Bebop Spoken There

Ron Carter quoting Sonny Rollins: ''What we call jazz - that's keeping the world in equilibrium. I don't care what kind of music you like out here today. It all comes from jazz.'' (DownBeat August, 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

18799 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 663 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Aug. 12) 32.

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

August

Thu 13: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 13: Eva Fox & the Sound Hounds @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 13: 58 Jazz Collective @ The Blacksmith’s Arms, Stranton, Hartlepool. 8:00pm. Free. CANCELLED! Back on Aug. 27.
Thu 13: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.

Fri 14: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 14: John Settle Quartet @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm. £9.00. John Settle (vibes); Rick Laughlin (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Tim Johnston (drums).
Fri 14: Bold Big Band @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £8.00 + bf.

Sat 15: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Blacksmith’s Arms, Hartlepool. 1:30pm. Free. Open rehearsal.
Sat 15: Jake Leg Jug Band @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm. £16.26.

Sun 16: Vintage Explosion @ Cliffe Park, Roker, Sunderland SR6 8DB. 5:00-10:30pm. £44.00 (inc. bf).

Mon 17: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 18: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, Abbie Finn.

Wed 19: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 19: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Friday, November 05, 2021

Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club - Nov. 5

Olive Rudd (vocals); Alan Marshall (alto/soprano saxes); Tommy Moran (tenor sax); Neville Hartley (trombone/vocals); Jeremy McMurray (keys); Alan Rudd (bass); Tommy Graham (drums).

This was my lucky day! No, I didn't win the raffle but, the Metro didn't break down at Monkseaton as it usually does when I'm heading for the coast and Olive did sing - beautifully - You're a Lucky Guy so, two out of three isn't bad!

I've often wondered about the lyrics to that song and, as Olive sang the line that goes "You're just beginning to have your innings..." it dawned on me that this isn't a conventional love song but a parent singing to a new-born child! Correct me if I'm wrong.

Prior to this the band, apart from looking immaculate - no jeans or trainers - in black trousers and white shirts with a Classic Swing logo, opened up with their theme song, Tommy Moran's Classic Swing. The three horns got a great sound with a sympathetic rhythm section booting them along.

Tommy, incidentally was blowing a Hanson Monarch tenor sax that was actually made in Huddersfield. Great to know that instruments are still being made in the UK - check them out.

It was a good session Tommy blowing the aforementioned tenor, Alan Marshall dazzling on  both alto and soprano with Neville, not only blowing trombone but also obliging with a couple of vocals - I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter and Everywhere You Go.

Jeremy chipped in with a pulsating Latin original - Samba For Tommy [Moran] and Tommy, himself composed Minor Mood.

In the engine room, Alan Rudd and Tommy Graham kept things turning over and Olive, as ever, had a choice selection of songs: Blue Skies; All of Me; You're a Lucky Guy; Bye Bye Blackbird; Singin' the Blues; Out of Nowhere and The Best Things in Life Are Free and maybe they are if this session is anything to go by!

Instrumentals included: All the Things You Are and On Green Dolphin St
Lance

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