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Bebop Spoken There

John McLaughlin: '' A Love Supreme coincided with my search for meaning in life". (DownBeat, March 2025).

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

17873 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 194 of them this year alone and, so far, 41 this month (March 14).

From This Moment On ...

MARCH 2025.

Sat 22: Jason Isaacs @ St. James’ STACK, Newcastle. 12:30-2:30pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Sat 22: Jason Isaacs @ Seaburn STACK, Seaburn. 3:30pm-5:30pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Sat 22: Abbie Finn Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 22: Swamp Stomp String Band @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm.
Sat 22: Rivkala @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig. Country blues guitar & vocals.

Sun 23: Musicians Unlimited @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 23: Paul Skerritt @ Hibou Blanc, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free. Vocalist Skerritt working with backing tapes.
Sun 23: More Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 23: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 23: Mississippi MacDonald @ Georgian Theatre, Stockton. 3:00pm. Blues.
Sun 23: Tweed River Jazz Band @ Barrels Ale House, Berwick. 7:00pm. Free.
Sun 23: The Great Deceivers @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Tom Atkinson & co play King Crimson (1969-1974). Atkinson (guitar); Josh Bentham (alto sax); Stu Dawson (bass); Jeff Armstrong (drums).

Mon 24: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 24: Michael Young Trio @ The Engine Room, Sunderland. 6:30pm. Free.

Tue 25: Fred Wesley & the New JB’s @ The Cluny. 7:30pm (doors). £27.50. POSTPONED! New date Wednesday 26 November.

Wed 26: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ 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: Hannabiell & Midnight Blue @ King’s Hall, Newcastle University. 1:15pm. Free.
Thu 27: Michael Littlefield & Scott Taylor @ The Harbour View, Roker, Sunderland. 8:00pm. Free. Superb blues duo.

Fri 28: Giles Strong Quartet @ The Gala, Durham. 1:00pm. £8.00 SOLD OUT!.
Fri 28: Spilt Milk @ St. James’ STACK, Newcastle. 7:00-9:00pm. Free. Nolan Brothers (vocal harmonies).
Fri 28: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £8.00.
Fri 28: Pete Tanton’s Chet Set @ Old Cinema Laundrette, Durham. 7:45pm.
Fri 28: Sue Ferris Quintet @ Traveller’s Rest, Darlington. 8:00pm. £10.00. Opus 4 Jazz Club.
Fri 28: Mostly Moonlight @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Fri 28: Juliana Day & Manon McCoy @ Cumberland Arms, Byker, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £12.00.; £10.00. advance. JNE.

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, September 20, 2019

RIP Harold Mabern

Just heard the sad news that legendary post-bop pianist Harold Mabern (pictured with Martin Hummel)died yesterday (Sept. 19) although, after pulling out of a UK tour through ill health last August, I suppose the advance warnings were there.

It is to my eternal regret that I never heard him live - only on record. The record I'm thinking of is Harold with Eric Alexander - Burnin' in London by the New York All Stars. When Alyn Shipton asked for Record of the Year selections on Jazz Record Requests this was my automatic choice.
In earlier years he was almost a house pianist at Blue Note playing on albums with Hank Mobley (Dippin'), Lee Morgan (The Gigolo) and Freddie Hubbard (Night of the Cookers) among others.

Harold Mabern was 83 - he will be sadly missed.
Lance

3 comments :

Martin Hummel (on F/b) said...

The jazz world has lost another legend, and a warm, charming, wonderful human being. God bless you, Mabes. Never stop hammering those keys, with a touch like no one else. I can still hear your infectious laugh, as you shared your endlessly enchanting stories. You lived your dream. And now your music will live, forever...

Lizzie said...

I knew Harold for 33 years. I studied with him for at least five of those, probably more, I would have to look at my lesson tapes to check. I am deeply grieving. He was not only one of the greatest jazz pianists alive, but so idiosyncratic that it was always and remains impossible to mistake his playing - I am listening to "Philadelphia Bound" as I write this. I saw him many, many times, and shared many hours learning from him. He was perhaps the most generous person I have ever known, and among the very kindest. He was deeply religious and spiritual, and as well such a happy musician, you can hear his joy throughout his recordings and performances. I was privileged to see him perform many times. Many years ago I made a demo CD and got a phone call: "Is this the young lady who sounds like Tommy Flanagan?" That was pure Mabern; always encouraging, always generous. I have many lesson tapes and with fellow student Phill Argyris will be making these available on MP3s for other musicians. I don't know if that is what Harold would have wanted, but I should think he wouldn't mind my sharing them with the world. Nothing can repair this loss; I will not see his like again.

Lance said...

Thank you Lizzie for that heartfelt eulogy to Harold Mabern. How fortunate you must feel by having known him as a friend and mentor whilst, at the same time, adding to your sadness at his passing.
Do keep us informed re the MP3s.

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