Miles Ahead at Tyneside Cinema!

Don Cheadle’s long-awaited film about Miles Davis has a UK distribution date of Friday 22 April. Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema has been quick off the mark in programming the film to start its run from the 22nd. The time of the screening will be confirmed about one week before. Miles Ahead has a running time of 1hr 40 minutes with a 15 certificate. 

The soundtrack can’t be anything other than wonderful, as for the acting and storyline it’s a case of wait and see. Why not post a film review to Bebop Spoken Here?

The Tyneside Cinema’s publicity blurb – print and website – refers to the musical genius Miles Davies. The legendary banjo player, one assumes…

Russell.

Tommy Smith to host Glasgow jazz summer school

(Press release)

Saxophonist Tommy Smith is hosting a 5-day summer school for young jazz musicians at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow from July 24 to 28.

The school, which coincides with Glasgow Jazz Festival, aims to benefit musicians between the ages of 12 and 17 who are beginning to develop their skills in spontaneous composition and jazz improvisation and wish to take their playing to the next level.

ACV @ The Black Swan, Newcastle - March 29

Ollie Dover (reeds); Chris Sharkey (guitar); Matthew Bourne (keyboards); Andy Champion (bass); Joost Hendrickx (drums).

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

Tuesday night saw the relaunch of ACV. The only common factor in the new incarnation of the band was Mr AC himself.

At the start of the evening, Andy explained that the music is inspired by world-renowned land sculptor Richard Long. Both the first and second set consisted of a single continuous piece, each able to evoke the feeling of being witness to the construction of a grand organic sculpture. 

CD Review: Ehud Asherie - Shuffle Along

Ehud Asherie (piano).

(Review by Lance).

This one swung in from left field! An Israeli pianist in his thirties playing, mainly, forgotten songs from the 1921 musical Shuffle Along isn't what usually lands on the semi-destroyed (by cat) doormat.

Music from 95 years ago that sounds even fresher today than it may have done then!

This is not to denigrate the legendary pianist Eubie Blake who wrote the score nor his co-pilot Noble Sissle who provided the lyrics for the show although this is purely an instrumental take.

CD Review: Graeme Wilson Quartet – Sure Will Hold a Boat

Graeme Wilson (tenor saxophone), Paul Edis (piano), Andy Champion (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Graeme Wilson made his home on Tyneside for several years during which time he made a considerable impact on the local music scene. A founding member of GIO – the hugely influential Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra – Wilson’s involvement in numerous regional projects has left a lasting legacy. First heard as accompanist to vocalist Ruth Lambert, an array of key jobs soon came his way; the tenor chair in Voice of the North Jazz Orchestra (composing and arranging for the band and John Warren’s group), an original member of the superb saxophone quartet Saxophonics, gigging and recording with Andy Champion’s ACV and running his own band. His band – the Graeme Wilson Quartet – continues to perform and record. Sure Will Hold a Boat is Wilson’s latest CD and it’s a gem.

CD Review: Zhenya Strigalev – Never Group

Zhenya Strigalev (alto saxophone), Tim Lefebvre (bass) & Eric Harland (drums) + Bruno Liberda (electronics), John Escreet (keyboards), Alex Bonney (trumpet), Matt Penman (double bass) & Charles Armstrong (voice intro)

(Review by Russell)

This new release from Michael Janisch’s Whirlwind Recordings, featuring altoist Zhenya  Strigalev’s Never Group, adds another dimension to the enterprising bassist’s burgeoning catalogue. The core trio – Strigalev, bassist Tim Lefebvre and Eric Harland (drums) – has a story to tell. Twenty tracks, spanning seventy-four minutes, are rooted in post-jazz drum and bass grooves navigating a post-industrial electronica landscape.

RIP David Baker

Perhaps one of America's greatest jazz educators, David Baker passed away on March 26.

His transcriptions and analysis of jazz solos are regarded by many as the definitive. Many a time I've sat reading Down Beat absorbing his wisdom. Truly a jazz guru who really did know the score - pardon the pun.

Trumpet, trombone and, after his lip was gone, cello. One of the greats who perhaps deserved more recognition of his achievements. A giant!

David Baker was 84. He will be sadly missed by any jazzer who felt there was more to the music than just getting up and blowing.

Sadly missed.

Obituary.
Lance,

CD Review: Eileen Howard - Big City Love

Eileen Howard (vcl); Michael Raye (keys); Nat Janoff (gtr); Eddy Khairnovich (bs); Darrell Smith (dms); Daniel Bennett (saxes); Matthew Owens (tpt).

(Review by Lance).

The love in the album title is New York, the songs are a mix of Howard originals, songs related to the most famous city in the world (sorry London, Paris, Newcastle) and other numbers where the connection may be tenuous but the Broadway/42nd St./downtown/uptown feeling is always there.

Hong Kong Calling

Episode 5 of Vintage Chart Toppers went out earlier and, once again, Colin had some interesting choices:
Duke Ellington/Ivy Anderson - It Don't Mean a Thing.
Frank Sinatra/Tommy Dorsey - Imagination.
Dick Haymes/Tommy Dorsey - Little White Lies.
Stan Freeberg - St. George and the Dragonet.
Eric Delaney - Oranges & Lemons.
Original Cast - Oklahoma.
What a hoot to hear the Freeberg track again - classic.
Lance.

James Birkett and Bradley Johnston Jazz Guitar Duo – Hexham, Saturday, March 26

(Review by Hugh C/Photos courtesy of Rachel).

'Twas a rain-lashed Easter Eve when 30 or so of the faithful gathered in the western margins of the Beboposphere at The Little Angel Cafe, Hexham.  Diners had finished their pizza and gelati, glasses or mugs (according to taste) were charged.  At the appointed hour (8pm) an expectant hush descended on those assembled and in the glow of the single spotlight the jazz guitar maestri James Birkett and Bradley Johnston took to the floor (there is no stage  - it is a cafe).

Charity Shopping - the New Junk Shopping

Saturday afternoons usually find me trawling the charity shops looking for some elusive paperback. I never bother looking at the CDs - the number of review CDs I receive take up all of my listening hours. I rarely have the opportunity to play the ones I want to play let alone buy new ones.

However, today, in the Marie Curie shop in Jarrow's Viking Precinct, I glanced at them and I couldn't believe my eyes - Bobby Hackett - At the Jazz Band Ball 1938-1940. £1! "Good grief!" I cried. Not only was Bobby Hackett in the box on the shop floor but also CDs by Ellington, Basie, Don Redman, Luis Russell, Chet Baker, Red Allen, Slim Gaillard, Memphis 5, Nat Cole and others.

CD Review: Leslie Pintchik - True North

Leslie Pintchik (pno); Steve  Wilson (ten/sop on 6 tks); Ron Horton (tpt on 6 tks); Scott Hardy (bs); Michael Sarin (dms); Satoshi Takeishi (perc).

(Review by Lance).

Ms. Pintchik's fifth CD is the second one that's come up for review on BSH -  the previous disc, In the Nature of Things, turned up just under two years ago and was favourably received by this reviewer. Likewise, this new album also hits the spot. Pintchik's delicate, but not effete style, brings to mind Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal - the notes also compare her with Ralph Burns. 

Dave Weisser & Alan Law @ The Jazz Café. March 25

Dave Weisser (vocals & trumpet) & Alan Law (piano)

(Review by Russell/Photo courtesy of Mike Tilley)

Good Friday at the Jazz Café. American ex-pat trumpeter and vocalist Dave Weisser played a long overdue gig focusing on his singing. Let’s make that Dave Weisser the  vocalist and trumpeter. Working in the company of pianist Alan Law, the set list took Chet Baker and Mose Allison as its inspiration. A relaxed Weisser – black and white cool school trumpeter’s t-shirt and cap – opened with Let’s Get Lost, huh? The huh? being the American’s invitation into his jazz world, a world as real as any other, and infinitely preferable to most.

CD Review: Danny Green Trio - Altered Narratives

Danny Green (pno); Justin Grinnell (bs); Julien Cantelm (dms) + (on 3 tracks) Antoine Silverman, Max Moston (vln); Chris Cardona (vla); Anja Wood (cello).

(Review by Lance,)

It's always a delight to discover a new talent although, as I've reviewed a previous album by Danny Green, perhaps new isn't quite the right word. In my defence, that was back in 2012 and you know what us reviewers of a certain age are like for remembering!

Not Now Charlie @ The Globe - March 24

Jamie Toms (tenor saxophone), Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar), Richard Campbell (piano), Liam Gaughan (bass) & Dave McKeague (drums).

(Review by Lance).

A few diehards plus family and friends made up the core of the audience for this Jazz Coop gig - perhaps the outbreak of Lazyitus that Patti referred to in a previous post is turning into an epidemic of pandemic proportions. Those who weren't present last night should contact their GP immediately. Oh no! They can't - it's Good Friday!

At the Globe Tonight

After their successful album launch at the Jazz Café last month, Jamie Toms' Not Now Charlie play a Jazz Coop gig at The Globe (11 Railway St., Newcastle NE4 7AD) tonight - 7:30pm for 8pm. Judging by Russell's rave review of the former gig, tonight promises to be equally satisfying.

Lance (Photo by Pam Young.)

Not Now Charlie: Jamie Toms (tenor saxophone), Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar), Richard Campbell (keyboards), Liam Gaughan (bass) & Dave McKeague (drums)

CD Review: Hans Koller – Retrospection

(Review by Hugh C.)

Hans Koller, pianist and composer, is Bavarian by birth, but has been in the UK for the last 25 years and now bases himself between Birmingham and London.  In Retrospection. he (naturally) looks back over recordings from the last five years of his output.  In this project he marks the deep influence of his jazz-loving father.  Koller also cites influences from Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans to Lennie Tristano and Gil Evans.

Retrospection is a triple album.  Retrospection I includes three originals by Koller himself and arrangements of the music of Lennie Tristano, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and Jeff Williams (drums) – who also features on the recording.  Steve Swallow guests on bass – the remainder of the band includes top name British musicians from Birmingham and beyond, including the splendidly named Percy Pursglove (trumpet).  

CD Review: Gilles Peterson - Magic Peterson Sun Shine

Mention Peterson and MPS in the same breath and one name automatically comes to  mind - Oscar! Not this time! This time, it's, I quote, Internationally acclaimed DJ, record collector and tastemaker, Gilles Peterson who, it seems, has been bringing the best of electronic jazz and world music to dedicated audiences for over three decades - in other words, he spins records.

Nevertheless, it has to be said, this is an excellent compilation incorporating as it does, Don Ellis, Mary Lou Williams, Eddy Louiss, Mark Murphy, John Taylor, George Gruntz, Francy Boland, Singers Unlimited and another eight bands from around the globe that I'm less familiar with. However, all hit the spot and a three-legged man or woman could dance to this and you wouldn't need three ears to listen. Every one a gem. 
This is heading for the car stereo - anyone care for a lift?
Released on April 15.
Lance.
Check the album out here.

Mo Scott Band @ The Jazz Café. March 22

Mo Scott (vocals), Gary Dunn (guitar), Deon Krishnan (bass) & Paul Smith (drums)

(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy of Mike Tilley)

People get ready, Mo Scott’s a-comin’. Tyneside’s Empress of the Blues Mo Scott sang Ray Charles, Curtis Mayfield, Big Mama Thornton and many others at a standing room only gig on Pink Lane. Supercharged takes on Unchain My Heart, People Get Ready, a spine-tingling Rock Me Baby, this was Mo Scott in fine form.

Northern Edition CD Compilation.

I suppose this is what we used to call a "Sampler". Well, this is a very much updated sampler. Not only do we have 12 bands from the Edition label's roster we also have them delightfully curated by Fiona Talkington. Of the bands, few mean much to me apart from Phronesis and Dave Stapleton who was also executive producer.
Nevertheless, it's all here so you can judge for yourself - a bit like a jazz X Factor!
Listen.
Lance.

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ Blaydon Jazz Club. March 20

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

Almost exactly a year to the day since the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band’s first visit to the Black Bull, Michael Lamb’s powerhouse outfit returned to play another gig at Blaydon Jazz Club. The established line-up, with just the one dep in (Dave Kerridge up from the Tees Delta on tenor), roared through an ambitious, wide-ranging concert programme.  
On the first day of spring (the meteorologists will tell you it was) F’reez opened with On a Clear Day. MC Guy Swinton admitted to shamelessly nicking the arrangement from a friend of the band, Mr Anthony Strong! Our man F’reez sang it in his Nu soul-jazz style. Standard material, the band sounded good. There was little indication of things to come.

Jazz Vocal Coup For Cherry Tree

The Cherry Tree Restaurant, in Jesmond, are proud to announce an exclusive north-east appearance by acclaimed New York jazz singer, Tessa Souter on Wednesday, April 13.

Ms Souter will be accompanied by the Peter Gilligan Trio and reservations can be made by phoning 0191 2399924.

If you're coming up for GIJF (April 15-17) this could be a good place to start! There's no cover charge and the food is superb!

Lance.

Jazz Co-op @ The Globe: Milne & Johnston Band: March 19

Debra Milne (vocals); Bradley Johnston (guitar); Michael Whent (bass guitar); Mark Robertson (drums)

(Review by Ann Alex/photo courtesy of Eugene Milne).

This was a most enjoyable gig with good performances from all 4 musicians.  Michael Whent did  especially well as he was depping for the regular bassist and, as such, wasn’t familiar with some of the tunes, not  that you’d have guessed.  Bradley was on top form (when is he not?); Debra tackled some difficult songs well, and Mark came up with really classy drumming. What’s not to like?

Vintage Chart Toppers Episode 4

Playlist
Bing Crosby - Swingin on a Star.
Boswell Sisters - The Object of my Affection.
Bessie Smith - Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out.
Charles Penrose - The Laughing Policeman.
Ted Heath - Swinging Shepherd Blues.
Nellie Lutcher - Hurry on Down to my House Baby.
Link. 

Ray Dales Quartet @ Ashington Jazz Club.

I came across this YouTube link of  the Ray Dales Quartet with James Harrison on piano, Anth Ord, bass guitar, Tom Chapman drums and Ray blowing alto. The video was shot by James Fay at Ashington Jazz Club (RIP) in June 2015 and the tune is Secret Love. I'm sure Ray won't mind me sharing it with you

Lance.

Interview with Michael Lamb

Bebop Spoken Here spoke to Michael Lamb, leader of the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band ahead of tonight’s gig at Blaydon Jazz Club:

BSH: SSBB seems to be going from strength to strength, tell me about its beginnings and how it has developed.

SSBB started when I was still at school in lower sixth – that’s about 15 years ago! It was a collection of friends playing all the wrong instruments for a big band, but I guess I got the bug then. We slowed down for a few years while I was studying; then as my musical network expanded everything started to ramp up. The band’s quality is in its component musicians – I’m honoured to have some of the best musicians in the region playing in the band today.

CD Review: Darren English - Imagine Nation.

Darren English (tpt); Kenny Banks Jr. (pno); Billy Thornton (bs); Chris Burroughs (dms) + Carmen Bradford (vcl); Greg Tardy (ten); Russell Gunn (tpt); Joe Gransden (tpt).

(Review by Lance).

I must confess that when confronted with an album of originals, I tend to flinch and prepare to bite the bullet. I realise that is the wrong attitude as every tune that was ever written was once an 'original'. However, not all of today's jazz musicians are Monk, Miles, Duke, Dizzy or Bird when it comes to laying down a tune, irrespective of their instrumental skills.

St Cuthbert’s Durham Beat

(Russell reports/photo courtesy of Hugh C)

Bebop Spoken Here’s Man without Portfolio, Tony Eales, rounds up goings-on at Empty Shop, Ushaw College and a day trip to the Literary and Philosophical Society. Friday: an auspicious occasion, Ushaw College. Paul Edis, commissioned to write a suite for Ushaw College commemorating St Cuthbert and his links with the region, was rewarded with the ‘house full’ signs going up. (See previous post.)

Edis and the Ensemble gave a second performance today (Saturday) in Durham Cathedral at three o’clock.

Friday lunchtime: the Ruth Lambert Trio entertained the Lit & Phil audience. A good few turned out (additional seating on standby). Thursday: Framwellgate Bridge, Durham. The returning Rick Laughlin went to the shop, an Empty Shop. Pianist Laughlin, now residing ‘up north’ following a lengthy spell in London, played to a predominately student crowd at the flourishing Empty Shop enterprise. More from Our Man Eales in the coming weeks. 

Russell.

Ushaw Ensemble – St. Cuthbert's Suite, Ushaw College, Durham - March 18

Paul Edis (MD/piano); Graham Hardy (trumpet/flugel); Graeme Wilson (tenor sax/bass clarinet/flute); Emma Fisk (violin); Alice Burn (Northumbrian pipes); Rob Walker (drums/tympani); Paul Susans (double bass).

(Review/photos by Hugh C).

A decent crowd assembled in the newly refurbished Francis Thompson Room, preparatory to the world premiere of Paul Edis’ St Cuthbert's Suite – a suite specially commissioned by Ushaw College.

After a brief introduction, Durham's Dr Jazz himself, Paul Edis, announced that the Suite was to be played in the second set.  As befitted a serious composition we were provided with detailed programme notes.  Before that though, we were to be treated to some lighter material, each with a connection (sometimes tenuous!) to religion or the religious life.  There followed approximately 50 minutes of music, each of the front line musicians taking a solo role in one of the items.  Included were Solitude, Meditation, Confirmation, [Our] Lady be Good and St. Thomas. 

The Lindsay Hannon Plus @ The Jazz Café. March 18

Lindsay Hannon (vocals), Alan Law (keyboards), John Pope (double bass) & Russ Morgan (drums)

(Review by Russell/photo courtesy of Mike Tilley.)

I am Lindsay Hannon and these are ‘the Plus’ said vocalist Hannon, pointing to the boys in the band. A good Friday night crowd turned out to hear Hannon sing a selection of the standard jazz repertoire and a few leftfield choices. The bar did good business, albeit via regular trips to the downstairs bar. Hold the front page! Ms Hannon appeared to be in an alcohol-free state of mind…the pint glass at hand appeared to contain nothing other than water.

Grew Quartet + Grew Watts Duo + Grew Quintet @ Lit & Phil - March 17.

(Review/photos courtesy of Ken Drew.)

This highly anticipated double bill was quickly re-arranged into a 3-set Jazz North East treat at the Lit & Phil.

First set – the quartet – all in together from the outset.  Stephen on the piano with very extensive and dynamic use of the keyboard, along with the left hand occasionally modulating the mid-strings as the right hand continued its workout along the keyboard.   Virtually all played throughout – no ‘solo’ spots as such creating a continuously complex and energetic sound, enthralling the audience. The clarinet at times competing with the piano – each urging the other on, with bass and drums constantly underpinning the mix.  Then a quiet passage – a bass solo – plucking both above and below the left-hand finger positions. Very enthusiastic playing!   Overall, very energetic interplay, and just like the local Wylam beer, very accessible and very tasty!!   A pity it was limited to just half an hour!!  What a superb opening set.

And Even More GIJF - Lance talks to Simon Spillett About Tubby Hayes.

Bebop Spoken Here interviewed Simon Spillett ahead of his concert at GIJF.

BSH: You’re playing Gateshead International Jazz Festival this year in a rather special concert.

Yes, it's a double-header featuring the recently released documentary film 'Tubby Hayes – A Man in A Hurry' and my quartet playing a set of Tubby's music.

BSH: Tubby’s music has obviously played a major part in your life, very much influencing your own playing.

More on Gateshead International Jazz Festival

(Preview by Russell)

Four weeks today the 2016 Gateshead International Jazz Festival gets under way at the Norman Foster-designed Sage Gateshead building on the banks of the Tyne. The prospect of fine weather over the long spring weekend of April 15-17, and a typically eclectic line-up of British, European and American musicians should ensure a bumper turn out of jazz fans from across Tyneside and further afield.

It’s ‘returns-only’ for the opening night appearance of Gregory Porter as 1700 Sage One tickets were snapped up more than six months ago. Arun Ghosh makes a welcome return (Sage Two) with a quintet including pianist John Ellis. Those in striking distance of Sage Gateshead’s sunlit concourse on Friday afternoon will be in for a treat as Arun Ghosh and members of his band play jazz with children from Roman Road Primary School. A proud group of parents will no doubt be in attendance to hear the results of Arun Ghosh’s three-day residency working with the stars of tomorrow. Cameras at the ready… 

Vintage Chart Toppers Episode 4 on Sunday (March 20)

Don't forget Colin Aitchison's Vintage Chart Toppers goes out on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) each Sunday morning at 6:30am local time which is 00:30am UK time.
Follow the link.
Lance.

Gerry Richardson's Big Idea @ The Jazz Café - March 17

Gerry Richardson (vcls/Hammond SK2); Rod Sinclair (gtr); Sue Ferris (fl/bar); Garry Linsley (alt); Stuart Johnson (ten/sop); Dave Hignett/Mark Webb (tpt/flug); David Gray (tmb); Paul Smith (dms).
(Review by Lance).
Gerry Richardson's Big Idea was a good idea when it kicked off some years back, now it's a brilliant idea! Mainly originals, both old and new, by Gerry, with the odd cover thrown in, this is a band for all seasons that never fails to deliver.

Terence Blanchard, Courtney Pine & Charles Bradley Lead A Star Studded Line Up For Gateshead International Jazz Festival

(Press release).

Sage Gateshead is preparing to open its doors for the 12^th Gateshead International Jazz Festival next month as it welcomes thousands of jazz, funk, soul and RnB fans for a weekend of top class music from multi award-winning artists from the UK, Europe and across the pond.

New Orleans trumpeter Terence Blanchard shares a Saturday night double bill with Courtney Pine & Zoe Rahman. Blanchard is a five-timeGRAMMY winning trumpeter, bandleader and composer who first emerged as a member ofArt Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in the 80s. His multi-faceted career has brought him international and widespread acclaim that includes landmark movie scores, a major new opera and an inspirational role in jazz education by mentoring some of today’s most talented players including Lionel Loueke, Aaron Parks and Kendrick Scott. Blanchard has scored more than 50 films, including all of Spike Lee’s movies since Jungle Fever in 1991 to the most recent Chi-Raq in 2015.

RIP Frank Sinatra Jr.

Frank Sinatra Jr. passed away yesterday (March 16) after suffering a cardiac arrest whilst on tour in Florida. Son of a legend Frank Junior was an outstanding performer himself albeit without the charisma of his illustrious father. He was in London last year although the only time I personally saw Frank Sinatra  Jr. in concert was back in the 1960s when he appeared at Newcastle City Hall with a Tommy Dorsey Band led by Sam Donahue.

He had big boots to fill, boots which probably nobody could yet, nevertheless, he worked regularly worldwide.

Amazingly his mother and his father's first wife, Nancy Barbato is still alive aged 98.

Frank Sinatra Jr. was 72.

Rest In Peace.

Lance.

Obituary.

New release :Magnus Öström - Parachute.

Drummer Magnus Öström, a member of the world famous Esbjörn Svensson Trio (E.S.T.), is set to release his third solo album ‘Parachute’ on April 1, 2016.

The new album features the same band members as the two previous albums with guitarist Andreas Hourdakis, bassist and keyboardist Thobias Gabrielson and pianist Daniel Karlsson. Twenty years have passed since the hugely successful and critically acclaimed album ‘E.S.T. Plays Monk’ was released. ‘Parachute’ comprises eight original compositions by Magnus and also features Norwegian trumpeter Mathias Eick who guests on ‘The Shore Of Unsure.’

Mambo Jambo

Welcome to the first Jazz @ Mambos event.

This is the first in a monthly serving of Jazz and Swing to the South Shields area. 
Held in the idyllic settings of Mambo Wine and Dine in South Shields, guests can sip on a range of fantastic cocktails whilst, at the same time, listening to some of the finest Jazz the North has to offer. 
With vocals from Paul Skerritt, one of the key male Jazz vocalists in the area, paired with the sublime talent of his partner in crime from The Paul Skerritt Band, James Harrison on piano, it promises to be an evening not to be missed.

CD Review: Phronesis - Parallax.

Jasper Høiby – bass; Ivo Neame – Piano; Anton Eger – drums

(Review by Hugh C.)

Phronesis have excellent rapport, continuously feeding off each other, whether live or on disc.  Parallax, recorded in a single day at London's Abbey Road Studios, characterises the trio’s many features such as their rhythmic drive and a common melodic sense exemplified by the constant shifts of mood and texture.

The three musicians each composed three of the nine tracks.  They are generally up-tempo, although there are occasional reflective moments on this, their sixth release.

The Tube Revisited

There was an interesting piece in the Guardian about the music programme The Tube that was made in Newcastle by Tyne Tees Television in the 1980s. At the time I was living in the wilds of Northumberland and didn't watch much television so I missed most of the programmes. However, it has now acquired cult status - although watching it at a distance the reason for this is not entirely clear – but maybe you had to be there at the time.

RIP Ernestine Anderson

Legendary American jazz singer Ernestine Anderson died on March 10 aged 87. A prolific recording artist making over 30 albums, the last one as recent as 2011. Four Grammy nominations recording on  a variety of labels including Mercury, Columbia and Concord. She toured with Lionel Hampton, had discs produced by Q and even lived in London for awhile.

A unique stylist who deserves to be spoken of in the same breath as some of the more deified singers. Listen to her here age 81!

Ernestine will be sadly missed.

Obituary,
Lance.

The Globe Spins Again

(Press release)

One of most unusual bars in central Newcastle has reopened with a new tenant, a fresh look and longer opening hours. With bright music-styled décor, an excellent sound system, a wide selection of draught and bottled beers, fine wines and rare spirits, The Globe in Railway Street looks set to become a cool and relaxing hang-out on the edge of the frantic city centre.

Once a typical Victorian corner pub, The Globe hit the headlines in 2014 when it was bought by a co-operative, Jazz.Coop, following a successful community share issue. It was the first late bar and music venue in the UK to be owned freehold by a co-operative. For the first 18 months, former tenants of the Globe ran a nightclub on the ground floor while the co-op put on jazz on the first floor.

TRIO HLK + TAUPE @ The Bridge Hotel – March 13

TRIO HLK: Richard Harrold (keyboards); Ant Law (guitar); Richard Kass (drums)

TAUPE Jamie Stockbridge (alto sax); Mike Parr-Burman (guitar); Adam Stapleford (drums)

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

This was a welcome change, normally those on the bandstand are 2 generations younger than those in the auditorium, however, at The Bridge on Sunday night for this JNE/Splinter gig, the majority of the audience were young enough not to remember when Newcastle United last won a trophy but old enough to remember when it was the Toon who were at the top of the Premiership and Leicester City at the bottom.

BSH Talks to Alex Webb about Café Society Swing.

The show, Café Society Swing, reappears at London's Pizza Express this Thursday, March 17, and if you live within the sound of Bow Bells, this is the only game in town. I saw the show a couple of years back and I'm delighted to see that, apart from Pizza, it's also heading north for the GIJF (Sage Gateshead April 17, 2pm.). YouTube clip. 

This Thursday at the Jazz Café - Gerry Richardson's Big Idea. Don't miss it!

Gerry Richardson's Big Idea play their first gig of 2016. This is a nine piece Hammond organ based band which plays an eclectic mix of Funk, Latin, African and straight ahead Swing, both originals and covers. They will also be premiering some new compositions and arrangements.

RIP Naná Vasconcelos

Brazillian percussion Naná Vasconcelos passed away on March 9 aged 71. A player able to adapt to many styles Naná Vasconcelos won 7 consecutive Down Beat Critics' awards as Best Percussionist and also 8 Grammy Awards.
Sadly missed,
Lance.
NY Times Obituary.

Vintage Chart Toppers Episode 3

Colin Aitchison winds up the Victrola for more nostalgia on RTHK Radio 3.
Today's playlist.
Peggy Lee/Benny Goodman - Why Don't You Do Right?
Steve Conway - My Foolish Heart.
Jon Hendricks/Louis Armstrong - Heebie Jeebies.
Cab Calloway - Minnie the Moocher.
Spike Jones - Cocktails For Two.
Coleman Hawkins - Body and Soul.
Link.
Nice one Colin. Superb Steve Conway - the definitive version!
Lance.

CD Review: Marcos Varela - San Ygnacio.

(Review by Lance).

One of the many highlights of last year's GIJF was the session by "The Cookers". A session that featured high on many of  our 'Gig of the Year' listings and justifiably so. When I noted that two of those gig-scarred veterans, Hart and Cables, were on this album I shuffled it to the top of the pile without apology!

Hart's drumming is everything we've come to expect of a man whose CV includes just about every jazzer of consequence. Cables? Good enough for Art Pepper, good enough for me!

And good enough for Varela - or is that vice-versa? The bassist/leader is a 'comer' and, in years to come, will himself be "a Cooker" In the meantime, he's keeping the pot boiling with some mighty fine [he's from Texas] bass playing.

Of the others who drop by for a track or two, Clifton Anderson scores on trombone.

The opener is the only standard - Cables' arrangement of I Should Care.

Varela qualifies the inclusion of the gasser: The jazz community wants to hear you play over a standard and know you have that ability. If you can't play a standard, it negates your jazz legitimacy.

At last someone has said it!

No doubts about the legitimacy here!

If BSH awarded stars this would have as many as you could see on a clear night at midnight.

Lance.

Available  March 18.

The Early Bird Sessions @ The Lit & Phil. March 12

Ben Lawrence (trumpet), Nick Caughey (tenor saxophone), Francis Tulip (guitar), Dan Lawrence (bass), Matt MacKellar (drums) & Paul Edis (piano & alto saxophone)

(Review by Russell/photo from archive.)

The Early Birds’ workshop and performance sessions go from strength to strength. Led by Paul Edis, the talented teenage musicians are writing material, playing gigs and on a Saturday morning such as this early spring day, regroup from time to time at the Lit and Phil to get back to basics, learn a tune or two in double quick time and open the doors to an interested, curious audience.