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

18767 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 631 of them this year alone and, so far this month (July 31) 95.

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

Wed 05: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 05: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 05: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 06: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 06: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00.
Thu 06: Wild Women of Wylam @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 06: Jeremy McMurray’s Pocket Jazz Orchestra @ Arc, Stockton. 8:00pm. Feat. guest Zoë Gilby.
Thu 06: 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 06: Bridget Metcalfe Sextet @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 07: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 07: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 07: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.

Sat 08: ???

Sun 09: 58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00-3:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Tees Bay Swing Band @ Ropner Park, Stockton. 2:00-4:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 09: The Gambling Janes @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 10: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm.Free.

Tue 11: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ Newcastle Arts Centre. 7:30pm. Free.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Album review: Matt Carmichael - Dancing With Embers (self-released)

Matt Carmichael (tenor sax, piano on tks 1,12); Fergus McCreadie (piano); Ali Watson (bass); Charlie Stewart (fiddle); Tom Potter  (drums) + Chris Amer (electric/tenor guitar on tks 1,8,9,12); Innes White (acc. guitar on tks 3,4,5,8,9); Rachel Sermanni (voice on tk 10); Brighde Chaimbeul (small pipes on tks 6,7)

Given that the musicians were born or are based in and around Glasgow it isn't surprising that the music has a distinctively Celtic feel to it. It's probably nearer to Scottish folk music than it is to jazz.

As such it's well played and even though it's not exactly my dram of single malt I do appreciate the musicianship of the players and the power of the emotions expressed. The melodic lines are indigenous to Scotland and compelling. The emphasis leans towards the ensemble rather than the soloist although Carmichael and McCreadie do have occasional moments of controlled freedom.

In many ways, it's a gem and a further indication that many of today's younger jazz musicians believe that it does mean a thing if it ain't got that swing! It also substantiates Carmichael's musical directions and his ever expanding vision of what the late Sandy Brown used to call McJazz. Lance

Available March 25. Pre-order BANDCAMP.

A Distant Glow; Flint;  Stone Skimmer; Restful Sky; Road From the Sea; Dancing With Embers; Beckoning Night; Aglow; Blue Hour; Mangata; Kite; Woodsmoke 

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