Ruth Lambert Trio @ Juke Shed, North Shields - June 30

Ruth Lambert (vocals); Michael Young (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass) + Lara Hopper (trumpet) 

The Juke Shed. Sounds something like a juke joint off the freeway, Chevvy parked up, a beer, fries, chewin' the fat. Down on the Fish Quay it ain't so different, fishin' fleet offloading the catch, motors parked up, a beer to go with some afternoon entertainment. Shipyard Ale the best of a middling selection, a high stool, the trio settin' up in the corner. 

The trio...GASbook singer Ruth Lambert, depping pianist Michael Young and bassman P. Grainger, that's Mr. Paul Grainger. Taking a Chance on Love, One Note Samba, a class act is Ms. Lambert. The trio had a listening audience, fans new and old. Emerging trumpeter Lara Hopper joined Lambert and co. to play a few tunes, I Fall in Love Too Easily for starters. Lara has a good ear, constructing meaningful solos, a fine addition to the local scene.

Album review: Alvin Queen Trio - Feeling Good (Stunt Records)

Carlton Holmes (piano/synth); Danton Boller (bass); Alvin Queen (drums)

After a nail-biting 120 minutes watching England snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at the Euros I needed something to steady my nerves. If I hadn't been 'on the wagon' a double JD would have helped. So, in the absence of Tennessee's finest, I opted for a piano trio album to help me to return down to earth.

However, not just any piano trio album would do but the one led by drummer Alvin Queen, a former member of the Oscar Peterson Trio.

Canadian Jazz Collective - Sample Reel

 Derrick Gardner—trumpet & flugelhorn
·       Lorne Lofsky—guitar
·       Rich Perry —tenor saxophone
·       Virginia MacDonald—clarinet
·       Brian Dickinson—piano
·       Neil Swainson—bass
·       Bernd Reiter—drums

www.canadianjazzcollective.com

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

Playlist 30/06/24 (repeated Tuesday 02/07/24)

Summer: Sidney Bechet, Shelly Manne & His Friends.

Requests from Opus 4: Cannonball Adderley Quintet, Emmet Cohen, Ella Fitzgerald /Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich Big Band, George Mraz.

Request: Bob James.

Jo makes JRR twice in June!

Earlier this month (June 2) Jo Harrop singing Leonard Cohen's Travellin' Light featured on Jazz Record Requests. Four weeks later, this afternoon's edition of JRR (June 30) includes a track from Jo's new album. The Path of a Tear, recorded in Los Angeles, is the latest chapter in Jo's burgeoning career, on this occasion working with top flight LA musicians. Join Alyn Shipton at four o'clock this afternoon (BBC Radio 3) to find out which track it is. Perhaps you'll know the person who requested it!  Russell  

(Editor: See album review HERE)

Paul Edis Trio @ St Cuthbert's Centre, Crook - June 28

Paul Edis (piano, keyboards); Andy Champion (double bass); Russ Morgan (drums)

Whiskers, Paul Edis the composer. The opening number written with drummer Russ Morgan in mind to showcase his exemplary use of brushes, it was to be an evening of compositions written by our returning local hero. Now based in London, on a flying visit to the region, pianist Edis met up with fellow virtuosi, the aforementioned Russ Morgan and Andy Champion (double bass) to play two sets of top class jazz. 

Album Review: Söndörgő – Gyezz (GroundUP Music)

Áron Eredics (first tambura, cello tambura, derbuka, tapan); Benjamin Eredics (kontra tambura, trumpet); Salamon Eredics (alto tambura, cello tambura, Moldavian kaval, accordion, hulusi, frula); Dávid Eredics (alto tambura, clarinet, alto saxophone, kaval); Ábel Dénes (bass, tapan) plus special guest Chris Potter (tenor saxophone).*

This is one for the musicologists, of which it would appear, from this recording, that Hungary has a few. Söndörgő take the sound of their native land on a world trip, such that, whilst their roots show through instruments of other countries inspire the shape and sound of the music. For added good measure there is the west meets east addition of Chris Potter to the mix.

I may not understand jazz - but I know enough to know it's wonderful

Brian Ebbatson drew my attention to this article by Adrian Chiles in last Wednesday's Guardian newspaper.

Read it HERE. Lance

Album Review: Julian Costello & Vertigo (Elsden Music)

Julian Costello (tenor and soprano saxophones); Natalie Rozarios (cello); Stephanos Tsourelis (guitar and oud); Sophie Alloway (drums); Iqbal Pathan (tabla); David Beebee (double bass).

It’s only a couple of months since I reviewed Julian Costello’s quartet album And all the Birds Were Set Free and here he is, back with a new album and a completely different group, featuring completely different instruments and therefore a completely different sound. This new line up brings new voices to bear and that in turn creates a change of mood and atmosphere. The, mainly bowed, cello is supported by Beebee’s bass but the two work closely together. (Beebee and Pathan are listed as guests on the credits but Beebee, especially is more involved than that credit would suggest and Pathan’s tabla is an extra, striking, voice that adds alternative shades to the tracks he plays on, especially during Stonehenge, which opens with a front line duet of soprano and tabla.)

Harry Keeble & Dean Stockdale @ St George's Church, Jesmond, Newcastle - June 28

Harry Keeble (tenor sax) & Dean Stockdale (piano)

St George's Friday lunchtime concert series included a jazz gig featuring two well known faces. Tenor saxophonist Harry Keeble and pianist Dean Stockdale played for three quarters of an hour to a congregation of a few tens of jazz - and non-jazz - parishioners. Harry's tenor cut through loud and clear, Dean's keyboard less so. 

Richard Wetherall & Jim Collins @ the Mucky Pup, Wilmslow - June 26

Richard Wetherall (keys); Jim Collins (tenor sax).

Another duo gig at the Mucky Pup only this time instead of keyboard and bass a tenor saxophone was utilised in the very capable hands of Jim Collins who most jazz fans will know from his many gigs at the Railway in Stockport. Regarding the Railway I had an email recently from my friend Jeff who attended Tuesday night's show informing me of the passing of Ray Ford who had been the driving force behind the live jazz events. Sad news indeed and I hope that the Munch Manship gig on June 30 goes to plan as Richard Wetherall is due to be part of the line-up.

Album review: Sonny Rollins - Freedom Weaver, the 1959 European Tour Recordings (Resonance Records)

Sonny Rollins (tenor sax); Henry Grimes (bass); Pete La Roca, Joe Harris or Kenny Clarke (drums).

Those nice people at Resonance Records have done it again thanks to Zev Feldman, that intrepid seeker of wisdom and truth who is forever donning his fedora and trench coat before setting off down those mean streets in an eternal quest to find the unfindable.

This one takes us to the Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Holland and France of 1959 where the Rollins Trio barnstormed its way across Europe like a peaceful blitzkreig.

Matt Carmichael @ St Mary’s Church, Wooler - June 23

Matt Carmichael (tenor sax); Fergus McCreadie (piano); Charlie Stewart (fiddle).

It’s a funny old world. At the moment we have Rothbury seeking to establish itself as the Jazz Corner of the World and then we have, courtesy of Wooler Arts, one of the biggest names in British jazz (Fergus McCreadie) playing in a Matt Carmichael led trio on a Sunday afternoon in a church in the village. Truly it is an interesting time to follow jazz in Northumberland.

I spoke to a fellow audience member about how impressed I was at the turn out for a jazz gig and her comment was along the lines of ‘We’ve had some great music here recently and if someone puts on something good we’ll all come to it’. Can’t argue with that! It’s worth mentioning the good sound in the church as well.

The Hoppings: Remi CB - June 24

Remi Coulthard-Boardman (vocals, guitar)

A first for BSH, attending a gig on Newcastle's Town Moor! The Hoppings, famously Europe's largest travelling fun fair, is in full swing and for once the weather couldn't be better. In the shadow of a giant ferris wheel, umpteen rides, stalls, dodgems, fortune tellers, candy floss, burgers etc stretched as far as the eye could see.

A toffee apple (two quid), a wander then a seat bang in front of the music stage. On stage, recent Newcastle University music graduate Remi Coulthard Boardman or 'Remi CB' as he is known. A pint of Guinness at £7.50 was given a wide berth, your correspondent opting for something slightly cheaper, a 99 cone with flake - ah, the high life! A selection of pop songs entertained the many drinkers and munchers sitting in the late afternoon sun. 

Press release (extract): 606 Club July listings part 1

© Sheila Herrick

Tue 2nd @ 8:00pm -  FRANCIS TULIP           

Jazz guitarist Frances Tulip is making a major impression amongst those in the know for his technical prowess as well as his creative spark.

 

A graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – where he won their Jazz Performance Prize – he is now studying at Trinity Laban in London, and has already worked with a number of renowned jazz musicians, such as Paul Booth, Xhosa Cole, Phil Meadows and Byron Wallen. In addition, he’s received further recognition from the musician’s charity Help Musicians and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. The Club believes strongly in the importance of championing up-and-coming musicians and we’re delighted to welcome Francis and his Trio, Asaph Tal-bass and Noah Stone-drums. 

 

Richard Wetherall Trio @ the Railway, Stockport - June 23

© Jeff Pritchard

Richard Wetherall (piano); Bim Williams (bass); Eryl Roberts (drums).

Richard likes to play the house upright and he always gets a great sound out of it making it sound like a new instrument.  On drums was Eryl Roberts and, on bass. Bim Williams who is also well known for being a first rate guitarist. As Richard explained, this was an acoustic trio with no amplifiers involved, not even on the double bass.  

The opening number was a tribute to the influential pianist Ahmed Jamal and his famous album Live at the Pershing. But Not For Me was the tune selected. This is an LP that I've never owned but which all my pianist friends seemed to have.  

The Bede Trio + 1 @ the Globe, Newcastle - June 23

Albert Hills Wright (alto sax); Finn Carter (piano); Michael Dunlop (double bass); David Adsett (drums)

Jazz-folk, folk-jazz, jazz-infused folk, folk-infused jazz...labels, don't you just love 'em? The one name we knew, London exiled local lad Michael Dunlop, wrote most of the material played this evening by the Bede Trio or to be precise the Bede Trio 'plus one'. Originally billed as a trio gig, Michael thought it a good idea to invite along drummer David Adsett. 

It's not always easy to remember. Some previous June 23 posts from over the years ...

2008: Mick Shoulder @ the Side Café.

2009: River City Jazzmen @ West Jesmond British Legion Club.

2010: The Hot 8 Brass Band.

2011: Bird Plays Benny - Maine Street Jazzmen @ Rosies.

2012: New Baltic Exhibition.

2013: Hugh Laurie on Desert Island Discs.

2014: The Allsorts Band @ the Bridge Hotel.

2015: Blaydon International Jazz Club.

Album review: Mark Winkler - The Rules Don't Apply

Mark Winkler (vocals)+ (collective): John Beasley, Rich Eames, Greg Gordon-Smith, Jamieson Trotter (piano); Gabe Davis, Dan Lutz (bass); Clayton Cameron, Dan Schnell (drums); Kevin Winard (percussion); George Doering, Grant Geissman (guitar); Katisse Buckingham (tenor sax, flute); Danny Janklow (tenor/alto sax, flute); Bob Sheppard (clarinet); Scott Mayo (baritone sax); Errol Rhoden (tuba); Brian Swartz (trumpet); Scott Whitfield (trombone).

I'm confused! This delightful album was reviewed on BSH on January 24 this year by Ann Alex - read HERE. Now, as it isn't due for release until this coming Friday (June 28) it got me to thinking that our Ann has been blessed with those powers associated with Mystic Meg and maybe she could apply them to next Saturday's Northumberland Plate (two miles, 56 yards and off at 3:35pm) in horse racing, inside information is always useful.

Joe Steels' Borealis @ the Gala Theatre, Durham - June 21

Joe Steels (guitar); Ferg Kilsby (trumpet); Ben Lawrence (piano); Paul Susans (bass); John Hirst (drums).

On the solstice when the sun was cracking the pavements of old Durham Town it seemed to me that the only thing that any right-thinking Englishman should do at lunchtime was to find the darkest room in the city and listen to some 'Jazz On  a Summer’s Day'. I would guess that somewhere between 80 and a 100 others had the same idea.

Album review: Art Tatum - Jewels in the Treasure Box. The 1953 Chicago Blue Note Jazz Club Recordings (Resonance Records)

Art Tatum (piano); Everett Barksdale (guitar); Slam Stewart (bass)

The choice wasn't difficult. I could watch Georgia playing the Czech Republic as part of the Euros, or listen to a three disc set of newly discovered, previously unreleased, live recordings by the Art Tatum Trio. 

What would you do? Spot on! Me too.

Once again we have to thank Zev Feldman and Resonance Records for their relentless quest to uncover gems from dank cellars and dusty attics or, in this case, Chicago's Blue Note Jazz Club where the trio played in August 1953.

Alan Barnes with the Dean Stockdale Trio @ 1719, Sunderland - June 21

© Ken Drew

Alan Barnes (alto sax, clarinet); Dean Stockdale (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Abbie Finn drums)

A glorious midsummer's evening. 1719, Sunderland's new multi-purpose arts venue ('1719' referencing the year the Georgian building opened as a church in the Hendon area of town now rebranded 'Old Sunderland') has been promoting jazz concerts on a regular basis. Wearside has never been known as a jazz hotspot and it's heartening to see the venue taking a leap of faith.

This evening's concert promotion presented the great Alan Barnes. Following a tremendous lunchtime gig up the road in Newcastle working with the Dean Stockdale Trio, Barnes made the short journey to Wearside in good time for a half past seven start. Barnes' lunchtime Lit & Phil gig focussed upon Wally Fawkes, whose centenary it was this very day (b. 21.6.1924), this evening's concert would be more wide ranging, encompassing Fawkes' Humph association, GASbook material, Jobim, scorching bop workouts and more.

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

Playlist 23/06/24 (repeated Tuesday 25/06/24)

Seasonal Memories: Benny Goodman & His Orchestra, Glenn Miller, Ella and Louis.

Tribute to Ken Colyer: Ken Colyer.

Memories: Charles Mingus Sextet (feat Eric Dolphy), Lucky Thompson.

New Releases: Evelyn Rubio, Phil Merriman Trio.

Festivals: Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny.

What’s On in the NE: Chet Baker, Paul Edis, Spats Langham.

Request: McKinney's Cotton Pickers.

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

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

Alan Barnes Salutes Wally Fawkes @ the Lit & Phil - June 21

© Patti

Alan Barnes (clarinet); Dean Stockdale (piano); Mick Shoulder (bass); Abbie Finn (drums) + Harry Keeble (tenor sax)

The first time I heard Alan Barnes he was blowing alto sax with Tommy Chase's hard bop quartet back in 1986. This lunchtime he was on clarinet in a tribute to Wally Fawkes who would have been 100-years-old this very day.

It would be difficult to conjure up two more contrasting extremes but jazz is a big river and Barnes is one of those rare fish who is never out of the water whatever the prevailing tide. Even the ringing of a member of the audience's mobile didn't faze him!

Album review: Catherine Russell & Sean Mason - My Ideal (Dot Time Records)

Catherine Russell (vocal); Sean Mason (piano)

Whenever a singer and a pianist make a duo recording inevitably  the benchmark is that legendary album of Gershwin tunes made over seventy odd years ago by Ella and Ellis Larkins. Some have come close but most miss by a country mile.

If this one misses, and I personally don't think it does, then it's by inches maybe a centimetre. 

Yes, it's that good possibly even surpassing Russell's 2022 album Send For Me which was one of my top vocal albums of that year and 2022 was a vintage year for jazz vocalists containing, as it did, albums by Samara Joy and Petra Van Nuis amongst others.

GJAS joins the Brunswick Methodists - June 20

For various reasons - financial, redevelopment etc - Gateshead Jazz Appreciation Society has left its Gateshead base of forty years. Temporarily or otherwise, GJAS has relocated to Brunswick Methodist Church in the heart of Newcastle city centre. On a beautiful summer's afternoon (what's one of those? you ask), would anyone turn up to sit indoors listening to a selection of CDs?

They did, a good number of them. Boys' Names & Female Jazz Singers was the brief, choosing a track to fit the criteria couldn't have been easy, however, bundles of CDs littered the round table, clearly some thought had gone into the task at hand. Billie, Ella, Anita, a few West Coast selections, Big Mama Thornton a left-field choice, all good fun, a pleasant way to while away a couple of hours or so.

GJAS next meets on Thursday July 4 (two o'clock), the topic A Day for Laughter/Comedy in Jazz. Note the date... Russell

Jazz night @ the Mucky Pup, 15 Grove St., Wilmslow, SK9 1DU - June 19

Andrzej Baranek keyboards; Gavin Barras bass.

This is a new pub with an Irish vibe that has introduced a Wednesday jazz night featuring singer Sue Baron plus a keyboard player. Sue was having a two week break and asked Andrzej and Gavin  to do the gig.  I thought that this place was worth checking out and arranged to meet up with Graham Brook who was the person who first told me about this new jazz venture. 

We heard a lot of great tunes from this fantastic duo and I liked every one of them.

A mid-summer's night Black Swan jam session - June 18

Stu Collingwood (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Tim Johnston (drums) + David Gray (trombone, flugelhorn, vocals); Stuart Turner (guitar); Harry Keeble (tenor sax, piano); Abbie Finn (drums); Shivan Ruddick (trumpet); Paul Ruddick (alto sax); Theo Nolan (drums, vocals); Kate O'Neill (vocals); Edgar Bell (trumpet); Conor Emery (trombone); Bailey Rudd (drums); Debra Milne (vocals); John Rowland (tenor sax); Esther Coombes (alto sax, clarinet); Ian Drever (vocals); Oscar Nolan (vocals)

Midsummer, as the queue began to form in Newcastle Arts Centre's pleasant courtyard, at long last some early evening sunshine. Doors at seven, down the stairs, a front row sofa claimed, a bottle of Styrian Blonde (Great North Eastern Brewing Co.), we were all set for another Black Swan jam session.

Remembering Glenn Cartlidge @ the Railway, Stockport - June 18

© Jeff Pritchard

This was a special event to remember Glenn Cartlidge, a much loved guitarist who recently passed away at the age of 72. There were many musicians in attendance and taking a major part in the proceedings was Mike Hope who as well as blowing some great tenor sax also did a fine job announcing the tunes

During the first half Mike was joined by Richard Iles on flugelhorn, Andy Hulme guitar, Olly Collins bass, Andrzej Baranek piano and Eryl Roberts drums. The opening number was a lively rendition of Monk’s Straight No Chaser and there were solos from everyone with Andy Hulme’s being one of the evening's highspots. By the end of the first set the room had filled up and as Fats Waller used to say The Joint was Jumpin’.

Nils Frahm - Live at the Philharmonie de Paris - ARTE Concert - Coming to a Glasshouse near you

Nils Frahm UK Tour – June/July 2024

Album review: Amina Figarova & the Matsiko World Orphan Choir - Suite For Africa (AmFi)

Amina Figarova (piano, composer, arranger); Bart Platteau (flutes); Alex Pope Norris (trumpet, flugel); Wayne Escoffery (tenor sax); Yasushi Nakamura (bass); Rudy Royston (drums) + the Matsiko World Orphan Choir on Suite For Africa.

Dancing Clouds is well-named with the soloists, and Platteau in particular, flying up there where the air is rarefied. It's a lightweight track and none the worse for that, preparing  us for the heavier stuff to come on the three part Suite For Africa.

Suite For Africa incorporates the twenty-four strong Matsiko World Orphan Choir who were on the same flight as Figarova and her husband were when the couple returned from South Africa to NYC - the choir, based around orphaned and at risk children from various African countries - were to tour the United States (more about the choir HERE).

Preview: Alan Barnes is coming to Sunderland - this Friday!

Friday (June 21) there's only one place to be and that's Seventeen Nineteen. Where's that? you ask. It's Sunderland's new community arts venue on Church Street East in Hendon, Sunderland. The great Alan Barnes (alto sax, clarinet) will be there in concert with the Dean Stockdale Trio - that's Dean (piano), Mick Shoulder (double bass) and Abbie Finn (drums)! You don't want to miss this one! It's a 7:30pm start, tickets from: www.eventbrite.co.uk. Russell    

Press release: Blue Note Records Continues 85th Anniversary Celebrations With First Ever Official Store To Open In Glasgow

Blue Note Records will open a pop-up store in Glasgow city centre this week, marking the first time the legendary jazz label has opened an official store outside of London. 

Coinciding with this year’s Glasgow International Jazz Festival, the pop-up will open for four days only from Wednesday June 19 to Saturday June 22 stocking the largest physical collection of Blue Note vinyl for sale in the UK, along with exclusive merchandise, books, DVDs, branded clothing and more. Located at high-end audio retailer and record store Loud and Clear, the pop-up will also present exclusive album playbacks, providing the opportunity to experience classic Blue Note albums played through state-of-the-art hi-fi systems. 

 

Dave Walsh Quartet @ the Railway, Stockport - June 16

© Jeff Pritchard

Dave Walsh (drums); Alex Clarke (alto/tenor sax); Richard Wetherall (piano); Ken Marley (bass).

This gig was advertised in the June flyer as the Dave Walsh Trio but as you can see from the above line-up, four  musicians turned up to play. I only knew that Alex Clarke was involved when during a chance encounter with Graham Brook, jazz promoter and fellow Handforth  resident,  told me he had seen on her website that she was due to appear here with Dave Walsh.  

Gaz Hughes Trio @ Queen's Hall, Hexham - June 16

© Russell

Andrzej Baranek (piano); Gavin Barras (double bass); Gaz Hughes (drums) + Joe Steels (guitar)

As rained threatened in Hexham, drummer Gaz Hughes crossed the Pennines to player another gig on his trio's mammoth, 'old school' tour. Queen's Hall's monthly Sunday afternoon jazz concert series is going from strength to strength and the booking of Gaz, pianist Andrzej Baranek and bassist Gavin Barras served to illustrate the point.

Beboptical Illusion, the title track of Gaz Hughes' 2023 album, opened the first of two sets. Right from the off it was apparent the Gaz Hughes Trio is a well-oiled unit and little wonder given this Queen's Hall gig came some three quarters of the way through a tour itinerary boasting some fifty dates. A rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule honing the trio's set, at times their razor-sharp responses to the music and the multifarious directions it took appeared to be telepathic.

Sunday night @ the Globe: Gaz Hughes Trio - June 16

Andrzej Baranek (piano); Gavin Barras (bass); Gaz Hughes (drums)

Blur! that's what crossed my mind midway through this superb gig. Blur, but nothing to do with the rock band of the same name. It was my reaction to Hughes' hand-drumming on the band's Latin take on Lullaby of Birdland. His hands became just a blur as he pounded the skins so fast it was impossible to tell left from right and the blurring wasn't finished yet. On the number that followed, Nuclear Bebopalypse* - the title track of their latest album - was driven along so fast they would have broken the lap record at the Indy 500 (237.5 mph). This time it was pianist Baranek who did the blurring. Same thing happened with my photos!

What's New (feat. Lucky Thompson, Hank Jones)

Lucky Thompson would have been 100-years- old today. He had a big sound to rival that of his contemporaries Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster. I never heard him live but his playing, and this track in particular, on the Milt Jackson album The Jazz Skyline is one of my treasured memories from my days at RAF Manby deep in the heart of Lincolnshire - it was the only jazz album in the billet! 

Tenor saxophone playing to the nth degree. Lance 

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

Playlist 16/06/24 (repeated Tuesday 18/06/24)

Fathers’ Day: Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra.

Requests: Clark Tracey Quintet, Barney Kessel/Herb Ellis/Charlie Byrd.

Fathers’ Day (cont.): Artie Shaw (Kitty Kallen), Brad Mehldau, Benny Golson, Earl Hines, Cannonball Adderley.

Memories: Chick Corea, Erroll Garner, McCoy Tyner.

What’s On in the NE: Dean Stockdale, Matt Carmichael, Abbie Finn.

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

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

Musicians Unlimited @ Dorman's Jazz Club, Middlesbrough - June 13

A wonderful night of music from this long established (35 years) award winning Hartlepool  big band led by saxophonist Mick Donnelly.

A great start was made with Oliver Nelson's Emancipation Blues, a slow subdued intro preceded the full big band sound and with an alto solo from Mark Toomey and trumpet from Bill Watson, it clearly showed the high standard of the musicians.

Preview: Gaz Hughes - Hexham & Newcastle (Sunday 16)

You're yearning for an explosive bebop gig? Look no further! Tomorrow (Sunday) right here in the Bebop Spoken Here heartland there will be not one but two opportunities to catch the Gaz Hughes Trio. A welcome visitor to the region, drummer Gaz returns with his ace trio - Andrzej Baranek (piano) and Gavin Barras (double bass) - to play numbers from the trio's latest album, Nuclear Bebopalypse. 

Gaz's gigs are many and memorable...Gaz's all-star Art Blakey set (Gosforth Civic Theatre), Dean Stockdale's superb Oscar P set (Lit & Phil) and trio gigs across the region. At three o'clock tomorrow Gaz and the boys will be tearing it up at Queen's Hall, Hexham before moving on down the road to the Globe on Railway Street in Newcastle for an eight o'clock start. Russell      

Strictly Smokin' Big Band: Ella & Ellington @ Queen's Hall, Hexham - June 14

Michael Lamb (MD, trumpet); Dick Stacey, Billy Bradshaw, Pete Tanton (trumpets); Kieran Parnaby, Mark Ferris, Chris Kurgi-Smith, John Flood (trombones); Steve Summers (alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet), Keith Robinson  (alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet); Jamie Toms (tenor sax, soprano sax); Matt Forster  (tenor sax); Sue Ferris (baritone sax, soprano sax); Graham Don (piano); Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar); Michael Whent (bass guitar); Guy Swinton (drums); Alice Grace (vocals)

Ella & Ellington. The SSBB's tour continues, this evening's concert a return visit to Beaumont Street, Hexham. The A-Team reported for duty, the stalls all but full, Michael Lamb's superb big band is on a roll. Evocative images of Ella, Duke et al projected onto a backcloth, the scene was set.

Lounge suits across the sections, a sequined Alice Grace out front, the Strictly Smokin' do it in style. Opening with Something's Gotta Give, the sound balance just right, vocalist AG heard loud and clear. Quite some start! More a potted history than a chronological sweep down the decades, Ella F, Edward K and their various collaborators - Billy Strayhorn, Chick Webb, Norman Granz, Nelson Riddle, Frank De Vol, Marty Paich et al - would receive name checks throughout the evening.

Jazz on the Tyne – What’s On & What’s New, Late June 2024

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead looks ahead to local gigs featuring Gaz Hughes, Alan Barnes, Louise Dodds & Elchin Shirinov, Karine Polwart & Dave Milligan, Ant Law & Alex Hitchcock, Charlotte Keeffe, and Pete Tanton.  He also plays music from recent releases by Jo Harrop, Svetlana Marinchenko, and Gary Brunton.

Customs House Big Band @ the Customs House, South Shields - June 14

Peter Morgan (MD, bass trombone); Ian Robinson, Stephen Cratchett, Ken DeVere, Alan Catherall (trumpets); Dave Brocklesby, Pete Smith, Michael Fletcher (trombones); Alan Marshall, Sue Hurrell (alto sax); Josh Bentham, Joanne Adams (tenor sax); Russell Rogers (baritone sax); John Stephenson (piano); Bradley Johnston (guitar); Paul Carr (bass guitar); Paul Campbell (drums); Ruth Lambert (vocals)

A triple choice: Hexham, Germany or South Shields. Russell was at Hexham for SSBB, Germany was the setting for the biggest Scottish massacre since Glencoe so, it being a sunny summer's night in South Shields - it may be a thousand years before that happens again - I opted for the CHBB on their home ground.

Album review: Hyeonseon Baek - Longing (You & Me Music)

Hyeonseon Baek (vocals); Kevin Hays (piano); Linda May Han Oh (bass); Joechen Rueckert (drums) + Lucas Pino (tenor sax tks 1,4,6,10)

Korean singer Hyeonseon Baek arrived in NYC via Maastricht University, in The Netherlands and the New England Conservatory in Boston, Mass.

Upon first listening I was somewhat gender-confused, the name (pronounced Hen-son Bek) gave no clues and nor did the voice which initially had me thinking mezzo-contralto or maybe a tenor with a wide range. As Caravan rolled along I began to lean towards the latter and I was right although his wide range made my earlier hesitation understandable.

Press release: Join us for the 2024 Lancaster Jazz Festival programme launch!

It's that time of year again! Join us on Wednesday 3 July at Kanteena for the 2024 Lancaster Jazz Festival programme launch!

For this year's launch, we're delighted to bring Fergus Quill back to Lancaster, along with his quintet who will be performing ¡Up Yours! - Fergus Quill Quintet play Xero Slingsby.

¡Up Yours! Fergus Quill Plays Xero Slingsby is a celebration of the music of Xero Slingsby, a Leeds punk/jazz icon of the 1980s, and his trio The Works. The project brings a reimagined take to Xero's tunes, keeping the same high-energy spirit and grit whilst reintroducing the music to a 21st century audience.

Press release: Summer Jazz Camp Scotland returns to inspire a new generation

© Benjamin Ealovega

Aspiring jazz musicians can develop their skills with top instrumental tutors in an idyllic location in Scotland’s South Lanarkshire hills from 8th to 12th August. 

Now in its second year, Summer Jazz Camp Scotland aims to take jazz players to the next level in their musical journey under the guidance of a team led by internationally respected trumpeter Ryan Quigley and hugely experienced drummer Andrew Bain, the current Deputy Head of Jazz at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Located at Wiston Lodge, a Victorian hunting lodge near the attractive Clydesdale town of Biggar, the summer camp is designed to cover all aspects of jazz music, from the fundamentals of jazz theory to advanced techniques in big band and ensemble playing.