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

18361 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 215 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 8 ), 25

From This Moment On ...

March

Thu 12: Boomslang @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Fri 13: Paul Skerritt Quartet @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. 1:00pm . £9.00.
Fri 13: The SH#RP Collective @ Jesmond Library, Newcastle. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 13: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 13: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 13: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 13: Soothsayers + Rookie Numbers @ Cobalt Studios, Newcastle. 7:00pm (doors). £17.51., £14.33., £11.16.

Sat 14: The Too Bad Jims @ Claypath Deli, Durham. 7:00pm (6:30pm doors). £13.20., £11.00. R&B.
Sat 14: NUJO @ Venue, Newcastle University Students’ Union. Time TBC. £15.00. supporter; £10.00. standard; £5.00. student. Seated event.

Sun 15: Michael Young Trio @ The Engine Room, Sunderland. 2:30pm. Free.
Sun 15: The Too Bad Jims @ The Georgian Theatre, Stockton. 3:00pm. £12.00. R&B.
Sun 15: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 15: Rebecca Poole @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £14.00., £12.00., £7.00. Poole w. Dean Stockdale & Ken Marley. CANCELLED!

Mon 16: Milne Glendinning Band @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm.
Mon 16: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 16: Russ Morgan Quartet @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. 8:00pm. £10.00.

Tue 17: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Scotty Adair (drums).

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, October 25, 2024

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 DayNuagesThe 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. 

The Swing Manouche boys did their thing, possibly oblivious to I'm doing my master's and co. Guitarists Mick Shoulder and Danny Lowndes knocked out a series of terrific solos, string bassist Paul Grainger also grabbing a slice of the action. The focus was, of course, on the extraordinary violinist Daniel John Martin. If you're yet to hear Paris-based DJM, make it a priority to catch him at a gig somewhere soon. DJM's Friday lunchtime Lit and Phil concert in Newcastle sold out some time ago. However, on Sunday evening Tynesiders have a further opportunity to hear the man across town at the Globe on Railway Street. Book now at: www.theglobenewcastle.barAnd the bonus? It's most unlikely I'm doing my master's will be there. Russell       

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