Bebop Spoken There

Donovan Haffner ('Best Newcomer' 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards): ''I got into jazz the first time I picked up a saxophone!" - Jazzwise Dec 25/Jan 26

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

18122 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 1086 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Dec. 31), 100

From This Moment On ...

JANUARY 2026

Wed 07: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 07: FILM: Blue Moon @ The Forum Cinema, Hexham. 2:00pm. Dir. Richard Linklater’s biopic of Lorenz Hart.
Wed 07: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 07: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 08: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: Jazz Milestones of 1976.

Fri 09: The House Trio @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm. £9.00.
Fri 09: Nauta @ Jesmond Library, Newcastle. 1:00pm. £5.00. Trio: Jacob Egglestone, Jamie Watkins, Bailey Rudd.
Fri 09: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 09: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 09: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 09: Warren James & the Lonesome Travellers @ Saltburn Community Hall. 7:30pm. £15.00.
Fri 09: The Blue Kings @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £10.00. (£8.00. adv.). All-star band.

Sat 10: Mark Toomey Quintet @ St Peter’s Church, Stockton-on-Tees. 7:30pm. £12.00. (inc. pie & peas). Tickets from: 07749 255038.

Sun 11: New ’58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: Eva Fox & the Sound Hounds @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 12: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 12: Saltburn Big Band @ Saltburn House Hotel. 7:00-9:00pm. Free.

Tue 13: Milne Glendinning Band @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm. £11.00. Coquetdale Jazz.
Tue 13: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

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

Friday, August 16, 2024

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.

© Simon Shaw
Not content with just ballads, the Pocket Jazz Orchestra picked up the tempo with a lively performance of Mercy, Mercy, Mercy followed by a rollicking rendition of Route 66 that had the audience tapping their feet and nodding along.

Jeremy McMurray's leadership was evident throughout, guiding the Pocket Jazz Orchestra through each piece with finesse and allowing each musician his moment to shine. The intimate setting of the ARC Stockton Arts Centre provided the perfect backdrop for this memorable night of jazz.

Jeremy was delighted with the evening stating: ‘It was a fabulous night of live jazz with ourselves and special guest Mo Scott, the Queen of Newcastle’s jazz and blues scene for years, didn’t disappoint.’ Simon Shaw

*YouTube link.

Jeremy McMurray and the Pocket Jazz Orchestra return in October (see below)

Thursday  October,24 8pm start
Ticket price: £12.50 inc. booking fee
Accessible seating, building
Tickets via Box Office: 01642 525199

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