Press release: Giles Strong Quartet @ Blaydon Jazz Club (June 16)

The Giles Strong Quartet features four long established and respected musicians on the regional jazz scene. Giles Strong (guitar) is joined by John Bradford (drums), Ian Paterson (double bass) and Pete Tanton (trumpet and flugel horn).

With inventive improvisation and interplay the quartet create a unique style of acoustic chamber jazz. Their music reflects a shared love of straight ahead jazz with a West Coast sound, playing repertoire based on original compositions and finely arranged standards.Monday 16th June - 8:00pm - Adm. £10 (pay at door). Roly

Going to the Chapel on Sunday (June 8)

No the Dixie Cups aren't going to the Chapel next Sunday but the Ian Bosworth Quintet are.

This particular chapel is a new music venue in Middlesbrough that is planning to present a first Sunday in the month series of jazz concerts starting a week tomorrow (June 8).

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

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

Playlist 01/06/25 (repeated Tuesday 03/06/25)
Seasonal: Jim Robinson, Andrew Christer.
Memories: Benny Goodman, Frank Trumbauer & His Orchestra (Bix Beiderbecke), Dave Brubeck/Eugene Wright, Horace Silver/Louis Hayes.
Request: Cedar Walton.
Seasonal: Joe Pass, George Wettling.
What’s on in the NE: The Midnite Follies Orchestra, Matt Carmichael/Fergus McCreadie.
Seasonal: Sarah Vaughan.
Scarborough Jazz Festival: Alan Barnes.
Request: Red Allen's All Stars, Frank Butler.

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

THE JAZZ CAVERN on Pure Jazz Radio

My next show show will be broadcast  starting Monday, 2 June. It will feature tracks from the likes of Franck Amsallem, Gary Williams, Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra, Manny Mendelson, Shez Raga and Jan Harbeck. Frank Griffith

Log on @ www.purejazzradio.com

There's lots of great jazz radio shows on PJR but remember to add 5 hours to NYC's Eastern Time. Lance

Album review: Kneebody - Reach (GroundUP Music)

Ben Wendel (sax, effects, comp tks 1,2,5,9); Shane Endsley (trumpet, effects, bass synth, conp tks 3,6,7); Adam Benjamin (keys, comp tks 4,8); Nate Wood (drums and bass)

John McDonough gives Reach three stars in the June edition of DownBeat which seems a little generous although, in fairness, two of their other reviewers each give it four stars, so what do I know?!

It's difficult to say who's doing what with what as the cacophonous mix of  the various effects tend to blur boundaries. However, there are moments when sanity prevails and the result isn't too far away from what I call music.

R.I.P. Al Foster (1943 - May 28, 2025)

Al Foster, American drummer and longtime associate of Miles Davis left us on Wednesday May 28.

Away from Miles, Foster recorded with a wide cross section of modern jazz musicians. As recently as last year I reviewed an album he'd made a couple of years earlier with Tim Armacost. The album, Tim Armacost's Chordless Quartet: Something About Believing, was one of my Albums of the Year (2024) not least because of Foster's drumming.

A true great he will be sadly missed. Lance

Album review: Dave Bass - Trio Nuevo Vol 2 (self released)

Dave Bass (piano); Tyler Miles (bass); Steve Helfand (drums).

It's a couple of years since I last reviewed a Dave Bass album which was unimaginatively titled The Trio - Vol 3. The title was the only thing unimaginative - musicwise it was tremendous. 

This latest release is by a different trio so The Trio becomes Trio Neuvo, no explanation needed except to say that this is another pièce de résistance from a pianist who seems to be on a roll. 

Album review: Nancy Harrow w. Buck Clayton's Jazz Stars Wild Women Don't Have The Blues (Exceleration Music)

Nancy Harrow (vocals); Buck Clayton (trumpet, arrangements); Dickie Wells (trombone); Tommy Gwaltney (clarinet, alto sax); Buddy Tate (tenor sax); Danny Banks (baritone sax); Dick Wellstood (piano); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Milt Hinton (bass); Oliver Jackson (drums)

I noticed in the current issue of Jazzwise that Alyn Shipton reviews a reissue of Nancy Harrow's 1960 recording with Buck Clayton's Jazz Stars - Wild Women Don't Have The Blues. Alyn awards the album four stars and justifiably so.

Originally recorded for the Candid label, this reissue is on vinyl and released by Exceleration Music who took over Candid and several other jazz related labels including Mack Avenue (DETAILS).

Album Review: Juliana Day Capillary Cycles (New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings)

Juliana Day (recorders, voice, live electronics)

Juliana Day’s last album lull (reviewed here) was a collection of interval pieces for the 2024 Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music. I described it as ‘assertive ambient’ and that label could apply here albeit that this recording is more upfront than much of lull. It’s a single 21 minute long piece, Capillary Cycles, which was inspired by “the vastness and complexity of sea and desert landscapes.”

R.I.P. Brian Kellock (1962 - May 27, 2025)

Sad to hear the news that Brian Kellock, one of Scotland's, the UK's, the World's great jazz pianists passed away yesterday.

I don't know the details, hopefully someone will update me.

I have fond memories of hearing him at many venues over the years including: Sage Gateshead (as was); Middlesbrough Town Hall; Scarborough Jazz Festival; Queen's Hall, Edinburgh; the Jazz Bar, Edinburgh to mention but a few.

The Bold Big Band @ The Black Swan, Newcastle - May 27

© Mike Tilley

Brian Wicks (MD); Cara Britton (vocals); Pippa Morgan, Max Storey, Crissi Booth, Lucy McCartan, Brian Wicks (saxes); Billy Bradshaw, Sammy Cormack-Repath, Josh Skyrme, Euan O'Connell (trumpets); Alex Utting, Thomas McDonald, Simon Hirst (trombones); Jacob Egglestone (guitar); Marcus Dawe (keys); Joe Sharples, Ifede Osiyemi (bass guitar); Jack Littlewood (drums). 

It began with a bang or, to be more precise, Billy Bradshaw's trumpet blast on One O'Clock Jump with a difference - no extended piano intro! Instead they got straight to the nitty-gritty with Billy's trumpet blast and the familiar riff. Count Basie must have been turning in his grave and it was loud enough for him to hear it!

Catriona Bourne @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth - May 26

© Ken Drew

Catriona Bourne (harp, flute); Francis Tulip (guitar); Sam Quintana (double bass, bass guitar); Steve Hanley (drums) 

Yamaha Music School is thriving. Classes galore, weekly concerts, Blyth town centre is on the up. This week's lunchtime concert featured Catriona Bourne. A little over 24 hours earlier, harpist Bourne was entertaining an attentive audience at the Northumberland Jazz Festival. Two gigs in two days with what could be described as her new 'up north' quartet, Bourne clearly relished working with responsive, attentive musicians, namely Leeds based Sam Quintana (bass) and Steve Hanley (drums).

Stockport latest

This week’s Stockport Jazz gig at the Moor Club features the Dean Masser Quartet.

Dean Masser (tenor sax), Andrzej Baranek (piano), Josh Cavanagh-Brierley (bass) and Gaz Hughes (drums).

Sunday June 1st

8-10pm, doors open at 7.30pm

£5 entry on the door, all welcome

The Moor Club, 35 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport SK4 4PB

Press release: The Glasshouse to host a major weekend of the BBC Proms

The Glasshouse – the North East’s thriving home for music – will host a major weekend of the BBC Proms this summer, led by Royal Northern Sinfonia and showcasing a bold mix of orchestral scale, pop innovation and homegrown talent 

Northumberland Jazz Festival: Catriona Bourne @ Queen's Hall, Hexham - May 25

Catriona Bourne (harp, flute); Francis Tulip (guitar); Sam Quintana (double bass, bass guitar); Steve Hanley (drums)

This month's Sunday afternoon Queen's Hall jazz concert was neatly incorporated into this year's Northumberland Jazz Festival. It isn't every day that you'll hear a harp on a jazz gig and it was refreshing that many of the Sunday regulars came along with open ears to listen to Catriona Bourne and her excellent band.

Northumberland Jazz Festival: Mingus Sings + Dean Stockdale Quartet - May 24

Mingus Sings: Sara Oschlag (vocals); Alan Barnes (alto sax); Tim Lapthorn (piano); Arnie Somogyi (double bass); Clark Tracey (drums)

Saturday evening's headliners brought a touch of Charles Mingus to Hexham. Mingus Sings is bassist Arnie Somogyi's tip of the hat to the great American bassist, composer and occasional pianist. The 'Sings' element introduced Danish vocalist Sara Oschlag to a north east audience. 

The house lights dimmed, there would be no introduction, simply the strains of Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting signalling the beginning of an hour of Mingus. Throughout the one hour performance, soaring soprano vocals twinned with Alan Barnes' soaring alto sax made for impassioned sections, ably supported by a stellar rhythm comprising pianist Tim Lapthorn, bassist and bandleader Somogyi and drummer Clark Tracey.

Small Print @ Queen's Hall, Hexham (Northumberland Jazz Festival)

Norma Winstone (voice); Mike Walker (guitar); Nikki Iles (piano); Steve Watts (double bass)

This cut down version of Nikki Iles’ Printmakers sextet packed some pulling-power and it was a credit to Joe Steels’ organising prowess to bring them to an appreciative Hexham audience. The ever-smiling Iles steered the ship amiably and serenely through some challenging arrangements from the piano while Mike Walker, the guitarists’ national treasure, cut an animated seated figure (is that even possible?!) centre-stage. But the star of the show and the boss on stage was definitively Norma Winstone, bringing some six decades of elegant greatness to bear in holding the audience in the palm of hand, whether singing, scatting or telling stories as if she was relaxing at home.

Joe Steels Group @ Queen's Hall, Hexham (Northumberland Jazz Festival)

Joe Steels (guitar); Ferg Kilsby (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ben Lawrence (piano); Andy Champion (double bass); John Hirst (drums)

Earlier, the evening's double bill finale presented performance by a north of England super group. Northumberland Jazz Festival organiser Joe Steels assembled a quintet which could hold its own in any company.  As is his wont, Joe Steels opted to stand to one side rather take centre stage. Seven compositions, all of them written by bandleader and guitarist Steels, were new to the majority, if not all, in the Queen's Hall auditorium. Ben Lawrence occupied the piano stool, trumpeter Ferg Kilsby stood between pianist and guitarist, with the bass and drums dream team of Andy Champion and local lad John Hirst working away in the engine room.

Press release: SNJO piano man tours with all-star organ quartet

Scottish keyboardist Peter Johnstone takes his International Organ Quartet on a four-date tour in July to coincide with the release of the group’s first album, Resistance Is Futile.

Featuring New York-based vibes virtuoso Joe Locke, saxophonist Tommy Smith and Johnstone’s Scottish National Jazz Orchestra colleague, Alyn Cosker on drums, the quartet will play Watermill Jazz, Dorking on Tuesday 8th, the 606 Club in London on Wednesday 9th, Zeffirellis in Ambleside on Thursday 10th and Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival on Friday 11th.

Album Review: Joe Lovano – Homage (ECM)

Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone, taragato, gongs); Marcin Wasilewski (piano); Slawomir Kurkiewicz (double bass); Michal Miskiewicz (drums)

Back in the day, when the Sage used to put on the sort of jazz concerts that the Glasshouse so markedly doesn’t, Joe Lovano came up with a more than adequate quartet of himself, Jack DeJohnette on drums, Esperanza Spalding on bass and Leo Genovese on piano. It was as good as you might imagine a group like that to be.

He’s been going for years, has Joe. I first heard him when a work colleague gave me a copy of 52nd Street Themes that someone had given her and she didn’t like. I thought it was great and have been chucking money in Joe’s direction ever since. This new album is the second he has recorded with Wasilewski’s trio following 2020’s Arctic Riff, (and a more ECM album title than that one you’d be hard pushed to imagine).

Gaz Hughes Quartet @ Opus 4 Jazz Club - May 23

Alex Clarke (alto sax); Richard Wetherall (piano); Gavin Barras (double bass); Gaz Hughes (drums)

Earlier in the day Gaz Hughes and Gavin Barras were gigging up the road at Durham's Gala Theatre. Their lunchtime engagement with pianist Dean Stockdale was all about 'Celebrating Oscar', Oscar Peterson, of course. It will come as little surprise that the one hour concert on Millennium Place was a sold out affair. This evening at the Traveller's Rest in Darlington, it was all about bandleader Hughes and Barras working alongside alto saxophonist Alex Clarke and pianist Richard Wetherall.

Album review: Near The Pond - Wild Geese (Stunt Records)

Josefine Cronholm (vocals, percussion); Kirk Knuffke (cornet); Bent Clausen (vibes, drums, percussion); Thommy Andersson (bass, string arrangements) + Lena Fankhauser (viola); Marta Potulska (viola); Melissa Coleman (cello) 

Near The Pond's first release was inspired by the literary works of Swedish-American poet Carl Sandburg. This time round the multi-national quartet (two Swedes, one Dane and an American) find further inspiration in the poems of the long-departed Japanese poet Saigyō (1118-1190).

I have to confess that it's all rather heavy for a simple soul like myself. Cronholm has a nice voice and can cover a wide range. Knuffke sounds good on cornet, perhaps he's the missing link between Bix and Miles. I get the feeling that, musically speaking, he could swing in either direction. Clausen's vibes/drums along with Andersson's bass seem at home with the strange, albeit not unpleasant, ethereal sounds that pervade throughout.

Album Review: Kristina Koller - Walk on By (self-produced)

Kristina Koller (vocals, arranger, producer); Fima Chupakhin (piano, Rhodes); James Robbins (bass, arranger); Cory Cox (drums).

The songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David have been recorded by over a thousand artists. The music of that legendary team is in every way that appealing. So, for an artist to take on some of the Maestro’s greatest and most iconic commercial hits – and having the chutzpah to attempt to reimagine them - is a very dicey game. However, by offering ten of Burt’s best through different eyes, Walk on By from vocalist, arranger, Kristina Koller is indeed a winner.    

I’ll Never Fall in Love Again opens and is covered in a faux rock-funk vein. Koller buys wholeheartedly into the vibe and approaches things with a little more of an edge than as was in the Dionne Warwick original. The exchange between keys and drummer, as well as a slick anticipated jumped lyric before the finale, add to the uniqueness of this track.

Lillian Boutté (1949 - May 23, 2025)

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of American jazz/blues singer Lillian Boutté who left us on Friday, May 23 after a long illness. A native of New Orleans she toured and recorded in Europe including two visits to Tyneside where she played at the Corner House, Heaton. In 1990 it was with the L'Etienne/New Orleans Ensemble - L'Etienne being her husband Thomas L'Etienne - and in 2001 it was as Lillian Boutté and her Music Friends.

One of the later all-time greats to emerge from the birthplace of jazz,  Lillian Boutté will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by those who heard her on her north east (and everywhere else) visits.

Lillian Boutté was 75. R.I.P. Lance

Album review: Hannah Brine - Blue Sky Now (self released)

Hannah Brine (vocals, compositions); Jamie McCredie (guitar); Hamish Balfour (piano on tks 3-10); Jamie Safir (piano on tks 1 & 2); Ian King (bass); Chris Draper (drums); Debs White, Dave Larkin (violins); Reiad Chibah (viola); Julia Graham (cello); Freddie Gavita (trumpet).

An absolutely delightful album by a singer/songwriter who, until now had been but a name on the outer periphery of my radar. Not any more!

Although she has been involved in various projects including arranging, directing and managing various choirs and vocal ensembles; appearing at festivals and jazz clubs, Blue Sky Now is her debut album and it certainly removes any clouds that may be hovering around as you listen.

Album review: The Diva Jazz Orchestra - A Celebration of Maurice Hines, Tappin’ Thru Life (Diva Jazz)

Clint Holmes, Ann Hampton Callaway (vocals); John Manzari, Leo Manzari (vocals, tap dancing); Diva Jazz Orchestra: Sherrie Maricle (MD, drums); Jami Dauber (trumpet); Jennifer Krupa (trombone); Leigh Pilzer (alto sax); Laura Dreyer (tenor sax); Jackie Warren (piano); Amy Shook (bass) 

Two things drew me to this album before I'd even listened! Ann Hampton Callaway sent me flying on the seat of my pants when she gave a knockout, one woman show at Pizza Express back in 2019 and I couldn't wait to recapture the magic of the moment. Review HERE.

The other magical magnetic moment, well actually three, was the idea of the  Manzari brothers paying tribute to the latter day legend of tap, Maurice Hines. I just love the rhythms a class tapper can come up with - often more pleasing than those of a good drummer.

Dean Stockdale Quartet @ The Gala, Durham - May 23

© Malcolm Sinclair

Dean Stockdale (piano); Tim Williams (guitar); Gavin Barras (double bass); Gaz Hughes (drums)

The name Dean Stockdale is sufficient to ensure a sellout, as is the name Oscar Peterson. In the centenary year of the birth of the legendary Canadian pianist (15 August 1925), Darlington based Stockdale is touring his 'Celebrating Oscar' set. And here at Durham's Gala Theatre, sure enough, all seats were occupied. 

In recent times, Stockdale has appeared at venues up and down the land and further afield, including Belfast, Dublin, Paris and Brussels*. Here in Durham the Dean Stockdale Quartet opened with OP's Blues Etude. All four musicians are entirely comfortable with the material and the arrangements. 

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

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

Playlist 25/05/25 (repeated Tuesday 27/05/25)

 

Seasonal: Sidney Bechet.

Memories: Artie Shaw.

Requests: Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Evans Trio.

New release: Bridget Metcalfe.

Memories: Milt Jackson & Benny Golson & Art Farmer & NHØ Pedersen, Benny Goodman (Carnegie Hall Concert).

Seasonal: Albert Ayler, Andrew Christer.

Memories: Emmet Cohen, Miles Davis, Ramsey Lewis Trio.

Requests: JJ Johnson Brass Orchestra, T-Bone Walker, Dave Brubeck.

Request/New Release: Branford Marsalis.

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

Album Review: Marina Pacowski - New Jazz Standards Vol. 7: The Music of Carl Saunders (Summit Records)

Marina Pacowski (vocal, piano on tk 14); Roy McCurdy (drums on tks 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,12); John Clayton (bass on tks 1,4,5,6,7,8,12); Josh Nelson (piano on all except 14); Ricky Woodard (tenor sax on tks 1,5,9,12, soprano sax on tks 3,10); Ron Stout (trumpet on tks 1,3,6,9,10,12); Larry Koonse (guitar on tks 1,3,9,10,12); Ken Wild (bass on tks 2,3,9,10); Scott Whitfield (trombone on tks 1,3,5,7,9,10,12,13); John Proulx (vocal on tk 8); Ken Peplowski (clarinet on tk 8); Marina Pacowski, Scott Whitfield, Ken Poston (producers).

If you stopped a person on the street and asked them “Who was Carl Saunders?” you would get everything from “Isn’t he a poet we read in high school” to “I know – he’s the KFC Colonel, right?” Most jazz musicians (and definitely trumpeters) know better. Saunders was, in the view of this writer, a savant, a composer of over 300 original songs, a scratch golfer, a very good pianist, a drummer, and of course, a highly-respected lead and jazz trumpeter. Saunders’ dear friend, vocalist, pianist, educator, and stellar performer in her own right, Marina Pacowski and a cadre of the best in LA pay high tribute to Saunders with fourteen original selections (a dozen of Carl’s), each one brilliantly performed.

Cheltenham Musings 3 - Sunday May 4

Thinking back to visits to the Jazz Arena in previous years I remembered the malicious horror of the least comfortable seating I had ever encountered in all my years of gig going. Perhaps there was a way that, like in an unwritten episode of Black Mirror, I could have my body replaced with Meccano with enough hinges to allow for it to fold in such a way that I could fit between the rows. I also remember the wafer thin layers of foam on the seats, a lack of comfort that I would not encounter again until the next day’s trip home on Cross Country.

Nubya Garcia @ Cheltenham Town Hall – May 4

Nubya Garcia (tenor sax); Sam Jones (drums); Max Luthert (bass); Lyle Barton (keyboards)

I had high hopes for this gig having made Garcia’s 2024 album, Odyssey, my album of the year on BSH and, as this was our last gig at Cheltenham 2025, I was also hoping to finish with something memorable. What we got was a gig that covered most of the range of what she did on the album with more of an emphasis on kicking bottom, sufficient to create a bit of a party.

On with the show. The lights go down and electric organ swirls fill the room; Garcia plays long, mellow, filmic tones whilst, behind her the bass grows in insistence. Despite the bouncing drums, she’s still mellow but her voice rises to meet the challenge; it’s like she’s wrestling with the sax, forcing notes out. A keyboard solo follows and Garcia’s forceful playing pushes it all onwards. 

Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club - May 23

Olive Rudd (vocals); Jim McBriarty (clarinet, soprano/alto sax, vocals); Alan Marshall (tenor sax, clarinet); Neville Hartley (trombone, vocals); Jeremy McMurray (keys); Alan Rudd (bass guitar); Ian Stocks (drums)

It wasn't quite as complex a journey as, say, the camel route to Iraq but it did involve several modes of transport including car, Metro, ferry, bus and more Metro to eventually reach Cullercoats Crescent Club.

I'd been scanning my eagle eye over the stalls at South Shields' Friday market and its surrounding caves. Aladdin was nowhere to be seen. After deciding not to fork out 5p short of 50 quid for a wind-up gramophone it occurred to me that if the ferry, the bus and the Metro were in alignment I'd catch the latter part of Classic Swing's lunchtime session at Culler. It happened, with the final leg being on one of those newfangled Swiss-made trains.

Album review: Judy Whitmore - Let's Fall in Love (Arden House Music)

Judy Whitmore first graced these pages when I reviewed what was then her third album Isn't it Romantic? HERE in 2022. Let's Fall in Love follows a similar pattern with the additional bonus of strings, harmonica, French horn, harp and a vocal duet with Ty Taylor on Let's Fall in Love.

The eternal question arises: is it jazz or is it quality popular music? I would say, to a greater or lesser degree, it probably is both with the solos and the arrangements more jazz inclined and the vocals less so. Whatever, it's very listenable. Songs For Jazz-Orientated Lovers might make for an alternative title.

JC 'shoots' Animals in Hexham

Our occasional correspondent JC encountered this photo in a Hexham vinyl shop and asked for help in identifying the musicians.

I think this was Alan Price's, pre-Animals, Kansas City Five with Price on organ, Nigel Stanger (tenor sax); Barry Preston (drums); Chas Chandler (bass guitar) and Eric Burdon (vocals).

Is that Hilton Valentine on guitar or did he, like John Steel come later? Lance

Opinion: Physical music shops have an instrumental role to play for rising musicians

It’s no secret that the world is moving increasingly online, and music is no exception to that. From streaming services replacing vinyl and CDs to buying sheet music and instruments online, I’ve witnessed the shift first-hand.

At the same time, music education in schools is in decline. A lack of funding and an ever-increasing focus on STEM subjects over the arts is letting our young musicians down.

What we cannot do is let music shops disappear from our high streets. The next generation of musicians depends on them.

Olivia Murphy Orchestra – Siren Cycle @ Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham - May 4

Olivia Murphy (composer/ conductor/ text/clarinet); Becca Wilkins, Rebecka Edlund, Lucy-Anne Daniels (voices); Maddie Ashman (voice, cello); Julia Brussel (violin); Edie Bailey (viola); Lewis Sallows, George Garford, Alicia Gardener-Trejo (woodwinds); Charlotte Keeffe, Dave Sear, Anna Carter (brass); Daniel Kemshell (guitar); Olly Chalk (piano); Aram Bahmaie (bass); Kai Chareunsy (drums)

Tony Dudley-Evans used to do the programming for the Arts Centre during the Festival and, since his retirement, he awards a commission each year for music to be performed at the Festival and this year the funds have supported Olivia Murphy and her Orchestra.

Siren Cycle, a newly composed work, sees a feminist fable wearing the clothes of ancient Greek myth and all wrapped up in a musical setting that ranges across styles, scattering remnants of boundaries in its wake. Thankfully, we are handed a booklet that contains the libretto, a list of the musicians and illustrations by Murphy’s sister, Darcy, on the way in. The story features 4 young sisters, the sirens, raised by the sea on a distant island. When one is kidnapped by the selfish sea, the others set out to find her encountering muses, Gods and a bored and wicked sorceress on their travels.

Tonight in Hexham!

This weekend Hexham is the Jazz Capital of the North and it all kicks off tonight at 7.00pm. Expect to see some fine players and maybe a few surprize guests.

The odds are on it being a good one.

Be there or be oblong!

Album review: Eric Siereveld's Organic Quintet - Sweet William (Shifting Paradigm Records)

Eric Siereveld (trumpet); Steve Davis (trombone); Bill Todd (tenor sax, flute); Steve Snyder (B3); Tony Davis (guitar); Carmen Intorre Jr. (drums)

Growl has a nice easy swing about it with nobody doing any growling at all. Apart from Interre Jr., whose day was soon to come, everyone soloed - a pattern that prevailed throughout the album.

The Worm Burner is the type of number that first time visitors to BSH, drawn by the blog's title, might expect to find. That's right - bebop in it's various incarnations - if only! Worm Burner leans towards hard bop á la Blue Note although both tenor and trumpet quote Ornithology in their solos letting us know that they've done their research and been listening to the right people. The track ends with fours between drums and ensemble before Junior takes off on his own.

Press release: The Glasshouse celebrates 20 years of music, community and £681m economic impact

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is celebrating two decades of transforming lives through music - with a powerful new report revealing its £681 million contribution to the UK economy and more than 8 million people welcomed through its doors.

Since opening in 2004, the world-renowned music centre in Gateshead has become a driving force for cultural and economic growth in the North East, inspiring millions through live music, education and community programmes.

 

“This report is a window on just how extraordinary our musical community is,” said Abigail Pogson, Chief Executive of The Glasshouse. “Together, we’ve just entered our third decade, and like many 20-year-olds we’re restless with ambition.”

 

Stockport Jazz - Bank Holiday update.

For the forthcoming Spring Bank Holiday weekend, there is a slight change to live jazz at the Moor Club.

On Sunday May 25,  Stockport Jazz presents ‘Jazz in the Garden’ featuring the ever popular Richard Wetherall Trio with Ben Wiltshire (bass) and Eryl Roberts (drums). 

Please note the earlier time of 3-5pm. 

This gig is free admission and, in the unlikely case of poor bank holiday weather, will move indoors. 

The Moor Club,  35 Heaton Moor Road Heaton Moor Stockport SK4 4PB (next door to the Elizabethan)

Jazz on the Tyne Previews the Northumberland Jazz Festival 2025 & More

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead looks ahead to the Northumberland Jazz festival, with tracks by Sara Oschlag, Norma Winstone, Catriona Bourne, and the Dean Stockdale Quartet.  He also previews gigs by Matt Carmichael and Fergus McCreadie, Xhosa Cole, Matt Owens, and House of the Black Gardenia; showcases new releases by Phil Bancroft and Louis Stewart; and plays a request for music by Mark Murphy.

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.

Claire Martin: Rhapsody in Blue @ Cheltenham Town Hall - May 4

Claire Martin (vocals); Rob Barron (piano); Jeremy Brown (bass) Mark Taylor (drums); Karen Sharp (saxophone); Quentin Collins (trumpet)

A quick jog across Cheltenham from the Jazz Arena found us, once more, at the Town Hall for another gig by one of UK jazz’ foremost road warriors. Sometime back in the last century a local jazz radio show played Claire Martin singing The People That You Never Get To Meet  and I’ve been hooked ever since. Today it’s a purely Gershwin set list and there are few better ways to pass 75 minutes.

Opening with Nice Work if You Can Get It she ran through the most popular pieces from the Gershwin songbook displaying her knack with a lyric, slowing it down and adding vocal fills. One of her major talents is as an actress; she plays the characters in a song; nothing gets a ‘straight’ reading. So there is real bounce to Nice Work… and she’s playful and joyous on A Foggy Day in London Town bringing out both the melancholy and the hope in the lyric. The joy is brought to further life by Taylor’s ringing church bell cymbals and Sharp’s knotty but swinging solo. Ain’t Necessarily So as a waltz glows with the rich sound of sax and trumpet and there seems to be additional depth to Martin’s voice as she twists and turns the melody line in a wordless duet with Collins.

Diana Krall in Saratoga

Hugh has drawn my attention to this less than flattering review of a concert by Diana Krall in Saratoga. When I say "less than flattering" I'm referring, not to the singer, nor to the reviewer but to the churlish behaviour of the audience - I bet they voted for Trump! Read the review HERE.

What do you think? Lance

Lewis Watson Quartet @ Blaydon Jazz Club - May 19

© Russell

Lewis Watson (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

The prolonged dry spell continued with not so much as a hint of rain. The Tyne at Blaydon-on-Tyne looked a picture from the Black Bull's beer garden overlooking the Tyne Valley rail line. The recent return to the fold of Dean, mine host here on Bridge Street, augurs well for the future of Blaydon Jazz Club. A keen supporter of the pub's jazz night, Dean is a 'hands-on', yet unobtrusive landlord, and, on sighting Old Peculier on one of the hand-pulls, your correspondent knew this evening's jazz session couldn't be anything other than a resounding success!

Today I went to Darlo.

It was a sunny day and my wanderlust found me in Darlington. A mighty fine town is Darlington. Not huge but big enough to have two jazz clubs (sometimes more) and a locally based big band.

I let the train take the strain and set off on the trek to the town centre. The sign post indicated that it was a 12 minute journey on foot which it may well have been for some Ethiopian athlete who had been training at altitude - it took me somewhat longer. Nevertheless, the journey was worthwhile when I discovered three previously unread (by me) Robert B. Parker novels all for a total of £2.

Album Review: Barbara Reed - Lucky Still (Blue Ox Records)

Barbara Reed (vocals); Bill Zappia (keys); John Belzaguy (bass); Doug Tann (drums); Joe Escriba (saxophone on tks 1,2,5,6,7); Sid “The Kid” Smith (saxophone on tks 3,4); Rob Katz (guitar on tk 8); 

Recorded @ Wonderland Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada - Engineer - Robert Katz; Cover Art: Merle Zurin.

Lucky Still is an elegant musical excursion through the certainties and vagaries of love and romance. Celebrated vocalist, composer, author Barbara Reed and her cadre of Las Vegas and Los Angeles A-Listers deliver eight of her originals – each one exceptionally well-performed and meticulously-produced.

The Tear Returns opens with an inviting rhythmic groove. Reed slides over her lyrics and saxophonist Joe Escriba and pianist Bill Zappia add fine statements. It is a uniquely formed and invigoratingly performed track. You Can Take It All Back is a funky, soulful cut written by Denise Bonnell with Reed’s lyrics. Reed cooks, pouncing fiercely on her words. Escriba bops over the energetic bed with backing by B-3, piano, John Belzaguy’s pluck, and Doug Tann’s driving stickwork. 

Mike Hall Quartet w, Steve Waterman @ the Moor Club, Heaton Moor, Stockport - May 18

Mike Hall (tenor sax); Steve Waterman (trumpet/flugel); Andrzej Baranek (keyboards); Tim Williams (bass); Eryl Roberts (drums).

Originally this was advertised as a quartet gig but became a quintet line-up with the late addition of top brass man Waterman to the bill. I was pleased as to my ears the sound of five experienced modern jazz musicians is usually better than four. 

Mike's style of hard-driving  post-bop tenor playing fits well with the energetic brass work of his long- time friend Steve Waterman. A partnership that goes back to the day they first met during a recording session with Michael Garrick's Big Band forty years ago. They showed the rapport they have developed when they tacked the Buddy Johnson hit Save Your Love For Me.  This for me was the highspot of the first set and was further enhanced by the brilliant keyboard work of the great Andrzej Baranek.He is one outstanding musician and enjoys a challenge.

Lest we forget - Susannah McCorkle

If you see someone standing outside of 41 West 86th Street in Manhattan looking up at one of the balconies that person's possibly recalling where, 24 years ago today, May 19, singer Susannah McCorkle committed suicide by jumping from the balcony to her death on the sidewalk below. Unlike Chet Baker who took a similar way out there was no debate as to whether anyone else was involved and the suicide verdict wasn't questioned.

McCorkle was outstanding, not just as a jazz singer but also as a published writer and professional linguist.

Although American by birth her recording career began in London and she toured the UK with trumpet player and Bixologist Dick Sudhalter. I actually heard her with the band at the People's Theatre in Newcastle circa 1974.

Press release: SSBB release new single ahead of their Time After Time Tour

This is an absolutely mega arrangement commissioned by us from arranger ERIC RICHARDS, featuring the full band along with solos from Graham, Michael, and Kieran – plus amazing vocals from Alice Grace. The tune is featured on our upcoming album and on our concert tour this summer!

Eric is one of the top big band and orchestral arrangers in the world, having written for the US Army Field Band, Airmen of Note, The Jazz Ambassadors, and many more top-tier ensembles.