Bebop Spoken There

Ron Carter quoting Sonny Rollins: ''What we call jazz - that's keeping the world in equilibrium. I don't care what kind of music you like out here today. It all comes from jazz.'' (DownBeat August, 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

18799 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 663 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Aug. 12) 32.

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

August

Sat 15: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Blacksmith’s Arms, Hartlepool. 1:30pm. Free. Open rehearsal.
Sat 15: Jake Leg Jug Band @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm. £16.26.

Sun 16: Vintage Explosion @ Cliffe Park, Roker, Sunderland SR6 8DB. 5:00-10:30pm. £44.00 (inc. bf).

Mon 17: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 18: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, Abbie Finn.

Wed 19: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 19: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 20: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 20: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00.
Thu 20: Edson Angus Quartet @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 20: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.

Fri 21: Andrzej Baranek Trio @ The Lit & Phil. 1:00pm. £8.00. Andrzej Baranek (piano); Josh Cavanagh-Brierley (double bass); Dave Walsh (drums). SOLD OUT!
Fri 21: David Gray Flextet @ Sunderland Minster. 7:30pm. Old Black Cat Jazz Club.
Fri 21: Errol Linton & His Band + Michael Littlefield & Scott Taylor @ Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle. Excellent blues double bill.

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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