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

Mon 03: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 03: Saltburn Big Band @ Saltburn House Hotel. 7:00-9:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).

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.

Friday, March 04, 2022

Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club - March 4

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

The weather outside may have been frightful but it didn’t deter the faithful from taking their seats for their weekly fix of Classic Swing. This seven piece has a loyal following of fans, hardy souls who wouldn’t let a mere downpour stop them from enjoying two hours of good music in convivial surroundings.

As always, the band started with their signature tune Classic Swing written by Tommy Moran and the feet started tapping. Everyone knew this one and knew that it would  herald an afternoon when old favourites would be interspersed with tunes not so well known and some original material.

The old favourites were there to savour. Olive sang Swing That Music and Bye Bye Blackbird, whilst Neville took his turn on vocals with Buona Sera and Nevertheless. However, amongst the more recognisable, was a smattering of the lesser known, Don’t Blame Me and East of The Sun  beautifully taken by Olive and an original by Tommy Moran called Jeremy’s Jive written to showcase the skill of Mr. McMurray on  piano.

The rapport between band and audience is plain to see. Here is a well established group of musicians  who are obviously very comfortable with each other and who enjoy what they do. And here is an audience very appreciative of that. Delightful.
Sylvia

Classic Swing; Swing That Music; East of the Sun; Sweet Sue; Buena Sera; Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me; Back in Your Own Back Yard; Blue Lou; Don’t Blame Me; You Were Meant For Me; Jeremy’s Jive. Nevertheless; Bye Bye Blackbird.

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