Adrian Cox Trio “The Wonderful World of Bechet” @ Bollington Arts Centre - September 5

© Richard Morris

Adrian Cox (clarinet); Honey Boulton (guitar); Alex Gilson (double bass)

The trio’s second concert of a tour that took in the UK, Sweden and Belgium centred around Sidney Bechet, born 14 May 1897, died 14 May 1959, is one of Adrian Cox’s favourite clarinetists. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Bechet’s life and music which was demonstrated by his introduction to each song. Bechet left a huge canon of brilliant tunes composed by him as well as recording great versions of songs by other composers. The Adrian Cox Trio must count as one of the best exponents of Bechet’s music world wide. 

Alex joined the trio at the beginning of 2025 and already they have performed numerous concerts. They have also recorded an album of their own tunes which will be released in 2027. Adrian is one of the world’s leading clarinetists having played with some of the current top musicians such as Wynton Marsalis among others. Honey, born in New Zealand and currently based in London, is also a bandleader and one of the most active musicians sometimes playing up to eleven concerts a week. Alex is an in demand double bass player from France now based in New York.

Tonight @ the Globe - Nils Kavanagh Trio

Award-winning young pianist Nils Kavanagh launches his highly anticipated debut album, “No Expectations”. Audiences will journey through Nils’ unique upbringing, rooted in the north-west of Ireland’s mystic landscapes and joyous fellowship, while also inviting listeners to explore the sense of unity and introspection present in Denmark and broader Scandinavia. Home, joy, family, mythology, folk music, loss and longing are all key to the music, with an overarching focus on warm melody and musical storytelling.

Rising star on the UK and Irish scene, Nils Kavanagh is already making his mark with a unique compositional voice and a fearless approach to improvisation. Winner of Young Irish Jazz Musician of the Year award 2022, and BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist in 2024, the pianist has already been making waves as a promising young musician. With his debut release, Nils is poised to elevate his career as an artist and bandleader.

TICKETS

R.I.P. Brian Richardson (? - August 31, 2026)

Just received the sad news that trombonist Brian Richardson passed away peacefully at his home in San Francisco.

Brian, brother to north east bassist the late Dougie Richardson, was well known amongst the traditional jazz fraternity both locally and in San Francisco playing in many bands at in both localities. More details to follow when known.

R.I.P. Lance

Album review: Ross Margitza Trio - Discovery (Self-released)

Ross Margitza (pianist, composer, arranger, producer);  James Suter (bass except 6); Daniel Dufour (drums except 6) + Joel Frahm (soprano sax tk 1);

The Soha Quartet (tks 1,3,4,7): Mei Liu, Chloe Yofan (violin); Thomas Gougeon (viola); Katsuaki Arakawa (cello)

Discovery: Frahm wails away on soprano underpinned by the string quartet and the trio all working well together on Margitza's melancholic composition.

Frahm departs, his work is done. The strings take a break as the leader plays For Amelie. It's a delightful piece, reflective, a portrait painted by a pianist with bass and drums in a supportive role.

R.I.P. Harry Brown (1974 - Sept. 3, 1926)

Jazz Jamaica M.D. and trombonist Harry Brown sadly passed on Sept. 3 at a relatively young 52 sending shock waves throughout the jazz world. Heartfelt tributes have been expressed on social media by his many students and fellow musical associates including Gary Crosby O.B.E., Janine Irons O.B.E. and Tomorrow's Warriors.

Rest In Peace.

Lance

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

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

Playlist 06/09/26 (repeated Tuesday 08/09/26)

Seasonal: George Shearing.

Memories of Buddy Bolden: Wynton Marsalis.

Requests from the Graham Hardy gig: Emmet Cohen, Terell Stafford & Dick Oatts, Clifford Brown & Max Roach Quintet, Laura Anglade, Terence Collie.

Requests: Ella Fitzgerald, Ron Carter, Herb Jeffries/Laurindo Almeida, Paquito D'Rivera.

Rerelease: John Wadham/Louis Stewart.

Request: Dollar Brand Trio, Booker Ervin Quintet.

What’s on in the Northeast: Emma Rawicz

Swan and Chequers Big Band @ Swan and Chequers, Sandbach - August 31

© Richard Morris

Andy Scott (MD); Rob Cope, Tom Thorp, Nadim Teimoori, Jamie Gallagher, Steph Green, Emily Leavy  (saxophones); Nick Smart, Ray Butcher, Alex Thomson, Dan Farrar, Tom Spicer (trumpets); John Barber, Tom Green, Paddy Bloor, Josh Cargill   (trombones);  Gwilym Simcock (piano) ; Josh Savage (drums); Jade Serafin (double bass);  Simon Jermyn (guitar)

The final concert of the four day festival held at this venue in Cheshire over the Bank Holiday weekend. Whilst concerts on the previous three days were held indoors this concert was outside in the courtyard with the band undercover on a stage and the audience outside. Fortunately the rain of the morning disappeared and the sun roared its approval of the music on show.

Whilst I knew some of the musicians who would be playing in the big band I was not aware of them all. How pleased I was to see Tom Thorp in the lineup. One of the best saxophone players in the UK and a great composer. He and his quintet Ilumetris commence touring in the autumn. I had not seen renowned saxophonist and composer Nadim Teimoori before and he stunned me with several solos. In the trumpet section were Nick Smart and Ray Butcher who I have seen play on multiple occasions. On piano Gwilym Simcock was as usual tremendous. Mixed in with these heavyweights were very talented graduates, undergraduates and younger musicians. Musical Director was Andy Scott who is a renowned saxophonist and composer equally at home in jazz and classical contexts. He is a saxophone tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music.

TRIO-SKW @ Swan and Chequers, Sandbach - August 30

© Richard Morris

Tim Williams (guitar); Josh Savage (drums); Lucas Kelly (organ) + Rob Cope (alto sax on last two numbers)

Sunday's 8.00pm slot concluded proceedings on the third day of the festival with an organ trio which is always a treat and not always on the menu at a jazz festival. I had not seen Lucas Kelly before and what a revelation this 27 year old graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire was on his Nord C1 Combo organ. I noticed top Gwilym Simcock and Nick Smart grooving  away in the audience to the tunes of this trio in their first set after hanging around for a further hydration break after the conclusion of their own concert which immediately preceded this one.

Gwilym Simcock and Nick Smart Quintet @ Swan and Chequers, Sandbach August 30

© Richard Morris

Gwilym Simcock (piano); Nick Smart (trumpet and flugelhorn); Laurence Cottle; (bass guitar); Josh Savage (drums); Simon Jermyn (guitar) + Rob Cope (tenor sax on  Holding & Weathered)

Sunday's 5.00pm slot featured the Gwilym Simcock and Nick Smart Quintet. Gwilym and Nick had appeared with Rob Cope’s Joy Ride band on Saturday, today they were joined by three amazing musicians. 

Josh Savage , a local Sandbach lad, Simon who had flown in from Berlin where he is based and Laurence, one of the UK’s most accomplished bass players. All five apart from Laurence are also due to appear in the Gwilym Simcock Big Band on Monday. 

Album review: Jamie Safir – “Momentism” (Chill Tone Records)

Jamie Safir (piano); Conor Chaplin (bass); Luke Tomlinson (drums); Iain Ballamy (saxes)

Jamie Safir has performed with an array of notable acts that include Kyle Minogue, Emma Smith, Jamie Cullum, Annie Lennox and Claire Martin, amongst others. But, as he explained, “I’ve been writing, recording and performing properly for 15 years … but I was never the artist; I was never the focus.” This makes Momentism something of a watershed moment for Safir in that it is not just his first outing as band leader but the songs he has recorded are all originals. All the numbers are his own compositions apart from Amethyst which was co-composed with Emma Smith. Momentism also sees Safir reunited with Iain Ballamy for the first time since their collaboration with Ian Shaw on What’s New. Ballamy plays on five of the tracks, as indicated by * in the track listing.

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Sept. 3 - Sept. 9)

André Previn/Joe Pass: Limehouse Blues.

Billy Strayhorn: Take the A Train.

Diana Krall: I've Got You Under my Skin.

Andy Brown: You're my Everything.

Mel Tormé: Moon Song.

Mark Braun: Deep Excavation.

Julie London: Blues in the Night.

Count Basie: Shiny Stockings.

Paul Desmond: Summer Song.

Patti Denham: Flamingo.

LISTEN 24/7.

Album review: Christopher Lucas Wilson Trio - Wilson's Way (Independent)

Christopher Lucas Wilson (piano); Alex Austin (bass); Isaiah Spencer (drums)

Like Wilson's previous album, Solemn Moments released  in 2023, Wilson's Way is another joyful mix of originals, standards, Latin and bebop all played in Wilson's way - pardon the pun.

Years ago another Wilson, Teddy, was invariably described as elegant as indeed his playing always was. With the passage of time elegance  became a lesser-used adjective in jazz circles - until now that is. Thanks to Christopher Lucas Wilson, if this album is anything to go by, elegance is very much back in fashion.

Alex Clarke Quartet @ Swan and Chequers, Sandbach - August 30

© Richard Morris

Alex Clarke (tenor/alto sax); Andrzej Baranek (piano); Ed Harrison (double bass); Dave Walsh (drums)

On my journey from North Wales the rain pelted down but fortunately, just as I arrived in Sandbach the rain stopped and the sun came out. An omen that this would be a good day and it certainly was.

The second of four scheduled concerts, I'm told I apparently missed a very good earlier concert by Wendy Kirkland and her band which started at the unholy hour (for jazz musicians) at 11.30am. 

Johnny Hunter “Now It Can Be Told” @ Swan and Chequers, Sandbach - August 29

© Richard Morris

Johnny Hunter (drums, percussion); Dee Byrne  (alto sax, effects);  Mick Bardon (bass guitar, effects); Chris Sharkey (guitar, effects);

The festival’s 8:00pm Saturday night slot featured Johnny Hunter’s Now it Can be Told. I have to admit I am a huge fan of Johnny Hunter’s drumming having seen him play on many many occasions, normally in groups where he is not the leader. Therefore it was a delight to see him as both leader and composer.

Now it Can be Told  is one  of Johnny’s latest projects, of which there are numerous. He released an album of the same name in 2025. This piece, lasting for a continuous one hour had been performed in a previous incarnation at the Liverpool International Jazz Festival and at London’s Kings Place with John Fordham calling it “an imaginative set of 21st-century bebop mixed with electronic echoes”.  Bandcamp, UK Jazz and Improvised Music, described the album as “Really original stuff, embracing space and delicate textures, alongside powerful heavy beats and electronic laden walls of sound with equal conviction. A fantastic record. ”

Rob Cope’s Joy Ride @ Swan and Chequers, Sandbach - August 29

© Richard Morris

Rob Cope (alto/tenor sax);  Nick Smart (trumpet, flugelhorn); Gwilym Simcock (piano); Gavin Barras (double bass); Dave Walsh (drums)

Rob Cope's Joy Ride had the 5:00pm slot on the second day of the first four day jazz festival at the Swan and Chequers held over the Bank Holiday weekend. The first day,  Friday, had one concert in the evening where the main band comprised of Emily Masser, Adam Fairhall, Jonathan Silk and Pablo Sonnaillon but  later morphed into a jazz jam with many other musicians including Rob Cope, Ray Butcher, Jamie Gallagher, Dan Farrar and many more.

The band for this 5:00pm concert can only be described as a supergroup with all five being world class musicians. Leader Rob Cope is a fabulous saxophone player both on alto and tenor as well as being a respected composer and educator. He is the person who led the team behind this festival. All tunes in this concert composed by him included some from his 2026 album Phoenix No. 1 which is well worth a listen.

A few thoughts on Cassandra Wilson

Following her death on September 1, (announced yesterday) I have been, mainly, listening to Cassandra Wilson’s early Blue Note albums from that magisterial period in her career from the early 90s, namely Blue Light ‘Til Dawn, New Moon Daughter, Travelling Miles, Belly of the Sun.

What marked these early Blue Note albums out was the way in which her deep, contralto voice was accompanied by stripped down instrumentation, using spare combinations of bass, guitar, percussion, (sometimes lots of percussion), clarinet, pedal steel guitar, violin and, on one track washboard and ash tray usually singly, rarely in anything approaching a group format. This barren instrumental landscape threw all of the focus on to her blues drenched vocals as she slurred or dragged her lines, often very seductively. This languor seemed to capture her roots in a lazy, sun soaked Mississippi.

Into September...

Looking at September's gigs, it's a varied month with something to suit most tastes. This coming weekend Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club once again welcomes Alligator Gumbo. The Yorkshire outfit is popular down on Larchfield Street. The best advice is to arrive early on Saturday (Sept. 6) for a half past twelve start. Sunday evening sees the regional debut of the Nils Kavanagh Trio at Newcastle Jazz Co-op HQ. Pianist Kavanagh will take to the stage with Ursula Harrison (bass) and Sam Green (drums).

Wednesday's Jazz North East promotion at Elder Beer, Heaton, Newcastle (that's Sept. 9) features NONUNONU. Yes, that's right, NONUNONU. Featuring guitarist Tim 'Bim' Williams, the trio's previous appearances at the Chillingham Road micro pub/bottle shop were rather good! Thursday (Sept. 10) across the Tyne at Gateshead's imposing Glasshouse, there is another opportunity to hear the high profile saxophonist Emma Rawicz, on this occasion with her all-star band. 

Cassandra Wilson (1955 - Sept. 1, 2026)

The passing of Cassandra Wilson on Tuesday marks the loss of another great jazz singer. Wilson was very much her own person being influenced by musicians such as Steve Coleman and Miles Davis rather than the usual Ella and/or Billie.

If anyone perhaps Sheila Jordan was a peripheral influence.

There' an excellent tribute on WBGO which can be heard HERE. No doubt there will be others.

May she Rest In Peace. Lance

Preview/press release: Seijiro Murayama and Jean Luc Guionnet @ Star and Shadow- - Sept. 8

Last minute news of a gig at the Star and Shadow next Tuesday (Sept. 8) by Seijiro Murayama and Jean Luc Guionnet filling in a blank date before their gig at Café Oto the following evening.

Details HERE.

Dan Whieldon Quartet @ Swan and Chequers, Sandbach - August 29

© Richard Morris

Dan Whieldon (piano);  Richard Iles (trumpet); Gavin Barras (double bass); Dave Walsh (drums)

This concert took place on the second day (Saturday) of the first four day Jazz Festival at the Swan and Chequers. Last year they tipped their toes in the water by having just a big band concert which was a success so Rob Cope and his team organised this full festival which I hope is repeated in 2017.

Gavin and Dave are well known to me having seen Gavin play on numerous occasions. He has played in the UK and internationally with musicians such as Matthew Halsall with whom he has played for over 15 years and I have seen him play regularly in bands led by Dean Stockdale. Dave is a heavyweight on the UK jazz scene, much in demand and teaching at the Leeds Conservatoire. This was the first of three concerts he played at the Festival.

Stockport Jazz

Stockport Jazz returns to the Moor Club this Sunday with the legendary Munch Manship Quartet, featuring Munch on tenor sax and flute with Richard Wetherall (piano), Dave Lynane (bass) and Eryl Roberts (drums).

Sunday 6th September 8 -10pm

The Moor Club, 35 Heaton Moor Road Heaton Moor Stockport SK4 4PB

 

£5 admission on the door - all welcome

Nominations announced for the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2026

The full list of nominees is as follows:

Jazz Vocalist of the Year

Heidi Vogel; Lucy-Anne Daniels; Marvin Muoneke

Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year

Joe Webb; Yazz Ahmed; Deschanel Gordon

 

Jazz Album of the Year

“The Shieling” - Fergus McCredie; ‘Sema4’ - ARQ;  “Alleviate” - Donovan Haffner; “Riversphere Vol. 1” – Iain Ballamy

 

Jazz Ensemble of the Year

Knats; Tom Smith Big Band; Donovan Haffner Band

 

Jazz Newcomer of the Year

Olivia Cuttill; Sylvie Noble; Ursula Harrison

 

Jazz Venue of the Year

World Heart Beat (London); The Sound Cellar (Poole); Church of Sound (London); Jazz Stroud (The Goods Shed); The Bear Club (Luton)

 

Jazz Media Award

UK Jazz News; One Jazz; Richard Williams (The Blue Moment)

 

Jazz Education Award

Jazz at Leeds Conservatoire (Celebrating 60 years); Julian Joseph Jazz Academy; New Generation Jazz  -  Jazz Futures

 

Services to Jazz Award

Nikki Illes; Paul Jolly; Jean Toussaint

Album Review: Tara Minton – The Devil Invites You To Dance (Adhyâropa Records)

Tara Minton (harp, vocals); Miguel Gorodi (trumpet, flugelhorn); John Williamson (bass); David Ingamells (drums); Emilio Yañez Ruíz (percussion); Ernesto Marichales (maracas (Shadow Dance)); Sara Colman, Clare Wheeler (vocals (En Otra Vida))

Tara Minton creates a world outside of what we’re used to, laces it with Mexican flavours and invites us in. She was, clearly overwhelmed by her first visit to Mexico City in April 2023 that it drove her to return 3 months later, borrow a harp, immerse herself in the City’s culture and write this album in a two week blaze of energy. Lyrically strong, albeit subdued in performance, the album works through allusion and sinuous rhythms to create moods and emotions and it’s these dark atmospheric moments that give this music its subtle power

 We open with the opening title track delivered as a whispered, seductive poem over a slithering, insidious, pulsing bass line. The lyric is full of temptation and the most romantic, intoxicating, fantastical dreams of escape through a Faustian bargain with a particularly Machiavellian devil.  Gorodi adds piercing trumpet to substantially raise the temperature. If you wondered what sultry sounded like, here it is! El Colibri, by way of contrast is much more of a song of daylight; a multi-layered flowing piece of sunshine with Minton’s harp doing most of the dancing whilst wordless vocals swoop and soar; an increasingly forceful invitation to hip mobility. Iztapalapa is snatches of a quiet, intense fury intermingled with more elegant, desperate passages that seem to be feeling for something out of reach. A desperate romantic yearning infuses Minton’s voice on Cariño before a beautiful trumpet solo, little more than a breeze, adds to the romance.

Jazz on the Tyne Previews the Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2026

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead previews the Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music in company with the festival’s producer and artistic director, Wesley Stephenson.  You’ll hear music featuring festival acts Arun Ghosh, Get The Blessing, Dilettante, John Pope Quintet, Alex Hitchcock, Manon McCoy, Nisha Ramayya/John Garner/John Pope, Raymond MacDonald, Zoë Gilby, Andy Champion, Zoe Rahman, Jeppe Zeeberg, Harper Trio, and ATFK.

You can listen to the show anytime HERE.

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

More on Ralph Hutchinson

My continuing research on trombonist Ralph Hutchinson has taken a new twist in this Tommy Sampson film.

Ralph, who died in 2008, the same year as Sampson, left the UK in 1948 where he played and recorded with Muggsy Spanier. The film makes reference to the band playing at the Oxford Galleries in Newcastle. However, the interesting moment is circa 16.50 minutes in. Although Sampson refers to a trombonist from Manchester his reference to the connection with Muggsy makes it obvious that Ralph is the 'bone man in question. Those few seconds when Sampson describes many years later may have prompted Ralph's decision to pack his mouthpiece and head for the States.

At the time he lived in Grasmere Avenue just off Scrogg Rd. in Walker. Lance

Jazz North announces the latest round of New Northern promoters

Today, Jazz North announces the two jazz festivals and six jazz promoters awarded bursaries to present emerging artists in their programmes through its support scheme, New Northern. 

New Northern bursaries were awarded to -

Lancaster Jazz Festival

Leeds Jazz Festival

Jazz Coop, Newcastle upon Tyne

Parrjazz Limited, Liverpool

DJ Lubi Presents, Leeds

Footprints Jazz Club, Sheffield

Scarborough Jazz

North West Music Academy, Barrow-in-Furness

R.I.P. Gene Bertoncini (1937 - August 29, 2026)

Gene Bertoncini sadly left us on Saturday, August 29. The following is an extract from Maurice J. Summerfield's programme notes at a tribute concert to Gene Bertoncini by the New York City Classical Guitar Society in 2008 (see graphic). They are posted with the author's permission. 

I first heard Gene when he played with a pick on a regular steel-string archtop guitar but for many years it has been the nylon-strung classical guitar that has been his first choice of instrument. I was taken aback by his early duo recordings with bassist Michael Moore. For me they achieved everything I was trying to achieve at that time in my own jazz duo, playing on a classical guitar with a string bass player.

Album review: Sam Barsh, Mark Guiliana, Keyon Harrold - Straight08 (La Reserve)

Sam Barsh (keys/synths); Keyon Harrold (trumpet); Mark Guilliana (drums)

Another overlooked gem. This time by a trio of like-minded souls who between them composed all but three of the eleven tracks. Freddie Hubbard's Little Sunflower and two versions of Monk's Green Chimneys being the others.

With the three musicians joined at the hip I'm hesitant to pass individual judgement but, to my ears, Harrold's trumpet playing is what stands out, what makes the album special. His tone and technique hints at tomorrow whilst his yesterday moments hit just the right balance.

Initially I was a tad less enthusiastic about the sounds emerging from Barsh's keyboards. However, the more I listened the more musical those 'noises' become. With Harrold it was love at first blast with Barsh it's a love that gradually matured. Guiliana's intricate drum patterns are like a cyclist's heartbeat in Le Tour at the top of Alpe d'Huez. Throughout he links the other two turning three individual voices into one.

Jazz Score 2026

Listening to the archival Jazz Score on BBC Sounds got me to thinking (always a dangerous exercise) who would be the panelists if it were broadcast live today?

As Digby Fairweather is, to the best of my knowledge, the only survivor from the original participants he would be chosen by rite of passage. Alan Barnes, Pete Long, Nigel Price and Simon Spillett would also be good to provide stories and memories with Andy Hudson curating the affair. Any other obvious choices? Lance

The Tannery Jam Session @ Tannery, Hexham - August 12

© Russell

Living in Northumberland means that it is not as easy as it used to be to pop out from Newcastle to local jazz gigs, but this is more than compensated by the beautiful Northumberland countryside and coast, particularly during a summer like this one.

However, jazz fans exist in all parts of the country so I have found jazz gigs in Rothbury, Warkworth and Hexham and others I couldn't get to in Amble, Alnmouth, Berwick and Blyth.

Having heard a lot about Joe Steels and been to a few of the jazz gigs he has curated at the Queen's Hall in Hexham, the jam session he organises in the Tannery pub seemed like a good opportunity to find out more about jazz in Hexham.

Sunday night @ the Globe: Tango Jazz Quartet - August 30

© Sheila

Having seen the band on several of their previous visits I was primed for an enjoyable evening of tango jazz - a combination of genres that works well. Then the rumble of thunder became a roar and lightning crackled across the sky so I decided to take a 'raincheck' and instead tuned into djazz and watched live concerts by Jamie Cullum and Jazzmeia Horn - I should have braved the weather!*

Press release: Tonight @ the Globe - Tango Jazz Quartet

The Globe proudly presents Tango Jazz Quartet a wonderful and creative collision of Argentinian Tango and Jazz roots.

With 10 albums released 31 international tours made, including 7 consecutive years in UK, the band performed in the most prestigious jazz clubs and festivals in Europe, USA, China, Russia, South America and Africa.

TJQ is distinguished by its innovative approach to interpreting Argentine Popular Music and by its constant activity and innovation in its musical offerings. The music of Tango Jazz Quartet ranges from traditional tango to the music of Astor Piazzolla, without ever leaving the realm of jazz.

Frank Griffith Radio Show- THE JAZZ CAVERN

On www.purejazzradio.com (from NYC) on Mondays at 12PM, Fridays at 6AM and Saturdays at 7AM- NYC time. (5 hours later in the UK)

None of the above shows are available on a catch up option.

This Monday (August 31) Frank features previously unissued tracks by Tubby Hayes.

Jazz Score

Remember the BBC radio programme Jazz Score? It's long gone and sadly missed by those of us who remember it.

Fortunately for those who didn't there's an example on BBC Sounds where Benny Green hosts Humph, Ronnie, Digby and Bob Wilber who have a host of funny stories to tell. 

Paul Grainger sent me The link which can be opened HERE. Thanks Paul.

Also, you might also check out The Best of Jazz Score compiled by Roy Pellett. Lance

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

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

Playlist 30/08/26 (repeated Tuesday 01/09/26)

Memories: Charlie Parker with Miles Davis.

Requests: Louis Armstrong, Branford Marsalis Quartet & Dianne Reeves, Ben Webster/Johnny Hodges, Havana Swing, Gato Barbieri, Art Pepper Quartet.

Memories: Dinah Washington, Kenny Dorham. 

Peace: Horace Silver.

What’s on in the NE: Alligator Gumbo.

Memories: Lester Young.

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

Graham Hardy Eclectic Quartet @ Gala, Durham - Aug. 28

© Malcolm Sinclair

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

A bank holiday weekend of competing attractions didn't deter the Jazz at the Gala faithful. A programme of Graham Hardy compositions, plus Clifford Brown's Daahoud and Romberg and Hammerstein's When I Grow Too Old to Dream, attracted a good crowd to the Gala Theatre's top floor studio space. 

John Bradford's N'Awlins drum pattern set up the opening number, Gumbo Time. The tune could be described as 'trade mark Hardy'. Indeed the Northern Monkeys would have some fun with this one. Step Five referenced the five note pentatonic scale. The musicians in the audience were hip to it, the rest of us took Hardy's word for it. 

Press release: From the Royal Albert Hall to Riding Mill: International musician brings unique sound journeys to the North East

A North East musician whose remarkable career has taken him from Gosforth to some of the world’s most famous concert halls is returning to his roots with a mission to use music to promote relaxation and wellbeing.

Nick Able, originally from Gosforth and now living in rural County Durham, has spent more than two decades performing alongside legendary Indian sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar and his daughter, internationally acclaimed musician Anoushka Shankar. Having played in venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York and the Sydney Opera House, Nick is now bringing his unique wellness-inspired performances to audiences across the North East.

His latest venture will see him performing immersive “sound journeys” at prestigious venues throughout the region, including Wentworth Grange, a luxury residential and nursing hotel for the elderly in Riding Mill, where guests, including members of the aristocracy and those with distinguished backgrounds will experience a relaxing blend of music, meditation and storytelling.

Album review: Rachael Calladine – Soho Elegy (Kickspin Records)

Rachael Calladine (vocals); Adrian York (piano, keyboards); Pat McCarthy (guitar); Andy Tytherleigh (bass); Si Potts (drums); James McMillan (trumpet) 

There is something wonderfully appropriate about Rachael Calladine launching an album called Soho Elegy at Crazy Coqs, buried beneath the bustle of London’s West End and only a short walk from the clubs and rooms that helped shape her musical life.

Because this is more than an album with Soho in its title. Soho Elegy feels like a record about memory: about places, people, late nights, mistakes, relationships and that peculiar mixture of glamour and loneliness that has always existed around the edges of Soho after dark.

Calladine knows that world.

Remembering Bill Shaw ten years on.

It's hard to get my head around the fact that it was ten years today that my dear friend, second cousin, artist, cartoonist, drummer and seeker of wisdom and truth, Bill Shaw left us.

Bill was no follower of fashion, it was fashion that followed him. He lived for the moment, didn't suffer fools gladly and often showed them the error of their ways.

As a drummer he was sympathetic to his surroundings irrespective of the genre.

He was a unique person who, once you'd met him, you knew you'd been met and you never forgot it.

Silver Lakes @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead - Aug. 27

Priya-Rose Tember (piano, vocals); Isaac Jae Hornby (guitar, vocals)

A fleeting visit to the Glasshouse to purchase concert tickets coincided with a Live at Lunch session. The concourse cafe was doing brisk business as a fair few folk were there to listen to Silver Lakes. Priya-Rose Tember and Isaac Jae Hornby, graduates of Newcastle University, are Silver Lakes. Our duo have been working together for a while, playing a variety of gigs: corporate, function and this Gateshead Quays lunchtime engagement.

Oliver Jones @ Newcastle Jazz Festival 1992

The recent passing of pianist Oliver Jones prompted Peter Bevan to send me his review of Jones' concert at the 1992 Newcastle Jazz Festival which was published in his weekly column in the Northern Echo.

It seems as though there were quite a few obstacles to overcome before the concert actually got underway.

I guess the end result was worth it.

Thank you Peter for this memory of the past. Lance

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Aug. 27 - Sept. 3)

Miles Davis/John Coltrane: 'Round Midnight.

Chet Baker: Little Man You've Had a Busy Day.

Buck Clayton Jam Session: Blue Lou.

Dinah Washington: Since I Fell For You.

Harry James: Moten Swing.

Buck Clayton Jam Session: After Hours.

Count Basie/Joe Williams: In the Evening.

Marian McPartland: How Deep is the Ocean?.

Joe Pass: Sophisticated Lady.

Rosemary Clooney: Pennies From Heaven.

LISTEN 24/7

Dolly Parton (1946-August 25, 2026)

Dolly Parton may not have been a jazz singer but she was unsurpassable in her own field (country music). Her songs were well written, the lyrics meaningful and the voice one to have you sashaying down to your nearest barn dance.

Her career was astronomical. World tours including Newcastle in 2014. Upon the announcement of her death Dolly's charitable work was acknowledged on our local tv station. Thousands of songs, covered by many but never eclipsed nor, God forbid, reimagined.

Even at 80 I felt she'd eventually get her man back from that Jolene.

Rest In Peace.

Lance