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

18818 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 682 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Aug. 20) 51.

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

Tue 25: Michael Young Trio @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Wed 26: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 26: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 26: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 27: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 27: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. £6.50. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 27: Paul Skerritt @ Angels' Share, St George's Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 2SX. 8:00pm. Free. Booking advised (0191 200 1975). Skerritt w. backing tapes.
Thu 27: 58 Jazz Collective @ The Blacksmith’s Arms, Stranton, Hartlepool. 8:00pm. Free.
Thu 27: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00.

Fri 28: Graham Hardy Quartet @ The Gala, Durham. 1:00pm. £8.00.
Fri 28: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 28: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 28: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.

Sat 29: Brian Jackson @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 8:30pm (doors). £32.00.

Sun 30: Musicians Unlimited @ West Hartlepool RFC. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 30: Tango Jazz Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 31: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

R.I.P. John Broddle

I've just received the sad news that  local singer John Broddle died yesterday (Nov. 13).

John, who in his younger days played football for Hull City, was a good crooner often sitting-in with the local trad bands.

He always sang good songs. He sung them well and often not without a sense of humour. I recall him singing Rodgers and Hart's classic Where or When at Cullercoats Crescent Club where the above photo was taken. When it came to the line: The clothes you were wearing you were wearing then he added - you stank!

He was a character - one of the good ones.

Your memories of John are welcomed. Lance 

3 comments :

Neville Saroney said...

Farewell John, heaven knows how much I shall miss you. Our Underneath the Arches was a classic, not to mention You Wore a Tulip both of us struggling not to sing the ‘Blue’ version. You will bring quality to the heavenly choir and a much needed sense of humour. Travel safely mate.

CCJAZZMEN said...

What sad news this is. I always enjoyed the vocals from John and he was such a lovely man. He will be missed, as every year I expected to see him and play a few songs with him. R.I.P Colin Aitchison (Hong Kong)

Humphrey LAU said...

This summer was the first time (and surprisingly the last) that my wife Connie and I met John. Although our time with him was definitely brief, we had an enjoyable conversation. He shared a bit about his time in the Far East and Hong Kong in the '50s with the army. He also spoke about Wan Chai and Victoria habour...... We will always remember his sense of humour, charm, and his powerful voice on stage.

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