Album review: Joe Webb - Hamstrings and Hurricanes (Edition Records)

Joe Webb (piano); Will Sach (bass); Sam Jesson (drums)

What a gem, although those who heard the Joe Webb Trio (different line-up) at Newcastle's Lit & Phil in 2021  won't need convincing! On that memorable afternoon they pulled a standing ovation for their take on the Art Tatum Trio.

With Hamstrings & Hurricanes Tatum is returned to the pages of the jazz history books, his immortality secure, and we see a different side of Joe Webb - a pianist who, irrespective of stylistic contrasts, is a worthy successor to all of his pianist predecessors. That his current inspiration lies in the Britpop of the 1990s doesn't matter - the music goes all round the world and it comes out as jazz.

Album review: John Chin, Jeong Lim Yang, Jongkuk Kim - Journey Han (Jinsy Music)

John Chin (piano, keys, programming); Jeong Lim Yang (bass); Jongkuk Kim (drums)

The Journey of Han is organised into two acts, each exploring the concept of 'Han', a Korean cultural notion encompassing a broad range of emotions including sorrow, resentment, resilience, longing, loss and liberation. All very well to know and helpful for a reviewer trying to get his head around the clattering on that once beautiful tune by Lionel Hampton and Sonny Burke - Midnight Sun.

Wayne Shorter's Lady Day fares much better. This is as beautiful as the person it was dedicated to. It lasts 9.54 mins and it's not a second too long. A feeling bass solo, a reflective piano solo and sympathetic drumming. Towards the end it builds up into a powerful climax as if portraying Billie's sad passing. Midnight Sun is forgotten.

Press release: Recipients Announced For 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards

The recipients of the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards were announced on Tuesday 29^th October 2024 at 8pm.

Jazz Vocalist of the Year: Emma Smith​

Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year: Emma Rawicz

Jazz Album of the Year: Zoe Rahman “The Colour Of Sound”

Jazz Ensemble of the Year: Alina Bzhezhinska’s HipHarpCollective

Jazz Newcomer of the Year: Ife Ogunjobi

Jazz Venue of the Year: The Verdict Brighton

Jazz Media Award: Gilles Peterson MBE

Jazz Education Award: Nikki Yeoh

Services to Jazz Award: George Nelson – Moment’s Notice

Special APPJG Awards: Anita Wardell 

Special APPJG Awards: Paula Gardiner

Album review: Oscar Peterson Quartet - City Lights (Mack Avenue)

Oscar Peterson (piano); Lorne Lofsky (guitar): Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (bass); Martin Drew (drums)

Recorded in 1994, just 14 months after Oscar Peterson's debilitating stroke, the great Canadian pianist's determination and urge to play shines through on this live recording from the Müncher Philharmonie in Germany. Oscar was on a mission to prove that, despite his misfortune, he was still a force to be reckoned with - and he was.

True he couldn't do things with his left hand that he once did but he was still a formidable performer. With NHØP on bass, Martin Drew on drums and Lorne Lofsky on guitar, this was a unit comparable with any of his previous bands. Maybe even better as the once, sometimes over-flamboyant, technique was by necessity reigned in. As the saying goes, it's an ill-wind...

Sue Ferris Quintet @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth - Oct. 28

© Russell

Sue Ferris (tenor sax); Graham Hardy (trumpet); Ben Lawrence (piano); John Pope (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

Shirt sleeves in Blyth in the last week of October. Who would have thought it? The Yamaha Music School on Seaforth Street is beginning to succeed in attracting regulars. All the indications are the place is heading in the right direction. 

This Monday lunchtime concert featured the Sue Ferris Quintet. That Shoe String Thing - Sue's debut album - would feature throughout a set of some forty five minutes. John Pope depping for Andy Champion, otherwise it was the usual line-up. 

Daniel John Martin with Swing Manouche @ the Globe, Newcastle Oct. 27

© Patti

Daniel John Martin (violin, vocal); Mick Shoulder, Danny Lowndes (guitars); Paul Grainger (bass) + Giles Strong (guitar).

To review the same band twice in three days presents a challenge, some may say, a pointless one as it was unlikely anything was going to change over such a short period of time. Nevertheless, you never know and last night's show concluded with guitarist Giles Strong sitting in on Minor Swing.

Earlier, we had an extended first set - 65 minutes gave some of the audience itchy bottoms - nevertheless, the music, albeit predictable, was enjoyable with the maestro and his cohorts playing an impeccable programme of hot club favourites alongside some lesser known Reinhardt compositions.

Album review (take two*): Zachary Bartholomew - Balancing Act (BeMuse Records - BMR 2401)

Zachary Bartholomew (piano); Marty Quinn (bass); Rodolfo Zuniga (drums) + Benny Benack III (trumpet); David Fernandez (soprano/tenor sax)

In his debut album, Balancing Act, pianist, composer and educator, Zachary Bartholomew and an array of A-listers deliver ten unique Bartholomew originals. The fare is both eclectic and, in a descriptive sense, electric. There’s an abundance of excitement that is delivered in varied textures with an enormity of rhythmic variation and ingenuity.

Crazy Socks kicks the session off up-tempo with a hip – and vividly colorful – Tadd Dameron-like melody executed over classic bop changes. Trumpeter Benny Benack III sets off on an invigorating solo. The leader grabs the reins and offers his own statements. This is an enjoyable neo-bop take.

Preview: DJM on Railway Street (tonite! Sunday 27)

The Globe on Railway Street has hosted many, many top class gigs. This evening (Sunday) promises to go down in the annals. From Paris, Hot Club violinist Daniel John Martin concludes his tour of the region in the company of Swing Manouche. First Bishop Auckland, then Durham, Newcastle's Lit & Phil on Friday then, Hexham (this afternoon), 'DJM', as he is known, is a true virtuoso. 

Whatever you do, don't miss this final opportunity to catch him before heads back to France. DJM will be joined this evening by Mick Shoulder and Danny Lowndes (guitars) and string bassist Paul Grainger. Eight o'clock start. Book now! www.theglobenewcastle.bar. Russell      

Donny McCaslin @ the Exchange, North Shields - Oct. 26.

© Russell

Donny McCaslin (tenor sax); Jason Lindner (keys); Tim Lefebvre (bass); Zach Danziger (drums)

Another new venue for me and easily found despite the sat nav suggesting a sneaky flit past a couple of No Entry signs. In honour of McCaslin’s contributions to David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, I’m wearing my Paul Smith designer ‘Blackstar’ T-shirt. And my Paul Smith designer uncs. And my Paul Smith designer socks with the signature stripe. Your correspondent is one groovy mummy kisser. When I get there at least three others are wearing the same T-shirt. It’s like the time I went to a garden party at Buckingham Palace and there was another bloke wearing the same crown.

Of course the big question is, why McCaslin is here at all? North Shields is an unlikely stopover on a two date UK tour that had him at some place in Soho last night and nowhere else in the country. Is someone in Shields holding incriminating footage of Donny dancing to the Birdy Song like he loves it? In any case, it’s good to see and I suspect that the Bowie connection has brought a lot of people in, though how long they’ll stay for is another matter (about a quarter would leave during the gig).

Preview: Paul Skerritt Big Band @ the Westovian Theatre, South Shields - Nov. 23

Only four weeks to go before fans of big band jazz and top quality swing singing turn South Shields' Ocean Rd. into Olympic/Wembley Way as they make their way down to the Westovian Theatre for the annual appearance at the Theatre by the Paul Skerritt Big Band on Nov. 23.

This will be the band's third concert at the venue on top of an excellent concert at the Glasshouse earlier this year.

However, this upcoming concert is different from the four previous ones inasmuch as, instead of the Danny Miller Big Band from across the Pennines, this time it's Paul's own big band comprising of top north east musicians handpicked by Paul himself. 

Jack Jones (Jan. 14, 1938 - Oct. 23, 2024)

Jack Jones, who left us three days ago, was by no means a jazz singer. Nevertheless, he was a quality vocalist whose interpretation of popular songs during his peak years (1960 - 2000) added a touch of class to the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

He didn't swing like Sinatra, or improvise like Tormé, but brought an almost classical feel to the songs he recorded such as Lollipops and Roses and Wives and Lovers. In many ways his relationship to jazz, other than with the occasional big band backing, was similar to that of his equally famous father, light operatic tenor Allan Jones' was to grand opera.

The Clare Teal Five @ Gala Theatre, Durham - Oct. 25

© Patti

Clare Teal (vocals); Jason Rebello (piano); Dave Archer (guitar); Simon Little (bass, vocals); Eric Ford (drums)

A Clare Teal gig is always something special. A guaranteed evening of fun, jazz singing of the highest standard, an A-list band and an ever-changing repertoire. Last night was no exception with all the boxes ticked and, of course, that essential ingredient to any jazz gig - the sound of surprise.

We got that last one in abundance.

The material, whilst still containing the bricks and mortar of those Gasbook classics that we love and cherish, has been updated to include a few of the better pop and rock songs albeit in a jazzy/bluesy vein - shades of Postmodern Jukebox.

The feature, Trailblazers was a good addition with its tribute to Annie Ross on Wardell Gray's Twisted and to Peggy Lee with A Good Day. When Clare mentioned Peggy Lee I cringed and thought 'not another version of Fever or Black Coffee!' Fortunately I was wrong and A Good Day made for a very good day indeed.

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

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

Playlist 27/10/24 (repeated Tuesday 29/10/24)

Black History Month: Big Bill Broonzy, Louis Armstrong & the All Stars (1955).

Requests from Paul Jackman’s Jazz Masters: Harry James/Helen Forrest, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Buddy Rich, Eartha Kitt, Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra.

Emma Fisk & Hot Club du Nord requests: Piccadilly Revels Band, Noble Sissle & his Sizzling Syncopators, Wes Montgomery.

Daniel John Martin with Swing Manouche @ the Lit & Phil, Newcastle Oct. 25

©Patti

Daniel John Martin (violin, vocal); Mick Shoulder, Danny Lowndes (guitars); Paul Grainger (bass).

For once the well-oiled machine that is the Lit and Phil went off the rails - no programmes had been printed. Maybe there were leaves in the system, who knows?

So as it was, no advance set list was available meaning that I'm having to work from my not always accurate memory bank.

Nevertheless, it's the music that counts and, in that respect it was hot off the Eurostar from Paris.

Daniel John Martin with Swing Manouche @ Holy GrAle, Durham - Oct. 24

Daniel John Martin (violin, vocals); Mick Shoulder (guitar); Danny Lowndes (guitar); Paul Grainger (double bass)

A second concert in a run of five across the region. Last night, Bishop Auckland, this evening Durham. Holy GrAle, a popular micro pub up on Crossgate, attracts student types, a smattering of locals and, on this occasion, a number of jazz fans, there to hear Daniel John Martin. Minutes before the down beat the joint was jumpin'. Bar stool seats near to the door, the establishment was a tad noisy. 

As 'DJM' and Swing Manouche took to the floor it quickly became evident few were there to listen. Voluble types (one of their number repeatedly bellowing: I'm doing my master's), it looked like being a losing battle. A Foggy Day, Nuages, The Sheik of Araby, the few were listening, the majority (including I'm doing my master's) were talking ever-louder. After You've Gone (if only I'm doing my master's would pack up and go), Swing 42, Hot Club excellence, appreciated by the few. 

Album review: Julian Argüelles - Doublespeak (Escapade Records)

Julian Argüelles: (saxes, clarinets, flutes, keys, perc. programming); Steve Argüelles (drum loops); Helge Andrea Norbakken (perc.); Martin France: (drums)

Julian Argüelles and his brother Steve were among the ‘names’ on the wave of new British jazz that I caught in the eighties. Others included Courtney Pine, Andy Sheppard, Julian Joseph and various Loose Tubers. He’s always earned points in this house for coming up north to play whilst his confreres down in London seemed to regard the M25 as an impenetrable force field which prevented them getting as far as Watford.

Since his first appearance he has played a range of styles from straight ahead bop to the music of the African exiles. As well as Loose Tubes he was also a member of orchestras led by Carla Bley, Kenny Wheeler and Colin Towns.

Album review: Snorre Kirk _ What a Day! (Stunt Records)

Giacomo Smith (alto/soprano sax); Joe Webb (piano); Anders Fjeldstad (bass); Snorre Kirk (drums) + Alexander 'Honey' Boulton (guitar on tks 2, 4, 7)

Remember that dreadful time when this sceptred isle was ravaged with Covid? It really was dreadful. However, there were times when the clouds parted and, modern technology allowed us a lot of unexpected pleasure with the innovation of the livestream. This meant that instead of us going to them they came to us - from all over the world although, because of the time difference between London and NYC, the most accessible ones were based in London with sessions from Ronnie's, the 606 Club and, closer to home, the Globe and the Prohibition Bar. 

Daniel John Martin with Swing Manouche @ Auckland Castle - Oct. 23

Daniel John Martin (violin, vocals); Mick Shoulder (guitar); Danny Lowndes (guitar); Paul Grainger (double bass)

Recently returned from a tour of Australia, Daniel John Martin set off once again from his Paris home, his destination on this occasion, the bright lights of Bishop Auckland. Eurostar (Gare du Nord to St Pancras), LNER (King's Cross to Darlington), 'DJM' as our man is known, arrived in good time to play to a sold out audience in the splendid surroundings of Auckland Castle. 

Farewell Thomas Weatherley (1933 - 2024)

It was sad and yet it was joyous as family, friends and fellow musicians gathered at the Whitley Bay Crematorium to say their last goodbye to Tommy Weatherley, trombonist par excellence.

Entering the chapel to the poignant sound of My Ship from the album Miles Ahead by Miles Davis and Gil Evans it was as if Tommy was sitting in the trombone section. 

The service was conducted by Mr Neil Atkinson who, after reading a heartfelt tribute to Tommy from his long term friend Dennis Williams, paid his own tribute with an eloquent eulogy of Tommy's illustrious career both musically and with his loving and caring family.

Album review: Hannah Gill - Spooky Jazz Vol. 2 (Turtle Bay Records)

Hannah Gill (vocals); Gabe Terracciano (violin); Ricky Alexander (clarinet, tenor sax); Mike Davis (trumpet, trombone); Justin Poindexter (guitar, organ); Gordon Webster (piano, organ); Philip Ambuel (bass); Ben Zweig (drums)

If you're sitting in the house with the curtains drawn and the lights out on October 31 then the time is right for you to listen to Spooky Jazz Vol. 2 (with the headphones on).  Thus you will avoid the hordes of feral children knocking on your door and menacingly offering you the choice between 'trick or treat'. This will enable you to celebrate Halloween whilst listening to some killer-diller hot music.

Gideon Tazelaar Quartet @ Blaydon Jazz Club - Oct. 21

© Russell

Gideon Tazelaar (tenor sax); Joe Steels (guitar); Arnie Somogyi (double bass); John Hirst (drums)

My worthy constituent Russell covered most of the bases in his review of the quartet's lunchtime gig over at the Yamaha Music Centre in Blyth (see earlier post) so, rather than reiterate his glowing terms, most of which I agree with, I'll throw in a few observations of my own.

It was good to note that the audience were filling the small room of the Black Bull for the fourth month in a row at  Blaydon Jazz Club in this, its 40th year. Roly must be doing something right and he certainly did last night with the music on offer helped along by an Arts Council grant - the Dutch Arts Council that is.

This isn't as bizarre as it might seem as Tazelaar, born in Holland and a graduate of Julliard is well worthy of his home country's support. Pairing him with outstanding British bassist Somogyi and two local boys made good was an inspired  choice.

Malcolm Armstrong funeral details

The funeral details for Malcolm Armstrong have been announced as follows: Wednesday 30th October, 12 o'clock,  Whitley Bay Crem. Afterwards at The Barn at Belsay.

R.I.P. Lance

The Gideon Tazelaar Quartet @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth - Oct 21

© Ken Drew

Gideon Tazelaar (tenor sax); Joe Steels (guitar); Arnie Somogyi (double bass); John Hirst (drums)

A first opportunity to catch tenor saxophonist Gideon Tazelaar. Funding from the Dutch authorities ensured the Julliard graduate's UK tour would be financially viable and this Blyth Music School concert would be the first of two performances today.

Bassist Arnie Somogyi has been working on an Ellington project which will be recorded next week.* Recruiting guitarist Joe Steels and drummer John Hirst to play the northern dates - Blyth and Blaydon - guaranteed the material would get a good workout. A set of just forty five minutes made for a lean performance comprising five numbers. Tazelaar's secure, straight-down-the-middle tenor playing on In a Mellotone set the tone, this was going to be a joyful three quarters of an hour. 

Sunday night @ the Globe: The Magpies of Swing - Oct. 20

© Russell

Elise Rana (vocals, drums, washboard); Lara Hopper, Polly Curbishley (trumpet); Lachlan Fotheringham (soprano sax, clarinet); Neil Hopper (trombone, drums); Fiona Finden (tenor sax, vocals); Stu Finden (baritone sax); Alec Gamble (guitar, vocals); Anders Ingram (guitar, guitar/banjo vocals)Alan Law (piano); Owen Jones (double bass); Olga ? (flute, vocals); Niffi Osiyemi (alto sax, vocals); Jenni ? (alto sax) + Chloe, Kay (vocals)

The swing dancers were out in force - man can they do the Lindy Hop - I was exhausted just watching them! Still, with a band like this who couldn't/wouldn't want to dance? Peppered with soloists and singers, the hits and near-misses of the '20s, '30s and '40s were given the hottest work out since the Palomar Ballroom in L.A. burnt down.

Album review: Perfect Stranger - Unfinished Business (Spark)

Chris Sansom (MD,composer, bass guitar); Adam Bishop (alto/soprano sax, bass clarinet, flute); Mick Foster (tenor/soprano sax, flute); Shanti Jayasinha (trumpet, flugel); Tom Green (trombone); Alcyona Mick (keys); Rob Millett (vibes, perc.); Eddy White (guitars); Paul Michael (bass guitar); Jonas Golland (drums).

Perfect Stranger was initially conceived by Sansom in the early 1970s whilst studying for his B.Mus. He visioned creating music that defied convention, music that challenged both player and listener, not with 'pet shop' sounds but in the complexity of his compositions and arrangements.

Among those original musicians was the late Peter Jacobson. Pete, as he was known on the Newcastle scene and beyond, made a powerful impact  on Tyneside jazz before moving down to London. On Unfinished Business Samson has revived his original idea to the extent that now, fifty years on, it has emerged as a classic work that transcends genres. Fittingly, the first movement of his four-part suite, Life and Times (of a Perfect Stranger), Formative Years is dedicated to the memory of Peter Jacobson.

Album review: The Joymakers - Down Where the Bluebonnets Grow (Turtle Bay Records)

Colin Hancock (cornet, trombone, alto sax, baritone sax, vocals); David Jellema (clarinet, C melody sax, cornet, vocals); Lauryn Gould (alto sax, tenor sax, soprano sax, vocals); Dylan Blackthorn (accordion); Weslan Borghesi (tenor banjo); Shane Dickens (piano); Ryan Gould (bass); Ryan Neubauer (drums)

Texas born with UK ancestry, Hancock came to 1920s' jazz indirectly when his British grandfather bought a Bix record after hearing it played by some American GIs who were 'over here' during World War II. Later, now in Texas, 8-year-old Colin heard his dad playing his grandfather's record and became hooked himself and the rest is history. Well maybe not ...

Pete Tanton's Chet Set @ Sunderland's Old Black Cat Jazz Club - Oct. 18

Pete Tanton (trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals); Alan Law (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Mark Robertson (drums)

The Churches Conservation Trust looks after more than 350 churches of historic interest. 1719 in Hendon, Sunderland is one of them. The church, dating from 1719 (hence its name), is at the very heart of what is known as 'Old Sunderland'. Lottery money has helped restore and transform the building into a splendid cultural venue and once a month the candlelit Old Black Cat Jazz Club welcomes jazz fans from across Wearside and beyond. This evening it was all about Chet Baker. Perhaps the jazz icon holds appeal beyond that of the 'jazz community', whatever the reason, 1719 attracted a large crowd. 

Press release: Clare Teal Five @ Gala Theatre, Durham - Oct. 25

She’s back! Expect exhilarating swing from award winning jazz vocalist and long time Radio 2 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal and her marvellous band who return with a fabulous new show as ever celebrating the hits and hidden gems of the Great American and British Songbooks, plus contemporary covers and originals. The concert will also include favourites from her acclaimed DVD The Fireside Sessions.

Press release from the Saltburn Big Band

Please see the fabulous Saltburn Big Band performing No Moon at All, sung by the equally fabulous Bridget Metcalf, during our recent sellout concert at St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Stokesley. 

 

The band is next appearing at Saltburn Community Theatre on the evening of the 27th of October.  Tickets can be purchased HERE. Adrian Beadnell

The Olivia Cuttill Quintet @ King's Hall, Newcastle University - Oct. 17

Anonymous

Olivia Cuttill (trumpet, compositions); Issey Chivers (vocals); Tom Harris (piano); Fergus Quill (bass); Miles Pillinger (drums).

When I took my seat in the King's Hall Recital Room in Newcastle University for a 45 minute lunchtime concert little did I think I was about to witness one of the 'Gig of the Year' contenders. After all, there's some mega names in the running already - and the opening number, Isabella, did nothing to change things. Don't get me wrong, it was fine, Cuttill displaying a big round sound on an interesting composition but the (musical) Earth didn't move for me.

Album review: Al Jarreau & NDR Bigband - Ellington (ACT)

Al Jarreau Vocals)+ NDR Bigband: Thorsten Benkenstein, Ingolt Burkhardt, Nicolas Boysen, Reiner Winterschladen (trumpets); Fiete Felsch, Björn Berger, Christof Lauer, Frank Delle, Tini Thomson (reeds); Dan Gottshall, Klaus Heidenreich, Stefan Lottermann (Nov. 26), Günter Bollmann (Nov. 29) (trombones); Ingo Lahme (trombone/tuba); Hans Vroomans (piano/Rhodes); Peter Tiehuis (elec. acoustic guitar); Christian Diener (basses); Wolfgang Haffner (drums); Jörg Achim Keller (MD?arranger); Joe Turano (vocal arranger).

I've heard Ellington performed in every which way including loose but never quite like this! Some purists might class it as sacrilege - I almost did. However, the trick I found is to forget every bar of Ellingtonia you've ever heard and treat it like you're hearing it for the very first time. Judging by the applause I guess that's what the enthusiastic audience did.......and so did I!

The Black Swan jam session - Oct. 15

Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Bailey Rudd (drums) + Niffi Osiyemi (vocals); Olly Styles (tenor sax); David Gray (trombone, vocals); Abbie Finn (drums); Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Lara Hopper (trumpet); Liam Oliver (guitar); Robert Johnson (alto sax); Alexia Gardner (vocals); Dan Potter (drums); Oscar Nolan (piano); Ian Drever (vocals); Esther Coombes (alto sax, clarinet); Neil Hopper (double bass); ? (guitar); Shayo (vocals); Jack ? (drums); Becky Tuck (vocals); Moyo (guitar); Darius (vocals); Theo Nolan (drums)

Freshers' week has been and gone, student hangovers a thing of the past...until the next time. Judging by the large student turn out at last night's Black Swan jam session, with the bar staff working non-stop, this morning it's likely the cry 'never again' will be heard across student halls of residence. 

R.I.P. Malcolm Armstrong.

Just received the sad news that pianist Malcolm Armstrong passed away yesterday (Oct. 15).

Over the years, Malcolm played with many local bands including the River City Jazzmen, the Maine St. Jazzmen and Rendezvous Jazz.

He was also accompanist for Ponteland Ladies Choir.

I remember him well from the Breda Jazz Festival back in the 1980s where he was part of the award winning River City Jazzmen (see photo).

A fine pianist who will be sadly missed. Lance

Shellac (M2): Jimmy McPartland & his Orchestra - Daughter of Sister Kate/In a Mist (Harmony)

With apologies to Fats Navarro and Jimmy Noone, I have to slip in another 'M' as I haven't any 78s by artists whose surname begins with the letter N!

Nevertheless this is an interesting one not least because the 'orchestra' - all six of them - is led by legendary Chicago cornet player Jimmy McPartland and his wife, British born, Marian McPartland who became an even greater legend. On this recording Marian is listed as Marian Page, the stage name she'd adopted in her early days playing theatres in Britain with fellow pianist Billy Mayerl.

Press release: Trailer Released For The Record Store Project Documentary: Exploring The Cultural Impact Of The Uk Record Store & Black Music

A major new project that explores the cultural impact of UK independent record stores that specialised in Black music from 1950 onwards, will be released in time for Black History Month 2024., the Trailer for which can be viewed here- https://youtu.be/W9JcX-kvszE.

“A lot of us (DJs) kind of started at the same time and we all kind of grew together. Some I would just see in the record shops fighting over records or whatever. Hustling to try and get the latest import - actually, we don't have that anymore. I miss that. We don't have that kind of community where you just hang out and chill. Like I could spend hours in the record shop just chilling - there was a certain happiness, like a joviality to just being in as a punter and seeing certain regulars coming in again. I'd never thought of it like that before, but they were actually really good meeting hubs.” WAYNE C MCDONALD Newcastle

Album review: Nick Tomalin Quintet - Shades of Shearing

Nick Tomalin (piano); Nat Steele (vibes); Dave Warren (guitar); Dominic Howles (bass); Matt Fishwick (drums).

A reimagined version of the fabulous George Shearing Quintet, a band that created a lot of  attention on both sides of the Atlantic back in the late 1940s/early 50s when the classic singles first appeared on those distinctive, yellow labelled MGM 78s. I've still got a few of them plus a double album collection.

Over the years, the distinctive, closely knit harmony became over-formulated with familiarity perhaps taking the edge off the initial excitement.

Sunday night @ the Globe - Dulcie May Moreno - Oct. 13

© Patti/Sylvia

Dulcie May Moreno (vocals); Mark Williams (guitar); Mick Shoulder (bass); John Bradford (drums)

Across the road in the aircraft hanger known as the Utilita Arena, Becky Hill was feeding the 10,700. In the Globe Dulcie May Moreno was preaching to a lesser congregation. In a perfect world the situation would have been reversed. At least nobody in the Globe needed medical attention.

Dulcie is a regular visitor to the area (she was born here) and never fails to captivate an audience as was proved last night.

Tonite! (Sunday Oct. 13) Dulcie sings at the Globe!

On Friday lunchtime, during a short return visit to the region, Dulcie May Moreno attracted a full house to Auckland Castle (they were turning people away at the door). This evening, our Newcastle-born, Kent-resident vocalist/composer will be in concert with her 'Northern Jazz Cats' on Railway Street, NE4 7AD. Join Dulcie, guitarist Mark Williams, bassist Mick 'The Bishop' Shoulder and drummer John Bradford for two sets of jazz standards and one or two original compositions. It's an eight o'clock start (doors at 7:00pm). Tickets £10.00. advance, £12.00 at the door, £7.00. 25 & under. Book now: www.theglobenewcastle.bar. Russell 

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

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

Playlist 13/10/24 (repeated Tuesday 15/10/24)

Requests: George Melly with John Chilton's Feetwarmers.

From Darlington NOJC - Sarah Spencer's Transatlantic Band:  Eli Newberger & the Hot 6 featuring Jimmy Mazzy; The King of Swing Orchestra; Coleman Hawkins; Sir Charles Thompson; Louis Armstrong; Luis Russell and His Orchestra 'Jersey Lightning'; Kid Thomas Valentine's Creole Jazz Band.

New Releases: Gaz Hughes.

Memories: Art Blakey + Terence Blanchard, Thelonious Monk.

NE Jazz: Alligator Gumbo, Nicola Farnon.

Memories: Art Tatum, Buddy Rich Big Band with Terry Gibbs, JATP Swing Set.

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

Shellac (M): Gille Mellé Sextet - Four Moons/The Gears (Blue Note)

Gil Mellé (tenor sax); Eddie Bert (trombone); Joe Manning (vibes); George Wallington (piano); Max Roach (drums)

A Blue Note 78! The only one in my collection, there can't be many of them still around and even less by Gil Mellé. He recorded eight sides over four discs and this was the first.

Mellé, it appears, was quite an enigmatic character. Apart from playing tenor sax, composing and arranging, he was also an abstract painter who provided a lot of the artwork that enhances the very early Blue Note LPs.

Album review: Louis Stewart, Martin Taylor - Acoustic Guitar Duets (Livia Records)

Louis Stewart, Martin Taylor (guitars).

Recorded in Dublin's Trend Studios in July 1985, Acoustic Guitar Duets features perhaps two of the greatest living (at that time) jazz gúitarists from outside of the United States. Stewart, sadly, is no longer with us whilst Taylor continues to be  at the forefront of the world's outstanding jazz guitarists.

Just as he did in the recently released duo set with Jim Hall, Stewart once again proves to be a man for all seasons. The two guitarists are the perfect foil for each other feeding ideas so seamlessly that it's difficult to tell where the join is.

Francis Tulip makes JRR!

© Ken Drew

This weekend's edition of Jazz Record Requests includes a track from Catriona Bourne's new album Triquetra. It was only last weekend that Catriona's band played a concert at the Globe as part of this year's Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music. LL's review of Catriona's festival appearance made reference to local hero, guitarist Francis Tulip. From County Durham to Birmingham Conservatoire to the London jazz scene and now Radio 3, Francis, aka Frank, is going places! Tune in, Sunday at four o'clock. Russell 

John Carstairs Hallam on Vintage Chart Toppers.

North east authority on all things vintage John Carstairs Hallam recently appeared on Colin Aitchison's Hong Kong radio show (RTHK)Vintage Chart Toppers. LINK.

His next guest is Tyneside trombone and trumpet ace David Matthew Gray. Lance 

Indigo Jazz Voices w. the Little Big Band @ the Globe - Oct. 10

© Patti (singer Jen Errington)

David Edgar, Jen Errington, Jenny Lingham, Carrie McCullock (individual vocals), Paul Close (vocal, guitar); Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Rob Walker (drums); Harry Keeble (tenor saxophone); Pete Tanton (trumpet).

Indigo Jazz Voices began life as Blue Jazz Voices, at what was then Sage Gateshead, under the tutelage of Lindsay Hannon. With the move to the Globe and a change of colour they began what was to become an ongoing ten year, bi-monthly, residency.

Last night the five singers strutted their stuff before an enthusiastic crowd with a varied choice of songs.

Album review: T.K. Blue - Planet Bluu (Jaja Rexords)

T.K. Blue (alto/soprano sax, alto flute, kalimba); Wallace Roney Jr. (trumpet); Davis Whitfield (piano); Dishan Harper (bass); Orion Turre (drums) + Steve Turre (trombone & shells on tks 3, 4, 8, 9); Dave Kikoski (piano on tk 7)

T.K. Blue describes Planet Bluu as one of his most compelling and significant works to date. Planet Bluu, he further describes it, is a world that lies just beyond the realm of our imagination. A dream so fragile that if you whisper its presence this magnanimous world might disappear into thin air. It's a place, he says, that's devoid of war, famine, systemic racism, gender discrimination and religious intolerance.

Preview: Indigo Jazz Voices + Little Big Band @ The Globe - Thursday October 10 - tonight!

David Edgar, Jen Errington, Paul Close, Jenny Lingham, Carrie McCullock (individual vocals); Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Rob Walker (drums); Harry Keeble (tenor saxophone); Pete Tanton (trumpet).

An Indigo Jazz Voices special with their Little Big Band downstairs at The Globe on October 10. Individual vocal performances will include Feeling Good with a bit of Sway, some Ramblin’ On My Mind and Day In, Day Out, plus a trip to the moon – a song about it at least, among many others.

 

The singers are accompanied by superb musicians. You will probably all know them by now and if not, make sure you come along to ensure you do. They are great!

 

Performance starts at 7.45pm. £5 cash on the door.

See you there! CMc

Album review: Terry Gibbs Dream Band - Vol. 7: The Lost Tapes, 1959 (Whaling City Sound)

Recorded live in 1959 with a star-studded line-up of west coast jazz aristocracy at two Hollywood clubs,* the Terry Gibbs Dream Band certainly lives up to its name.

To say it swings is the understatement of the year, any year but maybe 1959 would be a good one given the masterpieces that were recorded during that memorable year. Truly a worthy addition to the roll of honour.