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Bebop Spoken There

Kurt Elling: ''There's something to learn from every musician you play with''. (DownBeat, December 2024).

The Things They Say!

Hudson Music: Lance's "Bebop Spoken Here" is one of the heaviest and most influential jazz blogs in the UK.

Rupert Burley (Dynamic Agency): "BSH just goes from strength to strength".

'606' Club: "A toast to Lance Liddle of the terrific jazz blog 'Bebop Spoken Here'"

The Strictly Smokin' Big Band included Be Bop Spoken Here (sic) in their 5 Favourite Jazz Blogs.

Ann Braithwaite (Braithwaite & Katz Communications) You’re the BEST!

Holly Cooper, Mouthpiece Music: "Lance writes pull quotes like no one else!"

Simon Spillett: A lovely review from the dean of jazz bloggers, Lance Liddle...

Josh Weir: I love the writing on bebop spoken here... I think the work you are doing is amazing.

Postage

17586 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 16 years ago. 860 of them this year alone and, so far, 5 this month (Dec. 2).

From This Moment On ...

December

Mon 09: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 09: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ The Wheatsheaf, Benton Sq., Whitley Road, Palmersville NE12 9SU. Tel: 0191 266 8137. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 09: Michael Young Trio @ The Engine Room, Sunderland. 6:30-8:30pm. Free.
Mon 09: Trio Grand @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free.
Mon 09: James Birkett Trio @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. 8:00pm. £10.00.

Tue 10: Customs House Big Band @ All Saints Church Hall, Cleadon. 7:30pm. £6.00. The CHBB’s annual Xmas concert featuring Ruth Lambert. A BYOB gig!

Wed 11: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 11: Cath Stephens’ improvisation workshop @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 4:30-6:00pm. Collaborative group focusing on vocal improvisations.
Wed 11: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 11: The Tannery Jam Session @ The Tannery, Gilesgate, Hexham. 7:00-9:00pm. Free. Second Wednesday in the month.
Wed 11: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 12: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Spanish City, Whitley Bay. 12 noon. £27.00. (inc. three -course meal).
Thu 12: Jason Isaacs @ St. James’ STACK, Newcastle. 5:00-6:45pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Thu 12: Stuart Turner @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Thu 12: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesborough. 8:30pm. Free. Guests: Jeremy McMurray (keys); Mark Toomey (alto sax); Donna Hewitt (tenor sax); Kevin Eland (trumpet); Ron Smith (bass).

Fri 13: Dean Stockdale Trio @ Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland. 1:00pm. £8.00.
Fri 13: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 13: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 13: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 13: Bellavana @ Revoluçion de Cuba, Newcastle. 3:00-5:00pm. Free.
Fri 13: Joe Steels Trio @ The Pele, Corbridge. 7:00pm. Free.
Fri 13: Customs House Big Band @ Stocksfield Community Association. 7:00pm. Featuring Ruth Lambert.
Fri 13: Paul Edis & Friends: A Jazzy Xmas @ St Cuthbert’s Centre, Crook. 7:30pm. £15.00.
Fri 13: Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle. 7:30pm. £19.00. + bf. First night of two.
Fri 13: Ransom Van @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Fri 13: Boys of Brass @ Hoochie Coochie, Newcastle. 9:00pm. £10.00.

Sat 14: Jambone @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 6:15pm. Free but ticketed.
Sat 14: Abbie Finn Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm.
Sat 14: Red Kites Jazz @ Staiths Café, Autumn Dr., Gateshead. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 14 Lapwing Jazz Trio @ Three Sheets to the Wind, Alnwick. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 14: Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle. 7:30pm. £19.00. + bf. Second night of two.
Sat 14: Papa G’s Troves @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Sun 15: Musicians Unlimited @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 12 noon. £8.50. Xmas party feat. Musicians Unlimited + Customs House Big Band. SOLD OUT!
Sun 15: Paul Edis & Friends: A Jazzy Xmas @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 2:00pm.
Sun 15: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 15: Mitch Laddie Band @ Tyne Bar, Ouseburn, Newcastle. 4:00pm. Free. Superb blues power trio.
Sun 15: Leeway @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 15: Tweed River Jazz Band @ Barrels Ale House, Berwick. 7:00pm. Free.
Sun 15: Paul Edis & Friends: A Jazzy Xmas @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 8:00pm.
Sun 15: Alligator Gumbo @ 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

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Spilletting and Bruce Turner


I read the results of Simon's 'Spilleting' with both envy and not a little curiosity as to how the discs got there in the first place.

At least three possible solutions spring to mind:

a): Grandpa's died and the family are getting rid of his most treasured possessions.

b): Grandpa hasn't died yet but his kids have transferred them to his smartphone.

c): Grandson tells grandpa to 'get rid of all that shit and listen to it on YouTube. Oh and, btw, I hear that that record shop you used to hang out in looks like it's closing'.

Monday, October 30, 2023

Mo Scott @ The Globe, Newcastle - Oct. 29

(© Pam)
Mo Scott (vocals); Dave Dryden (guitar); Neil Harland (bass); Paul Smith (drums)

It rained and rained and rained. It still didn't stop 'em from getting along to Newcastle Jazz Co-op's HQ on Railway Street to hear Mo Scott. The blues is Mo's forte although when she's in the mood there's a jazz number in her locker and a whole lot of rock 'n' roll. 

The 'Guinness Book of Jazz Records'

  (© Ken Drew)
As  I continue to peruse the back issues of the late and much lamented Irish jazz magazine JAZZNEWS INTERNATIONAL, I find I'm always delighted by the contents. I don't always agree with the opinions expressed but, at least, I'm familiar with most of the bands/musicians concerned unlike today's jazz mags where 70% are totally new to me. This isn't surprising as I can remember when Gerry Mulligan was new to me and beer was a shilling (5p) a pint.

Those were the days my friend apart from the fact that wages were only around £10 a week so you didn't really have it so good!

Richard Wetherall Trio @ the Railway, Stockport - Oct. 29

Richard Wetherall (piano); Ed Harrison  (bass); Dave Walsh (drums)

A lot of tunes were played tonight, some familiar and some not so. They were all given an interesting workout in the very capable hands of the three musicians involved in spite of the notice board outside showing a quartet line-up. Sometimes it did seem there were more musicians on the bandstand especially during the faster numbers when the energy level moved up a notch and drummer Dave Walsh let loose with some fiery stick-work.

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Cleo Laine - On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever) - 13 October 1973 • Wo...


Apologies for being a day late in wishing Britain's greatest ever jazz singer Dame Cleo Laine our very best wishes on her 96th birthday - you have set the benchmark, not just for singers, but for everyone. Long may you reign. Lance

Album review: Ahmad Jamal - Emerald City Nights. Live at the Penthouse 1966-1968

Ahmad Jamal (piano); Jamil Nasser  (bass); Frank Gant  (drums)

The third volume of the albums recorded at Seattle's Penthouse Club by the Ahmad Jamal Trio, this double CD covers the period between 1966 - 1968 and, like other two, shows the trio once again in splendid form with Jamal a little more adventurous than previous.

Erroll Garner's Misty is far removed from the composer's version. Played over a Latin background it features an amazing dialogue between piano and bass that goes on so long that I began to wonder if the disc was, so to speak, 'stuck in the groove'! Definitely a case of less is more although I guess that if I'd been in the club that night I'd have applauded as loudly as anyone.

The Alice Grace Trio @ St George's Church, Jesmond, Newcastle - Oct. 28

Alice Grace (vocals); Ben Helm (guitar); Paul Grainger (double bass)

Saturday Sessions is a new series of concerts staged at St George's Church, Jesmond in Newcastle. The one jazz event of the season featured a vocalist of some renown, honorary Geordie Alice Grace. Accompanied at short notice by guitarist Ben Helm (Pawel Jedrzejewski was indisposed) and the redoubtable bassist Paul Grainger, the trio opened with something seasonal...Autumn Leaves

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Album review: The Jim Self & John Chiodini Quintet - Touch and go

Jim Self (tuba, fluba); John Chiodini (guitar); Ron Stout (trumpet, flugel); Ken Wild (bass); Kendall Kay (drums)

I'm a little late getting around to this one, it was released on Oct. 6. Maybe it was the thought of the tuba that caused me to procrastinate! However, I recalled I'd favourably reviewed an album by Jim Self last year so I decided to give it a listen and it's a gem.

Self  gets a lyrical sound on both tuba and his own invention the fluba which is a hybrid cross between a tuba and a flugelhorn and not, as one Google know-all described it, a cross between a flute and a tuba! 

Aycliffe Radio: Jazz Time - Sundays 6.30-8.00 pm (repeat Tuesdays 8.00-9.30pm)

https://www.ayclifferadio.co.uk/listen/  

Aycliffe Radio is now available on DAB in County Durham & Darlington Area

Playlist 29/10/23. (Repeated Tuesday 31/10/23)

Requests from the Durham Alumni Gig (Band & Audience): Wynton Marsalis, David Murray, Quentin Collins Sextet, Clark Terry, Django, Quintette du Hot Club de France, Ahmad Jamal, Osaka Jazz Channel.

Preview of Mike Durham’s Classic Jazz Party: The West Jesmond Rhythm Kings/Mike Durham, Spats Langham, Frans Sjöström (RIP).

Carla Bley RIP.

 What’s on in the NE: TJ Johnson.

 Requests (cont.): The Silver Leaf Jazz Band, Jamie Cullum, Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns.

 MJQ + Freddie Hubbard, Stan Kenton.

Friday, October 27, 2023

After Hours Student Jazz Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle - Oct. 26

STARTING AT 8PM....FEEL FREE TO JOIN IN! That was the simple, straight forward invitation to participate in the latest Newcastle University student jam session. Facilitated by the institution's Head Of Brass, Jason Holcomb, the Globe's first floor performance space was abuzz with student chatter, instrument cases strewn across table and chairs.

A curated set list indicating the key for each number, this was the ideal introductory format for those wishing to gain experience in a jam session environment. Piano, bass and drums and a host of horn players and guitarists were in the house. Few were expecting brilliant contributions, this was more about taking part in a supportive, non-judgemental setting. 

(Press release) Jazz North East and The Globe presents… Greg Abate / Dean Stockdale / John Pope / Abbie Finn

Sunday November 5 @ the Globe downstairs). Doors: 7.00pm (music starts 8.00pm). £13 Advance/£15 OTD (advance booking recommended due to limited capacity) 

A welcome return from Greg Abate who will perform with some of the region's top musicians Dean Stockdale (keyboards), John Pope (double bass) and Abbie Finn (drums). 

Greg Abate jazz saxophonist, flautist, composer continues as an International Jazz/Recording  Artist with 225 days a year touring the world. 


In the mid 1970’s after finishing a four year program at Berklee College Of Music, Greg played lead  alto with the Ray Charles Orchestra for two years. 

In 1978 Greg formed his group Channel One which was a favourite in the New England area and  from there had the opportunity to play tenor sax with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under  leadership of Dick Johnson from 1986 to ’87. 

Thursday, October 26, 2023

More on Janusz Carmello.

Further to my recent speculation re that ace Polish pocket  trumpet player Janusz Carmello, I received an interesting comment and some local newspaper cuttings related to some gigs Janusz did with the River City Jazzmen (now the River City Hot Six). They don't throw any further light on Janusz but they do serve to remind us of what a superb trumpet player he was.

My memory may be playing fanciful trucks but I'm sure that, when he was in town and I was working in J.G. Windows Ltd., enquiries about pocket trumpets would go up the following day! I seem to recall we sold one or two.

Album (double) review: Doncaster Jazz Alumni - 50 Years

A rip-roaring  double CD big band album by musicians who, over the past 50 years, found their jazz chops with the Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra. It's a celebration of the remarkable journey and enduring legacy of its founder, John Ellis MBE.

Ellis, along with fellow MDs Reuben Fowler and Al Wood, remains at the helm for a program of contemporary charts as well a few originals one of which was a specially commissioned composition from renowned big band composer Tony Kubis. The title, You Know it Makes Sense, seemingly one of Ellis' favourite expressions.

Think Thad Jones and Mel Lewis or the Clarke Boland Big Band and you're in the ball park with the soloists hitting as many home runs as their illustrious predecessors. 

Castillo Nuevo Trio @ King's Hall, Newcastle University - Oct. 26

Jason Holcomb (trombone, shakers; Alix Shepherd (piano); David Olatunji (percussion)

Teeming rain didn't deter King's Hall regulars, all seats were occupied in time for a quarter past one start. Jason Holcomb (Head of Brass at Newcastle University) assumed the role of nominal frontman, flanked to his right by pianist Alix Shepherd and to his left, percussionist David Olatunji. Afro-Cuban, Latin, salsa, samba and much else, the long-established Castillo Nuevo Trio set about entertaining the bedraggled. 

The Elina Duni and Rob Luft Duo – Songs of Love and Exile @ Kings Place, London. Oct. 22

Elina Duni (vocals and tambour); Rob Luft (guitar) plus, for 3 songs, James Kitchman (guitar).

This was a concert of music for the twenty-first century nomad including songs from Germany, Scotland, the Balkans, all four corners of the Mediterranean and on further south into Africa. Songs from across the ages as well; the oldest piece is from Egypt in the 1300s. Duni’s rich voice is set against a palette of Rob Luft’s psychedelic space folk from that hitherto unexplored point where Pat Metheny, John Martyn and Steve Hillage meet. Using more pedals than the Raleigh factory, Luft and his trusty Gibson semi-acoustic archtop uses echoes, loops and reverb to create an orchestra behind Duni as her voice rises through the scales to a full force impassioned wail and drops back to a whisper.

Duni treats each song as a dramatic vignette as she inhabits each character at the heart of the lyric. Thus, during the second song, Bella Ci Dormi, a tragic Italian piece she is passionate, singing of yearning and loss, dramatically reaching out. On another she is a Parisian boulevardier, scatting her way up the scales indulging in a little call and response with Luft’s guitar. 

Jazz on the Tyne – What’s New & What’s On, November 2023

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead will showcase new releases and look ahead to gigs taking place in the north east during November, with tunes by the Nigel Price Organ Trio, Jo Harrop, Robert Mitchell, Greg Abate, the Dean Stockdale Quartet, Ceitidh Mac, Atlantic Road Trip, corto.alto, Michael Moore/John Pope/Johnny Hunter, Emma Johnson's Gravy Boat, and Norah Jones.

You can listen to the show anytime from noon on Saturday October 28 by heading to www.mixcloud.com/hive_radio.

Plus, you can request tunes for future programmes by emailing Colin at jazz.tyne.hive@gmail.com or heading to www.jazzonthetyne.org.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Return of the Misha Mullov-Abbado Group @ Pizza Express, Soho - Oct.22

Misha Mullov-Abbado (bass); Matthew Herd (alto sax); James Davison (trumpet and flugelhorn); Sam Rapley (tenor sax); Liam Dunachie (piano); Dave Ingamells (drums).

Here we are of a Sunday lunchtime beneath the fabled streets of London for the Return of the Misha Mullov-Abbado Group. Whilst MM-A has been busy with a number of other projects this group has been largely dormant since 2019 when they released the Dream Circus album and he’s been able to bring most of the line-up from the album for this gig, with only the manga cat t-shirted Ingamells in as the new face.

Janusz Carmello?

As  I continue my perusal of the back issues of JazzNews I note that, with this issue, Sept./Oct. 1988 it became JazzNews International. What also made this a significant issue was the first appearance of a Newcastle report by the late Chris Yates - now the magazine was well and truly international!

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Album review: Donald Vega - As I Travel

Donald Vega (piano, composer, arranger); John Patitucci (bass); Lewis Nash (drums); Luisito Quintero (perc)

Vega, at the age of 14, fled from the war in Nicaragua and emigrated to the United States where he ultimately studied and worked with such greats as Billy Higgins, John Clayton, Francisco Aguabella and Al McKibbon.

That study has certainly come to fruition in this collection of originals.

Monday, October 23, 2023

Album review: Pete Allen Jazz Band - 45th Anniversary Album

Pete Allen (clarinet, saxes, banjo, vocals); Chris Hodgkins (trumpet); Roger Marks (trombone); James Clemens (keys, vocals); Dave Hanratty (bass); Jim Newton (drums)

It was, I think, back in the 1980s when I heard Pete Allen at the Corner House in Newcastle. In fact I think I actually heard him twice - once, earlier, as a guest with the Saratoga Jazzmen (1970s) and once with the Pete Allen Jazz Band and it is this latter outfit that is being celebrated, 45 years later, on this album.  

If memory serves me right (it rarely does) the band, whilst retaining its early New Orleans feel, is now a much more swinging, mainstream slanted, band - after almost half a century I'd have expected nothing less!

Suzanne Fonseca Quartet @ the Railway, Stockport - Oct 22

(© Jeff Pritchard)
Suzanne Fonseca (trombone); Jim Faulkner (guitar); Dave Tomkins (bass); Danny Ward (drums)

This gig had no keyboard player or pianist in the line-up but it did not matter because Suzanne had brought along  the wonderful guitarist Jim Faulkner - a musician who sounds better every time I hear him. He has the sound that I like to hear and his solos are always interesting and creative. Suzanne is well known throughout the north west and can play in all styles but with her quartet she has become very popular with the Railway regulars who like her melodic approach. Her repertoire  consists mainly of familiar standards and she likes to give some of them the bossa nova treatment which she did tonight with Stella By Starlight. 

Quentin Collins & Matt Roberts with the Durham Alumni Big Band @ Northgate United Reformed Church, Darlington - Oct. 22

Quentin Collins (trumpet); Matt Roberts (MD, trumpet) with the Durham Alumni Big Band: Shaune Eland (MD), Ian Robinson, Jonny Dunn, Kevin Eland, Andrew Meadowcroft (trumpets); Alistair White, Terry O'Hern, Andrew Kirtley, ? (trombones); Dan Johnson, Barbara Fagin (tenor sax); Steve McGarvie (alto sax, soprano sax, keyboards); Kirsty Dunn (alto sax); Danielle Drew (baritone sax); Shaun Henderson (guitar); Ted Pearce (keyboards); Amy Baker (bass); Stephen Fletcher (drums)

The mighty Durham Alumni Big Band has been inactive for sometime. Post-pandemic plans were in place to present a concert featuring the music of Freddie Hubbard. Various factors conspired against a spring time date and it was only now, on a cold but bright, autumnal day, that the Alumni and its star guests could get together in the same room. 

Sunday, October 22, 2023

JazzNews International

JC's review of  Martin Connolly's book, Kind of Green, had me, like the author, searching, if not in the attic, in my 'Magazinerie' which is a sacred space where magazines of all description, but mainly jazz, (the others are under the bed - joke!) are stored. My quest was to seek out copies of Ireland's, now sadly defunct, jazz magazine JazzNews (later JazzNews International) which ran from 1986 to 1990.

I unearthed about a dozen copies which I'm perusing daily over a pint. For authenticity it should be Guinness but please allow me a little poetic leeway.

Single Review: James Hudson – Feed The Birds

James Hudson (vocals, arranger); Tom Smith (arranger, musical director, sax); Luke Tomlinson (drums); Jack Tustin (bass); Nick Fitch (guitar); Joe Hill (piano); Dan Oates (violin 1); Rosie Judge (violin 2); Jordan Sian (viola); Susie Blankfield (cello 1); Bryony Moody (cello 2)

A different kind of review from me this time, simply a single track which I gather is available digitally. James Hudson is a British vocalist who has featured on Jazz FM. He performs here with musicians who have appeared with the 'greats' such as Ariana Grande, Michael Bublé, and Gregory Porter. And the song? A popular musical theatre number Feed the Birds.

Aycliffe Radio: Jazz Time - Sundays 6.30-8.00 pm (repeat Tuesdays 8.00-9.30pm)

https://www.ayclifferadio.co.uk/listen/  

Aycliffe Radio is now available on DAB in County Durham & Darlington Area

Playlist 22/10/23. (Repeated Tuesday 24/10/23)

Babet 0 – Bebop 10 @ the Gala, Durham - Oct. 20

(© Malcolm Sinclair)
Tony Kofi (alto sax); Paul Edis (piano) 

My wife and I made it to the Gala through wind and rain, wondering if audience numbers might have dwindled due to storm “Babet.” Nothing of the sort! It was sold out well in advance and nobody was going to miss such a duo at this anniversary gig. Toni Kofi explained the song choices as being themed under the heading, “Piano Masters” and included Paul Edis (with two originals today) in this list – praise indeed!

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Sven Klang's Kvintett - the movie

Unlike one of my colleagues who sallys forth whatever the weather I'm one who thinks that it's silly to sally when sallying forth is silly. However, this reluctance to face the elements, apart from keeping dry, turned out to be rewarding as it gave me the chance to 'surf the web' if that expression is still in vogue.

The result was that I finally discovered a full length version of that great Swedish film Sven Klang's Kvintett

Sam Toulson Quartet @ Opus 4 Jazz Club, Darlington - Oct. 20

Sam Toulson (alto sax); Edgar Ho (piano); Oscar Ho (double bass): Ansel Bayly (drums)

Following on from a sold out lunchtime concert in Newcastle the Sam Toulson Quartet moved on down the road to Cockerton, Darlington. The Traveller's Rest is home to Opus 4 Jazz Club which, by and large, likes its standards and bebop burners. Four amazingly talent young musicians read the room and set about delivering the goods.

Crazy Street, Number Zero

 

(© RAI)
Imagine switching on your TV any weekday evening around 8.15 and being treated to around 20 minutes of music and conversation, presented in a light and engaging way by a noted vocalist/actress and an internationally renowned jazz pianist.  Not something that you would find in the UK, but in Italy it’s a reality.

Sam Toulson Quartet @ the Lit & Phil – Oct. 20

(© Pam)

Sam Toulson (alto sax); Edgar Ho (piano); Oscar Ho (bass); Ansel Bayly (drums)

Sold out concert today! Storm Babet, unfortunately, had other ideas disrupting the travel plans of some of our regulars. However, the intrepid 60 or so of us who made it were rewarded with a storming set by the Sam Toulson Quartet .

They kicked off with Charlie Parker's My Little Suede Shoes - a really impressive opening - followed by Salme til Duestrasten (composer Duetrost) and The Impossible Gentlemen's Laugh Lines

Merlin Roxby @ Prohibition Bar - Oct. 19

Merlin Roxby (piano)

Mess Around opened Merlin Roxby's set. The sometime ragtime pianist attracts a select audience to his twice-monthly Pink Lane residency and on this wet Thursday evening it was definitely one for the hardy jazz fan. Learning a new rag must take some doing and over time Merlin looks to introduce a new number or two.

There can't be many gigs where you'll hear Jelly Roll Morton's Big Fat Ham and the theme to Super Mario Bros but that's what you get with Merlin. Leafing through his sheet music, our Prohibition Bar pianist knocked out Hoyt Curtin's Top CatMaple Leaf Rag and Dream a Little Dream of Me, nothing if not varied! 

Merlin Roxby can be heard next on Thursday November 2nd at eight o'clock-ish. Russell 

Friday, October 20, 2023

Album review: Radhika de Saram - From the Crow's Nest

Zhenya Strigalev (saxes); Garry Bagdasaryan (drums); Radhika de Saram (bass guitar); Elliot Galvin (keys on tks 2, 7, 8); Evgeny Ponomarev (keys on tk 5); Rodion Grischenko (guitar on tks 1, 6)

The album title suggests that this was a session recorded live in an East End boozer which couldn't be further from the truth both musically and geographically as it was actually recorded in 2021 in Saint Petersburg. 

Album Review: Paul Taylor - Interludes

Paul Taylor (keyboards and bass pedals)

Some of you may have heard some of this music if you went to any of the gigs in this year’s Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music. You may also have heard part of it ringing out if you found yourself near Newcastle Civic Centre on recent early Friday afternoons. It was commissioned by Festival leading man, Wesley Stephenson, to be played as interval music before and in between performances and, arranged for the Edith Adamson Carillon at the Civic Centre, to be played across the City. The Carillon, at 22 tonnes, is probably the heaviest instrument to be included on a jazz album anywhere, ever.

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Album review: Jeremy Monteiro - Sings

Jeremy Monteiro (piano, vocals); Tony Lakatos (saxes); Wesley Gehring (guitar on 2 tks); Jens Bunge (harmonica on 1 tk); Ben Poh (bass); Hong Chanutr Techatananan  (drums) + the Jeremy Monteiro Jazz Sinfonietta Strings on 5 tks.

A pleasant semi-jazz album by Singapore pianist, vocalist, Monteiro - he was reviewed HERE a couple of years back - who has a nice  King Coleish voice as well as being an okay pianist albeit not quite in the latter's league although on Let's Fall in Love and others such as Walking my Baby Back Home, he runs Nat close on both counts.

There's also some nice blowing from Lakatos on tenor and Softly as I Leave You has an impressive, lyrical solo by Poh on bass.

Andy Watt & Friends @ King's Hall, Newcastle University - Oct. 19

Andy Watt (guitar); Grace Alexander (piano, keyboards); Dan Rogers (bass guitar); David Lourie (drums)

Today's King's Hall's lunchtime concert attracted a full house, the attraction being 2012 folk degree graduate Andy Watt. Working with the likes of Tom McConville and Alistair Anderson, Watt has one foot planted firmly in the folk music camp. This five-piece band performance would cover a lot of ground, featuring original material and numbers by Larry Carlton, Bill Evans and others. 

The return of the Black Swan jam session - Oct. 17

Due to circumstance there hadn't been a Black Swan jam session for a month. Arriving in good time for 'doors at seven' it came as surprise to find the doors already open and a good number of folk taking their seats. What's going on?

Descending the stairs into Newcastle Arts Centre's Black Swan bar/performance space it quickly became clear some were keen as mustard. Within twenty minutes the place had rapidly filled up - what's going on? All the indications were it was going to be one busy old night. By the seven thirty down beat all seats were taken - what's going on? 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Calling all flappers ...

JOIN the Vieux Carré Jazzmen for a ‘Roaring 20's Night' of music, fun and dance (tickets £25 which includes a scrumptious buffet) at Cullercoats Crescent Club on Thursday 30 November. Doors 7.00pm, showtime 7:30pm. Proceeds towards Marie Curie Charity. For tickets and information call Christine Bell on 07535 620070. 

Press release: Bold Big Band @ the Cluny - Dec. 13

Bold Big Band are back for Christmas at the Cluny this December. Featuring two brand new sets including a whole load of your favourite Christmas songs re-imagined for big band! A great way to round off the year and celebrate with style as our incredible vocalists and soloists fuel the energy in the room all night. Book your tickets HERE!

The day that Carla Bley (May 11, 1936 – October 17, 2023) brought her friends to the Toon

Back in the olden days hugely respected American jazz stars used to come to Newcastle. Having found the attached a month or so ago and filed it somewhere safe, it has taken me all morning to find it again. It dates (I think) from 1996 and marked one of two concerts by big bands (actually that should be BIG BANDS) led by American legends, the other being George Russell, that came to play. Carla’s tour was promoting the Carla Bley Big Band Goes To Church album which is a fine work and featured most of the musicians that she brought to the Playhouse.


Obviously, we’re playing some Carla at the moment in response to the news of her passing. She was a great pianist but an absolute giant in composing for modern jazz big bands. And that haircut, once seen, never forgotten. 
RIP Carla. Dave Sayer

Press release: Nauta @ the Globe - Nov. 4

Jacob Egglestone (guitar); Bailey Rudd (drums); Olly Styles (tenor sax); Jamie Watkins (bass guitar); Louis Wild (keys).

Nauta met at Newcastle University and established themselves as a trio. Jacob Egglestone on guitar; Jamie Watkins on bass guitar; Bailey Rudd playing drums. The group quickly found themselves playing across the North East – including Hexham Jazz Festival, The Black Swan and Cobalt Studios. 

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Calling all guitarists ...

Aspiring guitarists might like to check out Newcastle based guitarist/teacher Andy Pattinson's YouTube channel. There's lots of info including backing tracks, alternative chord voicings to some standards, and much more plus it's free. LINK. Lance

Book review: Martin Connolly: Kind of Green - Jazz Legends, from ’86 - ’90, through an Irish lens

I dont know if the new houses they are building nowadays have attics but if not that is a pity.

For a proper attic is a place to store memories - letters, photographs, old tapes, newspapers and magazines, Christmas decorations and old toys - and then forget about them for the next thirty years until a house sale or aged curiosity encourages one to take a last look.

By attic I dont mean a little space above one bedroom but rather an area underneath the roof that ran the whole length of the house. Mostly they could only be accessed by a small trapdoor on the top landing or in a back bedroom. In my case this would involve balancing on top of a step ladder and then hauling yourself up into the roof space. As our attic wasnt boarded out you had to move around carefully, tightrope style, from beam to beam trying to make sure not to fall through the ceiling into the bedroom below.

The return of the Black Swan jam session - tonight, Tuesday 17 October

This evening (Tuesday) sees the return of the Black Swan jam session. They come from far and wide - musicians and audience. You can never be sure who will - or won't - turn up. You can be sure of a warm welcome from jam session MC Paul Grainger. Grab a drink, take a seat and listen or sit in at the best free show in town. It's a seven thirty start, it's free admission, it's the jam session you dare not miss! The Black Swan, Newcastle Arts Centre, Westgate Road. See you there! Russell

Album review: John Pope Quintet – Citrinitas

John Pope (double bass, percussion); Jamie Stockbridge (alto, baritone sax); Faye MacCalman (tenor sax, clarinet); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Johnny Hunter (drums, glockenspiel).

Having been mightily impressed by Mr Pope’s 2023 album, Mixed With Glass, I made a point of booking to see one of the gigs at the Star and Shadow cinema where this album was recorded back in April. And here we have Citrinitas, only six months after the recording dates with the same musicians on the bandstand as for the previous album.

The River City Hot Six @ Blaydon Jazz Club - Oct. 16

(© Roly Veitch)
Gordon Solomon (trombone); Bob Wade (trumpet, cornet, clarinet); Steve Andrews (tenor sax, clarinet); Keith Stephen (banjo); Phil Rutherford (sousaphone); Scott Adair (drums, vocals)

The River City Hot Six is a band of some pedigree playing occasional jazz club engagements and making the odd festival appearance here and there. This evening at the Black Bull pub on Bridge Street, Blaydon, bandleader Gordon Solomon arrived in good time to see for himself the recently-revamped lounge slowly but surely filling up ahead of the eight o'clock down beat. As the Hot Six opened with Girl of My Dreams the room was nigh on full. A heartening sight indeed. 

Monday, October 16, 2023

Album review: Harry Diplock Trio and Friends

Harry Diplock, Remi Oswald (guitar); Pete Thomas (bass) + Joe Webb (piano tk 1); Giacomo Smith (clarinet tks 2,4); Matt Holborn (violin tk 8); Kourosh Kanani (tk 9).

A refreshing take on the legacy of gypsy jazz by a London based guitarist who has well and truly captured the spirit of those Hot Club days without any suggestion of plagiarism. 

A new name to me, Diplock knows his way around the 'Macca' and manages to maybe bring it closer to the present without any disrespect to the past. He is aided and abetted by Thomas on bass, Oswald on rhythm guitar and an assortment of friends who make cameo appearances.

Steve Waterman w. the Mike Hall Quartet @ the Railway, Stockport - Oct. 15

(© Jeff Pritchard)
Steve Waterman (trumpet/flugel); Mike Hall (tenor sax); Richard Weatherall (piano); Ed Harrison (bass); Dave Walsh (drums).

The drummer for this gig should have been Eryl Roberts but, unfortunately, he had been struck down with flu so Dave Walsh stepped in as a last-minute replacement. For the rest of the line-up, this was most likely their second gig of the day and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that this may have had something to do with the larger than normal Sunday night jazz audience. 

Origin @ Central Bar, Gateshead - Oct. 15

Francis Tulip (guitar); Vato Klemera (keyboards); Trevor Boxall (electric bass); Glenn Charles (drums)

Glenn Charles is busy touring his CD Before After All. A week or so ago Charles' band Origin joined forces with Paul Booth, making it two lads from the same neck of the woods in deepest County Durham - Booth and guitarist Francis Tulip - sharing a stage. This evening's gig at Gateshead's Central Bar didn't feature P. Booth, our man was gigging somewhere in Europe. Drummer Charles' quartet is an attraction in itself and this gig on Half Moon Lane drew a decent crowd. 

Sunday, October 15, 2023

No jazz tonight at the Globe

(Press release): Unfortunately, tonight's Panharmonia gig is postponed due to Covid, but check out our great upcoming jazz programme at The Globe:

October 22nd - Milne Glendinning Band
October 29th - Mo Scott Band
November 5th - Greg Abate
November 9th - Dave Manington's Riff Raff
November 16th - Nigel Price Organ Trio
November 19th - Dean Stockdale Quartet
November 26th - Lewis Watson Quartet
December 3rd- Johnny Hunter Quartet

The Saltburn Big Band @ Dorman’s Jazz Club, Middlesbrough - Oct. 12

This recently formed band comprising of eighteen musicians, a guest vocalist (Bridget Metcalfe) and led by Kevin Eland gave a splendid performance to an appreciative audience and, in the process, firmly establishing themselves as a first class big band.

The full big band sound of Louis Ferrar's composition Domino gave the night a great start, followed by South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way) and  the Sammy Nestico arrangement of Good News.

Bridget then came to the stage showing us what a top class singer she is with From This Moment On and Neil Hefti's Girl Talk that included fine work from the trumpet section and an excellent guitar solo by Paul Donnelly.

Saturday, October 14, 2023

606 Club Live Music: 2023 EFG London Jazz Festival

(Press release) Hello all you connoisseurs of culture and lovers of live music – warm greetings from the 606 in Chelsea, getting in touch regarding the 2023 EFG London Jazz Festival!

Whether measured by the number of venues presenting jazz & related styles or increases in online listening by generations Y and Z, jazz is hip, cool and very much in the vanguard in the UK. A growing audience, rising international profile and recognition in the form of this year’s Mercury Prize is further testimony to that!

 

In the midst of this thriving scene sits the 606 Club, which has been owned and run by musician Steve Rubie since 1976. Combining the best of old and new, it’s ‘USP’is presenting musicians based in the UK. As such, artists including Jamie Cullum, Gwilym Simcock, Claire Martin, Liane Carroll, Ian Shaw and more played here when they were first coming through.

 

For this EFG London Jazz Festival season, the Club has put together a lineup that honours tradition, while celebrating the present and tipping its hat to the future. 

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