Bebop Spoken There

Dominick "Domo" Branch: ''Most people say drummers can't write, they're just time-keepers only beating on things. But I have a very musical brain.'' (DownBeat February, 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

18288 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 142 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Feb. 14), 42

From This Moment On ...

February

Thu 19: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: George Shearing Jazz Moments.

Fri 20: Alex Clarke w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. SOLD OUT! Clarke w. Dean Stockdale, Mick Shoulder, Abbie Finn.
Fri 20: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 20: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 20: Squabble @ Warkworth Memorial Hall. 7:00pm. Steve Chambers (organ); Jude Murphy (double bass, vocals); Sid White (drums).
Fri 20: Jive Aces @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 7:00pm (6:30pm doors).
Fri 20: Alex Clarke w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ Sunderland Minster. 7:30pm. Clarke w. Dean Stockdale, Mick Shoulder, Abbie Finn.

Sat 21: ???

Sun 22: Musicians Unlimited: Big Band Blast @ West Hartlepool RFC. 1:00-3:00pm . Free.
Sun 22: Joe Steels Group @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 3:00pm. A Blue Patch album tour.
Sun 22: More Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 22: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 22: Harben Kay Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 23: Joe Steels Group @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm. A Blue Patch album tour.
Mon 23: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 24: Finn-Keeble Group @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm. £11.00.
Tue 24: Liam Oliver & Shayo Oshodi @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 26: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £6.50.
Thu 26: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00 adv.
Thu 26: Mick Cantwell Band @ The Harbour View, Roker, Sunderland. 8:00pm. Blues.

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

Friday, March 08, 2019

CD Review: Doug Raney & Nicolai Gromin - There Will Never Be Another You

Doug Raney & Nicolai Gromin (guitars)
(Review by Lance).

Recorded live at Sabine's Cafeteria in Copenhagen on July 6, 1993, There Will Never be Another You showcases two outstanding guitarists - both now sadly departed making this a valuable addition to their legacy.

Raney, son of guitar legend Jimmy Raney, followed very much in his father's footsteps playing in a crisp hornlike manner.

Doug Raney settled in Copenhagen, after accompanying his father on a  tour in 1977. The following year he met Moscow-born Gromin and they worked together regularly. They died within a year of each other in 2017.

Jimmy Raney recorded There Will Never Be Another You in 1952 when he was a member of the Stan Getz Quintet. Doug's solo on the same tune would have slotted easily into the earlier version. Like father like son and, in this case, there is no greater compliment to either, both having developed the ground rules laid down by Charlie Christian.

By contrast with the cool, bright, west coast sound of Raney, Gromin's tone is darker leaning more towards Jim Hall and Wes M and making for a delightful blend with neither overshadowing the other. The intricately interwoven lines are compelling. Solo and comping duties are interchanged with both players being easily identifiable. For those in doubt, Raney can be heard on the left channel and Gromin on the right.

A delightful set that will be especially appealing to northeast fans of Veitch & Strong, Birkett & Johnston, Williams & McCullough or perhaps any permutation of those six fine fretters.
Lance.
Something's Up (Doug Raney); My Funny Valentine; There Will Never Be Another You; Nardis; Ask Me Now; Cherokee; Estate; Blues For Thad (Nicolai Gromin).
Available March 22 on Stunt Records  STUCD18062

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