MIKE DURHAM’S WHITLEY BAY CLASSIC JAZZ PARTY – NOVEMBER 5-8

Next weekend sees the annual Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Party at the Village Hotel on the Cobalt Business Park nr Shiremoor. For fans of classic jazz this is the World Series, the Superbowl, the Cup Final, an Ashes Test, Wimbledon, Le Tour, Twickenham and Madison Square Gardens all rolled into one - just look at the various themes - Shangri-La! Mike, Patti and the gang have done you proud!

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Lance. (Pictured swing violinist Emma Fisk who features in several sessions).

THURSDAY 5th November.

2100 – 2200: Union Rhythm Kings in the Victory Pub.

Led by Frans, this fine band from Sweden and Norway welcomes you to the Jazz Party. They recently made a new CD; we have heard it, and it is very, very good! Bent Persson (cornet); Kris Kompen (trombone); Lars Frank, Thomas Winteler (reeds); Morten Gunnar Larsen (piano); Jacob Ullberger (banjo, guitar); Frans Sjöström (bass saxophone); Nicholas Ball (drums).

FRIDAY 6th November.

1200 – 1230: Tribute to Mike.

Mike Durham is revered by us all, for he always lead excellent bands. But also, he did a very great deal to encourage the performance of earlier types of jazz, which had become neglected. Thanks in large measure to Mike, the status of Classic Jazz in the UK is now secure, as this International Jazz Party so well attests. Enrico Tomasso (trumpet); Graham Hughes (trombone); Matthias Seuffert (reeds); Keith Nichols (piano); Spats Langham (banjo, guitar, vocal); John Hallam (bass); Frans Sjöström (bass saxophone); Nicholas Ball (drums).

1230 - 1300: Memphis 5.

The Original Memphis Five were de facto successors to the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, and made many beautifully crafted records in the 1920s. Andy Schumm (cornet); Alistair Allan (trombone); Michael McQuaid (clarinet); David Boeddinghaus (piano); Josh Duffee (drums).

1300 – 1330: Emma’s Hot Club de France.

In 1934, Stephan Grappelli and Django Reinhardt sprang to fame through their recordings, and began a great French swing tradition. It will be impeccably interpreted for you by Emma Fisk (violin); Spats Langham and Martin Wheatley (guitars); Henry Lemaire (bass).

1330 – 1430: Litton’s Jelly Roll.

For years Martin Litton has been the U.K.’s foremost interpreter of Jelly Roll Morton’s music, both at the keyboard, and with his marvellous transcriptions of Morton’s band recordings. This all-star band will show you how timeless Jelly’s music is. Bent Persson (trumpets); Graham Hughes (trombone); Matthias Seuffert, Lars Frank (reeds); Martin Litton (piano); Jacob Ullberger (banjo, guitar); Phil Rutherford (brass bass); Josh Duffee (drums).

1430 – 1500 : Rico & Bunny Berigan.

Mike Durham was a great admirer of legendary trumpet star Bunny Berigan, and included tributes to him in innovative multi-themed concerts some years ago. Enrico will keep the Berigan flame alight – metaphorically and almost literally, as you will hear! Enrico Tomasso (trumpet); Alistair Allan (trombone); Robert Fowler (reeds); Keith Nichols (piano); Henry Lemaire (guitar); Malcolm Sked (bass); Richard Pite (drums).

1500 – 1530:  The Avant-Garde. Nichols, Mole.

In the mid-1920s, small groups of New York-based musicians introduced new elements into Jazz. Improvised solos remained, but framed by technically advanced ensemble passages. This innovation had pretty well run its course by 1930; but as Frans will prove to you, it was fun while it lasted. Andy Schumm (cornet); Alistair Allan (trombone); Michael McQuaid (reeds); David Boeddinghaus (piano); Martin Wheatley (guitar); Frans Sjöström  (bass saxophone); Josh Duffee (drums). Also with Emma Fisk (violin) on two numbers.

1530 – 1600: Spats & his Hot Combination.

One of Tom ‘Spats’ Langham’s brightest groups, their repertoire is astonishingly eclectic. And so is the range of sounds and treatments they can attain. This entertaining half hour will pass swiftly for you, or my name is Mickey Mouse! Spats Langham (banjo, guitar, ukulele &c., &c.); Robert Fowler (reeds); Martin Litton (piano); Malcolm Sked (bass, brass bass).                  

1600 – 1700: Frisco Jazz - Lu Watters.

In the mid-1930s, some jazz fans began to prefer the older styles, as opposed to the admittedly spectacular big bands which mostly prevailed by then. In California, trumpet player Lu Watters and his associates formed a ‘retro’ band, and in the process created a whole new style – Frisco Jazz. Leader Keith Nichols is particularly fond of Watters. Hold onto your seats… Enrico Tomasso, Duke Heitger (trumpets); Graham Hughes (trombone); Thomas Winteler (clarinet); Spats Langham, Henry Lemaire (banjos); Phil Rutherford (brass bass); Richard Pite (drums). Also, Mellow Baku will sing one number.  

Dinner.

1930 – 2000: Professor I:  Martin Litton.

Here, Professor Martin Litton will draw on his vast repertoire, to set the scene for this evening’s sessions. You may hear anything from ragtime, stride or Morton through to swing and perhaps beyond?  Every note of it with lucidity and impeccable taste, of course.

2000 – 2100: Dixie Stompers.

This was the name used by Harmony – a budget (35¢) record label – for recordings by the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra. Between 1925 and 1938, over thirty fine sides were made. A rich vein of hot music; yet oddly, little explored. Claus Jacobi and his ensemble now set things to rights. Bent Persson (trumpet); Kris Kompen (trombone); Claus Jacobi, Matthias Seuffert, Lars Frank (reeds); Morton Gunnar Larsen (piano); Jacob Ullberger (banjo); Josh Duffee (drums).

2100 – 2130:  Dance Band Divas.

Janice Day’s lovely interpretations of classic songs have been enjoyed in many parts of the world; she will delight you with several in this session. Martin Litton directs the accompaniments from the piano. Duke Heitger (trumpet); Alistair Allan (trombone); Michael McQuaid (reeds); Martin Wheatley (guitar); Malcolm Sked (bass); Nick Ball (drums).        

2130 – 2200: Matthias  Seuffert Rhythm.

For all that the 1930s is remembered as the ‘big band era’, many smaller groups still existed. Some accompanied singers; others made swing recordings of popular hits for the juke boxes – a thriving trade. Matthias will tell you all about it. Mellow Baku (vocal); Menno Daams (trumpet); Matthias Seuffert (reeds); Keith Nichols (piano); Martin Wheatley (guitar); Henry Lemaire (bass); Richard Pite (drums).

2200 – 2300: Rico & Bent’s “Louis”.

To be sure, both these respected virtuosi have always been inspired by the immortal Louis Armstrong; we all know that well. But tonight, when they play together, what subtle magic will they weave? It will surely be spellbinding! Rico Tomasso (trumpet, leader); Bent Persson (trumpet &/or cornet); Kris Kompen (trombone); Michael McQuaid, Lars Frank, Robert Fowler (reeds); Morton Gunnar Larsen (piano); Spats Langham (guitar, banjo); Malcolm Sked (bass); Nick Ball (drums).

2300 and onwards: Victory Pub Jam.

To sustain the excitement of the last session above, a new contingent of musicians (rested, bright and just rarin’ to go) will begin the Jam Session. As to the course it will take, you’ll just have to go there to find out… Andy Schumm (cornet) directs Graham Hughes (trombone); Claus Jacobi, Thomas Winteler (reeds); Keith Nichols (piano); Jacob Ullberger (banjo, guitar); Frans Sjöström (bass saxophone); Josh Duffee (drums).

SATURDAY 7th November.

1200 – 1230: Library of Congress –   Vol. 2.

As they did last year, Martin Litton and Spats Langham explore more of Jelly Roll Morton’s 1938 documentary recordings. These were made in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress, Washington, for the Folk Music Collection held there. Surely Jelly’s finest hour?

1230 – 1330: Black New Orleans Bands.

Far more recordings were made in New Orleans in the 1920s than one might think.  Which of them – if any – represent ‘true’ New Orleans jazz, is still hotly debated! Nevertheless, all are valuable, and this all-star band, led by Michael McQuaid, perform a selection for you. Andy Schumm &/or Rico Tomasso (trumpets); Graham Hughes (trombone); Michael McQuaid, Thomas Winteler  (reeds); Emma Fisk (violin); David Boeddinghaus (piano); Jacob Ullberger (banjo); Phil Rutherford (brass bass) or Malcolm Sked (string bass); Josh Duffee (drums).

1330 – 1430: Chamber Jazz.

In the 1930s and 40s there were a few small groups who employed advanced precision scoring and playing, each producing their own unique and arresting sound. Richard Pite presents a recital of three of them: The John  Kirby Sextet, The Raymond Scott Quintet, and Artie Shaw’s Gramercy Five. Menno Daams (trumpet); Robert Fowler, Lars Frank (reeds); Martin Litton (piano); Martin Wheatley (guitar); Henry Lemaire (bass); Richard Pite (drums). 

1430 – 1530: The Blues and Mellow.

‘The Blues’ comes in many forms. Mellow Baku has become one of the foremost singers of recent years, and can interpret the whole range of blues, from their classic folk-like simplicity through to the funky low-down. Here she is backed by Duke Heitger (trumpet); Matthias Seuffert (reeds, director); Keith Nichols (piano); Spats Langham (guitar); Malcom Sked (bass); Nicholas Ball (drums). 

1530 – 1600: Mallets.

Besides all his other impressive projects, Josh Duffee has begun to research the redoubtable U.S. xylophonist Teddy Brown, who came to the U.K. in 1925, and enjoyed great success for many years. Josh’s enviable skills as a percussionist enable him, accompanied by Dave Boeddinghaus, to present this mini-tribute to Teddy Brown.        

1600 – 1700 : Western Swing.

Another ‘first’ for Mike Durham’s Jazz Party. Martin Wheatley leads a session of Western Swing. It evolved in and around Texas, mostly in the 1930s, and is in effect, a country string band plus jazz horns. However, the horns are subservient to the country elements. But enough of dry definitions; just swing, sway & dance to this compelling music! Andy Schumm (trumpet); Matthias Seuffert, Lars Frank (reeds); Emma Fisk (violin); Keith Nichols (accordion); Morton Gunnar Larsen (piano); Martin Wheatley, Jacob Ullberger, Spats Langham (guitar, banjo, vocal); Richard Pite (bass); Nicholas Ball (drums).

Dinner.

1930 – 2000: Professor II.

All are very pleased to welcome David Boeddinghaus to the Jazz Party once again. His wonderful talent is in demand literally all over the world. Of course, he’s already played for you on four ensemble sessions, but this solo spot is sure to be studded with bright musical gems.

2000 - 2100: Spike Hughes.

Little known today, Patrick ‘Spike’ Hughes was very prominent in the early UK jazz scene. Once described as ‘the stormy petrel of British Jazz’, he played string bass, and from 1930 on made many records, culminating in a fine series in New York, featuring the best of the Harlem musicians. The session is directed by Menno Daams (trumpet), with Rico Tomasso, Bent Persson (trumpets); Kris Kompen, Alistair Allan, Graham Hughes (trombones); Claus Jacobi, Michael McQuaid, Matthias Seuffert, Lars Frank (reeds); Martin Litton (piano); Spats Langham (guitar); Henry Lemaire (bass); Richard Pite (drums).

2100 – 2200: Chicago South Side.

New Orleans is the most resonant location in jazz; but two others follow it closely. The South Side of Chicago teems with historic sites where jazz burgeoned. And a smallish free-wheeling group, such as this one, led by Thomas Winteler, will give you the true flavour of the South Side at its best. Mellow Baku (vocal); Duke Heitger (trumpet); Thomas Winteler, Matthias Seuffert (reeds); Keith Nichols (piano); Jacob Ullberger (banjo, guitar); Phil Rutherford (brass bass); Nicholas Ball (drums, washboard).

2200 – 2300: Cotton Club.

…and of course, The Cotton Club in New York must come a close second? It was named in 1923 by racketeer Owney Madden (who, unbelievably, came from Leeds). During the next decade or so it was to become the legendary venue for the very best of Harlem music and dance. Claus Jacobi directs this session, which might be subtitled ‘Jungle Nights in Harlem’. Rico Tomasso, Bent Persson, Menno Daams (trumpets); Graham Hughes, Alistair Allan (trombones); Claus Jacobi, Lars Frank, Robert Fowler (reeds); David Boeddinghaus (piano); Martin Wheatley (banjo, guitar); Malcolm Sked (bass); Josh Duffee (drums).

2300 and onwards: Victory Pub Jam.

If you haven’t had enough musical treats already, Duke and Janice will provide more, probably for quite a long time! Janice Day (vocal); Duke Heitger (trumpet); Kris Kompen (trombone); Matthias Seuffert (reeds); Martin Litton (piano); Spats Langham (banjo, guitar); Henry Lemaire (bass); Richard Pite (drums).

SUNDAY 8th November.

1200 – 1230: Union Rhythm Kings.

The members of this fine unit are in such demand on other sessions of the Party, it has been difficult to hear them in their own band. That omission is now rectified! Frans leads them in a fine selection of jazz classics, most tastefully arranged. Bent Persson (trumpet); Kris Kompen (trombone); Lars Frank (reeds); Morton Gunnar Larsen (piano); Jacob Ullberger (banjo, guitar); Frans Sjöström (bass saxophone); Nicholas Ball (drums).

1230 – 1330: Casa Loma Orchestra.

Josh Duffee is the acknowledged world expert on the life and times of Jean Goldkette. One of several bands created by Goldkette in and around Detroit was The Orange Blossoms. Josh will tell you how this band became The Casa Loma Orchestra, known as the first swing band in the world – and play the music and song as well. Janice Day (vocal);  Andy Schumm, Duke Heitger (trumpets); Kris Kompen (trombone); Michale McQuaid, Matthias Seuffert, Robert Fowler (reeds); David Boeddinghaus (piano); Martin Wheatley (guitar); Richard Pite (bass); Josh Duffee (drums).   

1330 – 1400: Seagoon Serenaders.

The enigmatic title of this session (led by Keith Nichols) gives but a hint of its content. We earnestly advise you not to miss it, for you will hear several lovely numbers played with an unusual instrumental line-up, besides ‘the other thing’. Vocal by Janice Day; Michael McQuaid (cornet, reeds); Lars Frank, Thomas Winteler (reeds); Emma Fisk (violin); Keith Nichols (piano); Spats Langham (banjo); Frans Sjöström (bass saxophone); Nicholas Ball (drums); Malcolm Sked (bass -  2 numbers).

1400 – 1500: Men of the World.

Claus Jacobi is very prominent in the medical profession in Germany. He became interested in jazz while gaining his doctorate at Göttingen, later playing in bands such as the famous Blue Roseland Orchestra. Subsequently, he has of course, led many ensembles. Menno Daams, Bent Persson (trumpets); Kris Kompen (trombone)  Claus Jacobi, Matthias Seuffert, Robert Fowler (reeds); Morton Gunnar Larsen (piano); Henry Lemaire (banjo, guitar) Phil Rutherford (brass bass), Richard Pite (drums, piccolo), Spats Langham (vocal). Also Keith Nichols (accordion) on one tune, and Josh Duffee (drums) on Piccolo Pete.

1500 – 1600: Songbirds and Nightingales.

Janice Day and Mellow Baku sing for you, each with their own impeccable style and artistry. Duke Heitger (trumpet) leads the accompaniment with Menno Daams (trumpet); Thomas Winteler (reeds); Emma Fisk (violin); Martin Litton (piano); Malcolm Sked (bass); Josh Duffee (drums).

1600 – 1630: What Bix could have played – Vol 2.

A year ago, Andy Schumm presented a session of numbers played, but not recorded, by Bix Beiderbecke. By popular demand, here is another selection of ‘possible Bix classics’. And don’t worry; there are plenty more left for future years! Andy Schumm (cornet); Kris Kompen (trombone); Michael McQuaid (reeds); David Boeddinghaus (piano); Frans Sjöström (bass saxophone); Josh Duffee (drums).

1630 – 1700: Winteler plays Bechet.

As an interpreter of the music of Sidney Bechet, Thomas Winteler is unrivalled. Bent and Henry are in fact members of his Jazz Serenaders, based in Switzerland, but a truly international outfit. Here is a fitting and HOT conclusion to this afternoon’s sessions. Bent Persson (trumpet); Graham Hughes (trombone); Thomas Winteler (soprano saxophone, clarinet); Morton Gunnar Larsen (piano); Jacob Ullberger (banjo); Henry Lemaire (bass); Nicholas Ball (drums).

Dinner.

1930 – 2000: Professor III.

A piano recital by Morton Gunnar Larsen, internationally celebrated interpreter and composer of a wide range of music, most of it jazz-based. Early in his career he performed with the legendary Eubie Blake, who was born in 1887. Thus Morton has an enviable direct link to the veriest dawn of ragtime, stride and jazz!

2000 – 2030: Duke’s Place.

Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, in a musical family, Duke’s father ran a band there which had a regular gig for over 30 years -  so with his son’s exceptional talent, ‘the rest is history’. We are fortunate to welcome him again at the Jazz Party. Duke is backed by an impressive line-up. Janice Day (vocal); Graham Hughes (trombone); Matthias Seuffert (alto saxophone); Claus Jacobi (tenor saxophone); Keith Nichols (piano); Henry Lemaire (guitar); Richard Pite (bass); Nicholas Ball (drums). Also, Rico Tomasso will make a guest appearance.

2030 – 2100: California Ramblers  - Vol 2.

A welcome innovation at the Jazz Party this year, is a ‘Part 2’ of a theme previously presented. We have had Bix and Jelly Roll supplements so far. The California Ramblers certainly merit one; after all, they made literally hundreds of recordings in the 1920s. Frans directs: Andy Schumm (trumpet); Kris Kompen (trombone); Michael McQuaid, Lars Frank (reeds); David Boeddinghaus (piano); Spats Langham (banjo, vocal); Frans Sjöström (bass saxophone); Josh Duffee (drums).

2100 – 2200: Eddie Condon - “We Called it Music”.

As the decades pass, less is heard of Eddie Condon. But with Paul Adams of Lake Records acting as narrator, we will have Condon’s contribution to jazz revalued, and hear fine examples of the ebullient music he made for so many years. Enrico Tomasso (trumpet); Graham Hughes (trombone); Thomas Winteler , Claus Jacobi (reeds); Morton Gunnar Larsen (piano); Martin Wheatley (guitar); Henry Lemaire (bass); NicholasBall (drums).    

2200 – 2300: Nichols – Duffee Orchestra.

This resplendent band has been jointly organised by Keith Nichols and Josh Duffee. Therefore we will hear an ambitious over-view of 1920s and 1930s big-band music, played to perfection. A truly fitting conclusion to the last few days. Since Thursday, surely, more different types and styles of classic jazz have been played for you by international stars than any other jazz event in the world? Janice Day (vocal); Duke Heitger, Andy Schumm, Rico Tomasso (trumpets); Kris Kompen, Alistair Allan (trombones); Michael McQuaid, Lars Frank, Matthias Seuffert, Robert Fowler (reeds); Keith Nichols (piano); Spats Langham (banjo, guitar); Malcom Sked (bass, brass bass); Josh Duffee (drums).

2300 and onwards : Victory Pub Jam.

The ‘Early Birds’ among you have been listening to fine jazz since Thursday. Now is your opportunity to be a ‘Late Bird Too’ as you have heard Spats sing in ‘Night Owl’ – come to that, another highly appropriate term for this final, triumphant jam session. We hope to see you all again at next year’s Mike Durham’s Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party!  

Mellow Baku (vocal); Bent Persson (trumpet); Alistair Allan (trombone); Michael McQuaid (reeds); David Boeddinghaus (piano); Martin Wheatley (banjo, guitar); Phil Rutherford (brass bass); Nicholas Ball (drums).