Bebop Spoken There

John McLaughlin: ''It was then that Coltrane came along and single-handedly brought this dimension of spirituality into jazz. It was a pivotal experience to me.'' (DownBeat September, 2026)

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

18957 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 821 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Sept. 30.) 100.

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

From This Moment On

October.

Tue 06: Alan Law @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 2:00pm. Free. Alan Law (piano) w. Paul Grainger (double bass).
Tue 06: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Murray Oak, Paul Grainger, John Bradford.
Tue 06: Customs House Big Band @ The Masonic Hall, Ferryhill. 7:30pm. Free.
Tue 06: Black is the Color of My Voice @ Northern Stage, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Apphia Campbell’s one-woman stage play inspired by Nina Simone. First night of two.

Wed 07: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free. Wed 07: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 07: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Wed 07: Black is the Color of My Voice @ Northern Stage, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Apphia Campbell’s one-woman stage play inspired by Nina Simone. Second night of two.

Thu 08: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 08: Pete Tanton’s Chet Set @ Newcastle Arts Centre. 7:30pm. Free (donations).
Thu 08: Indigo Jazz Voices w. Little Big Band @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:45pm. £5.00.

Fri 09: Dean Stockdale Trio @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm. £9.00. Dean Stockdale (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); John Bradford (drums).
Fri 09: John Rowland Trio @ Jesmond Library, Newcastle. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 09: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 09: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 09: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 09: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle.

Sat 10: Catfish Keith @ Cluny 2, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £19.00. + bf. Jumpin’ Hot Club.

Sun 11: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: Michael Young Trio @ The Engine Room, Sunderland. 2:30pm. Free. Feat. guest Jack ‘Banjo’ Courtney (trumpet).
Sun 11: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: Harry Christelis Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A Jazz Co-op-JNE co-promotion.

Mon 12: Jack Pearce Quintet @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm.
Mon 12: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Monday, February 03, 2020

Support For Jimmy Cobb

My name is Serena Cobb. I am raising funds for my father, legendary jazz drummer, Jimmy Cobb in his time of need. Link.

My father started playing professionally at 18 years old. He recorded the highest selling jazz record in history "Kind of Blue" at age 30, and as we've just celebrated his 91st birthday this January, he has recently released two records and is still doing everything he can to give himself to the music. He's dedicated the last 70 years of his life to the art of jazz, and although there's nothing he'd rather do than continue to support himself and his family while doing what he loves, it has become far too difficult of a task. He's no longer able to perform at the rate he used to, and at his age, one would expect that. But until recently, that hasn't been the case at all. 
Link.

Mentally and spiritually my father is as youthful and energetic as ever, but for the past 2 years he's been dealing with some medical issues that have been causing severe challenges for him physically.  Unfortunately he has been unable to receive proper treatment due to financial struggles. Although he has been pushing himself to work in order to get some medical attention while still maintaining daily life...it just isn't enough. We've often been left in a position to have to choose between medical attention and his basic necessities. As the days pass, he continues to become more and more in need of assistance. Link.

Doctors have recommended limited performance over the next year so that he can get the proper rest. During this time, we will need to cover both his personal and medical expenses. We've chosen a holistic approach which requires 100% out of pocket coverage for both treatment and visits, as it isn't covered by insurance. He is also currently in need of a full time caregiver. These major pieces are in addition to all of his medications, supplements, bills and daily expenses, meals, cleaning etc. Link.

As a humble and very private man who has always been the strength in both his family and his community, he wouldn't dare complain or ask for help, however; in order to care for him properly, our family is in dire need. He has been doing his best to fight through but I'm sad to say that the work he loves so much has become more than he can handle at the moment 
Link.. 

I come to you all, as his community, friends, fans, colleagues, family members, jazz lovers, music lovers, and fellow humans and ask that you help me help my father. By showing him some of the love that he's shown the world, through both his spirit and his music, this could shine a whole new light on his life. As much as it saddens me to have to ask for help, I know my father truly needs it, and it would be unfair of me NOT to reach out and give him a fighting chance at getting better. Link.

We ask that if you are able and find it in your hearts, to please donate whatever you can. No amount is too small. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.
Serena Cobb
Link.

1 comment :

Steve T said...

I remember him being on Later with Jools as the last surviving musician from Kind of Blue. Just a few days ago I wondered if he was still with us. Shameful these great people suffer financial woes. Shameful anybody does.

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