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

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.

September.

Tue 01: Customs House Big Band @ Masonic Hall, Ferryhill. 7:30pm. Free.
Tue 01: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, John Hirst.

Wed 02: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 02: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 02: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Album review: Mark Williams Trio - Long Way Out

Mark Williams (guitar); Paul Susans (bass); Rob Walker (drums) + Andy Champion (Hammond organ - track 7)

A new album release by Mark Williams isn't an everyday occurrence. The last one, Last Bus to Bensham, hit the streets in 2017. Stretching to the best part of one hour's playing time, Long Way Out features the guitarist's regular trio partners, bassist Paul Susans and drummer Rob Walker. Most, if not all, of the seven tracks have been performed in concert, no doubt tweaked and honed for this studio date.

Those familiar with Mark's playing will instantly recognise his sound: prodigious technique allied to clarity of thought, seemingly thinking several bars ahead, there's an ineluctable logic to it all. Groove, lyrical and portentous in equal measure, labyrinthine twist and turns, pedalboard interventions, the complete package. Electric bassist Paul Susans supplies the groove, constantly inventive. Drummer Rob Walker listens, responds, totally au fait with the material. 

To this ear, Sco and Holdsworth are in the mix, Mark referencing, enhancing, ultimately producing his own sound on his trusty electric with a rare diversion on acoustic guitar. All seven tracks were composed by Mark and on the album closer - Weird Country - Andy Champion swaps his more familiar bass for a whirl on the Hammond.         
               
AnythingThree Halves5-Way SwitchLong Way OutNo MoreRecovery BluesWeird Country.  

Long Way Out by the Mark Williams Trio is available at the trio's gigs. Alternatively, visit: www.markwilliamsguitarist.com. 

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