Mediocrity Everywhere! Not Here. Kamasi Washington @ Manchester Academy. June 28.

Kamasi Washington - Tenor. Ryan Burrow - Trombone. Brandon Coleman - Keyboards. Miles Mosley - Acoustic Bass. Tony Austen - Drums. Ronald Bruner Jnr - Drums. Patrice Quinn - Vocal. Ricky Washington - Flute, Soprano.

(Review by Steve T/Photo top left by Faye MacCalman/stage photos by Francis T)

This was the claim of bass player Miles Mosley during his showcase piece Abraham and there's no argument here. Next to this, all current Jazz, and pretty much all current everything seems mediocre, and there was certainly nothing mediocre about this, so no apologies for another lengthy review.

This was always a no-brainer for me and the only question was when and where: Glasgow on Monday or Birmingham on Wednesday. Both proved impossible and I'm afraid, right now Kamasi Washington trumps Tim Richards.

RIP Danny Veitch

Dave Kerr has sent me the sad news that his friend, saxophonist Danny Veitch, died on Monday in the RVI, Newcastle, where he had been an invalid for several years following a long stay in hospital and multiple heath issues.

Danny played alto saxophone and baritone with several local bands including The Savannah Syncopators*, Swing Bridge and the Safe Sextet.

The funeral is next Thursday 7th July 10-15am at Newcastle Crematorium and afterwards at the Cumberland Arms Byker.

Although he had not played for many years, I am sure he’ll be well remembered.

Rest In Peace.

Lance.
*In the pic. Danny is at the left of the sax section.

Four Days of the Best in World Jazz in Hull This Summer Hull Jazz Festival 24th Summer Edition, 21 – 24 July 2016

(Press Release)

J-Night is proud to present the 24^th Summer Edition of Hull Jazz Festival. We’re bringing the best in world jazz, funk and improvised music to venues across Hull from 21^st to 24^th July.

The festival opens on Thursday 21^st July at Hull Truck Theatre with Minima’s stunning original live score to cult silent horror movie Nosferatu. Minima tease out the grim comedy in this darkly humorous yet tender tale of yearning, and draw the audience into the vampire’s nightmare world.

Preview/Program: Ushaw Durham Jazz Festival (August 26-28)

(Preview by Russell).

The first Ushaw Durham Jazz Festival is almost here. The three day event is to be staged over the August bank holiday weekend (Friday 26-Sunday 28). Internationally renowned stars will be appearing alongside some of the very best of the north east’s jazz musicians in the spectacular setting of Ushaw College. Concerts, workshops, talks, a late-night jam session and an artist in residence promise to make this inaugural event a truly memorable celebration of the best of jazz.

Friday

Northern Monkey Brass Band · Exhibition Hall · 6:00pm · £5.00

Ushaw College, a former seminary, is a hidden architectural gem, a couple of miles or so from Durham. Ushaw’s imposing buildings dominate a sprawling woodland estate in the heart of County Durham – the land of the Prince Bishops. The jazz on offer embraces the many forms of the music spanning three centuries. Yes, three centuries! Friday’s opening concert features the Northern Monkey Brass Band. Trumpeter Graham Hardy’s Big Easy eight piece band takes as its inspiration the second line sounds of New Orleans. A respect for the tradition of the marching band – a history of one hundred years or so – is lovingly wedded to the sound of today. From the Rebirth Brass Band to the Hot 8 Brass Band, the Northern Monkey Brass Band is in the vanguard of a flourishing jazz brass renaissance.

Seminary to Quakerhouse, it’s all jazz to Eales

(Report by Tony Russell)

Bebop Spoken Here’s Durham Dalesman Tony Eales is equally at home taking a pew in a place of worship as he is in frequenting a den of iniquity. On Friday evening our southern correspondent went to a big band gig. No surprise there given that Eales thinks nothing of making a trip to Los Angeles to hear a big band. Friday’s concert was somewhat closer to home in the splendour of Ushaw College on the outskirts of Durham.

The Customs House Big Band played well, reports Eales. MD Peter Morgan has acquired a new guitarist…one Bradley Johnston (1st Class of course). As always Ms Ruth Lambert sang with the band. Eales made a quick head count (quickly losing count) of those taking a pew.

Tim Richards Hextet @ The Black Swan Bar and Venue, Newcastle. June 28 - JNE/Schmazz Promotion.

Tim Richards (keys): Dick Pearce (tpt); Ed Jones (ten); Ralph Wyld (vbs); Dominic Howles (bs); Ben Brown (dms).

(Review by Lance/ Photo courtesy of Ken Drew).

I looked out of my living room window, it was raining, hardly the June weather of our youth - or maybe it was! Whatever, it was a night to turn up the central heating, splash the glass with your favourite tipple play a disc or two. Not a night to venture out, even to see the Tim Richards Hextet. However, I thought thar if several thousand fans could brave it to Sunderland to see Beyonce at the Stadium of Light - it would be the best performance that venue would see this year - then surely I could hop a westbound Metro to see the hextet (apart from the spelling, what's the difference between a hextet and a sextet?).

Does Sound Affect Flavour? (We thought you might like this!)

This July, musicians, academics and whisky experts are joining forces on a series of unusual experiments that will investigate the effect of sound on the flavour and taste of a drink.  At Hackney basement jazz bar Kansas Smitty’s, the question of ‘Which Whisky Sounds Best?’ will be answered in a unique tasting and listening experience.

Pat McMahon Trio @ The Tyne Bar. June 26

Pat McMahon (guitar & vocals), Ray Johns (keyboards) & Paul Wight (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Blues skies, sunshine. The Ouseburn waters low, ducks and swans meander on mudflats.

Moored boats, some tied-up since last century, a sorry state, they’re not going anywhere.

New build homes in a tranquil, waterside location, reserve your plot now. Yours for £££ Riverside Walk it’s called, and there’s a rather decent pub at the end of the street.

Preview: NYJO @ Darlington

On Monday 4th July, Darlington welcomes the fantastic National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). This world famous band has been showcasing the country’s most talented young jazz musicians for over 50 years and this is the first time that NYJO will have performed in the town. Shaune Eland from Darlington Jazz Festival says, ‘this is a real coup for the town to have such a talented group of young musicians performing at Central Hall. The festival team have worked hard over the past five years to bring established jazz artists to stage and this is our biggest project to date. 

Farewell Sharon

Few funerals can be described as inspirational - today was the exception. Although the crowded Palace of Arts said goodbye to Sharon Lisa Tenniswood with tears in their eyes their hearts were surely uplifted by the life of this remarkable woman. My words couldn't do Sharon justice but those of her brother and her mother most certainly do.

Lance

Kenny G @ Sage Gateshead - June 26

Kenny G (sop/alt/ten); Robert Damper (pno/keys); John Raymond (gtr); Ron Powell (perc/juggling); Vail Johnson (bs gtr/perc); Danny Bejarano (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Kenny G's sold 75 million albums and counting so it wasn't surprising that Sage Gateshead was buzzing with all three levels of Sage One occupied although, it has to be said, I recognised very few 'Jazz Heads' in the audience. So who were they? Where did they come from?

KG's previous gig was in Moscow, tonight (June 27) he's in Manchester and he's in Birmingham the following night. Perhaps the local following was augmented by those living somewhere in between Moscow, Gateshead and Manchester.

Blaydon News

(Preview by Roly).

Sunday 10th July - 8pm - £5.00
The Reunion

Colin Aitchison tpt, Franco Valussi clnt, Steve Andrews sax, Roy Cansdale bass, Roly Veitch gtr

Hong Kong ex-pat Geordie Colin Aitchison, Benny Goodman style Italian clarinetist Franco Valussi, Cumbria's sax maestro Steve Andrews, Roy Cansdale bass now resident in Gloucestershire and Blaydon's Roly Veitch gtr get together for a session of 1930s style swinging jazz. 

Sunday 21st August - 8pm - £5.00.

Sue Richardson: 'Too Cool' - The Life and Music of Chet Baker @ The Jazz Café. June 24.

Sue Richardson (tpt); Sue Ferris (bar); Paul Edis (pno); Neil Harland (bs); Russ Morgan (dms).
(Photo courtesy of Mike Tilley).
I don't think any of the BSH team were present so, unfortunately, there is no review to accompany Mike Tilley's fine photo. Just unfortunate that it clashed with other gigs - I opted for Pee Wee Ellis at Hoochie Coochie. One of those nights when you just wished you were twins!
If however, someone who was there would care to pen a few words then it would be appreciated. Gigs of this magnitude should not be overlooked.
Lance.

Harry Rabinowitz (March 26, 1916 - June 22, 2016)

The death of conductor/composer Harry Rabinowitz aged 100 may seem an unlikely subject for these pages but he did have a, albeit somewhat tenuous, jazz connection. 

At university, in his native South Africa, he played piano in the college jazz band and, in later years, when selected to appear on Desert Island Discs his first choice was the Louis Armstrong/Earl Hines version of West End Blues.

CD Review: Ron Stabinsky - Free For One.

Ron Stabinsky (pno).
(Review by Lance).

Another 5 disks arrived today to be added the pile. Whether they'll ever even reach the listening, let alone the review, stage is debatable.

This one's been on the backburner for 2/3 weeks in the hope that I would come to grow and love it.

It didn't quite work out that way. 

Bradley Johnston's First Class!

Congratulations to guitarist Bradley Johnston on graduating with a First Class Honours Degree!
(Photo courtesy of Ken Drew).

Federation of the Disco Pimp w. Pee Wee Ellis @ Hoochie Coochie - June 24

Marco Cafollo (keys/vcls); Dade Thomas (dms); Michael Berrich (gtr/vcl); Ross Saunders (bs); Dave Towers/Jonny White (saxes); Cameron Jay (tpt) + PEE WEE ELLIS (ten/vcl).

(Review by Lance).

The last time I saw Pee Wee Ellis was at GIJF 2012 where he impressed with a band called Pork Chop - a pretty tame name compared to The Federation of the Disco Pimp! However, there was nothing tame about Ellis' playing on either occasion and nor did self-effacement figure on the Disco Pimps c.v.!

The funkiest of the funk, they hit the deck running setting the stage for Pee Wee to blow on Jaco's The Chicken. This elder statesman of the tenor sax has still got it! The other horns blew the familiar riff and guitar, bass, keys and drums also tucked-in.  A very tasty bird.

Situation Vacant. Manager required for the Globe.

For reasons of ill-health, the current tenant of the Globe, HQ of Newcastle's Jazz Coop, has announced his intention to quit. 

The organisation have decided to appoint a manager to run the downstairs' bar and invite suitably experienced persons or couples to apply.

Further details can be found by following the link below.

Job description.

James Birkett & Bradley Johnston @ The Lit & Phil. June 24 James Birkett (guitar) & Bradley Johnston (guitar)

(Review by Russell).

A large turn out at the Lit & Phil today, extra seating required, and little wonder, given that not one, but two, of the finest jazz guitarists around were there to entertain another attentive audience in the ongoing lunchtime concert series. A master and pupil working duo – James Birkett and Bradley Johnston – presented a potted history of jazz guitar.

CD Review: Mike Jones Trio - Roaring.

Mike Jones (pno); Katie Theroux (bs); Matt Witek (dms)
(Review by Lance).

Yesterday it was 19 discs, today it's 21! Seems like everyone and their grandmother has a CD begging to be heard.

Volunteer reviewers are still required by BSH. No pay but flexible hours and you get to keep the CD whether you like it or not! Having said that, this one is mine and if you want it, flash the cash! 

Mike Jones' previous release - Mike Jones Plays With Others -  was one of my favourite discs of 2013 and this one is up there with it. Don't let the description 'A swinging recasting of 1920's standards' delude you into thinking this is some honkytonky, Charleston bash - far from it!

CD Review: LaVon Hardison - Come Together.

LaVon Hardison (vocals);  David Joyner (piano, organ);  Osama Afifi  (bass);  Jeff Busch (drums, percussion, cover art); Brad Schrandt  (flute, sax)

(Review by Ann Alex)

I may as well cut to the quick for the 2^nd of my postal CDs – could do better.  I’d go as far as to say that you can hear more adventurous and interesting jazz at a Tuesday Jazz Cafe jam session, or a Saturday evening Globe gig. Mind, I have to say that we do breed a high standard of local musicians.

Val Wiseman swings for the National Jazz Archive!

The British Jazz Award-winning vocalist Val Wiseman presents ‘Divas of Swing’ at an afternoon concert in Loughton, Essex on Saturday 23 July. The show is her tribute to the singers who have inspired her throughout her career, featuring songs performed by Anita O’Day, Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

She will joined by a wonderful trio – Brian Dee on piano, Len Skeat on bass and Eric Ford on drums.

This concert is one of a series during 2016 to raise funds to support the work of the Loughton-based National Jazz Archive.

George Benson @ Sage, Gateshead - June 21.

(Review by Steve T/photos courtesy of George Mackellar)

Prelude

Benson was one of the giants of Jazz-Funk, alongside Donald Byrd, Grover Washington Jnr, the Crusaders and others. Herbie Hancock, with juggling skills to match his keyboard playing, maintained a career in each, and Freddie Hubbard kept changing his mind, but George just kept getting more and more commercial, from Jazz to Jazz-Funk to smooth Jazz to disco to MOR.   

With hindsight, much Jazz-Funk was just Jazz artists playing funk or smooth Jazz before the term existed, with Benson among the latter. It’s therefore,  something of a soft target for serious Jazz buffs but, if you look hard enough you will find some gems, and most of the current innovators trying to move Jazz into new areas are targeting hip-hop, bastard son of funk, with Kamasi Washington, and his association with rapper Kendrick Lamarr, a possible champion.

CD Review: Miroslav Vitous – Music of Weather Report

Miroslav Vitous – double bass, keyboards; Gary Campbell, Roberto Bonisolo – soprano and tenor saxophones; Aydin Esen – keyboards; Gerald Cleaver, Nasheet Waits – drums.

(Review by Hugh C).

Miroslav Vitous, with Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter, was one of the co-founders of Weather Report in the early 1970s.  In Music of Weather Report he revisits some of their repertoire.  Scarlet Woman Variations is a great introduction and recognisably derived from Johnson, Shorter and Zawinul's original, but with some interesting takes on this signature melody.  Vitous then turns his attention one of his own compositions, Seventh Arrow.  This has a “free” feel with the two drummers, both independently minded, often apparently at odds with each other, but at the same time palpably interacting. 

CD Review: Redemption - Sands of Time.

Jim Hall (keys); John Hall (ten); Keith Tulip (bass); Martin Wake (dms).
(Review by Lance).

I currently have 19 CDs vying for poll position in the BSH Review Stakes and that's apart from the ones, hopefully, on the players of Russell, the two Steve's, Ann Alex, Hugh and anyone else who's foolishly volunteered to add their words of wisdom. There's probably also a zillion downloads that may have to wait for as many years before I get around to listening to them.

What I'm saying is that, if your pride and joy hasn't made it it's because it's either, not good enough or is still in the pile awaiting appraisal.

One disc that has made the cut is this one by north-east band Redemption.

Evening Chronicle Pays Tribute to Sharon

The tragic death of Sharon Tenniswood Isaacs, wife of singer Jason Isaacs, is given extensive coverage in tonight's Evening Chronicle including this front page picture of a beautiful and caring person.
Follow this link for the full story.
Lance.

Sir Charles Thompson (March 21, 1918 - June 16, 2016)

The passing of pianist Sir Charles Thompson at the age of 98 could well signify the end of Jazz From a Swinging Era, to borrow the name of the touring package in which I saw him at Newcastle City Hall on March 27, 1967. It would be sentimentalising to say he stole the show - how could he on a bill that included Earl Hines, Buck Clayton, Roy Eldridge, Bud Freeman, Budd Johnson, Willie Smith, Vic Dickenson, Bill Pemberton and Oliver Jackson? Nevertheless, he played his part and, until June 16, outlived all of them!

Jazz Café Jam Session - June 21

Pete Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Rob Walker (dms) + George Anyfantis (pno); Ian Forbes, Abbie Finn, Russ Morgan (dms); Paul Gowland (ten).

(Review by Lance).

Until Paul Gowland showed up late on, the horns had been prominent by their absence - not so the drummers! Tonight we had a drum masterclass by the old, the young and the in-between! Rob Walker was the house drummer tonight his drive and imagination booting Gilligan and Grainger through Sam River's Beatrice, Kenny Barron's Voyage, Autumn Nocturne and Scarborough Fair,

Autumn Nocturne is a rather special tune recorded initially by Claude Thornhill and, later, Sonny Rollins. A favourite of Gilligans, I seem to recall Alice Grace singing it with him somewhere  or other. The composer, Josef Myrow, also gave us You Make me Feel so Young.

CD Review: James Morton - The Kid

James Morton (alt); + Fred Wesley (tmb); Pee Wee Ellis (ten); Andy Shepherd (sax); the Easy Access Horns; Alex Johansen (vcl) Simon Picton (gtr) & Others.

(Review by Steve T).

British saxophonist James Morton was influenced by James Brown, Hip Hop and Jazz it says here; but all you really need to know is he was bitten by the Godfather. At a time when most of his peers in the British funk field were bitten by people who were bitten by James, or by people who were bitten by people who were bitten by Brown, it's quite refreshing to go back to the source.

Alice Grace Quintet @ The Black Bull. June 19

Alice Grace (vocals), Paul Gowland (tenor, alto & soprano saxophones), Peter Gilligan (piano), Paul Grainger (double bass) & Russ Morgan (drums) + Roly Veitch (guitar)

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

A Weaver of Dreams. It couldn’t get any better, could it? Alice Grace singing a favourite song, Paul Gowland playing tenor and, sitting-in on the first two numbers, Blaydon Jazz Club’s Roly Veitch. A first visit to the Black Bull for vocalist Alice Grace, and the place was busy. First heard in the north east at a late night Gateshead Jazz Festival jam session, Ms Grace is building an ever-growing fan club having recently relocated to Tyneside.

Benet McLean: The Bopped and the Bopless CD launch -The 606 Club Chelsea, London June 16

(Review by Helen Theophanous/Photo courtesy of Benet McLean)

It is indicative of the high regard in which Benet McLean is held by his fellow jazz musicians that so many eminent names joined him to celebrate his CD launch  at the 606 Club in Chelsea.

With Julian Joseph at the piano Clark Tracey on drums, Daniel Casimir on bass, Steve Williamson, tenor sax and McLean on amplified violin, the very first notes of Cole Porter's Just One of Those Things heralded that this was to be an exceptional evening of the best in contemporary jazz. McLean is already celebrated for his dazzling jazz piano playing but his virtuoso violin playing also translates easily to jazz with amplified sparse left-hand pizzicato leading to bravura treatments and intelligent exposition.

Early Bird Band @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle - June 18.

(Review by Steve T/Archive photo courtesy of Jerry)

Russell does it again, arriving in time to enjoy the band packing up their instruments. No probs with pen and paper this time; it's a short set with a few more reliable memories than mine to draw on.

With three months in France looming (I hate the entire family), the senior Edis tentatively moves towards recognition of what is already blindingly obvious to anybody with the tiniest smidgen of knowledge of North East Jazz. I thought I'd risk pushing the boat out with my own little axe-man heading off for a mighty four years; yabadabadoo.

Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ Hoochie Coochie - June 19

(Review by Lance)

It's been a week for big bands - CHBB; DUBB; TVBB. It's also been a good week for singers - Ruth Lambert;; Clare Teal and three helpings of Alice Grace. Yesterday afternoon/early evening saw the best of both worlds - Lindsay Hannon and the oddly named F'reez with SSBB at Hoochie Coochie. Surprisingly, the room wasn't packed to capacity - had 'the beautiful game' struck again? Nevertheless, the crowd that was there (in a smaller venue it would have been wall to wall sardines) showed their appreciation to the full after three great sets.

Impossible to list every number - there were at least 25 - in fact, such was the standard, equally impossible to pick  just one above the rest.

Clare Teal Celebrates Doris Day @ Theatre Royal York June 18

Clare Teal (vcl); Jim Watson (pno); Simon Little (bs); Matt Skelton (dms) +Andrew Playfoot (vcl).

(Review by Liz).

Last night was a double pleasure for me, my first visit to the Theatre Royal since the £4.1m redevelopment scheme, and a gig from one of our finest female jazz singers!

Clare strode on stage in her signature black & white outfit, with a lusty “Hello York” The full to capacity audience of all ages loved it and responded accordingly. Kicking off with Sentimental Journey (her first big hit with the Les Brown Band) and backed by some of the finest musicians I have been privileged to hear, she segued into a full bodied It’s Magic and it was! She made us smile referring to the show as a “Doris Fest “and explained that the former Doris Mary Ann Kapelhoff changed her name to Day from the song Day by Day.

CD Review: Dave Hosley - Love For Sale

(Review by Ann Alex).

First, a word of warning to other BSH reviewers. You’re not safe in the privacy of your own home! Yesterday, in the post, I received, not just one, but two CDs for review. Homework, the note said. As with gangsters, do not let Lance Blogmaster know where you live. When I saw him later, he blithely told me, “I have Liz reviewing a gig in York tonight”. So you’re not even safe in your hometown irrespective of the distance!

Is this the ultimate North East Jazz Supergroup? - Noel Dennis Quintet @ Opus 4 Darlington - June 17

Noel Dennis (trumpet, flugel); Mark Williams (guitar); Paul Edis (piano); Andy Champion (double bass); Adrian Tilbrook (drums).

(Review by Steve T/Photos from BSH archives). 

Piano intro, slow start settling into a mid-tempo groove - it begins. A round of solos, first round to Andy.

I could never be disappointed hearing Mark Williams, but, for some reason, I was expecting a saxophonist; there's something warm and cosy and perfect about a standard quintet. However, I quickly realised Dennis is one of those trumpet players who doesn't need a sax player and, as I said, I’ve never minded listening to Mark.

Alice Grace Quartet @ The Empty Shop, Durham - June 16

Alice Grace (vocal); Pete Gilligan (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Russ Morgan (drums).

(Review by Steve T)

Lance did a comprehensive appraisal of an Alice Grace gig earlier in the week so you've had the older man viewpoint, this is the middle aged account, and you'll soon have the young man’s version of her Sunday night quintet gig at Blaydon from Russell.  

It was the first chance we have had to 'welcome' Alice to the Empty Shop and we weren't sure what the crowd would be like with students swanning about in their nice gowns, some mid-exams and others gone home, but we had a decent crowd of about thirty, enough to make it look busy.

Russell was a no-show due to a big band night nearer to home with the added attraction of making big band nut Tony jealous, but leaving me with the problem of where to get some paper; Ealesy, but no more than two flyers allowed!

Talkin' 'Bout Super Groups - Alter Ego @ The Globe Jazz Bar, Newcastle - June 18.

Pete Tanton (tpt/flug); Keith Robinson (alt); Niall Armstrong (ten/fl); Andy Hawking (pno); Tony Abell (bs gtr); David Francis (dms).

(Review by Lance).

As the band took to the stage area the signs were, at the best, a six-all draw in terms of band v audience numbers. However, common sense prevailed and the audience came in two by two and by the time the band had roared into The Soulful Mr Timmons, all the Jazz Coop's newly acquired tables and chairs were occupied and we breathed a sigh of relief!

Durham University Big Band @ Dunelm House. June 17

(Review by Russell).

It’s our end of year big blow out announced Dan Garel. The Riverside Café in Dunelm House on New Elvet occupies an enviable site perched high above the Wear. A 1960’s piece of architecture that, if it isn’t already, should be a listed building. Making full use of its location alongside the ‘60s’ concrete span of Kingsgate Bridge, Durham Students’ Union is functional, spacious, sprawling over several levels, offering Durham’s ‘Bright Young Things’ somewhere to chill out before, during (just kidding!) and after lectures.

Classicists, mathematicians, scientists turned out in large numbers to listen to their big band student friends, of whom many are classicists, mathematicians, scientists etc. The fact that they play big band jazz to a remarkably high standard is just one of those darn irritating things to a talentless individual such as your reviewer.

Swing Manouche @ Gala Theatre, Durham. June 17.

Mick Shoulder, guitar, Giles Strong, guitar, Neil Harland, bass and Paul Edis, clarinet.

(Review/photos courtesy of Jerry)

When, after the opening bars of All of Me, the musicians went up a gear and applied manouche swing to the Marks/Simon standard, the 100 strong audience at the Gala began a rhythmical journey enabling them, for an hour at least, to escape from referenda, grey skies, and relentlessly bad news.

A Tyne Valley Summer-ish Concert @ The Phoenix, Hexham. June 16

Tyne Valley Jazz Ensemble, Tyne Valley Youth Big Band & Tyne Valley Big Band

(Review by Russell/photo from band's website)

Advertised cautiously/prophetically as a ‘summer-ish’ end of term party, Dave Hignett’s

amazing assembly of big bands gathered at rehearsal HQ to give a public performance in preparation for several forthcoming prestigious concert dates. The ‘ish’ weather forecast proved to be accurate as Hexham was, at best, ‘cloudy but dry’.

Three competing events in spitting distance of one another fought it out for an audience – Hexham Abbey hosted an EU in/out ‘You decide’ debate, Queen’s Hall screened Cinema Paradiso as part of the Wild Skies Film Festival, and the Phoenix Bar and Club offered a triple bill of big bands. Many Tyne Valley residents voted BIG BAND JAZZ!!!

RIP Sharon Tenniswood Isaacs

Just heard the heartbreaking news that big band singer Jason Isaacs' lovely wife Sharon died on June 12. A lovely, bubbly, and very intelligent person, Sharon would never let you pass without a smile and a hug. Deepest sympathy and condolence to Jason and family.

May Sharon Rest In Peace, she will be sadly missed.

Lance

CD Review: Alchemy Sound Project - Further Explorations

Erica Lindsay (ten); Sumi Tonooka (pno); Salim Washington (ten/ob/fl/bs clt); David Arend (bs); Samantha Boshnack (tpt); Willem de Koch (tmb); Max Wood (dms).

(Review by Dave Brownlow)

A programme of music from five composer/performers – supplemented by two other players for the recording – attempting to explore the common ground between the diverse traditions of classical music and jazz. In the past, such luminaries as Dave and Howard Brubeck, John Lewis, Gunther Schuller, George Russell, Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, Bill Evans and even Bird himself have attempted to blend the two styles, ie “The Third Stream”, with varying degrees of success.

CD Review: Mac Gollehon & The Hispanic Mechanics

(Review by Steve T)

This is Mac Gollehon’s ninth album as a leader, but his list of guest credits is a veritable who's who of pop and disco, from the mildly impressive Chic and Rick James to the not at all impressive (to these ears): Duran Duran, Blondie and Mick Jagger. There's also a number of Latin artists, none of whom I've heard of and he's worked with a good Bowie and another, but I'll leave the reader guessing who they are and which is which.

CD Review: Clare Teal w. The Hallé Orchestra - Twelve O'Clock Tales

(Review by Lance).

Ahead of Teal's Doris Day tribute at York's Theatre Royal (tomorrow, June 18) comes this timely reminder of what a class act Clare Teal is. Few singers on either side of the Atlantic can handle a lyric as effectively as she can. Put Teal in front of the Hallé Orchestra, give her some arrangements by Guy Barker, Grant Windsor and Jason Rebello, have a few jazzmen hovering in the wings and the ingredients are all there for a first class album.

CD Review: Pete Hurt Jazz Orchestra - A New Start

Amazingly, this is the first time Pete Hurt has appeared in these pages. Presumably, his UK parameters have been confined to the 'home counties' rather than the frozen north! Still, better late than never if this album is anything to go by!

A contemporary jazz orchestra rather than a big band. An orchestra that has absorbed the complete gamut of modern jazz from, say, Boyd Raeburn, Gil Evans, George Russell, John Dankworth, Kenny Wheeler to Mike Gibbs and beyond. Superb contemporary arrangements cushioning the soloists in the manner of the aforementioned grandmasters.