CDs/Gigs of the month - July

CDS
Wendy Kirkland - The Music's on Me (female vocal).
Mark Winkler - I'm With You (male vocal).
Rich Willey's Boptism Big Band - Down & Dirty (big band).
Leo Richardson Quartet - Move (small group modern).
Andrew Oliver/David Horniblow - The Complete Morton Project (small group trad).

Gigs
kd lang @ Sage Gateshead (July 20).
Dulcie May Quintet @ Globe Jazz Bar (July 18).

Purely my personal view - tell us your faves.
Lance

Sotavento Big Band @ the Globe Jazz Bar - July 28

(Review/PHOTOS by Lance).

Their third UK tour and their second visit to the Jazz Coop's main theatre of operations, the Sotavento Big Band from Argentina once again put on a show.

It's an intriguing concept, jazz played over a mainly, but not always, tango rhythm. It's also a dangerous one - would the jazz audience accept the tango and would the dancers take to the jazz?

The question was answered by the jazz folk in the crowded downstairs bar with muchas solicitudes de encore whereas only one couple danced, admittedly gracefully and with the unconscious  sensual element the tango inevitably evokes - so much so that, had there been a tango tutor to hand, I myself would have been doing a new-fangled tango - however, it does take two...

Malta Jazz Festival 2019 - Nights July 19

(Review by Steve T)

On Friday evening the festival shifted to the side of the empire shaping harbour with its spectacular views of historic fortresses and palaces. At some point a luxury yacht pulled alongside and parked up for the evening. I speculated whether, if they could afford a yacht they could afford the entrance fee.

 

Each of the two nights here opened with a Maltese group and Friday was a guitar trio led by drummer William Smith. Clearly the Maltese know that jazz guitar is in the ascendancy again and this was a highly enjoyable set with all three young musicians acquitting themselves brilliantly with their original compositions and improvisational skills.

Although sold out, there were still seats unoccupied at this point, but the surrounding area, punctuated with food stalls, a beer tent and cocktail bar, was buzzing with activity and anticipation.

CD Review: Mark Winkler - I'm With You

Mark Winkler (vocals) + (collective) Rich Eames, John Mayer (piano); Joe Bagg, Jamieson Trotter (Hammond B3); Gabe Davis, Kevin Axt (bass); Dave Tull, Mark Ferber, Roy McCurdy (drums); Grant Geissman, Anthony Wilson (guitar); Bob Sheppard, Rickey Woodward (sax); Ann Patterson (flute).

(Review by Lance).

In case there is anyone out there who thinks that, apart from marrying Julie London, Bobby Troup's only claim to fame was composing Route 66 then think again. Mark Winkler puts the record straight with another seven Troup titles that are sheer masterpieces. Winkler also includes three of his own compositions that he wrote 'in the style of Bobby Troup'. If Hoagy had hung out with Chet and Miles instead of Bix and Tram he may have come up with something similar to these.

A Sizzling, Smokin' Session @ The Bridge Hotel - July 25

(Review by Russell)

The Strictly Smokin' Big Band's latest public rehearsal mode outing found the band in scintillating form on a scorching evening in Newcastle city centre. The Bridge Hotel's upstairs function room is the SSBB's new base and this second open door event attracted a full house.

St Louis Blues big band style for starters and what a start! Rip-roaring big band jazz at its best. Can't We Be Friends? asked band vocalist Alice Grace. How could one refuse?! Ms Grace clearly enjoys working with the band and little wonder, it's the best band in town. A new chart - A Country Boy - featured an intro and soulful alto solo by birthday boy Keith Robinson. That's commitment for you...making a rehearsal session on your birthday! 

Malta Jazz Festival 2019 - Nights July 18

(Review by Steve T)

My love affair with Malta began when I read Tom Holland's Fortress Malta about its role in the Second World War. Shortly before the end of the war, Churchill arrived on Malta to award the island the George Cross. As someone who knows a thing or two about punching above my weight, even compared to Britain, Malta during the war was like Little Dave taking on a veritable army of Goliaths.

So it is with the Jazz Festival, which stepped up a whole bunch of gears on the Thursday night, with a series of free concerts.

The evening began in front of two cafés with the entrance to a food hall between them. After an early trip to check it out, we managed to book a prime spot in one of the cafés and by the time we returned, rows of seats had been laid out in front of the stage. On stage, happening German drummer Jochen Rueckert with an all-star band, featuring one of the big names in the current guitar renaissance; Mike Moreno no less. Also Chris Cheek, listed as tenor sax, but who actually played more soprano, and bass player Matt Penman.

Photo-Review of Jazz North East's Fundraiser Concert for Marie Curie in memory of Margaret Barnes @ the Lit & Phil, Newcastle, 20th July 2019

(By Ken Drew) 

This is my personal note of gratitude to Margaret, in the form of a photo-review. This page gives the background to the concert together with a glimpse of those who performed. For the full set of photos  (50+) then see the 'photos' link.

The concert's background info (JNE event promo) says it all:

The jazz scene on Tyneside can surely have had no more committed a supporter than Margaret Barnes. The jazz community - musicians, fans and organisers alike - owe her a massive debt of gratitude, and this concert, raising funds for her chosen charity, is our way of saying “Thank You Margaret”.

Malta Jazz Festival 2019. Days July 17 - 19.

(Review & outdoor photos by Steve T/Indoor photos courtesy of John Ristway)

I first came across the Malta Jazz Festival last time I visited the island and found - if memory serves - I'd narrowly missed (former Yes, King Crimson, Genesis and UK) drummer Bill Bruford, with his jazz group Earthworks, and local band Noir, who I've never managed to find anything about, though for anyone of my age or older, that's one seriously cool name for a band. The festival has been on my radar ever since, but this is the first time our financial situation and the festival line-up have aligned.

It's on for six days but builds up to the weekend so we were able to miss the Monday and Tuesday without sacrificing too much.

CD Review: Leo Richardson Quartet - Move

Leo Richardson (tenor sax); Rick Simpson (piano); Tim Thornton (bass); Ed Richardson (drums) + Alex Garnett (tenor sax).

(Review by Lance)

As I've mentioned previously, I'm getting buried beneath an avalanche of the damn things (CDs). I'm wondering if I could maybe build a house with them. The only problem with that idea is that if I used this particular album as the foundation stone the house would collapse like a deck of cards by which I mean it would never be in the wall for very long - it would be on my player!

Yes, it's that good. As good as (it would be impossible to say better than) Richardson's first album The Chase - which, incidentally, had nothing to do with Dexter Gordon or Wardell Gray nor for that matter does Move have anything to do with Miles! 

The hell it does! It has everything to do with Dexter, Wardell, Miles and anyone else who took their horn into the Blue Note Studios on West 47th or West 61st back in the day. 

Jam Session @ the Black Swan - July 23

(Review/PHOTOS by Lance)

School was out, the students dispersed across the land. Outside they were frying eggs on the pavement - it was sizzling - so it seemed likely that the Black Swan would be a dead duck last night. Quite the opposite in fact as a goodly throng of both players and listeners turned out for another fine jam session.

The house trio set the ball rolling with Four, On Green Dolphin Street and Tenderly setting it up for the first of the blowers, Neville Hartley and Tangerine followed by Out of Nowhere. Not quite from out of nowhere came Faye Thompson and It Could Happen to You. Faye, blowing tenor, stayed on board   for Jen Errington who demanded All or Nothing at All - the audience chose the former option - so, with John Settle on drums, continued with Meditation. Settle, a first time visitor, is from Wakefield. He, like Jen, impressed.

Zoe Rahman & Laura MacDonald @ The Lit and Phil - July 16

Zoe Rahman (piano);  Laura MacDonald (alto sax)

(Review by Steve H/Photos courtesy of Ken Drew)

I have seen Zoe Rahman on several occasions and always enjoyed her performances immensely. I had not previously seen Laura MacDonald  but her CV was very impressive. So I was really looking forward to this sell out joint promotion by JNE & GemArts Masala Festival  at the Lit and Phil. 

Although the evening was pleasant enough I felt that the sum of the parts seemed greater than that of the whole. Apart from one occasion where Rahman played second fiddle to Courtney Pine’s ego at Sage Gateshead a couple of years ago I  had not previously seen her in duo format.

CD Review: Wendy Kirkland - The Music's On Me

Wendy Kirkland (piano & voice); Pat Sprakes (guitar); Paul Jefferies (bass/bass guitar); Steve Wyndham (drums) + Roger Beaujolais  (vibes); Tommaso Starace (saxes)

(Review by Lance)

The much anticipated second

album from Kirkland has arrived and it doesn't disappoint! How could it? A voice to dream about, sparkling piano solos, a swinging band and a mix of originals, jazz standards and some not yet overdone gassers make this an album deserved of repeated playing.

Paul Edis/John Garner Duo/Nathan Lawson @ Blaydon Jazz Club – July 21

Paul Edis (piano); John Garner (violin)

(Review/photos by Roly)

We all know that  Paul Edis is a Bill Evans devotee but here, he was joined by kindred spirit John Garner, a cross genre virtuoso violinist equally at home with the classical world (Royal Northern Sinfonia, Guastalla Quartet) and contemporary jazz. They played two fine acoustic sets, no need to turn up the volume here. Quiet, lyrical beauty doesn’t need mega decibels. The tunes, a mix of Evans’ compositions and Edis/Garner originals with an Evans’ flavour. This duo, I’m told, is the beginning of a new project – watch this space!

RIP Arno Marsh (1928 - 2019)

Most big band fans remember Woody Herman's tenor players such as Flip Phillips, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Herbie Steward and, in later years, Sal Nistico. A less familiar name is Arno Marsh who was a stellar member of the Third Herd alongside Bill Perkins and Dick Hafer. This was one of the lesser known herds but could still swing as hard any of them.

Ben and Bruce

On April 28, 1967 legendary tenor saxist Ben Webster played at Connaught Hall, in Newcastle. This was one of the earliest concerts promoted by Jazz North East. I was there and remember it well although not well enough to remember the Pat Smythe Trio.

According to Chris Yates' memoir Blue Horizons the concert is listed as being with Bruce Turner's Jump Band which begs the question: did the the Jump Band play a separate set and, if so, why weren't they billed? or did they come in as a last minute replacement?

Interested to hear from others who were there whose memory may have lasted longer than mine!

Lance

PS: Picture of poster kindly sent by Russell & Patti.

Book Review: Jim Simpson (w. Ron Simpson): Don't Worry 'Bout the Bear

(Review by Lance)

Black Sabbath, Humph, a host of American bluesmen and the UK's Billie Holiday a.k.a Val Wiseman - what do they all have in common?

Birmingham - and I don't mean Alabama!

Outside of London... Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow and (natch), Newcastle, can all lay claims to be jazz UK's second city but it has to be said that Jim Simpson makes out a strong case for Brum. A case that isn't laid out intentionally but one which the readers, no matter how regionally-biased will make for themselves after reading this fascinating memoir by Jim Simpson.

Marie Curie Fundraiser: A concert For Margaret Barnes @ The Lit and Phil July 20

The Zoë Gilby Quartet: Zoë Gilby (vocals); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (bass); Russ Morgan (drums).

(Review by Ann Alex/Photos by Pam Young)

Unlike the previous set (reviewed below) there were no problems hearing Zoë's well-thought-out lyrics and excellent introductions to the songs - full marks to Zoë for audience communication. An entertaining well-rounded performance brilliantly supported by Mark: adventurous, cleverly echoing Zoë's scat. Andy:  doing, well what basses do, and Russ giving the performance that we expect, on sticks, brushes and hands.

Marie Curie Fundraiser: A Concert for Margaret Barnes @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle - July 20

(Review by Russell)

The Lit & Phil's evening session included a second appearance of the day by Bradley Johnston. Earlier, the Wearside-based guitarist had given a masterclass as one half of Hand to Mouth, his Joe Pass-Ella Fitzgerald duo partnership with Lindsay Hannon. This evening set presented Johnston working alongside bassist Andy Champion and drummer Russ Morgan. 

Bradley Johnston Trio: Bradley Johnston (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); Russ Morgan (drums) 

Brad noted this was a first occasion working with Andy (let's hope it'll be the first of many). Russ, drummer of choice for many, had gigged a few times with BJ which all but guaranteed a trio masterclass. Our guitarist included a couple of his own compositions and chose to open the set with For Joe. The Joe in question...Joe Pass, of course.

Marie Curie Fundraiser - A Concert For Margaret Barnes @ the Lit & Phil, Newcastle - July 20

(Review by Lance/photos courtesy of Pam Young)

A lot of familiar faces turned up at the Lit & Phil for JNE's Marie Curie Fundraiser in memory of Margaret Barnes. A wonderful person whose devotion to jazz made her known and loved by many whether local musician or international name. To steal a hackneyed and yet very apt saying - to know her was to love her and so it was that this Saturday afternoon concert (there's an evening one to follow) came about.

Clare Teal @ York Opera House - July 19

Clare Teal (vocals); Jason Rebello (piano); Simon Little (bass); Ben Reynolds (drums) + Giacomo Smith (alto sax/clarinet); Pete Horsfall (trumpet/vocals); Dave Archer (guitar)

(Review by Liz)

Sorry I didn't manage a proper review, I was so enthralled with Clare's performance, it just slipped by, with me applauding & whooping etc...I was totally fired up - writing would have been a distraction. As the pics show we did get to chat with her, she remembered Kevin as he sends comments to her on her Radio Show which he listens to in the USA every week...straight away she asked him if he was the guy from Detroit! She was so lovely to me, warm & friendly.

New Orleans Swamp Donkeys @ Cobalt Studios & Ernest, Newcastle - July 19

James Williams (trumpet, trombone, vocals); Bryce Eastwood (clarinet, soprano sax, vocals); JP Brion (trombone); Sam Fribush (piano, vocals); Gary Washington (string bass); Tim Rachbach (drums)

(Review by Russell)

One band, two gigs, two venues a stone's throw a part, the Swamp Donkeys were in town! The Ouseburn Delta had rarely seen anything like it. All the way from New Orleans via Leeds and London, James Williams strolled into Ernest, sat down, and began to play. 

Ernest on Boyd Street welcomed its regulars and an influx of expectant jazz fans there to listen (and dance) to the 'real deal' from New Orleans. This, the first of two performances, served as a promo for a gig later in the evening a few doors down at Cobalt Studios. No PA, no amplification, the Swamp Donkeys played it entirely acoustically, just as the music's pioneers did way back when. 

Noel Dennis. Richie Emmerson. Tees Hot Club. Days of Wine and Roses. Dormans Club - July 18

k.d.lang Ingénue Redux 25th Anniversary Tour @ Sage Gateshead.

k.d.lang (vocals/guitar); Daniel Clarke (keys/accordion); David Piltch (bass guitar/double bass); Grecco Burrato (guitars); Rich Hinman (pedal steel/guitar); Andrew Borgen (drums); Tahira Memory (vocals); Moorea Masa (vocals/guitar).

(Review by Lance).

What to expect? Not jazz for a start although, in all modern music, be it pop/rock/country/soul/funk/contemporary classical or improv., the jazz element is there. It may be submerged - you just have to look (and listen) for it.

k,d,lang isn't by any stretch of the imagination a jazz singer and yet, given k.d.'s vocal range and power, could certainly help out when they (the jazzers) are busy.

Where last night's jazz crept in was in the solos from pedal steelist Hinman (a vinyl collector who's latest acquisition, he told us, was an Ornette Coleman album - a name that meant little to the audience), Keyboarder Clarke who switched seamlessly from B3 to Steinway(?) to accordion and bass boss Piltch - all topnotchers.

Dulcie May Quintet @ The Globe Jazz Bar - July 18

Dulcie May Moreno (vocals); Stephen Bridgland (guitar); Steve Summers (tenor/soprano saxes); Paul Grainger (bass); Rob Walker (drums)

(Review/PHOTOS by Lance)

I missed this super songstress' last concert in Newcastle but remembered her performance at a Black Swan jam session so that even though there was the intriguing prospect of Alan Barnes with Sue Ferris and the Paul Edis Trio up the road my decision was made and, despite the vagaries of our so-called rapid transport system I made it to the Jazz Coop's upper room just in time for Comes Love.

Radio Scarborough "Lazy River" Jazz Show.

Charlie S Shaw presents a weekly radio show on Radio Scarborough. 

The Lazy River Jazz Show can be heard at the following times:

18:00 - 20:00 on Mondays (live).

23:00 - 01:00 on Tuesdays (rpt).

0300: - 05:00 on Thursdays (rpt).

The programme can be heard at the appropriate time here.

However, on Charlie's Facebook page (links below) you can listen to various interviews and videos he has had with various name musicians much more than a stone's throw from Scarborough.

Well worth checking out.

https://www.facebook.com/lazyriverjazzshow/

Lance

News Flash!

Guitarist Roly Veitch regretfully informs me that he's had to pull out of his advertised duo set with fellow guitarist Bradley Johnston at Saturday's Marie Curie Fundraiser concert in memory of Margaret Barnes at the Lit & Phil. This is due to that guitarists' nightmare - tendonitis. It is thought that Bradley may do it as a solo set.
Lance

Free Jazz @ the Gala Theatre, Durham Tomorrow night!

Paul Gudgin, Artistic Director of the Durham International Jazz Festival, sent me this special offer to all our readers: "I am giving away plenty of freebies for a concert at the Gala Theatre tomorrow night.  We have Haftor Medbøe and the Will of the People Quartet http://www.haftormedboe.com/projects/  who will be performing a gig in the Gala Theatre with Norwegian Trumpet Player Gunnar Halle playing with them Live from Oslo! https://www.gunnarhalle.com/  Jazz meets technology!

Here is a link to the event on our website.  https://www.brassfestival.co.uk/brasspost/global-jam-session/

I am very happy for you to pass on the following code which will give people free tickets for the event.  If they click on the Brass Festival link above and when prompted use the code  JamFree they will get a freebie!"

Paul Gudgin.

RIP Dave Wickins

Drummer Dave Wickins passed away a week today (July 11). Well respected as a drummer and educator I have to be honest that, I knew little of him in recent years. However, It was pointed out to me that I heard him with the Liam Noble Trio doing a Brubeck tribute back in 2010 at Gateshead Old Town Hall (see photo). Referring back to that March evening's review I note that I compared him with Joe Morello and he lost nothing by the comparision.

I also heard him in my pre-blog years at a concert with Kirk Lightsey at Caedmon Hall - also in Gateshead.

The respect he was held in is shown by this obituary on London Jazz News.Sadly missed.
Lance

Eddie Walker and Frank Porter Guitar Duo @ Dormans Jazz Club Middlesbrough - July 4

(Review by Ian Bosworth)

A new act for Dormans featured two stalwarts of the folk scene now turning their talents to jazz, Eddie Walker and Frank Porter.

Both playing guitar with Eddie doing most of the vocals the duo played a number of Fred Astaire songs, beginning with "Isn't This a Lovely Day to be Caught in the Rain?" and including "The Continental", "Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails", and "Puttin' on the Ritz".

As well as the jazz influenced tunes this talented duo included some of the early blues and ragtime songs," Key to the Highway", "Diddy Wha Diddy", "West Coast Blues", "Calliope Rag", and "Baby it Must be Love" penned  by the great Blind Willie McTell.

Music stars get behind new Sage Gateshead development

New era for Sage Gateshead announced ahead of this weekend’s 14^th SummerTyne Americana Festival

(Press release)

“I'm delighted to hear that Sage Gateshead has been successful in this bid. Sage One is a special room to play and I have some wonderful memories performing there. This new project should provide an even more dynamic live experience for both the artist and audience." - Sting 

A bespoke seating system, which will enable the quick removal of seats to create space for a part standing audience, has been given the go-ahead at renowned music venue Sage Gateshead.

The major project has been made possible thanks to £1.2 million from National Lottery funding through Arts Council England’s capital programme. This has been matched by generous donations of £800,000 from individuals and trusts from the North East and across the country.

Kenny Garrett Quintet & Chris Potter Trio @ San Francisco Jazz Center- June 21

Kenny Garrett Quintet: Garrett (alto sax/flute); Vernell Brown (piano); Corcoran Holt (bass); Samuel Laviso (drums); Rudy Bird (percussion).

(Review by Dave Clarke/photo courtesy of Pam)

Prior to attending this late-June San Francisco Jazz Festival concert I had never seen either Kenny Garrett or Chris Potter in live performance and nor was I familiar with their recordings. If I hadn’t read an interview with Potter in the March issue of Jazzwise magazine my ignorance would have probably led me to think that they were an odd mix for a double bill: Garrett, with a tendency towards the funky, and Potter, a critically acclaimed ECM recording artist.

My initial reaction to leader Garrett’s shiny suit and the band’s high energy soul-jazz was “Lance, you should have sent Steve T on this gig!.”    

The Ray Dales Quartet @ Dormans Jazz Club Middlesbrough - July 11

Ray Dales (alto sax) Jeremy McMurray (piano) Keith Peberdy (bass) Paul Smith (drums)

(Review by Ron H)

When four well-known local jazz musicians of this calibre play together, the audience can expect a night of both interesting and exciting interpretations of jazz classics.

They weren’t disappointed!

The first set opened with one of Ray's favourites complete with a blistering sax intro to an up-tempo version of  Secret Love. Equally impressive solos followed setting the standard for the night.

Wigan then Durham, no rest for (the wicked) Tony Eales

(Review by Russell/Eales)

Does the bloke never stop? BSH's County Durham correspondent Tony Eales spent four days at the Wigan Jazz Festival then, within hours of arriving home, made a b-line for the Durham Brass Festival. 

TE has attended the Wigan event for more years than he cares to remember yet, with real enthusiasm, filed a report suggesting Wigan 2019 was as good a year as any. A new venue, stick with the same tried-and-tested formula - book some of the best bands around, both big bands (it's what Wigan is all about) alongside some top quality small combos - and reap the rewards in the shape of many near-capacity and several sell-out shows.   

River City Revival continues @ Block & Tackle

Because of a new arrangement between the management and the River City Jazzmen I'm pleased to confirm that the monthly jazz night will continue to run at the Block and Tackle on the third Tuesday of the month. 

The band, with guest reed man Don Armstrong from Oz, enjoyed a successful session last night with a really appreciative audience. The next session will be on Tuesday 20th August, again with Don on clarinet /saxes.

Gordon Solomon.

Preview: New Orleans Swamp Donkeys - Friday!

(Preview by Russell)

It's a growing list. Either side of the Atlantic young musicians are finding something of interest in the foundations of the music - the sounds of twenties' New Orleans jazz and the fledgling swing bands of the Cotton Club years. The Stateside contingent includes Tuba Skinny, the all-female Shake 'Em Up Jazz Band, the Shotgun Jazz Band, Frog and Henry (the Big Easy their base) and Vince Giordano with his Nighthawks an established figure up in NYC. European counterparts count among their number Edinburgh's Tenement Jazz Band, the Basin Street Brawlers, Adrian Cox with his Edmond Hall project and Belgium's swing dance outfit the Jake Walker Orchestra.  

In Newcastle on Friday there is an opportunity to hear another first rate American band when the New Orleans Swamp Donkeys play a late afternoon on-street warm-up gig ahead of an evening concert down in the Ouseburn Delta. Direct from N'Awlins, James Williams leads an ace ensemble outside Ernest (that's the cafe/bar behind the Biscuit Factory on Stoddart Street) at five o'clock before moving on downstream to Cobalt Studios on Boyd Street (near to the Tyne Bar).

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival - July 14

(Reviews by Sheila)

The Lemon Monkeys: Matt Smith and Carlos Olmos (guitars). German-Bolivian,

Sunday morning was underway at 11 on the main stage with a jazz guitar duo - a Londoner and a German-Bolivian.  "Guten Dias", and it was a good day. 

Lovely interpretations of jazz standards, swinging and intricate, with a gypsy jazz feel at times. All well received and appreciated by the audience who were enjoying the brighter weather. 

Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat: Emma Johnson sax, Fergus Vickers, guitar, Angus Milne, double bass and Steve Hanley drums. 
On stage Sunday lunchtime (Gravy Boat - get it?!) 

A relaxed, melodic and distinctive style of contemporary jazz, from composer Emma Johnson and the band.  "We had a great time performing at Burton Agnes for the first time and it was amazing to play our music to such a friendly and interested audience" said, Emma. There was a strong rapport both within the band and with the audience, accessible and very popular with the knowledgeable listeners who queued for CDs on sale at the end of the set. 

Catch them at The Globe on 16th November. 

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival - July 13

Atila: King for a Day. 

Atila (vocals); Colin Oxley (guitar); Gabriel Latchin (keys); Tom Farmer (double bass/vocals/MD); Steve Brown( drums).

(Reviews by Sheila).

This set was an hour and a half of superb singing and playing in tribute to Nat King Cole celebrating the centenary year of his birth. (1919-1965). 

Not a pastiche, but a warm and suave delivery of Nat King Cole's well-known, romantic ballads and an interesting insight into the career and development of this well-loved singer. 

Atila sang with obvious enjoyment, his beautiful phrasing and care towards these classic songs was much appreciated by an audience who knew the originals by heart. Always a difficult situation requiring the vocalist to own the material and interpret it afresh, in this set, he did it successfully. 

The inclusion of brief recordings of Nat himself and some of the orchestrations of his Capitol Records' releases were, l thought, less successful in the story-telling. 

The instrumentalists on stage were a joy to hear, the solos were excellent as were the arrangements. 

Jazz Leeds Festival 2019

Thursday to Sunday,  if you're down in the Leeds' area, then there is much jazz to be heard. Check out the goodies on offer here - Andy Sheppard, the Electric Lady Big Band paying tribute to Jimi Hendrix (!) and much much more... The logo tells you of the diversity on offer. A diversity that includes such northeast talents as John Pope, Faye MacCalman and James Birkett. Full line-up.

Lance

Bradley Johnston Quartet @ The Lit & Phil – July 12.

Keith Robinson (reeds); Bradley Johnston (guitar); Paul Grainger (bass); Russ Morgan (drums),

(Review/photos courtesy of Brian Ebbatson)

Publicity for this gig from guitarist Bradley Johnston promised “a musical journey that explores guitar playing over the last 100 years”, but it was a much more personal selection of pieces, mainly by Bradley himself – four out of six of the tunes featured were from his pen – although there was certainly a strong element of paying tribute to his influences.

Bradley opened solo with his arrangement of John Lennon’s In My Life, a dreamy interpretation very reminiscent of Bill Frisell – indeed it features on Frisell’s 2011 album All We Are Saying. Bradley wove his way with synth-like chords through and around the George Harrison intro and the Lennon melody. Maybe it was a 70’s Beatles number but this was definitely a second-decade C21 interpretation.

(Preview): Marie Curie Fundraiser - A Concert For Margaret Barnes

(Info supplied by JNE)

Saturday 20th July @ The Literary and Philosophical Society, 23 Westgate Road,
Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 1SE
£10 Afternoon or Evening Session Ticket / £12 Full Day Ticket

Afternoon Session (Doors: 1.00pm)

1.30pm: Debra Milne and Steve Glendinning
2.20pm: Paul Edis with Graham Hardy
3.25pm: Hand To Mouth
4.15pm: Thomas Dixon Band

Evening Session (Doors: 5.45pm)

6.00pm: Paul Taylor + The Long Lonesome Go
7.05pm: Bradley Johnston Trio trio with Roly Veitch
8.10pm: Duo FCT
9.00pm: Zoe Gilby Quartet