Between the Delaval and the Deep Blue Sea...

Hello, folks! 

If you go down to the woods today...you're sure to have a bank holiday filled with fun! 

Join the Vieux Carré Jazzmen for an afternoon filled with live 1920's jazz, fun, games and treasure trails for the children and of course - Teddy Bears! Pack your picnic baskets, grab your favourite teddy bear and pick a spot on the lawn because today's the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic! 

Seaton Delaval Hall National Trust 

The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, NE26 4QR. Tel: 0191 237 9100

Monday 31 August, from 11.30am. £6. Concessions available 

Brian Bennett

Teddy Wilson in Newcastle

Anyone at this concert in 1953? And who were the members of the Alan Nicholson Swingtette? All of this for half a crown - 12½p!
Lance.
Photo on the right from Edinburgh jazz festival,

Steve Glendinning/Peter Gilligan @ The Globe Jazz Bar August 29.

Steve Glendinning (gtr); Peter Gilligan (pno).
(Review by Lance).

Advertised as guitar duo Mark Williams and Steve Glendinning last night's Jazz Coop gig found Pete Gilligan standing in for Mark who, as it turned out, was gigging in Wales. Nevertheless, this didn't detract from the music which, as expected from these two fine exponents, gelled from the first down beat to the final coda.

Queens of Jazz: the Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas - BBC 4 August 28

After the frustration of the Proms Story of Swing concert - a BBC 4 program that promised much and delivered less it was with anticipation that I caught up with the Jazz Diva program that followed.

Billie Holiday; Ella Fitzgerald; Sarah Vaughan; Peggy Lee and Nina Simone. All singers who experienced highs and lows in their turrbulant careers. Claire Martin; Barbara Jungr; Melody Gardot; Carleen Anderson; Madeleine Peyroux and Annie Ross were present day divas talking about their idols. Ross, in fact, straddled both sides of the div(a)ide.

Interesting, but frustrating to get only short snippets of actual performances and, in the case of Lady Day, over familiar ones.

Still these were enjoyable albeit, at times, very poignant but what made it for me were the black and white shots of New York and other American cities.

Portraits of a concrete jungle - an urban landscape of stark reality.

Lance.

This Weekend's Jazz Coop Gigs @ The Globe Jazz Bar

Tonight (Saturday August 29) has two of our guitar aces working in tandem - Mark Williams and Steve Glendinning. Both are top men capable of playing in a variety of styles and if they deliver as they did at a gig earlier this year then listeners are in for a treat. Doors 8pm. £5.

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Sunday night's doors are opened at 7pm for some classic New Orleans jazz in the form of the Mississippi Dreamboats. This 5 piece version will have Liz Bacon on Clarinet, Paul Bacon on drums, Jeff Milner on trombone, Ray Newton bass and Terry Harvey Banjo. £5.

The Globe, 11 Railway St., Newcastle NE4 7AD.

Lance.

Tonight @ The Proms

Tonight (August 28) tune-in to BBC 4 (7:30pm) for three hours and more of what promises to be a feast of jazz. Friday Night at the Proms: The Story of Swing (first broadcast live on Radio 3, August 11) does what it says on the tin. Clare Teal (pictured), Guy Barker and a cast of thousands swing the Albert Hall. The so-called ‘jazz diva’ label often attributed to legendary figures in the jazz world is examined in Queens of Jazz: the Joy and Pain of the Jazz Divas (BBC 4, 9:45pm) following the Proms concert. 
Russell.

CD Review: Sinne Eeg - Eeg-Fonnesbæk

Sinne Eeg (vcl); Thomas Fonnesbæk (bs/bs gtr).

(Review by Lance).

Two Danish singers in the one week? Just goes to show that the distaff side's bid for world domination is growing stronger!

On Tuesday, Mette Juul's There is a Song set the bar almost out of reach then what happens? Along comes Sinne Eeg with Eeg-Fonnesbæk.

So which one to go for?

Both!

CD Review: Daniel Fortin - Brinks.

David French (ten); Michael Davidson (vbs); Daniel Fortin (bs/comp); Fabio Ragnelli (dms).

(Review by Lance).

An interesting release by Toronto based bassist Fortin. This, his debut album, brings to mind the latter days of the Modern Jazz Quartet. It could well have been the path they followed had they still been around. Davidson's vibes certainly have an affinity with Milt Jackson both sound-wise and in his phraseology. The use of tenor could also be related to the group Stan Getz had with Gary Burton.

Peter Gilligan Trio w. Alice Grace @ The Cherry Tree.

Alice Grace (vcl); Peter Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Russ Morgan (dms).

(Review by Lance).

This was the kind of session at which the Cherry Tree excels and tonight, it even excelled itself!

But, how could it fail with this calibre of Jazz? Superb singer, Pucka piano, Beautiful bass and Dynamic drums - yes drums can be as dynamic, possibly even more so, with brushes as with sticks.

In the right hands and tonight they were in the right hands.

Mean to Me allowed those who hadn't heard Ms Grace before to discover just what she could do with a lyric and a melody - Alice, Carmen, Anita, all singing from the same, exclusive, lead sheet.

Tonight (August 26) @ The Cherry Tree

A rather special night at the Cherry Tree Restaurant (9 Osborne Rd., Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2AE. 0191 2399924) tonight - the Peter Gilligan Trio featuring Alice Grace. Peter Gilligan is well known and justifiably recognised as one of the best jazz pianists around whilst Alice Grace, in a relatively short space of time, has built up a strong fan base that began with an impromptu appearance at a late night jam session at this years GIJF. Since then she has gone from strength to strength. Prior to arriving in the north east her career incorporated a stint with NYJO, the Guildhall School of Music, the house band at Ronnie Scott's and a recent tour of Dubai. This, her first appearance at the Cherry Tree, promises to be a very special night. 

CD Review: Fred Hersch - Solo

Fred Hersch (pno).

(Review by Dave Brownlow).

An album of solo piano recorded live at Windham Civic Centre Concert Hall in New York to kick-off a year-long celebration of his 60th birthday with appearances, projects and this CD - Fred Hersch’s tenth solo recording proof that he’s now more than capable of working without the “safety-net” of a rhythm section or other players. 
In the history of jazz, it could be argued, that very few pianists could really play solo successfully and satisfyingly. Tatum, Peterson, Jarrett – those with a formidable technique. Hersch, also, belongs in that stellar group; he’s a master-musician with a style uniquely his own incorporating a wonderful harmonic sense, swing, humour, touch at the keyboard, emotion and lyrical improvisations. The album comprises a set of pieces that are typical Hersch – Kern, Tizol, Monk, Jobim and Joni Mitchell plus a couple of Hersch originals.

CD Review: Mette Juul - There is a Song

Mette Juul (vcl/gtr); Nikolaj Hess (pno); Ambrose Akinmusire (tpt); Rodney Green (dms); Joe Sanders (bs); Mike Moreno (el gtr).
(Review by Lance).
A New York based, Danish, singer/songwriter, Juul is one of those artists who creep up on you and grow upon you and, as you absorb the melodies and the intriguing lyrics, suddenly you're in love with a voice.

Hartlepool Fundraiser

Mick Donnelly Academy of Music presents an evening of live musical entertainment at .The Working Man’s Club, King Oswy Drive, Hartlepool at 7.30pm on Sept. 4. This is an event to raise money to provide musical scholarships for children wishing to play a musical instrument in the Hartlepool area.

The evening will feature the fantastic BLITZ 'N' PIECES and the MICK DONNELLY ACADEMY BAND.

Tickets are £5.00 and you can get them by phoning 01429 892079 or send an email to mdamusic@outlook.com.

CD Review: Shatner’s Bassoon – The Self Titled Album Shansa Barsnaan

Oliver Dover (alto, tenor & baritone saxophones, bass clarinet, trumpophone, vocals), Craig Scott (guitar), Johnny Richards (keyboards, organ & prepared piano), Michael Bardon (electric bass), Andrew Lisle (drums & percussion) & Joost Hendrickx (drums, samples, percussion, live electronics)

(Review by Russell)

Shansa Barsnaan: a four year old child’s honest attempt to pronounce the band’s name? A band member’s attempt to pronounce the band’s name having had a particularly good session down the pub? The Self Titled Album cannot be other than an in-joke, arising out of who knows where or what? Shatner’s Bassoon, for all the hip tomfoolery, is one hell of a band. Their new CD – The Self Titled Album Shansa Barsnann – will, likely as not, fail to register with dyed-in-the-wool jazzers. For those prepared to listen, read on.

Message Received From Saturn

Jazz on 3’s Jez Nelson presents a half-hour documentary – Travelling the Spaceways: the Cult of Sun Ra – this afternoon on BBC Radio 4 (4:00pm Earth Time) chronicling the life and times of the man from Saturn, Sun Ra (Herman Blount to his mother).  Don’t forget – at ten o’clock tonight Mark Pringle is on Radio 3 and at 11:00pm ACV are live in concert at the Edinburgh Festival on Jazz on 3.

Russell.

Steve Stephenson Show Band.

Our man in Hong Kong, Colin, sent us this clipping from 1965, Colin, who played trumpet with the band with the band from 1977-1986 wonders if the band took up the offer to play at La Dolce Vita in Newcastle.

As he and the article point out, this looked like the beginning of the end for big bands as a viable proposition.

Lance.

Damian Cook and Sam Dunn @ The Globe Jazz Bar - August 22

Damian Cook (ten/clt); Sam Dunn (gtr).

(Review by Lance)

There's a band downstairs rockin'. There's a duo upstairs swingin'. Outside there's a whole lotta thundering and lightning going on.

Not that it unnerves our duo.

They've driven up from Salisbury and are en route to Edinburgh with the Jazz Coop providing a convenient hat hanging point.

Our good fortune.

The wrath and anger of Thor fails to deter the Coop faithful who give an enthusiastic welcome - they're mindful of Cook's knockout performance here last year (he's back with band on December 20) - and only the weather wimps have taken a raincheck.

CD Review: Misha Mullov-Abbado - New Ansonia

Misha Mullov-Abbado (db bs.); Matthew Herd (alt); Tom Green (tmb); Jacob Collier (pno); Scott Chapman (dms) + James Davison (tpt/flug - 2 tks); Nick Goodwin (gtr - 2 tks); Viktoria Mullova (vln - 1 tk); Matthew Barley (cello - 1 tk).

(Review by Lance).

At first glance I suspected that I would be passing this one on to some of our outfielders. However, upon listening, it became obvious that I couldn't have been more wrong!

Mullov-Abbado, son of an Italian conductor and a Russian violinist, merges his classical upbringing with an eastern ethnic feel and a very much contemporary jazz approach, The writing brings to mind such disparate composers as Ellington; Gil Evans and Charles Mingus. The latter is very much in evidence, not only as the late bassist was, but as he might have been were he still with us.

ACV (Mk 2) to debut in Edinburgh

(Report by Russell/photo of Andy Champion courtesy of Mike Tilley).

Andy Champion’s ACV is reborn. A new line-up – Chris Sharkey, Ollie Dover, Matthew Bourne and Joost Hendrickx – can be heard live on Jazz on 3 this Monday at 11:00pm. A late-night set in the BBC’s Blue Tent at the Edinburgh Festival will feature new material written by bassist Champion. Essential listening. Earlier on Monday evening Proms Late Extra (Radio 3, 10:00pm) includes a set by the Mark Pringle Trio. Pianist Pringle brings his trio to Newcastle’s Jazz Café on Friday 11 September. Advance tickets are available by telephoning the venue – 0191 222 9882.

Saturday Night at the Globe

Just a reminder of this Saturday Night at the Globe - Damian Cook and Sam Dunn. Saxman Damian, last in Newcastle for the Christmas' panto season at the Theatre Royal, made an impression playing with a group at the Globe as well as sitting in at the Jazz Café's jam sessions during his sojourn.
This time he's doing a duo with guitarist Sam Dunn and, as their recent recording proves, it's quite something.
Check out the CD review.
Lance.
Saturday August 22: Damian Cook & Sam Dunn @ The Globe Jazz Bar, 11 Railway St., Newcastle NE4 7AD. Doors 8pm. £5.

Tonight on tv.

In case you've forgotten, part 3 and part 4 of All Or Nothing At All are being shown consecutively on BBC4 tonight at 9.40pm and 10.40pm..
Then, at 11.40pm, On the Town.
However, According to the BBC 4 site these programmes run at 2200/2300/2400 hours so give yourself plenty of time!
Lance.

Will it be Tuxedo or Clapham Junction?

Years ago I recall Ronnie Scott announcing a number as being from the LP Jim Dale sings Thelonious Monk. A tongue in cheek remark that, because it was so ludicrous, had the audience in stitches. Had he substituted Jim Dale with fellow rocker Tommy Steele and replaced Monk with Glenn Miller then, I'm sure, the response would have produced even more laughter!

And so it has come to pass that, during September and October of this year, Tommy Steele will be, God's Holy Honour, playing the lead in a stage version of The Glenn Miller Story!

Hexham Hotline

The Exiles are playing on Tuesday 1st September at 8.30pm.

Free entry but a hat is being bought and will be passed

Alexis Cairns Tenor Sax; Ray Johnson Trumpet/ Flugelhorn; Mike Cunningham Piano; Hazel Hanley Double Bass and Mark Bolderson on bongos.

Free parking available opposite and the beer's better and cheaper than at the last place!

CD Review: Mark Christian Miller - Crazy Moon

Mark Christian Miller (vcl); Josh Nelson (pno); Dave Robaire (bs); Sammy Miller (dms); Larry Koonse (gtr); Ron Stout (tpt); Bob Sheppard (bs clt); Billy Hulting (pno).

(Review by Lance).

In an age when so many of the review CDs I receive are alien to my conception of jazz and Rolling Stone magazine acknowledges Bob Dylan as the greatest songwriter of all time, this digital download [hard copy did gang aft a-gley] is better than an income tax rebate.

Irving Berlin didn't make Rolling Stone's top 100 but he got in here with a swinging version of Cheek to Cheek. Sam Cooke crept into the top 100 at number 86 and came in at [track number] 11 here - a superb version of Almost in Your Arms.

Jazz Café Update

Jazz Cafe summer closure

The Jazz Cafe has just closed down for its summer break and will re-open on Tuesday 1st September.

Advance ticket sales for September

This email is to give you details of three very special and musically varied Jazz Cafe promotions in September for which tickets are on sale now at the Details Art Materials Shop at Newcastle Arts Centre, 67 Westgate Road NE1 1SG. You can purchase tickets in person, or by phone to be posted by ‘recorded delivery’ for a fee  of  £2.50 for any quantity. Tel. 0191 261 5999 office hours.

Revised License

As from September the Cafe will have a revised license allowing access for young people up to 11pm when accompanied by a responsible adult. We will also be permitted to serve draught beers on the bar: keg lager plus a guest real ale.

Melody Maker - the Dead Sea Scrolls of Jazz

Trolling through those old Melody Makers of Colin's is both a journey of discovery and curiosity.

The January 23, 1960 issue refers to the JAZZ HERALDS (sounds like a juvenile jazz band!) replacing the Mighty Joe Young Jazzmen at the Downbeat Club - anyone recall the Heralds? 

The same issue mentions the JAZZ PROPHETS at the Highpoint in Whitley Bay. Are the Prophets without honour even in their own country?

An earlier issue of MM (15/2/41) reveals that a Conn alto (s/no 281639) was stolen from R.S. Kitchen's shop in Leeds. I wonder, is this durable horn still around?

Finally, Colin has almost completed his 1926 collection apart from... Volume 1, number 10, October 1926.

Is there a copy still around?

Lance.

PS: Apart from the Bebop Spoken There quotes, I'm also  hoping to post links to some of the more interesting story's from what was, once, the British musician's bible.

CD Review: Man Overboard Quintet - Down in the Deep Deep Blue

Thomas Gould (vln/backing vcls); Ewan Bleach (clt/vcl); Louisa Jones (vcls); Jean-Marie Fagan (gtr/vcls); Dave O'Brien (bs/backing vcls).

(Review by Lance).

One of the more enigmatic hot club/manouche/swing bands, the Man Overboard Quintet are also one of the more original in their choice of material. Sure it's from the GASbook but you won't find the Broadway A listers here - Porter, Kern, Berlin, Gershwin, Rodgers - instead you have some of the second line such as Harry M. Woods (What a Little Moonlight Can Do); Donaldson/Kahn (I Wonder Where My Baby is Tonight); Frank Loesser (I Wish That I Were Twins) to mention but some. Then we have ragtime (New Orleans Wiggle); Duke's Jubilee Stomp. Moving on, Horace Silver's Sister Sadie shows up and is most welcome.

Paul Edis Trio @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. August 15

Paul Edis (piano), Mick Shoulder (double bass) & Russ Morgan (drums)

(Review by Russell/photos courtesy of Roly Veitch).

The music of Duke Ellington. The latest in an occasional series in which pianist Paul Edis presents a musical portrait of his chosen subject: Edward Kennedy Ellington – composer, pianist, bandleader. Blaydon Jazz Club hosted this first performance of the Paul Edis Trio playing Ellington’s compositions and those associated with him, notably Billy Strayhorn.

The Black Bull regulars turned out, the pianists – Ellington and Edis – the attraction. This   was the first opportunity for some to hear drummer Russ Morgan play. He’s been sitting-in at jam sessions on Tyneside for a year or so, making a big impression, rapidly picking- up some of the plum gigs on the scene; the recently established Tanton-Williams Quartet, working with vocalist Alice Grace, herself a welcome newcomer, and Dr Edis. The ever-reliable bassist Mick Shoulder, busy with his own projects, was, as ever, at Edis’ side.

Jason Isaacs & The Ambassadors of Swing @ Hoochie Coochie. August 16

(Review by Lance).

They were queueing, awaiting the 4pm doors, The air was filled with Estée Lauder. The killer heels and the wedges again well in evidence.

The guys (we were outnumbered) wore slick suits, with waistcoats and slimline ties - at least I did - the cocktails and the amber fluids were flowing. There was an air of anticipation.

And Now For Something Completely Different: Jazz Co-op @ The Globe: Ladies Of Midnight Blue: August 15

Hannabiell Sanders and Yilis (djembes, congas, dunduns, mbiras, Tyler the bass trombone, various percussion).

I entered to the exciting sound of 2 djembes (African hand drums) playing rhythms and counter rhythms, fast, slow, a long piece with many climaxes, surely partly improvised, or maybe instructions were coming from Hannabiell’s occasional whistle blasts – words are inadequate to describe this music, and then suddenly it was over and time for a break, well earned after all the energy expended.  

Paul Gowland & Bradley Johnston @ The Jazz Café. August 15

Paul Gowland (tenor & alto saxophones) & Bradley Johnston (guitar)

(Review by Russell)

The rain stopped, the sun came out, as hundreds made their way along to the Tyne Bar. Sitting, standing or lazing on the grass alongside the Ouseburn, listening to a barbecue-smoked big band session, the sun-kissed were having a ball (see LL’s Strictly Smokin’ review). Some were out for the duration.

The Jazz Café’s summer season drew to a close with Paul ‘Strictly Smokin’’ Gowland playing a few tunes with Wearside-based guitarist Bradley Johnston. Standard material and one or two original compositions enthralled the front row audience. 

This Afternoon @ Hoochie Coochie

Big band magic yesterday at the Tyne Bar and more today at Hoochie Coochie with number one swing singer Jason Isaacs and the Ambassadors of Swing. His shows are always a knockout so take some tranquillisers before the start as you may need them. Alternatively, pick up on Hoochie's 2 - 1 cocktail offers and enjoy some swinging sounds and vocals.
Doors 4pm, Stage 5pm.
Lance.

Strictly Smokin' Little Big Soul Band at Tyne Bar - August 15.

(Review by Lance).
The sun was shining, the breeze little more than a cooling zephyr, the products of Wylam Brewery were being consumed so enthusiastically that a queue stretching almost to the banks of the Ouseburn was formed.
On stage, the Strictly Smokin' Little Big Soul Band (their chosen name for today according to the set list) were warming up for this, their fourth annual gig in this pleasant outdoor venue, and possibly the first where they elements haven't prevailed.

Zoë Gilby Trio with Noel Dennis @ The Jazz Café. August 14

Zoë Gilby (vocals), Mark Williams (guitar), Andy Champion (double bass) & Noel Dennis (trumpet & flugelhorn)

(Review by Russell/photos courtesy of Mike Tilley)

It isn’t as though your reviewer hasn’t heard Zoë Gilby and co. before. Familiarity breeds ...not a bit of it! Mark this down as a serious contender for gig of the year. Some gigs just hit the spot and this Jazz Café engagement was one of them. Familiar faces and the not so familiar – a bloke from Preston happened to ‘stumble across the place’ and a couple from Belgium wanted to hear some jazz, their search engine of choice suggested the Jazz Café – listened intently from first note to last.

Pilgrim St. Set @ Hoochie Coochie August 13.

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

(Review by Lance).

It's that time of the month again - the second Thursday, Time for the monthly pilgrimage to Hoochie,

Trumpet, tenor, piano, bass and drums - the classic modern jazz quintet line-up, and this was classic modern jazz in a contemporary vein. Given Rob Walker's hard hitting Hiroshima-like explosions,  it's not difficult to imagine that if Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers had been formed 50 years on they may well have sounded like this!

Mainly originals by the various band members, the overall musical concept was that of putting the boot in, the Glasgow Kiss or hitting them where it hurts.

Tonight at Hoochie

Monthly return of the best live funky Jazz band playing in the North East . Top quality musicians playing original compositions & some eclectic cover versions. Paul Susans (bass) , Richard Burns (trumpet) , Paul Edis (keys), Rob Walker (drums) & Gary Turner (tenor sax) . If you are a Jazz fan this is a gig truly worth supporting each month. Always innovative, passionate & groovy ! 
DJ wrap around the gig playing Jazz, Hip Hop , & eclectic grooves.
Entry is FREE 
Great Drinks promos - Cocktails 2 for 1 , Heineken £3 per pint, 13 Guns Ale £2 per bottle.

CD Review: Eddie Toal - Always in my Heart.

Eddie Toal (vcl); Bruce Adams (tpt/flug); Brian Dee (pno); Jim Mullen (gtr); Simon Thorpe (bs); Bobby Worth (dms).

(Review by Lance).

After reading the album notes I realised it would be impossible to listen to this dispassionately and I doubt if you could either. Has my judgement been clouded? I'd like to think not but I know I'd have to be pretty hard hearted for it not to have been.

Eddie Toal is a fine singer well known on the Glasgow jazz scene. Dedicated to his late wife Irene the voice brings to mind artists such as Tony Bennett, Johnny Hartman even Bobby Darin and, if occasionally he approaches the limits of his range, that only adds to the emotional content.  

Hoochie Happenings

There's some action at Hoochie this week starting with the Pilgrim St. Set's monthly session this Thursday (August 13). With (pictured left) Richard Burns (tpt); Gary Turner (ten); Paul Edis (pno); Paul Susans (bs) and Rob Walker (dms) how could they fail? Just don't mention The Ashes to Richard! On stage at 8pm (ish) the event is free and worth twice as much. I jest - as good a modern/contemporary jazz outfit as you'll find anywhere.

Late Afternoon Sunday (16) at 5pm it's the Biggest Voice in Swing - the man himself - Jason Isaacs and the Ambassadors of Swing (pictured right)! Don't let the 5pm slot fool you - the ex-bobbysoxers and their grandchildren will be queuing for the doors opening at 4pm. £15 - bargain!

Lance.

CD Review: Andrea Wood - Kaleidoscope

(Review by Ann Alex).

Andrea Wood hails from Washington DC where she attended the Duke Ellington School of Arts.  Claiming influences that range from classical composers, soul, R & B singers, through to Miles Davis, Bill Evans, and hip-hop. As well as straight jazz, Ms Wood also sings in other styles such as gypsy jazz and rock regularly performing in and around New York and has released at least one other CD. On this album her voice is full-toned and appealing.  Nine of the 13 tracks are her own original material: the other 4 tracks are You And I (Stevie Wonder); Nature Boy; Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen); and Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.

LP Review: Tubby Hayes Quartet - Live at the Hopbine 1968 Vol. 1. "The Syndicate"

Tubby Hayes (ten); Louis Stewart (gtr); Kenny Baldock (bs); Spike Wells (dms).
(Review by Lance.)
I try to avoid review discs "jumping the queue" - first come first served  has always been my motto  -but there are times when those values get thrown out of the window.

This is one such occasion.!

In my younger days, living, as I did for awhile, in Edgware/Harrow, I'd drop by Tommy Whittle's gig at The Hopbine in Wembley, Apart from Whittle, a fine tenor player who guested many times up here at Blaydon Jazz Club, there were other featured jazz musicians, I recall Ronnie Ross on one occasion but, I don't think I ever caught Tubbs there. If I'd been there when this session took place I'd've remembered it!

Tubby the Tenor, Louis Stewart, Kenny Baldock (depping for Ron Mathewson), Spike Wells - giants all!

This was a band!

Blaydon Update

Paul Edis Trio play music associated with Duke Ellington - Sunday 16th August - 8pm - £5.00. Black Bull, Bridge St., Blaydon.

Pianist Paul Edis is deservedly acquiring a national profile. A wonderful young player! For this concert his trio explores music associated with one of the seminal jazz artists - Edward Kennedy 'Duke' Ellington.

Roly.

Strictly Good Weather @ the Tyne Bar

Sometime BSH correspondent Kath J has ordered good weather from eBay for Saturday afternoon (August 15) in the Ouseburn area of Newcastle. The online purchase, I'm informed, ensures that the Maling Street wind tunnel will be becalmed. Bring a brolly to shelter from a scorching sun, marvel at the jiving street dancers, enjoy the barbecue, drink a gallon of beer and listen to the fantastic Strictly Smokin’ Big Band. Get there in good time (four o’clock should do), it’s free admission and the Quay Link bus service Q3 stops nearby – don’t jump aboard Q1 or Q2 unless you’re incorporating the gig as part of a walking holiday.     

Russell.