The Joe Steels-Ben Lawrence Quartet @ Blaydon Jazz Club - May 20

© R. Veitch

Joe Steels (guitar); Ben Lawrence (piano); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

On a fine late spring evening the debut performance of the Joe Steels-Ben Lawrence Quartet drew a sizeable crowd to the Black Bull. Joe, guitar, Ben, piano, Andy Champion, bass and drummer John Bradford have shared a stage in various groupings, this Blaydon Jazz Club appearance was a first opportunity for them to work together as a quartet. 

Michael Young Trio @ the Engine Room - May 20

Michael Young (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Abbie Finn (drums)

It was a sunny day, it was warm, so, on an impulse, I donned the shades, the jacket and the air of  a cool dude out on the town. A bus and a Metro got me to the Engine Room - the bar/bistro that adjoins the Fire Station where, last Friday, SSBB launched their latest CD.

This time, the real ale was back on in the bar so there was no need to adjourn to the nearby Dun Cow which was just as well as I'd have been unable to hear the Michael Young Trio although I'd have probably heard the noise some of the diners were making. Michael referred to them as The In Crowd which also happened to be the band's opening number and delivered à la Ramsey Lewis, setting the mood for the evening. I don't know if there was any soul food on the menu but there should have been.

Suzanne Fonseca Quartet @ the Railway, Stockport - May 19

© Jeff Pritchard

Suzanne Fonseca (trombone); Jim Collins (tenor sax); Richard Wetherall (piano); Gavin Barras (bass).

Making his second appearance here this week and playing the same vintage Conn M tenor sax was Jim Collins a musician who never fails to impress me with his great sound and inventive solos. I think tenor sax and trombone make a good combination and when you have top piano man Richard Wetherall on board and Gavin Barras behind his double bass you have all the ingredients for a first class evening of modern jazz.  I was pleased to see a lot of the Sunday night regulars were back in attendance and by 9:00pm it was standing room only.

The Story of Blaydon Jazz Club

The Story of Blaydon Jazz Club is just that, a history of Blaydon Jazz Club. From its beginnings in 1984, over four decades Blaydon Jazz Club has presented countless concerts, principally at the Black Bull on Bridge Street. Following the success of the early years, the club moved from Bridge Street to two or three other nearby venues until recently returning to its spiritual home, the Black Bull. 

Several publicans have played a part in the story, their support for jazz nights in Blaydon being a key factor in the club's longevity. And then there is the audience (some have been supporters from day one), a jazz club night depends on loyal supporters and Blaydon Jazz Club has its fair share of them, many of them considered friends. And what of the musicians? Too many to mention, some based in the region, some travelling a distance (more than a few from overseas), without exception, they too are friends of Blaydon Jazz Club.

Sunday night @ the Globe: Andrea Vicari Trio - May 19

© Pam

Andrea Vicari (piano, voice); Andy Champion (bass); Russ Morgan (drums)

Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying. A song from the film The Shawshank Redemption. A film I've never seen although, on the strength of the trio's take on it, I will certainly look out for it on one of those movie channels that I subscribe to and never watch. It had a sort of contemporary New Orleans' feel to it emphasised by Morgan's drumming. Great to see you back Russ. 

You Don't Know What Love is. Who does? Nevertheless, Vicari's playing with its rich chords, intriguing substitutions and a Latin tinged arrangement may well have found the answer.

The Late Shows @ Ouseburn, Gateshead and Newcastle - May 17/18

One of my favourite weekends of the year! No I didn't make it to Black Swan Jam Session which you'll already have read about on BSH. Out of the many museums and other venues open until 10.30pm(ish) I managed only the Grainger Market and Newcastle Cathedral. But what a good time my friend and I had!

The Grainger Market was very busy from 6:00pm with three stages of activity, and plenty food and drink on offer. The best bit by far was the music of Ponteland Community Wind Band. I now know the difference between a wind band and a jazz big band. The wind band has no piano or guitar, but it does have drums, saxes, trumpets, trombones and maybe the occasional tuba or euphonium - two instruments that I wouldn't expect to find in a big band. I learnt something.

Celebrating 10 Years of the Tuesday Jam @ The Black Swan Bar, Newcastle Arts Centre - May 18

Alan Law (keyboards); Paul Grainger (double bass, MC); Tim Johnston (drums) + Ruth Lambert (vocals); Steve Summers (alto sax, soprano sax); Conor Emery (trombone); Jan Spencelayh (vocals); Esther Coombes (clarinet, alto sax); Giles Strong (guitar); John Pope (double bass); Ian Drever (vocals)

It began at the old place, the 'Jazz Caff', that's the Jazz Cafe (now Prohibition Bar) on Pink Lane. Pre-lockdown the jam session moved on down the alley, left turn onto Westgate Road and down the stairs to the Black Swan. Same format - house trio, a plethora of sitters-in, and, not least, a full house of supportive jazz fans there to listen. First and third Tuesdays in the month, seven thirty sharp. 

Jazz Time Aycliffe Radio - Sundays 6.30-8.00pm (repeated Tuesdays 8.00-9.30pm).

Playlist 19/05/24 (repeated Tuesday 21/05/24)

Requests: Toots Thielemans, Fats Waller, Betty Carter.

Requests from the Zoë Gilby Crook gig: Mark Johnson, Julian Lage, John Scofield.

Memories: Big Joe Turner, Kai Winding, Woody Herman.

Requests: Christian McBride, Milt Hinton.

What’s on in the NE: Bridget Metcalfe, Doris Day, Emma Fisk's Hot Club Du Nord, Paul Edis Sextet, Alan Barnes, Nikki Iles.

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

Aycliffe Radio is now available on DAB in County Durham & the Darlington area.

That Buddy Bolden cylinder

The search is over! At last I've got my hands on the legendary BB cylinder. Its value beyond the dreams of avarice - the Maltese Falcon a mere bagatelle by comparision. On this cylinder I will hear the greatest New Orleans trumpet player ever. Buddy Bolden who begat Keppard, Oliver, Armstrong, Carey, Bunk and all the other Storyville hornmen.

How did I acquire it? Well, amazingly it was in a thrift/charity shop only a couple of miles away from my local boozer where I'd been chatting with one of the local soaks. You know, the usual thing, sport, sex, the council, sex until eventually music came up and we got around to talking about the merits of CDs, vinyl, cassettes etc and he mentioned seeing a cylinder in one of the  thrift/charity shops only a few miles away.

Could this be it? I didn't even finish my pint nor wait for a bus but jumped in a taxi. I gave the driver a tenner and told him to keep the change.

Six and a half million hits later...

Bebop Spoken Here has just chalked up its six and a half millionth hit. Started way back in 2008, more than 16,000 posts later, the award-winning jazz blog just keeps on going. Working out of an attic office above a bookies in downtown Hebburn (artistic licence), BSH's intrepid editor has expended plenty of shoe leather in pursuit of scoops and hard-boiled jazz stories, often stopping off along the way to look in at one of the the area's many thrift shops in the hope of getting his hands on that never seen or heard Buddy Bolden cylinder. It'll turn up one day...Working for peanuts, burning the midnight oil, LL continues to lead the way. The seven million is on the horizon... Russell    

Jazz at the Lit and Phil: Dave Newton and Dean Stockdale - May 17

Dave Newton(right), Dean Stockdale (pianos)

Usually one plus one equals two but not today at the monthly jazz recital at the Lit and Phil.  Today one plus one equalled a delightful  hour of piano music by two  accomplished musicians. Two pianos, two virtuoso pianists and another full house.

Dave Newton has topped the various annual British Jazz Awards’ ‘Best Pianist’ category on no fewer than sixteen occasions while Dean Stockdale has regularly delighted audiences nationwide with his solo piano, trio, and quartet performances including his critically acclaimed ‘Celebrating Oscar’ (Oscar Peterson) project which subsequently toured the British Isles.

Album launch: Strictly Smokin' Big Band and Friends @ the Fire Station, Sunderland - May 17

Bruce Adams, Alan Barnes
© Lance

Alan Barnes (reeds); Bruce Adams (trumpet); Paul Booth (reeds); Ruth Lambert (vocals) w. Strictly Smokin' Big Band (MD Michael Lamb)*

Based on hearing the album in advance, plus a review in Jazzwise where it garnered a whole galaxy of stars, as well as favourable comments elsewhere, the expectations were high and, by and large, they were fulfilled.

However, to use an old cliche this was very much a game of two halves. The first set was faultless yet, for some reason or other, the strings of my heart didn't go Zing! It was like a soccer match where your team do everything right but don't hit the back of the net - rather like being at the Stadium of Light just across the river.

Most of the fans that I spoke to were of a similar opinion despite the illustrious guests.

Lakecia Benjamin @ the Jazz Arena, Cheltenham Jazz Festival - May 4.

I had bobbed down to that Big Fancy London last year to see Benjamin at the Jazz Café. Since then she has continued her peregrinations around various international hot spots, in her quest to promote her fine Phoenix album. So, what did we learn from tonight’s gig? Firstly, she did not enjoy her visit to Budapest and, secondly, she came to make some noise. Whilst the main acts in the big tent next door were the sort of pop acts that help pay for the rest of the Festival, the Jazz Arena is where the next generation of big jazz headliners do their thing. Benjamin’s thing is loud, uncompromising, modern and reaching back to that explosion of Coltrane influenced music that lit fires that continue to burn.

Cheltenham Musings 2

In an underground lair somewhere someone is being tortured to design the most uncomfortable seat capable of accommodating the human body. Sacked from Ryanair they now work making chairs for the Jazz Arena at Cheltenham. Wafer thin foam covering accompanies a rigid steel frame cunningly placed just too close to the chair in front. I will say no more.

Zara McFarlane Presents The Music of Sarah Vaughan, @ the Jazz Arena, Cheltenham Jazz Festival - May 5

I’ve got a couple of Zara McFarlane CDs on the shelves at Sayer Towers so it was good to see her on the bill at Cheltenham promoting her forthcoming Sweet Whispers: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan album. She mixed some of her own songs from her own previous albums in with the Sarah Vaughan covers and talked about ‘Sassy’ as she introduced some of the classics, taking us through some biographical details, highlighting the moments of defiance and determination that led to the Sassy nickname.

Album review: Petra van Nuis and Dennis Luxion - From me to You

Petra van Nuis (vocals); Dennis Luxion (piano)

If I ever go to Chicago (sorry but I can't take you) my first stop will be at Le Piano on 6970 N. Glenwood Avenue and, if it's on a Saturday night, I'll hang around for the Afterglow set where Petra and Dennis hold down an ongoing residency from 11:00pm to 1:00am.

On the other hand, if I don't make it to O'Hare then all will not be lost. I'll have this album to listen to and luxuriate in the magic of their music.

Just as Ella and Ellis Larkins did when they set the benchmark with their 10" Decca album - Ella Sings Gershwin - over 70 years ago Petra and Dennis hit that same level. The empathy is there. The piano setting the mood, the voice picking up the baton and strolling with it.

Preview (updated): The Strictly Smokin' Big Band & Friends - Sunderland Fire Station (Fri. 17 May)

Sunderland, Friday night, half past seven, the Fire Station on High St. West is the place to be. Michael Lamb's magnificent Strictly Smokin' Big Band will be in party mode with the release of a new album and, on the night, the SSBB will be joined by three special guests. From swing to contemporary charts to original material, Tyneside's pride and joy will be entertaining gig-goers with a sparkling set featuring the ensemble, guest vocalist Ruth Lambert and these guys...Bruce Adams (trumpet), Alan Barnes (reeds) and local hero Paul Booth (reeds)! 

Late Night Chicago Radio w. Denny Farrell (May 16 to May 22)

Kenny Barron: The Very Thought of You.

John Coltrane: I'm Old Fashioned.

Diana Krall: Where or When?

Scott Hamilton: Skylark.

Oscar Peterson: Night Train.

Dianne Reeves: Oh What a Little Moonlight Can Do.

André Previn: Thank Heaven For Little Girls.

Sarah Vaughan: After Hours.

Kenny Burrell/Jimmy Smith: Since I Fell For You.

Paul Desmond/Jim Hall: Imagination.

LISTEN.

Press release/preview: Jam - a photographic exhibition

© Kate O'Neill

My show ‘Jam’ (a photographic exhibition documenting musical performance) at 36 Lime Street Gallery this summer focuses on the ‘jazz jam’ community in Newcastle with a particular focus on The Black Swan/Newcastle Arts Centre.

For around 2 years, I have documented instrumentalists and vocalists as they sit in and perform at the Jam.

 

The Preview (Saturday 10th August: 6:00 - 8:00 pm) is my opportunity to invite and involve the players and audience. My plan on the night is to recreate a ‘micro’ - jam session by hiring a rhythm section and inviting regular jam participants to sit in and perform surrounded by images of themselves.

I'm also taking this opportunity to invite a wider audience to the Preview and feature some of the images from my up and coming show. Kate O'Neill

FLIKR IMAGES.

Album review: The New Wonders - Steppin' Out

Mike Davis (cornet, vocals); Ricky Alexander (alto sax, clarinet, vocals); Josh Holcomb (trombone); Jared Engel (banjo); Andy Schumm (piano, cornet); Jay Rattman (bass sax, vocals); Colin Hancock (drums, cornet, vocals)

Sharp suit and pencil moustache, cornet and vocals, it's as if twenty first century Mike Davis has chosen to live in twentieth century Prohibition America. There is little doubt Davis would have been in his element in 'Jazz Age' New York of a century ago. The New Wonders, led by Davis, champion the music of the period. Archivist, historian, performer, Davis is at the forefront of a generation of (young) musicians immersed in the music of the time. Not for them mere pastiche, they're in it for all the right reasons, this is their art. 

Paul Hartley Quartet featuring Jim Collins @ the Railway Stockport - May 14

© Jeff Pritchard

Paul Hartley (guitar); Jim Collins (tenor/alto sax); Ken Marley (bass); Miles Pillinger (drums).

Making a rare appearance at this venue was drummer Miles Pillinger whose high-energy playing fitted in well with the tunes selected particularly the opening number Hank Mobley’s  This I Dig of You which had Jim Collins on tenor sax and blowing up a storm. 

This was the second time that I’ve heard this tune of late, the first being at Mezzrow during their Monday night podcast featuring pianist Alan Broadbent who played a more relaxed version. The second tune tonight was also written by a tenor saxman the great Joe Henderson who I believe composed Recorda-Me when he was 14 years old.  

Album Review: Cyrille Aimée – à Fleur de Peau

Cyrille Aimée's latest album comprises original songs arranged by her in close collaboration with New York multi-instrumentalist Jake Sherman, songs which are personal yet with universal meanings, songs influenced by her Dominican heritage of African dance rhythms and Spanish folksongs and all with elements of contemporary pop music.

Ms Aimée lives in New Orleans. When the pandemic began she moved to Costa Rica where she built a house and with new found confidence, wrote the songs and recorded the album which was based around Ms Aimée's performances with added arrangements. The album is good of its type but not really to my taste, and it just does not have a jazz-like 'feel'.  It's closer to pop music and soul.

Dee Dee Bridgewater & We Exist, @ Cheltenham Town Hall - May 4

Dee Dee Bridgewater (vocals); Carmen Staff (piano) Rosa Runello (bass); Marco Gradini (drums).

Dee Dee Bridgewater announced, shortly after arriving on the stage, that she was going to be doing songs about social concerns because she was angry. It soon became apparent that she was, in fact, VERY ANGRY INDEED. She proceeded to tear the roof off displaying levels of energy unseen since the early days of the Clash. Apparently, she is 73 years old but comported herself with the vigour of someone who still gets asked their age in pubs.

She opened with a Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway song, Trying Times, which came from that sweet spot where the blues meets soul. Over rock solid drumming and a funky piano excursion Dee Dee’s voice built to a crescendo on the song’s title as she wails out ‘Tryin’ Tiiiimes.’ She swoops and growls, yet her enunciation is clear and each word is served up clearly for examination. A bubbling bass solo leads into a bass and voice call and respond as her gentle scatting leads to a fade.

David William Sanborn (July 30, 1945 – May 12, 2024)

© Flore

The passing of David Sanborn heralded the loss of one of the all-time greats of soul/jazz alto playing. Already the obituaries are sprouting up from wherever he sowed the seeds of his greatness. I'm not going down that road, more erudite writers than me will have already done that so, instead, I'm going to reflect on the three occasions that I saw/heard him live.

Nov. 15, 2011: Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre, London. With Joey DeFrancesco on Hammond and Byron Landham on drums this was a mind-blowing set that stood head and shoulders above anything else at that year's London Jazz Festival. REVIEW.

Liam Byrne Quartet @ the Railway, Stockport - May 12

Liam Byrne (tenor/soprano sax); Andy Hulme (guitar); Tom Kincaid (piano); Ed Harrison (bass)

Although this was a drummer-less line up, it didn’t matter as all four musicians are well experienced at playing this sort of gig. When Ed Harrison is on board you know things will swing! I think it’s been quite a while since Tom Kincaid has played at this venue and he decided to use the house upright tonight rather than a keyboard which was a good move as, to me, tenor sax always sounds best when an acoustic piano is used.

The Fergus McCreadie Trio @ the Glasshouse - May 12

Fergus McCreadie (piano); David Bowden (bass); Stephen Henderson (drums)

In my early childhood my parents would take (drag?) me along to concerts by, amongst others, the Hallé Orchestra at the City Hall in Newcastle. To my mother the Hallé were the equivalent of the Beatles and Sir John Barbirolli her 'Elvis'. I was perhaps less enamoured although I did eventually come to appreciate the changes of mood and tempo during the movements of the various symphonies that I learned to love (and sometimes hate!)

The thunderous crescendos, the pastoral calm that followed, the intricacies of the strings sawing away against the stentorian bombast of the brass, the woodwind caught in the crossfire and all underpinned by the clashing of the cymbals and the boiling kettle drums triumphantly telling us that victory was nigh.

Album review: Sam ‘The Man’ Taylor - Sax Supreme. The Singles and Albums Collection. 1949 -1958 (Acrobat)

The rise of the blues-shoutin' saxists in the late 1940s through to the early 1960s offered much to jazz fans who preferred a more ‘vocal’ and guttural message. Ergo, stylists like Louis Jordan, Earl Bostic, Sam Butera and of course, Sam ‘The Man’ Taylor along with many others. All of whom prospered during the post-war period of muted austerity hallmarked by a desire for quality jumping blues drenched sounds. Equally enjoyed by dancers and listeners alike.

Press release: Tonight @ the Glasshouse - Fergus McCreadie Trio

Flowing. Evocative. Rooted in Scotland’s natural beauty.

Critically acclaimed Scottish pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie dives into the essence of water with music from his new album ‘Stream.’

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary jazz, Fergus McCreadie’s carved a remarkable niche. Since 2021 his career has skyrocketed. His debut album ‘Cairn’ (Edition Records), set the stage for a journey deeply rooted in natural themes, while “Forest Floor” released 2022 was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and clinched Scottish Album of the Year – the first ever Scottish jazz album to do so.

Jazz Time Aycliffe Radio - Sundays 6.30-8.00pm (repeated Tuesdays 8.00-9.30pm).

Playlist 12/05/24 (repeated Tuesday 14/05/24)

Requests: Count Basie Orchestra, Blossom Dearie (100th Anniversary).

Requests from Jeff Barnhart & John Hallam gig at Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club: Jeff Barnhart, John Hallam, Fats Waller, Keith Nichols’ New Paul Whiteman Orchestra, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter, Django Reinhardt, Claude Hopkins, Edmund Hall.

They’re taking me to Marrakesh: Zöe Gilby Quartet @ St. Cuthbert’s Parish Centre, Crook – May 10

Zöe Gilby (vocals); Andy Champion (bass); Mark Williams (guitar); John Bradford (drums).

I quoted, above, Crosby, Stills and Nash’s classic from 1969 as Marrakesh was where we ended up last night in a closing ‘epic version’ of the track from the Twelve Stories album, Red City. We got there via 4 jazz standards, one pop classic and seven further originals and it was one heck of a ride all the way with a wide variety of musical styles and one constant – the outstanding musicianship of all involved!

Bill Holman (May 21, 1927 - May 6, 2024)

Sad to learn of the death of saxophonist, arranger and composer Bill Holman who died on May 6 in Los Angeles at the age of 96.

Although he was probably best known for his many arrangements for the Stan Kenton Orchestra he also contributed charts to the Buddy Rich Band, including the Beatles' Norwegian Wood which became a staple part of the Rich band's repertoire. 

Michael Woods @ the Lit & Phil, Newcastle - May 10

Michael Woods (guitar, vocals)

In its bi-centenary year at its present site, the Grade II listed Lit & Phil is on something of a roll with sold out events across the board - concerts, conferences, lectures and more. On a sunny, warm May afternoon a full house welcomed country blues guitarist Michael Woods. It was pre-Covid when the Newcastle based left-hander last appeared at the Westgate Road venue. 

From Blind Blake to Blind Wille Johnson, Joe Wilson (Tyneside's 19th century songwriter) to Tommy Armstrong's The Durham Lockout to Skip James, Blind Boy Fuller and more, the affable Woods played fingerstyle and bottleneck, mostly on National steel with vocals as accompaniment. Placing the songs in socio-political context, Woods' unamplified, light voice demanded a cocked ear.

At the conclusion of Woods' one hour set the attentive audience, some undoubtedly blues aficionados, demanded an encore. Our Newcastle folk-blues troubadour obliged with Muddy Waters' I Cant' Be Satisfied. Satisfied indeed. Russell         

Brad Mehldau Trio @ Cheltenham Town Hall May 4

Brad Mehldau (piano); Felix Moseholm (bass); Jorge Rossy (drums).

To the Town Hall in Cheltenham for what should have been the high point of this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival. The man is a legend and a grunt free shoe-in to inherit Keith Jarrett’s crown. His trio included long-time associate, Rossy, and, a new name to me, Felix Moseholm. Five minutes into the set and the crowd was mesmerised by the length of Moseholm’s fingers and asking if he had been bred in a lab just to play stand up jazz bass. If that were the case it had worked!

Cheltenham Musings

On our arrival at the Clematis Guesthouse Steve asked our host, Karen, if Dave and Sam were there this year. “They booked,” she said, “then cancelled because there wasn’t enough wacky jazz on for them this year.” Looking at the list of headliners (UB40, Robert Plant, Jack Savoretti, Morcheeba, Sophie Ellis-Bextor) I could see their point. Our first job, therefore was to identify the uncut diamonds, not all jazz acts, elsewhere in the programme.

Having done so and armed with our tickets we were off on the wander into town. We realised quite quickly that another absentee was father sol and we chose our footwear for water resistance, rather than terpsichore. One half way decent pizza later we stopped to listen to No Big Deal on the free stage; a lively bunch producing weather denying Latin grooves.

Lewis Watson Quartet + Langdale Youth Jazz Ensemble @ Laurel's, Whitley Bay - May 9

Lewis Watson (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

A first visit to Laurel's in Whitley Bay. A former social club on Whitley Road, its discreet entrance leads visitors up a steep fight of stairs to a first floor bar (with pool table!). The decor, best described as 'funky', the place has a DIY feel to it. Dimly lit, the seating 'funky', a pint of Camden's Ice Breaker Pale Ale the pick (at an eye-watering £5.95 a pint), best of all, the sound system was Bird and Dizzy all the way.

Late Night Chicago Radio w. Denny Farrell - May 9 to May 15

Teddy Wilson: As Time Goes By.

Peggy Lee: Goin' to Chicago.

João Gilberto: Desifinado.

Bud Powell: Body and Soul.

Norah Jones: Summertime.

Buddy DeFranco: I Hear Music.

Blossom Dearie: Our Love is Here to Stay.

Monty Alexander: In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.

Chet Baker: But Not For me.

Karrin Allyson How Long Has This Been Going on?

?: When I Dream of You.

Matt Dennis: Angel Eyes.

Red Garland: You Better go Now.

LISTEN.

Press release: Saxophonist Helena Kay headlines Jazz Thursdays in Edinburgh

© Benjamin Elovega

The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh has commissioned the award-winning saxophonist Helena Kay to curate and appear in a series of concerts focusing on musicians who have inspired Kay’s career.

Beginning on Thursday 19th September with the vibrant, highly individual pianist Zoe Rahman, who will play solo and in duo with Kay, the concerts take place over a twelve-month period and highlight Kay as both a featured soloist and a bandleader.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to play on a stage and in a venue so rich in jazz history,” says Kay, who won the much-coveted Peter Whittingham Jazz Award in 2017 and has since been selected as a City Music Foundation Artist and for the Drake YolanDa Award in recognition of their exceptional musicianship.

Press preview: Ten year celebratory jam session + Late Night Special @ the Black Swan - May 18

© Mike Tilley

Jazz Jam

7:00-9:00pm, Black Swan Bar, walk up, free - get there early to guarantee entry!

A celebratory jam to mark a decade of the ever popular jazz jam sessions. Enjoy live music and pour out into the bustling courtyard to find street food and outdoor seating.

Musicians participating in this session get into the Late Night Special for free!

Under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Remi Coulthard-Boardman (vocals, guitar, piano), Stage 3 Final Recital @ Music Studios, Newcastle University - May 9

Remi Coulthard-Boardman (vocals, guitar, piano) + Ross Carbis (keyboards, guitar); Rhian Wilkinson (bass); Matt Connor (drums); Josh Scott (trumpet); Olly Styles (tenor sax); Conor Emery (trombone); Jessica Bartlett (backing vocals, percussion); Cara Britton (backing vocals); Chiara Todisco (backing vocals)

Seen and heard gigging around town, often at the Black Swan jam session, on this sunny Thursday afternoon in May, vocalist Remi Coulthard-Boardman was to present his Final Recital. Arriving at the Music Studios on Assembly Lane, the basement space was buzzing in anticipation. All seats taken, Remi took to the stage with his nine piece band. Over the course of forty minutes or so we witnessed a soul-blues performance of the highest calibre. 

Preview: Strictly Smokin' & Friends, the album launch @ the Fire Station - next Friday (May 17)

This one has been a long time in the making - maybe going back to when Michael Lamb first formed the band all those years ago when he was still at school! 

Since then, of course, the band has gone from strength to strength - as have the soloists and vocalists from within the ranks - until now when they are more than just a big band, but a band that has developed and nurtured it's own core of musicians many, if not all, capable of holding down a chair in any big band anywhere.

King Lewis & co. tonight (Thursday) in Whitley Bay!

This evening's double bill at Laurel's in Whitley Bay starts at 7:30pm rather than the previously advertised time of eight o'clock. First onto the stand will be the Wallsend based Langdale Youth Jazz Ensemble. The headliners, that's the Lewis Watson Quartet, will follow. Lewis is one of the finest tenor saxophonists of his generation and he'll be at the Whitley Road venue with his A-list band featuring Mark Williams (guitar), Andy Champion (double bass) and drummer John Bradford. That's some band! Book now at: www.laurelswhitley.co.uk. Russell

Conor Emery (trombone), Stage 3 Final Recital @ Music Studios, Newcastle University - May 8

Conor Emery (trombone) + Olly Styles (alto sax, tenor sax); Dewi Chilton (trumpet); Liam Oliver (guitar); Emma Thomlinson (keyboards); Jamie Watkins (bass guitar); Abbie Finn (drums); Remi Coulthard-Boardman (vocals)

Over the last couple of years or so trombonist Conor Emery has been a welcome presence on the Tyneside jazz scene. Sitting in at jam sessions, sitting in the 'bones of various big bands and latterly fronting his own band, this evening the soon-to-graduate final year student kept an important appointment. At seven o'clock Conor took to the stage in the Music Studios at Newcastle University to present his Stage 3 Final Recital.

Album review: Clara Haberkamp Trio - Plateaux (TYXart series "JAZZart")

Clara Haberkamp (piano); Oliver Potratz (bass); Jarle Vespestad (drums)

A new name to me, indeed three new names although all are well-established names in Germany and deservedly so. Let's blame Brexit for my ignorance.

Haberkamp is an original and exciting player far removed from any suggestion of being just a pianist 'tinkling the ivories' in a cocktail lounge. Quite the opposite in fact varying from a Schumann meets Jarrett to a Wagnerian influenced Cecil Taylor approach depending on the mood of the composition. 

However, these references are slight compared to the greater scenario which is that of an outstanding pianist and an innovative composer. Enfold me Like a Poem is as evocative as the title implies conjuring up sensitive images normally only done with words. Here the music is the words.

Ed Kainyek @ the Railway, Stockport - May 7

© Jeff Pritchard

Ed Kainyek (alto sax); Liam Butler-Webb (keys); John Sandham  (bass); Tim Franks (drums).

The last time Ed gigged at the Railway he was playing a Yamaha tenor sax. Tonight however, he was using an alto sax made by Hanson, a Yorkshire based company, and sounding good on it. 

The Black Swan Jam session - May 7

This evening’s Black Swan jam session attracted yet another full house, they were queuing at half past six, an hour before the down beat. The house trio - Stuart Collingwood, Paul Grainger and Abbie Finn - warmed up with Henry Mancini’s Days of Wine and Roses. It wasn’t long before the first of the hopefuls caught the eye of MC Grainger. 

Up stepped Harry Keeble. A tenor saxophonist of some renown, this evening HK arrived with a soprano sax. Well, let’s hear if he can play the thing. Of course he could! Unforgettable the choice, great stuff! And it wasn’t long before alto saxophonist Luis Verde joined HK to play Lover Man. If that was to be the highlight, it was worth queuing for.

Hello Central give me Doctor Who...

Apart from the many great musicians who are no longer with us there are also a whole lot of places that saw the birth of the music and its growth. As I thought of the many cities and venues my imagine ran riot and I visualised jumping into an old police box and being transported back in time to where it all happened. Here are are some of the places...

Sunday night @ the Globe: Guido Spannocchi Quartet - May 5

© Ken Drew

Guido Spannocchi (alto sax); Danny Keane (piano); John Pope (bass); Steve Hanley (drums)

The moral of the story re last night's gig at the Globe is that, just as you can't judge a book by its cover, nor can you judge a band by listening to a few bars on YouTube.

I made just such an error of perception when I concluded it was going to be a long haul until the final coda.

I was wrong - boy was I wrong and I'm delighted to admit it! Pass me my suit of sackcloth and ashes.

After the recent surfeit of top class tenor players: Watson, Themen, Gould, Keeble and Teimoori it was good, despite my initial reservations, to here some very fine alto playing.

Sue Ferris Quintet plays Horace Silver @ Central Bar, Gateshead - May 5

Sue Ferris (tenor sax); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ben Lawrence (keyboards); Andy Champion (double bass); Russ Morgan (drums)

It's the new thing at Central Bar - doors at 1:45pm with hardly a soul to be seen, by the two o'clock down beat the first floor room is all but standing-room only. This month's session featured Sue Ferris' excellent quintet playing Horace Silver. Not an album as such, more a selection from the pianist's extensive back catalogue plus a couple of non-Silver compositions for good measure.    

John Pisano (Feb. 6, 1931- May 2, 2024)

Jeff Barnhart @ The Vault, Darlington - May 4

Jeff Barnhart (piano, vocals); Anne Barnhart (vocals)

Following a most successful lunchtime concert at St Augustine's Parish Centre, Jeff Barnhart wasn't about to leave town anytime soon. Two minutes' walk from the venue lies one of our American visitor's favourite pubs. The place was more than busy and the arrival of Mr B's entourage made it all the more so. A pint or three later it was time to head down to Darlington's Market Square for the second of Barnhart's eagerly anticipated two-gigs-in-a-day. 

The Vault overlooks Darlington's Market Square. This weekend it's the town's 'Food & Drink Festival 2024'. Stalls offering a wide range of goodies were doing good business, meanwhile, our East Row hostelry was doing equally good business. The Vault attracts a wide clientele: drinkers, 'night out' types, party-goers (some dressed up to the nines) and, on this early Saturday evening, a battalion of jazz fans.