Folk Degree Performances at Sage Gateshead, May 26 – 29

(Review by Ann Alex).

Last week was one of my favourite weeks of the year, when the students from the Newcastle Uni Folk and Traditional Music degree give their assessed performances – we got 12 free 40-minute concerts, great value for no money.  The standard seems to rise year by year and the performers communicate well with the audiences.  You’ll be asking me what this has to do with a jazz blog, all this unaccompanied song, folk fiddles, flutes, bodhrans?  I always watch for jazz elements and other items which I think will be of interest. 

Preview: Jo Harrop w. Paul Edis Trio - Cherry Tree. TONIGHT! (June 3.)

It has been a while since Jo Harrop appeared at the Cherry Tree but, on Wednesday (June 3), the waiting is over. Accompanied by the Paul Edis Trio, Jo makes her long-awaited return to the popular jazz influenced eaterie. Swingers or ballads, the voice and personality now so well acknowledged on the London scene, makes a welcome, albeit fleeting, return to her native northeast. 
With every singer’s inspirational cushion behind her in the form of the Paul Edis Trio, what are you waiting for? Oh yes, the menu! Now, I’d happily diet on dried bread and water – some folk say I should have been doing that for years – to listen to Jo but that’s not on the menu at the Cherry Tree – instead, have a look at their fixed price menu.

http://www.thecherrytreejesmond.co.uk/food/fixed-menu.pdf
If, in the hard to visualise scenario, Jo doesn't make you salivate then the food most surely will!
Io Harrop with the Paul Edis Trio @ The Cherry Tree Restaurant, 9 Osborne Rd., Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2AE. 0191 2300024. June 3, 7.30pm. Free,
Lance.

Noemi Nuti Band @ The Globe Jazz Bar - May 30.

Noemi Nuti (vcl/comp/perc); Quentin Collins (tpt); Chris Eldred (pno); Tim Thornton (bs); Emilano Caroselli(dms).

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

Probably more by coincidence than trend but the last gig and the last CD that I've reviewed have featured a voice in the frontline eg: The David Carnegie Quintet (sax/voice); Gene Ess' Eternal Monomyth (gtr/voice) and now the Noemi Nuti Band show up at the Globe with voice and trumpet to the fore and 'blowing' intricate, seemingly impossible, lines together.

At all 3 concerts the voice was primarily an instrument with only the odd number using actual words - on this occasion, mainly in Portuguese.

CD Review: Keith Jarrett – Original Album Series (5 CD set)

Keith Jarrett (piano, voice and multiple instruments); Charlie Haden (bass); Paul Motian (Drums)

(Review by Hugh).

A release from Rhino/Warner Music Group comprising 5 CDs representing the first five recordings Keith Jarrett made for Atlantic (and its subsidiary Vortex) as a leader.  Jarrett, pianist in Charles Lloyd's quartet from 1966 to 1970, also played in Miles Davis' band of the early ‘70s.

Sleeves bearing the artwork of the original LPs are contained in a slim box with each CD (as would be expected) lasting in the region of forty minutes (no need to turn them over though!).

CD Review: Deborah Latz - Sur L’instant

Deborah Latz (vocals); Alain Jean-Marie (piano); Gilles Naturel (bass)

(Review by Ann Alex).

Yet another good woman singer!  Bring 'em on I say!

(and there is also a local crop of women singers in the offing, and we should all be pleased about this, just as much as we’d rejoice at having lots of up-and-coming sax players, and that’s the feminist bit of the review over, I’ll say no more).

Ms Latz is an actor as well, and she’s sung in the US, Europe and China. This is her 4^th CD and she’s recommended by the great Sheila Jordan.  Sur L’instant  has a pleasing intimate feel, our singer is in very good voice, showing a subtle sense of swing with just the right amount of scat, and an effective sense of the dramatic qualities of the songs.

CD Review: Gene Ess - Eternal Monomyth

Gene Ess (gtr/comp); Thana Alexa (voice/lyrics); John Escreet (pno); Thomson Kneeland (bs); Clarence Penn (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Tokyo born, Berklee graduate, former musical associate of Rashied Ali, Ess has assembled a worthy crew to perform his well crafted compositions and display his own innovative,  yet tasteful, guitar style (tasteful and innovative don't always work the same street!)

Alexa adds an extra dimension, her voice blending in with the guitar and providing poignant lyrics to a couple of the pieces. She also takes off with some improvising choruses that are too precious to be dismissed as scat!

Strictly Rehearsing @ The Millstone. May 28

(Review by Russell)

Big band, big crowd, standing room only. Hearty Millstone pub meals, pints of beer, wine by the bottle. Last Thursday in the month, your appointment with the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band’s open public rehearsal. One or two deps in, quality deps at that.

A Foggy Day (arr. Stan Kenton) to start and baritone super dep Sue Ferris wasted no time, standing up, soloing, saying (musically): That’s my standard. Match that boys! Tenor man Paul Gowland worked with the rhythm section (sections out) on I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love with Me (arr. Tom Kubis) – a half-decent reply to Ms Ferris’ opening gambit. Golden Girl Lindsay Hannon suggested it was Too Darn Hot. Yep. Stifling. F’reez (cool name, but it was darn hot) Let the Good Times Roll (the trumpet section firing, guitarist Pawel Jedrzejewski with a bluesy edge).

CD Review: Devin Gray - RelativE ResonancE

Devin Gray (dms/comp); Chris Speed (ten/clt); Kris Davis (pno); Chris Tordini (bs).

(Review by Lance).

RelativE ResonancE are a group of NYC associates of drummer/leader/composer Gray and, it has to be said, they work well together in their chosen format. Gray's compositions aren't for the faint hearted - multi-dimensional mosaics are how he describes them. 

He goes on to say that [on five of the tracks] "I wrote a totally independent, etude-like part for each of us. That's an unconventional method, but I was eager to see how the music would come out when we played these parts together, honing things so that they were perfectly attuned."

The Bill Laurance Project @ Sage Gateshead. May 26

Bill Laurance (keyboards), Michael League (double bass, electric bass & Moog synth), Robert ‘Sput’ Searight (drums) with the West Side Trio: Vera van der Bie (violin), Isabella Petersen (viola), Annie Tangberg (cello) + Katie Christie (French horn)

(Review by Russell).

Michael League and co came, saw and conquered. That was a little over a year ago. The Snarky Puppy phenomenon shows little sign of abating with this Bill Laurance return to the scene of their triumphant debut appearance – at Sage Gateshead. The keyboards man has been on a European tour promoting the release of his latest CD and this last leg – the British dates – has been a homecoming for the Brooklyn-based Londoner.

David Carnegie Quintet @ The Jazz Café, Newcastle - May 26.

David Carnegie (dms); Konrad Wiszniewski (ten/sop); David Patrick (keys); Jay Kilbride (bs); Renée Stefanie (voice).

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

In the early days of Bebop Spoken Here one of the names most frequently mentioned in dispatches was that of David Carnegie. He popped up all over the place. At the Side Café, the old Jazz Café, The Chilli, the Cherry Tree to name but a few. Whether with the Alan Glen Trio, a jam session (often on piano) or his own forward looking Extreme Measures, one thing stood out - he could play!

Fast forward seven years - now he can really play big time!

The Three Tenors @ The Quakerhouse. May 24

(Review by Russell/Tony Eales).

Tony Eales, Bebop Spoken Here’s man with his ear to the ground Down South, got in touch with news of a superb session at the Quakerhouse in Darlington last Sunday (24). Andy Bennett is soon to relocate south (way down south) and before does he invited a few friends to join him at a Darlington Jazz Club session. Bennett, known for his days playing alto and soprano saxophones with the now disbanded Voice of the North Jazz Orchestra, chose to play tenor making it a three-tenor frontline in the company of the brilliant Alex Baker and the equally brilliant Will Howard.

The Bell & Bucket New Orleans Jazz Festival. May 25

Paul Bacon (drums), Liz Bacon (clarinet), Jeff Milner (trombone & vocals), Sarah Thatcher (banjo & guitar), Mike ‘Spike’ Kennedy (double bass) & Emily Bacon (vocals)

Review by Russell).

Bank holiday Monday at the end of May means one thing…it’s the Bell and Bucket New Orleans Jazz Festival! This 2015 festival, the second of hopefully many more to come in years to come, mimicked last year’s inaugural event; a two day event, a one o’clock start with invited guests from around the UK and the support of the weekly Monday session’s regulars.

Apology!

Apologies for listing the Jazz Coop's Advanced Guitar Course as taking place at the Globe today. It does in fact take place next Tuesday. Today it is the turn of Stronger Jazz Voices led by Zoe Gilby.
The Coop has so many jazz courses running, which is to their credit, but it does complicate life for us compilers!
Check them out here.
Lance.

CD Review: Troy Roberts - Secret Rhymes

Troy Roberts (ten); Silvano Monasterios (pno); Chris Smith (bs); Jeff 'Tain' Watts (dms).
(Review by Lance).

Hailing from Perth, Australia, Roberts may possibly be the best ever jazz tenor player to emerge from that remote part of West Australia. Indeed he must surely rate, in jazz terms, as high as Justin Langer did in test cricket - and Roberts is still batting, albeit in NYC. James Morrison, who knows a thing or two, says, "But the rarest of all gifts is to have a unique voice; a sound that is unmistakably your own, Troy Roberts has this gift."

I'll raise a glass to that James!

Mark Williams Trio @ The Globe Jazz Bar, Newcastle - May 23.

Mark Williams (gtr); Dermot McNeil (bs); Russ Morgan (dms).
(Review by Lance).

This was quite a trio - almost a jazz version of Cream! Three musicians at the top of their game gelling into one after minimal rehearsal.

Mark Williams, the bench mark for any aspiring guitarist. Dermot McNeil, a musical associate of Mark's going back to their embryo days in Northern Ireland, A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and currently bassist with the Human Revolution Orchestra, Dermot came up specially for this gig.

Russ Morgan too has an impressive pedigree having worked with many well known names down south and he proved to be the ideal man to kick things along.

Yuya Hunami Trio @ Jazz Cafe - May 22

See Lance’s review for the line-up. This is my take on it, in the form of a poem

Infinite number of beats in the Universe

The drummer catches some

And sounds them

Just for us

‘Chuck chuck chacky chuck’

No, onomatopoeia

Cannot cut it

Infinite number of tones in the Universe

Some caught by piano

Just for us

Always and forever, Nica’s dream on the sunny side of the street in Strasbourg St Denis

And Mozart dances in his grave to the new fangled rondo

Infinite number of depths in the Universe

Some caught by a bass foundation

Just for us

So dependable

And it knows how to take a bow

Three men made my night

Yet never laid a finger on me

Just laid it down

So, so well

Ann Alex

Brand & Sanders + Faye MacCalman 4tet @ Black Swan, Newcastle Arts Centre – May 21.

(Review/photos courtesy of Ken Drew)

A two-Set “Women Make Music” JNE presentation was received with much anticipation heralding, as it did, the return of Sarah Gail Brand - resulting in a decent sized audience.

Sarah Gail Brand (trombone); Mark Sanders (drums). 

These guys need no introduction – although Sarah’s rare visits to Tyneside make this a near possibility - unless your memory takes you back to 2007.  It was noted that her longest established and most empathetic musical relationship is with drummer Mark Sanders, although, sadly for us, they’ve never appeared on Tyneside as a duo until now.  However, Mark performed at the GIJF in 2014 and, prior to that, with Paul Dunmall’s group at Cluny2.  

EP Review: Priscilla Badhwar - Mademoiselle.

Priscilla Badhwar (vcl); Eddy Hobwizal (pno/Rhodes); David Pulkingham (gtr); Daniel Durham (bs); Steve Schwelling (dms).

(Review by Lance).

An enigmatic CD/EP (20 minutes) recorded in Austin, Texas by a native of that city yet the only way to describe it is as Jazz Chanson. Badhwar sings almost completely in French and sounds as authentic as any chanteuse you may chance upon in a Montmartre Café - not a "y'awl' within earshot!

Much of the material consists of tried and tested pieces from Le grande recueil de chansons francais.

Mademoiselle (Henri Salvador); Boum! (Charles Trenet); Jardon d'hiver (Keren Ann); Plus Je T'embrasse (Blossom Dearie); Maladie d'Amour (Salvador); All I Really Want is Love (Salvador).

Such an appealing voice the words just curl around your heartstrings.

But where, I hear you ask, is the jazz?

The jazz comes in the lilting swing that pervades throughout, the Django-like guitar solos and the rhythmic piano contributions from Hobwizal. There's also a touch of Brazil in the mix.

Chamber jazz and none the worse for that it's one of the most charming discs I've heard this year.

I'm a sucker for a song sung in French!

Listen.

Lance.

Tyne Valley Big Band News

John Knapton has sent me a list of upcoming gigs by the Tyne Valley Big Band.

Monday 25th May Northumberland County Show Bywell Hall 2-4pm

Saturday 20th June Tynedale Beer Festival Corbridge Rugby Club 1pm -3pm

Thursday 18th June Phoenix Club Hexham Informal Joint Concert with our younger bands Tynedale Youth Jazz Ensemble and Tyne Valley Youth Big Band ?7-9pm

Saturday 27th June Haydon Bridge Beer Festival 5.30 pm-7.30pm
Sunday 12th July Music in the Park Gibside National Trust 1pm- 4pm.

Beer Festivals seem to be their natural habitat so take a bus or a train!

Band Website.

Lance.

From the Blue Note Harrogate to Mississippi Goddam!

(Preview by Russell)

Wynton comes to Yorkshire and Laura goes to NYC. BBC television does jazz well. The problem is, there isn’t enough of it. Two programmes (one after the other) on BBC4 this coming Friday (May 29) are welcome but there is precious little else. Grateful for crumbs tune in at 7:30pm for Nina Simone and Me with Laura Mvula. British singer Laura Mvula travels to New York to enthuse about her idol, Ms Nina Simone. Hard on the heels of the half hour documentary, Wynton Marsalis leads the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in a Blue Note special recorded at the Royal Hall in Harrogate – Wynton Marsalis Plays Blue Note (8:00pm).

Snarky Puppy’s Bill Laurance Hits Sage Gateshead!

(Preview by Russell)

This Tuesday (26 May) Snarky Puppy’s killer rhythm section hits Sage Gateshead. Led by Londoner Bill Laurance, the trio will be on stage in Hall Two with the Netherlands’ world-famous Metropole Orchestra. Laurance (keyboards) is touring Swift, his new CD from the ‘Bill Laurance Project’ featuring Snarky Puppy’s co-founder Michael League (bass) and super-tight drummer Robert ‘Sput’ Searight.

Yuya Honami Trio @ The Jazz Café - May 22.

Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Yuya Honami (dms).
(Review by Lance/photo byMike Tilley).

It appeared that half the population of Yokahama had descended upon the the Jazz Café - well at least that half of the population who were studying at Newcastle Uni - and rightly so. Tonight was a farewell gig for Yuya Honami, the Japanese drummer who has made such an impression at the Tuesday night jams.

Quiet, inscrutable, he delivers the goods. Not just through drive and empathy - although he has those qualities to spare - but by adding his own voice to the trio. This is a three way split. Pete setting the mood, Yuya picking up on it and Paul holding them both together.

Triptych @ The Lit & Phil. May 22

Paul Edis (piano & clarinet), Paul Susans (double bass) & Rob Walker (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Triptych are: left panel Paul Edis, centre panel Paul Susans, right panel Rob Walker. The canvases prepared by Edis (composer of four of the eight numbers performed), form kept in perspective by Susans, watercolour fills applied by Walker. Classical English pastoral, broad-brush swing time sections, beer-fuelled, early morning groove.

CD Review: The Lalama Brothers - The Crepuscule Variations

Ralph Lalama (ten); Dave Lalama (pno) + Nicole Pasternak - Lalama (vcl).

We don't get too many really intimate jazz collaborations between family members - The Dorsey brothers were hardly a good example. The Brecker Brothers were closer but this, sub-titled, The songs Our Parents Gave Us, may possibly be the only trio set I've hit on that features two siblings and a third family member, Nicola.

Kurt Elling with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra @ Sage Gateshead. May 20

(Review by Russell)

It is rare to be in the presence of a genuine superstar. On Wednesday evening one such occasion occurred at Sage Gateshead. The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra once again graced the stage in the world-class surroundings of Hall One on the banks of the Tyne. Master of Ceremonies George Duncan introduced the band, led by its Artistic Director Tommy Smith, to present a concert celebrating the centenary year of the birth of Frank Sinatra featuring special guest star Kurt Elling.

RIP Bob Belden

Saxophonist, arranger, composer, writer and jazz authority died yesterday (May 20) age 58. One of the more conventional contemporary musicians, Belden was respected by the jazz community worldwide.
He even became the first American jazz musician to tour Iran!

Sadly missed.

Obituary.

Lance.

Jazz Café Jam - May 19.

Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Bradley Johnston (gtr); Paul Wight (dms) + Joel Brown (pno); Tom Lapworth (gtr); Thomas Dixon (alt); Dan Foote (dms); Paul Gowland (alt); Rob Bates (dms); David Gray (tmb); Johnny "Blue Hat" Davis (ten); Mark Williams (gtr); Matt Mullen (bs); Ian Forbes (dms); Richard Herdman (gtr); James Robson (bs).

(Review by Lance).

I've probably missed or mispelt some names but the above roll of honour comprises the bulk of the musicians who contributed to the Tuesday jam at the Jazz Café.

There were the inevitable highs and lows associated with any impromptu performance but, suffice to say, there were more highs than lows. Too many in fact to list them all!

As ever, the house quartet provided the openers and later the springboard for those diving in at the deep end. 

Jazz North East presents: Capsule @ Bridge Hotel, Newcastle - May 17

Matthew Bourne (keyboards); Tam de Villiers (guitar); Jean-Brice Godet (bass clarinet) 

(Review by Steve H/Photo courtesy of Ken Drew).

Capsule are a product of the ‘Jazz Shuttle’ scheme which aims to bring musicians together from both sides of the channel. This trio couldn’t be more evenly split down the middle Bourne hails from Leeds, Godet from France and De Villiers nicely straddles the two countries being born and brought up in the UK but now living in Paris since moving there 10 years back.

Mark Toomey Quartet @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. May 17

Mark Toomey (alto saxophone), Jeremy McMurray (piano), Peter Ayton (bass & vocals) & Paul Smith (drums).

(Review by Russell)

Last heard leading the late-night jam session at last month’s Darlington Jazz Festival, alto saxophonist Mark Toomey made the journey up the A19 to play a gig at the Black Bull in Blaydon. Two sets featuring the music of Charlie Parker attracted the regulars to Blaydon Jazz Club’s monthly session. The region’s sax players were conspicuous by their absence - they missed a treat.

Hot Sardines @ Sage Gateshead - May 18

Miz Elizabeth (vcl/washboard); Evan 'Bibs' Palazzo (pno); Jason Prover (tpt/vcl);  Nick Myers (ten/clt); Joe McDonough (valve tmb/tpt); Evan 'Sugar' Crane (bs); Alex Raderman (dms); Fast Eddie Francesco (hoofer/uke).

(Review by Lance).

I knew it would be good but - never in a million years did I think it would be this good! Wonderful is the best I've managed to come up with but it's nowhere near. Perhaps Cole Porter, who was never far away tonight could do better - Napoleon Brandy, Mahatma Gandhi will do for starters!

This was the 1920s/30s done to perfection but with the feel of today. If you've heard Marty Grosz or Vince Giordano then you'll know which ballpark we're in.

Preview - Mark Williams' (rather special) Trio @ the Globe - Saturday May 23.

The Mark Williams Trio: Mark Williams - Guitar; Russ Morgan - Drums; Dermot McNeil - Bass.

Russ Morgan played drums with The Mark Williams Trio last month at the Jazz Cafe where he brought the house down with his unique stylistic take on the bands original compositions. Dermot McNeil is originally from Northern Ireland. He came to Newcastle around the same time as Mark Williams to complete the Bmus(hons) Jazz, Pop, Commercial Music degree at Newcastle college. He then moved to London where he regularly performs with some of the top players in the country. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear Dermot play again as he is being flown in especially for this gig only! The trio will be playing a mixture of Mark and Dermot's original music, which will stylistically encompass everything from subtle balladry to funky fusion to all out Jazz.

Not to be missed!

Lance.

Kurt Elling for Sage Gateshead!!!

(Preview by Russell).

This Wednesday, May 20, there is only one place to be – Sage Gateshead. Kurt Elling, the pre-eminent singer of his generation, is in town. Chicago-born Elling will be singing with the finest big band in the land, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra in a programme celebrating the centenary of the birth of the pre-eminent singer of the twentieth century – Frank Sinatra.

This Sage Gateshead concert appearance will be the only date in England. Elling will fly in from the States to link up with Tommy Smith’s award-winning orchestra, make for the rehearsal studio, then make the trip to Gateshead Quays. After that, Elling, Smith and the band head north of the border to play a further four dates before the Chicagoan flies back to the States. You could catch him at Birdland in NYC, or perhaps on the French Riviera when he returns to Europe to headline at the Nice Jazz Festival. Booking tickets for Sage Gateshead is the easier option! Kurt Elling with a big band in Hall One promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Jazz Co-op @ The Globe: The Blue Jazz Sextet: Saturday May 16

George Anyfantis (piano); Karen Rann (sop sax); Jeff Smith (ten sax); Keith Barrett (guitar); Dave Parker (bass); Michael Howard (drums)+ Helen Neilson and Barry Keatings

(Review by Ann Alex).

This was the first outing for the expanded Blue Jazz Quintet who are now a sextet with the addition of Keith on guitar, and also a new pianist, George, who both did a good job as newbies. Straight in with A Foggy Day In London Town, even though it was a fine Spring evening in Newcastle with a large audience in the Globe Jazz Bar – large audiences at this venue are becoming the norm these days. Moanin’ sounded good, lots of solos and Karen moving rhythmically to the sound and a final flourish from the saxes.  Rumour has it (or I’ve invented it) that instead of guest vocalists next time, Karen will be guesting as a dancer. But, seriously, it’s lovely to see musicians so enthusiastic about playing.

CD Review: Leonard & Florin - Jazz

(Review by Russell).

Newcastle’s buskers are many. Many of them are good, very good. Singer/songwriters, operatic tenor, classical violinist, masked Death Star mini-keyboardist, kitchen-sink percussionist, imperious, looping jazz-funk bassist, brass collective, long-haired fret-shredder. And then there is the Romanian duo Leonard and Florin.

These Boots Are Made For Singing - Jazz Café Sampler @ Black Swan Bar and Venue, Newcastle

Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Yuya Honami (dms) + Stu Finden (ten); Fi Finden (vcl); Tom Lapworth (gtr); David Gray (tmb); Claire Kelly (vcl); Paul Gowland (alt); Lindsay Hannon (vcl).

(Review by Lance/photo by Mike Tilley).

If Hot Sardines and Kurt Elling hadn't been on at Sage Gateshead next week this would have been well in the running for Gig of the Month! As it is, Kurt and the Sardines have it all to do - bit like Newcastle, Sunderland and Hull!

The choice of the Black Swan bar was a good one enabling a decent sized crowd to be comfortably seated whilst enjoying one of the top trios around. Gilligan, Grainger and Honami laid the groundwork for the guests and did it with their usual panache. Sam Rivers' Beatrice, Roy Hargrove's Strasbourg St. Denis and Bru's Blue Rondo À La Turk set the scene.

Farewell Ray.

My darling husband passed away early Thursday morning at St Oswald’s Hospice...he had known since he was diagnosed last November that he had only 12 months to live but chose to keep that info between us.....he did not want sympathy and just wanted to live a "normal" life....however the cancer was more aggressive than anticipated and the last weeks saw him get weaker and weaker...he went into the Hospice  two weeks ago for symptom control and we did think we still had some time left....but we were overtaken by events. We were together when he died and it was very peaceful.
The arrangements are private at his request...but we will celebrate his life at a later date....
He considered the original compositions he wrote and played with Paul Gowland, Alan Law and Paul Wight to be his "legacy"...they can be found on Soundcloud under NE4 Jazz...or The Sid Scott Orchestra..
(Proud to be) Mrs Sylvia Truscott....

Original post.

Ruth Lambert Trio @ St. Cuthbert's Centre, Crook - May 15.

Ruth Lambert, vocals. Giles Strong, guitar and Mick Shoulder, bass.

(Review/photos by Jerry)

 Ruth, Mick and Giles have a CD out and, having heard most of the tracks from it here tonight, I bought one! The sleeve-notes include this quote (not sure from whom): “It’s all about the intimacy of the trio. Three voices, each one as important as the other.” That sums up the distinctive atmosphere and experience here tonight. Thanking the band at the end, the MC likened it to chamber music in its clarity and apparent simplicity and he knows more about music than I do! I stress “apparent” simplicity as there is much complexity in the writing and arrangements and much subtlety of technique in performance to achieve that end. A treat of a gig!

Ida Lupino and Cole Porter’s Piano

Radio and television presenter Nicky Campbell visits Manhattan to find out more about the great composers of popular song during the Golden Age of the 1920s & 30s on ITV (Sunday 17, 10:15pm). Featuring Ain’t Misbehavin’, Night and Day, The Way You Look Tonight and others, ‘unforgettable’ could be the word.

Russell

CD Review: Buddy Rich - Birdland

(Review by Russell).

A 2015 Oscar nomination, the ongoing demand for posthumously released Buddy Rich material and private on-the-road recordings made by a keen (prescient?) band member. Birdland represents the Buddy Rich band in concert during the latter half of the 1970s. Eleven tracks recorded on tour at unspecified locations (some at Birdland?), the lack of   discography matters little.

The private recordings are those of Alan Gauvin. In his excellent notes accompanying Birdland the saxophonist readily acknowledges the lo-fi quality of the recordings. The life of a touring musician – travel, hotel, soundcheck – didn't afford him the luxury of achieving professional standard recordings: I started out recording on a Sony portable tape deck/AM/FM console with built in speakers and external mike inputs and a thirty dollar Radio Shack stereo mike placed right up in front of the sax section. Years later Gauvin is now able to make available these recordings to the Buddy Rich fan base.

Nick Pride and the Pimptones @ Hoochie Coochie - May 15.

Nick Pride (gtr); Keith Nicholson (tpt/flug/triangle); Al Saxon (alt/fl); James Brown (bs gtr); Oz Cassidy (dms); Beth Macari (vcl).

(Review by Lance).

And I thought Hoochie was loud on Thursday - brother you ain't heard nuthin' yet! In truth, I doubt if I'll ever hear anything again!

I jest, yes it was loud, but not, after a couple of London Prides, unbearable. In fact it was brilliant - London Pride works well in these situations. I'm told Pinot Grigot also does the business!

A mix of soul, funk, ska, reggae, rock, blues and jazz - yes jazz! I read, somewhere  or other, that the Pimptones' jazz content was minimal but - take it from me - when these guys blow they are blowing jazz irrespective of the surface genre.

Music Students’ Final Year Recitals @ Culture Lab. May 13

(Treatise by Russell)

A drum clinic special! And a special finger style guitarist! Newcastle University’s hub of cultural practice – Culture Lab – on King’s Walk opened its doors to the public to allow those interested to experience the frisson of excitement generated by the ‘one-shot’ exam scenario. Three drummers and a guitarist were about to give it their best shot – years of study and here they were, steeling themselves for the challenge of a lifetime.

Music Students’ Final Year Recitals @ The Jazz Café. May 12

(Dissertation by Russell).

This year’s Newcastle University Music Students’ Final Recitals made for something of an historic departure. Several of the jazz students went off-campus, choosing to perform at a regular jazz venue. The Jazz Café on Pink Lane welcomed finalists, their families, a small army of student friends, supporters and, of course, the examiners!

The upstairs room accommodated a capacity audience to make for a great atmosphere as the six o’clock start approached. Ella El-Salahi (voice) looked great, perhaps just a little nervous (who wouldn't be?), as she took to the stage with her band. In common with her fellow student performers El-Salahi made available a printed progamme. My programme is an eclectic mix of some of my favourite pieces to sing, she wrote. No better way, Ella! Jazz, gospel, ballad, neo-soul and big band fusion, that was El-Salahi’s promise, and that is what we got.

Pilgrim St. Set @ Hoochie Coochie - May 14.

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

(Review by Lance).

It was during the soundcheck that 'roo trumpet player Richard and owner Warren exchanged comments.

"We could put a mic on the drums" said Richard.

Warren's reply was straight out of Ladies Home Journal (not!) 

Fortunately, at the time, Hoochie had only as many bums on seats as the Green Party - i.e. mine!

However, by the time they hit the deck running, the Lib Dems had been overtaken and the SNP was in sight!

R.I.P. BB King

BB King died yesterday (May 14) in Las Vegas - he was 89.

Guitarist, singer, icon, BB was one of the few who crossed the genres and was loved by all. Primarily a bluesman, he also moved in rock and roll circles as well as being not unknown amongst the jazz fraternity.

I saw him live at the North Sea Jazz Festival at the Hague back in the 1980s but my biggest memory was at the same festival when I didn't see him but most certainly heard him.

It was a hot July day and BB was performing inside a marque. All tickets were sold but, by sitting on a grassy knoll outside (a bit like Henman Hill or Murray Mound at Wimbledon), the sound came across loud and clear. A glass of bessenjenever (a Dutch blackcurrent gin), a plate of Maatjesharing (pickled raw herring) and the greatest blues singing of the later 20th century was as near to Shangri-la as I've known.

May he Rest In Peace.

Obituary.

Lance.
(Photo courtesy of Andy Hudson - see comments - taken at Capital Jazz Festival)

Sad News on Ray Truscott.

Ray passed away in the early hours of yesterday. This is the saddest thing.

He was a phenomenal musician / trailblazer and I know that I was always proud to be in his company.

Although I`d only known him for a couple of years, I wish that we had crossed paths much, much, earlier.

I know that all who knew him will be saddened.

Robin Douthwaite.

Mississippi Swamp Dogs

A couple of years back, jazzing around Soho, I was fortunate enough to hear the Mississippi Swamp Dogs live at the Spice of Life. New Orleans jazz as it probably is today and none the worse for that!

A big impression at The Hideaway, Streatham, as part of the 2014 London Jazz Festival prompted leader/manager/trombone player Jeff Williams to draw my attention to a YouTube clip from that Festival gig which gives you an idea of what they serve up - in this case it's Pass the Peas.

Find out more.
Here is my review from 2013.
If they ever decide to hit the road beyond Watford then let's hope the North East is included.
Lance.

CD Review: Joshua Breakstone - 2nd Avenue: The Return of The Cello-Quartet

Joshua Breakstone (gtr); Lisle Atkinson (bs); Andy Watson (dms); Mike Richmond (cello - on five tracks).

(Review by Lance).

A touch of nostalgia as I glanced at the sleeve - "Joshua Breakstone uses Ernie Ball strings exclusively". If I'd had a lousy dime for every set of Ernie Ball Super Slinky's I'd sold during my 30 year incarceration in Newcastle's Central Arcade I'd be worth a bob or two (well maybe one bob).

I don't suppose Joshua Breakstone ever bought any Super Slinkys from me, him being 3000 miles away, which is a pity because, if he had done, I'd have been able to claim to have had some involvement in one of the most listenable guitar albums I've heard since Charlie Christian showed the way.

CD Review: Michael Oien - And Now

Michael Oien bs/comp); Matthew Stevens (gtrs); Nick Videen (alt); Jamie Reynolds (pno); Eric Doob (dms) + Travis Laplante (ten) on Mad to Live.)

(Review by Lance).

In The Early Autumn - nothing to do with Woody or Stan Getz - opens up this, at times, compelling album. Delicate, introspective, piano, bass and guitar explore the leader's composition. Imagine Bill Evans further down the line.

No Millstone Session on May 21

Out of respect, and because his former band colleagues will want to attend the funeral of ex Vieux Carré Jazzmen reed player Barry Soulsby, the Thursday lunchtime session at the Millstone will not take place on May 21. It will, of course, go ahead this week (May 14).
Lance.

CD Review: Michael Dees - The Dream I Dreamed

(Review by Debra M.)

Michael Dees is a vocalist steeped in the tradition of the Great American Songbook, with a lifetime’s experience singing on TV and film soundtracks, as well as of live performance.  His voice may not be instantly recognisable like those of Tony Bennett, Matt Monroe or Frank Sinatra, but you've almost certainly heard him before.   

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ The Keys, Darlington. May 10

(Review by Russell)

Darlington Jazz Club goes from strength to strength. Following the success of the 2015 Darlington Jazz Festival staged at a multitude of town centre locations, club organisers have an additional venue to play with. The Keys on Skinnergate is a bar/restaurant/club affair. The stripped-back-to-the-brick, pastel shades of the ground floor bar are in stark contrast to the ‘funky industrial’ theme of the first floor nightclub. The exposed heating ducts, the steel perimeter around the centrally sited, up-lit dance floor – it all felt a little too self-conscious. Scene set, the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band set up on the dance floor.

Ray Chester’s Music Library Heard at Gateshead Old Town Hall. May 9

Bebop Spoken Here’s Deep South correspondent Tony Eales made the trip north to be at Gateshead Old Town Hall to hear the Vivo Swing Orchestra delve into the library of the late Ray Chester to play a selection of his award-winning arrangements. A good turn-out assembled in the grand surroundings of the former town hall to hear the north east-based ensemble play two sets of timeless numbers including Night Train, Satin Doll and Button Up Your Overcoat. The orchestra’s hope is to do it again sometime soon. Ray Chester’s music library was kindly gifted to Sage Gateshead by the Chester family to be used as an educational resource. There is much more material to be studied and performed and will serve as an invaluable learning opportunity for future generations of musicians.     

Russell.

Bill Smith/Barry Soulsby Funeral Arrangements.

The funeral of reedman Bill Smith is due to take place at Sunderland Crem on Tuesday May 19 at 3.30pm.
See also.
-----
Fellow reedman Barry Soulsby will be laid to rest two days later at Whitley Bay Crem at 2.15pm.
See also.
May they both Rest In Peace knowing they provided us with a wealth of great jazz.
Lance.

May Improvisers Workshop Cancelled

The May Improvisers' Workshop session which was due to run this Thursday (May 14) at The Jazz Café has been cancelled. The June session will run as usual on the second Tuesday i.e. June 9. Apologies from all concerned for inconvenience caused.

Jazz Co-op @ The Globe: Anita’s New Voices: May 10

Robin Aspland (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Tristan Mailliot (drums)

Anita Wardell (introductions/ tutor) New Voices as below.

(Review by Ann Alex).

As mentioned in the review of last night at the Globe, off I went back to the Globe today to savour the results of the Anita Wardell workshops.  I wasn't disappointed, I enjoyed the performance thoroughly.  I am unable to give the usual sort of review as most of the singers are my friends from other jazz singing courses and it would be unfair to single out any individuals. But goodness, they all appeared to be brimming with confidence and they said they’d loved the course. 

CD Review: Phil Robson - The Cut Off Point

Phil Robson (gtr); Ross Stanley (B3); Bart Calderazzo (dms).
(Review by Lance.)

21st century grooves - imagine going into a neighbourhood bar and hearing this live instead of the earsplitting garbage (or the Muzak) the bar staff decree is right for the pub.

That bar would be your lifetime local even if the beer was John Smith's!

I heard the trio live at Newcastle's Lit and Phil last year and was duly impressed and the beer was Wylam Brewery's finest bottled ale which wasn't a bad combination at all.

CD Review: Nicola Farnon Trio - A Day at the Market

Nicola Farnon (double bass & vocals), Piero Tucci (piano & tenor saxophone) & Phil Johnson (drums & percussion)

(Review by Russell).

Nicola Farnon has been on Bebop Spoken Here’s radar for some time. When the line-up for this year’s Darlington Jazz Festival included an appearance by Ms Farnon it was the ideal opportunity to hear her. The performance by Ms Farnon’s trio prompted the instant purchase of this CD.

Jazz Co-op @ The Globe: The Anita Wardell Quartet - Saturday May 9

Anita Wardell (vocals); Robin Aspland (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Tristan Mailliot (drums)

(Review by Ann Alex)

After reviewing the Rebecca Dumaine CD, I thought I’d had more than my fair share of listening to really good women singers, then along comes this gig with Anita Wardell. ‘Sparkling’ is a word that comes to mind, not a superficial sparkle but something about charisma, stage presence, original- sounding vocalese, and an interesting mix of songs. I’ll skip straight to the 2^nd set which opened with my favourite song of the night, Ellington’s Come Sunday, new to me.  You could have heard the proverbial pin drop as this beautiful song proceeded, a jazz-hymn if ever there was one, accompanied just by piano, referring to the Biblical lilies of the field, ‘but the sun still shines in Springtime’.

Jason Isaacs and the Ambassadors of Swing @ The Biscuit Room - May 9

Jason Isaacs (vcl/ten) w. Darren Irwin, Mark Webb (tpts); Don Fairley (tmb); Ray Dales (alt/fl); Lew Watson (ten); Stu Collingwood (pno); Keith Peberdy (bs gtr); Simon Ferry (dms) + Zita Frith (vcl).

(Review by Lance).

There's always a buzz of excitement in the room prior to a Jason Isaacs gig. The men - a minority group - have the cool clear eyes of a seeker of wisdom and truth (as the night enfolds the eyes become less clear) and the ladies, coiffured and killer-heeled, add to the sense of 'occasion'.

And it is an occasion! An ace crooner and an 8 piece band that sounds like 16 men swinging - what's not to like?

CD Review: The Consequence Of You - The Dave Miller Trio with Rebecca Dumaine

Rebecca DuMaine (vocals); Dave Miller (piano); Mario Suraci (bass); Bill Belasco (drums); Brad Buethe (guitar)

(Review by Ann Alex)

Lance handed me this CD with a stern warning: I was told that this singer is the epitome of good jazz singing, so I should listen and learn…

And I have to agree, he was right!  She has a pleasing alto range voice, clear diction and immaculate timing, just the right amount of well-integrated scat, but more than all that, she’s a skilled actress.  So the songs display real feeling.  In fact she trained as an actress, and she sees the Gasbook songs as literary works, which influences her choice of songs.  

Support their big day (night)!

(Preview by Russell)

Newcastle University music students are about to give their Final Year Undergraduate performances. Strict examination conditions will make for a nerve wracking occasion. The good news is that these performances are open to the public. Better still, this year some of the jazz students will be off campus at the Jazz Café. On Tuesday (May 12th) in the upstairs room of the Pink Lane venue four students will be looking to give their performance of a lifetime and you can be there! Arrive early, it’s free admission, grab a beer, coffee or pot of tea, take a seat and show your support. At six o’clock the room will be bursting at the seams and the family and friends of Ella El-Salahi (voice) will be bursting with pride. Bebop Spoken Here has heard El-Salahi with the University’s big band and in small combos. You are in for a treat.

The Early Bird Sessions @ The Lit & Phil. May 9

Jazz musician and educator Paul Edis invited a select group of students to get out of bed early on a Saturday morning to participate in a workshop at the Lit & Phil in Newcastle.

The signs are good – the participants turned-up and so did an audience.

This first meeting of the Early Bird Sessions attracted five keen students culminating in a half hour public performance. Trumpet, tenor sax, guitar, bass and drums. The age range 15-17. Some familiar faces (some veterans of the Gateshead International Jazz Festival!), one or two already sitting-in around town, under Edis’ leadership good things are sure to come from the initiative. Five tunes in thirty minutes, a lot packed in to the allotted time available. The Flintstones opened the programme (Ya-ba-da-ba-do!), Rollins’ St Thomas calypso-ed along, Scrapple from the Apple featured good guitar playing, bass and drums Headhunted a Chameleon (good tenor sax) and trumpet opened up on C Jam Blues.

Yes, the signs are good. These guys are the future of jazz. Show your support. Bop Before You Shop suggested a Lit & Phil big wig. A good idea. The next session – Saturday 18th July – will be well worth the effort. Don’t forget – 11:00am sharp. £2.00. on the door.

Russell

The Early Birds: Ben Lawrence (trumpet), Nick Caughey (tenor sax), Francis Tulip (guitar), Dan Lawrence (bass) & Matthew MacKellar (drums) + Paul Edis (clarinet & piano)

Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. May 8

Maureen Hall (vocals), Jim McBriarty (clarinet & vocals), Don Fairley (trombone), Roy Gibson (keyboards) & George Davidson (drums & vocals)

(Review by Russell)

If it’s Friday it must be Rendezvous Jazz. The Piper (closed and reborn as the Sandpiper), the Porthole (closed, with a change of use to an architectural practice), then there was the Black Horse in Monkseaton. Maureen Hall and the boys wasted no time in moving a few doors down Front Street to the Monkseaton Arms. Next Friday…

CD Review: Matt Owens - The Aviators’ Ball

(Review by Russell)

Matt Owens’ CD The Aviators’ Ball is an ambitious project; large in scale, multi-genre in concept and realisation. The album is the bassist’s debut as a leader and he has assembled some of the north west’s finest musicians to assist him in his endeavours. Leftfield, indie, alt folk, string and wind ensembles, much of the music was written as a commission from the Manchester Jazz Festival.

Linda Sharrock Group/Knotts/MacCalman and Pope @ Black Swan, Newcastle. - May 7, A JNE ‘Women Make Music’ presentation

Linda Sharrock (voice); Mario Rechtern (saxophones); Derek Saw (trumpet & flugelhorn); John Jasnoch (guitar); Charlie Collins (drums & percussion).

(Review/photos by Ken Drew.)

The quartet of guitar, brass (various) and drums played fervently with regular and sometimes sporadic interjections from Linda’s vocalese in the form of wailing, screaming, moans and whelping. Linda‘s soaring, swelling sound is just as penetrating as it is striking. The many repetitions of short phrases served to drive the quartet into searching deep into the corners of the soaring, swirling and dynamic soundscape they created.

Jazz Co-op @ The Globe: Folk Meets Jazz: Thursday May 7

(Review by Ann Alex)

Another successful night at the Globe, YOU really must get to one of these nights soon.  The room was full and most people were performers, but listeners are very welcome too.  There was:

 Minnie Fraser and Joe  - Minnie sang The Blacksmith, followed by folk tunes on fiddle and guitar.

John and Colin – folk songs with guitars, including a chorus in Swahili, why did no-one join in I wonder?

Early Bird Session @ The Lit and Phil

Tomorrow morning (Saturday May 9) master musician/pianist/educator Paul Edis is running the first session of something called the 'Early Bird Session' at the Lit and Phil (23 Westgate Rd., Newcastle NE1 1SE). It's a chance for a small group of talented young jazz musicians to workshop some tunes and then perform to the public.

If anyone wants to come along to hear the band (I’m told they're really good, and getting even better!), then be there for 11am, £2 admission.

There are more sessions on the following dates...

Sat July 18

Sat September 5

Sat Oct 3

Sat Nov 7.

Lance.