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Bebop Spoken There

George Porter Jr.: ''To me, syncopation is like jazz. It wasn't meant for the masses. It was meant just for a hip few". (DownBeat, May 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

18018 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 339 of them this year alone and, so far, 17 this month (May 7).

From This Moment On ...

MAY 2025

Mon 12: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 12: Gregory Porter + Jo Harrop @ Newcastle City Hall. 7:30pm. Support act: Jo Harrop!

Tue 13: ???

Wed 14: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 14: Recital (stage 2): Leah Kirk (voice) @ The Band Room, Music Studios, Assembly Lane, Newcastle University. 3:00pm. Free.
Wed 14: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 14: Tannery jam session @ The Tannery, Hexham. 7:00pm.
Wed 14: Jerron Paxton @ Cluny 2, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors). £24.20. Excellent country blues multi-instrumentalist.
Wed 14: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. BACK IN BUSINESS, all welcome!

Thu 15: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £4.00. Subject: The Greatest in Jazz - Guitarists.
Thu 15: Pete Tanton & the Cuban Heels @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Thu 15: New Ways of Moving in the Counterworlds @ Cobalt Studios, Newcastle. 8:00pm (7:00pm doors). John Garner & John Pope.

Fri 16: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 16: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 16: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 16: Sophie Speed with the Dean Stockdale Trio @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. SOLD OUT!
Fri 16: Jason Isaacs @ St. James’ STACK, Newcastle. 1:00-2:45pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Fri 16: Jason Isaacs @ STACK, Exchange Sq., Middlesbrough. 4:00-6:00pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Fri 16: Giles Strong Quartet @ Longframlington Memorial Hall. 7:00pm (doors). Tickets: £12.00. from 01665 570984.
Fri 16: Hot Club du Nord @ St Cuthbert’s Centre, Crook. 7:30pm. £10.00.
Fri 16: Peter Donegan & Anthony Donegan @ The Witham, Barnard Castle. 7:30pm. ‘Lonnie Donegan - The Stories’.

Sat 17: Teresa Watson Band @ Billy Bootleggers, Ouseburn, Newcastle. 4:00pm. Free. Blues.
Sat 17: The Society Quartet @ Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland. 6:00pm. Tel: 0191 500 9494. £26.00 (inc. two course meal). Line-up: Jason Holcomb, Hannah Taylor, Alix Shepherd & Abbie Finn.
Sat 17: Milne Glendinning Band @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 17: Archie Brown & the Young Bucks @ Billy Bootleggers, Ouseburn, Newcastle. 7:00pm. Free. Rhythm & blues, Americana etc.
Sat 17: Rockin’ Turner Brothers @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig. Rockabilly, Western swing etc.

Sun 18: Jason Isaacs @ STACK, Seaburn. 12 noon-2:00pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Sun 18: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 18: Ruth Lambert & Giles Strong @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 18: Steve Summers Quintet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

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

Monday, March 06, 2023

GNBBJF - Saturday March 4 (Open Section)

The first of two competition days got under way at a little after twelve noon. Saturday is the 'Open Section' of the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival, in essence senior bands, many of which are university ensembles. The Managers Big Band from Bolton arrived in good time determined to extend a winning streak of four consecutive victories. 

The Bolton band would have no fewer than ten challengers, could one of them dethrone the reigning champions? The first band up, ready to give it a go, Durham University Big Band (MDAlex Wardill) fresh from a sold out concert at the Soho, London Pizza Express. DUBB has a long history of winning silverware here at the GNBBJF and it remained to be seen - and heard - what the current ensemble could do. A programme opening with Yardbird Suite looked promising, but, of course, ten other bands were to follow.The rhythm section, notably double bassist Ewan Thomas, impressed. A good set, a high standard set.

A GNBBJF debut for 
Lancaster Comnunity Music Centre Big Band (MD, Adrian Boardman). The Odd Couple (of movie fame) opened the band's programme. As first timers here in Chester-le-Street, the Lancaster outfit arrived as an unknown quantity. Alto saxophonist George Gellerson, soon to take up a place at Leeds Conservatoire, impressed, the band will surely return to Chester-le-Street.

Long time supporters of the GNBBJF Durham Alumni Big Band regularly takes home a prize or two, and as the musicians took to the stage it was apparent the big hitters were out in force. MD Shaune Eland selected a good looking programme and any number of featured soloists stepped up: Steve McGarvie shone on soprano sax, McGarvie and the ensemble more than did justice to Ian Robinson's arrangement on Pavane and in closing the set with Gershwin's Cuban Overture (Jonny Dunn and the trumpet section) it would take a good band to keep the DABB out of the frame. 

Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra (MD, Josh Weir) supports the GNBBJF year after year and this 2023 edition of the event continued the tradition. Veterans of Newcastle Arts Centre's fabled jam sessions, Esther Coombes, clarinet, Jacob Egglestone, guitar, and drummer Bailey Rudd played their part in NUJO's presentation. Egglestone shredded on Jacob Mann's Emotionless Funk, Rudd particularly effective in his use of brushes. A good set, as was to be expected.

The Tyne Valley Big Band (MD, Dave Hignett) similarly never misses an edition of the GNBBJF. Invariably bringing along a truly 'big' big band, MD Hignett makes room for expanded brass and reeds and you can bet your bottom dollar it'll be an entertaining programme. Pianist Mike Cunningham, making a welcome debut with the band, played his part in an exhilarating start as drummer David Johnson subjected himself to WhiplashBarbara Hignett sang All That Jazz with all that pizzazz. Excellent. To conclude a fine set, Niall Armstrong and Sam Armstrong arranged Earth, Wind and Fire's Fantasy for the band, Becky White, alto sax and Ben Haslam, trombone, the featured soloists. Dave Hignett signed off saying: Hopefully see you in the bar.

Leeds Conservatoire Student Union Big Band (MD, Sophie Speed). In the absence of Sophie Speed (ex-Tyne Valley Big Band) an unnamed dep conducted the Conservatoire Student Union outfit. Kicking off with Gordon Goodwin's testing Hunting Wabbits, the ensemble came through with flying colours (James Absalom, tenor sax, Peter New, trombone, Liam Mason, piano). Tea for Two, as arranged for the WDR Big Band, worked well, Tara Wilson the featured vocalist. Autumn in New York (Stan Kenton) and more Goodwin - A Few Good Men - concluded an excellent performance. Noted as 'in the frame'. 

York Music Forum Jazz Ensemble (MD, Ian Chalk). An Ian Chalk funk arrangement of Moonlight Serenade made for a pleasant change, Danny Sewell contributing some good tenor sax work. An acquaintance, who shall remain nameless, wondered out loud: I don't suppose there's an award for the worst dressed conductor? The cheek of it! A fine band and an excellent, enthusiastic MD.

Leeds University Union Big Band (LUU Big Band). Formerly the Leeds University Dance Band, the present day LUU Big Band benefits from the input of two MDs, Evan McNab and Eli Hayter. Not that you would know it, McNab (reeds) and Hayter remaining in their sections throughout. LUU is a well-drilled band, evidenced by the opening number, Gordon Goodwin's Hunting Wabbits which featured McNab on soprano sax and Jack Smith, tenor sax, cleverly referencing John Coltrane. A Warm Breeze worked well, Scott Caldwell-Nichols, guitar, prominent, Smith once more on tenor. Notes concluded: Serious contenders.

Bold Big Band (MD, Brian Wicks). Bold by name, bold in approach. The Newcastle based Bold Big Band featured several familiar faces (Billy Bradshaw, trumpet, Ben Davies, guitar, Ifede Osiyemi, bass guitar), some performing earlier in the day with Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra. Charts arranged by Kris Berg, Gordon Goodwin, Alan Baylock and others brought out the best in the graduate/undergraduate band. 

Two bands to go, one from Edinburgh, one from the Bolton. Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra (MD, Zain Alexander Cruickshank). Heard not too long ago on Tyneside, the Edinburgh student band arrived in Chester-le-Street with form, good form! Alto saxophonist Honza Zizka hit the ground running wirh a terrific solo on Harlem Nocturne (arr. Bret Zvacek). Sheraya Dassanayake, lead vocalist of an all female vocal trio within the band, scored with the audience singing Miss Otis Regrets

And to the final big band of the day. The Managers Big Band (MD, Ben Shepherd) arrived from Bolton as the defending champions. Shepherd and co were hoping to make it five in a row. All of the other bands knew, or had been told, just how good this outfit is. Their reputation precedes them! As the suited and booted ensemble took to the stage the hall was standing room only. Some hadn't heard the band, they were in for a surprise! 

The Tattooed Bride (Duke Ellington) opened the programme. Scanning the ranks, it was apparent several of the band's award-winning big hitters were absent. Would this prove to be significant? Trombonist Jack Looman (not a newbie) featured as did a new face, Sam Lightwing, clarinet. You should have heard Lightwing! Those in the hall knew they were hearing something special. You should have heard the applause! 

Billy Mays' arrangement of Hungarian Dance No. 5 produced an amazing ensemble performance, the whooping and hollering said it all. The Managers Big Band is nothing if not dynamic. Glancing at the programme, Straight No Chaser was listed as the set's closing number. Monk was made for the band from Bolton. The Managers' recently recruited new drummer is none other than Paul Rigby (Maynard Ferguson, Georgie Fame, Salena Jones, founder of the Northern Jazz Orchestra)! It doesn't seem fair does it? It's like the manager (Ben Shepherd) of an all conquering, all star eleven dipping into the transfer market to sign Lionel Messi! Game over, if the Managers aren't to retain their title, your correspondent is Frank Sinatra.

The GNBBJF's adjudicators - Marcus Brown and Mick Donnelly - deliberated. The stage cleared for the presentations, the results were announced by festival director Bill Watson.The award-winners were as follows: 

Adjudicators' award: Ian Robinson, flugelhorn and arrangement Pavane (Durham Alumni Big Band)

Adjudicators' award: Bruce Hygate, drums (Leeds University Union Big Band)

Adjudicators' award: Vocal ensemble (Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra)

Best Programme: Durham Alumni Big Band

Best Section: Trombones, Tyne Valley Big Band

Best Soloist: Sam Lightwing clarinet (The Managers Big Band)

Best Band: The Managers Big Band
Russell

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