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Bebop Spoken There

Steve Coleman: ''If you don't keep learning, your mind slows down. Use it or lose it''. (DownBeat, January 2025).

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

17719 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 39 of them this year alone and, so far, 39 this month (Jan. 15).

From This Moment On ...

January 2025

Fri 17: Lindsay Hannon: Tom Waits for No Man @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. SOLD OUT!
Fri 17: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 17: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 17: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 17: Joe Steels Trio w. Graham Hardy @ The Pele, Corbridge. 7:00pm. £10.00. (inc. a welcome drink & table reservation). Book at: www.drinks@thepele.co.uk. A ‘Jazz at the Pele’ promotion.
Fri 17: Russ Morgan Quartet @ Traveller’s Rest, Darlington. 8:00pm. Opus 4 Jazz Club.
Fri 17: Redwell @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Sat 18: Abbie Finn Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 18: Alter Ego + Jamie Toms/Graham Don Duo @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 7:30pm. £15.00. at the door; £14.35. (inc £0.35 bf) online, in advance.
Sat 18: Tweed River Jazz Band @ Repas 7 by Night, West St., Berwick TD15 1AS. 7:30pm. Free. Album launch gig.
Sat 18: Delta Prophets @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Sun 19: Glenn Miller Orchestra UK @ Glasshouse, Gateshead. 3:00pm. ‘Glenn Miller & the Rat Pack Era’.
Sun 19: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 19: Spilt Milk @ St James’ STACK, Newcastle. 5:15-7:00pm. Free. Nolan Brothers (vocal harmonies).
Sun 19: Tenement Jazz Band @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 19: Nick Ross Orchestra @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 7:30pm.
Sun 19: Freight Train (Tobin/Noble/Clarvis) @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 20: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 21: ???

Wed 22: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 22: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Wed 22: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 22: Pasadena Roof Orchestra @ Fire Station, Sunderland. 7:30pm.

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

Saturday, May 07, 2022

Preview: Hexham Jazz Festival (Saturday 14, day 2/3)

The second day of this year's Hexham Jazz Festival features established names performing in Hexham Abbey and a double bill of Tyne Valley musicians in the Sele (the adjacent park) on Beaumont Street. Jo Harrop is undoubtedly in the upper echelons of British jazz singers and her appearance in Hexham is a real coup for festival organisers. Jo, originally from Chester le Street, arrives from London with an ace band in tow. Following Ms Harrop's concert, Saturday evening will conclude with a solo piano set by Dean Stockdale.

The Heart Wants is Jo Harrop's latest album and, like Weathering the Storm, her duo recording with Jamie McCredie, it has garnered nothing but critical acclaim. A recent sold out appearance at Ronnie Scott's set up Harrop for a nationwide tour, of which this Hexham concert is one of many dates on the itinerary. Pianist Paul Edis, Jo's musical director, will be working alongside guitarist James Kitchman, bassist Jihad Darwish and drummer Steve Hanley. What's more, for this festival appearance, Jo and her quartet will be joined by the strings of Quartet Northumbria. It's a 7:30pm start, admission £15.00, it has all the makings of a memorable occasion. At ten o'clock Dean Stockdale will sit at Hexham Abbey's Yamaha Grand to entertain festival goers 'til late. A perfect end to what is sure to be a marvellous day of jazz. 

And 'a day of jazz' it will be with the addition of the Tyne Valley Big Band, whose base is right here in town, little more than two minutes' walk from Hexham Abbey. Dave Hignett's outfit is the pride of of Northumberland, four o'clock start. And, for good measure, at three o'clock Joe Steels, guitar, and bassist Pau Susans will be playing some music in the company of rising star trumpeter Ferg Kilsby. These performances are free, donations appreciated. So, a fine day in prospect. Russell      

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