Album review: Sam Furlonger and his Quintet - Get Out and Get Under the Moon (self released)

Sam Furlonger (vocals); Fraser Urquhart (piano, arrangements, sleeve notes); Fraser Smith (saxes); Darren McCarthy (bass); Harry Sankey (guitar); Joe Dessaur (drums)

There was a time when it seemed as though female jazz singers were being delivered on an assembly line conveyor belt. Now it seems as though the pendulum has swung the other way and the guys are in the ascendancy.

Sam Furlonger, in this his debut album, is a welcome addition to these ever-growing ranks. Unlike so many of the 'comers', although he acknowledges Sinatra as an inspiration, his sound is more the rich bass/baritone of Johnny Hartman or Billy Eckstine. It's a great sound enhanced by the supporting musicians (Fraser Smith's solos are very effective) as well as Urquhart's arrangements.

Press release: Kings Place Announces Major Autumn/Winter 2026 Jazz Season Featuring Dave Holland, Bill Laurance, Fergus McCreadie, Matt Carmichael and more

*With its most ambitious EFG London Jazz Festival programme to date, major new commissions and the continued development of the Kings Place Jazz Orchestra, Kings Place further strengthens its position as one of London's leading destinations for contemporary jazz*

This Autumn/Winter, Kings Place will present an ambitious season of jazz performances featuring internationally acclaimed artists, exclusive premieres and major new collaborations, underlining the venue's growing reputation as one of London’s leading destinations for live jazz. With one of its most expansive EFG London Jazz Festival programmes to date, alongside year-round programming spanning established international artists and emerging UK talent, Kings Place continues to expand its commitment to presenting jazz in all its forms.

Album review: Charles Lloyd, Zakir Hussain, Eric Harland - Sangam and Friends (Blue Note)

Charles Lloyd (tenor/alto sax, flute); Zakir Hussain (tabla, perc.); Eric Harland (drums, perc., tongue drum); Vijay Prakash (vocals); Sabir Kahn (sarangi); Rakesh Chaurasia (bansuri); Niladri Kumar (sitar); Ranjit Barot (keyboard).

Probably an acquired taste but not one I arrived at through veteran saxophonist Charles Lloyd, who I've never explored much, though his playing remains masterful despite his advanced years. My entrance came via the late great tabla master Zakir Hussain via his association with guitar pioneer John McLaughlin. 

EP review: The Derrick Harris Organ Trio - Zig-zag

Derrick Harris (guitar); Pete Whittaker (B3); George Double (drums)

Our man from way out west - Mike Farmer - reviewed Harris many times at the old Railway pub in Stockport and again more recently at the Moor Club. His reviews were positive and, listening to Harris on this organ trio EP, he wasn't wrong. 

Harris gets a good clean sound that blends nicely with Whittaker's punchy Hammond. I've always been impressed by Whittaker whether with Art Themen, Jim Mullen, Nigel Price or, more recently on  Deirdre Cartwright's excellent album Organik. He knows what the Hammond is all about and utilises its potential to the full.

Nick Mondello Interviews Pianist, Composer Tomoko Ohno

 

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (July 23-July 29)

McCoy Tyner: That Old Devil Moon.

Sarah Vaughan: After Hours.

Donald Byrd: Someone to Watch Over me.

Clark Terry: ? .

Nat 'King ' Cole: Blue Moon.

Gene Ammons: Margie.

Chad ?: Softly as in a Morning Sunrise.

Peggy Lee: Sugar.

Louis Armstrong/Ella Fitzgerald: Cheek to Cheek.

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

Ben Webster: You'd be so Nice to Come Home to.

LISTEN 24/7

Sunday night @ the Globe: Jo Harrop & Jamie McCredie - July 26

© Sylvia

Jo Harrop (vocals); Jamie McCredie (guitar)

A fire alarm at the Central metro station meant that trains weren't stopping there so I had to move on down the line and join the scramble for a taxi at Monument. Not the ideal start to a night out. However, when the ultimate endeavour is hearing Jo and Jamie at the Globe the end is worth the means and an obliging taxi-driver got me to the Jazz Co-op's HQ in good time to enjoy what the night had in store.

The room was near capacity and a hush descended as Jamie led Jo into The More I See You. The chords overflowing with rich, melodic harmony and the voice sensuous and seductive. Her native Chester-le- Street a distant memory, the voice now that of a global traveller - a citizen of London, L.A., New York - the Toast of  Paree and, last night, Newcastle.

EP Review: Suzanne Pittson and Bevan Manson – Conversations (Take 2)

Suzanne Pittson (vocals, keys, arrangements); Bevan Manson (piano, arrangements)

With Conversations, esteemed vocalist, composer and educator Suzanne Pittson and acclaimed pianist, composer/arranger Bevan Manson present a five-track EP. The fare here includes two selections affiliated with Freddie Hubbard, a Charlie Parker classic, a Sinatra gem, and an infrequently recorded Cole Porter selection. The team which initially collaborated in 2002 and has recorded and performed  occasionally since then sends up four duo selections and a fifth featuring a full orchestra and big band.

Preview: Tonight (Sunday July 26) @ the Globe - Jo Harrop & Jamie McCredie

UNMISSABLE! DETAILS

EP review: Suzanne Pittson & Bevan Manson - Conversations

Suzanne Pittson (voice); Bevan Manson (piano)*

On Freddie Hubbard's Like a Byrd, Pittson bursts from the blocks like a sprinter about to crack 10 seconds over 100 metres. It's fast and furious, her vocal range of what must surely be four octaves covers the full gamut. Manson has his work cut out to stay in the game. - but stay in the game he does. Quite brilliantly.

After You, a rarely heard Cole Porter number I'd only knew from a Bill Evans album. It's beautiful. Bird's Confirmation offers more scope for vocal pyrotechnics as might be expected. Manson too has a brief chorus or two before Pittson takes it out  in style.

The Trumpet Shall Sound....

© Russell

...the above title is from Handel's oratorio The Messiah and it sprung to my mind last weekend and the days either side of it as being very appropriate. It may no longer apply to a certain   footballer from Argentina but, away from the World Cup, we had a couple of trumpet-slinging expats doing the rounds and taking no prisoners.

Originally from Wallsend Colin Aitchison now leads the band at Ned Kelly's Last Stand in Kowloon, Hong Kong. He annually returns to his roots guesting with the local New Orleans/mainstream bands and venues. His familiarity with the idiom and his vintage vocals a delight to behold. In the photo above he is flanked (l-r) by David Gray and Jim McBriarty.

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

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

Playlist 26/07/26 (repeated Tuesday 28/07/26)

Seasonal: Jim Robinson.

Requests from Durham Brass: Clifford Brown, Hank Mobley, Trombone Jerome & Brassroots.

Memories: Duke Ellington/Paul Gonsalves.

Requests: Giacomo Smith, Loose Tubes

Memories: Charlie Christian, Delfeayo Marsalis.

What’s on in the NE: Abbie Finn, Nel Begley & Paul Edis, Jim Wright's Rhythm de Luxe.

Seasonal: Joe Pass, Woody Shaw.

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

Mejedi Owusu with the Francis Tulip Trio @ Blaydon Jazz Club - July 20

© John Lyons Photography

Mejedi Owusu (trumpet); Francis Tulip (guitar); Tommy Fuller (double bass); Noah Stone (drums)

A fifth and final gig in a run of tremendous gigs across the north east of England. As Blaydon Jazz Club put up the 'SOLD OUT' notices, the lucky ones with tickets began to arrive. The Black Bull comes into its own when there is a full house. What's more, on a warm summer's evening, the doors to the beer garden were open offering views up and down the Tyne. Quietly idyllic, it was.

Mejedi, Francis, Tommy and Noah were set and ready to go. Charlie Parker's Diverse (also known as Segment), Chick Corea's Windows, Tommy Flanagan's Freight Trane (from Kenny Burrell and John Coltrane), yes, a first set comprising three numbers. The four young musicians on the stand can certainly stretch out and that is precisely what they did, not only here on Bridge Street, but on all of their gigs. They know the material inside out, tight ensemble work and immense solo flights, trumpeter Mejedi and guitarist Francis the principal soloists.

Press release: The Annual Francis Davis Jazz Critics at Mid-Year has been published by Arts Fuse:

Francis Davis founded The Annual Jazz Critics Poll in 2006. It was published by The Village Voice through 2011. It has since been picked up by Rhapsody (2011-12), NPR (2013-20), and ArtsFuse (since 2021). The Poll was supervised by Davis through 2021, with various degrees of help from Tom Hull, who keeps it going, and manages this website. Hull wrote a history/memoir of the Poll up through 2022 here.

One change to the website as of 2023 is that album titles in the complete results and ballots files have a link (look for →) which will print out a list of everyone who voted for the album. From there, you can get to the ballots for each voter.

The Mid-Year Poll was inaugurated in 2024. The results here have no bearing on the End-of-Year Polls. While critics may vote for late 2025 albums, we do not factor 2025 votes into the Mid-Year results here.

R.I.P. Oliver Theophilus Jones, (1934 - July 22, 2026.)

The sad news has reached me of the passing of Canadian jazz pianist Oliver Jones.

One of the few pianists able to match his fellow Canadian Oscar Peterson's dazzling technique, north east jazz fans took him to their hearts over the course of three memorable gigs played for Jazz North East at the Corner House in Heaton, then the epicentre of local jazz.

1988, 1990 & 1991 were the years when Oliver Jones played there stretching the local bass and drums to the limit. Fortunately, I had the foresight to buy a 1984 Montreal recording - The Many Moods of Oliver Jones. Fond memories of a piano giant.

Oliver Jones was 91. Sadly missed. Lance

Mejedi Owusu with the Francis Tulip Trio @ Queen's Hall, Hexham - July 19

Mejedi Owusu (trumpet); Francis Tulip (guitar); Tommy Fuller (double bass); Noah Stone (drums) + Joe Steels (guitar)

A fourth concert in three days. Queen's Hall, Hexham hosts a monthly Sunday afternoon concert series and this afternoon there was hardly a spare seat going. All the way from New York City, trumpeter Mejedi Owusu was in town. What's more, so was guitarist Francis Tulip. Two great musicians, Mejedi and Francis were joined by two other fine musicians, bassist Tommy Fuller and drummer Noah Stone.

Album review: The Joymakers - A Texas-Sized Band (Turtle Bay Records)

Colin Hancock (cornet, alto/baritone sax, mellophone, kazoo, clarinet mouthpiece, vocals, arranger); Luke Allen (trumpet, vocals); Freddie Mendoza (trombone); Lauryn Gould (alto/soprano/tenor sax, vocals, arranger); David "Jelly" Jellema (C melody sax, clarinet, cornet); Dylan Blackthorn (piano accordion); Shane Dickens (piano); Westen Borghesi (tenor banjo, tenor guitar); Ryan Gould (string bass); Ryan Neubauer (drums)

In the beginning there was Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers, King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and now there is this!

In between, the original small groups expanded (as did the Joymakers) into larger groups such as Henderson and Ellington and Whiteman and Goldkette. Alongside these "name bands" were a variety of, often superior, bands who became collectively known as "territory bands" operating mainly in the southern states. 

Press release: Royal Albert Hall announces autumn series of Late Night Jazz

Courtesy of Rachel Knudson

After two packed winter and spring seasons of Late Night Jazz, the Royal Albert Hall has unveiled the next wave of acts to take to the Elgar Room stage across September and October 2026. With musicians hailing from countries including Peru, Korea, Sudan and Portugal, the 200-capacity venue will host one of its most diverse jazz programmes yet, with seven performances over five weeks.

First up in the autumn series is Tamar Osborn (Pictured) on Thursday 24 September. The saxophonist will celebrate the release of Varier: Berlin, the first instalment of Osborn’s Varier album cycle, and the first release under her own name, having been known previously as the creative force behind modal jazz ensemble Collocutor, with whom she released three critically acclaimed albums. Centred around the concepts of improvisation, collaboration and music for healing, Varier sees Tamar develop her exploratory approach to collaborative playing alongside some of the very best musicians in the global jazz and improvised scenes.

Greg Abate Quartet @ the 28 Club, Belper - July 19

Greg Abate (alto sax, flute); Neil Hunter (keyboards); Paul Grey (double bass); Ian Beeston (drums)

I was undecided about going to this event until the morning of the gig as the starting time had been brought forward to 4.30pm due to the football match. It also meant taking no less than five trains to get to Belper, a small Derbyshire village.Unbelievably the trains were on time and after leaving Handforth Station at 9.27am I arrived in Belper at about 2.00pm 

After a problem finding my booking which I had forgotten to confirm, this got sorted and I checked in to the Lion Hotel for two nights. I like the Lion Hotel as the food is good and the prices are reasonable plus the local station is close by. 

Mejedi Owusu with the Francis Tulip Trio @ Claypath Deli, Durham - July 18

Mejedi Owusu (trumpet); Francis Tulip (guitar); Tommy Fuller (double bass); Noah Stone (drums)

A third gig in two days for Mejedi Owuso, Francis Tulip, Tommy Fuller and Noah Stone. Half way up Claypath stands Claypath Deli. Sourdough bread, pizza, beverages, a chilled vibe, all on a summer's evening. This evening, here in Durham, Mejedi Owuso, Francis Tulip, Tommy Fuller and Noah Stone were about to open a few eyes and ears.

As at Newcastle's Lit and Phil and Sunderland Minster, the high level musicianship had to be heard to be believed. In the up-close environs of Claypath Deli we (that's everyone) got a great view of what all four musicians were doing. 

Mejedi Owusu with the Francis Tulip Trio @ Sunderland Minster - July 17

Mejedi Owusu (trumpet); Francis Tulip (guitar); Tommy Fuller (double bass); Noah Stone (drums)

A second gig of the day for Mejedi Owusu (NYC), Francis Tulip (London), Tommy Fuller (Basel) and Noah Stone (Oxfordshire). A sold out lunchtime concert at Newcastle's Lit & Phil couldn't have gone any better and it would take something special here at Sunderland Minster to top it. 

The Lit & Phil gig confirmed how we imagined things would go: extended solos, principally by Mejedi Owusu and/or Francis Tulip, supported by the stellar rhythm section of Tommy Fuller and Noah Stone. Three or four numbers each set, their solos works of art, Mejedi firing from the lip with endless invention, Francis cruising in the fast lane, a match for any six-stringer.

Album Review: Jun Iida – Bellflower (OA2 Records)

Jun Iida (trumpet, vocals, composer); Zelda Harris (vocals); Chris McCarthy (piano, Rhodes); Masami Kuroki (guitar); Giulio Xavier Cetto (basses); Jongkuk Kim (drums); Takafumi Nikaido (congas)

With Bellflower, his second album, trumpeter/composer Jun Iida (Joon-Ee-da) presents us with a collage of his musical reminiscences, brilliant tonal statements and sensitive musical observations. It gives us ten original tracks, nine of which emanate from Iida’s pen and all superbly performed by Iida and his cadre of outstanding musicians,  

North York Skies: First play for Ben Crosland's new album on JazzTastic

Stockport Jazz

This week Stockport Jazz welcomes tenor saxophonist Dean Masser with his quartet featuring Richard Wetherall on piano, Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley on double bass and Dave Walsh on drums. 

Sunday 26th July

8-10pm, doors open at 7.30pm

Minimum £5 entry on the door, all welcome

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

PS: Stockport Jazz will return on August 6 after Summer break.

Tuba Skinny @ Ronnie Scott's, London - July 13

Shaye Cohn (cornet); Barnabus Jones (trombone); Craig Flory (clarinet); Gregory Sherman (guitar, vocals); Quentin Bardi (banjo); Todd Burdick (tuba); Robin Rapuzzi (washboard) + Ewan Bleach (tenor sax, clarinet) 

A sold out Monday evening second house, the second of four capacity audiences over two days. Getting an audience in excess of two hundred in, then out, in timely fashion could be a nightmare for lesser establishments. Ronnie Scott's staff know the drill, efficiently showing ticket holders to their seats, waiting on tables, then, when the lights go up, things go in to reverse with a couple of hundred punters filing out onto Frith Street, brushing past the second house queue. This evening, Tuba Skinny would be making their debut here at Ronnie's. For bandleader Shaye Cohn it would be a special moment. Daughter of guitarist Joe Cohn, Shaye talked about her grandfather, tenor saxophonist Al Cohn, who, once upon a time, stood on the very spot Shaye was occupying on the stage. 

The Traveling Janes @ The Spice of Life, London - July 13

Ali Affleck (vocals, washboard); Lauryn Gould (tenor sax, clarinet); Emily Asher (trombone); Katie Cavera (banjo) & guest  Richard Pite (tuba, drums, ukulele)

Another sweltering day in the capital, Cambridge Circus as busy as ever. Best to wait for the 'green man' before attempting to cross Shaftesbury Avenue. The Spice of Life's cool (cooler) basement would offer welcome relief from the oppressive heat. 

Ali Affleck was in town with her Traveling Janes, this lunchtime gig the Janes' final date of their European tour. Scots-born Affleck works with a dizzying array of musician/bands. The Traveling Janes is one such outfit. Comprising of bandleader Affleck (washboard and vocals) and three all-American gals: Lauryn Gould (reeds), Emily Asher (trombone) and Katie Cavera (banjo) and, for this Cambridge Circus engagement only, a token male, Mr. Richard Pite (tuba, drums, ukulele and Spice of Life kingpin). 

De Beauvoir Town Jazz Festival: Closing Party @ The Scolt Head, London - July 12

Jack Jules (alto sax); Guilia Marro (clarinet, vocals): Tom Ward (piano); Ben Love (double bass); Luke McCarthy (drums) + Pete Horsfall (trumpet)

The Scolt Head was showing the Wimbledon Men's Singles Final (Sinner v. Zverev)*. Those with little or no interest in the SW 19 sporting climax sat in the pub's beer garden, crammed full under a relentless sun. Fresh from a guest appearance with Joe Webb's 7-A-Side, Jack Jules (aka Jack Murray) joined forces with Guilia Marro (clarinet and vocals) in a De Beauvoir Town Jazz Festival closing party blowout. 

Tuba Skinny @ De Beauvoir Jazz Festival, London - July 12

Shaye Cohn (cornet); Barnabus Jones (trombone); Craig Flory (clarinet); Gregory Sherman (guitar, vocals); Quentin Bardi (banjo); Todd Burdick (tuba); Robin Rapuzzi (washboard)

When Tuba Skinny proposed touring the UK, the level of interest was off the scale. Tens, possibly hundreds, of promoters/venues got in touch with the band. All the way from New Orleans, finally, finally,Tuba Skinny were about to touchdown on UK soil. 

Swing City Brighton got in there first - well done to them. Then, less than twenty four hours later, on a baking hot afternoon, De Beauvoir Town Jazz Festival welcomed the Crescent City superstars to London. East and South East Asian Community Centre (formerly the 'Public Washing Baths' on Englefield Road), placed an order for some Crescent City weather and, sure enough, it delivered (30+ degrees, hot and humid). ESEA (East and South East Asian Community Centre) erected a gazebo which offered relief from a scorching sun, for the band, that is. For all but a handful, the punters were out in the open, as if on an unforgiving parade ground.   

Album review: Anthony Strong - And Then we Kiss (Guaranteed! Records)

Anthony Strong (vocals, piano, perc.); Nick Fitch (guitars); Spencer Brown (bass); Joel Barford (drums) + Brandon Allen (tenor sax tks 2,8,9) Pamina Beroff (vocal tks 5, 12); Tim Piggot-Smith (viokin solo tk 1); Litsah Tunnah (violin solo tk 13); Tom Kemp (Leader, 10 violins, 3 violas, 3 cellos)

Anthony Strong is no stranger to BSH. Over the years we have reviewed the following albums: EP: Delovely (2011); Stepping Out (2013); Me and my Radio (2019) - there may have been more.

In 2015 he guested with SSBB @ Hoochie and in 2024 appeared at the Fire Station in Sunderland with a selection of other artists who had 'previous' with the band. A compilation Album: Strictly Smokin' Big Band and Friends included a track by Strong and this latest release looks to be another winner.

Joe Webb's 7-A-Side @ De Beauvoir Jazz Festival, London - July 11

Joe Webb (piano); Pete Horsfall (trumpet); Alec Harper (tenor sax); Donovan Haffner (alto sax); Joe Evans (trombone); Will Sach (double bass); Sam Jesson (drums) + Jack Murray (alto sax)

Joe Webb is a football fan, big time. It isn't unknown for our superstar pianist to make a trip to the Nou Camp to watch a match, as one does. In the days leading up to this evening's De Beauvoir Jazz Festival concert, Webb was in something of a quandary. How could he take to the stage at 9:00pm, play through to eleven and watch England's World Cup Quarter Final against Norway, scheduled to kick-off at ten o'clock?

Rather than play two sets, as advertised, Webb would play one set, finishing at ten on the dot, then run around the corner to watch the match in the pub. It seemed like a plan..

Giacomo Smith-Adrian Cox: Clarinet Summit @ De Beauvoir Jazz Festival, London - July 11

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

A long weekend in London. 30 degrees and more. The second De Beauvoir Jazz Festival (a first time visit for BSH), based in De Beauvoir Town, a district a little to the north of King's Cross, bounded by the Regent Canal and neighbouring Dalston/Hackney. 

On a seriously hot early Saturday evening, St Peter's Church offered refuge from a 'Mad dogs and Englishmen' burning sun. Globetrotting Adrian Cox breezed in with his trio (Honey Boulton, guitar, Alex Gilson, double bass), joining fellow clarinet star Giacomo Smith, our 'Clarinet Summit' duo intent on blowing up a storm. 

Album review: Ben Crosland - North York Skies (Jazz Cat Records)

Ben Crosland (bass); Steve Waterman (trumpet); Steve Lodder (piano); Chris Allard (guitar); Nic France (drums)

Ben Crosland paints pictures with his music and his passion for the things he loves shines through in every note he writes and plays. This, unashamedly (and not for the first time), is a love affair with Yorkshire; more specifically the North York Moors.

It’s a special place . . . breathtaking landscapes of beauty and tranquillity and expanses of unpolluted skies as broad as the sweeping heather moorland. The music here sweeps over you and listening to it, a feeling of calm and contentment can transport you to your own favourite place.

Those who know Ben’s music - A Dales Day, An Open Place (inspired by the Yorkshire Sculpture Park), Solway Stories (okay, we’re in Scotland here) and Wooltown Reflections (released to acclaim earlier this year) will know what to expect. Ben writes from the heart and you won’t be disappointed.

R.I.P. Plas Johnson (1931 - July 15, 2026)

Plas Johnson, the big soulful sounding, hard bop tenor saxist passed away on July 15 at the age of 94. Although best known as the tenor soloist on Mancini's Pink Panther Theme he was also widely heard across other genres.

My personal discovery goes back to a 1955 Capitol album Session at Midnight. An all-star affair that included Harry Edison, Benny Carter, Willie Smith and other Hollywood A-Listers.

On Moten Swing, Johnson's tenor burst from the ensemble firing on all cylinders and I was sold - he did the same throughout most of the album. The way he hit Stompin' at the Savoy with a Ben Webster-like entrance that wrapped the track up, validated the quote from the sleeve: " ...young in years (twenty-four) but not in concept and technique. Plas is one of the country's most promising tenor men."

He lived up to that promise.

Rest In Peace

Lance

Album review: Fergus McCreadie Trio - The Shieling – Companion Pieces (Edition Records)

Fergus McCreadie (piano); David Bowden (bass); Stephen Henderson (drums)

When I first heard The Shieling, it quickly became one of my favourite albums of 2025. Fergus McCreadie's ability to paint the Hebridean landscape in music borders on genius. Every composition seemed to capture the stillness, beauty and ever-changing character of those islands with a clarity that few musicians can achieve without a single word being spoken. When I later heard there might be a companion release drawn from the same remarkable recording sessions, it instantly became one of my most anticipated releases of 2026. The thought of returning to that musical landscape was simply too tempting to ignore.

FIFTEEN AND COUNTING! Zoë Gilby Quartet @ St.Cuthbert’s, Crook - July 17.

© Chris Whittle

Zoë Gilby (vocals); Andy Champion (bass); Mark Williams (guitar); John Bradford (drums).

BSH readers will know that, by and large, they know more about jazz than me so the following heretical utterance will not come as a surprise. I’d never heard of Tom Harrell! That is until I heard the Zoë Gilby quartet playing live not long after they recorded their Harrell based Aurora album. Even then I’d never heard him play so I was all ears when Zoë commented that his melodies “were just so…….melodic” when she was introducing Shadowed in Solitude (Harrell’s Moon Alley) at Crook on Friday. So, first thing on Saturday, I sampled some of Harrell’s playing on YouTube, starting with Sail Away (renamed A Momentary Place of Peace on the Aurora album), and I can hear what she meant! So, thanks Zoë and Andy, I shall listen to more of the same: another shaft of light penetrates my general ignorance (belatedly, but better so than never)!

Album review: Lisa Rich - I Sill Rise (Tritone Records)

Lisa Rich (vocals); Marc Copland (piano); Drew Gress (bass) + Dave Ballou (trumpet tks 7-10)

I reviewed Lisa Rich's 1983 album, Listen Here, last year and I was impressed. I'm impressed with this, her latest, too.

No Moon at All opens up this delightful album. Just voice and bass, not an easy combination but when it works, and it works here, the end product is worth it for both performers and listeners alike. 

Bill Evans' Two Lonely People brings a similar empathy between voice and piano with the bass gently adding a third line - or it may be Copland's left hand. It's a sad song but a beautiful one with Rich capturing the sad sentiments.

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (July 16 - July 22)

André Previn: I Only Have Eyes For You.

Edward Hart: Just For You.

Ella Fitzgerald: In my Solitude.

George Brown: I Thought About You.

Herb Jeffries: Penthouse Serenade.

Dave McKenna: It All Depends on You.

Andy Brown: You're my Everything. (Dedicated to BSH).

Oscar Peterson: The More I See You.

Tony Bennett: Fly me to the Moon.

Kenny Burrell: Saturday Night Blues.

Beegie Adair: Deep in a Dream.

LISTEN 24/7.

Nick Mondello Interview with Trumpet great, Keith Fiala

 

Greg Abate @ the Lescar, Sheffield - July 16

Greg Abate (alto sax, flute); Andrew Wood (drums); Mathew Ratcliffe (keyboards); Martyn Spencer (double bass)

After my previous trip to see Greg at the Lescar I was doubtful about attending yesterday's gig but as it turned out I'm very glad I did.

In spite of Greg having to condense his music down to a single set instead of the usual two. He was outstanding as always. He seemed very happy with his backing trio and reading the info on the Lescar's flyer, I learn that they play frequently at the Nottingham jazz spot Peggy's Skylight. I must pay this place a visit soon as it sounds a great venue. 

Jazz @ the Lit & Phil:Mejedi Owusu with the Francis Tulip Trio - July 17

© Sylvia

Mejedi Owusu (trumpet); Francis Tulip (guitar); Tommy Fuller (bass); Noah Stone (drums)

There are moments in jazz folklore that, over the years, have become etched in stone. The north east has its fair share: Members of the Basie band turning up for an after concert jam at Billy Botto's club in Byker. The amazing Polish band at the New Orleans Club on Forth Banks. Harry Connick Jr. sitting in at the old Jazz Café. They all provided examples of what Whitney Balliett described as "the sound of surprise".

© Pam

Never was that description more apt than at the Lit and Phil this afternoon.

This afternoon, Suffolk born, Juilliard (NYC) undergraduate, twenty year old trumpet ace Owusu, blew up the storm to end all storms. Closing my eyes I was hearing Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan and then some!

Opening with Kenny Dorham's inappropriately named Short Story, Owusu's blistering solo lasted just under ten minutes - Wow! I knew this was going to be good but, come on, I didn't think it could  (in my wildest dreams) be this good. Pinch me in case I am dreaming.

Vieux Carré Jazzmen + guests @ the Millstone, South Gosforth - July 16

© Russell

Brian Bennett (banjo); Jim McBriarty (tenor sax, clarinet, vocals); David Gray (trombone, trumpet, vocals); Colin Aitchison (trumpet, trombone, vocals); Chris Perrin (keys) + Neville Sarony (vocals, keys); Ben Helm (guitar); Jenna Stewart (vocals)

A 6 oz medium cooked rump steak, with chips, onion rings, peas and peppercorn sauce went down well. The steak, exactly as I like it, was succulent and hadn't long stopped sizzling. The chips were neither skinny nor chunky but comfortably in between and easily digestible whilst the onion rings had a piquancy about them that hit the spot. I found the peas not as warm as I like them but that could have been because I left them till last causing them to cool off, However, overall, I can only say "Mes félicitations au chef".

© Russell

Félicitations too to the augmented Vieux Carré who, aided and assisted by their guests, blew away those World Cup blues.

Vocals abounded: Colin Aitchison sang Sweet Lorraine and Sunday: Jim McBriarty gave out with Avalon and Honky Tonk Town: David Gray crooned I'll be Seeing You and Exactly Like You whilst the up and coming Jenna Stewart (make a note of that name) made an impression with Love me or Leave me.

Single Review: Gio Washington-Wright and Nakyshia Lazarre - Meet Me in Venice. (Jive Patrol Music

Unknown (muse vocal & instrumental accompaniment); Gio Washington Wright: (comp., arr., producer); Nakyshia Lazarre: (lyricist)

“When I seek another word for ‘music,’ I never find any other word than ‘Venice.’” 

That quote is from none other than German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Long recognized as one of the world’s most romantic cities, Venice has been celebrated in many movies, music, art and other media. It gets yet another accolade in Meet Me in Venice, a marvelously infectious single from the combined pens of musical siblings, Gio Washington-Wright and Nakyshia Lazarre.

Hot Club du Nord on Radio 4 - Today 1.45pm

 

Stockport Jazz Update!

Last night's football result means that Sunday's session at the Moor Club, Stockport, will go ahead as usual without distraction.

This week Stockport Jazz welcomes Swing 26! featuring past and current members of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Julian Gregory (violin) and Matthew Compton (accordion) together with Paul Hartley (guitar) and Ken Marley (double bass).

Sunday 19th July 2026

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) 

Denny Farrell

Regular visitors to BSH will be familiar with Denny Farrell's Late Night Chicago Radio show which is listed and linked on BSH. His laid back, laconic introduction to the 'platters' he plays are as cool and refreshing as a Chet Baker vocal on a summer's night. Below is an excerpt from his entry in the Big Band Hall of Fame of which Denny is a member. Makes for interesting reading.  Lance

(Hall of Fame): Denny Farrell is a veteran Chicago broadcaster whose career has been devoted to preserving and celebrating the music of the Big Band, swing, Dixieland, and classic jazz eras. He is best known as the longtime host of The Original Big Band Showcase and Late Night Chicago Radio, programs that have been syndicated on stations in the United States and internationally. He is also a member of the Big Band Hall of Fame and has received the National Ballroom & Entertainment Association Award for his radio work. 

EP review: Judy Whitmore - This is Home (self)

Judy Whitmore (vocals) + Chris Walden Orchestra.

This is Home celebrates America's 250th birthday (July 4, 1776 - ?) featuring Judy Whitmore on six patriotic songs appropriate to the age they were composed. Less so in the current American environment.

Judy Whitmore is an excellent singer and I love the two previous albums of hers that I have had the pleasure of hearing: Isn't it Romantic (2022) Let's Fall in Love (2025). This album however, is a different kettle of fish - Elvis' American Trilogy springs to mind.