Bebop Spoken There

Ludovic Beier (Django Festival Allstars): ''Manouche means 'free man,' and gypsies have been travelers since they migrated west from India to Europe.'' (DownBeat March, 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

18395 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 259 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 30 ), 69

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

March

Tue 31: Bede Trio @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. Albert Hills Wright (alto sax); Finn Carter (piano); Michael Dunlop (double bass).

April

Wed 01: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 01: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 01: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 02: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: Musicians playing classical & orchestral music.
Thu 02: The Noel Dennis Band @ Prohibition Bar, Albert Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RU. 7:00pm (doors). £10.84. Quartet plus special guest Zoë Gilby. Over 21s only.
Thu 02: Renegade Brass Band @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 02: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00. adv..
Thu 02: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 03: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 03: King Bees @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle. 7:00pm (doors). Free. Chicago blues.

Friday, August 28, 2020

SSTBB Live Stream - August 28

Alice Grace (vocal); Michael Lamb (trumpet); Jamie Toms (tenor sax); Kieran Parnaby (trombone); Michael Bowman (keys); Michael Whent (bass guitar); Guy Swinton (drums).

The Strictly Smokin' Tiny Big Band provided an enjoyable 45 minutes built around mum to be Alice who sang a choice(ish) selection of standards.

The horns had their moments with Parnaby's solo on Sunny maybe just getting the nod in a photo finish.

Needless to say that Alice, seated throughout, was in good voice and I enjoyed Get Happy; Well Alright, Okay, You Win; Wonderwall; Never Gonna Give you Up; All the Things you Are; Sunny; Straighten up and Fly Right; Let's Do It and, oh yes, Summertime and Fever.


Mike Bowman on piano had a couple of pleasing choruses here and there and the rhythm section, even sans guitar, were solid. It was a good set. A 15 minute interval was announced but I couldn't make the second set. I've no doubt it was on a par with the first. I was pleased to note that the band's Crowdfunder appeal is getting there. It looks good.
Lance

2 comments :

NeilC said...

Thoroughly enjoyed both sets the sound was very rich , clearly whoever mixed the feed did a great job . So pleased they are nearing their target . The only strange thing about the gig, and I am sure they must feel it , is that there is sadly no applause , whistling etc which they so thoroughly deserved.Thank you so much for a great performance.

Ken said...

What a good performance this was ! The (so-called 'tiny') Band were on form, and the sound (balance & quality) were spot on. This can still be viewed on their Website - well worth a listen : https://youtu.be/u8IjIOIvvQc?t=580 (starts at 9m45s)

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