CD Review: Pericopes + 1 - Legacy.

Emiliano Vernizzi (tenor); Alessandro Sgobbio (piano/Rhodes); Nick Wight (drums).

(Review by Lance).

In the beginning, Vernizzi and Sgobbio were a duo (Pericopes) who begat three albums winning the Italian TopJazz award, Padova Carrarese Prize and the Umbria Jazz Contest before meeting and collaborating with the American drummer, Wight, and thus becoming Pericopes + 1. They've played many festivals worldwide including a JNE supported concourse gig at the 2016 GIJF. This globetrotting experience gave them the opportunity to 'road test' the material before booking studio time.

Radio Triptych (Updated)

(Preview by Russell)

At this year’s Gateshead International Jazz Festival Paul Edis, Paul Susans and Rob Walker took to the Jazz Line-Up stage on the concourse at Sage Gateshead. The trio – Triptych – played to a large audience of festival goers and the occasion was recorded for future broadcast. It’s taken six months, but the wait is over. Tomorrow, Saturday 30th, Triptych’s set can be heard on BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Line-Up programme at 5:00pm. Triptych's set actually starts approximately 41 mins in featuring part of Dr Gonzo's and Fragment Reprise/Dark Ages/Fragment Finale. Prior to this, there are pieces from Miles Mosley's festival gig as well as a track from the Gareth Lochrane Big Band's recent CD - Fistfight at the Barn Dance - and one from Nat Steele's tribute to the MJQ.

Strictly Smokin’ @ The Millstone - September 28

(Review by Russell)

Another public rehearsal session at the newly refurbished Millstone with the SSBB. A varied set list starting with Maroon 5’s Sunday Morning. The all-American boys scored a couple of hits from their 2002 album Songs for Jane – She Will Be Loved and the aforementioned Sunday Morning. Strictly Smokin’ vocalist Alice Grace sang it with lyrics sheet in hand. It’s shaping up to be another winning tune for the band. The SSBB’s other vocalist – F’reez – sang, as he often does, Sunny, with a blast on alto from Keith Robinson.

All Aboard the Durham Music Service Jazz Express!

(Review by Russell)

On 27 September 1825 the world’s first steam locomotive public passenger service opened on the Stockton and Darlington railway. Exactly one hundred and ninety two years later on 27 September 2017 the Durham Music Service Jazz Express celebrated the historic occasion with a jazz concert at Locomotion, National Railway Museum, Shildon.  

Civic dignitaries wearing chains of office took their front row seats to enjoy an evening of big band jazz. Two fantastic bands – Durham Alumni Big Band and Durham County Youth Big Band – were joined by Graeme Robinson’s Locomotive Rhythm project, each band playing one set to a Shildon big band jazz and steam train buff audience. 

Single review - Album to follow: Brian Newman - Sunday in New York

Brian Newman (trumpet/vocal); Steve Kortyka (tenor/flute); Alex Smith (piano/keys); Daniel Foose (bass guitar); Paul Francis (drums/perc.)
(Review by Lance).

Brian Newman hadn't previously registered on my radar although if I'd been following Lady Gaga, as so many of you do, Newman wouldn't have been an unfamiliar name.

La Gaga connection goes back to when he was working as a bartender in a downtown club in NYC (this is the stuff that dreams are made of!) back in 2003 and became friends with the superstar. Move forward in time to 2015 and the Gaga/Tony Bennett Cheek to Cheek tour. Newman was on that and when the duo recorded Lady is a Tramp on the Duets 11album, it was Brian Newman who blew the trumpet solo.

2017 British Jazz Awards Nominations Announced (reminder)

(Press Release)

The nominations have now been announced for the 2017 British Jazz Awards. Now in their 31^st year, the awards aim to give the nation's best Jazz musicians, bands, and record labels the recognition they so greatly deserve, but so rarely receive. The categories range from individual instruments such as trumpet and tenor sax, to rising star and re-issue CDs, and many of the best known names in British Jazz feature, along with many artists currently making a name for themselves.

The nominations have been selected by a group of respected figures within the Jazz community, based all across the U.K, a list of whom is included below.

Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2017 Thursday 28th September - Sunday 1st October.

In 1995 the old Newcastle Jazz Festival closed its doors, leaving a void in the city. Now, in celebration of the milestone 100th anniversary year of the first ever jazz recordings, it’s the perfect time to bring together and recognise some of the great venues and promoters working in the North East for the first 'Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music'.

Alongside some of the cream of regional players, the festival is pleased to welcome European musicians from France, Denmark and Switzerland, as well as some of the UK's most exciting improvisers from the Glasgow and London scenes. Many thanks to all the promoters, venues and musicians, pulling together to make this such a great programme of events, and we gratefully acknowledge The Arts Council of England and Performing Rights Society Foundation for their financial support.

Wesley Stephenson - Festival Producer.

www.facebook.com/newcastlefestivalofjazzandimprovisedmusic.

info@jazznortheast.com www.jazznortheast.com #jazz100

Classic Swing @ The Marquis of Granby - September 25

Bob Wade (trumpet, flugelhorn & clarinet), Jim McBriarty (tenor saxophone, clarinet & vocals), Malcolm Armstrong (keyboards), Alan Rudd (double bass) & Olive Rudd (vocals)

(Review by Russell)

The Marquis of Granby in Sunniside is no stranger to jazz gigs. For a number of years the Maine Street Jazzmen maintained a residency and down the years other bands have come and gone at the Streetgate, Sunniside pub. Across Tyneside weekday lunchtime time sessions are booming – Cullercoats, East Boldon, Monkseaton and now Sunniside in Gateshead.

CD Review: Rez Abbasi - Unfiltered Universe

Rez Abbasi (guitar); Rudresh Manhanthappa (alto); Vijay Iyer (piano); Johannes Weidemueller (bass); Dan Weiss (drums); Elizabeth Mikhael (cello).

My apologies for posting the press release as opposed to my own insightful, intelligent observations but, to be honest, after reading it I was totally confused and came to the conclusion that I wasn’t as insightful and intelligent as I thought I was! I listened to it though and despite still being confused I found it a compelling experience. Abbasi is quite a brilliant guitarist; Manhanthappa as I found out from the soon to be released album under his own name – Agrima by Rudresh Manhanthappa’s Indo-Pak Coalition – is no slouch either. That album also featured Weiss. Iyer is now a jazz household name and Johannes Weidemueller is known and acclaimed as both player and educator from Heidelberg to New York City. So whilst the blurb went over my head, the music didn’t. It’s out on Whirlwind on Friday, October 6. 

Lance.

Maurice Summerfield remembers Mike Carr

(Tribute by Maurice Summerfield).

I  was very sad to hear that Mike Carr had died.  My friendship and musical association with Mike go back almost 60 years. 

I believe we first met through our mutual friend bassist Alan Collins. Alan and I were playing in various small jazz groups in the Newcastle area.  In 1958 Mike was offered a regular Monday night jazz spot at the High Point Hotel in Whitley Bay.  He put together the Mike Carr Quintet to play there with himself on vibraphone, the late Bernie Thorp on piano, Alan Collins on bass, Ian Forbes on drums and myself on guitar.  This became a regular jazz night for the quintet for around two years.  During that time Bernie, Alan and I also played Tuesday and Thursday evenings as the ‘Bernie Thorp Trio’ in the Marimba Coffee Bar on High Bridge .  (The 1959 photo shows Mike Carr (vibes) , Alan Collins (bass) , Maurice Summerfield (guitar)  and Len Gatoff (drums).  Bernie Thorp (piano) not on photo.)

Late Night Jazz – Hexham Abbey Festival of Music and Arts, September 23: The Nikki Iles/Stan Sulzmann Quartet.

Nikki Iles – piano; Stan Sulzmann  - Tenor Saxophone; Pete Turner – Bass; Luke Flowers - Drums

(Review by Hugh C/Photo courtesy of Stu Taylor of Credere Media).

It was with strains of Gabriel Fauré's  In Paradisum from the evening's performance of his Requiem by the Festival Chorus and Orchestra that I ascended from the Abbey itself via the Late Night Stairs to the Great Hall in an adjoining building.  Comfortable chairs were set out in neat rows with a few early bird punters already seated prior to the official opening time of 10pm.  Members of the festival chorus and orchestra, bow ties loosened or removed headed, justifiably, to the well-stocked bar.  The gig was scheduled for a 10.30 start.  In the absence of a convenient green room Nikki Iles and Stan Sulzmann were seated patiently to one side, adjacent to the piano, talking; Pete Turner was checking his bass and amplification system and Luke Flowers using the drum stool as a silent practise pad.

Sean Noonan’s Memorable Sticks @ The Jazz Cafe September 22

Sean Noonan (drums,vocals), Johnny Richards(keyboards), Mick Bardon (bass)

(Review by Steve H).

Brooklyn’s Sean Noonan took to the stage wearing his customary gold boxing gown. On reaching the drum kit, he disrobed revealing his prize-fighting outfit. Noonan is a one-off maverick who entertains and enthrals in equal measures. This particular trio seemed to feature every style of music imaginable: punk, rock, pop, vaudeville, cabaret, hard bop, bebop etc etc. A mesmerising cornucopia of styles and genres, yet amazingly enough it works brilliantly. It’s the equivalent of being on a jazz fairground waltzer as one is thrown around at a great and dizzying pace. 

CD Review: The Mark Williams Trio - Last Bus to Bensham

Mark Williams (guitar), Paul Susans (bass) & Russ Morgan (drums)

(Review by Russell)

From Belfast to Gateshead, Mark Williams has made his home on Tyneside. A Newcastle College graduate, the Irishman has made a considerable contribution to the north of England’s jazz scene over the best part of two decades. A ‘first call’ sideman, Williams isn’t the type to shout the odds – more a self-deprecating, dry wit. Last Bus to Bensham is Williams’ second album as leader which comprises eight compositions written by the master guitarist.

Mike had a sense of humour!

The passing of Mike Carr (seen here with guitarist Willie Payne) reminded me of some emails we exchanged a few years ago. His friend Adrian had collated a lot of quotes which Mike hoped would make me laugh as much as they did him.

Well Mike, they certainly did - and still do. Thank You.

Lance.

"Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them." Richard Strauss.
"One of the perks of being an unemployed musician is that you get to play much less bad music." Jack Daney.

"After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." Aldous Huxley.

"Music is, by its very nature, essentially powerless to express anything at all. Music expresses itself. “Igor Stravinsky.

RIP Mike Carr

It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of organist Mike Carr. Mike, born in South Shields, was considered by many to be one of the world’s greatest jazz organists although, when I first encountered him he was playing piano and vibes with northeast band the Emcee Five. I spent quite a few heady evenings listening to the band at the old Down Beat Club in Newcastle. It was a stellar line-up with Mike’s brother Ian on trumpet and flugel, Gary Cox on tenor, Malcolm Cecil on bass and Ronnie Stephenson on drums.

Playing mainly originals in a style based on the Jazz Messengers there have been few better bands to have emerged from the northeast than the Emcee Five – as, according to legend, some members of the Basie Band found out when they dropped by after a City Hall concert.

Review: Rudresh Mahanthappa's Indo-Pak Coalition - Agrima

Rudresh Mahanthappa (alto/comp/electronics); Rez Abbasi (guitar); Dan Weiss (kit/tabla).
(Review by Lance)

I don't claim to know a lot about Asian music - jazz or otherwise - however, I know good sax playing when I hear it and Mahanthappa blows good sax. Even when spiced up with a variety of devices that were once the exclusive property of guitarists he still delivers. At times it sounds almost like bebop bagpipes and I can detect an occasional suggestion of a highland fling. Mainly though, it's east Asian folk/jazz and none the worse for that. 

Courtney Pine: Black Notes from the Deep @ Sage Gateshead - September 21

Courtney Pine (tenor saxophone, bass flute & EWI), Robert Mitchell (piano & organ), Vidal Montgomery (double bass), Robert Fordjour (drums) & Omar (vocals)

(Review by Russell)

Courtney Pine made the journey north ahead of the release of his new album. Sage Gateshead’s jazz and soul fans turned out to hear what he and Omar have been getting up to in the studio.The former Jazz Warrior is currently playing tenor saxophone for the first time in ten years. Would this re-engage some of his long-time fans who were, perhaps, growing tired of his preoccupation with bass clarinet? A half hour delay to the advertised start time encouraged ticket holders to hang in the bar and have another one.

Digital Review: Ella Fitzgerald - Ella with the London Symphony Orchestra

Gregory Porter duetting with Ella Fitzgerald? It's true! Well, it's virtual truth thanks to modern technological sorcery. This being her centennial year, someone had the brilliant idea of taking some of Ella's late Decca/early Verve recordings and adding skilfully charted orchestral scores* played by the London Symphony Orchestra. 

It's all done seamlessly and inoffensively and whilst the originals sound jazzier (even though the vocal is the same!) I can live with both.

Porter teams up with Ella on People Will Say We're in Love and it is a match made in heaven (in Ella's case, literally). A duo album in real time would have been something! Originally it was just Ella with Ellis Larkins on piano.

RIP Jake LaMotta

Former world middleweight champion Jake LaMotta passed away on Tuesday (Sept. 19) age 95. LaMotta, who was champ from 1949-51, fought in an era when the 160lb division contained some of the toughest fighters ever. LaMotta, Sugar Ray Robinson, Tony Zale, Marcel Cerdan, Rocky Graziano just some of the names that held the title. LaMotta achieved even greater recognition after he'd retired due to the award-winning film of his colourful life - Raging. Bull - with Robert De Niro as LaMotta.

"What's this got to do with jazz?" I hear you ask.

Well, er, actually, nothing...

...apart from this quote:

“He and Robinson became the perfect foils for each other,” boxing historian Larry Merchant said. “The fact they fought six times says something about their styles as well as their abilities. One guy was a jazz pianist and the other was a drummer.”

Lance.

The Peter Fielding Story (continued)

The interest in former bandleader Peter Fielding continues via his grandson Miki Volpe. Miki, ex-Guildhall violin student and later a detective with The Met, sent us these two photos.

One is of his father, Mike Fielding, drummer and bandleader in his own right whilst the other is of Peter Fielding himself. Miki, from his home in Spain where he and his wife now live after they both retired from The Met, tells me he inherited and still has, the Gibson mandolin that his grandfather is pictured with.

If instruments could only talk, what fascinating tales they would tell...

Original post.

Lance.

World Peace Day - Today!

Petroc Trelawny announced on Radio3's Breakfast programme this morning that today is World Peace Day (while not having any great hopes of this being acknowledged where it needs to be), and played Bill Evans Peace Piece. 6.45 minutes of brilliant, uplifting musicianship! For those (few?) who don't know the piece, here it is: Bill Evans "Peace Piece"

Brian Ebbatson.

CD Review: Brian Landrus Orchestra - Generations

Where does one begin? How does one classify such an ambitious undertaking? Generations crosses the genres in an unprecedented manner to the extent that it's undefinable.

Undefinable, and compelling. Where will it go next? As ambitious a work as I've heard from any of the composers who go in for this form of cross-fertilisation.

Landrus, needless to say, is at the core of things. The Jeru Concerto displays his undouubted virtuosity on baritone sax. A four movement composition dedicated to his son who, when Landrus first began writing the piece, had yet to be born. It was also inspired by another giant of the baritone - Gerry Jeru Mulligan. In between the first and second movements, there is an interlude where the composer really cuts loose with an unaccompanied solo that is, for want of a better word, breathtaking!

The Jazz Café All Stars - September 19

(Review/photos by Russell)

An acquaintance suggested it would be difficult, if not impossible, to convey just how good this one was. Newcastle’s Jazz Café has long since established itself as host to the premier jam session on Tyneside. A good session is all but guaranteed, attracting some of the finest musicians on the local scene and from further afield. The place was busy well before the eight o’clock start with more than a few big hitters among the early arrivals – this one had all the makings of a particularly good night.

Paul Edis led the session working with Paul Grainger and Russ Morgan. My Romance opened the set, followed by Michel Legrand’s Watch What Happens. What happened next prompted your front row reviewer to scribble GO HOME!!! Nothing could follow Edis’ show-stopping version of  Bye Bye Blackbird featuring blinding piano playing with bassist Grainger and drummer Morgan right up there in the stratosphere. It was early, the place was full, the cheering had to be heard to be believed.

Preview: Classic Swing @ Ashington Jazz Club - October 4

Ashington Jazz Club is back with another new band called Classic Swing featuring an entertaining program of classic swing, jazz, blues & vocals.

The quintet features international trumpet star Bob Wade with Jim McBriarty on reeds, pianist Malcolm Armstrong, Alan Rudd on bass and vocalist Olive Rudd.

The event is upstairs at the Elephant pub in Ashington on October 4th. Showtime is 8pm to 10pm. Admission is £6 on the door

The concert is part of Ashington Jazz Clubs 35th anniversary as well as Ashington Town’s 150th-anniversary celebrations

For further information and poster see the clubs updated website:-

https://johnjazz.wixsite.com/newajc

John Taylor

2017 BJA Nominations announced - vote now

The British Jazz Awards are with us once more and the nominations, for this the 31st consecutive year, have been announced. To place your vote, follow the link below. There is, as you will see,  an excellent list of quality musicians in many different fields of jazz. There is also, should you disagree with the nominations, space for your own nomination. You can vote by following the link below (voting closes October 30).

http://tiny.cc/britishjazzawards17/

Lance.

Emily Bacon’s Good Time Gang @ The Globe - September 17

Emily Bacon (piano, vocals); Liz Bacon (clarinet); Peter Wright (trumpet); Jeff Milner (trombone, vocals); Sarah Thatcher (banjo, tenor guitar); Spike Kennedy (bass); Paul Bacon (drums)

(Review by Ann Alex)

‘B flat’ said Paul Bacon as I entered the Globe for some lunchtime entertainment. The Old Spinning Wheel In The Parlour was played, good time, danceable, New Orleans music, vintage jazz straight from the jazz history books, but well worth listening to today for its irrepressible tunes and sheer sense of fun. Essay question for music students: ‘Discuss the differences between today’s performance and the bebop style jazz played by the Safe Sextet at the Globe on Thursday.’  Jazz indeed covers a wide spectrum. 

CD Review: Claudia Morris - Here's to Life

Claudia Morris (vocals); Liam Dunachie (piano/keys); Conor Chaplin (bass); David Ingamells (drums); Al Cherry (guitar); Alex Garnett (sax); George Hogg (trumpet/flugel); Laura Stanford, Penny Ainscow, David Lopez (violins 1,2,3); Daisy Spires (viola); Jessica Cox (cello); Claire Finley (backing vocals).

(Review by Lance)

I first encountered Claudia Morris back in 2011 on her album  Twelve O'Clock Tales. I was hooked.

Two years later, Ann Alex was equally impressed with Secret Love - Claudia's Doris Day celebration.

Now, the ball's back in my court with her latest - Here's to Life.

The standard hasn't dipped - far from it! The voice has mellowed, the theatrical approach has lessened without any loss of emotion and there is warmth exuding by the thermload.

Black Notes from The Deep

(Preview by Russell)

Last year Courtney Pine appeared with Zoe Rahman at the Gateshead International Jazz Festival. Sage One’s audience heard Pine playing exclusively bass clarinet. Of late, Jazz Warriors’ alumnus Pine has returned to playing tenor saxophone for the first time in something like ten years. Music to the ears of some jazz fans!

A young Courtney Pine blew some great tenor in a small group format and his forthcoming concert with British soul singer Omar at Sage Gateshead promises, once again, a touch of tenor madness!

Hand to Mouth @ Blaydon Jazz Club - September 17

Lindsay Hannon (vocals) & Bradley Johnston (guitar)

(Review by Russell)

Hand to Mouth – it could be a commentary on the precarious existence of many a jazz club. This Hand to Mouth is Lindsay Hannon and Bradley Johnston. Less than one year ago at Newcastle’s Jazz Café the duo produced a stunning debut performance. They followed up at the Lit and Phil, and now, a Blaydon Jazz Club engagement at the Black Bull.

Ella Fitzgerald recorded a series of late career duet albums with guitarist Joe Pass. Essentially a definitive take on the Great American Songbook (Ella garnered a Grammy award), the material is timeless, and here we are in the early years of the new century with Lindsay and Bradley looking afresh at the cannon. A couple from Take Love Easy (1973) for starters – the title track and Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You? Lindsay’s phrasing and recall of a lyric is nothing short of remarkable; not a lyric sheet in sight and a high stakes playfulness with the words. Bradley has studied online archive footage of the great Joe Pass. To hear the Wearside based guitarist recreate the master guitarist’s signature sound proved to be spellbinding.

You Don’t Know What Drink Is

You don’t know what drink is

Until you’ve learned the meaning of the booze

Until you’ve bought a round you didn’t choose

You don’t know what drink is

You don’t know how lips hurt

Until you’ve drunk and had to pay the cost

Until you’ve flipped your glass and your drink’s lost

You don’t know what drink is

Do you know of a lost weekend?

Friends tell you if you’ll listen

And how lips that taste real ale

Lose their taste for Guinness

You don’t know how eyes burn

For nights spent in the pub and on the street

Until you’ve had a hangover complete

You don’t know what drink is

 Ann Alex

Pocket-sized jazz at a capacity Dun Cow

Bebop Spoken Here’s roving County Durham correspondent Tony Eales reports a full house on Friday (Sept. 15) for a first ever jazz gig at the Dun Cow. The pub on Old Elvet in Durham City offered the Pocket Jazz Orchestra* a gig and it paid off all round. After a slow start the pub filled up with jazz and non-jazz (converts?) fans making it a standing room only affair. The publican could be on to something and the band could well be back. Watch this space! 

Russell. 

*Mark Toomey, alto, Paul Donnelly, guitar, Jeremy McMurray, piano, Peter Ayton, bass.

Berlin Jazz Quartet @ St James’ & St Basil’s Church, Newcastle - September 16*

Ulrich Hübner (tenor saxophone), Max Arsava (piano), Leo Helgert (double bass) & Jonas Sorgenfrei (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Four young music degree students drove from Germany to Tyneside (autobahn, a cross-Channel ferry, motorway) to undertake a tour playing five gigs in five days – two churches, a church hall, a sixth form college, and a recently revived community music venue. Studying at prestigious music conservatoires, members of the quartet had worked together in numerous combinations but it was this short tour that afforded them a first opportunity to perform together as the Berlin Jazz Quartet.

St James’ and St Basil’s Church in the Fenham area of Newcastle is one of many venues utilised by Master Musicians International to facilitate performance opportunities for classical musicians – emerging and established – and this Saturday lunchtime concert featuring the Berlin Jazz Quartet was a new venture. Happily, the event was well supported. Those thinking they were about to hear something like Acker Bilk were in for a surprise!

CD Review: The Brass Funkeys - Rabble Rouser.

Rob Smith, Matt Letts (trumpets); Tom Green, Vij Prakash (trombones); Dave Robinson (tenor); Rob Slater/John Caddick (sousaphones); Scott Jowett (drums); Chris Brice (percussion) + Jack Banjo Courtney (trumpet on 1 track); Chris Saunders (trombone on 2 tracks).

(Review by Lance).

The jazz brass band marching tradition may have begun in New Orleans at the turn of the last century but it has long since spread far beyond its Louisiana roots. In the northeast of England, the Northern Monkey Brass Band, nee Horndogs, have long been firm favourites. Moving further south, the New York Brass Band are familiar figures in and about Old York whilst, even further south again, London has the Brass Funkeys heard here on this, their second album.

CD Review: Sam Boshnack Quintet - The Nellie Bly Project

Samantha Boshnack (composer, trumpet, vocals); Beth Fleenor (clarinet, bass clarinet); Alex Chadsey (piano, keyboards); Isaac Castillo (upright/electric bass); Max Wood (drums); Valerie Holt, Anne Mathews (vocals tracks 1 and 3); Anne Whitfield (spoken vocals tracks 2 and 4)

(Review by Ann Alex).

Sam Boshnack, a bandleader based in Seattle, works with various ensembles and has been influenced by free jazz, Cuban rhythms and modern jazz. She has at least 4 previous albums to her credit, such as Go To Orange (2013) and Exploding Syndrome (2014). I enjoyed The Nellie Bly Project, which was as I expected from the notes supplied, full of a free jazz feel, lots of repeated riffs and unusual sounds.  In fact I must quote from the blurb in Downbeat ‘...’open voicings, jaunty tempos and buoyant timbral mixes have a friendly monster feel that achieves a bittersweet and elegiac mood of orchestral grandeur.’ 

The Safe Sextet with Debra Milne @ The Globe September 14

Debra Milne (vocals); Don Forbes (trumpet); John Rowland (tenor sax); Steve Summers (various saxes); Joel Brown (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Mark Robertson (drums)

(Review by Ann Alex)

A stonkingly good night of jazz, which could even be an ‘I was there’ occasion for at least 2 reasons:-

Joel Brown, depping for Alan Law, gave a stunning performance on the keys, which made me wonder if he’s lying about his age. His lively, inventive, performance matched that of the other musicians, who must surely be 30 years (ahem!) or so his senior. And we witnessed the first performance of a new tune in the making, as Don gave out scores which were the basis of a tune which played out initially as a slow steady trumpet, with each instrument gradually picking it up and culminating with a slow bass solo. I think Don said it was called Silence and it was somehow connected with John Cage, but Don was giving lots of entertaining chat anyway.

Perpetual Motion Machine + A.S.B.O @ The Bridge Hotel – September 10.

 PMM: Riley Stone-Lonergan & Ben Lowman (saxes); Sam Dunn & Jamie Taylor (guitars); Garry Jackson (bass); Steve Hanley (drums)

A.S.B.O: Adam Sinclair (drums); Ian ‘Dodge’ Paterson (bass); Paul Edis (Moog Bass Synth) + Graham Hardy (trumpet)

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

After the heady experience of Spirit Farm the previous week it was no surprise that there was standing room only for Jazz North East’s latest offering - last Sunday night’s eclectic double bill at The Bridge.

Perpetual Motion Machine hail from Manchester and have an interesting line up which includes 2 saxes and 2 guitars. Their set comprised of a number of styles: - jazz funk, jazz rock, cinematic jazz and, for the final piece, spoken word. There was some interesting interplay between the dual guitars and saxes which kept one’s attention throughout. I imagine that would they be better heard in a livelier, stand up, venue since the music certainly had a dancy feel to it.

Theatre Review: The Suitcase @ Northern Stage - September 14

(Review by Russell)

Timi and Namhla gather up their few possessions and step off a train. Wide-eyed, a new chapter in their lives is about to begin, village life behind them, life in the big city is their future. Centre stage a simple raised platform functions as a train, later as the Ngobese’s home. Looking for work day after day, Timi strides the stage, knocking on countless doors, to no avail. Pregnant Namla occupies the platform – the couple’s humble abode. Pitso, our storyteller, steps forward, developing the narrative as the on-stage musicians frame the unfolding drama.

The Suitcase is James Ngcobo’s adaptation of a short story written by Es’kia Mphahele. Apartheid South Africa in the fifties, unjust laws, pass books, daily discrimination, yet the story is one of great humour and, initially, hope. Timi, played by Siyabonga Caswell Thwala, is the butt of jokes and the victim of apartheid's ugly ideology. A character wholly good, the audience knows of Timi’s one and only lapse in judgement, yet few would consider criticising his actions. All the characters in the play are likeable sorts, who, to all intents and purposes, are Timi.

Preview: Hand to Mouth - Lindsay Hannon & Bradley Johnston @ Blaydon Jazz Club.

(Photo courtesy of Mike Tilley).

In the centenary year of the birth of the one and only Ella Fitzgerald, Lindsay and Bradley pay tribute to Ella's unsurpassed duets with legendary guitarist Joe Pass. 

Black Bull, Bridge St., Blaydon NE21 4JJ.

Sunday, September 17 - 8pm - £5.00.

Roly

2017 All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards Nominations Announced

(Press release)

The nominations have today been announced for the 2017 ParliamentaryJazz Awards, Britain’s premier awards for the jazz loving public and fans of the music from both Houses of Parliament. The nominees include a broad array of jazz talent from the UK jazz scene. Supported by PizzaExpress Live and sponsored by Peroni the award categories reflect the ever-increasing scope of talent from within the UK’s jazz scene: Jazz Vocalist of the Year; Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year; Jazz Album of the Year; Jazz Ensemble of the Year; Jazz Newcomer of the Year; Jazz Venue of the Year; Jazz Media Award; Jazz Education Award; and the Services to Jazz Award.

September at The Jazz Cafe - from the 1920s to Infinity

(Press release/Fisk/Birkett photo by Lance - Noonan photo courtesy of Ken Drew))

The Jazz Café will be hosting two major events during September: Emma Fisk’s Hot Club Du Nord plus Birkett and Fisk on Friday 15 and Sean Noonan’s Memorable Sticks on Friday 22.

Both Hot Club Du Nord and the duo of Birkett and Fisk are led by the virtuoso jazz violin of Emma Fisk and feature the walking compendium of early jazz guitar styles, James Birkett. The duo recreates the music of Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang, the Italian - American pioneers of hot violin and guitar jazz in the 1920s and 30s. The quartet takes a fresh look at the classic 1930s and 40s Hot Club repertoire of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli who, influenced by Venuti and Lang and, in Django’s case, under the noses of the Nazis, became the first European jazz stars. A welcome return by both bands to The Jazz Café and a treat for connoisseurs of swinging string jazz and lovers of all things vintage. www.hotclubdunord.co.uk

The Suitcase arrives at Northern Stage

Timi and his pregnant wife Namhla leave their rural home for the bright lights of the big city. The

newly married couple hope to make their fortune but the reality of unemployment hits them hard.  One day a desperate Timi makes a life-changing decision when he steals a suitcase left on a bus.  

Written and set in 1950s South Africa, Es’kia Mphahele’s short story The Suitcase is based on a true story and this stage adaptation by directorJames Ngcobo explores the dramatic twists and turns and frightening consequences of Timi’s impulsive action.

The Ushaw Ensemble: St Cuthbert’s Suite and The Sound of Achill @ The Gala Studio, Durham - August 25

(Review by Brian Ebbatson)

The Ushaw Ensemble was put together by Musical Director Paul Edis to perform Paul’s St Cuthbert Suite on the occasion of St Cuthbert’s Day 2016 at Ushaw College and in the Chapel in Durham Cathedral. This was - to my knowledge - only its third public performance.

Paul was somewhat nervous as to how the Durham Gala Lunchtime concert audience would respond to longer compositions, requiring more engagement. However, his two pieces were received with the warmth and appreciation now customary at these concerts. Many in particularly commented on the depth and inventive narrative of the music, as well as its interpretation by the band.

CD Review: Enrico Pieranunzi Trio - Yesterdays.

Enrico Pieranunzi (piano);  Mads Vinding (bass); Alex Riel (drums).
(Review by Lance).

Recorded live in 1997, at the Copenhagen Jazzhouse, and released 20 years later, Yesterdays may seem an appropriate title. However, listening to the Jerome Kern tune of the same name that occupies the first 11:30 of the album, I'd have plumped for Today. The album notes make comparision with Keith Jarrett and maybe there are similarities but, to me, Pieranunzi is much more accessible and he swings. Swings, not in a historical way but in the present time. It may have been recorded 20 years ago but it could have been recorded 20 minutes ago and no one would have known!

Preview: Emily Bacon's Good Time Gang @ The Globe Sunday September 17, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. New Orleans style traditional jazz

Emily Bacon (vocal); Peter Wright (trumpet); Liz Bacon (clarinet); Jeff Milner (trombone); Sarah Thatcher (banjo/tenor guitar); Spike Kennedy (bass); Paul Bacon (drums).

(Press release)

A special Sunday lunch time trad jazz session (bar food - bacon? - will be available).

Paul and Liz Bacon were formerly known as "The Mississippi Dreamboats". However, time has seen the band evolve and their daughter Emily is now heading up "The Good Time Gang". They are still rooted in the New Orleans style of jazz, surrounding themselves with musicians who are inspired by the Good Time Bands of the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Jeff Milner on trombone is a true exponent of the Jim Robinson style from the George Lewis Band and Liz continues to be inspired by George Lewis. Sarah Thatcher on banjo and tenor guitar works in a great partnership with Spike Kennedy on bass and Paul on the drums, playing the solid beat of the dance halls of New Orleans. Emily's vocal repertoire includes well-known jazz standards, blues and spirituals.

Admission £5 on the door.

Blue in Green

I got in the car yesterday afternoon, put the radio on and what should be playing but JRR and the unmistakeable sound of Grant Green. What a great player with a joyous solo style. The track was Jean De Fleur. 

Next track was pianist Barry Green (pictured with Emillia Martensson back in 2012 - ed.) in duo with bassist Dave Green! A lovely rendition of I'll be Around. He stayed fairly close to the melody but what a great pianist with an intimate style that really draws you in. I found it quite compelling. I already knew his name but not much about him. Had a look at his website. Some really beautiful playing. Anyone who doesn't already know of this fine UK player might like to check him out. 

http://www.moletone.com/

Roly

Jazz Café October, 2017, Press Release.

Andersson / Pringle / Banner /Pereira 7^th October and Michael Messer’s Mitra at The Jazz Cafe 27th October 2017

The 7th October visit to The Jazz Cafe of Andersson / Pringle / Banner / Pereira marks the third appearance at the venue by the group’s pianist Mark Pringle. He first appeared in September 2015 with his critically acclaimed Moveable Feast Trio (The Independent described Mark at this time as “stupendously talented”) and returned in 2017 in a stunningly good duo with trumpeter Tom Syson.

Virtuoso Jazz Trio @ St George’s URC, Morpeth - September 9

George MacDonald (clarinet), James Birkett (guitar) & Bruce Rollo (double bass)

(Review by Russell)

Heritage Open Days’ weekend happened to coincide with a concert appearance by the Virtuoso Jazz Trio. St George’s Church, standing on the River Wansbeck, participating in the open doors event, temporarily closed its doors to ensure the virtuosi could perform without distraction. A one hour set presented a selection of George MacDonald’s favourite numbers, and his fellow virtuosi,   James Birkett and Bruce Rollo, no doubt share the enthusiasm of the Northern Sinfonia’s former principal clarinetist for a good tune.

Fergus McCreadie Trio @ The Jazz Coop September 9

Fergus McCreadie (piano); Mark Hendry (bass); Graham Costello (drums)

(Review by Steve H). 

What a great night was had by all at the Globe Jazz Bar on Saturday night. This young trio hailing from North of the Border gave a thoroughly uplifting and entertaining performance, delighting the Jazz Coop audience. McCreadie, despite his youth, is a phenomenal piano player - the speed and drive of his playing was at times breathtaking but he was also able to display a soft gentle side when playing a ballad. 

CD Review: Gareth Lockrane Big Band - Fistfight at the Barndance

(Review by Lance).

I first heard the Gareth Lockrane Big Band at the Spice of Life one heady afternoon at the 2013 London Jazz Festival. I was knocked out then and I'm knocked out now - with an album of this name, how could I not be!?

Fistfight at the Barndance: What a great title for both the album and the opening track!  Inspired by a riff his dad used to blow on harmonica Lockrane has expanded it into a number that does give image to a barn dance brawl with Dickinson, Lockrane and Stanley the ones slugging it out.