Album review: David Weiss Sextet - Auteur (Origin Records)

David Weiss (trumpet); Myron Walden (alto sax); Nicole Glover (tenor sax); David Bryant (piano); Eric Wheeler (bass); E.J. Strickland (drums)

There have been a lot of excellent albums dished up for review this year and already the contenders for Album of the Year are amassing.

Auteur is one guaranteed to be in the shake-up. It's the kind of music I had in mind when I first started blogging all those years ago - bop, hard bop, post bop and beyond (albeit not too far beyond). 

In his notes, Weiss states that, just like in politics, jazz has no middle anymore. adding that, unlike in politics, in music, the middle is not the safest place to occupy, it may in fact be the riskiest. Yet the risk is worth the reward. Where political compromise can cause a dilution of policy, in art, eclecticism can lead to subtlety.

NYC jazz notes (1)

New York City. As bucket lists go, it was at the top of a very long list. Bags packed, Metro to NCL, a short hop across the Irish Sea, an hour and a half layover at Dublin Airport (more than enough time to breeze through US Immigration) and on to JFK. What could possibly go wrong? 

The early morning NCL to DUB flight departed ten minutes late. Touching down at Dublin Airport, the small matter of transferring from the plane to the terminal building had been somewhat overlooked, more accurately, the time it would take to get from here (the plane) to there (terminal 2) had been underestimated. The queues to get through passport control and US Immigration were long, very long. Hundreds, more like thousands, weighed down with bags, cases and a whole lot more, stood patiently in line. The gate was about to close with your (concerned) correspondent nowhere near the front of the queue. Would the 11:05 Aer Lingus flight to JFK depart without your (now worried) correspondent? 

Album review: Windy City Weatherbirds - The Lightship Session

Magnus Pickering (cornet, vocals); Jo Pickering (clarinet, tenor sax); Daniel Pickering (trombone); Fraser Urquhart (piano); Harrison Dolphin (guitar); Chris Hyde-Harrison (double bass); Robbie Ellison (drums)

It’s somewhat unusual for young musicians to pursue an interest in jazz from the early years of the 20th century. The Windy City Weatherbirds are a rare exception and the band’s debut album, recorded in October last year, features ten classic numbers drawn from the jazz and popular song repertoire of the 1930s and ’40s. Recorded in a state of the art studio on a decommissioned lightship moored on the Thames, the quality of musicianship is second to none. 

Jazz @ the Moor Club, Stockport

Sept. 1 - Jim Collins Quartet

Sept. 8 - Mike Hall Quartet

Sept. 15 - No jazz

Sept. 22 - Liam Byrne Quartet

Sept. 29 - Mike Hope Quartet

Oct. 6 - Julian Gregory, Mathew Compton, Paul Hartley, Ken Marley

8:00pm-10:00pm, £5 admission

Jazz on the Tyne welcomes Jo Harrop & ‘The Path of a Tear’

© Chris Drukker

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead chats with vocalist and songwriter Jo Harrop about her latest album ‘The Path of a Tear’ and her tour promoting this album, which will include a concert at the Glasshouse in Gateshead on 27 September.   Along with songs from Jo’s album, you’ll hear music by Lady Blackbird, Jamie McCredie, Dulcie May Moreno, Mark Williams, Modern Vikings, Phil Bancroft, and Emma Smith.

You can listen to the show anytime HERE.

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

Album review: Music Soup Organ Trio - Upbeat Mood (Chicken Coup/Summit Records)

Nestor Dimopoulos (guitar); Evgenia Karlafti (B3); Vagelis Kotzabasis (drums) + Kym Purling (piano on tks 3, 6); Henry Gergen (trumpet on tk 8)

Organ trios aren't quite as ubiquitous as they once were back in the 1950s when the B3 hit the scene. Soon the combination of Hammond and Leslie speaker were everywhere from social clubs to jazz joints. The pedalboard made bass players obsolete even though some of the finest, usually recycled pianists, often struggled to coordinate their feet with their hands.

No such problem with this Athenian trio who are well-versed in the tradition laying down a funky groove that nods as much to Philly or Detroit as it does the Greek Capital.

Press release: Pianist Zoe Rahman opens new Edinburgh concert series

© Ilze Kitshoff

The award-winning pianist Zoe Rahman headlines the first in a series of concerts curated by saxophonist Helena Kay at the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh on Thursday September 19.

Chichester-born Rahman, who won the Ivor Novello Impact Award in 2021 and the MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act in 2012, has become a much-respected figure on the UK and European jazz scenes. Her powerful performances marry her classical training with studies in jazz with the revered JoAnne Brackeen at Berklee College of Music in Boston and her strong engagement with her Bengali heritage.

Rahman will play solo piano before being joined in a series of duets with Kay in a concert that will be opened by the Glasgow-based Ghanaian guitarist Nathan Somevi’s trio.

One More Time! - VCT Ep 33 - S10 - Guest Lance Liddle

Below is the link for the show that went out on Sunday, 18th, August, 2024 with our guest Lance Liddle who's blog 'Bebop Spoken Here' won the Jazz Media Category in the 2018 All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards and is the popular site of where to go if you are looking for jazz, swing or big band shows on a visit to Tyneside. Colin Aitchison

香港電台網站 : 第三台|Vintage Chart Toppers (rthk.hk) 

Helping to rescue the animals

Just like Simon Spillett, I cannot pass a charity shop without checking-out books and albums so, for want of anything better to do, I popped into the Animal Rescue shop in Jarrow. I bypassed the books, they looked to be the same ones that had been there a month ago, and headed for the vinyl.

The usual crop of Jim Reeves, Perry Como and Mantovani predominated but, however, there was a slight glimmer of hope when I spotted a Shearing and a couple of Jacques Loussier's so I persevered until, with only two albums left, I hit paydirt.

Album review: Rebecca Kilgore - A Little Taste (Cherry Pie Records)

Rebecca Kilgore (vocal); Tim Jensen (piccolo, flute); Dick Titterington (trumpet, flugelhorn); John Moak/Dan Barrett (trombone); Randy Porter (piano); Tom Wakeling (bass); Todd Strait (drums) Nelly Kovalev, Lucia Atkinson (violins); Hillary Oseas (viola); Hamilton Cheifetz (cello)

There's good news and bad news with this long awaited album from Portland, Oregon, singer Rebecca Kilgore. The good news is that this recording is as good as, or maybe even better, than her previous fifty-plus. 'Becky' has such a beautiful voice, tailor-made for interpreting Dave Frishberg's clever lyrics. A tribute by one 'great' to another.

So what, I hear you ask, is the bad news? Well let me tell you it is very bad news indeed. Earlier this year she was diagnosed as having Dementia with Lewy Bodies and, as such, has had to withdraw from performing and recording. To Becky this must have been like losing an arm or a leg. The only consolation being that, with this album, she's going out on a high.

Jazz at the Moor Top, Heaton Moor, Stockport: Ed Kainyek Quartet & Paul Hartley Quartet - August 26

© Jeff Pritchard

Ed Kainyek (tenor/soprano sax); Liam Butler-Webb (keys); James Adolpho (bass); Tim Franks (drums).

This was an open air event to publicise the Moor Top Sunday night jazz nights which will hopefully prove to be as successful as the Railway. There was no admission charge, no raffle, and although the weather was overcast the turnout was quite impressive and when Ed decided to play Summertime the sun decided not to make an appearance but at least the rain stayed away. Ed’s quartet played for the first 2 hours with a short break in the middle and then guitarist Paul Hartley took over with an interesting line-up as follows:

Paul Hartley (guitar); Carol Williams (trombone, keys, vocals); Pete Hartley (bass guitar) Pete  Seminsky (drums).         

Album review: Emmet Cohen - Vibe Provider (Mack Avenue)

Emmet Cohen (piano); Philip Norris (bass) + Kyle Poole (drums on tks 1-4, 8); Joe Farnsworth (drums on tks 5, 6, 7, 9); Tivon Pennicott (tenor sax on tks 3, 4, 9); Bruce Harris (trumpet on tks 3, 4, 9); Frank Lacy (trombone on tks 3, 9); Cecily Petrarca (koshkah on tk 3) 

What a delightful gem this is!

Emmet has a delicate touch that many classical pianists would die for. That, at the drop of a hat, he can also morph into stride à la Fats or bop à la Bud or take Oscar to a split decision, make him the real deal, no question about it.

Five originals and four songbook classics provide the material for 45 minutes of sheer magic. Whether fronting a trio, quartet or quintet everything gels even when Cecily is shaking her koshkah.*

Bass player required to play Jazz at the Forum.

I run a friendly group of amateur musicians who play jazz at the Forum in Darlington on Tuesday mornings from 10.30am for 2 hours. We currently need a bass player. If you would like to join us or need more information please contact me. Phil Dale (07964 166965)

Sunday night @ the Globe: John Garner & John Pope

© Sheila Herrick

John Garner (violin); John Pope (double bass)

Reviewing a recent duo album by Alan Barnes and David Newton I made reference to the empathy between the two players. Empathy and mutual respect are the essential ingredients in any successful duo relationship whether it be romantic, business or, in this case, musical and Garner and Pope certainly have that.

Admittedly different to the empathy between Barnes and Newton but, in its own way, no less meaningful.

Two players, both blessed with an incredible technique, took off on an opening piece that lasted about half an hour during which time they fed off each other encapsulating many moods varying from the melancholic to the dramatic, to a car crash on the Tyne Bridge, to two worlds colliding in outer space. At times the tension was almost unbearable but, nevertheless, compelling. 

R.I.P. Ann Alexander (Ann Alex)

I've just received the devastating news that my dear friend and BSH reviewer Ann Alexander (Ann Alex) has passed away.

It was only last month that I met up with her for lunch and she seemed fine. Eleven days ago Ann emailed me to cancel a meet-up with a mutual friend at the Bowes Railway museum saying she'd picked up a virus and been taken ill at the Laing Art Gallery.

I didn't follow it up as she made it sound very trivial - and now this!

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

Playlist 25/08/24. (Repeated Tuesday 27/07/24)

Requests from Darlington NOJC: Windy City Weatherbirds, Bix Beiderbecke, Alex Welsh/Wild Bill Davison, Sydney Bechet/Muggsy Spanier, Bobby Hackett, Jack Teagarden.

Memories: Chris Barber/Eddie Durham, Charlie Parker, Wayne Shorter, Dinah Washington.

Requests: Keith Jarrett, Marcus Roberts, MJQ.

Miles Davis.

What’s on in the North East: Russ Morgan.

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

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

Album review: Alan Barnes & David Newton - 'Tis Autumn (Woodville Records)

Alan Barnes (alto/tenor/baritone saxes, clarinet, bass clarinet); David Newton (piano)

I first heard Barnes and Newton playing as a duo at Scarborough in 2007. Of course, over the years, I'd heard both of them individually on many occasions but, until now, I'd never been able to recreate that magical moment from all those years ago.

It has been worth the long wait. Few musicians have hit it off in a duo setting as well as these two. Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins are one pairing, perhaps Armstrong and Hines are another after which the list becomes a lot thinner.

Eva Fox and the Jazz Guys @ Prohibition Bar - August 23

© Sylvia T

Eva Fox (vocals); Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Sid White (Paul Wight)

A change of drummer with Tim Johnson being replaced by Sid/Paul White/Wight - you pays yer money and yer takes yer pick. One day someone will clarify the situation for me. In the meantime let's just call him A. Drummer (and a fine one at that).

The room wasn't crowded, before I arrived the audience stood at minus two (they were nesting in Birdland or some similar joint in NYC). However, as the music began a few lost souls appeared and stayed for an evening of songbook classics and a surprise Beatles tune.

Russell Malone (November 8, 1963 - August 23, 2024)

The jazz world is in shock after hearing the sad news that guitarist Russell Malone died earlier today whilst on tour in Japan with Ron Carter.

It is one of my greatest regrets that I never got to hear him live although he has been featured on many albums reviewed on BSH. Indeed the last one,  Ben Wolfe's The Understated, was reviewed earlier this month. Although he only played on a couple of tracks 'the understated' could easily be used to describe Russell Malone. More often a sideman than a leader, he enhanced many sessions by Diana Krall, Benny Green (pianist), Houston Person, Ray Brown and many more.

Russell Malone was sixty. 

R.I.P. Lance

Brilliant Brush-Work! The Paul Edis Trio @ The Gala, Durham – August 23

© Malcolm Sinclair

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

This first concert in the Gala’s Tenth Anniversary Series (gosh, is it really that long?) began, appropriately, with Paul paying tribute again to the late Brian Ebbatson. His words (which have appeared earlier in these pages) were also given prominence in the programme notes. Brian was also referenced in the introduction to the sixth tune on the set-list: It Is What It Is and there was a collection after the show for Brian’s nominated charities: Macmillan Nurses and Saint Cuthbert’s Hospice. The gig, I’d have to say, was a joyous celebration which was all, like that sixth tune, very much “for Brian”.

Preview: Tonight at the Prohibition Bar - Eva Fox and the Jazz Guys

© Russell

If you're at a loose end tonight, don't despair, Eva Fox and the Jazz Guys are at the Prohibition Bar on the corner of Forth and Pink in the centre of Newcastle. 

Singer Fox turns up quite regularly at the iconic venue where the late King Crombie was once ruler of all he surveyed and the last time I heard Eva, back in April, I was impressed and I will be curtous to see if the upward spiral continues.

Album review: Alexis Cole and the Taipei Jazz Orchestra - Jazz Republic (Tiger Turn)

Given the political situation in the Far East, jazz may seem relatively unimportant in Taiwan but that in no way diminishes the quality of this collaboration between NYC based vocalist Alexis  Cole and the Taipei Jazz Orchestra (see graphic at the foot of this post for personnel).

The voice is cool, as befits the material, and the band swings as good as some better known American big bands. With every passing day since King Oliver left New Orleans, jazz has become more and more a universal language and here is the living proof.

Spicing up my life

Back in the early days of BSH I was a not infrequent visitor to our capital city. Indeed I was the Russell of my day and one of my prime ports of call was the Spice of Life situated just off Cambridge Circus - the Wednesday night sessions were the stuff of legends.

Hosted by Paul Pace (pictured), a fine singer in the Sinatra mould, a variety of vocalists appeared. Some on the way up, others already there. Local award-winning singer Zoë Gilby made her capital debut there supporting Polly Gibbons and, if you were there, you could never forget the night Emma Smith and Ian Shaw dueted and scatted on Centerpiece?

Album review: Danny Jonokuchi Big Band - A Decade (Bandstand Records)

Back in the early days of the pandemic, Danny Jonokuchi was scheduled to play as a special guest with the Strictly Smokin' Big Band. Charts had been sent in advance and an exciting evening was anticipated. Of course Covid put the mockers on any American trumpet players crossing the Atlantic to play a gig in Newcastle. However, Danny did make contact via a video link and SSBB's opening number was Lionel Hampton's Red Top which is also on this album featuring Terell Stafford on trumpet and Jeb Patton on piano. 

Lewis Watson Quartet @ Blaydon Jazz Club - August 19

© Roly

Lewis Watson (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); Russ Morgan (drums)

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Lower West Side. It's no surprise that we have a full house this evening and we're delighted to welcome once again, our very good friend...Lewis Watson! As the lights dimmed the Lewis Watson Quartet tore into Wayne Shorter's Yes or No.

Wow! This was something else! This was Lewis Watson firing on all cylinders, likewise Mark Williams, Andy Champion and the depping Russ Morgan. Jazz at its very best, here on the Lower West Side. A set list comprising compositions by Watson, Coltrane, Jimmy Van Heusen and others, the level of musicianship beggared belief, we were listening to four virtuoso musicians. Times Past (L. Watson), Nancy with the Laughing Face (J. Van Heusen) and a majestic take on Watson's Earth, this really was something else! 

Album review: Suzanne Pittson - Emerge Dancing (Vineland Records)

Suzanne Pittson (vocals, piano tk 8); Jeff Pittson (piano, harmonics on tk 4); Evan Pittson (viola on tks 5, 11, 12)

Truly a family affair. Mother, father and son, voice, piano and viola respectively, combine on an interesting fourth album.

An extensive range that transcends that of most jazz singers and even operatic divas, Suzanne has been active on the NYC scene for many years. However, some ten years ago her career was put on hold due to serious throat issues that required surgery. Fortunately, as this album proves, she came back better than ever. On Never Never Land Suzanne has an impressive piano solo although not enough to cause any disharmony at the breakfast table. Her C.V. includes performing or recording with iconic names such as Jeremy Pelt, Jack Walrath, Dave Liebman, Buster Williams and John Patitucci among others.

Album review: Ant Law & Brigitte Beraha – Ensconced (Ubuntu)

Ant Law (guitar); Brigitte Beraha (voice); plus guests Petros Klampanis (bass); Ernesto Simpson (drums); Max Luthert (electronics); Duncan Eagles (saxophone); Jamie Murray (drums); Matt Calvert (electronics, acoustic guitar, piano, dulcitone, synths); Kit Downes (piano); Adam Kovacs (percussion).

It must be acknowledged that Brigitte Beraha’s voice is an acquired taste. Ethereal, ghostly, delicate and full of character, a creature of the air, just exquisite in the higher registers but seeming to carry a lot of weight lower down that makes it a little less so.

A Kiss to Build a Dream On opens the album and it is heart stoppingly lovely, drawing the listener in in a way that excludes the rest of the world. You can’t help but hang on to every spare note; it’s the timing and the space that makes it work so well.

The title track follows with Beraha’s unmoored vocals soaring and then swooping down as Law plays a (seemingly) simple motif behind her adding brief Spanish flurries into the mix.

Preview: Lewis Watson Quartet (Blaydon Jazz Club) tonite!!!

This evening (Monday 19 August) the Lewis Watson Quartet returns to the Black Bull. Lewis, one of the finest tenor saxophonists of his generation, brings in his ace quartet comprising guitarist Mark Williams, bassist Andy Champion and drummer John Bradford. How's that for a band?! It's an eight o'clock start, a tenner at the door. Arrive in good time to bag a prime seat. In its 40th anniversary year, Blaydon Jazz Club is on a roll. See you there! Russell

Laurence Harrison and Ferg Kilsby @ the Prohibition Bar, Newcastle - August 18

© Lance

 Laurence Harrison (guitar); Ferg Kilsby (trumpet)

A gig that was definitely of the 'on the fly' variety and none the worse for that. Gigs of this nature can be a disaster or a triumph. Tonight was certainly in the latter category.

Full credit to both musicians for finding a common ground. Young Kilsby has, in the space of the last few years developed from being a promising student to an outstanding talent capable of slugging it out with the best. Not that there were any musical fisticuffs tonight the two participants were too much attuned to what the other was doing to indulge in such frippery.

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

Playlist 18/08/24 (repeated Tuesday 20/07/24)

Summer: Sonny Stitt, Albert Ayler.
Requests & Memories: Bill Evans, Dexter Gordon, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, Coleman Hawkins, JATP - Oscar Peterson.
New Releases: Mark Cherrie Quartet, Heena Debonair, Ilario Ferrari Trio,
Requests: Branford Marsalis.
100th Anniversary:  Sarah Vaughan.
What’s on in the NE:, Paul Edis, Chris Coull.

https://www.ayclifferadio.co.uk/listen
Aycliffe Radio is now available on DAB in County Durham & the Darlington Area.

Windy City Weatherbirds @ Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club - August 17

© Patti

Magnus Pickering (cornet, vocals); Joe Pickering (clarinet, tenor sax); Daniel Pickering (trombone); Cornelius Corkery (guitar); Chris Hyde-Harrison (double bass); Robbie Ellison (drums)

Nottingham, Newcastle, Hexham and now Darlington. The Windy City's mini tour of the region continued with a return visit to Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club. This afternoon's session featured the regular sextet (Fraser Urquhart was gigging north of the border). Two leisurely, one hour sets found the band in great form. 

Daniel Pickering as MC is a bonus; humble, aware of the 'tradition' (ie the Chicago jazz scene of the 1930s and '40s), respectful of his band mates, engaging with his audience. Magnus Pickering, the Weatherbirds' MD, led from the front, authoritative lead cornet, orchestrating the solo features across the band. Joe Pickering, reeds, cuts a diffident figure, but boy, how he can play! 

RTHK interviews Lance - August 18

This week on RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) Colin Aitchison interviews Lance Liddle of the award winning blog Bebop Spoken Here.

LINK/LISTEN.

Press release: Stockport Jazz - New Venue

Following the closure of the Railway, the Moor Club on Heaton Moor Road will host jazz nights on Sundays, with Jazz at the Railway rebranded as Stockport Jazz.

It’s hoped that once established this will run on weekly basis, 8-10pm (doors open at 7.30pm). The following dates have been confirmed so far: 

August 18th - Paul Hartley/Gair Carson Quartet

September 1st - Jim Collins Quartet

September 8th - Mike Hall Quartet

Album review: Wayne Shorter - Volume One (Blue Note)

Wayne Shorter (tenor/soprano sax); Danilo Perez (piano); John Patitucci (bass); Brian Blade (drums)

Wayne Shorter's last concert, recorded live at the Stockholm Jazz Festival in 2014 is, in retrospect, quite a poignant affair. It isn't an easy listen. Music that is meaningful rarely is the first time around. It takes repeated listenings to fully assimilate what you're hearing, to absorb the nuances, the subtleties of a creative art unfolding before your eyes and ears - particularly your ears.

If I'd been at the Stockholm Concert Hall on that evening I'd have joined in with the audience's applause although perhaps not as vociferously as I might have done had I been listening to Wayne back in the day with the Jazz Messengers.

Windy City Weatherbirds @ the Vault, Hexham - August 16

© Patti

Magnus Pickering (cornet, vocals); Joe Pickering (clarinet, tenor sax); Daniel Pickering (trombone); Cornelius Corkery (guitar); Fraser Urquhart (piano); Chris Hyde-Harrison (double bass); Robbie Ellison (drums)

The Windy City Weatherbirds are on tour. Thursday night Nottingham Rhythm Club, at lunchtime today Newcastle and this evening a return visit to Hexham. The Vault is what you could call 'bijou'. In the brick-lined cellar (a former maltings) on Hallgate there is scarcely room to swing a cat. A septet with the house keyboard pressed into action (a sizeable Roland FP 90), the seated frontline had little option but to set up on the floor. The audience sat cheek by jowl, table service the venue's modus operandi. 

Jazz on the Tyne celebrates the British Jazz Hall of Fame & Living Legends 2024

In this special edition of Jazz on the Tyne, I celebrate Bebop Spoken Here’s recently published British Jazz Hall of Fame and list of Living Legends. I chat with BSH’s Lance Liddle about the background to this poll and play music by the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band feat. Alan Barnes, Tubby Hayes, John Surman, Ronnie Scott, John Dankworth & Cleo Laine, Stan Tracey, Dave Holland & Evan Parker, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra feat. Bobby Wellins, Azimuth, and Joe Harriott. To request music for future programmes, pass on news or leave feedback, just go to www.jazzonthetyne.org Colin Muirhead

Listen now

 

Listen Later

Press release: Musicians Georgia Mancio & Dave Ohm start monthly jazz club in Crystal Palace, in association with local venue, Hopscotch Taprooms

Multi-award-winning vocalist, lyricist and producer, Georgia Mancio (Alan Broadbent, ReVoice! Festival, Kate Williams), and acclaimed drummer, Dave Ohm (Ian Shaw, Benny Golson, Gregory Porter), announce their second jazz club venture, following their takeover of the long-standing Eltham Jazz Club (Hugh & Marion’s) in November 2022.

Crystal Palace Jazz Club will meet on the first Tuesday in the month, from 3 September, in the magical downstairs whisky and cocktail bar at Hopscotch Taprooms, right in the heart of the vibrant Triangle. Each month, Georgia and Dave will invite some of the UK’s finest musicians to collaborate with them, including award-winning guitarist/bandleader Nigel Price (3 September), virtuoso flautist/pianist Gareth Lockrane (1 October), world-acclaimed saxophonist Tony Kofi (5 November) and rising star guitarist Sam Dunn (3 December).

Jacob Egglestone: Postgraduate Recital @ Newcastle University - Aug. 16

Jacob Egglestone (guitar) + Olly Styles (tenor sax, alto sax); Louis Wild (keyboards); Jamie Watkins (bass); Bailey Rudd (drums)

Guitarist Jacob Egglestone first came to the attention of BSH when, as a student, he pitched up at a Black Swan jam session. Tutored by Mick Wright, jam session standards were part of his learning curve. Encouraged by jam session MC Paul Grainger and a supportive audience, Jacob became a familiar and most welcome face at the bi-monthly Black Swan hothouse. Fast forward a few short years and our man was about to be put to the test.

Windy City Weatherbirds @ the Lit & Phil - August 16

© Patti

Magnus Pickering (cornet, vocals); Joe Pickering (clarinet/tenor sax); Daniel Pickering (trombone); Cornelius Corkery (guitar); Fraser Urquhart (piano); Chris Hyde-Harrison (double bass); Robbie Ellison (drums)

If the Weatherbirds didn't actually blow in from the 'Windy City' in person, I'm telling you boy, they certainly did in spirit and I don't mean bathtub gin. This was the Austin High School Gang now known as the Trinity Laban/Guildhall/Uni of Scotland Gang a.k.a. the Windy City Weatherbirds.

After a brief chorus of Tin Roof Blues they segued into Riverboat Shuffle with solos by the Brothers Pickering and honorary Weatherbird Fraser Urquhart. 

Magnus P took the vocal on Someday Sweetheart. He has a pleasant croony voice who, back in the day, would have stolen the hearts of a few flappers. That's a Plenty, Sister Kate and At the Jazz Band Ball were straight out of the Great Dixieland Songbook. Punchy solos from all with Daniel P maybe just edging it with his smooth(ish) Teagarden(ish) approach.

Preview: Paul Edis Trio in Durham (Friday 23)

© Jerry E

This time next week Paul Edis will be on home turf. The Gala Theatre will be packed to the rafters to welcome home our exiled pianist. Now living in London, Paul makes frequent visits to his old stamping ground and seven days from now (Friday 23 August, 1:00pm) represents the next opportunity to catch him in concert. Paul will be joined for the occasion by bassist Andy Champion and drummer Russ Morgan. Now that's a tasty trio! At the last count, ticket availability was low, a mere eight tickets are up for grabs. Don't hesitate, book now: www.galadurham.co.uk. Russell   

Jeremy McMurray and the Pocket Jazz Orchestra @ the ARC Stockton Arts Centre - August 8

© Simon Shaw

Jeremy McMurray (piano); Mark Toomey (alto sax); Paul Donnelly (guitar); Peter Ayton (bass guitar); Paul Smith (drums); Mo Scott (vocals)

On the evening of Thursday August 8, 2024, the ARC Stockton Arts Centre played host to a sublime jazz performance by Jeremy McMurray and the Pocket Jazz Orchestra. The ensemble delivered a rich tapestry of jazz classics alongside special guest singer Mo Scott.

The setlist was a mix of a carefully curated blend of timeless jazz standards and requests from the audience. The group's rendition of God Bless the Child* showcased their ability to breathe new life into well-worn classics, while their take on Don't Explain demonstrated their mastery of subtle, emotional performances. The hauntingly beautiful I Wish I Knew and the poignant You Don't Know What Love Is further highlighted the group's versatility and depth.

Album review: Individuation - The Phenomenal (Mother Brain Records)

Michael Eaton (tenor/soprano sax, composer/arranger); Brad Whiteley (piano, synth); Daniel Ori (bass); Shareef Taher (drums) + Tim Hagens, David Scott (trumpet); Judi Silvano (voice)

To title an album, or indeed anything or anyone The Phenomenal is setting them up for a fall. Quite often 'phenomenal' turns out to mean just 'very good' or even less. However, in the case of Individuation's The Phenomenal it is probably an appropriate title for the album - to call it anything else would be to sell it short.

Eaton blows tenor as if he'd invented the instrument and added a couple of octaves along the way. Playing the whole gamut of the instrument, he's very much a musician living in the moment maybe even a couple of jumps ahead whilst occasionally looking over his shoulder to remind himself of where he came from.

Emma Smith: from Radio 3 to the Common Room

Tomorrow afternoon (Friday 16) Emma Smith will be performing live on BBC Radio 3. Tune in to In Tune at five o'clock. Emma will be joined in the studio by pianist Will Inscoe and bassist Conor Chaplin. And next month, Emma will be in concert with the Strictly Smokin' Big Band in the grand setting of the Nicholas Wood Memorial Library, the imposing first floor space in the Common Room (formerly the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers). The date for your diary...Sunday 29 September. Book at: www.strictly-smokin.co.uk. Russell       

Frank Griffith Radio Show - The Jazz Cavern

Here is the latest information about my weekly radio show - The Jazz Cavern on www.purejazzradio.com (from NYC) on Tuesdays at 4AM, Fridays at 6AM and Saturdays at 7AM- NYC time. (5 hours later in the UK).

My next show will be broadcast starting Tuesday, 20 August. It will feature singer David Allyn (1919-2012) who sang with the bands of Jack Teagarden and Boyd Raeburn as well as recording with the likes of Bill Holman, Barry Harris and Johnny Mandel. I had the pleasure of working with, and writing several arrangements for his big band in NYC in the 1990s.

None of the shows are available on a catch-up option. Frank