R.I.P Margaret Aitchison

Just received the sad news that Margaret Aitchison, widow of the late trumpet player Hughie Aitchison died yesterday (Sept. 29).

Margaret was well known on the northeast jazz scene for many years usually in the company of her husband and later, after Hughie's death, with one of her sons.

I found her to be a lovely person and we exchanged Xmas cards until recently.

We read about Covid-19 in the media but it's when it hits someone you know that you start to take it seriously.

May she Rest In Peace,

Lance

New book: Improvising on a Theme by Cormac Loane

(Press release)

  ----- 

A review will follow shortly. Suffice to say it is essential reading for anyone involved in music education not only in Birmingham but anywhere!

If it had been completed a couple of month's later the final chapter may have been very different ...

Lance

Toon Big Band to play Newport

JC - the "Man from Galilee" or was it Galway? - has reminded me that the 11 piece Toon Big Band play Newport tonight. A gig possibly set up by George Wein when he was last over here at Blaydon Jazz Club.

Stomping off at 5:30pm, their international line up will play 2 x 45 minute sets with video cameras at the ready to spot any wrong notes - including accidentals.

It is hoped, but not expected, that the band will repeat their 1946 Newport gig when they played 13 storming numbers, 6 of them featuring Len Shackleton, 4 by Charlie Wayman, 2 by Roy Bentley and 1 by Jackie Milburn. Surprisingly, Milburn was the only one to be honoured with a statue outside of the open air concert hall which never saw anything like it again until the Rolling Stones played there on their way to Wembley in 1982.

Will the Toon Big Band make it to Wembley this year?

Lance

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra releases its third video of the pandemic, featuring Kurt Elling

Transatlantic connection inspires fiery orchestral manoeuvres!

(Press release/Photo courtesy of Derek Clark Photography)

Feistiness, defiance, creativity, and down-home gospel-blues grooves fire up the latest video “single” from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Courage: Jeep on 35°.

Featuring special guest, Chicagoan vocalist Kurt Elling, the video captures singer and orchestra in exuberant form in front of an enthusiastic Glasgow audience at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Jeep on 35° is a composition by triple Grammy Award-winning guitarist John Scofield, here given a vocalese with attitude by Nina Clark, the English musical activist and 21st century minstrel.

Ray Gelato & The Giants live streaming from Ronnie Scott's - Sept. 28

Ray Gelato (vocals, tenor sax); Oliver Wilby (tenor sax, alto sax); Daniel Marsden (trumpet); Andrew Rogers (trombone); Gunther Kurmay (piano); Manuel Alvarez (double bass); Ed Richardson (drums) + Emma Smith (vocals).

Way back in the day, musicians like Louis Jordan and Louis Prima had the absurd idea that jazz should not only be entertaining but also a fun thing for both band and audience. The critics disagreed. Jazz was an art form to be listened to in concert halls and in reverential silence.

Ken Burns' Jazz continues...

Tonight (Monday) at 9:45 on PBS America (Freeview) Ken Burns' epic documentary series Jazz enters the home straight. Six episodes down, six to go with the final one to be screened next Monday (October 5). Wynton Marsalis is the 'go to' talking head and this evening's installment - Swinging with Change: 1940-1942 - will once again be repeated tomorrow afternoon, thus maintaining the pattern of the first six programmes. 

The remaining five episodes (four of them with slightly different start times) are scheduled as follows: 

Tuesday 29 (9:45) Dedicated to Chaos: 1943-1945

Wednesday 30 (9:50) Risk: 1945-1949

Thursday 1 (9:40) Irresistible:1949-1955

Friday 2 (9:40) The Adventure: 1956-1960

Monday 5 (9:40) A Masterpiece by Midnight: 1960 to the Present 

Russell        

HOW I FELL IN LOVE WITH JAZZ - Video Contest

Find out more ...

The Glenn Crytzer Sextet live streaming from NYC: The Courtyard Concert #8 - Sept. 27

Mike Davis (trumpet, vocals); Jim Fryer (trombone); Ricky Alexander (clarinet); Glenn Crytzer (guitar, banjo, vocals); Jay Rattman (bass saxophone); Jay Lepley (drums)

Two thirty in the afternoon in New York,  seven thirty in the evening in Newcastle upon Tyne. 26° in NYC, 8° in Newcastle - where would you rather be? Well, thanks to the musician's new-found friend - the live stream - we were transported for one hour only to the city that never sleeps as band leader Glenn Crytzer presented another in his series of Courtyard Concert sessions.

Album review: Raphaël Pannier Quartet - Faune

Raphaël Pannier (drums/arr/comp); Miguel Zenón (alto sax); Aaron Goldberg (piano); Francois Moutin (bass) + Giorgi Mikadize (classical piano tks. 4 & 8).

Paris-born, Berklee graduate Pannier, now based in NYC, combines with alto saxist Zenón to produce that rarely successful hybrid - the marriage of jazz and classical music. Most dalliances of this nature fail because the opposing factions don't usually like what the other side brings to the table.

I'd like to think this compelling albums proves to be the exception, it certainly works for me. 

Sunday Service: Adrian Cox & Joe Webb live streaming from Toulouse Lautrec, London - Sept. 27

Adrian Cox (clarinet, vocals); Joe Webb (piano)

Another Sunday, another Sunday Service. Adrian Cox made a return
visit to Toulouse Lautrec in south London to play a set of tunes focussing on the music of Edmond Hall. Accompanying our clarinetist once again was pianist Joe Webb, the same compatible duo as last week. As always, Cox paused from time to time to acknowledge some of the many comments posted during this afternoon's live stream.

Edmond Hall's Swing Session album formed the basis of today's set. Eleven numbers in little over one hour, Cox and Webb, one half of Cox's regular quartet (Simon Read and Gethin Jones the 'other half'), recalled touring the Profoundly Blue show a couple of years ago (Bebop Spoken Here was in attendance at the band's superb concert at the Watchtower Gallery in Berwick upon Tweed). The boys stuck with the Commodore album's running order, beginning with The Downtown Piano Blues. As ever, this was top quality stuff from the amiable duo. 

Album review: Massimo Biolcati - Incontre

Massimo Biolcati (bass); Dayna Stephens (tenor/baritone saxes); Sam Yahel (piano/organ); Jongkuk Kim (drums). 

Having spent a lifetime listening to jazz and currently trying to keep up with who's hot and who's getting warmer by the minute I still find new names dropping through the letterbox almost daily. Particularly from Trumpland. Going by what I read in the papers I'm surprised the musicians themselves don't deliver in person.

EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL 2020 - FRIDAY 13 - SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER

(Press release)

The 2020 EFG London Jazz Festival was launched last night in a special online event here   

 

In July we promised a Festival that was ‘Living in Two Worlds’, blending live music and digital streams in a wide-ranging programme and we are well on the way to delivering that with 100 live shows confirmed in 10 days and 50 specially created streams so far, taking place in 25 venues.   

 

'In this unprecedented year, we've managed to transform the challenges into a positive motivation. Inspired by the creative response of artists, musicians and the scene in general, we’ve worked together to make the Festival happen and can’t wait to share the buzzing music of the UK, alongside unique performances by international artists with a global audience’ (Pelin Opcin, Director of the EFG London Jazz Festival).

Abbie Finn Trio @ Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle - Sept. 24

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

A couple of years ago drummer Abbie Finn (Leeds College of Music/Trinity Laban graduate) and saxophonist Harry Keeble (Leeds College of Music graduate) joined forces with Tyneside based bassist Paul Grainger to play classic Modern/contemporary jazz charts alongside some original material. Six months ago a debut album and tour dates were announced then lockdown put things on the back burner.

Bruno Heinen Trio going Out of Doors next year.

(Press release)

The Bruno Heinen Trio are finally all getting together to play, since the cancellation of their spring/summer tour for Out of Doors album, released 22 May*.  Hooray, can still only dream of get-togethers here [Melbourne].

VIA ZOOM organised by Streams at Honolulu Bay

Tuesday, September 29 at 8pm:   Bruno Heinoin – piano, Andrea Di Biase - double bass, and Gene Calderazzo - drums

https://www.honolulurecords.com/streams-in-honolulu-bay

 

Bruno solo livestream for Bamzu

Wednesday 28 October : https://www.bamzu.co.uk/

 

The Ronnie Scott All-Stars Present Dave Brubeck's Time Out - Live stream @ Ronnie Scott's - Sept. 24

James Pearson (piano); Alex Garnett (alto sax); Sam Burgess (bass); Chris Higginbottom (drums).

Another gem from Ronnie's this time it's the house band paying tribute to Dave Brubeck's iconic 1959 album - Time Out.

Of course everyone knows Take Five, most people know Blue Rondo à la Turk and It's a Raggy Waltz whilst perhaps slightly fewer are familiar with Strange Meadowlark; Three to Get Ready; Kathy's Waltz and Everybody's Jumpin'. However, I guarantee no one had heard Gotham City Lockdown. Why? Because James Pearson had only composed the piece that very afternoon! If he hadn't confessed then I'm sure he could have fooled everyone into thinking it was a recently discovered manuscript by the master himself.

Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ The Holystone - Sept. 24

Jim McBriarty (clarinet, vocals); Lawrence McBriarty (trombone); Brian Bennett (banjo); Bill Colledge (bass guitar); Fred Thompson (drums, vocals) + John Broddle (vocals) 

The Vieux Carré Jazzmen were quick out of the blocks when pubs first reopened, initially performing in the Holystone's pub beer garden, more recently indoors. Now it's face coverings on entry, face coverings when moving around the premises, face coverings to exit, this is the gig-going experience, seemingly for the next six months. Today's inclement weather no doubt deterred some, no doubt others opted to forego the 'new normal'. The VCJ set sail on the little heard Mezz Mezzrow-Sidney Bechet number Out of the Gallion. 

Album review: Tenement Jazz Band - Tenement Jazz Band Goes South

Chuck Deerness (trumpet); Paddy Darley (trombone); Steven Feast (reeds); John Youngs (banjo, guitar); Doug Kemp (double bass)

The Tenement Jazz Band came out of nowhere. It was at the beginning of 2018 when the band first registered on BSH's radar. A matter of weeks later the Edinburgh based outfit made a first visit to Tyneside. On that occasion Prohibition Bar was crowded and subsequent appearances on Tyneside and a sold out concert at Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club enhanced a rapidly growing, word-of-mouth reputation.

Album review: Eddie Daniels - Night Kisses. A Tribute to Ivan Lins

Eddie Daniels (clarinet/flute/tenor sax); Josh Nelson,
Kuno Schmid, Dave Grusin, Bob James (piano various tracks.); Kevin Axt (bass); Maurice Zottarelli (drums) + Harlem Quartet (strings).  

Brazilian singer/composer Ivan Lins may not be a well known name this side of the Atlantic and, despite having had his songs recorded by such as Barbra Streisand and Sarah Vaughan probably not as big a household name in the United States as he should be either although I could be - and I hope I am - wrong. His compositions tell the world that there is more to his native land than the bossa nova.

In Eddie Daniels he has the perfect exponent and the multi-instrumentalist does him justice.

Paul Edis Plays Thelonious Monk. Live stream - Sept. 22

Paul Edis (piano)

Once again Paul Edis pops up on YouTube for another satisfying exploration  into the works of one of his heroes. Last week Bill Evans, this week Thelonious Monk. Two unique pianists diametrically opposed but both equally creative in their individual approach to composition and improvisation.

Evans is probably the more accessible player for anyone coming to the
music of either for the first time. Indeed it took me many years before I accepted Monk's piano playing for the stroke of genius that it was. Edis' comparision with Picasso I found very apt. I have many CDs and LPs by Monk all bought because they featured Coltrane, Rollins, Johnny Griffin or, particularly, Charlie Rouse so that when I did finally cotton on to Monk it was like hearing them as if it was the first time.

Steve Andrews remembers one of those special nights

Just read your piece re Simon Spillett and the comment therein from Bill Shaw, which I absolutely agree with. I enclose a little piece I wrote a few years ago after a particularly happy night at the little Roundhouse Theatre in Staveley, near Windermere. At just short of 60 I was the baby of the band - Tim Belford was 90 and blind by then - but everything seemed to fall into place that night, so when I got home, still buzzing, I poured a refreshing glass of Scottish fluid and sat down and wrote this to try and capture the feeling on paper before it dissipated. 

I can't say it was the best night I ever had, but it was certainly one of them, and I'm glad I made a record (although, sadly, not a recording!) to remember it by. Steve Andrews.

How was it for you?

Reading Simon Spillett’s self-doubts on Facebook I thought, what wouldn’t I give to have those self-doubts? Thinking about it made me realise that music, and jazz in particular is, like chess, Lord Lucan and Shergar  the ultimate impossible quest. If it wasn’t then we’d all still be playing last year’s greatest hit.

I recall a conversation with the late Bill Shaw, drummer, cartoonist and observer of life saying to me, “If, during the course of your life, you play one gig where, in your mind, it all happened then that makes it all worthwhile”. He went on to say that you may play night after night, get paid and rebooked but only you know if or when you’d hit that special moment.

Bearing in mind that we were both at the bottom end of the totem pole it may seem irrelevant but it would be interesting to hear from other musicians. Is every gig a day at the office or, if not, what makes for that special moment?

Free booze, permissive company or a big fat fee (if only!) don’t count.

So what made your special gig special?

Lance

Living in Shadows to release Sending Electricity, second single from upcoming album

(Press release)

Photography by Adam Kennedy.

Hot on the heels of their debut release in late July, Living in Shadows, the award-winning Zoë Gilby and multi-instrumentalist Andy Champion release their second single, Sending Electricity, available late September.

Where For the Day portrayed the concept of motion, Sending Electricity reveals the affairs of the heart and the concept of love, no matter the distance.

Initially penned by Zoë whilst Andy was away touring, the All Parliamentary Jazz Awards Jazz Vocalist of the Year provided insight into the new track, saying: “I wrote the lyrics and melody to Sending Electricity whilst Andy was away on tour.

The Riviera Quartet, live and online @ The Globe Jazz Bar, Newcastle - Sept. 20

Pete Tanton (flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals, shakers); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (bass); Russ Morgan (drums).

It was a great feeling to be at a live, indoor gig in an actual jazz club. The ever forward thinking Jazz Co-op have kept the jazz flame burning in the northeast with a regular programme of live streams featuring both local and national names since lockdown began. However, this was the first actual jazz gig at the venue where a small, socially distanced, credit card wielding audience of bottled beer drinkers and wine connoisseurs ventured forth into the redecorated, refurnished, refurbished and more spacious ground floor bar. 

Sunday Service: Adrian Cox & Joe Webb live streaming from Toulouse Lautrec, London - Sept. 20

Adrian Cox (clarinet, vocals); Joe Webb (piano) 

Adrian Cox has been live streaming weekly for much of the lockdown period and today stated his intention to continue indefinitely with his self-styled, online 'Sunday Service' sessions. The majority of the clarinetist's streams have been from his London home, exceptions being a session from Gun Hill Studios in Sussex (Dave Newton was on piano) and a virtual NYC set under the auspices of Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club. Today Cox, in the company of pianist Joe Webb, came direct from Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club, Kennington, London.  

Album review: Diana Krall - This Dream of You

There are singers and there are singers and then there is Diana Krall.

Anyone doubting her class need only listen to any 11 of the 12 tracks on this Verve album. An album as emotional as any late-nighter issued since Sinatra laid down the bench mark way back In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning. The phrasing, the feeling, the relaxation that only comes when the lights are dimmed, are all here. Sometimes it's a satisfied contentment at the start of a new romance, other times it's the sadness when love goes wrong. Krall handles both extremes as well as the ones in between, usually accompanied by her distinctive piano playing.

Film preview: Chicago (Freeview, 5 Star, Saturday 19)

The film of the stage musical Chicago is on 5 Star (Freeview channel 30) tonight (Saturday) at 9:00pm. Set in twenties' Chicago, Renée Zellweger stars as Roxie Hart and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly in Rob Marshall's 2002 box office smash. Roxie and Velma land up in prison but that doesn't stop them dreaming of showbusiness stardom. 

The jazz interest is in the soundtrack which features a host of top British jazz musicians. Some of the household names are: Alan Barnes, Pete Beachill, Dave Bishop, Stuart Brooks, Chris Garrick, Mike Lovatt, Paul Morgan, Mark Nightingale, Stan Sulzmann, Jamie Talbot and Derek Watkins.

BSH Editor-in-Chief LL has seen Chicago on stage and screen and suggests that if you're yet to catch up with it tune in tonight as it's well worth watching.  

Russell

Album review: Artemis.

Renee Rosnes (piano); Ingrid Jensen (trumpet); Melissa Aldana (tenor sax); Anat Cohen (clarinet); Norika Ueda (bass); Allison Miller (drums); Cecilé McLorin Salvant (voice).

Artemis graced the cover of this month's DownBeat and only the very best achieve that accolade. The article/interview whetted my appetite. I had to hear this band and, not long after, a CD dropped through the letterbox. I forgot about the microwave and my Chicken à la King, Le Tour on the telly - I even, almost, forgot to feed the cat! Almost - cats don't allow such distractions! However, once the Sheba Perfect Portions had been dished out, the player was cranked up and the music flowed.

Album review: Judith & Dave O'Higgins - His 'n' Hers

Judith and Dave O’Higgins (tenor saxes); Graham Harvey (piano); Jeremy Brown (bass); Josh Morrison (drums).

Musical partnerships that are also romantic ones are not unusual. Rarer, are ones where the lovebirds play the  same instrument. My parents were both talented pianists and although my mother was by far the more accomplished player it was never an issue between them – who’s washing the dishes? was likely to be a more important matter than who  did what when playing a Bach or Beethoven Sonata.

Likewise, I’m sure the O’Higgins have found soulmates in each other and, although the blurb describes it as a swinging tough tenors face-off it is more of a mutual admiration society with both horns complementing (and complimenting) each other though I doubt if either of them are holding anything back – there’s no need to as both are up for it.

Earlier start at Sunniside

Following government guidelines, next Thursday's session by the Maine Street Jazzmen at Sunniside Social Club will stomp off at the earlier time of 8:00pm finishing at 10:00pm. See the above listings for full details.

Lance

At Last - well maybe not quite yet

I first heard At Last as the B-side of Glenn Miller's I've Got a Girl in Kalamazoo. Despite being written by all-time greats Mack Gordon and Harry Warren and featured in the film Sun Valley Serenade (or was it Orchestra Wives?), it never registered with me.

Kalamazoo had Tex Beneke and The Modernaires whereas At Last had Ray Eberle - the worst of all the big band vocalists - no wonder Sinatra took his chance!

Preview: Ken Burns' Jazz (PBS America)

Tomorrow (Friday) the first part of Ken Burns' monumental series Jazz is being shown on PBS America (UK). First screened in January 2001, documentary film maker Burns' ten-part epic runs to something like nineteen hours with Keith David narrating. Contributors are many including Stanley Crouch (sadly Mr Crouch died yesterday, September 16), Gary Giddins and Wynton Marsalis. And, of course, there is the jazz, lots of jazz. Part 1 - Gumbo (9:45pm).

Stanley Crouch (1945 - 2020)

Controversial and perceptive jazz critic Stanley Crouch died yesterday (Sept.16) at the surprisingly young age of 74. I say "surprisingly" as he seemed to have been around as long as I can remember giving the impression of greater longevity.

The NY Times obituary below paints a greater picture than I hope to do so I won't attempt to rehash what more knowledgeable people than I have done except to say that his acclaimed biography of the early life of Charlie Parker, Kansas City Lightning, is one of the jewels in the crown of jazz literature.

He will be sadly missed, may he Rest In Peace.

Lance

New York Times obituary

Liane Carroll & Roger Carey live stream - Sept. 16

Liane Carroll (piano/vocals); Roger Carey (bass guitar). 

As ever, I turned up late and only caught the final three numbers. Needless to say, they were absolute crackers - even Over the Rainbow which I normally file alongside Summertime as a must to avoid. Not tonight though, tonight Liane did Harold Arlen proud.

Preview: The Jazz Show with Jamie Cullum - tonight!

The Jazz Show with Jamie Cullum does what it says on the tin. Tonight's edition of the long-running weekly programme includes a feature on Kansas Smitty's  bandleader Giacomo Smith who discusses his introduction to jazz, influences (clarinetists, no doubt) and the band's latest album. Tune to Radio 2 at 9:00pm.  

Russell 

Album Review: Ninna Milner – Treasures of the Heart

Ninna Milner (vocals, percussion); Lars Emil Riis (piano, keyboard); Thomas Raae (bass, cello, guitar, various tracks); Lis Wessberg (trombone 3 tracks)

Ninna Milner lives with her family in Osterbro, Copenhagen, where her husband owns the Drumstick shop. She has taken lessons with Rhiannon in Hawaii and with Bobby McFerrin in New York, performed at the Beijing Jazz Festival with a Chinese trio in 2007 and sings regularly at Cafe Intime in Copenhagen. In fact Ms Milner has taken part in many concerts since the mid-1980s. This is her fifth solo album, which has influences from spirituality and World Music.

Simon Spillett

Simon Spillett's latest Facebook post is just about as revealing a post as any musician, jazz or otherwise has ever posted. That it comes from one of the finest tenor players on the scene says a lot, not just about the man or the current scene, as it surely relates to anyone in an artistic environment who depends on a live performance, not just for the money although, naturally, that is of paramount importance, but the satisfaction gained from the give and take that only comes when performing in front of an actual live audience.

Haruka Kikuchi - Live Stream from New Orleans - Sept. 13

Haruka Kikuchi (trombone); Z2 Tsuji (piano); Nobu Ozaki (bass).

It may have been warm enough to bask out in the sun at Newcastle but over in New Orleans it mustn't have been so conducive to gig outdoors as this week's Sunday session from the Kikuchi household took place indoors.

The trio were in top form rattling through a selection of good old good ones "aided and abetted" by Shouta who made more noise with his rattles and shakers than your average Latin percussionist.

Zoë Gilby Trio @ St James' & St Basil's Church, Newcastle - Sept. 13

Zoë Gilby (vocals); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass)

Mid September, 20°, clear blue sky, sun shining. It was as if someone had placed an order for an idyllic early autumn day. A capacity, socially distanced audience arrived at St James' and St Basil's Church in Fenham, Newcastle to hear the Zoë Gilby Trio live, in concert for the first time in something like six months. Zoë and the boys - Mark Williams and Andy Champion - played two sets of familiar material, familiar to those who know their standards and APPJAG award-winning vocalist Zoë's original material, much of it written in conjunction with bassist Andy Champion.

Facebook to block music live streams!

The word is out that, as of October 1, music live streams will no longer be permitted on Facebook.

Nice one!
More details.
Lance

Smokin' Spitfires @ Route 72 Cafe, Newcastle - Sept. 12

Neil Hunter (vocals); Alan Thompson (tenor sax); Terry O'Hern (trombone); Mike Hepple (organ, vocals); Bob Garrington (guitar); Ian Rigby (bass guitar, vocals); Gary Cain (drums)

Sustrans develops and maintains the National Cycle Network. Routes criss cross the country. Route 72 runs from Kendal, winding its way via the west coast of England over to Northumberland and down onto Tyneside, a journey of some one hundred and seventy something miles. Cyclists, some clad in lycra, stop off at intervals to refuel with water, tea, coffee, cake. Some refuel with a pint or three.

Album review: Horizons Jazz Orchestra - The Brite Side

I initially confused this band with the South Florida Jazz Orchestra which, given that both bands are based in South Florida and both have Mike Brignola in the sax section, may be excusable and, hopefully, exonerate me from the wrath of Mouthpiece Music's Holly Cooper!

Just as SFJO's album is dedicated to the music of Rick Margitza,  the HJO pay tribute to  Lee Harris.

The late Harris, composer/arranger/baritone saxist, sadly passed away before the project he instigated was completed but the music is a worthy tribute to his skills as both a composer and arranger.

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It ...

Blogger, Facebook, Flickr and goodness knows how many others have decided to "improve" things which, as most of us all know, usually means exactly the opposite.

So, if things don't run as speedily as we/you would like them to, don't blame it on me or the bossa nova, just put it down to "progress".

Lance.

Still Awake: Teresa Danby & Bert Louissen @ Prohibition Bar - Sept. 11

Teresa Danby (vocals); Bert Louissen (piano, guitar, vocals)

Bert Louissen first came onto BSH's radar at Newcastle Jazz Co-op's Railway Street HQ. On that occasion the Dutchman was singing Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. Tonight at Prohibition Bar Bert was in the company of singer Teresa Danby. The duo, calling themselves Still Awake, would play three relaxed sets of popular pop numbers.

In Tune with Zoe Rahman - Sept 11

Early evening today (Friday) Zoe Rahman played a home session specially recorded for BBC Radio 3's In Tune programme (5:00-7:00pm). Two companion piece numbers back to back - Zantastic (fantastic boogie-woogie left hand) and Epicentre - preceded a telephone conversation with Sean Rafferty, concluding with a track (Conversation with Nellie) from Rahman's album Kindred Spirits. Ms Rahman's spot comes at about 90 mins in. Listen again at: www.bbc.co.uk

Russell

Preview: Jazz Japan on Radio 3 - Friday 11

Tonight at ten o'clock on Radio 3 there is another chance to hear a programme first broadcast in the Sunday Feature documentary strand in March 2019. Musician and journalist Katherine Whatley investigates the history of jazz in Japan. Based in Tokyo, Whatley spent much of her childhood in the country and has an interest in free jazz and improvised music and in Jazz Japan she explores the music described during WWII as 'enemy music' which would go on to become a much-loved, post-war art form.      

Russell

Storyville to South Shields

There's a new pub/micro brewery opening in Portberry St., South Shields tomorrow (Saturday Sept. 12).

It's called One More Than Two.

Initially, they're producing 5 brews all with long names. For example a 3.8% blonde beer is called (not entirely an original name) I Am A Brewer But If Mummy Asks I Am A Pianist In A Brothel.

I wonder  if the bartender would know what I was talking about if I asked for a pint of Jelly Roll Morton?

Lance
PS: Open to the public Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Monday to Thursday takeaway only.

Leo Richardson Quartet - Live stream from Ronnie Scott's - Sept. 10

Leo Richardson (tenor sax); Rick Simpson (piano); Tim Thornton (bass); Ed Richardson (drums).

Never has the expression hitting the deck running been more apt than tonight at Ronnie's.  The band powered in with such force that they must surely have cut a rut across the stage. Well, maybe not a rut but certainly a groove and this was just the opener!

It was a breathtaking start and one which didn't let up from start to finish apart from a couple of delightful ballads one of which, Elisha's Song, dedicated to Leo's niece almost brought tears to my eyes, such was the emotions conveyed.