Bebop Spoken There

Donovan Haffner ('Best Newcomer' 2025 Parliamentary Jazz Awards): ''I got into jazz the first time I picked up a saxophone!" - Jazzwise Dec 25/Jan 26

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

18146 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 24 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Jan. 7), 24

From This Moment On ...

JANUARY 2026

Sat 10: Mark Toomey Quintet @ St Peter’s Church, Stockton-on-Tees. 7:30pm. £12.00. (inc. pie & peas). Tickets from: 07749 255038.

Sun 11: New ’58 Jazz Collective @ Jackson’s Wharf, Hartlepool. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 11: Eva Fox & the Sound Hounds @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 12: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 12: Saltburn Big Band @ Saltburn House Hotel. 7:00-9:00pm. Free.

Tue 13: Milne Glendinning Band @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm. £11.00. Coquetdale Jazz.
Tue 13: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Wed 14: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 14: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 14: Jam Session @ The Tannery, Hexham. 7:00pm. Free.
Wed 14: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 15: Mark Toomey Quartet @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm. Free. Quartet + guest Paul Donnelly (guitar).

Fri 16: Giles Strong Quartet @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle. 1:00pm. £8.00. SOLD OUT!
Fri 16: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 16: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 16: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 16: Darlington Big Band @ The Traveller’s Rest, Darlington. 8:00pm. Opus 4 Jazz Club.
Fri 16: Leeds City Stompers @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle. 9:00pm. Free.

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

Friday, April 04, 2025

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

Nauta (Lunch Session: 13:00-14:00)
Newcomers Nauta are rapidly making their mark on the UK jazz scene, blending explosive improvisation with folk-inspired melodies. Since forming in 2023, they have captivated audiences at Hexham Jazz Festival and sold-out performances at The Globe, Newcastle. Expect a fresh and exciting sound that brings a contemporary edge to jazz traditions.

Noel Dennis Trio & Joe Steels Quartet (Afternoon Session: 14:30-17:00)
Noel Dennis Trio: Trumpeter Noel Dennis leads a dynamic trio, delivering a high-energy performance inspired by legends such as Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Tom Harrell. With a repertoire spanning be-bop, post-bop, and reimagined jazz standards, the trio’s improvisational prowess is set to impress.

Joe Steels Quartet: Guitarist Joe Steels brings a melodic and groove-driven approach to jazz, influenced by Grant Green and John Scofield. A rising star on the North East jazz scene, he has performed alongside top UK jazz musicians and leads the critically acclaimed project Borealis.

Ant Law Quartet (Evening Session: 19:30-21:30)
A standout name in modern jazz, Ant Law leads a cutting-edge quartet that fuses jazz, classical harmonies, South Indian rhythms, and rock influences. Known for his innovative compositions and virtuosic guitar work, Ant has collaborated with Tim Garland and Gwilym Simcock, making this headline set a must-see event.

After Hours Festival Jam (From 21:30, The Undercroft)
Festival-goers can keep the music going at the exclusive late-night jam session, where musicians and audiences come together for an impromptu and intimate jazz experience.


Ticket Deals

  • Deal A – Full Festival: 15% off

  • Deal B – Afternoon & Evening: 10% off

  • Deal C – Lunch & Evening: 10% off

  • Deal D – Lunch & Afternoon: 5% off


Join the Celebration

The Newcastle Jazz Festival 2025 is set to be a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, celebrating the diversity and innovation of the jazz scene. Tickets are now on sale, and attendees are encouraged to book early to secure their spot.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: newcastlejazzfestival.co.uk

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