Nothing to do with the rock band of the above name who's claim to fame is that they headlined the only rock concert I've ever attended. Newcastle City Hall (TYA/Blodwyn Pig/Stone the Crows). My reason to be there? I was an enthusiast of guitarist, the late Alvin Lee who's playing always impressed me - remember Woodstock?
However, as I said at the start, this has nothing to do with TYA. No, the ten years refers to this week in 2008 when I first started posting vintage photos from the 1970/80s and writing about CDs, songs and gigs. One of the first reviews on BSH was of Scott Hamilton at Darlington Arts Centre.
One of the blogs earliest supporters was Liz of York who has been a constant supporter from the start and still is despite ill-health.
Over the years 'the team' grew with, the now indispensable, Russell one of the first and most frequent contributors. Ann Alex views jazz from a folkie's perspective, Steve T adds the soul side of things and Steve H looks in from 'The Outside' - or should it be vice versa? JC provides the occasional observation from both home and abroad and the other J man, Jerry, is usually around for gigs involving Paul Edis.
Hugh C is another of our reviewers. Hugh is often found searching for and finding, jazz in the Cumbrian hills. When not singing, Debra M frequently adds the voice of experience to evaluate a current jazz vocal CD in between arranging gigs at The Globe - HQ of the Jazz Coop.
Many of our live reviews would not be the same without the magnificent photos taken by camera ace, Ken Drew. When needs must, Ken is also not averse to adding the necessary words.
Over at the Jazz Café, Mike Tilley also takes some super shots that perfectly capture the gig.
Way down south, Sebastian Scotney of LondonJazzNews has frequently offered advice which is gratefully received. LJN too will soon be having a Tenth Anniversary - Best Wishes in advance.
Another guy from 'down there' is Peter Jones who, apart from writing the definitive biography of Mark Murphy, has several CDs of his own available and yet still finds time to review the occasional EFG - LJF concert for BSH.
Even further afield, in Hong Kong to be precise, ex-pat Colin Aitchison keeps us up to date with the goings-on at Ned Kelly's Last Stand in Kowloon.
Back home, thanks to Warren of Hoochie Coochie, the late Keith Crombie, Peter Wardle of the now sadly closed Cherry Tree Restaurant, the ever helpful team at Sage Gateshead, David Brownlow, Patti Durham and, Roly Veitch, and John Taylor of Blaydon and Ashington Jazz Clubs respectively. There are many more and, if I've overlooked anyone then please forgive me.
Here's to the next ten years...
Cheers,
Lance
10 comments :
Lance! You and your team of willing helpers have created a wonderful resource for us jazz mad boys and girls ...... you're a star - and here's to another ten years, and more!
Congratulations Lance. A remarkable labour of love.
From Ann Alex, I'm very grateful to Lance, because my writing for BSH keeps my writing muscle in trim, which makes it easier to write other stuff as well, such as songs. So if you don't like my songs, you can blame Lance!
Our favourite jazz blog is 10 years old! Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved, especially the remarkable Lance Liddle
Well done Lance, you're inspirational!
What Roly said. Congratulations on getting 3.3M views of the BSH Blog over 10 years - Wow !!! Ken Drew
You're the Tops!
Referring to the TYA gig at the City Hall, Lance - I was there, backstage, and privy to the reason Alvin Lee wouldn't initially play : there was a long delay due to live voltage potential between his guitar and the mic stand ( allegedly caused by his stack of Marshall amps using live chassis ). When they did play, Woodchopper's Ball was highlight. Greetings from sunny Devon!
I can't remember the delay - I was probably in the bar! I do remember Woodchoppers Ball. You recall, in Windows, we'd be playing jazz records all day and, next door in the 'Pop Dept' they'd be playing pop and rock. Well, I heard Woodchoppers on next doors turntable and thought, "What are they doing playing 'our' records?! Which was when I discovered TYA.
I just wanted to congratulate you on keeping the blog going for ten years - that's some achievement (and a lot of dedication and work).
I remember sitting at a table next to you (and your friend who used be at many of the gigs) in the Corner House about ten years ago and we got chatting and you told me that you had recently started a blog. I think I had also started my blog on the folk club in Dublin around the same time - a much smaller effort which didn't last very long. You gave me a little flyer and I clicked on when I got home and have found it unmissable ever since!
Thanks for reading and publishing my various ramblings which I have enjoyed creating. You will have realised long ago that my various diversions into irrelevancy is a device to cover up the many large gaps in my jazz knowledge but fortunately you, Russell and others more than meet that requirement.
I look forward to having you and BSH as my jazz guide for many more years!
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