Bebop Spoken There

Christian McBride: ''I believe we are living in a historically embarrassing moment in American history.'' - Downbeat December 2025

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

18104 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 1068 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Dec. 25), 82.

From This Moment On ...

DECEMBER 2025

Tue 30: Shalala @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm. £8.00., £7.00. adv.

Wed 31: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 31: Lil Miss Mary & the Mr Rights Trio @ Billy Bootlegger’s, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free. ‘Early NYE Bash’. Rockabilly, rhythm & blues.
Wed 31: Abbie Finn Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. ‘Midnight in Manhattan’ NYE party. £49.46 (inc. bf) & £29.38 (inc. bf).

JANUARY 2026

Thu 01: ???

Fri 02: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 02: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free. No session this week, next one Friday 9th
Fri 02: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.

Sat 03: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Red Lion, Earsdon. 8:00pm. £3.00.
Sat 03: Earl Thomas Blues Band @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle. 9:00pm. Free.

Sun 04: Smokin’ Spitfires @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 12:45pm. £10.00.
Sun 04: Ian Bosworth Quintet @ Chapel, Middlesbrough. 1:00pm. Free Quintet + guest Josh Bentham (alto sax).
Sun 04: Sax Choir @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 04: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 04: Revolutionaires @ Pilgrim, Newcastle. 4:00pm (doors). Free. Rocking rockabilly/r&b.

Mon 05: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 05: Saltburn Big Band @ Saltburn House Hotel. 7:00-9:00pm. 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

Monday, September 15, 2025

Suzanne Fonseca & Carole Williams Play Jay & Kai @ the Moor Club, Stockport - Sept. 14

© Jeff Pritchard
Suzanne Fonseca, Carole Williams (trombones); Robin Dewhurst (keys); Gavin Barras (bass); Gaz Hughes (drums).

In spite of spending a lot of time listening to the many legends of jazz I somehow never got to hear Jay Jay Johnson in a live situation, much to my regret. However, I did see live on many memorable occasions the great Kai Winding and although I still rate Johnson as No 1, Winding was my second choice. I recall seeing Kai alongside Curtis Fuller in a hotel in the Hague, doing a Kai and Jay tribute and I thought it was very impressive.  

This version that Suzanne and Carole probably assembled at relatively short notice and  without much rehearsal or perhaps only a pre-show run through was a worthy effort. The sheer number of tunes that were played during the two hour spot including a 20 minute interval was a feat in itself. 

The rhythm section tonight did a fine job of coping with the arrangements and it was good to see the great Gavin Barras who was making a rare appearance at the Moor Club. Gaz Hughes  was on top of things and it was good that Robin Dewhurst got time to be featured on Cute and Satin Doll.

I'm now going to attempt to list the tunes played but, as I'm having trouble  deciphering my notes, so please accept my apologies if I've missed any.

Next week Stockport Jazz are celebrating their first anniversary on Sunday  Sept. 21 at the Moor Club with Alan Barnes.

Stockport Jazz on Facebook for further info. or watch this space for Paul Hartley's update. Mike Farmer

Cute; This Could be the Start of Something Big; I Concentrate on You; The Theme From Picnic; Georgia on my Mind; The Song is You; Trixie; Side by Side; How High the Moon; Satin Doll; You'd be so Nice to Come Home to; I Should Care; In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning; Blue Monk; Just For a Thrill; Too Close For Comfort; 'S Wonderful.
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