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

Tue 25: Michael Young Trio @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. CANCELLED!

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.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Swing Manouche @ Dormans Jazz Club, Middlesbrough - Sept. 6.

Mick Shoulder (Guitar); Giles Strong (guitar); Paul Grainger (double bass); Gavin Lee (clarinet).
(Review by Ron H)

It was a pleasure to have Swing Manouche as this month’s guest band and to witness a fine performance of Hot Club Style Jazz.
The night began with a nice version of Lulu Swing followed by Douce Ambiance with the four musicians clearly showing the passion they held for the genre and their ability to play so well together.
Gavin played a fine melody to Mick's composition My Quiet Place (Mon Endroit Tranquille). Valse à Gonzo, a lovely Jazz Waltz, was another piece composed by Mick inspired after a face to face meeting with Giles’ dog.

The night continued with classic Django style playing including, amongst others, the numbers Joseph Joseph; Minor Swing; Dinette; Nuages; Hungaria and Them There Eyes; featuring Gavin and, for an encore, a fine swinging rendition of Noto Swing.
Another successful guest night listening to great guitar solos from both Mick and Giles and melodic solos from Gavin, playing the rarely seen these days Albert System clarinet, and no doubt influenced by the French clarinetist
Hubert Rostaing who featured on several of Django Reinhardt’s post-Grappelli recordings. With bassist Paul Grainger providing fine support it made for a first class night of Gypsy Jazz at Dormans.

Ron H

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