Bebop Spoken There

Gary Bartz: ''Music is nature's gift to man. It's the only religion. We're living in a terrible era, but what a beautiful thing music is. Look how it brings us together like religion is supposed to; and with no language barriers.'' (Jazzwise September, 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

18878 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 742 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Sept. 4.) 21.

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

September.

Thu 10: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 10: Jacenaite All Crew @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 10: Emma Rawicz INKYRA @ Glasshouse, Gateshead. 8:00pm. £22.30. Sage Two. Line-up: Emma Rawicz (sax); Scottie Thompson (piano, keyboards, synth); David Preston (guitar); Kevin Glasgow (bass guitar); Jack Thomas (drums).

Fri 11: Esther Bennett @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm. £10.00. Esther Bennett (vocals); Rick Laughlin (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass).
Fri 11: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 11: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 11: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 11: Ray Stubbs’ R&B All Stars @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm. £14.09 (inc. bf).

Sat 12: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Blacksmith’s Arms, Hartlepool. 1:30pm. Free. Open rehearsal.
Sat 12: Lindsay Hannon: Tom Waits for No Man @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm. £16.26 (inc. bf).

Sun 13: 58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00-3:00pm. Free.
Sun 13: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 13: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 13: King Bees @ Shape Patisserie, Darlington. 3:00pm. Free. Duo (Michael Littlefield & Scott Taylor). A Rhythm & Blues Fringe event. Blues excellence.
Sun 13: Alligator Gumbo @ The Cluny. 5:00pm. £17.15.; £11.43; £5.72.
Sun 13: Eternal Triangle + Andy Champion @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. JNE.

Mon 14: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 15: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Ben Lawrence, Paul Grainger, Bailey Rudd.

Wed 16: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 16: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 16: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thursday, November 18, 2021

He was hip! Dave Frishberg (March 23, 1933 - November 17, 2021)

Singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, author - Dave Frishberg, who passed away yesterday, was all of those things and probably more. That he did them all so well makes it nigh on impossible to single out any one of them - they can all be found in detail on Wikipedia or in the obituaries such as this one by the New York Times.

However, for me, it is his amazing lyrics that will stick with me.

It is said, and confirmed in his wonderful autobiography My Dear Departed Past, that as a child he could sing the complete score of The Mikado. W.S Gilbert's command of the English language was surely reflected, updated and Americanised in Frishberg's own lyrics. The sardonic humour of I'm Hip, Peel Me a Grape and My Attorney Bernie contrasting with the poignancy of Dear Bix.

I could write much more but, instead, I'll suggest you check out the aforementioned autobiography - it is one of those books you don't ever want to end but, sadly, now it has.

Dave Frishberg was 88, may he Rest In Peace - like Bix, he was one of a kind. Lance

Dave Frishberg: My Dear Departed Past is published by Backbeat Books (an Imprint of Hal Leonard).
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2 comments :

Roly said...

Sad news. I love Frishberg's work and furthermore it was via one of his albums I discovered the great Richie Kamuca. I've ordered the book. Knowing his wit and writing skills I'm sure it will be a gem.

Thursday, November 18, 2021 5:45:00 pm
Patti said...

Ah, yes - so sad. I well remember Roly singing Dear Bix in his sweet way at Blaydon one time - such poignant lyrics. I've also often wondered if Dave Frishberg really did have an Uncle Bernie who was an Attorney ..... The book is a great read too, and is highly recommended.

Thursday, November 18, 2021 7:55:00 pm

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