Bebop Spoken There

Ludovic Beier (Django Festival Allstars): ''Manouche means 'free man,' and gypsies have been travelers since they migrated west from India to Europe.'' (DownBeat March, 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

18383 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 247 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 17 ), 57

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

Thursday, March 01, 2018

Great North Big Band Jazz Festival Cancelled!

The weather has claimed its highest profile victim to date.
The annual Great North Big Band Jazz Festival, due to have been held thls weekend at Chester-le-Street, has had to be cancelled. Organiser Bill Watson explains:
"Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the Festival this weekend due to weather and the forecast. This was not our decision but the decision of the venue who feel they cannot guarantee keeping the car parks, pavement and steps clear and safe due to drifting snow".
This is a devastating blow for Bill who, faced with organising 30 bands and over 700 musicians from across the country, had managed to slot everything in place according to plan. When I spoke with him last weekend he confided that all he had left to do was get some more Gaffa Tape - and then this happens!
Our support and sympathy go out to Bill who, every year, puts so much effort into making the event the success it invariably is.
Lance

3 comments :

Anonymous said...

So this means DCYBB holds the title for a third year? :D

Lance said...

A multi dead heat I'd have thought!

Russell said...

Bill, you must be feeling so disappointed. Don't despair, here's to the GNBBJF 2019!

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