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

18818 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 682 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Aug. 20) 51.

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 26: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 26: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 26: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 27: Vieux Carré Hot 4 @ The Millstone, Mill Rise, South Gosforth, Newcastle. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 27: Castillo Nuevo Orquesta @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. £6.50. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 27: 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 27: 58 Jazz Collective @ The Blacksmith’s Arms, Stranton, Hartlepool. 8:00pm. Free.
Thu 27: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00.

Fri 28: Graham Hardy Quartet @ The Gala, Durham. 1:00pm. £8.00.
Fri 28: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 28: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 28: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.

Sat 29: Brian Jackson @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 8:30pm (doors). £32.00.

Sun 30: Musicians Unlimited @ West Hartlepool RFC. 1:00pm. Free.
Sun 30: Tango Jazz Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 31: Friends of Jazz @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

September.

Tue 01: Customs House Big Band @ Masonic Hall, Ferryhill. 7:30pm. Free.
Tue 01: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Joe Steels, Paul Grainger, John Hirst.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Press release: Paul Booth w. SSBB reimagines the Beach Boy's album Pet Sounds @ Pilgrim, Newcastle, Friday October 31

Acclaimed saxophonist, composer, arranger, and local lad Paul Booth once again joins forces with Strictly Smokin’ Big Band for a unique reimagining of the Beach Boys’ seminal album Pet Sounds at Pilgrim with a very special guest: saxophone ace Paul Booth!

SSBB first met Paul when he guested with them at Alphabetti Theatre back in 2018. Who remembers that show? What a brilliant night it was. Since then, Paul has also guested on the band's SSBB & Friends album and joined us at the album launch.

SSBB @ Hoochie 2023
So — the band are not only very excited to be back at this venue (formerly Hoochie Coochie), but also over the moon to have "wor pal Paul Booth" guesting with them again.

Now — hear us out… this show is Paul’s own reimagining of the Beach Boys’ classic 1966 album Pet Sounds. It’s not nearly as bizarre as you might think! 

Paul Booth @ album launch
Those who were fortunate to see the show at Ronnie's last year described it as sublime! Adding that the writing is so clever and the music beautifully reworked.

This isn’t just the original tunes bashed out by a big band — it’s a genuine re-invention. It not only highlights the brilliant compositions of Brian Wilson, who sadly passed away in June this year, but also showcases the full power of a big band alongside Paul’s outstanding sax playing.

It’s really not one to miss. As if that weren’t enough, the band will also have three vocalists with them on the night* — Alice Grace, Pilgrim boss-man Michael Lavery, and Jane Davidson, who will be making her first appearance with SSBB.

Expect the familiar melodies of Wouldn’t It Be Nice, God Only Knows, and Sloop John B — now elevated by the full force of a jazz orchestra. It really is a must-hear for both jazz lovers and Beach Boys fans alike.

If you’re not already in, make sure you join the band's VIP Facebook Group for some sneak peeks of rehearsals over the next few weeks.

This promises to be a gig that really is unmissable - can’t wait to see you there.

1 comment :

Lance said...

Forget the ghosts and ghouls this one night when you will be bewitched in the nicest and most exciting way.

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