Bebop Spoken There

Ron Carter quoting Sonny Rollins: ''What we call jazz - that's keeping the world in equilibrium. I don't care what kind of music you like out here today. It all comes from jazz.'' (DownBeat August, 2026)

The Things They Say!

This is a good opportunity to say thanks to BSH for their support of the jazz scene in the North East (and beyond) - it's no exaggeration to say that if it wasn't for them many, many fine musicians, bands and projects across a huge cross section of jazz wouldn't be getting reviewed at all, because we're in the "desolate"(!) North. (M & SSBB on F/book 23/12/24)

Postage

18818 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 682 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Aug. 20) 51.

Reviewers wanted

Whilst BSH attempts to cover as many gigs, festivals and albums as possible, to make the site even more comprehensive we need more 'boots on the ground' to cover the albums seeking review - a large percentage of which never get heard - report on gigs or just to air your views on anything jazz related. Interested? then please get in touch. Contact details are on the blog. Look forward to hearing from you. Lance

From This Moment On

August

Wed 26: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 26: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 26: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 27: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 27: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. £6.50. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 27: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Thu 27: 58 Jazz Collective @ The Blacksmith’s Arms, Stranton, Hartlepool. 8:00pm. Free.
Thu 27: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00.

Fri 28: Graham Hardy Quartet @ The Gala, Durham. 1:00pm. £8.00.
Fri 28: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 28: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 28: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.

Sat 29: Brian Jackson @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 8:30pm (doors). £32.00.

Sun 30: Musicians Unlimited @ West Hartlepool RFC. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 30: Tango Jazz Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 31: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

September.

Tue 01: Customs House Big Band @ Masonic Hall, Ferryhill. 7:30pm. Free.
Tue 01: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, John Hirst.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

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. 
However, this was not just a one man band and Hendry on bass and Costello on drums not only provided admirable support but also enhanced the performance considerably.  The band were really able to find a groove which kept the audience tapping their feet and nodding in appreciation. The roots of the band couldn’t be more obvious even if the trio had been sporting kilts, sporrans and tam o’shanters. Influenced by his heritage and environment a deep vein of Scottish influence could be heard in all the compositions; there was even a full-on highland reel as an opening to one of the pieces. 
This may have not been Edinburgh rock but it was certainly Highland swing. I certainly recommend that you take the opportunity to see them play if you get the chance.
Steve H.

1 comment :

Minnie said...

I was spell-bound by these guys! They are so young, two of them still at Glasgow Uni (studying jazz of course!) - fabulous playing - and power to Fergus's elbow for composing all the music - every last piece was original and there was great diversity. I agree with Steve - definitely not to be missed if you get the opportunity!

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