RIP Dave Rae

It is with great sadness that I write to tell you that Dave Rae passed away at approximately 8.30 this morning (Feb. 25).

I have lost a musical partner of many years but also the best friend one could hope for.

The North East Jazz scene has lost a major player and standard bearer for true New Orleans music, but mostly a gentleman in every sense of the word.

I would be grateful if you could relay this sad information to the wider Jazz public via your blog.

John Robinson.

Strangers on a Train

Last Thursday, returning by Metro from Gosforth Civic Theatre after the Gaz Hughes Sextet concert, I got into conversation with a fellow fan, Martin, who hails from Carlisle. He was familiar with Bebop Spoken Here and showed interest when I asked him if he would like to do some CD reviewing. Unfortunately, I failed to get his email address before he left the train. So Martin, if you read this, please get in touch.

Lance

Vortex Conference

On 11 and 12 March, as part of an EU project with which we are involved at the Vortex, there will be a conference/showcase/workshop etc. at the club. In particular, there will be a public session about the state of the media as it now is. It is an opportunity to take into account the consolidation of the internet impact, as it complements and frequently is an essential replacement of the traditional media, such as BBC and newspapers.

The above, from Oliver Weindling of London’s Vortex, raises many important issues – not just about jazz but about life in general.

As a committed blogger – some say I should be committed – I’ve got an obvious interest. Without doubt the Internet has made information more readily available but, how reliable is that information? Years ago, the stock phrase used to be, “Don’t believe everything you read in the papers”. Today you can substitute online for in the papers.

Gypsy Jazz Festival coming up - in London!

A long awaited Festival of Gypsy Jazz is due to take place in London. For those who love the sound of Le Hot Club then this looks to be a tremendous weekend. The downside is that neither of our northeast bands who perform in, maybe even extend, the idiom are present although Daniel John Martin who impressed northeast audiences with Swing Manouche this past weekend has made the cut.

Tickets. 

Lance

Preview: The Pasadena Roof Orchestra @ Whitley Bay Playhouse

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra are no strangers to the northeast appearing at the Playhouse in Alnwick and the Customs House in South Shields at periodic intervals.

As proof of their popularity, this year's Alnwick gig is sold out already! And, although South Shields is off  their current tour schedule all is not lost as the Whitley Bay Playhouse, just across the river, hosts the band on Sunday (March 1) and the good news is that there are still a few tickets available.

The evening of hot dance music from the 1920s and '30s stomps off at 7:30pm.

Lance

Tickets. 

Daniel John Martin w Swing Manouche @ Core Music, Hexham - Feb 22

Daniel John Martin (violin, vocals); Mick Shoulder (guitar); Giles Strong (guitar); Ian Paterson (double bass) 

(Review by Russell)

Daniel John Martin, or DJM as he is known, made a flying visit to the north east of England to play three gigs in as many days and conduct a workshop into the bargain. DJM's friendship with Mick Shoulder enables the Paris-based violinist to tour across the region on a regular basis. County Durham-based Shoulder acts as fixer and the gypsy jazz aficionados enjoy playing a wide variety of material together, invariably in the company of guitarist Giles Strong and, on this occasion, bassist Ian Paterson.

CD Review: Henrik Jensen's Followed By Thirteen - Affinity

Rory Simmons (trumpet); Esben Tjaive (piano); Henrik Jensen (bass); Pete Ibbetson (drums).

(Review by Lance)

Bass player Henrik Jensen is no stranger to these pages. The Dane appeared several times at the Jazz Café with his Followed By Thirteen quartet. He has also shown up with Joy Ellis on several occasions at The Globe and elsewhere and, as an indication of his in-demand status, has appeared at Sage Gateshead with the Puppini Sisters - perhaps he will be with them when they return on April 25.

We've also covered several of his CDs which led to my anticipation of this, his latest, and I wasn't disappointed!

Newcastle University Jazz @ Culture Lab, Newcastle - Feb 21

(Review by Russell)

On a rainy, windblown Friday evening just off Barras Bridge, Culture Lab's discreet door stood ajar ready to welcome those who were interested in hearing a newly formed band's debut performance. Jason Holcomb has been busy assembling a big band to take its place alongside the region's many fine jazz orchestras. Newcastle University Jazz is the name, a name which could easily cause confusion given that the long-established, on-campus student band is known as Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra! 

Who played at the Skiff Inn?

I was reminiscing with an old friend last night about Sunday nights in the Skiff Inn at Derwenthaugh in the early 1960s. 

We all made our own way there by various routes. Mine was by bus to Scotswood and then a walk across the Chain Bridge trying not to look down at the river through the gaps in the wooden planks of the walkway. 

We usually got a lift home with Johnny the drummer in his Hillman Husky and I always seemed to end up nursing his drum kit in the back. Briefly, after Alan Price left the Animals, he used to join us at the Skiff. 

To get to the point neither of us can remember whose band we went to see. I wonder if you or your followers can help?

Alf Stone.

The Savannah Syncopators by Steve Andrews

45 years ago today a group of musicians got together in a Tyneside pub to form and rehearse a big band. Not however, your normal big band playing Glenn Miller or Count Basie stock arrangements but a one dedicated to the big band music of the 1920s and early '30s - a unique concept on Tyneside and most other places at the time. The masterminds behind the project were Dave Kerr and Steve Andrews who later formed the New Century Ragtime Orchestra*. Steve recalls the history of the Syncopators below in his inimitable manner - Lance

CD Review: Gaz Hughes Sextet Plays Art Blakey

Alan Barnes (alto/baritone sax); Bruce Adams  (trumpet); Dean Masser (tenor sax); Andrzej Baranek (piano); Ed Harrison (bass); Gareth Hughes (drums).

(Review by Lance).

As I posted earlier, last night's JNE promotion at Gosforth Civic Theatre was a tremendous gig and this recording, from two years previous sounds even better - possibly because I didn't have the distraction of trying to actually see the guys playing from my seat way back in the seventh row!

Hughes comes across in Blakey mode much more than he did at the concert whilst the horns come at it with such power that Lee Morgan and co would have known they'd been in a battle had such a mythical encounter taken place.

Classic Swing @ Jesmond British Legion - February 21

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

(Review by Russell)

Third Friday in the month is Classic Swing time. Conveniently located next to West Jesmond Metro Station this is just about as near to a Newcastle city centre residency as you'll find. Tommy Moran's aptly titled Classic Swing opened today's show at West Jesmond British Legion.   

Band vocalist Olive Rudd leapt to her feet to sing Give Me the Simple Life (more Olive Rudd than Tony Bennett) and hung around to tell us she Can't Help Loving That Man of Mine (that's Mr A Rudd) with Tommy Moran laying down a fine tenor sax solo. Sweet Sue sang Jim McBriarty (just the one verse) in between juggling alto and soprano saxes and clarinet and in singing Sent for You Yesterday wisely didn't attempt to mimic Jimmy Rushing. 

Daniel John Martin With Swing Manouche @ The Globe – February 20

Daniel John Martin (violin, vocals); Mick Shoulder (guitar); Giles Strong (guitar); Paul Susans (bass)

(Review by Ann Alex)

How many sounds can you get from a violin? I think we heard them all last night from the talented Mr Martin and a few more. Besides the melodious alto and soprano sounds that we expect, we had sweet whimpers, vocal sounds, clicks from the dusty end (if a violin has a dusty end), pizzicato with whistling from the player, and breathy notes, with a classical-like cadenza to round off the third tune of the night, just for good measure.

Zoë Gilby & Mark Williams @ Jazz Café Mezzanine Set 2 - Feb. 19

(Review/photos by Pam Young)

The second set started with another dip into the Aurora Project with Little Dancer by Tom Harrell, followed by an absolutely gorgeous rendition of Monk’s ‘Round Midnight. Zoë's voice and Mark's guitar had me spellbound.

What do you do after that? Well why not You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone by Bob Dylan from the Blood on the Tracks album – fantastic!

Gaz Hughes Sextet @ Gosforth Civic Theatre - Feb. 20 - "The Best Gig I Never Seen!"

(Review by Lance/Black and white photos courtesy of Malcolm Sinclair - link.)

When I was a child my dad used to take me to Roker Park or St. James' Park on alternative Saturdays. Back then we had no tribal affiliations we just wanted to watch a game of football played by guys who weren't millionaires. To get to the front and see the game, us kids were hoisted shoulder high and passed overhead until we were at the front and able to watch the game.

That flashbacked into my mind last night at Gosforth Civic Theatre as, whilst I enjoyed the music, I wasn't so keen on the burly bodies sitting in front of me.

After Hours #4: The Music of Stéphane Grappelli @ Cafédral Durham - Feb 19

(Review by Russell)

DUJS is an active organisation. Student run Durham University Jazz Society promotes jazz events across Durham City and most of them are open to the public. One such occasion is 'After Hours', a regular series focussing on a particular subject. This latest get together in Cafédral Durham on Owengate looked at the work of Stéphane Grappelli. 

Sonia Rae, a second year music student, is principally a student of classical violin with a love of jazz. Stéphane Grappelli was an obvious, but no less appealing, choice for an After Hours' gig at Cafédral Durham, a quirky, first floor student haunt just off Palace Green. The core band for the evening featured Rae with a Hot Club-style, all-strings line-up of two guitars and double bass.    

Zoë Gilby & Mark Williams @ Jazz Café Mezzanine - Feb 19

Zoë Gilby (vocals); Mark Williams (guitar)

(Review by Russell/Photo courtesy of Mike Tilley)

The 'house full' signs went up at Newcastle Arts Centre's mezzanine space and little wonder given that award winning vocalist Zoë Gilby was in town. Accompanying our APPJAG star this afternoon was a man who should be - and possibly is - in the frame year in, year out, for an APPJAG gong, guitarist Mark Williams.   

Dave Brubeck's Travelin' Blues opened the show in front of a standing room only crowd. Invariably the Gilby-Williams' set  looks at a wide variety of material, much of it non-jazz, and this Wednesday afternoon performance did just that. John Martyn's Over the Hill found Gilby in fine voice exploring the late composer's lyrical turn of phrase. Rodgers and Hart's It Never Entered My Mind followed by Joni Mitchell's all-star 'Mingus' album recording of Dry Cleaner from Des Moines further enhanced the duo's eclectic set list. 

The Abbie Finn Trio @ The Fox Inn, Hexham - Feb 18

Abbie Finn (drums); Harry Keeble (tenor sax, soprano sax); Paul Grainger (double bass) 

(Review by Russell)

Duke Pearson, Chick Corea, Cole Porter, John Coltrane, Paul Grainger - these the first tranche of composers on the Abbie Finn Trio's set list. Hexham Jazz Club was up and running once more with a first gig of the year at the Fox Inn on West End Terrace.  

Drummer Abbie was making a first visit to the Northumberland market town with her trio - Harry Keeble (tenor sax) and Paul Grainger (bass). An amiable, no nonsense trio, Abbie and the boys set up without fuss, chatting to all and sundry as gig-goers walked through the door. Jeannine (D Pearson) for openers played to an attentive crowd, many of whom were hearing Abbie and Harry for the first time. Windows (C Corea) a 'contemporary' selection then a GASbook choice, the perennial favourite Love for Sale. Three numbers, more than enough for Hexham Jazz Club's regulars to conclude that these guys could play. John Coltrane no longer frightens the horses and our Tyne valley residents took it all in their collective stride as Keeble stretched out on Moment's Notice. 

CD Review: Jason Palmer - The Concert, 12 Musings for Isabella

Jason Palmer (trumpet); Mark Turner (tenor sax); Joel Ross (vibes); Edward Perez (bass); Kendrick  Scott (drums).

(Review by Lance).

I can think of few, if any, albums that have had such an inspiration as this one. Musically, it is superb but the background to it is equally fascinating!

On March 18, 1990, a couple of low lifes disguised as cops entered Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and walked out with 13 works of art by such A-listers as Rembrandt, Degas, Manet and others. The heist was valued at 500 million bucks and, despite the efforts of the FBI, Mike Hammer and Hercule Poirot, the crime remains unsolved to this day.

Get The Blessing + Ceitidh Mac @ Gosforth Civic Theatre – Feb. 7 (Take 2)

(Review by Tom Dixon/Photos courtesy of Ken Drew)

Get The Blessing: Jim Barr (bass guitar); Clive Deamer (drums); Jake McMurchie (sax and electronics); Pete Judge (trumpet and electronics).

Great melodies and a driving intensity, Get The Blessing did not disappoint. They maintained the energy and groove of their trip-counterparts (Portishead) without sacrificing on the integrity of the improvised sections. I've seen 'fusion' acts experiment with this type of approach before and fall on the wrong side of repetitive for me, but this performance was full of spontaneity and intrigue.

Clive Dreamer has a fairly busy drumming style which gave the soloists plenty to work with, but still kept the time really nailed down and, with Jim Barr, really pushed the band forward through every piece. The creative use of backings and effects pedals from the sax and trumpet more than made up for the lack of a traditional harmony instrument and continuously took the music in surprising directions. I really liked the weaving horn ad-libs which were scattered through the night.

Tonight! Finn at the Fox (Feb 18)

Hexham Jazz Club's first gig of the year features the Abbie Finn Trio. Drummer Abbie will be in the company of saxophonist Harry Keeble and bassist Paul Grainger playing two sets of modern jazz standards by the likes of Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter with, perhaps, one or two original numbers.  

CD Review: Jeff Rupert & George Garzone - The Ripple.

Jeff Rupert, George Garzone (tenor sax); Richard Drexler (piano); Jeremy Allen (bass); Marty Morell (drums).

(Review by Lance).

The two tenor line-up has long been a favourite of mine. How could it not be when you think of such legendary pairings as Wardell Gray & Dexter Gordon; Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt; Sonny Stitt & Red Holloway - so amply demonstrated back at Newcastle's Corner House in the 1980s - Lockjaw and Johnny Griffin; Al and Zoot and, of course, the best of them all (said with nationalistic pride) The Jazz Couriers. Tubbs and Ronnie took the format to a new level and, if this  Stateside offering doesn't topple the champions they come within the tip of a Rico number 2 reed of doing it!

Danny Jonokuchi with Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ Flat Caps Coffee, Carliol Square, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

(Press release)

Friday 13^th March | 8pm

Tickets at www.strictly-smokin.co.uk

Famed New York and LA band leader, trumpet player, vocalist and arranger, DANNY JONOKUCHI, visits the North East for a one-off gig with STRICTLY SMOKIN’ BIG BAND. We’ve featured Danny’s arrangements at SSBB for a few years now, and are very excited to hook up for this gig.

Danny Jonokuchi has been called a world class performer and the “sound of this era” (Nextbop).

This music swings from start to finish – Danny’s arrangements are fresh but hold true to the New York big band tradition – think Birdland, Village Vanguard and Blue Note.

We’ll be featuring Danny on trumpet and vocals, as well as our own Alice Grace and members of Strictly Smokin’.

John Petters Remembers Louis Lince (1942 - 2020)

(This obituary was originally posted on Facebook and is reposted courtesy of the author. Thanks to Patti Durham for making this possible - Lance.) It is with great sorrow that the jazz scene heard of the passing of Banjo / Guitarist, Bass Drummer, Parade Marshall, Band Leader, Reviewer, Jazz Historian and Publisher Louis Lince, following a rapidly growing brain tumour, diagnosed just after Christmas. (photo - Ray & Jenny Knight) Louis (John Louis James Lince) came into the world on 22 July 1942 in St. Helens, Lancashire. Like many of his generation, he started out in a Skiffle Group – the Red Devils. Louis came south to London in 1958, working with several bands before leaving music in 1963 to concentrate on a career in Marketing.

Get the Blessing and Ceitidh Mac @ Gosforth Civic Theatre - Feb. 7

In the absence of any reviews from this JNE concert I have opted for these two picture collages by Ken Drew and his own one-liner review which probably paints a better picture than a 1000 word review - "It was a belter!"

Lance

Get The Blessing: Jim Barr (bass guitar); Clive Deamer (drums); Jake McMurchie (sax/electronics); Pete Judge (trumpet/electronics).

Ceitdh Mac: Ceitidh Mac (voice/cello)

Link to Ken Drew pics.

Clare Teal @ the Gala Theatre, Durham - Feb. 14

Clare Teal (vocal); Jason Rebello (piano); Tim Thornton (bass); Ben Reynolds (drums).

(Review by Lance)

After the final do-wa-do-wa-do-wa brought the classic Ellington number - and the show -  to a close the capacity audience at Durham's Gala Theatre stood up as one and ovated in appreciation. Deservedly so, Clare Teal had just wowed them as she invariably does with her warm and, often funny, show.

I use the word funny as, should she - God forbid - ever give up music a  career in stand-up would pay the bills. Not that that is likely, after last night's performance. Her jazz chops are still the tops even though Barnsley's First Lady appears to be dipping her toes into more contemporary material.

Good on her! However, whatever she touches the jazz element is never far away.

What to Expect – Except Brilliant? Graeme Wilson and Paul Edis play the music of Monk @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle – Feb. 14.

Graeme Wilson (tenor sax); Paul Edis (piano)

(Review by Jerry)

Fifteen years ago I knew the name, Thelonius Monk, but little else. I was intrigued by an early Edis composition, I Wish I Were a Monk, from which I learned that this is very distinctive music which never fails to elicit strong audience response. In my case, it always made me smile. When I first heard Paul playing ‘Round Midnight, I realised that I knew one of Monk’s tunes but could not have told you that. Zoë Gilby’s excellent show, Pannonica, progressed my learning curve somewhat but as of this morning (I checked!) I still only needed the fingers of one hand to list the Monk titles I could remember. None of my memorable five were on today’s programme so I had no idea what to expect – except that, having often seen these two musicians over the same fifteen-year period, it would be brilliantly played.

CD Review: Pete Whittaker, Art Themen, George Double - Thane & The Villeins

Art Themen (tenor sax); Pete Whittaker (organ); George Double (drums).

(Review by James Henry)

Just once in a while one chances upon a new album that is just perfect, and love at first listen.  Thane & The Villeins is one of those rare gems.  Organ trios are unusual, and can be a tad heavy, especially if the mighty Hammond is given full rein.  Thankfully, Themen, Whittaker and Double give us a light and playful synergy in this collection of quirky tunes, to be released today (February 14).

Review: The Strange Tale of Charlie Chaplin & Stan Laurel @ Northern Stage - Feb 13

(Review by Russell)

The house lights went down to the sound of King Oliver and the legendary call Oh, play that thing! The year is 1910, Fred Karno is soon to set sail for America. The impresario is to be joined on the Atlantic crossing by two characters who will find world-wide fame. For the next ninety minutes the Northern Stage audience would be taken on an anything-but-chronological, rollercoaster, not to mention scarcely truthful, ride telling the story of two of Hollywood's greatest ever stars. 

CD Review: Noemi Nuti - Venus Eye

Noemi Nuti (vocals/Paraguayan harp/classical harp); Chris Eldred (keys); Tom Herbert (bass); Emiliano Caroselli (drums); Gareth Lochrane (flute) + Quentin Collins (trumpet).

(Review by Lance).

Music, and jazz in particular, is strange. Preconceptions of an album or a gig go out the window once the music starts.

With gigs you don't get a second chance, you judge them on your first impression. Recorded music is different, if it doesn't grab you the first time round you maybe pick up on it the second or third time. It isn't always love at first sight although, occasionally it is and this is just such an occasion.

Fats Waller plays Sunderland Empire!

(By Russell/Programme pics courtesy of Keith Belton)

It had been a great day for the people of Bishop Auckland. The town's football club won the FA Amateur Cup beating Willington 3-0 in the final. The County Durham non-league clubs battled for silverware in the final staged at Roker Park, Sunderland. 

The year was 1939, war was looming but for one day all eyes were on Roker Park. How many of those who were at Roker Park that day walked across Wearmouth Bridge to go to the Empire Theatre in the evening? Touring Britain at the time was Fats Waller and his itinerary included a concert performance in Sunderland!*

Jam Session @ The Black Swan - Feb. 11

(Review/photos by Lance).

Another evening of infinite variety that had no shortage of big hitters. 

It all began rather low key, albeit with some tasteful playing by the house trio, with Bradley setting the bar for the other guitarists present to aim at. A Jobim bossa, Travels - a tribute to Lyle Mays who'd died the previous day - and a bouncy bop number set the scene for Harry Keeble who, after an extended intro by the trio, went into 'S Wonderful before being joined by the tightly muted Ed for Days of Wine and Roses. Interesting contrast, Harry leaves no note unplayed whilst Ed leaves quite a few of them untouched.

New online jazz radio station

Aycliffe Radio has launched a new programme – Jazz Time.

The weekly show was launched by presenter Mike Dixon on Sunday, 19 January.

“Mike is a veteran jazz lover and it’s a pleasure to have him on our team,” said producer Paul Mooney, a director of Aycliffe Radio.

The ninety-minute ‘Jazz Time’ show will be broadcast every Sunday at 6.00 pm and will cover a wide range of jazz - all styles from all eras. It is hoped that the show will help to raise the profile of jazz artists and events in the northeast region.

Launch of the world’s first dedicated audio-visual streaming service for jazz

(Press release) 

*jazzed will host an industry launch event featuring an exclusive performance from UK drummer Yussef Dayes at XOYO on Wednesday 12th February*

A brand-new jazz streaming platform, the first of its kind anywhere in the world, is set to transform the way the genre is consumed when it launches in the UK on Wednesday 12^th February. jazzed is the world’s first dedicated audio-visual streaming destination for jazz and will offer an integrated experience for fans to listen, watch and read about the music they love. The service features a vast array of hand-curated audio channels, exclusive video content, podcasts, documentaries, interviews and much more.

Digital album review: Paul Edis & Graeme Wilson - Big as a Mountain, Small as a Pin: Paul Edis & Graeme Wilson play the music of Thelonious Monk

Paul Edis (piano); Graeme Wilson (tenor saxophone)

(Review by Russell)

Over a period of ten years and more pianist Paul Edis and saxophonist Graeme Wilson have worked together in several high profile outfits including the Paul Edis Sextet, the Graeme Wilson Quartet, Splinter Group and ACV. In addition they have released their own albums including those of Edis' sextet on which Wilson can be heard playing reeds and Wilson's quartet on which Edis plays piano. Now, some two and a half years on from recording as a duo, Edis and Wilson are about to release an online album of the music of a shared enthusiasm - Thelonious Monk. 

Lyle Mays dies at 66

(Report by Russell)

BSH is indebted to guitarist Bradley Johnston for conveying the sad news that keyboardist Lyle Mays died yesterday (February 10). Lyle David Mays was born in Wausaukee, Wisconsin in 1953. Upon graduation from the University of North Texas Mays toured with Woody Herman (Mays can be heard on Herman's 1976 album Live in Warsaw) and would later meet up with guitarist Pat Metheny.

Preview: Clare Teal @ Gala Theatre, Durham - Feb. 14

(Preview by Lance/Photo  from Manilla PR)

Few things in life are certain and never more so than in jazz. However, one thing that is certain is that you will come away from a Clare Teal concert feeling happy. Whether she is fronting a big band, a symphony orchestra or a trio you can look forward to an evening where satisfaction is guaranteed whilst still retaining that essential jazz element - the sound of surprise.

Her distinctive vocal style makes her not just a great British jazz singer but one of world class as the audience at the Gala Theatre, Durham, will find out (as if they didn't already know!) on Friday, February 14 (7:30pm).

Lickety Split @ Dormans Jazz Club Middlesbrough - Feb. 6

Eddie Bellis (trombone); Paul Gowland (tenor sax); Alan Marshall (alto sax); Kevin Eland (trumpet/flugelhorn); Jeremy McMurray (piano); Alan Rudd (bass); Roger Hempsall (drums).

(Review/Photo by Ron H) 

The good sized audience who turned out on this cold winter’s night were rewarded with an evening of exciting and refreshing jazz played by a highly talented group of musicians led by Eddie Bellis. 

Curious George started the first set with fine solos from Paul Gowland on tenor sax Alan Marshall on alto sax and Eddie Bellis on trombone setting the standard for the night.  This was followed by Sandu with a nice  bass solo from Alan Rudd, and, after Groovin’ High, the band moved on to Sammy Nestico's arrangement of 88 Basin Street with a beautifully played intro by Jeremy McMurray with excellent solos all round again.

Tyneside’s Jazz Vocalist of the Year is Belgium-bound

(Press release)

Newcastle jazz musician, Zoë Gilby, has already started 2020 in fine form, following up her 2019 Parliamentary Awards Jazz Vocalist of the Year with the announcement that she is the 2020 NE Online Magazine Artist of the Year, and now she’s Belgium-bound in late March for the Leuven Jazz Festival.

Situated in the Flanders region, twenty-five kilometres east of the capital, Brussels, the Leuven Jazz Festival celebrates its eighth year this March, a ten-day extravaganza between the 19th and 29th, with a focus on the female artists – ‘singers, pianists, drummers, trumpeters; meet the female power of modern jazz.’  

Try Some Easy Living At The Globe

Get yourself along to the Globe on Thursday for easy living with the Indigo Jazz Voices!

 These fine singers will give you five or so songs each and I have advance notice that one of the songs will be Easy Living. The singers are Jenny Lingham, Carrie McCullock, Jen Errington, Paul Close and David Edgar, and they will be accompanied by the wonderful Alan Law on keys.

Musicians Unlimited @ The Park Inn, Hartlepool - Feb 9

(Review by Russell)

It was an auspicious occasion. The Park Inn's landlord is soon to retire and Musicians Unlimited pulled out all the stops to thank Mine Host Rick for giving the band a warm welcome every Sunday lunchtime for the past eight and a half years. Storm Ciara's threatened destruction of everything that stood in its path came to nought and had the hoolie materialised it wouldn't have made any difference - the joint was jumping, no one was going to miss this one!

Frog and Henry @ Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club - February 8

(Review by Russell)

Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club's second concert promotion in eight days drew a huge crowd and little wonder given that the band on stage was making a popular return visit all the way from the Crescent City. Drawing upon the vast reserve of material from the early or 'classic jazz' years of the music Frog and Henry entertained an expectant, attentive audience. 

Charlie Johnson, Armand J Piron, Jelly Roll Morton and other legendary names from the Roaring Twenties provided the inspiration and source material for a superb five piece outfit roaring into the twenties - twenty first century style. Ewan Bleach from Oxfordshire fronted the band - perhaps the Stateside guys thought his English accent would be easier for the Brits to understand! 

Preview: JNE present the Gaz Hughes Sextet playing the music of Art Blakey

(Preview by Lance)

There are gigs where, much as you look forward to them you feel the press release sums it all up and you leave it at that. Then there are others when you feel you want to put your own 10 cents into the mix. This gig is just such a one although a dime is hardly the currency I should use - a million dollars would be more appropriate!

Paris Review: Elie Martin-Charriere Group @ Le Baiser Sale – January 21 et Christophe Brunard Connexion @ MONK Taverne de Cluny - January 26

Elie Martin-Charriere (drums); Theo N'Guyen (saxophone); Martin Ferreyos (guitar); Roman Maresz (keyboards); Juan Villarrael (bass).

(Reviews by JC)

When Bob Dylan sang 'I lived with them on Montague Street/A basement down the stairs/There was music in the cafes at night/And revolution in the air' on Blood on the Tracks in 1975 he was probably talking about New Orleans but the same could be said about Paris in 2020.

The opportunity to spend a little time there was too good to miss even though the apartment was not in the basement but on the 3eme etage. However, there certainly was revolution in the air as the street the apartment was on was the main route from the Bastille to Place de la Republic and the scene of numerous marches.