John Rowland plays Ben Webster @ Jesmond Library, Newcastle - April 11

John Rowland (tenor sax); Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass)

The third in a new 'second Friday in the month' session on St George's Terrace in Jesmond. This afternoon's concert featured tenor saxophonist John Rowland playing a selection of numbers associated with the great Ben Webster. On a beautiful sunny afternoon, Rowland, pianist Alan Law and bassist Paul Grainger opened with Bye Bye Blackbird. 

John Rowland could be described as 'laid back', perhaps a useful attribute when paying homage to Benjamin Francis Webster. Rowland's breathy sound could be described as 'old school', eschewing grandstanding, putting his own spin on the tune at hand. Jesmond Library's audience listened (feet tapping, heads nodding), one sensed the trio appreciated a 'listening audience'. 

Album review: The Charlie Watts Orchestra - Live at Fulham Town Hall (BMG Reissue from 1986)

Dave Green, Ron Mathewson (bass); Jack Bruce (cello); Bill Eyden, Charlie Watts, John Stevens (percussion); Stan Tracey (piano); Peter King, Ray Warleigh, Willie Garnett (alto sax); Gail Thompson (baritone sax); Alan Skidmore, Bobby Wellins, Courtney Pine, Danny Moss, Don Weller, Evan Parker (tenor sax); Annie Whitehead, Chris Pyne, John Picard, Paul Rutherford (trombone); Colin Smith, Dave Defries, Harry Beckett, Jimmy Deuchar, John Huckeridge, Steve Sidwell, Ted Emmett (trumpet); Bill Le Sage, Jim Lawless (vibes); Alan Cohen (conductor, arranger)

Magpies of Swing @ the Globe - April 10

© Sheila H

Neil Hopper (drums, valve trombone); Nigel Robson (trombone); Lara Hopper, Polly Corbishley (trumpet); Lachlan Fotheringham (clarinet, soprano sax); Gill Bisdee (clarinet); Aleksandra Karpiuk (flute, vocal); Rachel Richman (alto sax); Fiona Finden (tenor sax, vocal); Stu Finden (baritone sax); Alex J. Gamble (guitar, banjo, vocal); Owen Jones (bass); Jordan Barnes (piano); Elise Rana (drums, vocal); Kate Stebbing, Darius Oraree (vocals)

The conventicle of magpies assembled both on and off stage - such were their numbers. Their supporters were out in force, the intention being to put some currency into the coffers to help fund the  repairs to the Globe's upper room. A worthy cause.

© Sylvia T

Stomping off with Fats Waller's Yacht Club Swing the floor was soon awash with bodies out-shimmying sister Kate. Sister Kate herself, Kate Stebbing, sang In a Mellow Tone and I'm Beginning to See the Light. Kate has a pleasing babyish voice that brings to mind Ruth Etting, Annette Hanshaw and bathtub gin.

Album review: Jacqui Dankworth - Windmills (Perdido Records)

Jacqui Dankworth (vocals); Charlie Wood (piano, arranger); Oli Hayhurst (bass); Ralph Salmins ( drums) + the Carducci String Quartet* (tks 2, 8, 10, 11, 12); BBC Big Band**(tks 1, 3, 4, 6) + Bedazzle!*** (tks 1, 5, 6, 9)

As her mother was before her, along with Norma Winstone, Jacqui Dankworth is now the benchmark for the current crop of singers with aspirations to aim for and they couldn't go far wrong by starting with Windmills.

Like all in the Dankworth dynasty: Cleo Laine, Sir John Dankworth and Alec Dankworth, jazz, a sense of swing, an individual approach and an appreciation of music in general is deeply embedded in their genes and never more so than this interpretation of some classic lyrics and not yet time-worn melodies.

Album review: Nel Begley - Small Flame (self-released)

Nel Begley (vocal); Paul Edis (piano); Honey Boulton (guitar); Luke Fowler (bass); James Law (drums); Harry Brunt (tenor sax on tks 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8)

A new name to me but, on the strength of this album, Nel Begley will surely become a voice to be reckoned with in the pantheon of UK jazz singers.

Cherokee sets the scene. The voice captured me from the opening bars - this promised to be something else, and it was. The approach is cool and laid back yet the sound is warm and the scat solo as logical as a horn chorus or the piano, guitar and bass solos that followed.

Preview: Jim Muirhead @ Stockport on Sunday (April 13)

This week’s Stockport Jazz gig at the Moor Club features Jim Muirhead on sax and clarinet with Dan Whieldon (piano), Ben Muirhead (bass) and Nathan England-Jones (drums).

Jim Muirhead was born in Lanarkshire and studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.  In 1990 Jim became clarinetist for the Halle Orchestra.  Jim has also regularly performed as a soloist with the Halle, as a saxophonist in Christopher Gunning's 'Poirot Variants' and this season in the Hollywood film composer John Williams' concerto 'Escapades', based on his score for the film 'Catch Me if You Can'. In jazz, he has performed with Kenny Baker, John Dankworth, Roy Willox, Mark Nightingale, Julian Joseph Quartet, Branford Marsalis, and Bob Mintzer at the 2006 World Sax Congress in Slovenia. He is also a tutor at Chetham's School of Music, where he also directs the Big Band. PH

The 58 Jazz Collective @ Dorman's Jazz Club, Middlesbrough - April 3

Kevin Eland (trumpet/flugel); Donna Hewitt (tenor sax/clarinet/flute); Edd Maughan (guitar); Dave Archbold (keys); John Daniel (bass); Alex Cromarty (drums); Jan Spencelayh (vocals).                                                                                                                           

This guest band led by the well known trumpeter Kevin Eland gave a large and enthusiastic audience an evening of diverse and  exciting jazz,  including several new arrangements by Dave Archbold.

A fine start was made with a swinging  Clifford Brown number - Blues Walk. The full band intro was followed by solos all round clearly showing that we were in for a great night from these talented musicians. Jan then stepped up to show her lovely singing voice with the Buck Clayton version of All the Cats Join In.

Press release: Fini Bearman - Last Night of the World (Pastiche Recordings)

Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer Fini Bearman will release her fifth studio album Last Night Of The World in April 2025, via UK record label Pastiche Recordings. Having built an impressive profile as an imaginative and expressive soloist and collaborator, gaining nominations for London Jazz Singer of the Year from the Global Music Foundation and a Deutsche Jazz Preis for vocal album of the year to name just two of many accolades, Fini Bearman presents her very best work to date, which is a culmination of the vast experience and burgeoning talent that she has gained and cultivated throughout her career so far.

Preview: Josephine Baker: the First Black Superstar (Tuesday 8)

First broadcast in November 2009, Josephine Baker: the First Black Superstar is being shown again this evening on BBC 4 at 10:00pm. This Saturday (April 12) marks the 50th anniversary of the death of the African-American singer and actor. Resolute in her opposition to segregation, Baker insisted audiences should be integrated. A courageous trailblazer, as the programme title suggests, Baker was 'the First Black Superstar'. Russell   

Preview: Bombay Jazz (Tuesday 8, BBC Radio 4 Extra)

The 1930s. New Orleans...Chicago...Paris...Bombay. Bombay Jazz (BBC Radio 4 Extra) is a revealing half hour shedding light on the thriving jazz scene in Bombay (now Mumbai), all of a century ago. Chic Chocolate (see photo), Micky Correa and others were at the forefront of Bombay's jazz world. Armstrong and Ellington would venture east, meeting up with Indian musicians to play jazz. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2014, Sarfraz Manzoor narrates a fascinating story, tune in today at 10:30am and/or 4:30pm. Russell    

Magpies of Swing - Globe Fundraiser Thursday April 10

The response to the recent Globe Fundraiser was magnificent and it was set fair to go ahead with the much needed renovations and improvements. However, the best laid schemes of mice and jazz clubs oft go awry and the recent damage to the upstairs floor has done just that.

Step in the Magpies of Swing* who, this Thursday (April 10), will do their bit to help ease the unexpected additional financial burden. Now it's up to you to do yours. Tickets HERE. Alternatively, you could chance your luck and just turn up on a wing and a prayer with your fingers crossed and not walking under any ladders but, better to be safe than sorry. Lance

Sunday night @ the Globe: Leeway - April 6

© Sheila Herrick

Alan Law (piano); Jude Murphy (bass, vocals); Tim Johnston (drums)

In their own sweet way, to misquote the title of a Brubeck tune that wasn't played by the trio last night, this was as enjoyable as many an over-hyped gig played here, there and everywhere in recent years.

You can count the number of north east based jazz pianists who can (maybe) outswing Alan Law on the finger of one hand however, as that musician has now retired from public performing...

Is there a bass player who can can sing better than Jude? Is there a singer who can play bass better than Jude?

Add a driving, sympathetic drummer and the stage is set for - who knows?

Record Store Day at a shop somewhere near you (Sat. 12)

This year's Record Store Day is set for Saturday (April 12). It's the day when retailers from all over the UK and beyond step up to promote all things vinyl, CD and, quite possibly, other formats (cassette tapes?, 78s? vintage cylinder?). Some shops open early, providing hot drinks and snacks to keep punters fed and watered. From a crate of LPs priced at £1.00. a piece to shrink-wrapped new, 'must have' vinyl at eye-watering prices, there is something for every taste and pocket. 

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

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

Playlist 06/04/25 (repeated Tuesday 08/04/25)

Seasonal: Abe Lyman & His California Orchestra, Chris Barber, Clifford Brown/Max Roach, Ella and Louis, Paul Edis & Jo Harrop.

Requests: Duke Ellington. 

Memories: Carmen McRae.

Seasonal: Thelonious Monk.

Memories: Gerry Mulligan, Freddie Hubbard/MJQ, Peanuts Hucko.

Requests: Ron Carter, Billie Holiday/Teddy Wilson, Sonny Rollins, Zoot Sims.

New Release: Yellowjackets. 

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

Kamasi Washington @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead - April 5

Kamasi Washington (tenor sax, keyboards); Rickey Washington (soprano sax, flute); Patrice Quinn (vocals); Tony Austin (drums); Brandon Coleman (keyboards); DJ Battlecat (turntables, percussion, keyboards); Ryan Porter (trombone); Joshua Crumbley (bass).

First, some demographics in the light of last week’s APPG Jazz Review: there’s a lot of people here, even up into the gods on Level 3, and a lot of them seem to be towards the upper end of the age scale. Even the mosh pit had a higher than expected level of crinklies in it, your greying correspondent included.

On stage subtlety is only an occasional visitor to the proceedings. Washington deals in ambition, big emotions, volume and energy. A rolling thunder opening on the drums leads into an ‘overture’ of short sections which serve to show off the band members’ chops before Kamasi starts to climb, knitting a solo together from short phrases to a full flowing edifice of blaring shapes and torrents of notes while the rhythm section digs in behind him. The piece, Lusana, continues with some spare keyboard phrasing over bomb-dropping funk from the back line which develops into a solid, boots-on-the-ground driving riff.

Kamasi Washington @ the Glasshouse, Gateshead (take 2) - April 5

Kamasi Washington (tenor sax, keys); Rickey Washington (soprano sax, flute); Ryan Porter (trombone); Brandon Coleman (keys); Patrice Quinn (voice); Tony Austin (drums); Joshua Crumbley (bass, bass guitar); DJ Battlecat (perc, rap, hip-hop, electronics etc.) 

It had been nigh on six years since I last saw Kamasi Washington during which time we'd had Covid, wars, plus changes of government both here and abroad. Even Sage Gateshead had changed its name - once said to be carved in stone - to the Glasshouse. 

Fortunately, Kamasi hadn't changed and the band seemed to be more or less the same as that which had rung my bell on May 21, 2019. All prestigious and prolific players who soloed at great length, although at times I felt that less would have been more - a bit like eating a dozen coffee creams when a couple would have satisfied. Nevertheless, the triple storied near full house loved it and I too applauded vociferously.

Jazz on the Tyne – What’s On & What’s New, April 2025

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead showcases new music, looks ahead to upcoming gigs and plays a request, with tracks by Knats (feat. Anatole Muster), Vasilis Xenopoulos & Paul Edis, the Abbie Finn Trio, Georgia Mancio & Alan Broadbent, Fergus McCreadie, the Neil Cowley Trio, Andrea Vicari, Abendland, Ronan Guilfoyle's Bemusement Arcade, and Zoë Gilby.

You can listen to the show anytime HERE.

Plus, you can request music for future programmes, or pass on news or feedback by emailing Colin at jazz.tyne.hive@gmail.com or by heading to www.jazzonthetyne.org.

Jazz Legend George Freeman Dies at 97 | Remembering a Trailblazing Guita...

Thanks to Maurice Summerfield for sharing this sad news. Lance

Album review: Yazz Ahmed - A Paradise in the Hold

Yazz Ahmed (trumpet, flugelhorn, handclaps, programming & ululations); George Crowley (bass clarinet & handclaps); Ralph Wyld (vibraphone, marimba, handclaps); Naadia Sheriff (Fender Rhodes, piano, Roland JX-03, handclaps); Dudley Phillips (bass, handclaps); Martin France (drums, handclaps); Corrina Silvester ( percussion & handclaps); Alcyona Mick (Fender Rhodes); Samuel Hällkvist (guitars); Dave Manington (bass); Natacha Atlas (voice); Brigitte Beraha (voice) & handclaps; Randolph Matthews (voice); Alba Nacinovich (voice); Jason Singh (voice & additional programming); Samy Bishai (violin); Noel Langley (flugelhorn, handclaps & additional programming); Engineer Family (chatter & ululations).

This is another marvellous example of ‘melting-pot’ jazz and shows again the vibrancy of the UK scene. Like many others, stretching back to Joe Harriott and John Mayer’s Indo-Jazz Fusions, it turns away from the American tradition and brings in influences from the rest of the world, usually those areas that were coloured pink in the old atlases. In this case Ahmed has reached out to her Bahraini roots and bought them in a seamless melding with outstanding performances from some of the best players available on the British scene. It is dense, bold, compelling, mesmerising music.

Newcastle Jazz Festival 2025 Announces New Date and Exciting Lineup

The highly anticipated Newcastle Jazz Festival 2025 returns with a fresh new date – Saturday, 20th September 2025 – bringing an electrifying day of live jazz to the Live Theatre, Broad Chare (NE1 3DQ).

This year’s festival promises a thrilling lineup of top local and national jazz talent, delivering an unforgettable experience for music lovers. With a mix of established artists and rising stars, the festival showcases a dynamic blend of contemporary, bebop, post-bop, and genre-pushing jazz.

Lineup & Sessions

Eva Fox & the Jazz Guys @ the Prohibition Bar, Newcastle - April 3

Eva Fox (vocals); Steve Glendinning (guitar); Paul Grainger (bass)

A couple of instrumentals to start with - My Foolish Heart and Billie's Bounce - Steve getting a good sound from his nylon strung electro acoustic with Paul his usual reliable self in support.

Eva took to the stage for Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man, Embraceable You, When Sunny Gets Blue, Tenderly & Dance me to the End of Love. All were okay although I think it is only fair to say that, this being a new set of Jazz Guys, it is still a work in progress and it will be interesting to see where this promising start leads to. Lance

Joe Webb Trio @ Ronnie Scott's - March 20

Joe Webb (piano); Will Sach (double bass); Sam Jesson (drums)

Not having been in London for quite a while the opportunity to stay in a flat near Covent Garden for a few days was too good to miss - a dozen theatres within strolling distance and just 10 minutes to Soho.

So first things first: what was on at the theatre? Mark Strong and Lesley Mandeville in Oedipus sounded promising. A quick look at the web site revealed that anything resembling good seats were 200 quid each - What? Are they covered in gold leaf and upholstered in the finest Arabian silks? I can tell you now the answer to that is 'no'.

The play itself? Great acting but I think next time I'll keep my £400 and pluck my own eyes out.

Album review: Ronan Guilfoyle's Bemusement Arcade - At Swing, Two Birds (Livia Records)

Ronan Guilfoyle (bass, compositions); Sam Norris (alto sax); Chris Guilfoyle (guitar); Darren Beckett (drums)

Another fine release from Ireland's Livia Records, this time featuring a superb quartet led by bassist, composer and international educator (Berklee, the Royal Academy and UNESCO in Copenhagen to name but a few) Ronan Guilfoyle. With his son Chris on guitar, London based Sam Norris on alto and Madeleine Peyroux's drummer of nine years, Darren Beckett, Ronon Guilfoyle's Bemusement Arcade is very much a band to be reckoned with.

APPG for Jazz Issues Green Paper

The All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Group, chaired by local Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah, have issued their ‘Review of Jazz in England’ which gives an overview of Jazz in the Country, how well it is functioning, who is well or poorly served and the important subject of money. Described as “an Honest Portrait and an Actionable Roadmap” it includes a vision of where we want to be in 10 years’ time and suggestions for how to get there. The main body of the report is quite short so I’ve just copied it over in its entirety into this article, omitting the forewords and the appendices. The full report (78 pages, but well worth reading) can be accessed HERE. Dave Sayer

Preview: Helena Summerfield @ Stockport on Sunday (April 6)

This week’s Stockport Jazz gig at the Moor Club features alto saxophonist, clarinetist and flautist Helena Summerfield with Paul Hartley (guitar), John Sandham (bass) and Eryl Roberts (drums).

Helena works for Jazz North, the jazz talent development agency for the north of England. After graduating from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Helena taught music in a variety of mainstream and inclusive education settings. She was the lead jazz tutor at Trafford Music Service when they received the 2021 ‘Will Michael Jazz Education Award’ and became 'Jazz Educator of the Year' at the 2022 Parliamentary Jazz Awards in recognition of her work on Jazz North’s ‘Jazz Camp for Girls’. 

MIKE DURHAM’S INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC JAZZ PARTY - YOUNG TALENT AWARD 2025

At the heart of Mike Durham’s International Classic Jazz Party is the ‘classic jazz’ era spanning the first three decades of the twentieth century. Held annually at the Village Hotel, near Newcastle upon Tyne in the north east of England, the 2025 edition is set to take place over three days, from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November.    

The Classic Jazz Party’s Young Talent Award recognises emerging musicians performing jazz from the first three decades of the twentieth century. Established in memory of the late Mike Durham (founder of the Classic Jazz Party), the award seeks to inspire the next generation of musicians to play classic jazz.

Gone Garner (from Hexham)

Closeup in Swing (Philips BBL 7519)

Erroll Garner (piano); Eddie Calhoun (bass); Kelly Martin (drums). July/August 1961.

On my recent visit to Hexham, as mentioned in previous posts, I returned home with enough vinyl to cover my living room floor although naturally If I was going to use it for that purpose I'd have bought some of Jim Reeves' records rather than these two albums by Erroll Garner.

Although that plodding four beat left hand of his can be irritating at times his right hand flights of fancy invariably make up for it. I recall being 'wowed' by Garner at Newcastle City Hall back in the 1960s then seeing Jacques Loussier the following night at the same venue and not even taking an eight count "know wot I mean 'arry?"

That night (the Garner concert) to me was up there with his classic Concert by the Sea recording.

Preview: The 2025 Classic Jazz Party (31 Oct-2 Nov)

Seven months from now this year's Classic Jazz Party will be underway at the Village Hotel on North Tyneside. Musicians fly in from all over the world, the audience arrives from all four corners of the globe and it all happens but a stone's throw from the small village of West Allotment (as the crow flies a couple of miles from Whitley Bay). Amazingly, already more than 70% of the tickets have been snapped up.        

Mike Durham's International Classic Jazz Party, to give the annual gathering its full title, runs for three full days from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November. For the aficionado and casual jazz fan alike, the festival programme embraces anything and everything from the dawning of the ragtime era through to the dangerously modern Duke Ellington of the 1930s.