Bebop Spoken There

Ludovic Beier (Django Festival Allstars): ''Manouche means 'free man,' and gypsies have been travelers since they migrated west from India to Europe.'' (DownBeat March, 2026)

The Things They Say!

This is a good opportunity to say thanks to BSH for their support of the jazz scene in the North East (and beyond) - it's no exaggeration to say that if it wasn't for them many, many fine musicians, bands and projects across a huge cross section of jazz wouldn't be getting reviewed at all, because we're in the "desolate"(!) North. (M & SSBB on F/book 23/12/24)

Postage

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

Reviewers wanted

Whilst BSH attempts to cover as many gigs, festivals and albums as possible, to make the site even more comprehensive we need more 'boots on the ground' to cover the albums seeking review - a large percentage of which never get heard - report on gigs or just to air your views on anything jazz related. Interested? then please get in touch. Contact details are on the blog. Look forward to hearing from you. Lance

From This Moment On

March

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

April

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

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

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

Saturday, August 17, 2024

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.

In the bowels of Newcastle University's Music Studios, Jacob took to the stage to present his Postgraduate Recital to, once again, a supportive audience and, lurking at the back of the room, the examiners...Exuding an air of confidence, Jacob outlined his period of postgrad study. It was very technical stuff, if any guitarists were present, they would 'get it'. For others in the room, it was a case of 'sit back and enjoy it'.

Sixty minutes of original compositions, frequent references to 'clusters', 'suspension chords' and much else, Jacob's guitar playing impressed (we knew it would), his composure belying his youth. He was under the microscope, exam conditions, marks being awarded, however, more than moral support, our examinee called upon his student pals to give him a hand, namely: Olly Styles (saxophones); Louis Wild (keyboards); Jamie Watkins (bass) and drummer Bailey Rudd. Each in turn was allocated solo space, Jacob a member of his own band, so to speak. The 'trial', if that's what it was, came to an end and a new chapter in Jacob Egglestone's musical life is about to begin. Russell

No comments :

Blog Archive