CD Review: Burak Bedikyan - Istanbul Junction

Burak Bedikyan (piano); Matthew Hall (bass); Can Kozlu (drums) + Gabor Bolla (tenor sax on 4 tks.).

(Review by Lance).

Turkish born, NYC based, pianist Bedikyan is one of the more interesting contemporary players. The man from Istanbul doesn’t attack the piano with a sledgehammer, reducing it to matchbox material as so many do. Instead, he cajoles it, makes love to it and, leaves the listener enthralled until he finally, unleashes his musical virility.

Gabor Bolla plays some nice, straight down the middle tenor. Great tone, Don Byas, maybe Hank Mobley comes to mind. He blows up a storm on four tracks and I wanted more. But given that the other five tracks were by the trio I’m not complaining - bass and drums are an essential part of the mix..

Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra @ the Dun Cow, Jesmond - Nov. 19

(Review/photos by Lance)

Bass guitarist Ifede Osiyami led from the front aided and abetted by a cast of, seemingly, thousands. It was a no names no pack drill so my apologies for the lack of individual identification.

The sitters in and the sitters out were having a good old jolly jam. End of term was approaching and the students from Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra were letting their hair down.

The material was fairly predictable, albeit often with an unusual twist. For example neither Monk’s Blue Monk nor Garner’s Misty were taken at the tempo devised by the composers – but what did they know? Against my better judgement, I found myself quite liking Misty played as a fast stomp rather than a dreamy ballad. And 3 saxes blowing Take Five in unison also added a different dimension.

Composer of the Week: Mary Lou Williams

In the week of this year's EFG London Jazz Festival the subject of Radio 3's Composer of the Week is Mary Lou Williams. In today's first programme presenter Donald Macleod included selections from the pianist's recording session with Ken Napper, Allan Ganley and Tony Scott. Four more programmes can be heard at noon, Tuesday to Friday. 

Russell  

Classic Swing @ Blaydon Jazz Club - Nov 17

Tommy Moran (tenor sax); Jim McBriarty (alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet); Neville Hartley (trombone); Jeremy McMurray (piano); Alan Rudd (double bass); Tommy Graham (drums); Olive Rudd (vocals)

(Review by Russell/ photos courtesy of Roly Veitch)

Classic Swing's fans from Monkseaton and West Jesmond ventured out on a cold, rainy night to support the band at the Black Bull. Their welcome presence alongside Blaydon Jazz Club's loyal supporters made this a night to remember. Tommy Moran's compositions and arrangements featured throughout the evening with Count Basie material peppering the set list. 

CD Review: Ronny Whyte - Whyte Witchcraft

(Review by Lance)

Cy Coleman ranks alongside the big hitters such as Kern, Porter, the Gershwins, Rodgers and Hammerstein/Hart. and, of course, Irving Berlin, However, whereas the aristocracy of the GASbook's great compositions needed some redefining for the jazz world, Coleman's music needed no tweaking they were there for the taking by any musician or singer who had the chops to handle them. Ronnie Whyte is just such a singer, not least because he was a buddy and often got the songs first hand.

With words, in the main, by Caroline Leigh the material is first rate and with a belter of a big band behind him this must surely rate as one of the all-time classic vocal records.

File it alongside your albums by Sinatra, Bennett, Tormé and Ella albums and, not necessarily in that order.

Sunday Jazz @ Middlesbrough Town Hall w. Binker Golding Band, Noya Rao, & Francis Tulip Quartet.

Binker Golding Band: Golding (tenor sax); Sarah Tandy (piano); Conor Chaplin (bass); Jamie Murray (drums).

(Review by Lance)

This was a cracker! From the opening number everyone went for it. Train-lagged they may have been but it didn’t show. Sarah Tandy set the bench mark at what seemed an impossible high but nothing is impossible and it was passed several times, not least by herself. Tenor and drums also posted the unreachable (bassist Chaplin set down his mark later). This was just the first tune and already I was on the edge of my seat eagerly anticipating the next one.

Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat @ The Globe - Nov. 16

Emma Johnson (tenor sax); Fergus Vickers (guitar); Richard Jones (piano); Angus Milne (bass); Alasdair Pennington (drums)

(Review by Lance/photos courtesy of Ken Drew).

The Metro was crowded. Cans of lager and cider were being surreptitiously popped. The hemlines were high - even non-existent - and I wasn't complaining!

The hordes disembarked at Central and headed in the direction of The Globe. On the sidewalk, one "Busking Joe" played drums the crowd danced to his rhythm - he could play! The ground floor bar of the Jazz Coop HQ was heaving as the hoi polloi primed themselves for an evening with Gerry Cinnamon, a singer/songwriter whose lyrics it's reported are 'brutally honest'. He was appearing across the road at the Utilita Arena.

His next gig is at Hampden Park which is seemingly sold out! Clearly this guy is a big deal!

Not dreaming of a White Christmas

(By Lance)

It turns up every year - usually mid-December. However, this year it came early. The most schmaltzy movie of them all. Yes, I'm talking about White Christmas with Bing, Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen and Rosemary Clooney. The original, Holiday Inn with Fred Astaire rather than Danny Kaye, was much better - apart from one thing. The original didn't have Rosie singing Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me.

For me, this is one of the classic musical moments of the 1950s and a timely reminder that George Clooney's aunt could hold a song better than he could! 

Preview: Swinging into Blaydon with Classic Swing!

(Preview by Russell)

Tomorrow (Sunday) sees something a little different at the Black Bull. Blaydon Jazz Club presents seven piece outfit Classic Swing in an evening of swing era to GASbook material. Tommy Moran has been busy writing arrangements for the band and fans will be keen to hear what the veteran tenor saxophonist has come up with. Come to think of it, Moran's bandmates will be interested to know what awaits them!

Jo Harrop & Jamie McCredie @ Holy GrAle, Durham - Nov 15

Jo Harrop (vocals); Jamie McCredie (guitar)

(Review by Russell)

Lumiere, Durham's spectacular lightshow festival, attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors but on Friday evening numbers were down ever so slightly as some preferred to spend their evening in an arched, brick-lined cellar on Crossgate. The big attraction at Holy GrAle was an intimate duo gig featuring two north easterners who base themselves in London but were 'up north' for a couple of days to play two gigs, one in Newcastle and this engagement in Durham City.

Jo Harrop & Jamie McCredie @ The Lit & Phil - Nov 15

 Jo Harrop (vocals); Jamie McCredie (guitar)

(Review by Russell)

Over the last decade or so, Jo Harrop has been a frequent visitor to her native north east to perform intimate duo gigs to large scale concert engagements. In contrast, Jamie McCredie hasn't played a jazz gig on home turf during that time. Vocalist Jo and guitarist Jamie live and work in London and this Lit & Phil lunchtime engagement was a first opportunity for a Tyneside audience to hear them working as a duo.

Mondo Trumpet @ Gosforth Civic Theatre - November 14

Pete Tanton (trumpet/flugelhorn/vocal); Graham Hardy (trumpet/flugelhorn); Paul Edis (piano); Andy Champion (bass/bass guitar/acoustic guitar); Russ Morgan (drums).

(Review by Lance/Photos courtesy of Pam).

Mondo Trumpet or World Trumpet grew from an idea born in a bar in Brasilia (Brass-ilia?) – or was it Byker? – where our two trumpeting toreadors thought it would be a worthwhile conception to compose and arrange music depicting various parts of the world.

The room was comfortably filled, the trio primed for action on the floor level stage and an expectant hush descended as we waited, and waited and waited until, after a fanfare that sounded a bit like Rule Britannia – was this going to be a Brexit Bash? – the co-leaders emerged from the wings and we were transported to sunnier climes, the cats and dogs that were peppering the pavement outside forgotten.

FOUR MILLION HITS LATER...

Editor-in-Chief LL couldn't have imagined the burgeoning popularity of Bebop Spoken Here. From humble beginnings (it all started back in 2008 with the posting of a few observations on the jazz scene) to humbly accepting a 2018 APPJAG award (media category), the north east of England jazz blog has, for many, become essential reading. 

From what's happening in and around New York (that's New York, North Tyneside) to venues further afield (the 'other' New York isn't off limits!), to a plethora of album reviews (CD, vinyl, digital download), to news items, in fact, for anything jazz, Bebop Spoken Here is your indispensible online resource. The four million has come and gone, now for the five million...
Russell

[Lance]: Photo shows myself with Liz Harris and her late husband Denys (left of the picture). Liz was the first person to comment on BSH. She is a dear friend and her support continues to the present day. The photo was taken at Scarborough Jazz Festival in 2010.

Sirkis-Bialas IQ @ King's Hall, Newcastle University - Nov 14

Asaf Sirkis (drums, percussion, konnakol); Sylwia Bialas (vocals, waterphone); Frank Harrison (piano, keyboards); Kevin Glasgow (bass guitar). 
(Review by Russell).

The IQ's second album featured during this afternoon's King's Hall concert. Our New Earth serves to showcase the compositions of the two principals - Asaf Sirkis and Sylwia Bialas - with committed contributions from pianist Frank Harrison and bassist Kevin Glasgow. Drummer Sirkis did the talking, Bialas did the singing, all four did the playing to an attentive audience.

If you happen to be in NYC next Thursday...

Calvert and the Old Fools @ Dormans Jazz Club, Middlesbrough - November 7

Sam Calvert (drums); Richie Emmerson (tenor sax); Andrew Medowcroft (piano/vocals); Tony Wood (double bass).

(Review by Ron H)

This month’s guest band, featuring a quartet formed from local musicians new to Dormans (apart from Richie), gave the audience a first class night of entertainment.

Up tempo versions of Almost Like Being In Love, A Foggy Day and Louis Jordan's Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby, got things underway. All had excellent sax solos from Richie as well as Andrew showing his skills singing, playing fine piano and displaying great feeling for the music.

CD Review: Buddy Rich - Just in Time: The Final Recording

(Review by Lance). 

This is a monster of an album and, if you want to remember the world's greatest drummer leading what many consider to have been one of the world's greatest big bands ever, then your Christmas present problems are solved. Buy one, gift wrap it and post it to yourself. 

So many of the greats, sadly, didn't leaves us on a high - age is cruel in that respect - but with Buddy he left on as high a note as is possible.

Swingin' New Big Band, Big Swing Face, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and all those other albums are great and belong in any big band buff's collection - as does this!

Sugaray Rayford + Radikal Queen @ The Cluny - Nov. 12

Sugaray Rayford (vocals); Aaron Liddard (tenor sax); Giles Straw (trumpet); Gino Matteo (guitar); Drake 'Munkihaid' Shining (keyboards, vocals); Allen Markel (bass guitar); Lavell Jones (drums).

(Review by Russell)

The Jumpin' Hot Club boys know their stuff and, in association with the Cluny, booked Sugaray Rayford to deliver an electrifying performance. A first visit to these shores by the larger-than-life character from California generated considerable nationwide interest and Newcastle upon Tyne's blues-soul fans turned out in force. 

The prospect of Rayford delivering the goods momentarily looked in doubt when, half an hour before the doors were due to open, news filtered through that, earlier in the day, Rayford and his six-piece band had arrived at their destination...Newcastle under Lyme! Pointing the tour bus north the headline act arrived on Tyneside with little time to spare. 

Leading Light of The UK Jazz Revival Binker Golding Heads to Middlesbrough This Weekend

(Press release) 

The award-winning saxophonist and leading light in London’s thriving Jazz scene, Binker Golding is set to perform in Teesside this month as part of his European tour.

Binker Golding and his band will be headlining an afternoon of genre-bending contemporary jazz at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Sunday 17^th November.

UK Jazz has been undergoing an exciting revival over the past few years with young musicians bringing something truly new and unique to the genre. London-based Binker Golding has been at the forefront of this movement since his breakthrough as one half of the MOBO Award winning duo, ‘Binker and Moses’, along with fellow musician and drummer Moses Boyd.

DownBeat Readers Poll.

Perusing the DownBeat 84th Readers Poll - some interesting results.

Delighted to see Hank Mobley finally make it into the Hall of Fame but why it has taken so long and will Mel Tormé, Carmen McRae, Bob Brookmeyer, Les Paul and James Moody - among others - ever make it?

John Coltrane deservedly scored in the Historical Album category with Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album. The Beatles White Album took second place...

Most of the other results were predictable albeit not often my selection

CD Review: Dave Stryker - Eight Track Christmas

Dave Stryker (guitar); Stefon Harris (vibes); Jared Gold (organ); McClenty Hunter (drums/perc) + Steve Nelson (vibes – 1 track).

(Review by Lance).

I’d vowed not to review any Xmas albums this year but, to not do so, would be like telling the neighbourhood kids to f… off and come back when they’ve learned the words to Good King Wenceslas. 

However, I digress, DownBeat – in its wisdom – allocated 4 stars to this album which meant that I should, at least give it a listen. After all, in the same issue, Quentin Collins’ Road Warrior only managed a 3* hit and that was fantastic!.

The Eales' Report - Nov 8

On Friday, occasional County Durham correspondent Tony Eales attended two highly successful concerts. Fresh from a superb gig at the Black Swan, Newcastle (see LL's review, Thursday 7), American bop master Greg Abate made the short trip down the road to Durham's Gala Theatre for a lunchtime duo engagement with pianist Paul Edis. Yet another advance sell out on Millennium Place greeted the alto saxophonist from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Unsurprisingly, Eales reports the one hour performance was an unalloyed success with Abate and Edis picking up where they left off the night before. 

Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Party @ Village Hotel - Nov.3

Sunday evening - Nov.3

(Review by Russell)

Close on three hundred people had foregone sleep to ensure they caught every last minute of an exhausting but hugely enjoyable festival. Beginning late night Thursday with the annual 'welcome concert', the Classic Jazz Party was about to hear the bell for a thrilling Sunday evening last lap.

Andy Schumm is the nearest living, breathing approximation of Bix Beiderbecke and sought to emulate his hero as he entertained the Classic Jazz Party's audience with a half hour piano Professor set. Yes, Schumm, just like Bix, could play the piano! Bix's men - Arthur Schutt and Frank Signorelli - featured in the set alongside two or three of Schumm's own compositions, one of which, he conceded, wasn't exactly jazz!  

Preview: Sugaray Rayford @ The Cluny - Nov 12

(Preview by Russell)

Caron Nimoy 'Sugaray' Rayford is touring the country. On Moday night he'll be at the 100 Club, London, then twenty four hours later the man from California can be found down in the Ouseburn Delta. The Cluny's stage isn't the biggest which makes it an all-the-more enticing prospect that the 6'5", 300 lbs soul-blues voice will be jostling for space with his seven piece band in front of what is likely to be a hot 'n' sweaty adoring crowd.

CD Review: Greg Abate - Gratitude

Greg Abate (alto/tenor/baritone saxes/flute); Tim Ray (piano); John Lockwood (bass); Mark Walker (drums).

(Review by Lance).

Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas 'Hit Man' Hearns & Floyd Mayweather Jr. were some of the boxers who won titles in four or more divisions. All great fighters.

Now, transfer that to jazz and the DownBeat annual polls.  Greg Abate, on the strength of his JNE gig at the Black Swan in Newcastle on Thursday night should have aced the Flute and Alto Sax categories - this year and every year. And, after listening to Gratitude, his latest album, he should have also been a shoo in to top the baritone and tenor sax lists. I guess he doesn't have enough of those bells and whistles for the contemporary jazz crowd - Sugar Greg Hit Man Abate, the peoples' champion.

Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Party @ Village Hotel - Nov.2

Saturday evening - Nov.2

(Review by Russell)

The second of this year's three half hour Professor spots featured Andrew Oliver. The man from Oregon, USA first came to the attention of BSH more than four years ago when the pianist visited Newcastle's Jazz Cafe leading the Kora Band. That was very much a contemporary outfit, here at the CJP Oliver fully immersed himself in the jazz of the twenties and thirties. Stride, ragtime, Jelly Roll Morton a current obsession, Oliver, soon to return to the States after several years domiciled in London, gave a brilliant, robust barrelhouse display. 

Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Party @ Village Hotel - Nov.2

Saturday afternoon - Nov.2

(Review by Russell/Photos courtesy of Jonathan Holmes and David De La Haye - link)

The Village Hotel's packed function room settled down for an afternoon of the niche, the obscure and the zany. A goofus, a bass saxophone, a violin, a washboard, a cigar box and a xylophone - your everyday selection of musical instruments one would expect to hear at a gig. Only at the Classic Jazz Party!

The Goofus Five set referenced the 'goofus'. The rarest of instruments wasn’t actually featured on stage, nevertheless set leader Mike Davis (trumpet) ensured the twenty first century's Adrian Rollini, aka David Horniblow, took centre stage grappling with the big beast bass saxophone. 

Greg Abate w. Paul Edis Trio @ The Black Swan - Nov. 7

Greg Abate (alto sax/flute); Paul Edis (piano); Andy Champion (bass); Russ Morgan (drums).

(Review by Lance).

It’s dead simple really – they don’t get any better than this! Not now, not ever! A strong statement I know but this was the best alto playing I’ve heard since Sonny Stitt at Gateshead Town Hall over 50 years ago - apart from on Greg's previous visits to Newcastle that is. On that occasion, Stitt was with the Malcolm Saul Trio. Tonight Abate was with the Paul Edis Trio who have built on the legacy of the late Malcolm Saul and the domiciled Bill Harper – the keys of the kingdom are in good hands.

Apart from his alto playing, Abate’s fluting is equally world class. I have a theory. Flautists who don’t play sax tend to have got into jazz as failed classical musicians. They have the technique but their initial grounding shows when they start blowing jazz whereas the fluter who began as a saxer (my word) already has the jazz feel – just a thought and I know there are exceptions to disprove my thoughts.

Jam session @ The Dun Cow - Nov 6

Stu Collingwood (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Paul Wight (drums) + Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Stax Brothers' Jeff (tenor sax); Abbie Finn (drums); Ray Burns (harmonica, vocals)

(Review by Russell)

It has been something of a lean time of it recently with the region's jam sessions experiencing a dip in audience numbers and, for long periods, sitters-in thin on the ground. The quality of the sessions hasn't been in question, rather the lack of support for what can be, and often is, the greatest free show in town. 

The latest session - the first Wednesday in the month meeting in Brandling Park - did little to buck the trend. The Dun Cow's pool table moved aside, Stu Collingwood, piano, Paul Grainger, bass and drummer Paul Wight set up in their own time as an audience slowly materialised. You and the Night and the Music for openers. Collingwood's thorough workout on This Masquerade upped matters as Harry Keeble handed out some homemade fudge which went very nicely with a pint of Jaipur IPA. Keeble swapped hospitality duties for something more familar - blowing great tenor sax. The tune? Always and Forever. 

Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Party @ Village Hotel - Nov.1

Friday evening - Nov.1

(Review by Russell)

King Oliver, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Emmett Berry - cornetists/trumpeters who helped lay the foundations of the music. The iconic figures would figure in a number of the Classic Jazz Party's Friday evening sets in the guise of present day superstars, variously, Andy Schumm, Torstein Kubban, Enrico Tomasso, Malo Mazurié and Duke Heitger. 

The evening began in low key fashion. As CJP-goers filed into the hall the first of this year's three piano Professors went to work. Morten Gunnar Larsen is a concert grand pianist of distinction. A classical background, recording sessions focussing on Storyville rags and stomps, the Norwegian, whose cv includes sharing a stage with Eubie Blake, entertained royally. 

Preview: Greg Abate w. Paul Edis Trio @ Black Swan - Nov. 7

(Preview by Lance)

Back in the day when the late Chris Yates was at the helm of JNE the Corner House regularly played host to top American stars such as Lockjaw Davis, Joe Newman, Art Farmer and many many more. Sadly, like dear Chris, most of those greats are now gone and there have been few to replace them - who indeed could?

Answer in two words: Greg Abate!

The American alto sax/flute player has made several visits to Tyneside and it has to be said that he has never disappointed unlike some  'names' back in 'the good old days' who, shall we say, were sometimes past their best...

Alice Grace & Paul Edis @ Jazz Cafe Mezzanine - Nov. 6

Alice Grace (vocals); Paul Edis (piano)

(Review by Russell)

Newcastle Arts Centre's mezzanine cafe was standing room only today and little wonder with Alice Grace and Paul Edis  working together for the first time as a duo. Anyone unfamiliar with either musician's work would never have guessed this was a scratch pairing. Alice insisted they hadn't rehearsed, they simply met up, agreed a set list and went for it. 

Loud applause greeted each and every solo with some in the room frequently whistling their appreciation. Days of Wine and Roses opened the set and the pattern was set...loud applause and whistling followed by loud applause and whistling. Chick Corea worked with vocalist Bobby McFerrin on the pianist's composition Windows. Here on Westgate Road Alice penned her own lyrics to the tune as Paul adopted the role of Corea. Thoughts turned to a Gig of the Year nomination.

Jam Session @ The Black Swan - November 5

(Review/photos by Lance).

Like all good theatre the Black Swan jam sessions start off low key and build to a series of climaxes culminating in les grand dénouement. And, true to tradition, there are the inevitable latecomers and the crisp packet rustlers and crunchers.

The opening scene had Grainger, Strong and Finn setting the plot rather like the trio that convened on a blasted heath in Scotland although tonight it was On Green Dolphin Street followed by Tenderly and Cole Porter’s I Love You. A  good start, tasteful and swinging.

Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Party @ Village Hotel - Nov. 1

 Friday afternoon - Nov. 1

(Review by Russell)

Friday, day one proper of this year's 'classic jazz' era festival. The Village Hotel just off the A19 situated at the West Allotment northern end of a sprawling business park is able to accommodate up to three hundred festival goers in its spacious ballroom with, of course, three floors of well-appointed rooms, many of which were occupied by Classic Jazz Party musicians and fans alike.   

From ten in the morning the Classic Jazz Party's CD stall did its usual brisk business offering CDs (recorded by participating musicians and a huge selection of second hand items), a 'revolutionary' digital download card (!), books, magazines and associated jazz ephemera. Last minute rehearsals complete the doors opened some fifteen minutes before the noon downbeat. 

Sunday Shopping

(By Lance)

Apart from the music, the real ale and the jazz talk with friends old and new, one of the highlights of the CJP is the CD stall. The live music may be closer to ragtime than bebop but the record stall knows no such boundaries and, apart from albums by the performers - Christmas is coming and we have the perfect stocking filler for you routine (that phrase always makes me think that they must think that our friends have funny shaped legs) - there were albums covering eras from the past to the present and beyond. I half expected to find a couple of cylinders by Buddy Bolden but maybe Dave Kerr beat me to it.

Now, despite the pile of review CDs awaiting their turn (oh he's still not harping on about that I hear you say) I found myself splashing out for three gems that I somehow never got around to buying back in the day.

Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Party @ Village Hotel - Oct. 31

(Review by Russell)

The traditional eve of CJP (that's Mike Durham's International Classic Jazz Party) late night welcome concert attracted a full house to listen to an all-star cast led by Duke Heitger. Lights dimmed, the all-star line-up took to the stand for a rip-roaring, humdinger of a set. Class acts all, the American/Australian/British/European gathering played a selection of dead-cert crowd pleasers.

Lars Frank blowing late night tenor sax on a beautifully restrained Out of Nowhere, an impossibly hot Cake Walking Babies Back Home (Frank's sizzling clarinet), a Heitger vocal (the American standing well back from the mic) on Sleepy Time Down South, this year's edition of the CJP was well and truly underway.

Mike Durham’s Classic Jazz Party @ Village Hotel - November 1 - 3

Sunday Afternoon - Nov. 3

(Review by Lance)

Mike Durham’s Classic Jazz Party is unique - even six years after Mike’s death it continues to go from strength to strength thanks to Patti Durham and her team of dedicated helpers. Yes it’s unique, not just in the northeast but also in the UK – maybe even in the world.

There’s no shortage of jazz festivals – for that is what this party is - sometimes it seems as though there’s one every week. Less than a month ago we had the Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2019 which focused, by and large, on tomorrow’s world.

This past weekend’s extravaganza down at the coast focused on yesterday’s world and yet, such was the enthusiasm and dedication displayed, it came across as very much a part of today’s world.

CD Review: Kyle Eastwood – Cinematic

Kyle Eastwood (bass); Andrew McCormack (piano); Quentin Collins (trumpet); Brandon Allen (tenor sax); Chris Higginbottom (drums) + Stefano di Batista  (saxes); Camille Bertault, Hugh Coltman (vocals).

(Review by Hugh C)

Kyle Eastwood (yes, cinematic relation) brings together his two great passions, cinema and music, with his new album Cinematic.  He performs with his regular bandmates and singers Camille Bertault and Hugh Coltman.  In this album both well-known and lesser known film scores are revisited and reinterpreted in a jazz style.

CD player loaded, remote cocked and ready, GO! The CD fires off with Bullitt.  Piano and trumpet open with a discordant blast, followed by a funky rendition of the familiar tune.  Short bass and drum solos punctuate the confident delivery by these capable musicians. A brief pause, the tyre smoke clears and Taxi Driver – Theme, follows on at a more leisurely pace.  Atmospheric   saxophony sets the scene followed by muted trumpet over a slow groove generated by the rhythm section.  

Preview: An evening with Michael Bublé @ the Utilita Arena

Of all the singers who emerged in the post Sinatra years perhaps the most outstanding was and is Canadian singer Michael Bublé. Such is his justifiable popularity that it comes as no surprise that an extra concert has been added to his forthcoming visit to Newcastle's Utilita Arena (details). As well as the near sold out Saturday, November 30, concert, an additional show will take place the following evening, December 1.

This demand for tickets comes as no surprise as his previous visits to the venue have proved equally popular although not quite as popular as a Dublin concert where he sung to 100,000 fans!

Reflections...

(Reflections by Lance/ Photo of Greg Abate courtesy of Malcolm Sinclair)

Is this the end of jazz as I  know it? The CDs that arrive daily from various points on the globe make me wonder if I'm not on the edge of a personal jazz Armageddon. 

Some albums I find difficult to identify as jazz at all although I suppose it is. Improvisation, originality and - most certainly - the sound of surprise is there and yet I find it difficult to equate it with the music that drew me to jazz in the first place.

The thrill of discovering the Eddie Condon, Muggsy Spanier bands. The Armstrong All-stars, Ellington, Basie, Goodman, Herman and, at home, the big bands of Ted Heath, Dankworth, Vic Lewis. Discovering Bird and Diz, the Jazz Messengers, Stan Getz, Tubby Hayes and so many more. Somehow, for me, the present has yet to catch up with the past.