Bebop Spoken There

Ludovic Beier (Django Festival Allstars): ''Manouche means 'free man,' and gypsies have been travelers since they migrated west from India to Europe.'' (DownBeat March, 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

18395 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 259 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 30 ), 69

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

March

Tue 31: Bede Trio @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. Albert Hills Wright (alto sax); Finn Carter (piano); Michael Dunlop (double bass).

April

Wed 01: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 01: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 01: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 02: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: Musicians playing classical & orchestral music.
Thu 02: The Noel Dennis Band @ Prohibition Bar, Albert Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RU. 7:00pm (doors). £10.84. Quartet plus special guest Zoë Gilby. Over 21s only.
Thu 02: Renegade Brass Band @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 02: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00. adv..
Thu 02: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 03: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 03: King Bees @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle. 7:00pm (doors). Free. Chicago blues.

Monday, November 06, 2023

Greg Abate @ the Globe - Nov. 5

(© Ken Drew)
Greg Abate (alto sax); Dean Stockdale (piano); John Pope (bass); Abbie Finn (drums) + Harry Keeble  (tenor sax)

A co-promotion between Jazz North East and the Jazz Coop led to a knockout session by ace American alto saxophonist Greg Abate who delighted a near capacity crowd - there were rows of occupied seats as far as the eye could see - with his prodigious technique ably assisted by a homegrown rhythm section.

A mix of bop-flavoured originals and standards, the evening just flew past. I can't remember when I've enjoyed a gig so much. Oh yes I can, it was the last time Greg was in town!

(© Ken Drew)
He also had a surprise in store inviting local tenor sax star Harry Keeble to join him on stage for a couple of numbers. Harry stepped up to the plate and together they got a great sound. Harry's a contender.

Special mention also of the trio. With a minimum, if any, of rehearsal they did the business and they can hold their heads up high.

A minor quibble, Greg didn't play flute this time round and if he did occasionally overdo the quotes it was done so tastefully I had no cause to complain.

Truly a night to remember. See you next year. Lance 

All the Things You Are; Afternoon in Paris; DSR (Deep Seated Reality); Times Past (a re-working of Body and Soul); Jag; Diverse/Segment; Yardbird Suite; Lullaby of the Leaves; Star Eyes; Positive Energy (w. HK); On the Road (w. HK); Secret Love; Light Scene; Triste

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