Bebop Spoken There

Ethan Hawke (starring as Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon): ''Larry [Lorenz] Hart would be so happy that his music and his words and his poetry are still alive.'' - The Northern Echo 27 November 2025

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

18000 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 964 of them this year alone and, so far, 73 this month (Nov. 24).

From This Moment On ...

DECEMBER 2025

Sat 06: Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band @ St Augustine’s Parish Centre, Darlington. 12:30pm. £10.00.
Sat 06: Play Jazz! workshop @ The Globe, Newcastle. 1:30pm. £27.50. Tutor: Steve Glendinning. Minor Swing. Enrol at: learning@jazz.coop.
Sat 06: Jeff Hewer Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 06: NUJO Jazz Jam @ Cobalt Studios, Newcastle. 7:00pm (doors). £3.76 (inc. bf).
Sat 06: Kaberry Big Band @ The Seahorse, Whitley Bay. 7:30pm (7:00pm doors). £15.00. (inc. hot buffet). ‘Christmas 1945’. Kaberry Big Band, formerly Vermont Big Band.
Sat 06: Smokin’ Spitfires @ Platform 1, Bedlington. 7:30pm. £6.00. Rhythm & blues.
Sat 06: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Red Lion, Earsdon. 8:00pm. £3.00. Xmas Party with buffet.
Sat 06: The Jive Aces @ The Witham, Barnard Castle. 8:00pm. £22.00., £20.00.
Sat 06: Brass Fiesta @ Revoluçion de Cuba, Newcastle. 10:30pm. Free.

Sun 07: Ian Bosworth Quintet @ Chapel, Middlesbrough. 1:00pm. Free. Feat. special guest Donna Hewitt (sax, clarinet).
Sun 07: Finn-Keeble Group @ Central Bar, Gateshead. 2:00pm. £10.00.
Sun 07: Sax Choir @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 07: Paul Skerritt @ Hibou Blanc, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Sun 07: Michael Young Trio @ The Engine Room, Sunderland. 2:30pm. Free. Trio + Ruth Lambert.
Sun 07: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 07: Jason Isaacs Big Band @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 5:15pm (4:00pm doors). £21.50 (inc. bf).
Sun 07: Paul Skerritt @ 3 Stories, High St. West, Sunderland. 6:30pm. Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Sun 07: Lindsay Hannon: Tom Waits for No Man @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:00pm. Support set from Play More Jazz! course participants. Note earlier start.

Mon 08: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 09: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm

Wed 10: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 10: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 10: Jam Session @ The Tannery, Hexham. 7:00pm. Free.
Wed 10: Mike Lindup Jazz Trio @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £26.50 (inc. bf). Lindup, Yolanda Charles (bass), John Sam (drums).
Wed 10: Bold Big Band @ Cluny 2, Newcastle. 7:30pm. £12.00.

Thu 11: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £4.00. Subject: West Coast (cool ) / Wordsearch (cool) Cool Jazz or ‘Cold’, ‘Cool’, ‘Hot’, ‘Warm’ in the title or lyrics.
Thu 11: George Robinson @ Prohibition Bar, Albert Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RU. 7:00pm (doors). £5.42 (inc. bf). Vienna’s Voice charity evening featuring ’15 year old singing sensation the ‘Redcar Crooner’ George Robinson’. Over 35s only.
Thu 11: Paul Skerritt @ Chakh Dhoom, Jesmond, Newcastle. 7:00pm. Indian restaurant. Skerritt w. back tapes.
Thu 11: Ransom Van @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm.
Thu 11: Down for the Count Swing Orchestra @ Middlesbrough Town Hall. 7:30pm. £37.70 (inc. bf). ‘Swing into Xmas’.

Fri 12: Pete Tanton’s Chet Set @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm. £8.00.
Fri 12: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 12: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 12: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 12: Milne Glendinning Band @ Northumberland Club, Jesmond, Newcastle. 7:00pm. £15.00. ‘Xmas Soiree’.
Fri 12: A Jazzy Xmas @ St Cuthbert’s Centre, Crook. 7:30pm. £15.00. Paul Edis (MD, piano); Jo Harrop (vocals); Vasilis Xenopoulos (tenor sax, soprano sax); Matthew Forster (alto sax, clarinet); Sue Ferris (flute, piccolo); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jason Holcomb (trombone);Emma Fisk (violin); Andy Champion (double bass); Matt MacKellar (drums). SOLD OUT!
Fri 12: Tony Hadley: Xmas Big Band Tour 2025 @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 7:30pm.
Fri 12: Alexia Gardner @ The New Ship Inn, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. 8:00pm. Gardner, Alan Law, Jude Murphy, Abbie Finn.
Fri 12: Jive Aces: Swingin’ Xmas Show @ The Witham, Barnard Castle. 8:00pm.

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

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2018

(Press release)
Following the success of last years inaugural festival, it's a great pleasure to announce the second edition of the 'Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music' which takes place in October 2018. This year sees a fantastic increase in partners to create a four-day event that promises to deliver some really exceptional workshops and performances.
Above right: JoeMcPhee (Photo © Žiga Koritnik)
Below: Full Blast (Photo © Joao Kehl)

A major part of the festival revolves around the nature of improvisation, and amongst a number of workshops, we welcome two days of performances, talks and interviews associated with Durham University’s 'Aesthetics of Imperfection’ project. From Edinburgh the improvisational Music and Dance troupe 'Something Smashing' join us to collaborate with regional artists, whilst the interdisciplinary styles continue to fuse with a performance of 'Enchanted Tales’, featuring silent black and white fairytale films of the 20's and 30's with a live soundtrack performed by Lizabett Russo and Graeme Stephen. 

The festival continues to be truly international, bringing artists from Australia, USA, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece and Romania along with UK musicians from Leeds, Manchester, London, Scotland, Wales and of course Tyne and Wear.

Amongst the many regional talents Saturday afternoon will hear Zoë Gilby debut her new 'Aurora' project in collaboration with Noel Dennis, and a fresh voice to the scene Thomas Dixon will present a brand new Quartet conceived especially for the festival.

Jazz North East’s much-praised 'Women Make Music' series sees pianist Nikki Isles and saxophonist Stan Sulzmann drop by as part of a concert tour also celebrating Stan’s 70th birthday. And the celebrations continue as 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Peter Brötzmann’s legendary 'Machine Gun', an album which many fans would consider one of the key recordings in the history of free jazz, so it's an unbelievable delight to welcome Peter to the festival with his fiercely uncompromising 'Full Blast' trio. 

And there's so much more: the amazing improvisers Joe McPhee, Chris Corsano and Nate Wooley join us from New York, Rhodri Davies performs at 'Koan: Liberation', Corrie Dick will present a rare solo percussion set alongside the Elliot Galvin Trio who will also work with the regional 'Early Bird Band', and many more exceptional artists all come together under the banner 'Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music' 2018…

The festival would like to acknowledge and thank all of the musicians, promoters and venues in helping this ambitious project come together, and also to the Arts Council of England, the Performing Rights Society Foundation, Community Foundation, Chris Calver and James Smith at The Literary and Philosophical Society, Newcastle and Durham Universities, Newcastle Arts Centre, Dance City, Martin Donkin and Jazz Co-op, Norvol and of course Jazz North East, also many thanks to Žiga Koritnik for the wonderful cover photograph of Joe McPhee and Peter Brötzmann.   

We hope you enjoy the show!

Wesley Stephenson - Festival Producer

Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2018 

Thursday 4th October

Joe McPhee Trio
with Joe McPhee (Saxophone and Mixed Instrumentation) / John Pope (Double Bass) / Paul Hession (Percussion)    
Newcastle University King's Hall
Doors: 12.45pm (Music begins 1.10pm)
Free Entry On The Door
This concert is presented by Newcastle University in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 

'Something Smashing' - Improvised Music and Dance Workshop 
with Graeme Wilson and Alma Lindenhovius
Dance City Workshop
Doors: 2.45pm (Workshop begins 3.00pm) 
Free Entry
Tickets available from Dance City 
This workshop is presented by Dance City in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 

'Something Smashing' - An Evening of Improvised Music and Dance 
with Graeme Wilson (Winds) / Mike Parr-Burman (Guitar) / Russell Wimbish (Double Bass) / Ana Almeida (Vocals) / Christian Alderson (Percussion) / 
Alma Lindenhovius (Dancer) / Holly Irving (Dancer) / Tess Letham (Dancer) / Emma Snellgrove (Dancer) / Skye Reynolds (Dancer) / Adam Russell (Dancer) 
The Black Swan Bar and Venue 
Doors: 7.30pm (Performances begin at 8.00pm)
£7.00 / £5.00 Concessions (MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits)
Tickets available from The Jazz Cafe, Reflex Newcastle, Online from Seetickets and On The Door subject to capacity 
This concert is presented by 'Something Smashing' and Newcastle Arts Centre in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music


Friday 5th October

Nikki Isles and Stan Sulzmann
Nikki Isles (Piano) / Stan Sulzmann (Saxophone) 
The Literary and Philosophical Society 
Doors: 12.30pm (Music begins 1.00pm) 
£10.00 / £8.00 Concessions (MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits)
Tickets available from The Lit and Phil, Reflex Newcastle, Online from Seetickets and On The Door subject to capacity 
This concert is presented as part of Jazz North Easts 'Women Make Music' series and The Literary and Philosophical Society in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

Elliot Galvin Trio + Corrie Dick Solo
Elliot Galvin (Piano and Mixed Instrumentation) / Tom McCredie (Double Bass) / Corrie Dick (Percussion)
The Literary and Philosophical Society 
Doors: 5.45pm (Music begins 6.15pm) 
£8.00 / £6.00 Concessions (MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits)
Tickets available from The Lit and Phil, Reflex Newcastle, Online from Seetickets and On The Door subject to capacity 
This concert is presented by The Literary and Philosophical Society in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

Koan 8: Liberation with Rhodri Davies / Kleevex / Ojay / The Newcastle Improvisers
Rhodri Davies (Harp)
Kleevex: Gwilly Edmondez (Voice / Dictaphones) / Faye MacCalman (Reeds)
Ojay (Electric Bass and Electronics)
The Newcastle Improvisers (Mixed Instrumentation) 
The Globe 
Doors: 7.00pm (Music begins 7.30pm) 
£8.00 / £5.00 Concessions (MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits)
Tickets On The Door 
This concert is presented by Koan at The Globe (Jazz Co-op) in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

Graeme Wilson Quartet: Album Launch Party 
Graeme Wilson (Reeds and Winds) / Paul Edis (Piano) / Andy Champion (Double Bass) / Adam Sinclair (Drums) 
Upstairs at The Jazz Cafe
Doors: 8.45pm (Music begins 9.15pm)
£8.00 / £6.00 Concessions (MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits)
Tickets available from The Jazz Cafe, Reflex Newcastle, Online from Seetickets and On The Door subject to capacity 
This concert is presented by Jazz North East and The Jazz Cafe in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

Saturday 6th October

Philosophy of Improvisation Workshop: The Aesthetics of Imperfection (Session 1)
Hosted by Andy Hamilton and Durham University the workshops will feature festival musicians and additional special guests  
The Black Swan Bar and Venue
Doors: 9.30am (Workshop begins 9.45am)
Free Entry On The Door 
This workshop is presented by Durham University in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

'Enchanted Tales' with Lizabett Russo and Graeme Stephen + Ceitidh Mac
Enchanted Tales: Lizabett Russo (Voice and Multi Instrumentation) / Graeme Stephen (Guitar)
Ceitidh Mac: Ceitidh MacLeod (Voice and Cello) / Will Hammond (Vibraphone and Percussion) / Faye MacCalman (Reeds)   
Upstairs at The Jazz Cafe 
Doors: 1.30pm (Music begins 2.00pm)
£7.00 / £5.00 Concessions (MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits)
Tickets available from The Jazz Cafe, Reflex Newcastle, Online from Seetickets and On The Door subject to capacity 
This concert is presented as part of Jazz North Easts 'Women Make Music' series in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

Swing Manouche Play Jazz Workshop  
with Mick Shoulder / Giles Strong / Gavin Lee
Sage
Doors: 1.45pm (Workshop begins 2.00pm)
£20 / £18 (Jazz Co-op Members) 
Tickets available from Sage
This workshop is presented by Jazz Co-op in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

Zoë Gilby Quartet with Noel Dennis + Thomas Dixon Quartet 
Zoë Gilby Quartet: Zoë Gilby (Vocals) / Andy Champion (Double Bass) / Mark Williams (Guitar) / Noel Dennis (Trumpet and Flugel Horn)  
Thomas Dixon Quartet: Thomas Dixon (Saxophone) / Inês Gonçalves (Piano) / Jamie Mackay (Guitar) / Ollie Petrie (Bass)
Downstairs at The Jazz Cafe
Doors: Open All Day (Music begins 4.30pm) 
Free Entry On The Door 
This concert is presented by The Jazz Cafe in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

Full Blast with Peter Brötzmann + Pak Yan Lau and Chris Corsano + Candlesnuffer 
Full Blast: Peter Brötzmann (Reeds) / Marino Pliakas (Electric Bass) / Michael Wertmüller (Drums)  
Pak Yan Lau (Prepared and Toy Pianos) / Chris Corsano (Percussion and Objects)  
Candlesnuffer (Prepared Guitar) 
The Literary and Philosophical Society
Doors: 6.30pm (Music begins 7.00pm) 
£12 / £10 Concessions (MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits)
Tickets available from The Lit and Phil, Reflex Newcastle, Online from Seetickets and On The Door subject to capacity 
This concert is presented by Jazz North East and The Literary and Philosophical Society in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

Swing Manouche
Mick Shoulder (Guitar) / Giles Strong (Guitar) / Gavin Lee (Clarinet) / Paul Grainger (Double Bass)
The Globe
Doors: 7.30pm (Music begins 8.00pm) 
£10 / £8 Concessions (MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits)
Tickets available from Jazz Co-op at The Globe and On The Door subject to capacity 
This concert is presented by Jazz Co-op in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

Sunday 7th October

Philosophy of Improvisation Workshop: The Aesthetics of Imperfection (Session 2)
Hosted by Andy Hamilton and Durham University the workshops will feature festival musicians and additional special guests 
The Literary and Philosophical Society
Doors 9.30am (Workshop begins 9.45am) 
Free Entry On The Door 
This workshop is presented by Durham University in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

The Tuesday Jam on Sunday 
with the house band featuring James Harrison (Piano) / Sue Ferris (Saxophone) / Paul Grainger (Double Bass) / Russ Morgan (Drums)
Downstairs at The Jazz Cafe 
Doors: 11.30am (Music begins 12.00 Midday) 
Free Entry On The Door 
This jam session is presented by The Jazz Cafe in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

The Improvisors' Workshop
with special guest mentor Joe McPhee  
Upstairs at The Bridge Hotel 
Doors: 2.45pm (Workshop begins 3.00pm)
Free Entry  On The Door 
This workshop is presented by Jazz North East in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

HTrio with Nate Wooley + Joe McPhee and Chris Corsano Duo 
HTrio: Mark Hanslip (Tenor Saxophone) / Otto Willberg (Double Bass) / Andrew Cheetham (Drums) / Nate Wooley (Trumpet and Electronics) 
Joe McPhee (Saxophone and Mixed Instrumentation) / Chris Corsano (Percussion and Objects)
The Bridge Hotel 
Doors: 7.30pm (Music begins 8.00pm) 
£10 / £8 Concessions (MU / NUS / OAP / Benefits)
Tickets available from Reflex Newcastle, Online from Seetickets and On The Door subject to capacity
This concert is presented by Jazz North East in association with Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music

info@jazznorthest.com 
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