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

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

Playlist 14/12/25 (repeated Tuesday 16/12/25).   

This is the 300th edition of the programme so I have exercised the privilege of choosing five tracks!

In Memoriam: George Lewis.

Requests from Darlington New Orleans Club: King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, Midnite Follies Orchestra.

A Jazzy Xmas @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. Dec. 13 (evening)

Paul Edis (MD, piano); Jo Harrop (vocals); Vasilis Xenopoulos (tenor sax, soprano sax); Faye Thompson (alto sax, clarinet); Sue Ferris (flutes, piccolo); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jason Holcomb (trombone); Emma Fisk (violin); Andy Champion (double bass); Matt MacKellar (drums)

Following on from a review of the same band playing the same tunes, even at a different venue, is a two-edged sword. So said BSH Editor-in-Chief, LL. Well, here's a third review in twenty four hours of the same show. 

Familiar as most with Hall Two, in taking a seat your correspondent did the usual: Excuse me, thanks. Excuse me, fellow concert-goers rising from their seats. Squeezing past, glancing at the seat numbers, something wasn't right. The penny dropped. Wrong seat! Wrong row! Cue the Excuse me routine in reverse. Slaloming through the cabaret table layout - the lights were about to go down - the seat was over there, wasn't it? Excuse me, thanks. Excuse me. Nope! Wrong seat! Wrong row! The house lights down, it was too late to go in search of the elusive seat. Let's sit down and bluff it...

A Jazzy Xmas @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. Dec. 13 (afternoon).

© Sylvia

Paul Edis (MD, piano); Jo Harrop (vocals); Vasilis Xenopoulos (tenor sax, soprano sax); Faye Thompson (alto sax, clarinet); Sue Ferris (flutes, piccolo); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jason Holcomb (trombone);Emma Fisk (violin); Andy Champion (double bass); Matt MacKellar (drums)

Following on from a review of the same band playing the same tunes, even at a different venue, is a two-edged sword. Do you agree or contradict? It's difficult but someone has to do it and when it's a show of this quality then who's contradicting?

Unlike Crook, the Glasshouse didn't have a raffle and nor were there  any Cadbury's Roses going free. However, the music more than made up for it - this was Quality Street.

Winter Wonderland: Dressed in a white gown Jo looked every bit the Angel of the North that MD Edis described her as - move over Anthony Gormley. The voice too was angelic but not without the suggestion of  a devil lurking inside. Soloists abounded during the course of the afternoon Graham Hardy's being the first.

“Where everybody knows your name…” A Jazzy Xmas @ St. Cuthbert’s, Crook - Dec. 12

© Chris Whittle

Paul Edis (MD, piano); Jo Harrop (vocals); Vasilis Xenopoulos (tenor sax, soprano sax); Matthew Forster (alto sax, clarinet); Sue Ferris (flutes, piccolo); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jason Holcomb (trombone); Emma Fisk (violin); Andy Champion (double bass); Matt MacKellar (drums).

 A long heading: a short(ish) review. As always, I rely on Russell and/or Lance for more insightful comments when they’ve seen the show. I’d like to start with the venue as my headline suggests.

 Since I started my mid-life jazz education I have been to scores of venues and Crook truly is unique. The tables are never bare – there’s always nibbles (or last night chocolates - Cadbury’s Roses, no less) with big wedges of pizza in the interval (turkey and stuffing buns last night complete with cranberry sauce to add, if required!). The tables are always decorated too, and last night the hall was aglow with candelabra, cribs and Christmas glitter with fairy-lights on the mic stands (where musical stars also shone!). 

James Pearson & Nikki Iles – A Bill Evans Celebration @ Yamaha Piano Rooms, Wardour Street

James Pearson, Nikki Iles (pianos)

There are concerts, and then there are evenings where the room feels like a living archive – a space where stories, memory and music become inseparable. The Bill Evans celebration with James Pearson and Nikki Iles at the Yamaha Piano Rooms on Wardour Street was entirely in that spirit: intimate, intelligent and full of affection for the pianist who transformed the emotional vocabulary of modern jazz.

From the outset, Pearson set a relaxed, humorous tone, welcoming what he called an “exclusive Ronnie Scott’s audience, here to celebrate 50 years since Evans first played Ronnie’s”. Within minutes he was telling stories of Evans’ first visit to Ronnie’s in 1965, gently weaving history into the atmosphere of the night. Instead of a formal tribute, this felt like a salon: musicians, listeners and anecdotes sharing the same breath.

 

Late Night Chicago Radio w. Denny Farrell (Dec. 11- Dec.17)

Dave Brubeck: Take Five.

Art Blakey: Moanin'. (Shout out to Lance and Bebop Spoken Here!)

Miles Davis: All Blues.

Mel Tormé: Moon Song.

Barney Kessel: Just Friends.

Diana Krall: The Look of Love.

Stan Getz/Bill Evans: Night and Day.

Bette Midler: Tenderly.

Andy Brown: It's the Talk of the Town.

Listen 24/7.

Report on the 36th Bude Jazz Festival - 2025

The 36th Bude Jazz Festival was held from August 26 to August 29. It was another successful festival, and the Committee are finalising arrangements for the 37th festival in 2026.

The format was similar to recent years with all the venues in walking distance of each other, two or three gigs at each venue per day, and staggered intervals so that festival goers could move around without encountering breaks. Most of venues were the same as in recent years and included the Falcon Hotel, the Ivor Potter Hall in the Parkhouse Centre, the Methodist Church, the Carriers Inn, and ‘Upstairs Social’. The bar and catering at the Parkhouse centre, by ‘Outside Inn’, were again very well received.

Press release: Ronnie's new 'Upstairs at Ronnie's' to open in February 2026

Following a year-long redevelopment, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is set to open its new upstairs music venue: Upstairs at Ronnie’s.

The space has been completely transformed as part of a major revamp of the entire building. Rebuilt as a purpose-designed, intimate auditorium, it honours the club’s six-decade legacy while looking firmly to the future. More info HERE.

Full details of upcoming concerts at Upstairs at Ronnie’s can be found HERE.

Gordon Goodwin RIP

Nick Mondello created this image of Gordon Goodwin who passed away at the age of 70 on Monday (Dec. 8).

Thank you Nick a fitting graphic tribute. Lance

Album review: Chris Hodgkins & Lenore Raphael - Pennies from Heaven (Bell CD523)

Chris Hodgkins (trumpet); Lenore Raphael (piano)

The most delightful piano/trumpet duo recording  I've heard since Ruby Braff and Ellis Larkins met up in the Vanguard Studio back in the 1950s.

Pennies From Heaven is Hodgkins and Raphael's second album together. The previous one, Live at Pizza Express (2018), included American guitarist Wayne Wilkinson making it a trio album - I reviewed it HERE.

The sparks flew on that first album, Just as they did for Braff and Larkins back in the day. This time around, even without the safety net of a third player the flame shines brighter than ever. It's in safe hands.

A Festive Late Night at Seaton Delaval Hall with The Vieux Carré Jazzmen. (Saturday Dec. 13 - 5.30 - 8.00pm).

Wrap up warm and enjoy an evening of Christmas magic. See the Hall’s north front beautifully lit, a giant suspended bauble in the entrance hall and Christmas decorations in the Saloon, Stables and West Wing. The VCJ will play popular 1920s' jazz and festive music; family crafts in the stables workshop; warm up with seasonal treats in the Brewhouse. No booking required. Brian B

Bold Big Band @ Cluny 2, Newcastle - Dec. 10

Bold Big Band: Jacob Lightfoot, Max Storey (alto sax); Jamie Toms, Georgia ? (tenor sax); Brian Wicks (baritone sax, MD); Billy Bradshaw, Bill Watson, Josh Skyrme, David ? (trumpets); Alex Utting, Bertie Marks, Thomas McDonald, Simon Hirst (trombones); Jacob Egglestone (guitar); Marcus Dawe (piano); Ifede Osiyemi (bass guitar); Jack Littlewood (drums); Cara Britton (vocals)

The Bold Big Band down in the Ouseburn at this time of year can mean only one thing - Christmas at the Cluny! It's become an annual thing. Brian Wicks' roaring big band in Cluny 2, Christmas crackers, terrible jokes (courtesy of Mr B. Wicks), a beer or three and some cracking charts.

A Latin number for openers, Sammy Nestico's arrangement of Good Swing Wenceslas, It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year featuring bandleader Wicks' baritone sax, the Hip-Bone Big Band's Trombone Institute of Technology, a touch of Disney, Les Brown's Nutcracker Suite, the Bold Big Band knocked 'em out of the park.

Album review: Pharoah Sanders - Love is Here - The Complete Paris 1975 ORTF Recordings (INA/Transcendence Sounds)

Pharoah Sanders (tenor sax, vocals); Danny Mixon (piano, organ); Calvin Hill (double bass); Greg Bandy (drums)

There’s been a lot of new Pharoah Sanders product in the last few years with only his being dead as the greatest obstacle to his being able to commercially exploit his continued release schedule. Since his demise we have had re-issues of a set called simply Pharoah, and of Izipho Zam(My Gifts) and two live albums, one, a 1980 live album from Fabrik in Hamburg and this double album recorded at the ORTF Studios in Paris on 17^th November 1975, (six tracks of which were released as a single LP in 2020). At least all those new fans who came on board with the Floating Pointscollaboration in 2022 have lots to go at. It’s hard to say which has been the best but this newest release has to be up there.

Stockport Jazz

This week Stockport Jazz welcomes saxophonist Jim Collins and trumpeter John Hulme to the Moor Club, with Paul Hartley (guitar), Ken Marley (bass) and Andrew Bold (drums).

Sunday 14th December 2025

8-10pm, doors open at 7.30pm

£5 entry on the door, all welcome

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

Press release: Aberdeen's Blue Lamp to close. (First posted on F/b)

Dear Friends, Patrons and Music-Lovers, It’s with a heavy heart that we will be announcing the closure of The Blue Lamp. After seven decades of being a warm, welcoming home for music, laughter, conversation and community, our last night of opening will be Tuesday 30th December.

Since its founding in 1949, The Blue Lamp has stood as an Aberdeen institution — a place where generations gathered, where friendships were forged, and where the sounds of jazz, blues, folk and countless unforgettable gigs filled the air. Over the years, it has become far more than “just a pub”; it has been a vital part of the city’s cultural soul.

Single taster by Laila Biali -- Rocky Mountain Lullaby (self released)

A single from Laila Biali's new album Wintersongs. I've yet to hear the complete album but on the strength of this one track I can't wait to hear the rest. No wonder she received 858 votes in this year's Downbeat Poll. If I'd have heard it earlier in the year Laila would have had 859.  

"She is an exciting and unique talent, and I admire her greatly." – Sting

There's also some nice flute playing too by one of the orchestral ensemble. Check this Canadian, Grammy nominated, singer/pianist out. Lance

Steven Moore @ Northumbria University - Dec. 9

Steven Moore (marimba)

Last week, James Birkett and Emma Fisk presented their winning 'Joe Venuti-Eddie Lang' set. This week, Northumbria University's term time Tuesday lunchtime concert series reverted to the norm, ie a programme of classical music. This afternoon's concert featured percussionist Steven Moore. If the name sounds familiar, workaholic Steven runs the thriving Yamaha Music Schools in Blyth and North Shields. Today's programme wouldn't be entirely without a jazz connection. 

Two-handed, four mallets, Steven introduced each piece with insights into both composer and composition. JS Bach's sublime Cello Suite No.1, with its familiar Prelude, opened the concert. All six movements - Prelude; Allemande; Courante; Sarabande; Menuets; Gigue - were indeed sublime. 

Gordon Goodwin (1954 - Dec. 8, 2025)

Gordon Goodwin, leader of the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band passed away yesterday (Dec. 8) at the age of 70. Regarded by many as the arranger of the age, his charts provided core material for bands of all ages and abilities. I doubt if there is a big band anywhere in the world that doesn't have at least one of his arrangements in the pad.

Although I personally never heard Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band live my fellow scribe Russell, back in 2017, made the trip to Manchester to catch them live.

His glowing review of the concert can be read HERE. 

Gordon Goodwin will be sadly missed by anyone who has ever sat in the section of a big band, as well as those who love the sound of a swinging big band playing well-arranged charts.

REST IN PEACE

Lance

Sue Ferris Quintet @ Blaydon Jazz Club - Dec. 8

© Roly Veitch

Sue Ferris (tenor sax); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ben Lawrence (keyboards); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

The Black Bull's Christmas tree and decorations framed the stage. In one corner of the room an interval buffet awaited (thanks to the Black Bull and Blaydon Jazz Club). Blaydon Jazz Club's final concert of the year would feature the Sue Ferris Quintet. At a little before eight, Blaydon's many regulars had taken their seats, joined by a few new faces. Old Speckled Hen the pick, the first set was about to begin.

Sue Ferris is a favourite at Blaydon Jazz Club. This evening our multi-reeds star would restrict herself to playing tenor sax. Opening with Clifford Brown's Sandu, for the next couple of hours or so we would be living in a 'jazz world', the 'outside world' could wait. Sue's cast iron 'Blue Note' tenor sax, frontline partner Graham Hardy's assured trumpet and flugelhorn, the piano player in the corner, Ben Lawrence, and the ace bass and drums pairing of Andy Champion and drummer John Bradford guaranteed an evening of first rate jazz. 

Album review: Max Ionata Special Edition - Tivoli (Mingus Records)

Max Ionata (sax); Martin Sjöstedt (piano); Jesper Bodilsen (double bass); Martin Andersen (drums)

To quote the blurb - Italian lyricism meeting the clarity and eloquence of Scandinavian jazz - it more or less sums up this delightful album. Certainly Ionata has lyricism aplenty and the technique to exploit it to the full. I'm not sure if he's blowing alto or tenor, the beautiful tone and the lightness with which it is deployed brought Stan Getz to mind so I guess it's tenor.

The Scandinavian rhythm section brings back memories of those halcyon days when Swedish musicians were the go-getters of 1950s European modern jazz - This trio too know how to swing.

Grant Russell Quartet @ the Moor Club, Stockport - Dec. 7

Ed Kainyek (tenor/soprano sax); Richard Harrold (piano); Grant Russell (bass); Luke Flowers (drums)

There was a change in the advertised line up with Ed Kainyek stepping in for Kyran Matthews on tenor and soprano sax. The rest of the band featured leader Grant Russell on bass, Manchester stalwart Luke Flowers on drums and classically trained pianist Richard Harrold who with the HLK Trio has recorded and toured with master percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie. 

Sammy Davis Jr. - Birth of the Blues (Live)

Today (Dec. 8) marks the centenary of the birth of one of the all-time great entertainers - Sammy Davis Jr.

Sammy was born on this day in Harlem in 1925 and left us on May 16, 1990.

Long gone but not forgotten. Lance

Sarah Spencer's Transatlantic Band @ Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club - Dec. 6

Sarah Spencer (tenor sax, vocals); 'Magic' Mike Henry (cornet); Rob Pearce (trombone); Jesper Capion Larsen (clarinet); Rachel Hayward (banjo, guitar); Jim Swinnerton (string bass); Graham Smith (drums)

Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club's final concert of the year featured Sarah Spencer's Transatlantic Band. Half an hour before the first set, DNOJC's loyal supporters were taking their seats, eagerly looking forward to two sets (2 x 60 mins) of good old New Orleans jazz. Spencer's band comprised the usual suspects plus special guest Jesper Capion Larsen.

Cable Street Rag Band @ Jamboree, King's Cross - Dec. 4

Ewan Bleach (alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet, vocals); Joplin Parnell (piano); John Kelly (guitar); Harry Evans (double bass)

A stone's throw from King's Cross Railway Station, just off Gray's Inn Road, tucked away on St Chad's Place, stands Jamboree. On a Wednesday afternoon you can find TJ Johnson playing a few tunes, often with guests sitting in. All very casual, free admission too (be sure to tip TJ). This Thursday evening (admission in advance or on the door) Ewan Bleach was holding court, as he does every week. 

The Cable Street Rag Band comprises a hardcore of musicians, plus whoever is available on the night. This evening, Bleach was able to call upon guitarist John Kelly, string bassist Harry Evans and the late-arriving Joplin Parnell (piano). All very casual (as with TJ Johnson), this is a dancer's gig. Bleach and his merry band played whatever they liked and the many dancing couples seemed to like it. 

Giacomo Smith Big Band: Ellington's Nutcracker Suite & More @ Ronnie Scott's - Dec. 4

Giacomo Smith (alto sax, clarinet); Rico Tomasso (trumpet, vocals), Tom Walsh, Pete Horsfall, Laura Jurd (trumpets); Zach Sholapurkar (alto sax); Alec Harper (tenor sax); Alex Garnett (tenor sax, clarinet); Jessamy Holder (baritone sax); Dan Higham, Joe Evans, James Wade Sired (trombones); Joe Webb (piano); Honey Boulton (guitar); Anders Fjeldsted (double bass); Snorre Kirk (drums)

Kansas Smitty's lockdown livestreams rapidly became unmissable occasions (jazz fans connecting with old friends, some making new online friends*) and the 2020 Kansas Smitty's Big Band Christmas Day stream recreating Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite has taken its place in the archive. It's a gem.  

Fast forward to December this year (2025). A Thursday evening sold out first house, a sold out second house, Ronnie Scott's was doing good business. Forty eight hours later (Saturday) it would be the same story - two sold out performances. This Thursday evening first house, featuring Giacomo Smith's Big Band (formerly Kansas Smitty's Big Band), signalled the start of the festive season. 

Preview: Sunday night at the Globe: Lindsay Hannon - Tom Waits For No Man

Lindsay Hannon presents her tribute show Tom Waits For No One at the Globe tonight. In the company of Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (bass) and Brendan Murphy on various percussive items it promises to be the hottest ticket in town tonight. 

As an added bonus, the show starts an hour earlier than usual at 7:00pm with a performance by some of the students from a pre-concert master class tutored by Lindsay. If only a small percentage of Lindsay's vocal skills have been absorbed then it will have been well worth it. Lance

TICKETS

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

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

Playlist 07/12/25 (repeated Tuesday 09/12/25).  
Requests: Stan Kenton/Lionel Hampton, Sidney Bechet,
Memories: Dave Brubeck, Frank Sinatra/Count Basie.
Human Rights Day: Martin Luther King, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong.
Requests: Memphis Slim, Thilo Wolf Big Band, Ruud Breuls & WDR Big Band, Benny Golson.

Late Night Chicago Radio w. Denny Farrell (Dec. 3 - Dec. 9)

Ray Bryant: Love Walked in.

Norah Jones: I 've Got to See You Again.

Paul Desmond/Jim Hall/Chet Baker: You'd be so Nice to Come Home to.

Michael O'Neill Quintet w.Tony Lindsay: The Way You Look Tonight.

Benny Goodman Quartet: Moonglow.

Joe Pass: Li'l Darlin'.

Beegie Adair: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.

Tony Bennett: Fly me to the Moon.

Stan Getz: Sweet Lorraine.

Dinah Washington: Ain't Misbehavin'.

Sonny Rollins: 'Round Midnight.

Etta James: At Last.

Listen Here (24/7)

Phil Upchurch (1941 - Nov. 23, 2025)

Legendary soul guitarist and session musician Phil Upchurch played on many recordinngs with various rock, pop and jazz/greats over a period of almost 70 years beginning when he was 16. These included Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Donny Hathaway, George Benson, Curtis Mayfield and many others including Ramsey Lewis, Quincy Jones, Stan Getz and Dizzy Gillespie. 

He will be sadly missed by the fans of many genres. 

Rest In Peace.

Lance

Organology @ The Exchange 1856, North Shields - Dec. 4

© Ken Drew

Gilad Atzmon (alto sax); Ross Stanley (Hammond); Joel Barford  (drums)

I could sum up this gig in one word - Awesome! or in four words - Gig of the Year, it was that good. However, for those pernickety readers who want more then I'll give you three good reasons for the superlatives.

1. Joel Barford. He could make a lead balloon swing. Amazing technique. A young dog with new tricks.

© Ken Drew

2. Ross Stanley. The undisputed master of the Hammond and Leslie  the perfect foil for what's going on in front.

3. Gilad Atzmon. Gilad ensured there was plenty going on in front. Apart from his incredible technique the thing that grabbed me was his sound. he blows the air down one end and it comes out the other which is what all brass and woodwind players do. In Gilad's case however, the column of air resonates off the body of the instrument resulting in that big fat sound. Bird had it, Konitz dIdn't, Gilad has.

Steve Cropper (1941 - Dec. 3, 2025)

The sad news has been announced of the passing of guitar legend Steve Cropper.

Best known for his work with Booker T and the MGs, Cropper also recorde and co-wrote Otis Reddings' Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay  and Wilson Pickett's In the Midnight Hour.

He appeared with Booker T at Newcastle City Hall in an all-star guitar extravaganza probably in the 1980s/'90s.

Rest In Peace.

Lance

Preview: Organology @ The Exchange 1856, North Shields (8:00pm)

All roads lead to North Shields tonight for some anticipated musical fireworks by Organology at North Shields' premier music venue the Exchange 1856.

With the dynamic Gilad Atzmon blowing alto sax like Bird, Cannonball and  Ornette all rolled into one, Ross Stanley pushing the B3 to its limits and new kid on the block Joel Barford showing the drum legends a  thing or two you have the ingredients for an unforgetable  evening of jazz, funk, soul and who knows what else?

This promises to be an 'I was there' moment don't miss out - your grandkids will never forgive you!

Anthropology, Ornithology, Organology - you can't go wrong when you've got an 'ology'. Lance

P.S.: Check out Organology on F/b for a taste of what's in store.

Album review: Brad Schrader - Late Nights (self released)

Brad Schrader (vocals); Jerry Vezza (piano, M.D.); Alex Claffy (bass); Andrew Van Tassell (tenor/alto sax); Khary Abdul-Shahid (drums)

There is a magic that happens when the music, the mood and the moment are just right. So, sit back - with your dreams and someone special - and let these songs unlock a special connection. Join in for some LateNights.

Stockport Jazz

This Sunday Stockport Jazz welcomes the dynamic Grant Russell Quartet to the Moor Club. The band features Grant Russell (bass), Kyran Matthews (tenor sax), Rich Harrold (piano) and Luke Flowers (drums).

Sunday 7th December 2025

8-10pm, doors open at 7.30pm

£5 entry on the door, all welcome

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

James Birkett & Emma Fisk @ Northumbria University - Dec. 2

James Birkett (guitar); Emma Fisk (violin)

Sutherland Building, standing on the corner of Northumberland Road and College Street, is one of Northumbria University's more imposing buildings. The Great Hall dominates the first floor: high ceilings, ornate plaster features, a near walk-in size fireplace, yes, a quite impressive setting.

This afternoon's concert departed from the usual classical music programme. Guitarist James Birkett and violinist Emma Fisk would present their acclaimed Joe Venuti-Eddie Lang set. A large turn out - including one or two musicians of note - made for a sense of occasion. We would hear seven songs in a little over thirty five minutes.  

Luck Be A Lady ~ Down for the Count Swing Orchestra conducted by Mike Pa...

Tonight at Newcastle Cathedral the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra are Swinging into Christmas why not join them? 7:30pm start. Lance

Album review:Josh Rager Quartet - Heart's Pace (Bent River Records)

Josh Rager (piano); Peter Bernstein (guitar); Alec Walkington (bass); Rich Irwin (drums)

The blurb refers to Rager as a distinguished Canadian jazz pianist which may bring to your mind another musician who also fits that description. Like the late Oscar, Rager is indeed a distinguished Canadium pianist and composer.

Eight tracks - six originals and a couple of standards -  are sublimely played with outstanding solos by both  Rager and Bernstein. The latter's cool, laid back solo flights are the epitome of taste and gentle swing. The way piano and guitar intuitively pick up from where the other left off without loss of continuity is the mark of genius.

Sam Lightwing Quintet @ the Moor Club, Stockport

© Jeff Pritchard

Sam Lightwing (alto/tenor sax); Will Bird (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ethan Gillespie (piano); Pete Hartley (bass); Callum Montgomery (drums)

The band, which featured a frontline of Sam Lightwing on alto and tenor sax and Will Bird on trumpet and flugelhorn, played a mix of older material by Rollins and Clifford Brown alongside more recent tunes from Roy Hargrove's 2008 album Earfood  which gave both horns a chance to show off their blossoming talent. Will Bird on trumpet was very impressive on what was his debut performance at The Moor Club. 

Preview: December - it's one big Xmas prezzie!

As the 'Big Day' approaches you could be forgiven for thinking the north east jazz scene will slow down. Not a bit of it, December is as busy as ever! Here's a selection...Tuesday (Dec. 2) brings James Birkett & Emma Fisk to the Great Hall, Sutherland Building, Northumbria University. It's a 1:15pm start and, at free admission, it's a bargain!  In the evening there's seasonal joy with the mega sized Down For the Count Swing Orchestra at Newcastlle Cathedral

Thursday (Dec. 4) is the day Prohibition Bar in Middlesbrough hits the jazz trail. Trumpeter Noel Dennis is the first of hopefully many top class jazz musicians to appear at the Albert Road venue. At the same time, North Shields' Exchange 1856 presents Organology. As line-ups go, you'd be hard pressed to come up with something to better this - Gilad Atzmon (alto sax), Ross Stanley (organ) and drummer Joel Barford! Book now at: www.theexchange1856.com.

Happenstance @ Queen's Hall, Hexham - Nov. 30

Zdeněk Tománek (soprano sax); Noé Sécula (piano); Tommy Fuller (double bass); Luís Pérez-Villegas (drums)

They met as students studying in Basel. After a while each of them would go their own sweet way, since then, as and when schedules permit, the four members of Happenstance have continued to work together. A recent alignment of the stars enabled them to undertake a UK tour, this Hexham date one stop on their travels.

Bassist Tommy Fuller was the familiar face, the others were unknown quantities. The others being, from the Czech Republic, saxophonist Zdeněk Tománek, from France, pianist Noé Sécula, and from Spain, drummer Luís Pérez-Villegas. English being his first language, Fuller would do most of the talking.

A few November highlights

Six gigs I enjoyed in November (in alphabetical order):

Greg Abate w. Dean Stockdale Trio - the Globe

Paul Booth w. SSBB - Pilgrim

David Gray Flextet - the Globe

Groovetrain - Pilgrim

Lorne Lofsky/Nigel Price - the Globe

Tom Remon & Tony Ormesher - Lit & Phil

Jo Harrop & Paul Edis - Jazz FM (Sunday)

© Glenn Wright

This evening (Sunday 30th) Jo Harrop and Paul Edis can be heard in concert from Chapel Arts Centre, Bath. Tune to Jazz FM at nine o'clock for Nigel Williams Presents...Jo Harrop. 

Afterwards, log-on to these websites: 
www.theglasshouseicm.org 
www.thefirestation.org.uk 
www.queenshall.co.uk 

to book your seats for Paul Edis: A Jazzy Christmas featuring a host of A-listers including, of course, superstar Jo Harrop. Russell 

Film review: Blue Moon (Director: Richard Linklater) @ Tyneside Cinema - Nov. 29 (playing thru to Dec. 4)

The first biopic of composers Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart was Words and Music released back in 1948 starring Tom Drake and Mickey Rooney as the two principals.

The music was tremendous in the form of cameo appearances by, among others, Lena Horne (Lady is a Tramp) and Mel Tormé (Blue Moon). Sadly, the storyline didn't match the music. It was fictionalised beyond the bounds of  credibility. As one reviewer put it, Abbot and Costello would have been better suited to the lead roles!

No such problem with Blue Moon. Filmed on a single set depicting the bar of a plush hotel on Broadway, it depicts the decline and fall of Lorenz Hart, arguably the greatest lyricist of them all. Played by Ethan Hawke, he delivers, dare I say it? an Oscar winning performance depicting the demons and delusions of an artist watching on as his former songwriting partner Rodgers, played by Andrew Scott, is feted and fawned over by the cream of Gotham society after the triumphant first night of Oklahoma! Richard Rogers' first show with his new collaborator Oscar Hammerstein II.

Press release: Strictly Smokin's Christmas @ the O2 City Hall, Newcastle - Dec. 13 (6:00pm)

Black Friday ticket deal!

Pushing the boat out for our 15th year of Christmas shows... 

SSBB featuring Matt Ford, Bradley Creswick, Alice Grace and Northern Orchestra, plus world premieres from the pen of Stuart Mclean-Fowler...

This is shaping up to be the most wonderful Christmas show at City Hall... the band is sounding GREAT (video below!!), Matt Ford is poised to leap into action, Bradley Creswick is tuning his fiddle as we speak, Alice & Sanaz are sounding sublime, the orchestra is booked, and tickets are flying out...

...plus until Wednesday 3rd December you can grab Black Friday tickets with 30% off!

If you're travelling from further afield and making a weekend of it - we can recommend hotels and help you fill the rest of your weekend.

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

Playlist 30/11/25 (repeated Tuesday 02/12/25).  

Seasonal: Fats Waller.

Requests: Dave Brubeck, Count Basie.

What’s on in the NE: James Birkett & Emma Fisk, Alligator Gumbo, Sarah Spencer's Transatlantic Band: Nat Adderley, Billy Strayhorn.

Requests: Ted Greene, Stjepko Gut & the RTB Big Band.

New Release: John Donegan.

Memories: Wynton Kelly, Bob Cranshaw/Miles Davis.

Requests: Oliver Nelson, John Patitucci.

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

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