Bebop Spoken There

Christian McBride: ''We knew back in the day that Emmet [Cohen] had it.'' (DownBeat July, 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

18767 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 631 of them this year alone and, so far this month (July 31) 95.

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

August

Tue 04: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Wed 05: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 05: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 05: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 06: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 06: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00.
Thu 06: Wild Women of Wylam @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 06: Jeremy McMurray’s Pocket Jazz Orchestra @ Arc, Stockton. 8:00pm. Feat. guest Zoë Gilby.
Thu 06: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Thu 06: Bridget Metcalfe Sextet @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 07: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 07: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 07: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.

Sat 08: ???

Sun 09: 58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00-3:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Ropner Park, Stockton. 2:00-4:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: The Gambling Janes @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 10: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm.Free.

Tue 11: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ Newcastle Arts Centre. 7:30pm. Free.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

The Nathan Lawson Trio @ Blaydon Jazz Club - July 15

© Roly Veitch
Nathan Lawson (guitar); James Birkett (guitar); Neil Harland (double bass)

The Black Bull, Monday evening. For once the weather played fair, perhaps tempting any waverers to head to Bridge Street, Blaydon. At eight o'clock Nathan Lawson took to the stage with former mentor James Birkett and bassist Neil Harland. For the jazz guitar buff there was only one place to be and that was right here at the Black Bull.

Just Friends opened the programme. How appropriate! The Black Bull's welcoming lounge accommodated a healthy turn out, there to listen to some fine guitar playing. Faces old and new (the latter an encouraging sign) were as one, listening intently to not one but two marvellous guitarists with the bonus of having Neil Harland on the gig. Jimmy Van Heusen's I Thought About You, Jobim's bossa classic Wave, choice material, Nathan, James and Neil at the top of their collective game. Dream a Little Dream of MeHow High the Moon, non-stop musical excellence.

© Roly Veitch
Stomping at the Savoy 
(another great selection) worked a treat, Nathan's solo a real highlight. James and Neil took a well-earned breather, leaving the floor to Nathan to play Embraceable You segueing into A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. Quite simply, marvellous. The evening drew to a close with a bossa treatment of the GASbook classic Night and Day 

James' lifelong study of his chosen instrument has long-since placed him in the 'virtuoso' category, it's evident Nathan has embarked upon a similar lifelong mission. Two fine guitarists plus Neil Harland's superb bass playing made this an evening to remember. 

Blaydon Jazz Club's next concert promotion features the great tenor saxophonist Lewis Watson. The date for your diary - Monday August 19 . Unmissable. Russell 

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