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Bebop Spoken There

Simon Spillett: “ Bebop and hard bop came naturally to him [Tubby Hayes]". Morning Star, March 28, 2024.

The Things They Say!

Hudson Music: Lance's "Bebop Spoken Here" is one of the heaviest and most influential jazz blogs in the UK.

Rupert Burley (Dynamic Agency): "BSH just goes from strength to strength".

'606' Club: "A toast to Lance Liddle of the terrific jazz blog 'Bebop Spoken Here'"

The Strictly Smokin' Big Band included Be Bop Spoken Here (sic) in their 5 Favourite Jazz Blogs.

Ann Braithwaite (Braithwaite & Katz Communications) You’re the BEST!

Holly Cooper, Mouthpiece Music: "Lance writes pull quotes like no one else!"

Simon Spillett: A lovely review from the dean of jazz bloggers, Lance Liddle...

Josh Weir: I love the writing on bebop spoken here... I think the work you are doing is amazing.

Postage

16287 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 16 years ago. 169 of them this year alone and, so far, 41 this month (Mar 18).

From This Moment On ...

March

Fri 29: FILM: Soul @ The Forum Cinema, Hexham. 12:30pm. Jazz-themed film animation.
Fri 29: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 29: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 29: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 29: Abbie Finn Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 6:00pm. Free. POSTPONED!
Fri 29: Thundercat @ Newcastle City Hall.
Fri 29: John Logan @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Fri 29: True Colours @ Barrels Ale House, Berwick. 9:00pm. Blues, jazz & swing.

Sat 30: Papa G’s Troves @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sat 30: Pete Tanton’s Cuba Libre @ Whitley Bay Library, York Road, Whitley Bay. 8:00pm.

Sun 31: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay Metro Station. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 31: Ruth Lambert Trio @ Juke Shed, Union Quay, North Shields NE30 1HJ. 3:00pm. Free. Lambert, Alan Law & Paul Grainger.
Sun 31: Sid Jacobs & Tom Remon @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig. USA/London jazz guitar duo.
Sun 31: Bellavana @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

April
Mon 01: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 01: Ray Stubbs R&B All Stars @ Billy Bootlegger’s, Ouseburn, Newcastle. 3:00pm. Free.

Tue 02: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Dean Stockdale, Paul Grainger, Abbie Finn.

Wed 03: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 03: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 03: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 04: FILM: Soul @ Forum Cinema, Hexham. 2:00pm. Jazz-themed film animation.
Thu 04: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ The Holystone, Whitley Road, North Tyneside. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 04: Funky Drummer @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 04: Eva Fox & the Jazz Guys @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Thu 04: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Thursday, April 02, 2020

Bucky Pizzarelli Born January 9, 1926, Paterson, New Jersey, USA. Died April 1, 2020, Saddle River, New Jersey, USA


(An appreciation by Maurice J. Summerfield)

John 'Bucky' Pizzarelli, who died on 1 April from Covid 19 was a seminal figure in the history of jazz guitar.    A quick internet search will bring up many detailed biographies and tributes highlighting Bucky's long and amazing career.    

His first professional job as a musician was in 1944 with Vaughan Monroe’s band.  He then spent many years working with various bands, including those of Skitch Henderson and Doc Severinson, on radio and television.  From the 1960s onwards he was featured in many small and large jazz groups including the Benny Goodman band.  He made two truly wonderful duo LP albums with guitarist George Barnes.

Bucky, playing his seven-string guitar (with an extra low A), had a very distinctive sound.  He recorded excellent albums with Zoot Sims, Dick Hyman, Stephane Grappelli, Slam Stewart, Ruby Braff, Les Paul and in more recent years with his son John  Pizzarelli  Jr.

I first made contact with Bucky in 1978 when I wrote to him for information for the first edition of my book, 'The Jazz Guitar'.  He replied by return with a great selection of photographs, biography and discography.  

About a year later I met him in person in New York when he was playing with his trio at the Cafe Pierre (Pierre Hotel ) in New York.   I went there with my friend Mario Maccaferri - the historic guitar maker (he made Django Reinhardt's guitars) - for dinner.  Bucky joined us for coffee and I could see he was thrilled to meet Mario as Django was one of his heroes.   

We were then joined by Woody Herman who lived at the Pierre Hotel and knew Bucky well.  Certainly - a memorable evening for me.  Bucky was a true gentleman and I will always remember his modesty and courtesy in addition to his marvelous music making. 

If you would like to know more about Bucky Pizzarelli, I can recommend the book 'A Life in Music' by Terence M. Ripmaster (Mel Bay Publications #MB96988.
Maurice J.  Summerfield

1 comment :

Anonymous said...

Sad news. One of the great jazz guitarists. I have a fine CD by Rebecca Kilgore called
'I Saw Stars' featuring some top players among them Bucky on guitar. On it he plays some of the nicest '4 to the bar' acoustic rhythm that I've ever heard. You can just tell when Bucky comes in with that impeccable rhythm all the other guys lock into it. Everything sits on the irresistible swing he creates. I've also got a CD Bucky made titled 'Flashes' where, in between songs, he reminisces and tells a few delightful anecdotes. He's had a wonderful career and has done it all.
Roly

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