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

18395 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 259 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 30 ), 69

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

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.

Fri 03: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 03: King Bees @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle. 7:00pm (doors). Free. Chicago blues.

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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