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

18383 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 247 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 17 ), 57

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

Mon 30: Gerry Richardson Quartet @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm.
Mon 30: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

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.

Monday, September 16, 2024

Sunday night @ the Globe: Panharmonia - Sept. 15

© Sheila Herrick
Keith Barrett (guitar, bodhrán, vocals); Fiona Finden (soprano sax, vocals, shaker); Stu Finden (baritone sax); Alan Law (piano); Andrew Porritt (bass, vocal); Tim Johnston (drums)

Panharmonia may not have the edge on sliced bread but, last night at the Globe, there were interesting moments. How could there not be when you had six such highly accomplished players?

The programme varied from the indescribable to a vocal by the bassist formerly known as Andrew Porritt which was quite impressive. There were Barrett originals, some new, some familiar, vocals from Fiona, who also got a good sound blowing curved soprano, and earthy baritone from Stu Finden.

Barrett played some tasty guitar as well as having a bash on bodhrán and, as always, Alan Law knows how to perm any 10 from 88 notes.

On drums, Johnston did what was necessary and, overall, contributed effectively to the diverse programme that deserved a few more bums on seats.

Panharmonia offers something for everyone, albeit not always at the same time, which is perhaps both their strength and their weakness. However, the important thing is that they enjoy what they're doing and that communicates with the audience.

Check them out next time you get the chance. Lance

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