Bebop Spoken There

Ludovic Beier (Django Festival Allstars): ''Manouche means 'free man,' and gypsies have been travelers since they migrated west from India to Europe.'' (DownBeat March, 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

18395 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 259 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 30 ), 69

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

March

Tue 31: Bede Trio @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. Albert Hills Wright (alto sax); Finn Carter (piano); Michael Dunlop (double bass).

April

Wed 01: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 01: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 01: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 02: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject: Musicians playing classical & orchestral music.
Thu 02: The Noel Dennis Band @ Prohibition Bar, Albert Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RU. 7:00pm (doors). £10.84. Quartet plus special guest Zoë Gilby. Over 21s only.
Thu 02: Renegade Brass Band @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 7:30pm (doors).
Thu 02: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £7.00. adv..
Thu 02: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 03: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 03: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 03: King Bees @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle. 7:00pm (doors). Free. Chicago blues.

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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