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Bebop Spoken There

Sullivan Fortner: ''I always judge it by the bass player: If the bass player is happy, it's going to be a good night". (DownBeat, February 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

17755 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 76 of them this year alone and, so far, 1 this month (Feb.1).

From This Moment On ...

February 2025

Sat 08: Jason Isaacs @ St. James’ STACK, Newcastle. 12:30-2:30pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Sat 08: Jason Isaacs @ Seaburn STACK, Seaburn. 3:30-5:30pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Sat 08: Milne Glendinning Band @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 08: Lewis Watson Quartet @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 7:30pm. £15.00. at the door; £14.35. (inc £0.35 bf) online, in advance.
Sat 08: Anth Purdy @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig. ‘Swing Jazz Guitar’.
Sat 08: NUJO Jazz Jam @ Cobalt Studios, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. A Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra event. All welcome.

Sun 09: Glenn Miller & Big Band Spectacular @ The Forum, Billingham. 3:00pm.
Sun 09: The New ’58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Paul Skerritt @ Hibou Blanc, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free. Vocalist Skerritt working with backing tapes.
Sun 09: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Tom Remon & Mark Williams @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 09: Rod Oughton’s Tomorrow’s New Quartet with Ben van Helder @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Line-up inc. Deschanel Gordon.
Sun 09: Jazz Jam @ Fabio’s, Saddler St., Durham. 8:00pm. Free. A Durham University Jazz Society promotion. All welcome.

Mon 10: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 11: Steve Summers Quintet @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm.

Wed 12: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 12: Jam session @ The Tannery, Gilesgate, Hexham. 7:00-9:00pm. Free.
Wed 12: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 12: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 13: Student Performances @ King’s Hall, Newcastle University. 4:00pm. Free. Inc. Olly Styles (tenor sax).
Thu 13: MOBO Awards Fringe 2025: Artist Showcase @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 7:00pm. Free (ticketed). Line-up inc. Hannabiell & Midnight Blue.
Thu 13: Indigo Jazz Voices @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:45pm. £5.00.

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

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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