeter and, indeed, a larger than usual audience turned up.

CD Review: Zhenya Strigalev's Smiling Organizm - Robin Goodie

Zhenya  Strigalev (alt); Ambrose Akinmusire (tpt); Taylor Eigsti (pno); Tim Lefevbre (bs gtr); Larry Grenadier (dbl bs); Eric Harland (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Russian saxist Strigalev describes Robin Goodie as a mixture of Robin Hood and Boogie Woogie - what the Friar Tuck is that all about?

Strigalov confesses that he hasn't read The Adventures of Robin Hood but that he has seen the film! Which one? Robin Hood films probably outnumber James Bond's epics!

Tubby Hayes - A Man in A Hurry.

Thanks to John Taylor for drawing this forthcoming film to our attention.
Trailer.
Lance.

Diachronicx @ The Bridge Hotel. January 25

Gabriele Heller (voice & electronics) & Steve Glendinning (guitar).

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

Arriving near the end of the first set (delayed train from Darlington), this is, effectively, a brief review of Heller and Glendinning’s second set. Ascending the stairs with a tip-top pint of Schiehallion, Ms Heller could be heard on stage in blues to bossa mode (guitarist Glendinning seated, fleetingly recalling Joe Pass). Honey Bee (a sailing blues said Heller) wailed Sail on, sail on my little Honey Bee, sail on, Hmmm. Excellent blues feel.

Darlington Jazz Club: It’s a New Dawn, It’s a New Day

(Report by Russell)

Darlington Jazz Club has issued a statement to inform all supporters of the regular jazz nights at the Forum Music Centre of important forthcoming changes. Sunday March 22 will be the final gig at the Forum (featuring the Darlington Big Band). The good news – Darlington Jazz Club will continue at the Quakerhouse, Mechanic’s Yard, Darlington.

Durham University Big Band @ Darlington Jazz Club. January 25

Dan Garel , Felicity Evans (alt);  Matt McKernan , John Somerton(ten); Naomi Tansey (bar); Noah Lawrence, Sam Clark, Rasmus Borowski, Charles Price (tpt);

Nat Jackson, Chris Jones (MD), Joshua Harper, Luke Bentley (tmb); Matt Jacobs (pno); Ollie Farley (gtr); Jonathan Berry (bs); Tristan Bacon (dms); Laura Paul,Will Lavelle (vcl).

(Review by Russell)

Two big occasions are on the horizon for Durham University Big Band – a showcase gig at the Pizza Express, Dean Street, London and the little matter of the defence of their title at the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival. Darlington Jazz Club extended an invitation to the band to make a first appearance at the Forum Music Centre and it was duly accepted.

Don Forbes & Alan Law @:Jazz Café - January 24

 Don Forbes (tpt) Alan Law (pno)

(Review by Kath J.)

Arrived at The Jazz Café just in time to bag 2 comfy seats at the front with some jazz buddies as the exquisite  tones of Don’s trumpet  was rising, Softly as in a Morning Sunrise; Don seems to like to set the standard as he has in the past by starting off with this lovely tune .  What’s New and Sonny Rollins’ The Bridge, were followed by a delightful  Don Forbes original called Little Blue Eyes, and a beautifully played, I Remember Clifford.

Jazz.coop @ the Globe: The Allsorts Band: Saturday January 24

Katie Patterson (drums); Russ Henderson (tenor sax/flute); Erik Svela (guitar); Oli Cadman (keys); Peter Gavin (bass guitar).

(Review by Ann Alex).

The members of this band hail from studies at the renowned Leeds College of Music and they play an interesting and exciting mixture of neo-prog rock, pop, jazz and free jazz, all well bound together.  The audience was small, which surprised me as I thought other young musicians would have been interested. 

You’ve really gone an’ done it this time

Words from Gordon Phillips:
You’re talkin’ to someone but you don’t know who.

You’re callin’ another it turned out they knew.

Oh, you’ve dropped yourself right in it.

Oh, you’ve put your foot right in it.

Oh, you’ve really gone an’ done it.

You’ve really gone an’ done it this time.

The Hokum Hotshots @ The Dun Cow, Sunderland. January 23

Hokum Hotshots: Jim Murray (guitars & vocals) & Pete Mason (guitars & vocals) + George Shovlin (guitar & vocals) & George Lamb (guitar & vocals)

(Review by Russell)

Sunderland Blues Club meets fortnightly in the upstairs room at the Head of Steam’s Dun Cow on High Street West. The club’s lynchpin George Shovlin was mighty pleased at the turn-out; the small drawing room-style layout with a trademark Head of Steam twist to an impressive Edwardian building, a photographic still of Stan and Ollie (the legendary duo performed at the adjacent Empire Theatre) at the bar.

CD Review: Jeff Hamilton Trio - Great American Songs through the years.

Tamir Hendelman (pno); Christoph Luty (bs); Jeff Hamilton (dms).
(Review by Lance).

Glory be! Hallelujah! A standards album! CD of the month? Surely all bets are now off! 

Whilst I recognise the need of young players to produce original material which, unfortunately (or in some cases fortunately) will never enter other bands' pads, I do question as to why they think their material is better than that of the Gasbook? Or, come to that, more contemporary composers such as Cohen, King, Mitchell? At the end of the day, a familiar theme is much easier for the jazz newcomer to latch on to. Then, once the head is played, reprised, they are off on solos that the listener can more easily relate to.

RIP Ervan Drake

Ervan Drake isn't a name I normally associate with the great lyric writers and yet, maybe, he should be. Drake provided the words to numbers such as Perdido; Tico Tico; Quando, Quando, Quando and the quasi religious hit I Believe which seemed to be top of the charts forever in 1952, on either side of the pond.. There was also Sinatra's It Was a Very Good Year and Good Morning Heartache - associated with Billie Holiday and every jazz singer since!

Ervan Drake died on January 15, aged 95, but his words will live on. 
Obituary.
Lance.

CD Review: Wildflower Sextet - Wildflower

Matt Anderson (ten); Laura Jurd (tpt); Alex Munk (gtr); Jamil Sheriff (pno); Sam Vicary (bs); Sam Gardner (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Although Leeds based, all the above guys are well known on the  Newcastle scene having appeared with each other (and others) in various formats - indeed trumpet player Jurd is at the Black Swan next Tuesday (Jan 27) with her own septet. So, listening to this Wayne Shorter inspired CD, I knew what to expect - or did I?

CD Review: Casey Golden Trio - Outliers

Casey Golden (pno); Bill Williams (bs); Ed Rodrigues (dms/perc).
(Review by Lance).

Contemporary trio of young Australian musicians based in Sydney playing original pieces composed by Golden. The pianist began studying classical piano at the age of 5 and much of that early knowledge seems to have stayed with him even though by the time he was 17 he'd won a BBM (Big Brother Movement Youth Support) Award enabling him to study in London with various jazz musicians. This was in 2005 and his teachers included John Taylor, Kit Downes and Gwilym Simcock.

Durham University Big Band Prepping Pizza Express on Palace Green

Great North Big Band Jazz Festival title holders Durham University Big Band warmed-up for their forthcoming appearance at the Pizza Express, Dean Street London, with an express (half hour), midday performance at the Music School, Durham University.

Blanco returns to make Celtic connections

In July 2013 Leo Blanco gave an astonishing solo recital at Sage Gateshead that was truly a virtuoso performance. The good news is that he's back in the UK with his Blue Lamp Quartet which comprises Blanco with Paul Towndrow (alto); Mario Caribe (bass) and Alyn Cosker (drums) plus award winning singer Christine Tobim.

That's the good news.

The not so good news is that the nearest he gets to Gateshead this time round is the Jazz Bar in Edinburgh.

Press release:

Jazz Café Jam Session - January 20.

Peter Gilligan (pno); Bradley Johnston (gtr); Paul Wight (dms); John Pope (bs) + Paul Gowland (alt); Matthew MacKellar (dms); Jordan Alfonso (alt); Alexis Cairns (ten).

(Review by Lance/photos courtesy of Mike Tilley.)

The  jams at the "Caff" on the first and third Tuesdays continue to draw more and more people in. That they, the punters, are noisy and not necessarily all jazz fans doesn't matter - as long as they aren't too intrusive on the music. I'm not one for listening to jazz in sepulchral silence - if the music is good enough those who want to will  be down front listening oblivious to the noise behind. My theory is that if the audience is sitting in deathly silence the musicians play safe, aware that every bum note will be seized upon and never forgotten till the listener or the player go to their respective graves.

CD Review: Kenny Wheeler - Songs For Quintet

Kenny Wheeler (flug); Stan Sulzmann (ten); John Parricelli (gtr); Chris Laurence (bs); Martin France (dms).

(Review by Lance).

I think this is going to be my CD of the month. Not just because it was Kenny Wheeler's final recording and he deserves to have this minor accolade amongst the many major ones he achieved in his lifetime. Truth is he would have probably got the nod had this been his first recording, a lot of years ago, when he came over from Toronto and added both his trumpet and his pen to the Dankworth band.

CD Review: Chris Potter Underground Orchestra – Imaginary Cities

Chris Potter (tenor & soprano saxophones, bass clarinet), Adam Rogers (guitar), Craig Taborn (piano), Steve Nelson (vibraphone & marimba), Fima Ephron (bass guitar), Scott Colley (double bass), Nate Smith (drums), Mark Feldman (violin), Joyce Hammann (violin), Lois Martin (viola) & David Eggar (cello)

(Review by Russell).

Chris Potter has augmented his regular quartet – Adam Rogers, Craig Taborn and Nate Smith – with two bassists, a string quartet and former sparring partner Steve Nelson on vibes and marimba to record Imaginary Cities. The CD comprises a four part suite (the title composition) and four other pieces.

Stretch Trio @ The Bridge Hotel. January 18

Andy French (tenor saxophone & EWI), Calvin Travers (guitar) & Tom Higham (drums)

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

A young award-winning trio rocks up at the Bridge Hotel in Newcastle in the middle of January and a half-decent crowd turns-out. Two sets of original music composed by the trio (principally Andy French and Calvin Travers) opened with The River followed by a drum ‘n’ bass infused Hectic Metric. The latter wasn’t so hectic. Similarly, Travers’ In the Open made every effort to deny the band name!

Chris Standring Quartet @ The (Jazz Co-op) Globe Jazz Bar - January 17

Chris Standring (gtr); Alex Bennett (keys); Phil Mulford (bs); Jack Pollitt (dms).

(Review/photo by Ken Drew).

Chris Standring attracted a large audience to the Globe – 30+ in pre-sales - with many coming from as far afield as Durham, Teesside and Edinburgh eager to see this popular LA guitarist.  The trio supporting him are from SE England and what a Band they form! As solidly tight and polished as Clark Tracey’s quintet which performed here in November.   

To a Drummer

From yesterday's Sunday Express.

Paul Skerritt Band @ Hoochie Coochie. January 18.

Paul Skerritt (vcl); James Harrison (keys); Anth Ord (bs); Tom Chapman (dms) + Josh Bentham (alt); Michael Lamb (tpt).

(Review by  Lance).

The fans turned out - the men delivered! A cracking session across the genres with pop and rock and classic swing. Skerritt did the business ably abetted by band and guest instrumentalists.

Harrison - as ebullient as last night but in a more controlled environment - gave his usual 110%, Ord, laid back, cucumber cool, the maypole around which it all evolved. Chapman, for today at least, was King of the Swingers. Bentham and Lamb leapt in and out, sometimes individually, sometimes in tandem. They both provided pithy solos. 

Opus 4 Full House Greets the Darlington Big Band

(Report by Russell/Tony).

Tony Eales, Bebop Spoken Here’s Deep South (Tees Delta) correspondent reports a full house at the Traveller’s Rest, Cockerton on Friday night to hear local heroes the Darlington Big Band. Andy Bennett (alto/soprano) led the band, allowing tenor man Ritchie Emmerson the luxury of being ‘one of the boys’ in the saxophone section.

First Whiplash, Now Selma

Director Ava DuVernay’s 2014 film Selma is coming to a screen near you. David Oyelowo stars as Martin Luther King at the time of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches. Mid sixties Alabama, institutional racism, the ensuing struggle led to the Voting Rights Act. DuVernay’s Oscar-tipped film features a soundtrack composed by Jason Moran.

Newcastle’s Star and Shadow Cinema has pulled-off a coup in securing a preview screening on Saturday January 31 (2:00pm). The film, preceded by speakers, is a fundraiser for Journey to Justice. Newcastle’s other independent film house, the Tyneside Cinema (currently showing Whiplash), will screen Selma from Friday February 6.

Russell.

Jazz Improvisation Workshop @ Jazz Café January 13.

(Review by Steve H.)

Although always interested in what went on at the Jazz Improvisation Workshop, being a non musician I had never summoned up the confidence to actually attend. However, an experienced rock guitarist friend of mine said he fancied coming along so off we went to the upstairs room of the Jazz Café. Assorted musicians were there some I knew - Zoe, Gabi, Andy and Wes  - and apologies to those I didn't. 

James Harrison/Alex Saxon @ Jazz Café January 17

James Harrison (keys); Alex Saxon (fl/alt) + Carly McKee (vcl).
(Review by Lance/photo courtesy of Mike Tilley).

How shall I put it? Got it! An "entertaining" evening. Regular blog visitors will know the high esteem with which I hold James Harrison's playing in. I've also waxed eloquently over Alex Saxon both on sax and on flute so I truly anticipated this to be a titanic meeting - and it was, but with a capital T!

Don't get me wrong, the duo played great but with, perhaps, a tad too much self-indulgence. It was hilarious, then funny, then mildly amusing, and then - well imagine you open a box of chocolates and find they're all coffee creams - love the first couple but you don't finish the box!

RIP Derek Hunter

From the late '40s up to the early '70s there was an abundance of good pianists in and around South Shields. Just about every pub, club and dance hall had one. Names such as Ronnie Callaghan, Alan Bulley, Ray Tones, Kenny Goodall, Chic Cole, George Laing were just some of the players who could be heard in various watering holes most weekends.

Another was Derek Hunter.

DB Jazz Project @ Jazz Café January 16.

David Keighley (saxes); Thomas MacMillan (gtr); Adrian Sander (bs gtr); Ben Grant (dms).

(Review by Lance).

After watching the film Whiplash I was on a high and I wasn't sure if I wanted anything to temper my mood. However, it was mid evening and the Jazz Café but a brisk short walk away, so I strode purposefully forth arriving just in time for the DB Jazz Project's first set.

I wasn't disappointed indeed if Whiplash hadn't been big band orientated this quartet could have provided the soundtrack!

Whiplash - The Film!

Miles Teller, JK Simmons - Directed by Damien Chazelle

Remember those tales of piano teachers who would rap you across the knuckles with a ruler if you played a wrong note? My piano teaching parents never did that to me which is possibly why I became a mediocre saxophone player rather than the next Oscar Peterson (Remember that name - Oscar - it could/should have a lot of relevance re Whiplash!) 

Terence Fletcher, played magnificently by Simmons, had no truck with knuckle wrapping rulers - he showed his displeasure by throwing pieces of furniture at any of his student band members who didn't perform up to his unreachable standards. Young drummer Andrew (Miles Teller) is the main butt of Fletcher's attention subjecting the talented student to the most virulent verbal abuse imaginable in his attempt to drive the boy ever upwards and onwards.

A totally compelling film dominated by two characters - everyone else, even the slight love interest, are bit players - that held my attention from the start to the final credits.

The big band music is excellent and the drumming incredible - although not incredible enough for Fletcher!

JK Simmons - prepare your acceptance speech now!

Lance.

CD Review: Gilad Atzmon & The Orient House Ensemble - The Whistle Blower

Gilad Atzmon (alt/sop/clt/acc/gtr/vcl); Frank Harrison (pno/keys/vcl); Yaron Stavi (bs/vcl); Chris Higginbottom (dms/vcl); + Tali Atzmon, Antonio Feola (voice).
(Review by Lance).
It's not for me to comment on anything other than the music - not even the title! Gilad's political views have long caused controversy but - freedom of speech, Je suis,  and freedom in music too. Gilad represents freedom in music without losing qualities that are music. The Whistle Blower is an emotional release that contains excitement alongside the most romantic saxophone playing I've ever heard in contemporary (ish) jazz. Maybe if Hodges or Webster had been born on the day they died they could have found in Gilad a soulmate.

Pilgrim Street Set @ Hoochie Coochie. January 14

Richard Burns (trumpet), Gary Turner (tenor), Paul Edis (keyboards), Paul Susans (bass) & Rob Walker (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Mid January, credit card max-out, blowing a gale, raining – every excuse/reason not to get out to a gig. Hoochie Coochie, one of Newcastle’s classier music venues, was open for business. A few turned-out to hear the ‘house band’, five of the north east’s busiest and best musicians calling themselves the ‘Pilgrim Street Set’.

CD Review: Troyka – Ornithophobia

Kit Downes (Hammond, synthesizers), Chris Montague (guitar, loops) & Josh Blackmore (drums)

(Review by Russell).

Ornithophobia is Troyka’s third studio album and their first for Naim. Petter Eldh, producer and musician (bassist with Marius Neset), is on board, reaffirming recent investigation of the dance/ trip-hop scene. Eldh’s Berlin base – influential in dance, electronica, visual arts – contributes to the trio’s ambitious reach; part mixed in the capital city, re-sampling two of the nine tracks.

Djangologie sell out Gala!

If you were planning to attend Djangologie's gig at the Gala Theatre, in Durham City, tomorrow lunchtime and haven't bought a ticket in advance - forget it! The concert is sold out. This isn't unusual, most of the Paul Edis promoted lunchtime gigs invariably are and when it's a popular band like Djangologie you can bet on it!
Lance.

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) directed by Tommy Smith proudly presents The Jazz Genius of Billy Strayhorn

(Jazz in Scotland - Press release.)

2015 marks the twentieth birthday of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and the stars are already in alignment for a very special year of celebrations, beginning with our February concerts and the marvellous music of the remarkable Billy Strayhorn.

Strayhorn was born in 1915 and his name is synonymous with Duke Ellington’s finest work. The hugely prolific Strayhorn composed and arranged literally hundreds of pieces for Duke and wrote many of Ellington’s greatest hits, often un-credited for his efforts.

Radio Russell: The Sound of Cinema, Somerset Blues and Car Horns

Film of the moment Whiplash is included in Matthew Sweet’s selection of ‘jazz-inspired film music’ in Sound of Cinema (Radio 3, Saturday 17 January, 4:00pm). Justin Hurwitz, composer, is in good company with Alex North’s score for A Streetcar Named Desire on the playlist.

Whiplash Screen Times at Tyneside Cinema

January 2015

·                            Fri 16     10:25 (E); 12:45 (E); 17:45 (C); 20:10 (C)

·                             Sat 17    15:55 (E); 18:20 (E); 21:15 (C)

·                             Sun 18    10:25 (E); 15:15 (E); 18:25 (C); 20:45 (C)

·                             Mon 19    15:40 (E); 17:45 (C); 20:35 (E)

·                             Tue 20    15:50 (E); 18:20 (E); 20:10 (C)

·                             Wed 21  10:45 (C); 15:00 (E); 18:20 (C); 20:45 (C)

·                             Thu 22   11:40 (C); 14:00 (C); 16:20 (C); 18:20 (E); 20:45 (E)

            Venue Key - C : Classic , E : Electra , G : Gallery , R : Roxy

Whiplash!

The film, Whiplash, which opens at the Tyneside Cinema on Friday is, even in January, being talked about as the Film of the Year! From the trailers and clips that I've seen it looks to be one you'll either love or hate but not one you would want to miss!

Russell picked up these two quotes -  

Damien Chazelle, director Whiplash: “I never regret not being a drummer. I never wanted to be a professional drummer. Even though I was obsessive with it for so long.” – (Sight and Sound February 2015).

Susan Jeffreys, reviewing Whiplash: “You hate him [the character Terence Fletcher] from the get-go.” – (Saturday Review Radio 4, 10 January 2015).

I'm going to the early evening showing then on to the Jazz Café for the DB Project.. This could be a night to remember!

Lance.

CD Review: Verneri Pohjola - Bullhorn

Verneri Pohjola (tpt); Aki Rissanen (pno); Antti Lötjönen (bs); Teppo Mäkynen (dms) + Jussi Kannaste (ten); Ilmahri Pohjola (tmb); IIada Laine (cello).
(Review by Lance).

I hold my hand up and confess that Jazz and Finland - cool as the air may be 'up there' - have never quite been on my radar. I recall Zoe Gilby and Andy Champion raving about a Finnish trumpet player they'd encountered on one of their Scandinavian jaunts - the same Finn later played at Gateshead International Jazz Festival.

Is this the same guy, I wonder?

Secret Love's no secret any more.

After the success of her previous tour acclaimed actress/singer Claudia Morris once again takes her Doris Day tribute show "Secret Love" on the road with 26 dates spread over February and March. Sadly, there aren't any performances in the north east which is a shame as this lady can sing and doesn't attempt to copy DD.

However, if you live in Crewe, Kettering, Skegness, Newark, Croydon, Bury St. Edmonds, Buxton, Radlett, Worthing, Hastings, Stevenage, Horsham, Hunstanton, Camberley, Wycombe, Edmonton - to mention but a few then you're in luck!

Tour details.
Video samples.
Highly recommended.
Lance.

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival

Tickets are now on sale for the 9th Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival. Set in possibly the most idyllic setting of any festival, a host of jazz events take place over the weekend of July 3 - 5.

It's important to book early as tickets go fast and accommodation nearby   goes even faster so much so that many camp out in the grounds of this most palatial of settings.

For more details...
Lance.

Jazz Courses With The WEA

You’ve read about Steve Glendinning as a musician in the latest Jazz Coop review, so why not come to the Workers’ Educational Association jazz courses and have the benefit of Steve as Tutor?  I learned loads last term from the Jazz Appreciation. You can also learn improvisation on your chosen instrument.  The courses resume this coming Thursday January 15; Improvisation is at 1-3pm and Jazz Appreciation is at 3-5pm.  You can attend either course or both and you don’t have to have attended last term.  The courses are at the Unitarian Church in Saville Place in the centre of Newcastle.  We need more people to attend in order to get full benefit from the courses.  So I hope to see more jazz colleagues there on Thursday – don’t miss out!

Ann Alex

Jazz Coop @ The Globe: Steve Glendinning Quartet: Sat Jan 10

Steve Glendinning (guitar); Chris Jelly (vibes); Mike Clarke (bass); Mark Robertson (drums)

(Review by Ann Alex)

The Jazz Coop gigs are definitely on the up if last night was anything to go by, both musically and in the size of the audiences.  Thirty two paying customers on a cold January night isn’t half bad, and a quartet playing jazz/fusion music, with the sound of the vibes to add something a bit unusual and interesting. In fact on seeing the bass player I thought for a moment that I was listening to French jazz  – Mike Clarke was bearded, bespectacled and wearing a black beret, looking every inch as if he should be playing on the left bank of the Seine.

Alter Ego @ Ashington Jazz Club Jan. 7

Keith Robinson (alt);  Niall Armstrong (ten/fl);  Dave Hignett (tpt/flg);  Andrew Hawking (keys); Tony Abell (bs); Dave Francis (dms).

The attraction for me as a Jazz fan for almost 65 years is not only the music but also the manner in which it has evolved and developed over time and the creativity of the musicians who have pursued their ideas in changing the direction of the music. Each trend and style has appealed to many  who have adopted each innovation to their particular taste, whether this  be classic, swing, bebop, trad. modern or whatever label is put on it. This has been good for the music and given variety to the followers. The colourful and often crazy life styles of the musicians has also been of great interest.

Jazz Café Chronicle

The duo gig on January 24 at the Jazz Café featuring Graham Hardy and Neil Harland has been rearranged and that date will now showcase Don Forbes (trumpet and flugel) and Alan Law (piano).
Start time is 9pm and admission is free.
Meanwhile, attractions at the Café this week are:

R.I.P. Billy Mordue

(Obituary by Lance).
Sad to hear of the death of drummer Billy Mordue who passed away yesterday (Jan. 9) aged 86.

Billy played with the legendary George Evans Orchestra at Newcastle's Oxford Galleries during the 1950s then later, after leaving the Oxford, at the Blue Parrot (now the Potter's Wheel) in Sunniside. The Blue Parrot, one of the first out of town nightspots in the north east, featured the Ken Maddison Trio (Maddison on piano, Eric Dobbing on bass and, of course, Billy on drums along with singer Ethna Campbell) and were very highly regarded.

The Pannonica Three, Summertime in Winter and Etta All Through the Night

(Preview by Russell)

On Friday night (January16th) as you head out to your gig of choice (you are going out aren’t you?) you’ll need to remember to set your recording device(s) of choice. BBC 4 (television) demands your attention for fully four and a half hours. Sounds of the Sixties (7:30pm) dips into the ‘60s beat boom, then at eight, Gershwin’s Summertime: the Song That Conquered the World is about that song. At nine pianist Neil Brand looks at Sound of Song, an exploration of the writing, recording and performing of hit songs. The Irving Berlin classic Cheek to Cheek is examined in some detail. An hour later archive material of a motley crew of performers interpreting Porter, Berlin, Mercer and Arlen could be an interesting experience! Hang in there because at 11:00pm Blues at the BBC features Son House, BB King and others.

CD Review: Tom Green Septet - Skyline.

Tom Green (tmb); James Davison (tpt/flug); Matthew Herd (alt/sop); Sam Miles (ten); Sam James (pno); Misha Mullov-Abbado (bs); Scott Chapman (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Imagine the Miles Davis' Birth of the Cool band 65 years on, having discovered the elixir of youth, and selectively absorbed many of the innovations that had taken place along the way. That would bring you close - but nowhere near close enough to describe this album!

Tonight at Cluny 2.

Tonight looks good at Cluny 2 with the Slowlight Quartet + Guests.
7.45pm - Laurie Shepherd.
8.30pm - Not Now Charlie.
9.15pm -Slowlight Quartet + Guest.
You get the whole lot for a 'deep sea diver' (£5) + the band's new CD!
Is that a deal or is that a deal?
Lance.

Durham University Big Band to Première 2014 Durham Distillery Composition Prize Winning Composition at Pizza Express

The Durham University Big Band are not only popular local favourites but they also flex their chops further afield as on Sunday February 15 when they appear at the prestigious Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean St, London.

It's a particularly important gig as it includes the première of the  winning entry in the 2014 Durham Distillery Composition Prize, Homage, by JJ Wheeler. The competition is sponsored by the distillery in association with the University Big Band and was judged by Pete Churchill and Stan Sulzmann. 

It's an afternoon gig kicking off at noon through till 4pm.

If you're going to be in the vicinity of the capital that day put it in your diary now.

Admission £15

Thanks to Peter L. Bacon of the Birmingham based blog, The Jazz Breakfast, for the info. More details can be found on his excellent site.

Lance.

•  Tickets for the gig can be purchased here or by calling 0845 6027 017.

John Altman on James Harrison

We've known about James Harrison for a long time now, thanks to John Altman, so does the world!
Thanks also to John Taylor for sharing this with us.
Nice one!
Lance.

Tune In To In Tune

Hot Club style guitarist Remi Harris is live in the studio on In Tune today (Radio 3, 4:30pm).
Russell.

Jazz Café Jam January 6, 2015

Mark Williams, Bradley Johnston (gtr); Paul Grainger (bs); Paul Wight (dms). + Damien Cook (ten); Graham Justin (tpt); Jordan Alonzo (alt); Chris Tate (pno); John Pope (bs); Ray Truscott (bs gtr);  Yuha Honami, Matthew MacKellar, Rob Bates (dms); Vocalists - nil!

(Review by Lance).

Even in the absence of piano supremo Gilligan this was a jumping jam - Hartley's couldn't have done better!

Mark Williams set the ball rolling before fellow guitarist Johnston joined him. Williams, who'd recently done 15 rounds with Steve Glendinning found a worthy opponent in young Bradley who's spent much time sparring with James Birkett. The two guitarists went for it on Things Ain't What they Used to be. Solos all round then the inevitable slugfest of fours as they traded, counter-punched and took it to the bell for a split decision in favour of ?

CD Review:Jerry Kalaf - Welcome to Earth

Sextet (3 tracks): Doug Walter (alt/sop); Barry Coates (gtr); Jeff Colella (pno); Gabe Davis (bs); Scott Breadman (perc); Jerry Kalaf (dms).

Trio (3 tracks): Leonard Thompson (pno); Ryan McGillicuddy (bs); Kalaf (dms).

Trio (2 tracks): Rich Ruttenberg (pno); Domenic Genova (bs); Kalaf (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Music For Trio & Sextet is the subtitle of this enjoyable album featuring the compositions of drummer Kalaf.

Celebration! The 20th Anniversary of The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra

Now this is what I call a celebration! Woo Hoo!

THE JAZZ GENIUS OF BILLY STRAYHORN

Friday 20^th February 2015  Queen’s Hall Edinburgh  0131 668 2019

Saturday 21^st February 2015  Buccleuch Centre Langholm  01387 381 196

Sunday 22^nd February 2015  Royal Conservatoire Glasgow  0141 332 5057

KURT ELLING SWINGS SINATRA

Wednesday 20^th May 2015  The Sage, Gateshead 0191 443 4661

Thursday 21^st May 2015  Caird Hall, Dundee 01382 434 940

Friday 22^nd May 2015  Music Hall, Aberdeen 01224 641 122

Saturday 23^rd May 2015  Usher Hall, Edinburgh 0131 228 1155

Saturday 24^th May 2015  City Halls, Glasgow 0141 353 8000

All concerts start at 7.30pm

Lance.

Nigel Kennedy on BBC

Just watched an enthralling program on Nigel Kennedy covering his career from when he was 7 year old. As well as the inevitable Four Seasons there's also rare footage of a very young Kennedy duetting with Stephane Grappelli at Ronnie Scott's, playing an original composition with John Etheridge, a surreal time spanning duet with Harpo Marx and a frenetic session with a Polish Folk Band.

The old adage Jack of all trades, master of none goes out of the window when applied to Nigel!

Watch for yourself - it's on until January 29.
Another NK program features the full version of the Four Seasons with each season interspersed with his own Orchestra of Life improvising jazzier/folkier items including It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing.
Again available until January 29.

Lance.
PS: Thank you Flore for drawing this latter program to my attention and, by default, the former!

A Bit of Irish Jazz History

Never mind small audiences and cuts in grants, jazz in Ireland had to survive shipwrecks and the wrath of the Catholic Church!
JC.
Read.

Debra Milne/Steve Glendinning Duo @ Jazz Café - Jan. 3

Debra Milne (vcl); Steve Glendinning (gtr). 

One thing you can guarantee at a Debra Milne gig - whether it be with her Ensemble or her Latin set up - is that you will hear a fine selection of songs, both original and GAsbook, sung word perfect in her own distinctive style.

Tonight the material included Stella By Starlight; Just You, Just Me - this latter number had an imaginative take on a Lester Young solo. Chick Corea was represented with 500 Miles High and Spain. The unison passages between guitar and voice on Spain were spot on. Born to be Blue, Mel Tormé's emotive lyric came from the heart and Love Me or Leave Me - done at the currently fashionable up tempo - failed to capture the essence of the song. Don't worry Debra, Anita O' Day and every other singer sees it that way - except of course the Day, Doris!

A few originals - Stay; Blame Game being two that stood out - suggested that, whilst Milne and Glendinning may not be the next Lennon and McCartney, song-writing could still be another string to their bow.

Talking strings, apart from Stevie's ace solos, equally impressive were the bass lines he laid down.

Circumstances decreed I couldn't stay as long as usual but it was good to see the Caff's Saturday night's duo policy being supported.

Lance.

Bill Watson on TV!

Bill Watson, trumpet player, band leader and organiser of the Sunderland Big Band Festival is one of the judges on tonight's BBC1 program - Frank Sinatra: Our Way.
So, if your fave doesn't win then put the blame on Bill (and ten others!)
Lance.

CD Review: Tomoko Omura - Roots

Tomoko Omura (vln/voice); Will Graefe (gtr); Glenn Zaleski (pno/keys); Noah Garabedian (bs); Colin Stranahan (dms).

(Review by Lance.).

Described as "One of the most important...jazz albums produced by a violinist in recent history" - a description by fellow violinist Christian Howes that sets the bar at a very high level - Roots is an album well worth checking out and whilst I might be tempted to temper that assessment it's certainly one of the more unusual albums comprising, as it does, songs that are Japanese standards which, says Omura, everyone in Japan from child to adult can sing by heart. These include two takes of the Japanese National Anthem composed in 1888 by Hiromori Hayashi.

Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. Dec 31

Barry Soulsby (clarinet & vocals), Paul Gowland (tenor saxophone), Lawrence McBriarty (trombone), Brian Bennett (banjo & vocals), Bill Colledge (double bass) & Fred Thompson (drums & vocals) + Teresa Armstrong (vocals), Derek Fleck (clarinet) & Paul Thompson (drums.)

(Review by Russell).

The Crescent Club, for once, wasn’t bursting at the seams. Tea and biscuits the popular order of the day (regulars no doubt saving themselves for a bit of first-footing), a pint of Northumberland Brewery’s Secret Kingdom the choice for some, Wednesday residents the Vieux Carré Jazzmen took to the stand and appeared to be sober…it was early days.

CD Review: Alex Garnett's Bunch of Fives - Andromeda. -

Alex Garnett, Tim Armacost (ten); Liam Noble (pno); Michael Janisch (bs); James Maddren (dms).
(Review by Lance).

The two tenor front line has long been a classic combo format - Think Sonny Stiit/Gene Ammons; Teddy Edwards/Dexter Gordon; Gordon/Wardell Gray; Zoot Sims/Al Cohn; Lockjaw Davis/Johnny Griffin and, of course, the Jazz Couriers in the form of Ronnie Scott and Tubby Hayes. This latest combination is a logical continuation of the Couriers and hints at where they might have been at had Scott and Hayes lived and re-formed. However, comparisons are odious or, in this case, melodious, and this quintet can stand up and be counted alongside any of their predecessors.

CD Review: Quadraceratops - Quadraceratops

Cath Roberts – alto saxophone, compositions; Tom Ward – tenor saxophone ; Henry Spencer – trumpet;Magnus Dearness – trombone; Dave O’Brien – keyboards; Jason Simpson – bass; Olly Blackman – drums.

(Review by Steve H.)

This is composer and band leader’s Cath Roberts debut album with her septet Quadraceratops named after a fictitious dinosaur who, like the band, has four horns.