Bebop Spoken There
Dominick "Domo" Branch: ''Most people say drummers can't write, they're just time-keepers only beating on things. But I have a very musical brain.'' (DownBeat February, 2026)
The Things They Say!
This is a good opportunity to say thanks to BSH for their support of the jazz scene in the North East (and beyond) - it's no exaggeration to say that if it wasn't for them many, many fine musicians, bands and projects across a huge cross section of jazz wouldn't be getting reviewed at all, because we're in the "desolate"(!) North. (M & SSBB on F/book 23/12/24)
Postage
18288 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 142 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Feb. 14), 42
From This Moment On ...
February
Thu 19: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: George Shearing Jazz Moments.
Fri 20: Alex Clarke w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. SOLD OUT! Clarke w. Dean Stockdale, Mick Shoulder, Abbie Finn.
Fri 20: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 20: Squabble @ Warkworth Memorial Hall. 7:00pm. Steve Chambers (organ); Jude Murphy (double bass, vocals); Sid White (drums).
Fri 20: Jive Aces @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 7:00pm (6:30pm doors).
Fri 20: Alex Clarke w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ Sunderland Minster. 7:30pm. Clarke w. Dean Stockdale, Mick Shoulder, Abbie Finn.
Sat 21: ???
Sun 22: Musicians Unlimited: Big Band Blast @ West Hartlepool RFC. 1:00-3:00pm . Free.
Sun 22: Joe Steels Group @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 3:00pm. A Blue Patch album tour.
Sun 22: More Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 22: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 22: Harben Kay Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.
Mon 23: Joe Steels Group @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm. A Blue Patch album tour.
Mon 23: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Tue 24: Finn-Keeble Group @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm. £11.00.
Tue 24: Liam Oliver & Shayo Oshodi @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 26: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £6.50.
Thu 26: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00 adv.
Thu 26: Mick Cantwell Band @ The Harbour View, Roker, Sunderland. 8:00pm. Blues.
Reviewers wanted
Whilst BSH attempts to cover as many gigs, festivals and albums as possible, to make the site even more comprehensive we need more 'boots on the ground' to cover the albums seeking review - a large percentage of which never get heard - report on gigs or just to air your views on anything jazz related. Interested? then please get in touch. Contact details are on the blog.
Look forward to hearing from you. Lance
9 comments :
I am so sorry to hear of Ray's passing, he was a lovely man and a very great talent. The jazz world has lost a star. My deepest sympathy is with Sylvia and all of Ray's family and friends.
Dear Sylvia our hearts go out to you. I've left a message on your answer phone.
We have lots of wonderful memories spending time at Muggleswick in the early 80's. Lots of hugs and love to you, from Michael, Scott, Zoe and me. xxxx
Dear Sylvia. Shocked and saddened by the news Gwen and I had no idea this was going to happen when we saw you last year at the garden centre. Our deepest sympathy
Sylvia, so very sorry that Ray is no longer with us. Dave has been talking about all the happy times at Muggleswick and, of course, we all remember his absolute brilliance as a musician.
Love and sympathy to you,
Dave, Jude and Jess
In my cycling days I used to zoom/struggle (dependent on the direction!) through Muggs often waving to Lynn (alto sax). Didn't know of Ray's connection - beautiful village.
Devastated to hear about Ray. We first met at a night club in Prudhoe with Tony Hicks as drummer & I'm fairly sure that's where Ray met Sylvia. - for some strange reason my memory is a bit hazy on that gig! Thereafter, Ray played in various bands we had in the 70s and 80s including many times at the Newcastle Jazz Festival. Ray was a very good long time friend and a dedicated musician. he will be sadly missed. RIP
Much saddened and shocked having received the belated news of Ray passing away. I now live in Spain and eventually heard the tragic news from Alan who had been trying to contact me since it happened.
I still remember days spent at Muggleswick with great affection and fortunately my past association with a great musician.
Condolence Sylvia
VERY sad to learn of Ray's demise. I used to visit him at Muggleswick too and we worked together at the Mayfair and West Denton. Ray was a 'gentle giant'---a good mate and friend. Sylvia must be devastated and we both offer our condolences---they were a perfect match and she was a lovely girl. Not too many like Ray!!!!
It is very very sad that i had to hear of Rays death a day after he died after being told he was in America. I loved my brother so much we had some fun times together when we were kids with Roy our cousin. i was not allowed to say goodbye to Ray or even send flowers i wont forget you Ray not as long as i live it was a great shame we did not live closer instead of so far apart. i wanted a cd of you playing even that seems like gold. i love you Ray and always will. xxxx
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