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Bebop Spoken There

Van Morrison: ''Basically, I'm coming from jazz. Not pop, not rock, not what's commercial. That's where I started, and that's still where I am. I feel the same as I did when I was listening to Louis Armstrong, Lead Belly, Jelly Roll Morton''. (The Northern Echo, 12 June 2025).

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

1803759 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 480 of them this year alone and, so far, 58 this month (June 18).

From This Moment On ...

JUNE 2025

Sat 21: Jason Holcomb Jazz Ensemble @ The Engine Room, Sunderland. 5:30-7:30pm. Free. A 'Sunderland Year of Music' event.
Sat 21: Milne Glendinning Band @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 21: Red Kites Jazz @ Staithes Café, Dunston. 7:00-9:00pm. Free.
Sat 21: Papa G’s Troves @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Sun 22: Phoenix 4 @ Wallington, Northumberland. 12 noon-1:00pm & 2:00-3:00pm. Tel: 01670 773606. National Trust admission prices apply. ‘Tunes in the Blooms’.
Sun 22: Lapwing Trio @ Wallington, Northumberland. 1:00-2:00pm. Tel: 01670 773606. National Trust admission prices apply. ‘Tunes in the Blooms’.
Sun 22: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 22: Jason Isaacs Trio @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 4:00pm. £18.00. + £1.08 bf.
Sun 22: JazzMain @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 23: MSK Trio @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm. £9.00. at the door; £8.20. (inc £0.20 bf) online, in advance.
Mon 23: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club (1:00pm). Free.

Tues 24: ???

Wed 25: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 25: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 25: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Wed 25: The Magpies of Swing @ The Roxy, Leadgate, Co. Durham. 7:30pm. A Ginger Jitterbugs swing dance event, all welcome.

Thu 26: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £4.00. Subject: Brass Instruments & the use of mutes.

Fri 27: Lewis Watson Quartet @ The Gala, Durham. 1:00pm.
Fri 27: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 27: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 27: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 27: Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle. 8:00pm. ‘Time After Time’.

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

Saturday, April 16, 2016

GIJF: Phil Meadows Lifecycles w. Royal Northern Sinfonia and Jambone. April 16

Matt Roberts (cond); Phil Meadows (alt/sop/comp); Percy Pursglove (tpt/flug); Flo Moore (bs); Zoe Gilby (voice); Liam Noble (pno); Tim Giles (dms) + Royal Northern Sinfonia + Jambone.
(Review by Lance)
The furniture removers had been on stage, shifting piano, drums, music stands, mics and all the usual paraphernalia needed to accommodate a symphony orchestra, a big band, and soloists.
This was the north-east premiere of Phil Meadows new suite, Lifecycles.
The 37 strong Sinfonia occupied the centre ground with Jambone to their rear and the three principals out front.
So many changes of mood and tempo as befits the title - think of The Seven Ages of Man from As You Like It.
I learned several things from this set. Zoe Gilby is more than 'just a jazz singer'. In what must surely have been one of the most demanding gigs of her career, she came through with flying colours. At times, almost a coloratura delivery - and didn't she look as good as she sounded?
I overheard her ma saying that she was proud of her - we all were Hils!
Percy Pursglove is one helluva trumpet player - apart from the chorus where it sounded like he was regurgitating - he ranks alongside, and above, most of his contemporaries!
Meadows too is the business both as a composer and saxman. Add Noble, Moore, and Giles who need no introductions - their credentials are sound - made this one memorable afternoon. Oh and let's not forget harpist Olivia Jageurs - impressive.
Trumpet player Matt Roberts (he's from Darlington and they have a festival next weekend) conducted, successfully bringing all the elements together. An amazing sight to see the whole Sinfonia, seemingly, jamming away freestyle behind the soloists. Bradley Creswick (first violin) was having a ball - but then - weren't we all?
Lance.

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