Jazz is where you find it

If you are a regular reader of BSH you  always know where your next gig is coming from. However, there are times when you are off the BSH radar and the unexpected turns up.

I remember wandering around Amsterdam, late at night, as one does in Amsterdam, and hearing some beautiful piano playing from a pokey little bar. 

I went in.

Album review: Chuck Owen and the Jazz Surge - Within Us

There were big bands, there still are - they never went away, they just stopped zig-zagging around the country in worn-out buses and relocated to recording studios and the occasional festival.

Most of them were swing bands such as  Basie, Goodman etc. and, of course, there was Ellington who always had one foot in the groove and one on the concert stage. That he accomplished both magnificently is written in stone and, if Joe Oliver hadn't got in there first then surely he would have been crowned King Ellington.

Jazz on a Summer's Day @ Everyman Cinema, Newcastle - August 30

(Pic by Russell)

I first saw Jazz on a Summer's Day in 1959. I watched it in Newcastle, although I can't remember the cinema. I watched it again the following day in Sunderland and, once more, the name of the cinema escapes me. However, the film remained in my memory long after The Glenn Miller Story was  forgotten.

Since then I've watched JOASD on VHS, DVD and, after the 21st century came upon us, various clips on YouTube.

Dean Masser Quartet @ the Railway, Stockport - August 29

Dean Masser (tenor sax); Andrzej Baranek (keys); Ed Harrison (bass); Brian Costello (drums) + Dave Haswell (drums)

Dean Masser, a tenor player with a big sound who likes to make every note count with an assertive hard-driving approach that makes everyone sit up and take notice.

He was well supported by an excellent rhythm section with Andrzej Baranek sounding particularly inspired on the opening number On Green Dolphin Street even though he must have played it over a thousand times. As far as I know  the drummer Brian Costello who hails from Blackpool has not been to the Railway before, but he did a first-rate job and I hope we get to hear him again before too long. Ed Harrison is a frequent visitor to this venue and is always at the top of his game. Like Dean he resides in the Wigan area.  

Sunday Night Jazz @ the Globe: James Birkett & Bradley Johnston - August 29

James Birkett, Bradley Johnston (guitars)

A beautiful gig and not an effect pedal in sight. No fuzz boxes, wah-wahs, cry babies or distortion units of any kind. Just two Ibanez jazz guitars in the hands of two master practitioners of the art.

The empathy between the two players was pure magic. Two like-minded guitarists on the same wavelength. When one soloed the other provided chordal accompaniment, or maybe a supportive bass-line. There were contrapuntal passages, breathtakingly accurate unison readings of a theme - Swing 42 being a typical example - two playing as one. Ok, perhaps well-rehearsed but that didn't detract from the impact on the listeners.

The Dean Stockdale Trio @ St James' & St Basil's Church - August 29

Dean Stockdale (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Abbie Finn (drums)

Late arriving, taking a pew in the back row, it was encouraging to see a healthy turn out. Due to a less than perfect weather forecast, pianist Dean Stockdale's trio moved indoors. The cavernous space's acoustics don't lend themselves to a concert like this with drummer Abbie Finn in particular not being heard to best effect. On the plus side, Dean took the opportunity to play St James' and St Basil's rather nice piano. 

Tonight @ the Globe

(Press release)

Two of the very best jazz guitarists in the North East - James Birkett & Bradley Johnston- playing together at The Globe on Sunday 29 Aug. Come to the venue or view the livestream. Tickets here https://theglobenewcastle.bar/.../james-birkett-bradley.../ Brad is also running two courses for jazz guitarist starting in Septermber. See here https://theglobenewcastle.bar/learning/

Tim Garland @ the 606 Club - August 28

Tim Garland (tenor/soprano sax/bass clarinet); Jason Rebello (piano); Ant Law (guitar); Conor Chaplin (bass); Rod Youngs (drums)

Another sizzler from the 606. Relaxed social distancing meant a truly full full house and the band responded accordingly. Tim Garland is well-remembered in the north east from his ten year tenure as a Professor of Composition at Newcastle University during which time he made various appearances across the river at Sage Gateshead where, brilliant as they were, often leaned towards the pretentious.

No such leanings tonight at least not in the first set which I enjoyed via livestream. Straight down the middle, no holds barred modern/contemporary jazz.

Aycliffe Radio Jazz Time - Playlist August 29

Requests: Jimmy Durante; Big Bill Broonzy.

Emma Fisk Hot Club Du Nord:

Selection by Bruce Rollo - Bass Player with the Hot Club du Nord: 

Chicago Hoods; Lester Young Quintet; Count Basie; Edmund Hall; Gene Krupa; Oscar Peterson Trio.

Journeys in Modern Jazz: Britain 1965-1972.

John Surman & John Warren; Michael Garrick; Mike Westbrook. 

Coming up in the North East:

Abbie Finn; Struggle Buggy; Niffi Osiyemi; Tyne Valley Big Band; Alice Grace Trio; Peter Morgan Trio.

What's in a name?

As I listened to the latest review album that landed on the turntable of the old Victrola, it occurred to me that, although it was played by a band (no names no pack drill) of players who had not only been to renowned music colleges both here and over there but were probably technically more proficient than the players who created the music they were now draining the emotion from.

I wondered why this should be, I mean they'd studied, paid their dues - well their term fees - some even have doubled barrelled names which was when it clicked!

Jazz on a Summer's Day* in Jarrow - August 28.

(Photos by Russell)

Brian Bennett (banjo); Jim McBriarty (clarinet, tenor sax, vocals); Mick Hill (trumpet, vocals); Phil Rutherford (sousaphone).

The West Park in Jarrow is quite a magnificent setting. Lovingly cared for flowerbeds, swings and other attractions for kids all combine to make this the perfect setting for an idyllic sunny afternoon,

The icing on the cake for those present who are partial to a slice of New Orleans' jazz was the presence of the Vieux Carré Hot Four who played a couple of sets that, hopefully, brought some of the younger listeners to realise that music - and jazz - has been going for a long long time. Maybe it began when Adam serenaded Eve with the original version of Scrapple From the Apple - who knows?

Zoë Gilby Quartet @ The Gala Theatre, Durham - August 27

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

A Tom Harrell project, Zoë Gilby's Aurora album, formed the centre piece of today's lunchtime concert at Durham's Gala Theatre. Once again the main auditorium was utilised to aide social distancing. Zoë and the boys took to the stage without introduction, the first number, Leap to the Limelight, featuring our vocalist's lyrics to a Harrell composition, set the tone. 

Live from Emmet's Place Vol. 67 - August 23

Emmet Cohen (piano); Russell Hall (double bass); Kyle Poole (drums) + Samara Joy (vocals); Julius Rodriguez (piano); TJ Reddick (drums)

It wasn't too long ago when someone quipped: Do you remember live gigs? Now, as things begin to return to something like 'normal', perhaps the question should be: Do you remember live streams? Of course some musicians continue to stream gigs, it's likely some will do so long into the future, particularly if the revenue stream doesn't tail off. One immensely successful weekly stream is Live at Emmet's Place. This week's edition - # 67 in the series - presented pianist Emmet Cohen's trio with one or two special guests.

Album review: Harvey / O'Higgins Project - that's the way to live

Dave O'Higgins (tenor sax); Graham Harvey (piano); Jeremy Brown (bass); Josh Morrison (drums).

A Dave O'Higgins' album is alway a treat. Whether with Mrs O'Higgins, the Brothers Brubeck or a top class rhythm section such as we have here the end result is always one that you can confidently splash the cash on, safe in the knowledge that you won't be demanding your money back the next day.

Beryl Bryden in Saltburn

On a recent visit to Saltburn Arts to catch the second of Joe Webb's two 'Art of Tatum' gigs in a day, your correspondent was alerted to an exhibition of drawings by Beryl Bryden in Saltburn Arts' bar. What's that? Beryl Bryden, skiffle era washboard ace, a visual artist? It seems few, if any, of those present were aware of Bryden's accomplishments as a portrait artist. 

Mac Rae Funeral Update

For those who missed it, the Evening Chronicle obituary is reproduced below. Please note the sentence I've highlighted  in bold text. Lance

James Malcolm Rae

(Mac) (Felling) Passed away at home on 11th August 2021 aged 82 years. Mac, a beloved Husband of Maria, a much-loved Dad to Andrew and Helen, Father-in-law to Lynne, a devoted Grandad to Emily, a dearly loved Brother of the late David and Sister-in-law Linda, and a special Uncle and friend to many. Please meet for service at St. Patrick's RC Church, Felling on Thursday 2nd September 2021 at 10:30am. Committal to follow at Saltwell Crematorium. Invites on who can enter the church will follow from Mac's family. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Cancer Research UK via a collection in church. All enquiries to Walker & Morrell Funeral.

SNJO returns to the stage for LIVE at 25 celebration

(Photo © Derek Clark)

(Press release)

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary with a return to live performance at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh on Friday 24 September at 7:30pm.

LIVE at 25 will feature music from across the orchestra’s lifespan and highlights the continuing emergence of jazz talent in Scotland. The award-winning young trombonists Anoushka Nanguy* and Liam Shortall take their places as soloists and section players in a programme drawn from almost 100 years of jazz history as well as the classical and Scottish music traditions. 

Paul Hartley Quartet w. Mike Hope @ The Railway, Stockport - August 24

Paul Hartley (guitars); Ed Harrison (bass); Eryl Roberts (drums); Mike Hope (tenor sax).

Paul’s guest on this occasion was a player who, like a previous guest Suzanne Fonseca, is a member of the famed Syd Lawrence Orchestra, playing tenor/alto sax and clarinet.

For his trip to the Railway he elected to bring his tenor sax and he played a nice selection of tunes starting with an up-tempo workout on Parker’s Relaxin’ at Camarillo  If I had to describe Mike Hope’s playing approach I would say a mixture of Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, with a hint of Warne Marsh. He certainly knows his way around the saxophone and he was well served by the rhythm section who benefited greatly from the presence of Ed Harrison - if you need a first rate bassman he is the one to get.

Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club - August 25

Mick Hill (trumpet, vocal); John Faragher (clarinet); Jim McBriarty (tenor sax, vocals); Brian Bennett (banjo); Jude Murphy (bass, vocal); Tommy Graham (drums) + John Broddle (vocals).

This afternoon's  return to the Crescent Club by the Vieux Carré Jazzmen was also designated as a tribute to Mac Rae who left us a couple of weeks back, almost to the day.

The revamped Vieux Carré built their programme around numbers loosely associated with the late multi-instrumentalist who probably played or sang just about every known jazz standard  during the course of his lifetime.

Jazz @ the Gala is back again - Zoë Gilby Quartet play music from Aurora and other songs

(Photo by Ken Drew)

 (Press release)

The second of the revived Lunchtime Jazz concerts at the Durham Gala is this Friday, 27 August, from 1.00 to 2.00pm. We're pleased to welcome back Zoë Gilby and her Quartet. Since featuring in the very first Lunchtime Jazz at the Gala some 7 years ago Zoë's star has continued to rise. In 2019 she received the Parliamentary Jazz Vocalist of the Year Award, since when she has released two (very different) albums.

Northern Jazz Promoters Network Paid Internship Project and Promoter CPD Workshops

(Press release)

Established jazz promoters in the North of England are looking for people to come and learn how to promote world class jazz, whilst also providing a series of workshops available to existing jazz promoters to help support long term sustainability.

Jazz North East in Newcastle, Jazz Leeds, Wakefield Jazz, NQ Jazz in Manchester and Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues club will offer paid internships that will provide training in all aspects of jazz promotion in different environments.

The year-long internships will be open to anyone with an interest in jazz and the desire and potential to build their skills in promoting and developing audiences for the music. Available CPD workshops in audience development and related subjects will enable the interns and also other northern jazz promoters to develop appropriate skills and thus increase the long-term sustainability of the sector in the North.

Charlie Watts (June 2, 1941 - August 24, 2021)

Charlie Watts is gone. Unlike Ringo Starr of Beatles fame, the Rolling Stones' drummer was also involved in the jazz scene via some iconic jazz recordings at least one of which, The Charlie Watts Orchestra - Live Fulham Town Hall, can stand proudly alongside any British big band of any era. An all-star line up that included Pete King, Evan Parker, Jimmy Deuchar - in fact just about anyone who was anyone on the UK jazz scene in 1986 - it swings better than a lot of American name bands did at the time. Jack Bruce played cello and, although Charlie didn't have Adolph Hitler on vibes, he did have Jim Lawless and Bill le Sage depping for the late Führer.   

Helen Pillinger and Carole Williams Quintet @ the Railway, Stockport – August 22

Carole Williams (keyboards, trombone, vocals); Paul Hartley (guitar); Peter Hartley (bass guitar); Helen Pillinger (tenor sax); Eryl Roberts (drums)

Last night the group featured was an interesting one in that it included three members of the same family - Carole Williams (keyboards, trombone, vocals); husband Paul Hartley (guitar); and son Peter Hartley (bass guitar).

Helen Pillinger is a fine tenor sax player with a tone and style similar to that of Hank Mobley in his latter-day period. I thought her feature,  Isfahan  from Duke’s Far East Suite, was a great rendition. Looking for information on the internet I see she went to Leeds School of Music (now Conservatoire) and later studied at Salford University. The photo shows Carole and Helen on trombone and tenor respectively at the Railway - date unknown.

Adrian Cox Quintet: The New Orleans Clarinet @ Ronnie Scott's - August 22

Adrian Cox (clarinet, vocals); Joe Webb (piano); Denny Ilett (guitar); Simon Read (double bass); Luke Tomlinson (drums)

A long-awaited concert at Ronnie Scott's played to a full house. Adrian Cox called upon his regular quartet sidemen Joe Webb and Simon Read to join guitarist Denny Ilett and drummer Luke Tomlinson to form a five piece outfit to play the music of some of Adrian's favourite clarinet players, specifically that of the master musicians from New Orleans. 

Adrian himself is a masterful musician and it is his engaging personality - on and off stage - which gives him the edge in the popularity stakes. From Cole Porter to Duke Ellington and a whole lot more in between, Adrian's boundless enthusiasm for his subject, allied to an imperious technique, met the jazz heads' expectations and won over the less committed members of the audience. Perhaps some in the latter category have since boned up on the likes of Johnny Dodds, George Lewis, Albert Nicholas and Adrian's main man, Edmond Hall. 

Jimmy Jazz, included in ‘The Guts’ by Roddy Doyle (Vintage Books, 2013)

Jimmy Jazz is a short story appended to the end of The Guts, a 2013 novel by Roddy Doyle and features several of the same characters from the principal novel. It’s a ‘hidden track’ like Her Majesty at the end of Sgt. Pepper’s by the Beatles or English Rose by the Jam at the end of Setting Sons (I don’t know of any examples from the jazz world).

The protagonist is Jimmy Rabbitt, whom we first met as the manager/fixer in The Commitments. Jimmy is now working in the field of vintage Irish rock, assembling compilations and organising reunion tours. He hates jazz; as he says “He wasn’t a bigot, he was just right”. This goes back to a case of teenage sexual frustration when, as a teenager, Jimmy’s girlfriend told him that her parents were out for the day, but they arrived at her house to find her father very much at home and listening to Charlie Parker.

Adrian Cox's Sunday Service with Dave Archer - August 22

Adrian Cox (clarinet, vocals); Dave Archer (guitar) 

A busy man is Adrian Cox. A Saturday night gig with Buster Bloodvessel in Manchester, an early Sunday morning flight to London, taking to the Sunday Service pulpit at one o'clock to preach the N'Awlins' gospel (the subject of this review) with a rehearsal to follow ahead of a sold out gig at Ronnie Scott's this evening. 

More musical history - The Engineers' Club, Newcastle.

Jimmy Easton (pictured rear/centre behind the drummer) retrieved this old photo from his archives.

Taken at the Engineers' Club situated, back then (1960s), behind the Oxford Galleries it was the site of a regular Sunday session.

Of particular interest is the pianist, Mike Carr who went on to greater things as, one of the finest jazz organists, not just in the UK but, arguably in the world. This could well be the earliest known photo of him in a playing situation. Sadly he died in 2017 aged 80. If we can guess his age on the picture it will be a big clue to establishing the year.

Sunday Night Jazz @ the Globe: Happiness and Heartbreak - August 22

Debra Milne (vocals); Steve Summers (tenor sax, soprano sax, perc.); Stu Collingwood (keys).

The problem facing vocalists singing standards is that most of the audience have already heard them done by the great and the good. Taking Sinatra as an example, there's probably been a zillion clones but, the number who actually got close can probably be counted in single figures.

To her credit, Debra Milne doesn't do cloning. Like Ole Blue Eyes, she does it her way so tonight we had a choice selection of tunes delivered in her inimitable style.

CD Review: June Garber – Off The Carousel

June Garber (vocals); Lou Pomanti (keyboards except track 6) + collectively: Steve Heathcote (drums); Marc Rogers (bass); Jake Langley (guitar); Drew Jurecka (strings); William Sperandei (trumpet); Robyn Black (background vocals)

This is one for people who like musical theatre as well as jazz, because some of the singing is close to the more dramatic musical theatre style and the inclusion of strings on most tracks adds to that effect.  No accident because June Garber is also an actor.

Tonight at the Globe it's HAPPINESS AND HEARTBREAK

(Press release)

HAPPINESS AND HEARTBREAK return to The Globe with a selection of classic swinging tunes and heart breaking gems from the Great American Songbook, featuring vocalist Debra Milne, with Stuart Collingwood on keyboard and Steve Summers on saxes.

Vocalist Debra Milne is well established in the north east jazz scene as a distinctive interpreter of jazz standards, although more recently, until the pandemic intervened, she was gaining wider recognition for her original material featured in the Milne Glendinning Band. Previously Debra has performed with and led a number of ensembles, notably Jazz Latin Groove which also featured Steve Summers.

Ed Jones Quartet @ the 606 Club - August 21.

Ed Jones (tenor sax); Ross Stanley (piano); Oli  Hayhurst (bass); Tim Giles (drums).

I first heard Ed Jones back in 2008 when he played a JNE gig at the Corner House as part of a band operating under the strange name of Killer Shrimp. Irrespective of the name, as I wrote at the time 'he swung his ass off'. Just as it was applicable then, so it  was last night at the 606.

Only hours before the gig, the band suddenly found out their bass player couldn't make it. A couple of phone calls and it was sorted - Oli Hayhurst! They don't come much better than that and, with Tim Giles was on drums, the scene was set.

Latest jazz news from Dormans

(Press release)

I am very pleased to announce that as from Thursday 7th. October the Jazz Night at Dormans, Oxford Rd., Middlesbrough will be restarting.

Tees Hot Club, The resident band,  will be using the first night to pay tribute to the late Gerry Hughes. Gerry was the band's regular bass player for many years, sadly passing away earlier this year.

Aycliffe Radio Jazz Time - Playlist

Sundays - 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Tuesdays 8:00pm - 9.30pm.

Playlist - Sunday (Aug 22) repeated Tuesday (Aug 24)

Bix Beiderbecke & The Wolverines. 

Request: Cannonball Adderley Feat. Miles Davis.

Journeys in Modern Jazz Britain (1965-1972): Ken Wheeler & The John Dankworth Orchestra; Don Rendell Quintet; Colin Bates Brew.

Joe Webb: The Art of Tatum @ Saltburn Arts - August 20

Joe Webb (piano); Dave Archer (guitar); Will Sach (double bass)

It was back in November last year that Joe Webb streamed a Kansas Smitty's session devoted to the piano genius Art Tatum. Such was the response, Joe decided to take it on the road. A world premiere performance at Newcastle's Lit & Phil won a standing ovation (see LL's review). A second performance later in the day down in Saltburn couldn't possibly be as good, could it? 

R.I.P. Peter Ind (1928 - 2021)

I've just heard that the great British bass player Peter Ind died yesterday (August 20) at the age of 93.*

My memories of Peter Ind go back to a legendary 1975 session at the Corner House in Whitley Bay. He, along with guitarist Dave Cliff and drummer Al Levitt provided the back up for frontliners Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz and I'm fortunate that someone recorded the session proving that time hadn't sweetened the memory and it was every bit as good as I remembered. Needless to say the two horns were the big attraction but, without Ind's (and Cliff's) harmonic foundation it wouldn't have been the same.

Nubya Garcia @ The Proms - August 18 (BBC 4 broadcast August 20)

Nubya Garcia (tenor sax); Joe Armon-Jones (piano, Fender Rhodes); Daniel Casimir (double bass); Sam Jones (drums); Sheila Maurice-Grey (trumpet, flugel); Vula Malinga, Michelle Ndegwa, Ladonna Young (backing vocals)

Sir Henry Wood gazed down from above in wonder. Below him the Promenaders too gazed in wonder - and so they should - this was something special. We'd already had something special this afternoon at the Lit & Phil and tonight was also special albeit in a totally different way.

The jazz mags have been effusive in their praise of Nubya and her name is not unknown in some of our daily 'quality papers'. Even the New York Times rate her so the portents were ominous - had she been over-hyped?

Emphatically not!

The Joe Webb Trio @ the Lit & Phil - August 20

Joe Webb (piano); Dave Archer (guitar); Will Sach (bass).

The Nat Cole Trio may have begat the Oscar Peterson Trio but, in truth, the begating began with the Art Tatum Trio who set the formula for the piano, guitar, bass trio that was personified in a series of recordings in 1944 recreated here by the Joe Webb Trio at this latest lunchtime session at the Lit & Phil.

And it was some session! It's been a longtime since I witnessed a standing ovation but this afternoon's was well deserved of the honour.

AF3 @ J's & B's - August 19

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

Drummer Abbie Finn's recently released Northern Perspective album formed the centre piece of this evening's concert at St James' and St Basil's Church. Arriving in the Newcastle suburb of Fenham shortly before the seven thirty start it struck your correspondent that the nights are drawing in...it'll soon be Christmas 'n' all that. 

Album review: Antonio Adolpho - Jobim Forever

A well arranged album that, if it didn't have me flying down to Rio, is still very listenable with some tasty solos from the horns, idiomatic piano from the leader and, of course, the ever present bossa nova rhythm.

Ten tracks, some well known and some not so well known and, indeed, it is the numbers in the latter category that I found to be the most interesting. After all, how many more versions of Girl From Ipanema do we need? Paradoxically, although Agua De Beber could be said to belong to the more familiar end of the spectrum, the arrangement, with cracking solos from Adolfo and Rocha, is probably the one to check out first.

Dave Lee: Jazz Tales 1 - 5

Maurice Summerfield sent me some intriguing and entertaining YouTube clips of events that stand out in pianist Dave Lee's 95 year old memory.

Dave, who most of us will remember as pianist with the Johnny Dankworth Band before emigrating to New York, was actually brought up in Whitley Bay.

In between his reminiscences he plays some nice piano. Let's hope he tells us some more tales out of school and, even if the subjects were still alive there'd be no actions taken for libel/slander- they're all lovely.

Michael Janisch Band to play Ronnie's

An exciting gig coming up at Ronnie's in September (Monday 13) - the Michael Janisch Band. Don't take my word for it - just make a note of the personnel - Michael Janisch (elec/acc bass); George Crowley (tenor sax); Nat Facey (alto sax); Rick Simpson (piano/keys); Shaney Forbes (drums). Looks good? then visit here for more details ... Lance

George Grundy Quartet @ The Railway, Stockport - August 17

Aaron Wood  (trumpet); Richard Jones  (piano);  Bim Williams (bass);  George Grundy (drums)

The first tune of the evening It Could Happen To You  turned out to be highly appropriate as drummer George Grundy explained to a small group of jazz fans that the trumpet player had gone to another Railway Pub in Stockport.  Fortunately, it was close by and the problem was solved by making the opening number a feature for Richard Jones on the house upright piano plus bass and drums.  

Grifftides playlist for Thursday Aug 19

Frank Griffith's weekly radio show, "Grifftides", this week on www.mykindamusic24.com will include new releases from John Hart, Karen Sharp, Georgia Mancio, Tina May, Mike Tracy, Rob Schepps, Scott Reeves and Ed Puddick. Thursday night at 9:00pm, UK time. Dig the sounds...

Preview: Nubya Garcia at the Proms (Wednesday 18)

From Camden Town to Trinity Laban to APPJAG winner, tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia is to play the Proms. At 7:30 tonight (August 18) Nubya will take to the Royal Albert Hall stage to perform in front of 'prommers' and a BBC Radio 3 audience. On Friday the Beeb will broadcast the event on BBC4 (7:00pm). Russell

Jazz in the Afternoon @ Cullercoats Crescent Club - August 16

Herbie Hudson (trombone, harmonica, vocals); Brian Chester (keyboards); Dave Percy (bass guitar); Ian Hetherington (drums) + Brian Lynam (harmonica); Marilyn Hunter (vocals); Teresa Armstrong (vocals); John Broddle (vocals)

Nothing much had changed, except for just the one hand pull on the bar instead of the usual four or five beers to choose from. And until the cook returns next week, it's a toastie or crisps or nuts. The Cullercoats' regulars turned out, yes, nothing much had changed. Monday, one o'clock, Jazz in the Afternoon.

Mac Rae Funeral details

2 September, 10:30am @ St Patrick's Catholic Church, Felling.

11:15am @ Saltwell Crematorium.

Followed by refreshments at Holly Hill Club, Felling.

See also.

RIP Ronnell Bright (1930 - August 12, 2021)

The art of the accompanist is a skill as important as that of the star in the spotlight each is dependent on the other, the accompanist being, in effect, the tightrope walker's safety net.

During the course of his 91 years Ronnell Bright, who died on August 12, frequently was that safety net for singers such as Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O'Day, Lena Horne and Nancy Wilson to name but a few as well as recording with Shirley Scott, Coleman Hawkins, Harry Edison and the above singers.

Film review: Summer of Soul

The Summer of Soul 

finally arrives, over half a century after the event happened, at a time it’s hard to imagine as anything other than a long, dark, cold winter for soul.

I went with big brother, who taught me well that being a soul fan is for life and not just for soul nights. It’s not just for a change from ‘normal’ music, and it isn’t ‘normal’ music. It’s not for people who don’t want to listen to anything anybody else has heard and it’s not for people who only want to listen to music everybody has heard.

Suzanne Fonseca Quartet @ The Railway, Stockport - August 15

Suzanne w. Wally Davis in 2016

Suzanne Fonseca (trombone); Jim Faulkner (guitar); Ed Harrison (bass); Danny Ward (drums) + Adrian Wilkinson (clarinet).

One of the most popular jazz musicians to be seen and heard at the Railway is trombone maestro Suzanne Fonseca and if you want to get a good seat, get there early because the room is usually almost full before she plays a note! She is somewhat of a legend in the North West and rightly so - she really is an awesome player with a great sound and making it all look so easy, but I daresay it is anything but.

About two years ago Suzanne usually fronted a quintet which featured Wally Davis, an old friend of mine, on tenor, alto and soprano sax who, like me, was a big fan of the great Sonny Stitt.

Vieux Carré latest

(Press release)

The Vieux Carré Jazzmen restart their weekly afternoon jazz session at Cullercoats Crescent Club on WEDNESDAY 25 AUGUST.

Band: MICK HILL trumpet, LAWRENCE McBRIARTY trombone, JOHN FARRAGHER clarinet & vocals, BRIAN BENNETT banjo, JUDE MURPHY string bass & vocals, FRED THOMPSON drums & vocals.

We look forward to seeing all our friends and supporters at this celebratory opening session of traditional jazz which will be dedicated to the memory of our good friend, trumpeter and clarinetist, Mac Rae, who sadly passed away last week. 

Showtime: 1.00 - 3.00pm.

Brian Bennett