Samara Joy @ Birmingham Town Hall - April 25

Samara Joy (vocals); Connor Rohrer (piano); Felix Moseholm (double bass); Evan Sherman (drums); Kendrick McCallister (tenor sax); David Mason (alto sax, flute); Jason Charos (trumpet); Donavan Austin (trombone) 

First Emmet's Place, then Ronnie's, this evening Birmingham Town Hall. Samara Joy, all of 23, is touring the world as the bona fide superstar she has so rapidly become. Accompanying our NYC-based singer was an all-star septet featuring several familiar names. The suited-and-booted septet walked out onto Birmingham Town Hall's vast stage, took their seats and began to play. We were awaiting Ms Joy's entrance. And there she was, strolling out from the wings. An almighty roar greeted our superstar. Wow! 

Tonight @ the Glasshouse: Paul Skerritt w. the Danny Miller Big Band.

Tonight north east jazz and swing singer Paul Skerritt makes his Glasshouse debut with a concert in Sage Two in the venue previously known as Sage Gateshead.

Backing Paul will be the fourteen piece Danny Miller Big Band. The band, mainly from the north west (although usually with a couple of top notch local ringers), has backed Paul on several occasions, including a couple of concerts at South Shields' Westovian Theatre where packed houses gave singer and band a standing ovation and deservedly so.

Album review: Ricky Alexander - Just Found Joy (Turtle Bay Records)

Ricky Alexander (soprano sax, clarinet, vocals, arrangements); Jon-Erik Kellso (cornet); Dalton Ridenhour (piano); Jon Thomas (piano tks 1,3,4,6,7,11); Brennen Ernst (guitar tks 2,4,8,9,10,12); Rob Atkins (bass); Kevin Dorn (drums) + Vanisha Gould (vocals tks 2,5,8,10).

Despite being basically a quintet, the overall feeling I get from my first listen is of those 1940 recordings by the Bechet-Spanier Big Four. On soprano, Alexander has that wide vibrato associated with Bechet although Kellso is a more assertive figure than Muggsy was which makes for more of a level playing field. The illusion is particularly compounded on those tracks where Ernst provides a link between the two just as Carmen Mastren did on the Bechet-Spanier dates. 

This week's Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Thursday April 25 - Wednesday May 1).

George Shearing Quintet: I'll Remember April.

Charlie Parker w. strings: April in Paris.

Gene Ammons All-Stars: Jim Dog. 

Mel Tormé: Body and Soul.

Billy Taylor: Easy Like.

Lester Young w. Count Basie: Polka Dots and Moonbeams. 

Four Freshmen and 5 Saxes: This Love of Mine.

Their mothers called them Arthur

(© Ken Drew)

The knockout concert by Art Themen (pictured) at the Globe last Sunday got me to thinking as to how a lot of great jazz musicians were called by, or adopted, that first name. It also had me imagining what if the 'Great Reaper' had worked his wonders to perform and reincarnated those 'Arts' that were no longer with us to join those that are still around. Imagine this line-up (and, according to Fats Waller, God himself would be on piano!):

Art Farmer (trumpet); Art Baron (trombone); Art Pepper (alto sax); Art Ellefson (tenor sax); Art Themen (soprano/tenor sax); Art Tatum (piano); Art Davis (bass); Art Blakey (drums); Art Baxter (vocals). 

Also, waiting for their wings, Artie Shaw (clarinet), Artie Bernstein (bass), Art Hodes (piano), Art Lund (vocals) and Art Taylor (drums). Lance

Album Review: Julian Costello Quartet – And All The Birds Were Set Free (33 Jazz)

Julian Costello (tenor/soprano saxes); John Turville (pianos); Andy Hamill (double bass, harmonica); Tom Hooper (drums) + Georgia Mancio (vocals).

This album is definitely a grower. It has moved from acceptable background music to the front of the stage with every listening. There is some very fine playing, especially from Julian Costello and John Turville and it was nice to ‘catch up’ with Turville after not hearing much by him in recent years. Costello has, for the most part, a lovely flowing style, forceful but not overwhelming. Don’t be misled into thinking he’s a smooth operator, though. He has a big voice and his sound, unless he is sharing the metaphorical front line with Turville’s piano, dominates. Turville is the other star of this session. I remember him from a concert at Newcastle University back in 2013 and was hugely impressed then. This recording only serves to increase my admiration for his playing.

Album review: Ted Nash and Kristen Lee Sergeant – Holidays (Sunnyside Records)

Multi saxophonist, composer and arranger, Ted Nash collaborates with his partner in life and song, Kristen Lee Sergeant on Holidays, released in November 2023. Despite the title, Holidays delivers a much deeper and broader remit than a token collection of Yule melodies that are attractive to the refined chattering classes for its jazzifying of this great trove of 19/20th century songdom. Many of the selections are songs equally playable 12 months a year and celebrate the joy and hope that is not unique to Christmastime.

Claus Jacobi - RIP

We're very sorry to have to tell you that our friend and Classic Jazz Party music director Claus Jacobi has died after a brief illness. Jonathan Holmes (Mike Durham's International Classic Jazz Party) continues: The Jazz Party will not be the same without him. Claus was responsible for so many concert themes and ideas over the last 10 years. He inspired the musicians that he played with, and all of us at the Jazz Party will miss him dearly.

Photo credit: Malcolm Sinclair.

Album review: Cornelia Nilsson - Where do You go? (Stunt Records)

Cornelia Nilsson (drums); Daniel Franck (bass); + Aaron Parks (piano on tks 1,2,4,6,8,9); Gabor Bolla (tenor sax on tks 3,5,7,10)

I posted a clip of this fine album back in March with the promise of a 'proper' review to follow and then one thing led to another ad it slipped my mind which is unforgivable as it really is worth checking out. So, only one month after its March release date, here it is.

It gets off to a flying start with Bud Powell's John's Abbey. Parks almost outdoing Bud and being driven along by Nilsson with Franck doing what bass players are paid to do which is to keep the harmonic structure in place.

Sam Lightwing Quartet @ the Railway Stockport - April 21

(© Jeff Pritchard)

Sam Lightwing (tenor sax); Max Rosen (piano); Steve Berry (bass); Calum Montgomery (drums).

Tonight the train I usually take arrived on time so I anticipated arriving at Stockport Station around about 7:00pm ready for a 20 minute stroll to the Railway, but, guess what happened? Nothing! Even though I'd pressed the green button on the doors - nothing!

Jamie Toms Quartet @ Queen's Hall, Hexham - April 21

(© Malcolm Sinclair)

Jamie Toms (tenor sax, soprano sax); Graham Don (keyboards); Ian Paterson (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

An audience turned out in the library located within Queen's Hall to listen to a new quartet with all of the material heard over the course of two sets composed by bandleader Jamie Toms. Blue Note and ECM informed the performance, the opening number very much a bop-inspired workout. A waltz followed, then a Latin number, all adding up to a varied set. 

Sunday night @ the Globe: Art Themen w. the Dean Stockdale Trio - April 21

(© Ken Drew)

Art Themen (tenor/soprano sax); Dean Stockdale (piano); Mick Shoulder (bass); Abbie Finn (drums) + Harry Keeble (tenor sax).

In the ten years of its existence the Jazz Co.op - often, like tonight, in conjunction with Jazz North East - has put on many great gigs at the Globe to the extent that it's impossible to draw up a league table. However, if I was foolish enough to attempt that daunting task then last night's concert by Art Themen and the Dean Stockdale Trio would certainly be in contention for a Champions League place, maybe even outright winners.

It was that good!

Thoughts of the 27 bus were banished. I'd get the last one, I wasn't going to miss a single note, chord or rim shot.

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

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

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

Playlist 21/04/24 (repeated Tuesday 23/04/24)

Maureen Hall's Rendezvous Jazz @ St Andrew's URC Church, Monkseaton - April 20

Maureen Hall (vocals); Gavin Lee (clarinet, alto sax); Gordon Solomon (trombone); Alf Langthorne (keyboards); John Robinson (bass guitar); Scott Adair (drums, vocals)

A first visit to St Andrew's URC Church in something like eleven years for Maureen Hall's Rendezvous Jazz. Where has the time gone? In its 25th anniversary year (where has the time gone?), the band's return to the well-appointed church in leafy, sleepy Monkseaton attracted a large crowd there to listen to the band and, for some, to participate in a traditional brolly parade.

Is it True What They Say About Dixie? sang Maureen. Our bandleader has sung the song many times over the years, clearly it's a favourite number. Twelfth Street Rag hit the spot, Messrs Lee and Solomon nicely warmed up. A Hundred Years From Today, (steady, medium tempo), Careless Love (ditto), then onto the first of the evening's two 'second line' brolly parades: brightly coloured, twirling, some adorned with battery-powered lights. It was as if we in New Orleans!

Just Friends @ Dorman's Jazz Club, Middlesbrough - April 18

Ian Bosworth (guitar); Donna Hewitt (saxes/clarinet); Dave Archbold (keys); Ron Smith (bass); Mark Hawkins (drums).

The popular group, Just Friends, were this month's guest band with Donna Hewitt standing in for Richie Emmerson on sax and clarinet.

A lively start was made with Earl(e) Hagen's Comin' Home Baby. Great solos from Donna, on tenor, guitarist Ian and Dave on keys. All backed by fine bass work from Ron whilst Mark's drumming demonstrated just how tight an ensemble they were.

Stanley Turrentine's Sugar followed, again with guitar, sax and keyboard solos including some fours traded with Mark on drums.

Art Themen - Sold Out! - However...

If you've left it too late to get a ticket for Sunday night's JNE gig at the Globe by the great Art Themen do not despair.

It isn't the only game in town. Over on the east side of the city at Cluny 2 the Jazz Defenders are in concert.

This hard-driving band from over the border made a big impression on me when they played at Hoochie a couple of years ago. It was one of my gigs of the year in 2022 as you will gather from this review - LINK.

Lindsay Hannon's Tom Waits for No Man @ 1719, Sunderland - April 19

(© Ken Drew)

Lindsay Hannon (vocals); Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Brendan Murphy (percussion, old boot & spanner)  

Sunderland has never been known as a jazz stronghold. However, Seventeen Nineteen's Old Black Cat Jazz Club is going from strength to strength. Located in the historic Hendon area of Sunderland on the south bank of the Wear, the recently renovated '1719' Georgian church is a cultural gem offering a wide range of community activities and jazz is very much part of the 'offer'.  

This evening's concert presented Lindsay Hannon's loving take on Tom Waits. Joined by pianist Alan Law, bassist Paul Grainger and percussionist Brendan Murphy, Lindsay walked out onto the stage to a full house.  

Jazz @ the Lit and Phil: Cia Tomasso - April 19

(© Richard Morris)

Cia Tomasso (vocals); Jim McBriarty (tenor sax, clarinet); Dean Stockdale (piano); Mick Shoulder (bass); John Bradford (drums)

The Tomasso name seems to have been ever present in the annuls of British jazz for as long as I can remember going back to when Ernie and Freddy Tomasso played clarinet and trumpet with Harry Gold and his Pieces of Eight in the late '40s/early '50s.

Ernie begat Enrico who has long been a well established trumpet/cornet player on the trad to mainstream circuit appearing regularly at the annual Whitley Bay Jazz Party.

The family legacy continued this afternoon at the Lit and Phil when Enrico's daughter Cia held the audience spellbound with her interpretation of songs associated with Billie Holiday and a couple of others - a star was being born before our very eyes!

Knats @ Hoochie Coochie, Newcastle - April 18

Ferg Kilsby (trumpet); Cam Rossi (tenor sax); Sando Shargorodsky (keyboards); Stan Woodward (bass); King David Ike Elechi (drums)

From NONUNONU's Chillingham Road gig straight into town to catch the last half an hour of Knats on Pilgrim Street. Three local lads currently studying music in London plus two fellow conservatoire friends were having a blast. Hoochie Coochie was bouncing, the dance floor a throng. Walking into Hoochie Coochie, trumpeter Ferg Kilsby was all guns blazing, founding band members Stan Woodward (bass) and King David Ike Elechi (drums) absolutely killing. 

Some RSD gems and a few other thoughts

Tomorrow (April 20) is Record Store Day. That treasured day when much sort after vinyl is made available and there is some mouth watering stuff.

We at BSH didn't manage to play everything on the old Victrola. We missed out on the 3 LP set by Art Tatum at the Blue Note which, by all accounts, was  something to truly savour. Still, much as I love the music of Art, six sides of Tatum playing standards might have been a middle eight too far (bridge/middle eight get it?).

NONUNONU @ Elder Beer, Newcastle - April 18

Tim Williams (guitar); Andy Patterson (bass); Ruben Sheridan (drums); Callum Connell (tenor sax)

Guitarist Tim Williams first came to the attention of BSH as a member of Dean Stockdale's superb 'Celebrating Oscar' Quartet. On the first occasion at Newcastle's Lit Phil, and later at Hampstead Jazz Club, Williams proved to be a revelation. This evening in the east of Newcastle, we were listening to Williams in an entirely different context. NONUNONU, that's Williams' trio - Andy Patterson (bass) and Ruben Sheridan (drums) - with the addition of tenor saxophonist Callum Connell, is on tour.

Anita Wardell fundraiser following stroke.

Singer Anita Wardell, 62, has suffered a devastating stroke and a fundraiser has been set up HERE.

As one who knows, following the recent loss of my wife, how life-changing a stroke can be I urge those who have loved her singing and her teaching to rally round via the above link.

The photo is from 2016 when Anita hosted a vocal course at the Globe with an excellent concert in the evening. The band that evening were: Anita Wardell (vocals); Robin Aspland (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Tristan Maillot (drums). 

Please show your support for this much loved singer. Lance

This week's Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Thursday April 18 - Wednesday April 24).

Jonah Jones - Tin Roof Blues.

Don Elliott - Imagination.

Sam Cooke - Lookin' For my Baby.

JATP - Will You Still be Mine?

Diana Ross - I Can't Get Started.

Gerry Mulligan/Monk - Sweet and Lovely.

Tito Puente - Oye Cómo Va.

Louis Bellson - The Hawk Talks.

Buddy DeFranco/Terry Gibbs - Serenade in Blue.

Rosemary Clooney/Duke Ellington - It Don't Mean a Thing.

Harry Carney  - Frustration.

LINK.

What do you do during the day Mr Farlow?

Jazz musicians lead lives so busy that they find it difficult to do anything other than practice, compose, arrange, travel, perform, travel and then start all over again. This leaves little time for any diversions from their dedication to the art.

Nevertheless, there have been some who have used their creative talents in different ways either before, after or concurrent with their musical activities. Here are a few:

Press release: PX Records celebrate first anniversary

The tables have turned on traditional first anniversary gifts, with PizzaExpress choosing to mark the one-year milestone of their successful record label, PX Records, with vinyl – launching record stores in three London locations. 

PizzaExpress Live (PizzaExpress’ live music venues) have always been known for bringing music fans closer to the artists they love – and last year, the brand took that one step further, launching its own record label, live recording the performances and distributing them via PX Records. In celebration of its first anniversary, the label is launching its own record stores located within the brand’s live music venues in Soho, Holborn and Chelsea. 

 

Album review: Osian Roberts - Bop Viveur (Hard Bop Records)

Osian Roberts (tenor sax); Rob Barron (piano); Jeremy Brown (bass); Matt Fishwick (drums)

The album title and the record label give the game away. It does everything it says on tin and more - much more.

Thad Jones' Zec sets off at a rollicking tempo and doesn't falter. The sound of Rollins, the drive of Dexter and the speed of Johnny Griffin heading for the bar across the street all surface during this first track. I love the quote that Roberts rounds  his solo off with and which Barron picks up at the start of his. It will keep me awake until I put a title to it!

Bailey Rudd (drum kit): Minor Creative Project @ Music Studios, Newcastle University - April 17

Postgraduate music student Bailey Rudd presented his Drum Kit, Minor Creative Project recital performance at an unlikely time of day, 11:45am to be precise. Considering Bailey and five of his bandmates working alongside him this morning were out late last night at a jam session, there was a spring in their collective step. 

Bailey's programme notes outlined his dissertation (researching how local, traditional and contemporary jazz scenes survive). Bailey wrote of his recital: This will be a history of the musics that influence the British contemporary jazz scene today. Joining Bailey in his endeavours were no fewer than nine fellow graduates/undergraduates. 

Another jam packed Black Swan jam session - April 16

It starts at seven thirty, doors at seven, it's going to be busy, let's get there for half past six. Turning into Newcastle Arts Centre's courtyard the queue was beginning to form. One whole hour before the down beat, what's going on? The Black Swan jam session is what you could call a success! 

This evening's house trio comprised guitar virtuoso Mr Bradley Johnston, jam session MC, Mr Paul Grainger and post-grad student drummer, Mr Bailey Rudd. Three numbers to set the ball rolling - Bird's Little Suede Shoes, Johnny Green's Body and Soul and Frank Loesser's I've Never Been in Love Before. Nicely warmed up, MC Grainger opened the floor. First up, Jan Spencelayh. Accompanied by John Rowland's tenor sax, Jan sang a classic - You Turned the Tables on Me. Excellent. 

Double album review: Mal Waldron, Steve Lacy - The Mighty Warriors

Steve Lacy (soprano sax); Mal Waldron (piano); Reggie Workman (bass); Andrew Cyrille (drums) 

Another Record Store Day (April 20) release of a previously unreleased live album discovered and produced by Zev Feldman. 

Four forward thinkers of the time who, although stretching boundaries never totally turned their backs on the power of melody thus we have a couple of  pieces by Monk along with Waldron's own compositions and one each from Lacy and Workman.

Four Freshmen and 5 Trombones in Jarrow.

Another find! This time in Jarrow's 'Sally Army' shop. A 10" (22.54cm) vinyl LP by, arguably, the finest and the jazziest close harmony group of the 1950s. What memories I have of hearing this album for the first time in a Wiltshire RAF camp.

The Freshmen are: Ross Barbour, Bob Flanigan, Ken Errair, & Don Barbour whilst the 'bones are five of the west coast's finest - Frank Rosolino, Harry Betts Jr., Milt Bernhart, Tommy Pederson & George Roberts. Backed up by Claude Williamson (piano), Barney Kessel (guitar), Joe Mondragon (bass) & Shelly Manne (drums) this is as delightful as they come.

Russ Morgan Quartet @ Blaydon Jazz Club - Apr. 15

(© Pam)

Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); Russ Morgan (drums)

Blaydon Jazz Club's 40th anniversary concert series is shaping up nicely. This evening's concert featured the debut performance of the Russ Morgan Quartet. Other than a recent appearance at Darlington's Opus 4 Jazz Club working in the company of Paul Edis and Vasilis Xenopoulos, it had been a while since drummer Russ Morgan graced the regional jazz scene. His return to the stage here at the Black Bull on Bridge Street was eagerly anticipated and at a little after eight o'clock Pat Metheny's John McKee opened the show.

Jazz at the Engine Room update

The Engine Room in Sunderland have announced forthcoming dates by the Michael Young Trio.

April 29: A celebration of the music of Horace Silver. Michael Young (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Mark Robertson (drums).

May 20:  Details to be announced. Michael Young (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Abbie Finn (drums).

July 1:    Details to be announced. Michael Young (piano); Paul Grainger (bass); Abbie Finn (drums). Lance

Dave Newton @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth - April 15

Dave Newton (piano)

Blyth's Yamaha Music School's weekly lunchtime concert programme is going from strength to strength. This afternoon's concert featured the doyen of British jazz pianists, the great Dave Newton. Driving for more than six hours from his home in the south west of England, Newton arrived on Seaforth Street in good time to chat with well wishers and grab a coffee before the scheduled one o'clock start. 

Sunday night @ the Globe: JazzMain - April 14

(© Pam)

Nick Gould (tenor sax); Steve Grossart (keys); Iain Harkness (bass guitar); Kevin Dorrian (drums)

Last week was sold out. Next week is sold out so the smart money would have been down for a similar scenario this week. However, to misquote and degenderize Guiseppi Verdi - 'La donna (lee?) è mobile' - in other the words the jazz community is fickle and, this week, audience numbers were less than anticipated. Where, I wondered, were all the shareholders? Maybe they were at Rigoletto's!

Album Review: Cliff Beach – You Showed Me The Way

Cliff Beach (vocals); Munenori 'Moon' Kishi (keyboards); Evan Mackey (lead trombone, music director); Ruben Salinas (baritone sax); Sam Williams (tenor sax); Luis Cardena-Casillas, Joe Ferruzzo (trumpet); Satoshi Kirisawa (drums); Andy Moresi (guitar); Leah Concialdi (baritone/alto saxes)

I could do worse than simply quote from the publicity sheet to describe what type of singer this guy is. 'This 'funky, soulful. swinging singer, pianist and composer sounds like he could be the love child of Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder'.

Radio 4 'Soul Music' discusses Someone To Watch Over Me

Readers of BSH may be in the habit of listening to Soul Music on Radio 4, which talks about the effects of certain pieces of music and song in the personal lives of the contributors.  All types of music are explored and last Saturday, April 13, the standard Someone to Watch Over Me was featured. The Gershwins wrote the song originally for the musical Oh Kay!, and one of the best known versions is by Ella Fitzgerald.  

Those talking about the song included a woman who was brought closer to her father by playing the song, a man struggling with the fact that he was gay who found the song helpful, and a woman singer who somehow found herself performing the song at Birdland NYC unexpectedly.

Well worth a listen (LINK) and you can get this on BBC Sounds where the recording is available for about a year. Ann Alex

As the Globe turns 10, JRR marks the occasion

This afternoon's edition (April 14) of Jazz Record Requests noted a significant upcoming anniversary. The Globe's Dave Parker requested Jimmy Deuchar's Suddenly Last Tuesday as played by the Clark Tracey Quintet, an apt choice considering Tracey's all-star outfit will be in concert at the Globe (Railway Street, Newcastle NE4 7AD) on International Jazz Day (Tuesday April 30), coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Newcastle Jazz Co-op's acquisition of the premises which would become the award-winning venue it is today. Support your local jazz venue - tonight it's JazzMain. See you there! Russell

(Editor: Read review of the Clark Tracey album HERE. Programme link HERE -  Tracey track circa 31 minutes in.)

Album review: Brandon Goldberg Trio - live at dizzy's

Brandon Goldberg  (piano; Ben Wolfe (bass); Aaron Kimmel (drums)

An 18-year-old pianist very much inspired by the jazz piano tradition of such past giants as Ahmad Jamal,  Oscar  Peterson, Red Garland and Sonny Clark, Goldberg pays respect to the past whilst modernising it for today's listeners, or so the blurb says. Personally, I find it closer to the former than the latter and I'm not complaining one itsy-bitsy bit. Good music is timeless.

Tonight @ the Globe.

(© Debra Milne)

Don't miss tonight's return visit by Edinburgh based hard bop band JazzMain.  Fronted by tenor titan Nick Gould the quartet have recaptured the magic of those albums that laid down the benchmark for modern jazz. Building on the foundations laid down by Bird, Dizzy and Monk they set out the stall for future generations of musicians to work from and build on. JazzMain are probably among the UK's finest exponents of the style.

Doors at 7:00pm on stage at 8:00pm. Lance

SEE ALSO.

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

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

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

Playlist 14/04/24 (repeated Tuesday 16/04/24)

Requests: Stan Kenton, Jake Leg Jug Band.

Requests from Darlington New Orleans Club: Gus Cannon, Red Nichols, Scott Hamilton & Warren Vaché, New Orleans Heat, Kenny Ball/Lonnie Donegan, Miles Davis.

Other Requests: Cannonball Adderley, Tiny Grimes/Charlie Parker, Glen Grey and the Casa Loma Orchestra

Memories: Shorty Rogers.

What’s on in the NE: Alan Barnes & Dave Newton, Strictly Smokin' Big Band.

English jazz of the 50s/60s: Johnny Dankworth

Double Album Review: Sun Ra – At the Showcase: Live in Chicago 1976-1977

Sun Ra (piano, organ, leader); John Gilmore (tenor sax); Marshall Allen (alto sax, flute, Kora); Danny Davis (alto sax, flute); Elo Omoe (alto/bass clarinet); Danny Thompson (baritone sax, flute); Michael Ray (trumpet); Ahmed Abdullah (trumpet); Emmett McDonald (bass trumpet); Vincent Chancey (French horn); Dale Williams (guitar on 1976 Recording Only); Richard William (bass); Luqman Ali (drums); Eddie Thomas (drums, vocals); James Jackson (ancient infinity drum, oboe); Atakatune (congas); June Tyson (vocals); Cheryl Banks-Smith (vocal); Wisteria El Moondew (Judith Holton) (vocal).

Back in the 1990s men were, apparently, from Mars and women from Venus. However, one famous interloper came from the sixth rock from the sun decades before the book. Herman Blount changed his name to Sun Ra and the Arkestra was born. Amazingly the Arkestra sailed on and we were fortunate enough to have seen it in full flight in Gateshead back in pre-covid days when the then Sage still had a Jazz Festival. It was a wail(!) of a time. Big frocks and bright tunes! 

Double album review: Yusef Lateef - Atlantis Lullaby. The Concert Fom Avignon

Yusef Lateef (soprano/tenor sax, flute); Kenny Barron (piano); Bob Cunningham (bass); Albert "Tootie" Heath (drums). 

Another Record Store Day double album that has never previously been heard unless you were at the concert in Avignon, France on July 19, 1972. Maybe some of our readers were there but for those who weren't this will give you an idea of what you missed.

Kenny Barron's Inside Atlantis gets the show on the road with an extended tenor workout from the leader that doesn't take any prisoners - not even Trane and Rollins! Barron and Cunningham throw in their two-pennyworth (plus!) and Tootie Heath reminds us what a great loss to jazz it was when he passed just nine days ago.

Press release: New Jo Harrop single out today.

Lateralize Records are proud to announce the release of award-winning singer songwriter Jo Harrop’s stunning new single, Traveling Light, on 12th April 2024.

Written by Leonard Cohen, Traveling Light is the second single from her hugely anticipated new studio album, The Path Of A Tear, which was produced by the legendary Larry Klein (best-known for his groundbreaking work with a host of iconic artists including Joni Mitchell, Madeleine Peyroux and Herbie Hancock).

Recorded in September 2023 at The Village Studios in Los Angeles, The Path Of A Tear is due for release on June 7, 2024 and features some of the finest jazz musicians in the world including guitarist Anthony Wilson (Diana Krall, Madeleine Peyroux), drummer Victor Indrizzo (Willie Nelson, Alanis Morissette) and pianist and Hammond B-3 organist Jim Cox (Leonard Cohen, B.B King) alongside Larry Klein on bass.

Album Review: Lizz Wright – Shadow (Blues & Greens Records)

When I think of Lizz Wright’s singing I think of a voice steeped in the melancholy of the blues, a voice so smoky she should move to Craster and produce kippers. It is a rich, deep voice, capable of a caress and a shout, one for the small hours and for the streets. She seems to sit outside the canon of the greats of jazz singing in a lineage that would include Nina Simone, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Cassandra Williams.

This album has protest songs, celebrations of love and joy and, in her cover of Sandy Denny’s Who Knows Where the Time Goes, reflections on a life passed by. It is one of a few covers that include folk songs, modern gospel and country. Her voice is front and centre with the arrangements supportive, rarely allowing the instruments to come forth. Even the richest arrangement, on No More Will I Run seem to wrap up her voice in a blanket that lifts it higher so she is always riding above the band.

Late Night Chicago Radio (April 11 -- April 17)

(© Denny Farrell)

Late Night Chicago Radio hosted by Denny Farrell, pictured centre with Sonny Payne  (l) and Mel Conca (r) after a 1978 Harry James concert, broadcasts from the Windy City with the programme changing every Thursday.

LINK.

His choice of records is never less than impeccable as this week's selection proves:

Salute Benny Goodman (Eros)

Mahlon Clark (clarinet); Heinie Beau, Les Robinson   (alto sax); Babe Russin, Dave Harris (tenor sax); Irving Goodman, Zeke Zarchy, Mickey Mangano, Don Fagerquest  (trumpets); Murray McEacherm, Hoyt Bohannon, Tommy Pederson (trombones); Jess Stacy, Jimmy Rowles (piano); Allan Reuss, Al Hendrickson (guitar); Sid Weiss, Curtis Counce (bass); Nick Fatool, Ralph Collier (drums); Red Norvo (vibes). 

What, I hear you ask, am I doing giving space to a Benny Goodman album that doesn't have Benny Goodman?

A good question. It was hidden amongst the Jim Reeves and Max Bygraves' LPs huddled up to a Jacques Loussier album (which I already had) in a Hebburn charity shop. I felt that it was my duty to rescue it - I'd have done the same for a kitten.

Good news and bad news from Edinburgh

(© Russell)

The good news is that Edinburgh based band JazzMain cross the border to play on Sunday night at the Globe in Newcastle (see previous post). 

The bad news is the announcement of the closure of Edinburgh's legendary Jazz Bar.

A blow, not just for Scottish jazz fans but also to those touring bands and musicians who are dependent on an extra gig to make a trip north financially viable.

I don't know the full story other than the statement issued HERE last night but it will be a great loss, not just to the city but it will also effect the wider picture of UK jazz. Lance

Album review (gig preview): JazzMain - Blue Note Nights

Nick Gould (tenor sax); Steve Grossart (keys); Iain Harkness (bass guitar); Kevin Dorrian (drums).

Out of all the specialist jazz record labels that have come and gone over the years, none has had the longevity or produced music of such high quality as Blue Note. In the 1950s and 1960s, albums by legends Horace Silver, Dexter Gordon, Hank Mobley, Jimmy Heath - to name but a few - laid down a body of work that provided a wealth of inspiration for the the next wave of modern jazz musicians. A bit like giving a writer the complete works of Shakespeare and saying 'pick the bones out of that'. 

Mike Hope w. the Paul Hartley Trio @ the Railway, Stockport - April 9

(© Jeff Pritchard)

Mike Hope (tenor sax); Paul Hartley (guitars); Ken Marley (bass); Dave Walsh (drums).

With the exception of the opening Ornette Coleman blues Turnaround and the second tune Sonny Rollins’ Pent-Up House plus Oleo the remaining numbers evoked the spirit of the late tenor sax genius Stan Getz and on certain tunes like Desifinado Mike’s sound was heavily influenced by Getz’s version. 

Double album review: Brother Jack McDuff - Ain't No Sunshine (Reel to Real)

Jack McDuff (Hammond B3); Lee Johnson (tenor sax, flute, clarinet); Dave Young  (tenor/soprano sax); Vinnie Corrao (guitar); Ron Davis (drums) + unknown trumpet (tks 6-10) 

Yet another Record Store Day release (LP April 20, CD/digital May 17) this time a double CD/LP by Brother Jack McDuff one of the undisputed  legends of the B3 recorded live in Seattle at The Gallery on Sept. 16, 1972.

Ten tracks featuring, apart from Brother Jack, two tenor saxists and an unidentified trumpet player on five of the ten tracks. 

It's lusty, walkin' the bar, juke joint music that's guaranteed to get you shakin' it all over.

Remembering Shorty Rogers

(© Lance)

This Sunday, April 14, marks the hundredth anniversary of the birth of trumpet player, composer and arranger Shorty Rogers. 

Rogers, born on the above date in 1924 died on November 7, 1994. In between he played in the trumpet sections of Woody Herman and Stan Kenton contributing several charts to the libraries of both bands.

Press release: Jazz North East update

Click on the various LINKS for tickets and more info.

Sunday 21st April - The Globe: Art Themen with the Dean Stockdale Trio. (Art Themen - saxophone, Dean Stockdale - piano, Mick Shoulder - double bass, Abbie Finn - drums). SOLD OUT!

Sunday 28th April - The Glasshouse: The Andrew McCormack Trio with special guest Kyle Eastwood (International Jazz Day Warm Up). (Andrew McCormack - piano, Kyle Eastwood - double bass, Rod Youngs - drums). LINK.

Sunday 12th May - The Globe: Eddie Prévost, Tom Wheatley, Silvan Schmid Trio 

(Eddie Prévost - drums, Tom Wheatley - bass, Silvan Schmid - trumpet).

Signe Emmeluth - (Signe Emmeluth - solo saxophone). LINK.

Dean Masser Quartet @ the Railway, Stockport - April 7

(© Jeff Pritchard)

Dean Masser (tenor sax); Richard Wetherall (piano); Gavin Barras (bass); Gaz Hughes (drums).

The last visit I made to the Railway was a week ago to hear the Mike Hall Quartet and there were some similarities that are worthy of mention. Once again Richard Wetherall was seated at the house upright piano and the tune that Dean chose to start the show with was the same tune that Mike Hall picked to close his show with which was I Hear A Rhapsody. Another tune that was played on both gigs was Lover Man which Dean played at a slower tempo than Mike’s uptempo version. This weekend I heard vocalist Vanessa Rubin do this tune when I tuned into the live podcast from Mezzrow's and this was also an interesting version.