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, July 15, 2022

Tyne Valley Big Band & Tyne Valley Youth Big Band @ The Phoenix, Hexham - July 14

The indefatigable Dave Hignett is soon to hand over the reins of running the Tyne Valley Youth Big Band to others. To mark the changing of the guard the Tyne Valley Big Band joined forces with its junior counterpart to enjoy an evening of big band music. The Phoenix Club, a short walk from Hexham Railway Station, has been host to the TVBB's rehearsal session for many a year and this evening there was a bumper turn out to witness the metaphorical passing of the baton.

Arriving in good time for the advertised start - seven o'clock - seemed like a good idea. However, someone forgot to mention that there would be an earlier start. No matter, catching the closing number of the junior outfit's set suggested that all - sections and soloists - were on top form.


A quick change over and the senior band was ready to go. The Armstrongs (Niall, tenor sax, and Sam, trumpet) impressed big time, likewise Sophie Speed (currently studying at Leeds Conservatoire) blowing some great tenor solos, but, hey, give it up for Andy Booth. The TVBB's percussionist was a last minute dep for ailing drummer David Johnson. And what a great job he made of it! 

From Children of Sanchez to Sing, Sing, Sing everyone on stage had a blast. To close the show the two bands - TVBB and TVYBB - joined forces on Vehicle and they sure did enjoy themselves. 

Dave Hignett was presented with a bottle (or two) of plonk, his night's work done, he and the band went off to celebrate with an end of term curry. Russell

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