(Preview by Russell)
A disused
industrial building redeveloped as a micro brewery hosting regular events
(gigs, pop-up street food markets, vinyl collectors' fairs and more) makes no.
375 Walker Road the ideal venue for a one day gathering of jazz musicians and
jazz fans alike. If on the day there is a blazing sun in the sky (long odds!)
the Tyne Bank Brewery will provide welcome relief, if it's tipping down (shorter
odds!) you'll be snug as a bug with beer on tap in the brewery's tap house.
Two of Tyneside's
finest musicians have the honour of opening the first Newcastle Jazz Festival in many a long year.
At 1:30 Zoë Gilby and Andy Champion will perform their voice
and bass duo set. Dazzling isn't the word - Zoë's vocal abilities are known to
her many fans across the region and, increasingly, further afield, both home
and abroad, with engagements at prestigious venues and festivals. Similarly,
Andy enjoys 'first call' status not only on home turf but on the national
stage. You'd be hard pressed to name a better bass player.
The Alan Law
Trio at 2:40 offers a contrasting take on the jazz piano
trio format. An accomplished pianist, the quietly spoken Law is a student of
Latin, particularly Cuban, jazz. Our bandleader likes nothing better than to
fool the listener into thinking he's one for ruminating when, in fact,
sleight-of-hand, he's lit the blue touch paper on a firework (a seemingly
innocuous firework, one chosen so that it doesn't frighten the horses). It's
best to stand back because sooner or later there will be an explosive Latin fiesta
to enjoy!
Mark Williams is a
master guitarist. The Mark Williams Trio is a vehicle for the
leader's compositions alongside those of bassist Paul Susans and
a selection of numbers by the likes of John Scofield and Steve Swallow. The
laconic Irishman's prodigious technique enables him to fulfill the role of
accompanist to GASbook singers to interpreting the charts of any of today's big
name guitarist-composers. Joining Williams and Susans on stage at 3:50 will be
ace drummer Russ Morgan.
All festivals
should have a banker bet. In other words, a copper-bottomed, gold-plated
attraction, call it what you will. At five o'clock the world class duo of Emma
Fisk and James Birkett will demonstrate that they are indisputably top
drawer material. Their set evolved out of a love of the legendary recording
sessions by Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang. Virtuosity, taste, elan, Ms Fisk and Dr
Birkett share these qualities in abundance. They're on stage at five o'clock,
don't be late!
The 2014 winner of
the inaugural BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition hails from County
Durham. Bebop Spoken Here first came across the talented young musician busking
outside Fenwick's on Northumberland Street in Newcastle. The alto saxophonist
couldn't have been much more then ten years of age. It was obvious we had a
seriously talented musician in our midst (dad stood to one side keeping a
watchful eye). Fast forward two or three years to a jazz session at the
Quakerhouse in Darlington. The very same alto player sat-in. Tremendous, truly
tremendous. An education at Chetham's School of Music, followed by study at the
Royal Academy, from which a few weeks ago our alto saxophonist graduated, is
the story so far. Alexander Bone is the name and the young
man, now in his early twenties, is the headline name at the Newcastle Jazz
Festival. You cannot miss this one! 6:15, Tyne Bank Brewery, be there to
witness the latest chapter in what is certain to be a stellar career in music.
Bone will be working in the company of a handy trio - Messrs Dean
Stockdale, piano, Mick Shoulder, double bass, and drummer Matt
MacKellar. By way of a bonus, for those yet to hear drummer Matt who's
currently on vacation from Berklee, Boston, USA, take it as read, he's on
course to be the next superstar to emerge from the region's vibrant jazz
scene.
The Newcastle Jazz
Festival concludes in what is sure to be celebratory fashion. There's no better
way to close proceedings than with a rip-roaring set by the Strictly
Smokin' Big Band. Michael Lamb's superb outfit will hit the
stage at 7:45. Stand by for a thrilling ride! At a recent rehearsal session the
SSBB tore into St Louis Blues. If the band opens with this one at
Tyne Bank you'd better hang on to your hat and/or seat otherwise you'll be
knocked off your feet! Some bands rely on one or two hotshots to take the
spotlight, not this band! Killer solos come from all sections of the band.
Ensemble, section and solo work, all of it is truly impressive. Arrangements by
MD Michael Lamb and others (some of them big time American and European
arrangers) will stretch the band to its limits. There will be a few danceable
numbers (Tyne Bank offers a large expanse of concrete flooring to do your
thing) and, to top it off, the fabulous Alice Grace will be
singing a few numbers with the band. The Strictly Smokin' Big Band is the best
band around, get on down to Walker Road for what promises to be a memorable all
day festival of jazz.
Tyne Bank Brewery
beers will be on tap, similarly, independent food vendors will be on site,
there is ample parking and the Q3 bus from Newcastle city centre stops right
outside the front entrance! Tickets are flying out the door. Book now to be
sure of yours. £15 for the day, visit: www.newcastlejazzfestival.co.uk
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