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Bebop Spoken There

Sullivan Fortner: ''I always judge it by the bass player: If the bass player is happy, it's going to be a good night". (DownBeat, February 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

17777 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 98 of them this year alone and, so far, 23 this month (Feb.8).

From This Moment On ...

February 2025

Tue 11: Steve Summers Quintet @ Newcastle House Hotel, Rothbury. 7:30pm.

Wed 12: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 12: Jam session @ The Tannery, Gilesgate, Hexham. 7:00-9:00pm. Free.
Wed 12: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 12: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 13: Student Performances @ King’s Hall, Newcastle University. 4:00pm. Free. Inc. Olly Styles (tenor sax).
Thu 13: MOBO Awards Fringe 2025: Artist Showcase @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 7:00pm. Free (ticketed). Line-up inc. Hannabiell & Midnight Blue.
Thu 13: Indigo Jazz Voices @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:45pm. £5.00.

Fri 14: John Rowland Trio @ Jesmond Library, Newcastle. 12:30-1:30pm. £5.00. at the door. New second Friday in the month concert series.
Fri 14: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 14: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 14: Jason Isaacs @ St. James’ STACK, Newcastle. 4:00-6:00pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Fri 14: Archipelago + Anna Tempest @ Cobalt Studios, Newcastle. 7:00pm. £12.00., £10.00., £8.00.
Fri 14: Paul Jones & Dave Kelly @ Alnwick Playhouse. 7:30pm. Rhythm & blues.
Fri 14: Alexia Gardner Quintet @ The White Room, Stanley. 7:45pm.
Fri 14: Jazz Sabbath @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 8:00pm.

Sat 15: Joseph Carville Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free.
Sat 15: James Birkett & Emma Fisk @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 7:30pm. £15.00. at the door; £14.35. (inc £0.35 bf) online, in advance.
Sat 15: Elkie Brooks @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 7:30pm. ‘The Long Farewell Tour’.
Sat 15: Milne Glendinning Band @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.

Sun 16: Jason Isaacs @ STACK, Exchange Sq., Middlesbrough. 1:00-2:45pm. Free. Vocalist Isaacs working with backing tapes.
Sun 16: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 16: MOBO Awards Fringe 2025: BBC Introducing NE X MOBO Showcase @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead. 6:00pm. Free (ticketed). Line-up inc. Jambone, Knats, Rivkala, SwanNek.
Sun 16: The Shayo Experience @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sun 16: Gerry Richardson Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.
Sun 16: Jazz Jam @ Fabio’s, Saddler St., Durham. 8:00pm. Free. A Durham University Jazz Society promotion. All welcome.

Mon 17: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 17: Russ Morgan Quartet @ The Black Bull, Blaydon. 8:00pm. £10.00.

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, February 10, 2025

Preview: Russ Morgan Quartet (Blaydon - Mon. Feb. 17)

In April last year Russ Morgan's new quartet produced a brilliant debut performance at the Black Bull in Blaydon. Drummer Morgan's ace quartet returns to the Bridge Street hostelry next week (Mon. Feb. 17) to launch Blaydon Jazz Club's 2025 concert programme. 

Join Morgan, Harry Keeble (tenor sax), Mark Williams (guitar) and Andy Champion (double bass) for an eight o'clock start. Admission at the door is a bargain tenner. See you there! Russell   

Album review: Rachael Calladine Quartet - The Game (33jazz)

Rachael Calladine (vocals); Pat McCarthy (guitar); Andrew Tytherleigh (bass); Simon Potts (drums)

Calladine is a new name to me. This could possibly be because she spent over a decade in Dubai and the wider Middle East. However, since those days she has been making a name for herself on the  UK (London) jazz and soul scene - on the strength of this album I have to add, deservedly so.

The voice is as smooth as silk making it, in effect, more soulful than some of those other soul sisters who come at you firing both barrels from a 12-bar shotgun.

The gentle swing that McCarthy, Tytherleigh and Potts lay down behind the voice  is the perfect cushion with McCarthy's solos the epitome of  taste and Tytherleigh's bass lines something really special - particularly on Dream a Little Dream of me.

The material is well-balanced, a mix of originals and standards:

Jazz on the Tyne – Valentine’s Special 2025

In this special edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead plays music by Ella Fitzgerald, Jamie McCredie, the Julian Costello Quartet feat. Georgia Mancio, Jim Doherty, No Frontiers, Matt Carmichael, Douyé, Amy Gadiaga, the Charlie Parker Quintet, the Miles Davis Quintet, and Samara Joy.

You can listen to the show anytime HERE.

Plus, you can request tunes for future programmes, or pass on news or feedback by emailing Colin at jazz.tyne.hive@gmail.com or by heading to www.jazzonthetyne.org.

Sunday night @ the Globe: Rod Oughton’s Tomorrow’s New Quartet with Ben van Gelder - Feb. 9

© Ken Drew
Ben van Gelder (alto sax); Deschanel Gordon (piano); Flo Moore (bass guitar); Rod Oughton (drums/voice)

Another winner from the JNE/Jazz Coop joint promotion squad at the Globe.

The músic by Rod Oughton's Tomorrow's New Quartet may be contemporary but it is well within the boundaries of accessibility for all but the mouldiest of figs and even that (hopefully) dying breed can't have failed to respond to Oughton's interaction with the audience. Apart from being a fine drummer and composer he's a card, as witnessed by his inter-round summaries.

The opening Outro (Intro?), a meandering piece that had the feeling of band and audience  psyching each other out - like the mating ritual of two unneutered cats.

Sunday, February 09, 2025

Press release: TONIGHT! Jazz.Coop at The Globe and Jazz North East present …

Rod Oughton’s Tomorrow’s New Quartet with Ben van Gelder

Ben van Gelder (alto sax); Deschanel Gordon (piano); Flo Moore (bass); Rod Oughton (drums)

Tomorrow’s New Quartet is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting jazz bands emerging from the British scene. Taking inspiration from Chick Corea’s ‘Return To Forever’ and Keith Jarrett’s ‘European Quartet’, Tomorrow’s New Quartet has been thrilling audiences all over the country with its engaging brand of modern jazz.

Preview: Wynton Marsalis - BBC4 (Sunday)

On BBC4 at twenty minutes to midnight - don't nod off! - it's Wynton Marsalis Plays Blue Note: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Recorded at Harrogate's Royal Hall in 2014 and first broadcast in May 2015, Wynton Marsalis and the magnificent JLCO salute the Blue Note record label and its many star stablemates in what was then (in 2014) its 75th anniversary year. Russell     

Saturday, February 08, 2025

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

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

Playlist 09/02/25 (repeated Tuesday 11/02/25)

Requests from the Alan Barnes gig:  Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Alan Barnes & Dave Newton, Art Pepper, Tubby Hayes Orchestra, Martin Taylor, Glenn Miller & His Orchestra, Gene Harris, Monty Alexander.

New release: Michael Buckley.

Request: Serge Chaloff.

USA Black History Month:

Valentine's Day Preview: Jazz Messengers.

Aycliffe Radio is available on DAB in County Durham & the Darlington Area. 

 

Preview: Indigo Jazz Voices @ The Globe - Thursday Feb. 13

Come and envision yourself with the one you adore at either end of a piece of spaghetti on Valentine’s Eve with the song He’s a Tramp. This is just one of the delights you can expect to hear at Indigo Jazz Voices on Thursday. Other songs to expect are: Miss Otis Regrets, The Thrill is Gone and My Foolish Heart.

The lovely individual vocal performers are: David Edgar, Jen Errington, Paul Close, Jenny Lingham and Carrie McCullock. They are accompanied by three marvellous musician, who you will know well by now: Alan Law (piano); Paul Grainger (bass) and Rob Walker (drums).
 
Performance starts upstairs at The Globe at 7.45pm
 
£5 cash on the door.
 
See you there! CMc

Friday, February 07, 2025

Album review: Simon Spillett Quartet - Up In Town (mister PC)

Simon Spillett (tenor sax); Rob Barron (piano); Alec Dankworth (bass); Pete Cater (drums)

A small group album by Simon Spillett is always welcome and Up In Town is no exception.

Recorded  live at Pizza Express last February it swings like so few bands do today - more's the pity. Post bop, hard bop, call it what  you will. Me, I call it Music and the capital M is intentional!

Spillett, being the undisputed authority on Tubby Hayes (LINK), not surprisingly opted for tunes composed by Tubbs or that were associated with him. However, these are no mere cover versions but numbers selected on merit and suitability for this hard driving quartet. The leader's technique, like that of his mentor, is awesome despite his never having actually seen Hayes live. Nevertheless, he listened and learned - the flame is in safe hands.

Ella on Sky Arts (tonite, Friday 7th)

This evening (Friday) Sky Arts serves up a double helping of Ella. At eight o'clock, Ella Fitzgerald: Live at Montreux features Ella at Montreux in 1969. The set list includes GASbook favourites plus other material from the time, for example Hey Jude and Sunshine of Your Love. Following at 9:30pm is Leslie Woodhead's 2020 documentary film Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things. Russell      

Album review: Brent Laidler, featuring Mark Buselli & Ned Boyd - Hidden Gems (BEL Records)

Brent Laidler (guitar); Mark Buselli (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ned Boyd (alto sax, flute); Jamie Newman (organ); Richard “Sleepy” Floyd (drums); Scott Pazara (bass on all tracks except Ballad for B and Without a Tres).

With Hidden Gems, Indiana-based guitarist, composer, arranger, jazz radio host, clinician, and all-around super-interesting gent, Brent Laidler and his outstanding crew of colleagues offers a unique 10-track musical mystery tour - of sorts. Submersing himself into a century of music drawn from fake books and other sources (while avoiding composing simple contrafacts), Laidler brilliantly reconstituted said music, composing terrific original melodic and harmonic material. It is an outstanding recording and fun attempting to recognize the original sources.

Rose Room @ The Globe, Newcastle - Feb. 6


Seonaid Aitken (violin, vocals); Conor Smith (guitar); Tam Gallagher (guitar, vocals); Jimmy Moon (double bass)

The Globe welcomed Seonaid Aitken and her Rose Room bandmates to play two sets of Hot Club-inspired numbers. Rose Room features the violin and vocals of Aitken (last heard by BSH at Georgia Cécile's November 2021 Queen's Hall, Edinburgh album launch concert) and the guitar of Conor Smith. 

Thursday, February 06, 2025

NUFC's secret weapon

I suppose you think that it was Isak, Gordon, Murphy and co that beat Arsenal at St. James' Park last night and it's true they did help but, what the Gunners didn't realise was that Newcastle had a secret weapon.

Johnny 'Blue Hat' Davis!

Although he'd played with Sam Fender* on the hallowed turf inside the stadium, last night he entertained the crowd outside. His presence and his music no doubt giving the fans a feel good factor which they in turn transmitted to the team.

Take a bow Mr Blue Hat - Player of the Match. Lance  

*Before joining Sam Fender's backing band the tenor sax player was a regular at the old Jazz Café jam sessions.

Lewis Watson Quartet @ King's Hall, Newcastle Uni. - Feb. 6

© Russell
Lewis Watson (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (bass); John Bradford (drums)

It's good that Lewis is back on the scene. After a period of time where his name was invariably pre-fixed with whatever became of? the ace tenor saxist is once again gigging and with a band worthy of a musician of his calibre. Truth is, all three are leaders in their own right making for an unbeatable combination.

The King's Hall was well-attended and the audience appreciative - how could they not be? The five originals by Lewis, unlike so many 'originals', were accessible and imaginative. 

Wednesday, February 05, 2025

Album review: Nick Costley-White - Poncha (Ubuntu Music)

Nick Costley-White (guitar); Julian Siegel (saxophone); Conor Chaplin (bass); James Maddren (drums)

Seven original compositions by Costley-White on this, his third album. Based around Latin rhythms from Cuba and Brazil it's a quite delightful mix of those exotic tempos and up-dated west coast jazz.

Costley-White is laid back and relaxed as is Siegel. At times the album brings to mind Stan Getz's collaborations with Johnny Smith or Charlie Byrd. Unison lines between sax and guitar executed to perfection. Having said that, this is no mere technical exercise, although in many respects it could be that for a student - providing same student could capture the emotion, the feeling, behind the notes. It would be difficult as each composition is deeply personal to the composer.

The Black Swan jam session flies again @ Newcastle Arts Centre - Feb. 4

Ben Phillips (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); Bailey Rudd (drums) + Kate O'Niell (vocals); David Gray (trombone); Luis Verde (alto sax); Jan Spencelayh (vocals); Olly Styles (alto sax); Edgar Bell (trumpet); Lara Hopper (trumpet); Neil Hopper (double bass); Liam Oliver (guitar); Shayo Oshodi (vocals); Martin Waugh (piano); Jamie Watkins (double bass); Paul Ruddick (alto sax); Shivan Ruddick (trumpet); John Rowland (tenor sax); Laurence Harrison (guitar); Robert Johnson (alto sax); Jed (drums); Dylan (alto sax); Josh Bentham (alto sax); Owen Jones (double bass); Ian Drever (vocals); Becky Tuck (vocals); Remy Coulthard-Boardman (vocals); Theo Nolan (drums); Esther Coombes (alto sax, clarinet)  

Closed for refurbishment for something like six weeks, would the Black Swan look any different? Queueing in the courtyard of Newcastle Arts Centre ahead of doors opening at seven o'clock, thoughts turned to who might be sitting in. Descending the stairs to the Black Swan, the bar area hadn't changed one jot. It transpired the women's loos had been the focus of the refurb.

Kenny Kirsopp funeral arrangements

The funeral of Kenny Kirsopp (Kenny the Sax) will take place on Wednesday Feb. 19 at South Tyneside Crematorium at 2:45pm. 

Tuesday, February 04, 2025

Press release: Exceleration Music Announces Acquisition of Mack Avenue Music Group, Expanding Exceleration’s Commitment to Jazz

Nashville, Jan 31, 2025  Exceleration Music, the prominent global music company dedicated to advancing the future of independent music proudly announces the acquisition of Mack Avenue Music Group, the globally celebrated collection of jazz labels known for its exceptional roster of artists and award-winning catalogs.

This deal strengthens Exceleration Music’s commitment to both legacy and new jazz artists, as it already owns the legendary, multiple Grammy® award-winning, Candid Records. Post acquisition, Mack Avenue’s operations will be integrated with Candid Records to form Exceleration’s overall jazz group and will be led by current Mack Avenue President, Denny Stilwell. This collective jazz group will also feature a team of other key executives from both Mack Avenue and Candid Records.

Lewis Watson Quartet @ Central Bar, Gateshead - Feb. 2

Lewis Watson (tenor sax); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

In Independent Venue Week they came out of the woodwork for this one. Central Bar's upstairs concert room filled up nicely. Two o'clock on a Sunday afternoon, some people no doubt had better things to do - like what? - but here on Half Moon Lane the hardcore got themselves a beer, took a seat and awaited the arrival of the man. Yes, King Lewis was in town (Gateshead town).

Opening with Earth, Lewis Watson's magisterial tenor playing was a thing of wondrous beauty. Commanding, powerful, this was tenor saxophone playing at its very best. Watson's bandmates - Mark Williams, guitar, Andy Champion, bass, and drummer John Bradford - are A-listers and their abilities would be put to the test across two terrific sets. 

R.I.P. Diana Melly (1937- Feb. 2, 2025)

Diana Melly, writer and wife of the late jazz singer George Melly, died on Sunday.

As outré as George - maybe even more so - her Bohemian lifestyle is captured to perfection in this Times obituary - read HERE.
Diana Melly was 87. Lance

Alan Barnes & John Hallam with the Tom Kincaid Trio @ Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club - Feb.1

Alan Barnes (alto sax, baritone sax, clarinet); John Hallam (tenor sax, baritone sax, clarinet); Tom Kincaid (piano); Dave Tomkins (double bass); Eryl Roberts (drums)

The third and final concert of Alan Barnes' flying visit to the region attracted a large crowd. In excess of one hundred fans turned out as Barnes reunited with John Hallam at Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club. Our duo met up with the Tom Kincaid Trio in time for a half past twelve start. 

Barnes (AB) and Hallam (JH) opened on clarinet - As Long As I Live (Harold Arlen), followed by Oh, Lady Be Good! (George Gershwin). The Larchfield Street audience liked what it was hearing - more GASbook than N'Awlins, but, when these guys are on stage, no one but no one can fail to like what they play! Cole Porter's What is This Thing Called Love? maintained the highest of standards (AB, alto, JH, tenor) and it was a joy to listen to a top class trio - Messrs, Tom Kincaid, Dave Tomkins and Eryl Roberts.  

Monday, February 03, 2025

Album review: Nishla Smith & Tom Harris - Live in Manchester (digital download)

Nishla Smith (vocals); Tom Harris (piano)

A pleasant vignette from a singer not entirely unknown in the north east. In fact not at all unknown in the north east if you were a regular at the old Jazz Café jam sessions, or at the Globe when, strangely, she shared the bill with the Tenement Jazz Band, or if you were at the Sage (now the Glasshouse) when she was part of the faculty of that cultural centre's musical education programme. 

Now firmly established in Manchester this is her second album to be featured here after her 2021 release Friends With Monsters. That one was by her quintet and featured mainly original material. This time it's pared down to just piano accompaniment and some good old good ones. 

Alan Barnes with the Mick Shoulder Trio @ Opus 4 Jazz Club - Jan. 31

Alan Barnes (alto sax, baritone sax, clarinet); Alan Law (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Tim Johnston (drums)

The second of Alan Barnes' three 'up north' gigs attracted a disappointingly small crowd to Darlington's Opus 4 Jazz Club. A lack of publicity for the concert no doubt contributed to the poor turn out. The Traveller's Rest on West Auckland Road is a key jazz venue in Darlington which deserves better.

To the concert...as in Bishop Auckland earlier in the day, Alan Barnes  would play two sets in the company of bassist Mick Shoulder's trio featuring pianist Alan Law and drummer Tim Johnston. Kenny Barron's Voyage set the standard, the tempo just right, we were all ears for what was to follow. What followed was amazing alto sax playing from Barnes, launching into Bird's Steeplechase, seamlessly segueing into Sonny Stitt's The Eternal Triangle. If that had been it, we would have gone home happy. 

Press release: John Rowland Trio @ Jesmond Library on Feb. 14

Two of the best known local musicians, Alan Law (piano) and Paul Grainger (bass), join John Rowland (tenor saxophone) for Valentine’s lunchtime jazz on February 14.

This will be the first of several monthly sessions in support of the library. Donations welcome.

Jesmond Library is wholly volunteer run and funded so, if you can, please consider a donation through justgiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/jesmond-library

St. George’s Terrace, Jesmond NE2 2DL.

Photo image © Kate O’Neill

Doors: 12:30pm. Music: 1:00pm. £5.00 on the door.

Sunday, February 02, 2025

Alan Barnes with the Mick Shoulder Trio @ Auckland Castle - Jan. 31

Alan Barnes (alto sax, baritone sax, clarinet); Alan Law (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); Tim Johnston (drums)

The first of Alan Barnes' three north east concert dates attracted a full house. Closed for six weeks for annual maintenance, Auckland Castle's management decided to open the historic Bishop Auckland building's Old Library especially to accommodate Mr B.   

All seats occupied, Barnes renewed acquaintance with Mick Shoulder and several fans of long standing. Bassist Shoulder invited pianist Alan Law and drummer Tim Johnston to form a trio for this concert, the first of two with Barnes on this last day of January. Opening with There'll Never Be Another You, AB stretched out, MS responsive and entirely comfortable with the material, Messrs Law and Johnston perhaps a little tentative, understandably so, taking to the stage alongside the great Alan Barnes. 

Album review: Kenny Wheeler Legacy – Some Days are Better (Greenleaf Music)

The Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra directed by Nick Smart and Frost Jazz Orchestra directed by John Daversa plus special contributions from Shelly Berg (piano track 3); Etienne Charles (flugelhorn track 10); James Copus (flugelhorn tracks 3, 6, 7); John Daversa (trumpet tracks 9, 11); Ingrid Jensen (trumpet (track 1); Brian Lynch (flugelhorn (track 5); Evan Parker (soprano and tenor saxophone tracks 2, 7); Chris Potter (tenor saxophone track 4); Nick Smart (flugelhorn tracks 2, 8); Norma Winstone (voice tracks 2, 4)

In 1968 Kenny Wheeler and the John Dankworth Orchestra released Windmill Tilter, an album composed by Kenny Wheeler. Wheeler’s second album, Song For Someone, came out in 1973. In between he wrote and arranged for a big band whose only outlet was the BBC who broadcast the Band’s performances in the 1970s. These tunes and arrangements have been exhumed from that era and make up this album. Some of them (e.g. Smatta (as Smatter) and Song For Someone) have been heard before on albums from the period and, happily, Norma Winstone and Evan Parker have also traversed the arc from those seventies albums to appear on Some Days are Better.

Album review: Mafalda Minnozzi - Riofonic (MPI)

Mafalda Minnozzi (vocals); Roberto Menescal (vocals on 2,6,7,9/acoustic guitar on 1-7,9,12); Paul Ricci (electric guitar all tracks/acoustic guitar on 10,12); Kassin (electric bass (on all tracks except 8,11); Jorge Helder (acoustic bass on 8,11); Joao Cortez (drums, percussion); Jaques Morelenbaum (cello on 11); Rafael Rocha (trombone on7,10,13); Marcelo Martins (tenor sax on 10, 12, soprano sax on 4, flute on 6, alto flute on 5); Jessé Sadoc (trumpet on 10,  flugelhorn on 13).

Primorosos is a Portuguese adjective that translates as “exquisite” or “tasteful.” It’s the kind of word that gently slides off one’s tongue and one that perfectly describes Mafalda Minnozzi’s latest album release, Riofonic. As one might surmise, it is a recording that features the musical breezes of Terra do Brazil in abundance as fourteen selections are offered featuring both classic and novel fare.

House of the Black Gardenia @ 'Somewhere in Jesmond' - Feb. 1

© Russell
Elise Rana (vocals, washboard); Pete Tanton (trumpet); David Gray (trombone); Keith Robinson (reeds); Katja Roberts (violin); Elliott Rush (piano); Michael Littlefield (guitar, banjo, vocals); Neil Hopper (bass, sousaphone); Kit Haigh (drums)

The house was impressive, top end of six figures, inside it was wall to wall eating, drinking, dancing and goodness knows what else! Resplendent in his officers mess dress uniform (Guards?) mein host introduced the House of the Black Gardenia to the rapidly filling mini ballroom where the swing dancers were straining at the leash ready to strut their stuff and strut it they did - mein host leading the charge as his forebears may have done at Sebastopol.

Band and dancers were soon rhythmically connected. Saxist, singer Fiona Finden later commented that they were as one with each inspiring the other.

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

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

Playlist 02/02/25 (repeated Tuesday 04/02/25)

Seasonal: Ella Fitzgerald & Duke Ellington.

Requests: B.B. King & Eric Clapton, George Chisholm, Mark Cherrie Quartet.

Memories: James P. Johnson, Sonny Stitt, Stan Getz.

Saturday, February 01, 2025

SSBB Christmas Special @ O2 City Hall - special offers.

Back in the day when I first took an interest in jazz big bands ruled. British bands such as Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth (as he was then), Eric Delaney, Vic Lewis, Jack Parnell and the short-lived Ronnie Scott Orchestra led the way for legendary American bands in the form of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich and Woody Herman among others.

Where did I see all of those fabulous aggregations of the finest musicians? At Newcastle City Hall of course.

And now the wheel has turned the full circle and the venue opens its doors once more to a great big band show that promises to surpass or at the very least equal anything from those days of yore.

Friday, January 31, 2025

Jazz on the Tyne – What’s On & What’s New, February 2025

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead previews upcoming gigs and showcases new releases, with music by Knats, the Mark Williams Trio, Gerry Richardson, the Strictly Smokin' Big Band, Emma Rawicz, OUTRI, Zoë Gilby & Andy Champion, Phil Bancroft's Beautiful Storm, the Brian Molley Quartet & the Asin Langa Ensemble, and Emma Fisk & James Birkett.

You can listen to the show anytime HERE.

Plus, you can request music for future programmes, or pass on news or feedback by emailing Colin at jazz.tyne.hive@gmail.com or by heading to www.jazzonthetyne.org.

Press release: Kay revisits Golden Sands for Jazz Thursdays

© Mariola Zolasz

Helena Kay returns to the Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh on Thursday February 13 for the second in a series of four concerts that the saxophonist has been invited to curate by the venue.

Promoted under the Jazz Thursdays banner, the concert features Kay’s quartet revisiting the saxophonist’s internationally acclaimed second album, Golden Sands, with support from improvising folk duo Norman & Corrie.

“I really enjoyed recording Golden Sands with my band at the time and I was happy with the results,” says Kay, a former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year who went on to win the much-coveted Peter Whittingham Jazz Award and became a Take Five artist in 2024. “But I’m looking forward to playing the music with my current quartet as different musicians bring their own interpretations and add their own personalities to each tune.”

Album review: David Ferris Septet - Sketches (Stoney Lane Records)

David Ferris (piano); Hugh Pascall (trumpet); Richard Foote (trombone); Chris Young (alto sax); Vittorio Mura (tenor sax); Nick Jurd (bass); Euan Palmer (drums) + Peter Bernstein (guitar on tks 2, 8) 

Cornish born Ferris studied at the prestigious Royal Birmingham Conservatoire before moving to London where he soon became embroiled in the city's ever evolving jazz scene.

Because of his association with the UK's so called Second City it was only natural that his sophomore album should be  recorded by Birmingham's Stoney Lane Records and in the process, at least in jazz terms, remove the 'Second City' tag - the standard of playing, writing and arranging really is as good as anything from anywhere.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Album review: Elaine Dame - Reminiscing (self-released)

Elaine Dame (vocals - flute on tk 3); Chris Madsen (tenor/soprano sax on tks 4,5.6.9); Tom Vaitsas (piano, organ, Rhodes); Sam Peters (bass); Jon Deitemeyer (drums) + Victor Garcia (trumpet trumpet on tk 1); Art Davis (trumpet on tk 3); Neal Alger (guitar on tks 2,3); Alyssa Allgood, Christy Bennett (harmony vocals on tk 5)

Despite this being her third album I must confess that Elaine Dame is a new name to me. I always find it interesting to check out someone who's, reportedly, been round the block a few times. When those blocks are situated in  Chicago and NYC well, if you can make it there ...

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Press release: Branford Marsalis Quartet release single, Spiral Dance, ahead of forthcoming new album

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis, one of the foremost jazz artists of our time and a pacesetting creative force in the music for more than four decades, is set to make his Blue Note Records debut with the March 28 release of Belonging, a full album interpretation of Keith Jarrett’s 1974 ECM album of the same name which introduced the pianist’s European Quartet. Belonging is Marsalis’ first new release since 2019 with his acclaimed longstanding quartet featuring pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner. The lead track ‘Spiral Dance’ is available to stream or download today.

Press release: NN North Sea Jazz Festival 2025 reveal the first wave of artists for this year's festival

The NN North Sea Jazz Festival, the world’s largest indoor music festival, has revealed the first wave of artists for its return to the Ahoy Centre in Rotterdam this July. Taking place from Friday July 11 to Sunday July 13, 2025, this year’s event will feature a star-studded line-up of international talent alongside the most celebrated up-and-coming artists spanning jazz, blues, soul, pop and more.

Amongst the 30+ artists announced today are a multitude of jazz heavyweights including 4x Brit Award-nominated Ezra Collective, vocal sensation Samara Joy, virtuoso guitarist Julian Lage, Armenian-born pianist-composer Tigran HamasyanKurt Elling & Yellowjackets celebrating Weather Report, boundary-pushing Israeli trumpeter Avishai Cohen’s Quartet, multi-award-winning singer Jazzmeia Horn, Lionel Hampton Big Band featuring Jason Marsalis, Snarky Puppy alumni Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth’s fusion outfit Ghost-Note, and a sparkling array of visionary US saxophonists including Kamasi WashingtonImmanuel WilkinsBranford Marsalis and Lakecia Benjamin.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

The February issue of DownBeat

The February issue of DownBeat is, as always, compulsive reading for fans of Jazz, Blues & Beyond as the inscription on their various items of merchandise reads, and this issue is no exception with obituaries of Quincy Jones, Roy Haynes, Lou Donaldson, Zakir Hussain and Martial Solal as well as an article/interview with pianist Sullivan Fortner.

All well and good you might think and so it is until you get to the International Jazz Venue Guide.

J.G. Windows' stock to be auctioned next week

The stock of the recently closed Newcastle music store J.G. Windows Ltd. goes under the hammer next week. 

Items that are up for grabs include prestigious makes of stringed instruments, brass, woodwind, percussion, acoustic and electric guitars, amps, grand pianos, keyboards, vinyl records, CDs, sheet music and much more.

Viewing at the Central Arcade premises will take place on Monday (Feb. 3) and is by appointment the details of which can be found HERE. The actual auction takes place online the following day. Lance

Monday, January 27, 2025

Album review: Nick Hempton & Corey Weeds - Horns Locked (Cellar)

Nick Hempton, Cory Weeds (tenor sax); Nick Peck (Hammond B3); Jesse Cahill (drums)

A good old-fashioned blowing session which, to my ears, is anything but old-fashioned. Two tenor saxophone players firing their best shots at each other. No quarter asked and none given. There's nothing quite like it in jazz to compare with two hard-hitting tenors in musical combat.

Norman Granz made a fortune pitting Flip Phillips and Illinois Jacquet against each other on record and in concert with JATP. Wardell Gray and Dexter, Dexter and Teddy Edwards, Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt, Lockjaw and Johnny Griffin all carried on with the tradition. Putting two tenor saxes together can be like the Gunfight at the OK Corral and the Thriller in Manila combined.

JazzMain @ Whigham's, Edinburgh - Jan. 26

Nick Gould (tenor sax); Steve Grossart (keyboards); Iain Harkness (bass): Kevin Dorrian (drums)

Whigham's, just off Princes Street, is a long established Edinburgh jazz venue. A wine bar with a couple of handpulls and an extensive food offering, the place is invariably busy on a Sunday evening.

If it's a Sunday evening, it's jazz night here at Whigham's. This evening it just so happened one of the co-founders of Whigham's Jazz Club was sharing the stage with his JazzMain bandmates. The man himself, drummer Kevin Dorrian, arrived in good time to set up his kit, likewise pianist Steve Grossart, opting to play a recently acquired keyboard, rather than the house upright. Five-string bassist Iain Harkness and bandleader Nick Gould were ready to go at a moment's notice. 

Press release: New Century Ragtime Orchestra @ Gosforth Civic Theatre on March 21

This is to let you know that we are celebrating our 25th anniversary at our annual concert at Gosforth Civic Theatre in Newcastle on Friday evening, 21st March at 7.30pm.

Our special guest on piano is Martin Litton, an internationally renowned musician, arranger and bandleader, specialising in all the classic styles of jazz from ragtime to
swing.

Also joining us once again will be our good friend Nick Ward on vintage percussion, and of course not forgetting our vivacious chanteuse Caroline!

 

This will be the second time we have performed at this excellent venue, which is on Gosforth High Street very near Regent Centre metro station, with ample parking  nearby at the station (free after 5pm) or the Asda supermarket. The nearest postcode is NE3 3PF.  Everything is on the ground floor, and there is a cafe/bar open throughout the concert.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Album review: Matt Carmichael - Dancing With Embers (self-released)

Matt Carmichael (tenor sax, piano on tks 1,12); Fergus McCreadie (piano); Ali Watson (bass); Charlie Stewart (fiddle); Tom Potter  (drums) + Chris Amer (electric/tenor guitar on tks 1,8,9,12); Innes White (acc. guitar on tks 3,4,5,8,9); Rachel Sermanni (voice on tk 10); Brighde Chaimbeul (small pipes on tks 6,7)

Given that the musicians were born or are based in and around Glasgow it isn't surprising that the music has a distinctively Celtic feel to it. It's probably nearer to Scottish folk music than it is to jazz.

As such it's well played and even though it's not exactly my dram of single malt I do appreciate the musicianship of the players and the power of the emotions expressed. The melodic lines are indigenous to Scotland and compelling. The emphasis leans towards the ensemble rather than the soloist although Carmichael and McCreadie do have occasional moments of controlled freedom.

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Album review: Alex McLaughlin - Brand New State (self released)

Alex McLaughlin (bass); Jeremy Siskind (piano); Tina Raymond (drums); Jeremy Pelt (trumpet)

Can he play? Can he compose? Can he arrange? Those were the questions that sprung to my mind as I slid McLaughlin's debut album into the machine

Well I'm pleased to say that McLaughlin (no relation to John) ticked all of those boxes and, with the assistance of a couple of L.A.'s big hitters and some exciting trumpet blasts from Pelt, all of the tracks work well.

Desert Chapel opens with some gentle bass playing, Siskind and Raymond pick up the mood before Pelt joins the caravanserai. His tone, round and clear, paints the scene for solos by the leader and pianist Siskind. An evocative title for an evocative tune.

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