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

From This Moment On

March

Mon 30: Gerry Richardson Quartet @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm.
Mon 30: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 31: Bede Trio @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. Albert Hills Wright (alto sax); Finn Carter (piano); Michael Dunlop (double bass).

April

Wed 01: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 01: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 01: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 02: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: Musicians playing classical & orchestral music.
Thu 02: The Noel Dennis Band @ Prohibition Bar, Albert Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RU. 7:00pm (doors). £10.84. Quartet plus special guest Zoë Gilby. Over 21s only.
Thu 02: Renegade Brass Band @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 02: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00. adv..
Thu 02: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Swing Bridge @ The Globe Jazz Bar, Newcastle - April 28

Dan Martin (piano); Dave Parker (bass); Peter Ninnim (drums).
(Review by Lance).
What’s in a name? Last week, at The Globe, we had a band called Tedulca – a name which did nothing to attract as it gave no indication what they were about. As it turned out, they were brilliant but only those who were curious enough found out.
Last night’s band, Swing Bridge was more obviously named - music that swung combined with local colour by appropriating the name of one of the crossings of the River Tyne. The fact that that bridge only swings open 3 or 4 times a week could also have acted as a deterrent.  Fortunately, I’m pleased to say, this trio swings out more frequently.
Dan Martin was a new name to me and I was curious to find out more. I’d erroneously assumed he’d moved to Newcastle from out of the area but, when questioned, he informed me that he’d come from Gateshead, presumably via the Redheugh or Tyne Bridge (traitor), where he’s a Minister at the Tyneside Church Centre. He’s also a fluent pianist - some choice chords from Peterson, Shearing and co and nice angular solos without being too flamboyant.
Together with Dave Parker on bass, who worked hard, impressing on the Pink Panther Theme, and Peter Ninnim who drove things along in his inimitable fashion, soloing at length on Norwegian Wood complete with fluorescent sticks! made for an enjoyable evening.
It wasn’t a wild night, rather a tasteful evening of what could be described as ‘chamber jazz’.
Martin’s arrangements were good and often imaginative. It’s probably still a work in progress but one to keep an eye on.
Lance.

First set: Now’s the Time; Cheek to Cheek; Wave/Besame Mucho; Scrapple From the Apple; Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You?; Someday my Prince Will Come; I’ve Got You Under my Skin; A Foggy Day.

Second set: Swing Bridge Blues; Girl Talk; Triste; My Favourite Things/Cry me a River; Pink Panther Theme; Norwegian Wood; I Wish I Knew How it Felt to be Free; There Will Never be Another You; I Wanna be Like You.

Don't forget that Monday, April 30 is International Jazz Day. Celebrate it at The Globe from 5:30pm. It's free with lots of bands and musicians playing. It's also the Jazz Co-op's fourth anniversary so come along and party!

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