R.I.P. Brian Carrick (- Dec. 31, 2025)

Brian Carrick and his Heritage Hall Stompers - I'll Be Somewhere Working for The Lord.

The tune title seems to be a particularly appropriate one with which to mark the passing of New Orleans styled reeds player Brian Carrick who died earlier today, Leader of legendary local traditional jazz groups such as Brian Carrick's Heritage Hall Stompers and his Algiers Stompers he made many pilgrimages to New Orleans making friends with clarinettist George Lewis whose clarinet was passed on down to Brian after his death.

A musician whose devotion to the music he loved never deviated. He will be missed wherever the music is played. Lance

NYE jazz on Tyneside - Dec. 31

Two firework displays down on the Tyne. Which one to go to - six o'clock or midnight? The former, as the latter will clash with Hootenanny on BBC (11:30pm). Jools Holland's programme includes performances by David Hermlin and Joe Webb! So, six o'clock it was. 

At the appointed hour the sky lit up over the Tyne. Woosh! Ah! Bang! All in technicolor (that's Hollywood technicolor). Launched from the Gateshead side of the Tyne, rockets reaching for the sky, exploded in kaleidoscopic splendour. 

The thoughts of saxman Branford

Branford Marsalis: “A band has to have great followers, you can't have five great leaders” – (Down Beat December 1982).

Branford Marsalis: "...if someone is going to serve your head on a platter, you want it to be Sonny Rollins not some guy at Smalls who nobody knows." - (Down Beat July 2004.)

Branford Marsalis: "Why isn't jazz popular? Because jazz musicians today are completely devoid of character." - (The Jazz Ear - Ben Ratliffe).

Branford Marsalis: “I loved it (Mahler's 3rd Symphony) so much that I stole Wynton's record when I went away to college" - (Jazz Journal May 2013.)

Achievement of the year 2025

There were lots of memorable moments for me throughout 2025, having been to gigs in Newcastle (courtesy of Jazz North East, The Globe, Cobalt, Cluny, Lubber Fiend, Glasshouse) and beyond (Yamaha Music in Blyth, Pocklington nr York) and photographing all (and video-ing many) of the gigs I attended, making it one of the busiest years music-wise for a long time. But, it occurred to me that there was an 'Achievement Award' that really deserves to be given to a well-deserved time-served local performer.

A big BSH thank you

As 2025 draws to a close it's a time for me to reflect and thank all of those who have posted and drew my attention to jazz happenings at home and abroad so let's hear it for Russell and Patti, Sylvia T, Colin Muirhead, Dave Sayer, Jerry Edis, Steve T, newcomers Glenn Wright and Richard Morris, Mike Farmer and Jeff Pritchard from way out west, Ron Hampton, Peter Bevan and Ian Hodgson from way down south (Teesside) plus ace snappers Ken Drew, Malcolm Sinclair, Mike Tilley, John Lyon and Pam Y.

Preview: Hermlin & Webb 'round midnight - NYE

This evening's Hootenanny (Jool's Annual Hootenanny), straddling either side of midnight, is definitely one to catch. A cast of thousands (slight exaggeration) includes Lulu, Imelda May, Ruby Turner and 2023 Classic Jazz Party 'Young Talent Award' winner David Hermlin and globetrotting Mercury-nominated superstar Joe Webb (pictured in Kingston Park earlier this year). Tune to BBC 2 at 11:30pm tonight (at midnight you'll have to endure the inevitable bagpipes) for what promises to be a canny Hootenanny, then open another bottle to see in 2026. Russell   

Album review: Woody Shaw - Love Dance (Time Traveler Recordings)

Woody Shaw (trumpet); Steve Turre (trombone); René McLean (alto sax), Billy Harper (tenor sax); Joe Bonner (piano); Cecil McBee (bass); Victor Lewis (drums); Guilherme Franco, Tony Walters (perc). 

Five originals by Shaw originally released in 1976 on the now defunct Muse label and brought back into circulation by the intrepid Zev Feldman on his appropriately named Time Traveler Recordings label.

Post hard-bop over a pulsating Latin rhythm. Latin, but far removed from the suave bossas and cha chas of Brazil. More Cuban.

Colin Muirhead’s “Best Of” List for 2025

Best Gig.

I’ve attended some very good gigs this year, but one really stood out: Gregory Porter at Newcastle City Hall in May.  A big concert by a big personality!  Plus, North East -born Jo Harrop opened the show, as she did throughout Gregory’s spring tour; what a coup for Jo!

Best Addition to the List of North East Jazz Venues.

The Exchange 1856 in North Shields hosted a range of jazz acts during 2025, from the North East and further afield, including the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band, Gilad Atzmon and Julian Lage (see photo).  Let’s hope for more top acts there – and elsewhere in the region – during 2026.

Keith Crombie - The Long Goodbye

Thirteen years ago today we lost Keith Crombie and with him the Jazz Café as was.

In many ways it was the end of an era yet in many ways it wasn't. As long as there are grassroots venues in towns, cities and villages supporting jazz, usually against the odds, the memory of Keith Crombie and 'the caff' will live on. Lance

Twelve albums that have found favour in 2025 (In alphabetical order)

Chris Hodgkins/Lenore Raphael: Pennies From Heaven. (Pictured)

Chris Ingham: Walter - Donald.

Gareth Lockrane Big Band: Box of Tricks.

Giacomo Smith: Manouche.

Jim Mullen: For Heaven's Sake.

Michael Buckley: Ebb and Flow.

Nigel Price: It's On.

Scott Hamilton: Looking Back.

Simon Spillett: Up In Town.

Strictly Smokin' Big Band: Time After Time.

Sullivan Fortner: Southern Nights.

Xhosa Cole: On a Modern Genius.

Lance

Irvine Barclay Theatre Jazz presents LENORE RAPHAEL live at CAMPUS JAX

I recently reviewed Pennies From Heaven*, an excellent trumpet/piano duo album by Chris Hodgkins and Lenore Raphael. Chris I was familiar with but Lenore was a new name to me.

I had to find out more and this YouTube concert from three years ago is the result.

Nice one! Lance

*REVIEW.

Jazz Hot (1938) The Rare Short Film With Jazz Legend Django Reinhardt

Django's technique is amazing! Lance

Leeds City Stompers @ Billy Bootleggers, Newcastle - Dec. 27

Martyn Roper (guitar, harmonica, kazoo, vocals); Ian Blackburn (double bass, backing vocals); Billy Hickling (drums, washboard, backing vocals)

A fleeting (first set only) visit to Billy Bootleggers. As a 'sound engineer' simultaneously set the levels for the evening's gig and blasted out one tune after another (quite a feat!), post-Christmas revellers were determined to revel, noisily. A Camden Pale, a Guinness, a half of Pepsi in a pickle jar (the Ouseburn watering hole's distinctive 'offer'), Leeds City Stompers would soon take to the stage. 

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

Playlist 28/12/25 (repeated Tuesday 30/12/25)

Seasonal: Stan Kenton, Kenny G, Norah Jones, Dizzy Gillespie feat. Johnny Richards Orchestra, Charlie Parker, Tim Boniface, Count Basie Orchestra Let It Snow feat. Ellis Marsalis, Herbie Hancock feat. Chick Corea.

Request: Woody Herman.

Memories: Milt Jackson, Bunk Johnson, Stan Tracey, Earl Hines.

Some Like it Hot

A film that never fails to get me and it's on (again) at 2:30pm on BBC2. Just love Marilyn singing I'm Thru With Love. Lance

Top Twenty Gigs of 2025

In alphabetical order here are twenty of my favourite gigs of 2025. I've omitted seasonal gigs such as Paul Edis' A Jazzy Christmas and Strictly Smokin's festive concert @ the O2 City Hall - they are worthy of a separate category. Maybe next year. Lance

 

Adrian Cox Trio @ the Lit & Phil @ the Black Swan.

Ben Crosland Quartet @ the Globe.

David Gray Flextet @ the Globe.

Emma Rawicz w. Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ the Glasshouse.

Fraser Urquhart @ the Lit & Phil.

Gerry Richardson's Big Idea @ the Globe.

Greg Abate w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ the Globe

Groovetrain @ Pilgrim

Hannabiell & Midnight Blue @ King's Hall.

JazzMain @ the Globe.

Twelve gigs of 2025

From January thru to December, a 'Gig of the Month'...

Jan. 18: Adrian Cox Trio @ Soho Pizza Express, London
Feb. 16: Gerry Richardson Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle
Mar. 15: Vintage Explosion @ The Cluny, Newcastle
Apr. 24: Strictly Smokin' Big Band's 'Time After Time' live recording session @ The Bridge Hotel, Newcastle

Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray - The Hunt (Live 1947)

They ate voraciously as Dean, sandwich in hand, stood bowed and jumping before the big phonograph, listening to a wild bop record I had just bought called 'The Hunt,' with Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray blowing their tops before a screaming audience that gave the record fantastic frenzied volume. (Jack Kerouac, 'On the Road').

Howard McGhee (trumpet); Trummy Young (trombone); Sonny Criss (alto sax); Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray (tenor sax); Hampton Hawes (piano); Barney Kessel (guitar); Red Callender (bass); Roy Porter (drums).

Now that is what I call a jam session! Lance

Vintage (reissues etc.) Albums of the Year - 2025 by Lance

1. Charlie Watts Orchestra - Live at Fulham Town Hall (1986)
2. Louis Stewart - I Thought About You (1977)
3. Nancy Harrow - Wild Women Don't Have the Blues (1960)
4. Charles Mingus - Mingus Live in Argentina (1977)
5. Freddie Hubbard - On Fire (1967)
6. Kenny Dorham - Blue Bossa in the Bronx (1967)
7. Jim Doherty - Spondance (1986)
8. Ella Fitzgerald - Live at the Coliseum (1967)
9. Marian McPartland at Peninsula Library (1972)
10. Dave Robbins Big Band - Happy Faces (1963/1965)

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Dec. 25 - Dec. 31)

Leon  Sash, Lee Morgan: It's the Talk of the Town.

Marian McPartland: Stairway to the Stars.

Georgie Auld: Taking a Chance on Love.

Billie Holiday: Do Nothing Till You Hear From me.

Tony Bennett: The Very Thought of You.

Lester Young: I'm in the Mood For Love.

Ray Bryant Trio: All Blues.

Nancy Wilson: Moon River.

Kenny Burrell: I Let a Song go Out of my Heart.

And not a Xmas song among them - thank you Denny - Lance

Listen 24/7

Top Ten + Vocal Albums - 2025

1.  Sinne Eeg - Shikiori.

2.  Hannah Gill - Spooky Jazz Vol 3.

3.  Emma Smith - Bitter Orange.

4.  Sandra-Mae Lux - Seasons in Jazz.

5.  Georgia Mancio & Alan Broadbent - Stories Left Untold. 

6.  Tessa Souter - Treasures and Silence.

7.  Kandace Springs - Lady in Satin.

8.  Meredith d'Ambrosio - Midnight Mood.

9. Jacqui Dankworth - Windmill.

10. Barb Jungr - Hallelujah on Desolation Row.

OMG! I've just realised I haven't picked out any male singers! So, to make amends I've added, in no particular order, The following: 

Mark Winkler - Hold On.

Allan Harris - The Poetry of Jazz.

Jeffrey Gimble - Brand New Key.

Robin Phillips - Return From the Source.

Lance

Have Yourself a Soulful Little Christmas with Steve T on Nova Radio

Have Yourself a Soulful Little Christmas, with festive favourites, Rare and Underplayed Christmas Carols, and a few of My Favorite Things, from Black America (and Jamaica). From This Christmas to Last Christmas, Three Kings to a Blue Christmas, Sleigh Bells and Jingle Bells to a Silent Night in a Winter Wonderland. And Christmas just ain't Christmas without Breadfruit, Mambo and a bit of Northern Soul. Christmas Day 8:00pm ‘til 10:00pm, only on Nova Radio. Steve T

Paul Edis' A Jazzy Xmas on Jazz FM tonight (Xmas Eve)

Paul Edis, whose annual, highly acclaimed show, A Jazzy Xmas, has been playing to packed houses across the region, last Thursday moved his theatre of operations closer to his adopted homeland with a concert in the Elgar Room of the Royal Albert Hall.

For this prestigious show, apart from Jo Harrop, the north east line-up was replaced by a team of London's finest. Glenn Wright reviewed the show for BSH and the actual gig itself was recorded and can be heard on DAB radio or via your smart speaker at 7:00pm. LINK. Lance

Album review: John Pizzarelli - Dear Mr. Bennett (Green Hill Music)

John Pizzarelli (vocal, guitar); Isaiah J. Thompson (piano); Mike Karn (bass)

A loving tribute to the late Tony Bennett, one of the great vocalists whose centennial is celebrated next year.

John Pizzarelli is the ideal choice. His voice is far enough away from Bennett's to avoid comparision whilst maintaining the same jazz feeling, maybe more so. Bennett was undeniably, one of the great GASbook interpreters however, his bel canto inspired jazz chops didn't quite cut it for me whereas Pizzarelli is the out and out jazzman both as a singer and a swinger  on  both voice and guitar. At the end of the day I wouldn't be without either.

Lest we forget - 2025

January 

5 George  Robinson. 9:  Laurie Holloway. 10: Martin Hummel.19: Kenny Kirsopp.

February

2: Diana Melly. 8: Howard Riley.10: Tony Kinsey.24: Roberta Flack. 

March

1: Angie Stone. 1: Bunky Green. 4: Roy Ayers. 6: Don Fairley. 8: Bill Ashton.

April 

1: George Freeman. 26: Andy Bey.

May 

23: Lillian Boutté. 27: Brian Kellock. 28: Al Foster. 

June 

9: Sly Stone. 13: Louis Moholo Moholo. 13: Dill Katz.26: Lalo Schifrin. 

R.I.P Jim Douglas (1942 - Oct. 7, 2025)

Sadly and unforgivably, I failed to post an obituary on BSH when Jim Douglas passed away on October 7. He was a guitarist that I enjoyed hearing live over many years, particularly during the 19 years he spent with that fine rip-roaring Alex Welsh Band. Thanks to the late Randy Heads, who introduced me to Jim after a gig by the band in a Sunderland park, I got to shake his hand! 

Although doubling on banjo for the band's warhorses, he also brought sensitivity to it when he reverted to guitar and was often featured playing ballads such as the YouTube clip above recorded many years later. The mastery was still there - I guess he took it to the grave with him.

Greatly missed. Lance

R.I.P. Chris Rea (1951 - Dec. 22, 2025)

The passing of Middlesbrough singer, songwriter rock and blues guitarist Chris Rea on Dec. 22 may only be of marginal relevance to hard core jazz-heads but to many of us his talent crossed the genres and his slide guitar technique always came across as authentic.

Midnite Follies Orchestra @ The Spice of Life, London - Dec. 22

Mike Henry, Lewis Taylor, Pete Rudeforth (trumpets); Michael McQuaid, Alex Clarke, David Horniblow, (reeds); Alistair Allan (trombone, vocals), Rory Ingham (trombone); Martin Litton (piano); Spats Langham (guitar, banjo, vocals); Malcolm Sked (double bass, sousaphone); Richard Pite (drums)

Arriving 11:20 am at Cambridge Circus in time for a 12:30pm start would be soon enough, wouldn't it? Well, yes and no. The Spice of Life usually draws a decent crowd, however, an hour and a half ahead of the down beat, this Monday lunchtime gig saw punters queueing up the stairs and out onto the street.

The attraction? The Midnight Follies Orchestra, no less! Formed by the late Keith Nichols to perform the music of Duke Ellington, the MFO had lain dormant for quite some time. Dormant that is until Alistair Allan decided it was time to revive the ensemble. 

Mike Hall Quartet @ the Moor Club, Stockport - Dec. 21

© Jeff Pritchard

Mike Hall (tenor sax); Richard Wetherall (keys); Gavin Barras (bass); Eryl Roberts (drums)

A full house turned out to sèe that most erudite of local jazzmen Mike Hall with a stellar backing trio of Richard Wetherall on piano, Eryl Roberts on drums and bassist Gavin Barras.

As always Mike prepared a varied playlist and Chick Corea's Armando's Rhumba and Strayhorn's Isfahan gave pianist Richard a chance to display his prowess. Mike also played a couple of Bob Mintzer tunes Play Pretty and Papa Lips on which he was featured strongly. My favourite tune of the night was Ellington's Star Crossed Lovers which I first heard played by Dave Liebman and Mike Nock.

Album Review: Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra - 20/20 (New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings)

Atzi Muramatsu (cello), George Burt (guitar), Maggie Nicols (vocals), Ann Pearce (voice, electronics); 2. Mike Parr-Burman (guitar), Raymond MacDonald (saxophones), Aviva Endean (clarinet), Corey Mwamba (vibes), Allan Wylie (trumpet), Helen Svoboda (bass); 3. Rick Bamford (drums, percussion), Gerry Rossi (piano), Maggie Nicols, Ceylan Hay (voice, violin), Yasuko Kaneko (trombone); 4. David Robertson (percussion), Robert Henderson (trumpet), Una MacGlone (double bass), Armin Sturm (bass); 5. Jim Whyte, Tom Butler (synthesiser), Jessica Argo (theremin, cello), Cliona Cassidy (voice), Sia X-Ray (vocals, electronics); 6. Peter Nicholson (cello), Gerry Rossi; 7. Peter Nicholson, Maggie Nicols, Maria Sappho (piano), Daniel Wilfred (voice, clapping sticks), Corey Mwamba, Ken Slaven (strings); 8. Corey Mwamba, Daniel Wilfred, Ken Slaven, David Wilfred (digeridoo); 9. Raymond MacDonald, Una MacGlone, Rick Bamford; 10. Maggie Nicols, George Burt, Faradena Afifi (saxophones, strings); 11. Jim Whyte, Armin Sturm, Guro Gravem Johansen (vocals), Allan Wylie; 12. David Robertson, Mike Parr-Burman, Sia X-Ray, David Wilfred, Yasuko Kaneko, Daniel Wilfred; 13. Maria Sappho, Raymond MacDonald, David Wilfred, Maggie Nicols, Ann Pearce, Jessica Argo, Tom Butler, Faradena Afifi; 14. Atzi Muramatsu, Rick Bamford; 15. Ceylan Hay, Ken Slaven; 16. Rick Bamford, Maggie Nicols, Maria Sappho, Robert Henderson, Ceylan Hay, Una MacGlone; 17. David Robertson, Rick Bamford, Ceylan Hay, Robert Henderson, Armin Sturm, Una MacGlone; 18. Allan Wylie, Ken Slaven, Ceylan Hay, Helen Svoboda; 19. Corey Mwamba, Robert Henderson, Armin Sturm, Daniel Wilfred; 20. David Wilfred, Ken Slaven, Maggie Nicols.

Best of 2025

It’s that time of year again when we look back and cast half an eye into the next year. I have heard some excellent music this year, too much in fact to review everything I’ve listened to. There have been some great gigs in unusual places, some at odd times of the day and it seems to me that this music we love keeps on expanding outwards, both at the fringes of jazz itself, but also by bringing music from other genres into the fold. (Whilst typing this I am listening to Seb Rochford’s Finding Ways, as fine a selection of grunge jazz as you’re ever likely to hear. One of the most pleasant surprises has been finding jazz in places, such as Rothbury in Northumberland and Burford in the Cotswolds, which are away from the larger towns and cities. In both of those cases a group of enthusiasts are doing it for themselves because no one else will and I can only wish them every success.

Album review: Steve Lodder - 2 Sorts of 3 (Sleeve Records)

Electric (Plugged) Trio: Steve Lodder (Rhodes Mk 8 electric piano); Dudley Phillips (electric bass/acoustic bass guitar); Nic France (drums).

Acoustic (Unplugged) Trio: Steve Lodder (Yamaha acoustic piano); Freddie Jensen (double bass); Marius Rodrigues (drums).

There is something quietly radical about 2 Sorts of 3, Steve Lodder’s latest release. It doesn’t announce itself with volume or virtuoso display; instead, it invites the listener into a carefully considered conversation about sound, space and choice. The album’s premise is deceptively simple: two piano trios, one acoustic and one electric, alternating across the record. What emerges is not contrast for its own sake, but a thoughtful meditation on how context reshapes musical meaning.

Lodder, long admired for his work across British jazz and beyond, resists the temptation to frame the album as a stylistic showdown. The acoustic trio — piano, double bass and drums — leans into lyricism, air and nuance. The electric trio, anchored by Rhodes piano and electric bass, brings groove, texture and a subtly modern edge. Rather than competing, the two line-ups feel like parallel narratives, each illuminating different aspects of Lodder’s compositional voice.

Paul Edis & Jo Harrop — A Jazzy Xmas Late Night Jazz @ the Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall Dec. 18

Paul Edis (piano); Jo Harrop (vocals); Freddie Gavita (trumpet); Rory Ingham (trombone); Vasilis Xenopoul0s, Alex Garnett (saxophones); Gareth Lockrane (flutes, piccolo); Johanna Bernhardt (violin); Matyas Hofecker (bass); Matt Home (drums)

Seasonal jazz can so easily tip into the dutiful, but A Jazzy Xmas — staged at the Royal Albert Hall as part of its Late Night Jazz series in the Elgar Room — felt anything but routine. Intimate, warmly conversational and smartly arranged, this was Christmas music handled with care rather than tinsel.

At the centre was pianist and musical director Paul Edis, whose curatorial instincts are as sharp as his touch. His reworking of Santa Claus Is Coming to Town nodded knowingly to Bill Evans — specifically the trio language Evans explored on Trio 64 — reframing a ubiquitous tune with poise and harmonic wit. It was affectionate without being reverential, a lesson in how to modernise the familiar without sanding off its charm.

Strictly Smokin' Big Band's Christmas @ the O2 City Hall, Newcastle - Dec. 21

© Stephen Beecroft

Michael Lamb (MD/trumpet); Dave Hignett, Dick Stacey, Billy Bradshaw, Tom Rushton (trumpets); Mark Ferris, Kieran Parnaby, Chris Kurgi-Smith, John Flood (trombones); Steve Summers, Keith Robinson, Jamie Toms, Matthew Forster, Sue Ferris (reeds); Graham Don (piano); Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar, banjo); Michael Whent (bass guitar); David McKeague (drums); Matt Ford, Alice Grace, Sanaz Lavasani (vocals); Stuart McLean-Fowler (arrangements & transcriptions).

Northern Orchestra: Bradley Creswick (Leader, violin) 

This was something different! When is a SSBB gig not something different? Every concert is unique always a new theme. Admittedly Xmas isn't exactly new - it's been around for a while - and, in the case of SSBB, last night was its 15th Xmas concert and the first with the added strings and French horns of Bradley Creswick's Northern Orchestra.

There were many 'stars' in both ensembles but the one who stood tallest was surely Stuart McLean-Fowler. His arrangements and meticulous transcriptions were no less than amazing!

Preview: Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ O2 City Hall - Dec. 21

It's almost here - the BIG ONE! Yes, tonight sees SSBB's fifteenth annual Christmas concert taking place, for the first time, at Newcastle's premier concert venue - the City Hall. The same venerable building that in years gone by featured big bands such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman as well as orchestral behemoths such as the Hallé, the Royal Philharmonic, the Northern Sinfonia and many more.

BOOK TICKETS HERE.

AVALON - Ben Holder & The Jim Watson Trio

Some mighty fine fiddlin' Lance

Michal Urbaniak (1943 - Dec. 20, 2025)

Violinist Michal Urbaniak died yesterday (Saturday Dec. 20), he was 82. In his early days he worked with Zbigniew Namyslowski, later on he recorded/played with many big names including Miles Davis (on the Tutu album). 

Rest In Peace.

Jazz Attack @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead - Dec. 20

A Jazz Attack performance is an opportunity to hear the next generation of musicians. In their early teens (some perhaps not yet teenagers!), tutored by experienced staff, the environment on the banks of the Tyne, is that of a hothouse under the domed roof of the Glasshouse.  

Two trumpets, a flautist, a violinist, a pianist and drummer, under the watchful eye of their tutor (see photo of the tutor), the stars of the future played a short set in front of a large crowd, seated and standing, on the riverfront concourse.

My Little Suede Shoes (a feature for trumpet), Watermelon Man and Winter Wonderland made for a short set. Short, yes, but a glimpse into the future. In the coming years we'll be hearing more from these young musicians, that's for sure. Russell    

Giles Strong Quartet @ The Old Black Cat Jazz Club, Sunderland - Dec. 19

© Ken Drew

Giles Strong (guitar); Pete Tanton (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ian Paterson (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

On a cold 'Blackeye Friday' evening Sunderland's Cultural Quarter was buzzing with numerous attractions - the Empire, the Fire Station, the Peacock, Vesta Tilley's, the Dun Cow and Sunderland Minster. 

The Old Black Cat Jazz Club made a considerable impact during its short time at 1719 in Hendon. Circumstances beyond the control of the OBCJC necessitated a move away from 'Old Sunderland' and when the opportunity arose to move to a more central location, it was grasped with all four paws. 

Press release: Sunday night @ the Globe - Free party!

Christmas party for all friends and supporters of The Globe.

There will be live music all evening starting about 6:45pm provided by a range of musicians many of whom often play at The Globe.

The named acts include Milne Glendinning Band, Magpies of Swing, Fourpenny Rabbit, Triple Tap and regulars from Take It To The Bridge

There is a very loose programme but there's no point in publicising it because it will probably change on the night. Expect spontaneous improvisation.

There will be a free cold buffet made up of food that people have brought along to share.

 Anyone on or off Facebook

Late Night Chicago Radio w. Denny Farrell (Dec. 18 - Dec. 24)

Dexter Gordon: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Stan Getz: I've Got You Under my Skin.

Billy Eckstine: Everything I Have is Yours.

Oscar Peterson, Stan Getz (?): Blues.

Carmen McRae: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

?: You Are Too Beautiful.

Sam 'The Man' Taylor: Harlem Nocturne.

Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Pass: At Last.

Chet Baker: On the Street Where You Live.

Dave Brubeck Quartet: Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

LISTEN 24/7

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

Playlist Sunday 21/12/25 (repeated Tuesday 23/12/25).

RIP: Gordon Goodwin.

Seasonal Requests: Louis Armstrong/Benny Carter, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Benny Goodman, Gerry Richardson.

Memories: Bobby Timmins/Art Blakey, Cab Calloway, Chet Baker.

Seasonal: Chris Barber.

Requests: Ahmad Jamal, Emma Rawicz, Michael Bublé.

Christmas: Tim Boniface, Oscar Peterson, Peggy Lee.

Aycliffe Radio is now available on DAB in County Durham & the Darlington Area or via your smart speaker. 

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

A Happy Christmas to all our listeners.

Classic Swing’s Christmas Party @ Cullercoats Crescent Club - Dec.19

Jim McBriarty  (alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet, vocals); Alan Marshall (tenor sax, clarinet); Neville Hartley (trombone, vocals); Jeremy McMurray (keyboards, raffle compere); Alan Rudd (double bass); Ian Stocks (drums); Olive Rudd (vocals).

The room was packed…30 minutes before the band started there was not a seat to be had. The regulars knew that Classic Swing’s Christmas party was not one to miss and they were out in force, Christmas hats and jumpers galore. Friends were hugged, gossip was exchanged and drinks were bought.Then we were off!

R.I.P. Alan Glen (1936 - Dec. 16, 2025)

Legend is an often exaggerated term when labelling the passing of someone and indeed can be, to say the very least, somewhat flattering. 

Not so in the case of pianist, composer, bandleader Alan Glen who peacefully left us yesterday. In the annuls of north east jazz Alan was a legend's legend and probably the most complete musician to grace this neck of the woods. 

Muscular problems effecting both wrists as well as his back curtailed his playing in recent years which must have been very frustrating for a man of his ability.

Dave Stryker - Van Gelder's Place / Blue Fire - The Van Gelder Session

A little taster of an upcoming album. Lance

LINK re Anonymous comment.

Fraser Urquhart@ Jazz at the Lit & Phil - Dec. 19

© Patti

Fraser Urquhart (piano)

A quite delightful afternoon of quiet and gently restrained solo piano jazz. The mood was of a late night supper club without the distraction of cutlery clanging or waiters calling for two ham and eggs over easy and  fries on the side. Instead it was more of a hip Amadeus jazzing up a European salon.

His back to the audience, the concert began with a reflective meandering exploration of Isn't it Romantic?. The answer was yes. After an extended build up, Sometimes I'm Happy emerged generating a nice easy swing before following up with a dreamy I Cover the Waterfront (Eddie Thompson used to introduce it as I water the front cover). Most people think of Glenn Miller (RIP) when Tuxedo Junction is played but wise owls know it was first recorded by co-composer Erskine Hawkins and his Orchestra. The rolling rhythm of Urquhart's left hand told me that he knew it too.

Christmas Jazz and Carols – A Fundraiser for Peace @ St Peter’s Church, De Beauvoir Town, London - Dec. 14

Pete Horsfall  (trumpet, vocals);  Adrian Cox (clarinet, vocals); Honey Boulton (guitar);  Tom Ward (piano);  Simon Read (double bass)  plus a choir of Hackney primary schoolchildren

A wonderful seasonal evening in London at the beautiful St Peter’s Church De Beauvoir organised by De Beauvoir Jazz Festival and in support of Médecins Sans Frontières. The evening opened with a talk by a doctor who had worked for Médecins Sans Frontières explaining the work they do and her work with this organisation. An all star quintet of internationally renowned jazz musicians from the UK had been put together for this concert most of whom needed no introduction.

This concert took place on the back of a very successful De Beauvoir Jazz Festival in July 2025 which included multiple concerts at various venues in the area to include not only St Peter’s but also the Scolt Head which acted as an HQ for the festival.  The Festival organisers were responsible for this event with of course the support of the church which was packed to the rafters.

Lazy River Band @ Cullercoats Crescent Club - Dec. 17

Chris Perrin (keyboards, clarinet); Valerie Perrin  (cornet, melodica, keyboards, vocals); John Farragher (clarinet, vocals); Brian Martin (banjo); Phil Rutherford (sousaphone) 

'Tis the season to make big bucks. The Spanish City festive lunches are popular affairs and this afternoon's musical entertainment was provided by Tyneside's long-running Vieux Carré Jazzmen. Meanwhile, back at HQ on Cullercoats Bay, a depping band of some renown stepped into the breech. 

The Lazy River Band playing a gig in the area is an occasional happening and this mid-December gig was one such occasion. No doubt some of the VCJ's loyal following made the short trip along the coast to Whitley Bay, others stayed put, loyal to the Crescent Club and its range of paninis and toasties.