Bebop Spoken There

Ron Carter quoting Sonny Rollins: ''What we call jazz - that's keeping the world in equilibrium. I don't care what kind of music you like out here today. It all comes from jazz.'' (DownBeat August, 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

18799 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 663 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Aug. 12) 32.

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

From This Moment On

August

Thu 13: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 13: Eva Fox & the Sound Hounds @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 13: 58 Jazz Collective @ The Blacksmith’s Arms, Stranton, Hartlepool. 8:00pm. Free. CANCELLED! Back on Aug. 27.
Thu 13: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.

Fri 14: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 14: John Settle Quartet @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm. £9.00. John Settle (vibes); Rick Laughlin (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Tim Johnston (drums).
Fri 14: Bold Big Band @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £8.00 + bf.

Sat 15: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Blacksmith’s Arms, Hartlepool. 1:30pm. Free. Open rehearsal.
Sat 15: Jake Leg Jug Band @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm. £16.26.

Sun 16: Vintage Explosion @ Cliffe Park, Roker, Sunderland SR6 8DB. 5:00-10:30pm. £44.00 (inc. bf).

Mon 17: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 18: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, Abbie Finn.

Wed 19: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 19: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Friday, February 05, 2016

GINA SOUTHGATE @ Newcastle Arts Centre - ‘Woman Paints Music’ February 4.

(Review by Steve H/Photo courtesy of Mike Tilley)
Jazz North East’s second ‘Women Making Music’ series, following from their marvellously successful 2015 inaugural series, got off to a flying start with a solo exhibition by Gina Southgate entitled ‘Woman Paints Music’.  Gina’s art features paintings of Jazz gigs which are painted in situ during live performances. The majority of paintings on display are of musicians from the ‘Free’ jazz scene many of whom I have had the privilege of seeing in Newcastle over the last few years such as Laura Jurd, Rachel Musson, Trio Riot, The Necks and The Cookers.
However, I did spot a painting of Gregory Porter for those who prefer the more traditional artiste. Gina did a project with Hawthorn primary school in Elswick in 2014 and there is a series of these paintings on display too. She paints with acrylics on board and canvas and creates wonderful vibrant images full of colour and movement really evoking the true feel of the music.
All permutations of bands from solo performers to full orchestras are represented. My own particular favourite was of trombonist Dennis Rollins and I also particularly admired the monochromatic style works on paper, although it is really unfair to single out any one work as the exhibition as a whole is a wonderful celebration of the merging of two great art forms - jazz and painting. Whatever you do this month, make sure it includes a trip to this inspiring and fantastic show.   
Steve.
Exhibition, February 5 -  March 5(Admission free).

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