Bebop Spoken There

Christian McBride: ''We knew back in the day that Emmet [Cohen] had it.'' (DownBeat July, 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

18767 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 631 of them this year alone and, so far this month (July 31) 95.

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

Tue 04: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Wed 05: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 05: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 05: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 06: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 06: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00.
Thu 06: Wild Women of Wylam @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 06: Jeremy McMurray’s Pocket Jazz Orchestra @ Arc, Stockton. 8:00pm. Feat. guest Zoë Gilby.
Thu 06: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Thu 06: Bridget Metcalfe Sextet @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 07: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 07: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 07: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.

Sat 08: ???

Sun 09: 58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00-3:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Ropner Park, Stockton. 2:00-4:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: The Gambling Janes @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 10: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm.Free.

Tue 11: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ Newcastle Arts Centre. 7:30pm. Free.

Monday, February 14, 2022

Peter McToomey Quartet @ Dorman's Jazz Club Middlesbrough - Feb. 10

Mark Toomey (alto sax); Jeremy McMurray (piano); Peter Ayton (bass);and Paul Smith (drums);

A bit of detective work would have soon revealed the identity of the musicians as the quartet was comprised of some of the best jazz musicians in the area who are both familiar and highly regarded at Dorman's.

With the emphasis on bebop,the audience were given an evening of first-class jazz with leader Mark skilfully demonstrating  his knowledge of Parker influenced sax playing.

Starting the evening with a swinging It Could Happen To You, the fine solos set the standard for the night. This was followed by the classic On Green Dolphin St. then an interesting (new to me!) funky version of Body and Soul.

Miles Davis' Four had excellent solos from both  Jeremy and Mark which contrasted with the lovely Jimmy Van Heusen ballad Polka Dots and Moonbeams before the first half was brought to a close with Stella by Starlight.
 
The second half kicked off in great style with the  Parker blues Billie's Bounce driven along by Paul's great playing on drums and Peter on bass.

You've Changed was followed by more Parker - Yardbird Suite - before the mood switched with Jobim's Triste.

A fast and fiery Love For Sale was again driven on by excellent backing from bass and drums and imaginative piano and sax solos.

A relaxing When Sunny Gets Blue was followed by the closing number, Nat Adderley's Work Song with fine solos all round.
 
It is always a pleasure to listen to these four talented musicians playing so well together with such a variety of numbers and styles.

Thanks go to the enthusiastic  audience and to the help and support given to us in running the jazz night by Dorman's Club. Ron H

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