Nick Mondello Interviews Denise Mangiarti

Joe Sullivan meets Lennon and McCartney

Listening to a very pleasant Joe Sullivan CD. It's part of the Chronological Classics series and is, in the main, Joe Sullivan piano solos recorded in 1944 and 1945. However, there are four quintet tracks by Sullivan with Archie Rosatie (clarinet); Ulysses Livingston (guitar); Artie Shapiro (bass) and Zutty Singleton (drums).

One of the tracks is Night and Day and Rosatie plays a clarinet intro the opening phrase of which sounds not unlike the Beatles With a Little Help From my Friends, Probably it's coincidence as I doubt if, 20 years on, John and Paul were listening to Joe Sullivan  but, one never knows does one? Lance

Album review: Rich DeRosa - Wisdom: The Music of Rich Derosa at North Texas (Juno Records)

Rich DeRosa (composer, arranger, MD); UNT Lab Band. Soloists include: Gregory Newman (trumpet); Nathan Davis (trombone); Will Nathman (tenor sax); Georgia Barge (vocal); Joel White (guitar); Abbi Berry (vocal)

American drummer and composer, Rich DeRosa has been resident at the University of North Texas since 2010 as a tenured professor of Jazz Composition and Arranging. His 2026 CD, Wisdom, compiles a decade of his music, which is negotiated magnificently by various  “lab bands” at UNT. An innovative institution that provided tuition in jazz studies and awarding it degree status. Led by educator Leon Breeden, in the early 1950s this  was considered quite a bold and controversial move at a time when jazz in higher education circles did not have the credibility of being recognised academically.

Harry's first backyard ultra

Harry is doing his first backyard ultra to raise money for the amazing charity Help Musicians. They've helped us out loads in the past, and so many other musicians we know. Here's the link - https://www.justgiving.com/page/harry-keeble-4 Abbie

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

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

Playlist 16/08/26 (repeated Tuesday 18/08/26)

Seasonal: Joe Pass, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone.

RIP: Abdullah Ibrahim.

Memories: George Shearing, Stuff Smith, George Melly, Tommy Smith, Bill Evans.

Requests: Billy Hart Quartet. 

What’s on in the NE: Andrzej Baranek.

Seasonal: MJQ + Branford Marsalis.

PEACE: Tim Boniface - Peace on Their Lips, Malice in Their Hearts. 

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

Bold Big Band @ Pilgrim, Newcastle - Aug. 14

© Sylvia

Jacob Lightfoot, Max Storey, Georgia Corrin, Molly Clibbett, Brian Wicks (MD) (saxes); Billy Bradshaw, Josh Skyrme, David O'Farrell, Asim Iqbal (trumpets); Alex Utting, Bertie Marks, Thomas McDonald, Ciáran Skipper (trombones); Marcus Dawe (keys); Anya Daley (guitar); Ifede Osiyemi (bass); Josh Weir (drums); Cara Britton (vocals); Chiara Todisco, Lulu Perren, Joel Lai (backing vocals) + Ross Cantrell, Olly Styles (guests); Ed Moore (support)

The main event hit the stage fashionably (unfashionably for Pilgrim) late. The queue was already forming when we arrived in, or so we thought, good time. Truth is the queue was ever-increasing so, rather than disappoint anyone, the happenings didn't happen until everyone was watered and primed for what was to follow which was a short set by singer/guitarist Ed Moore whose pleasing, Nashville orientated, voice possibly wasn't heard to its best advantage. 

© Sylvia/Lance (collage)

The BBB kicked off their first set with Buddy Rich's iconic West Side Story Medley. It's a demanding arrangement and would probably been better to have placed it later in the set when the horns were warmed up and the lips were in. Corrin, Utting and, of course Josh Weir took the solos. Brahm's Hungarian Dance no. 5 was an unusual choice but the BBB made it swing as if Brahms had combined with Liszt.

Gerry Gibbs and His Dream Band @ Birdland, New York - July 22

Gerry Gibbs (drums); Randy Brecker (trumpet); Gary Bartz (alto sax); Cyrus Chestnut (piano); Buster Williams (bass)

There are jazz clubs you visit to hear music, and there are jazz clubs you visit because somehow you feel you ought to have been there at least once in your life.

Birdland is most definitely the latter.

It had already been following me around New York. Weather Report’s Birdland was on the playlist I had put together before the trip, and the club’s name had appeared countless times on albums and in the stories of musicians I had listened to for years.

Then suddenly there I was, Brooklyn beer in hand, surrounded by photographs of the people who had helped create the music in the first place.

There was an immediate familiarity about it. For anyone who spends as much time at Ronnie Scott’s as I do, Birdland feels like a New York relative. Different city, different history, but very much the same spirit. Tables gathered around a small stage, subdued lighting, conversations dropping away as the musicians prepare to play and those wonderful photographs on the walls reminding you that plenty of remarkable people have occupied these rooms before you.

And Birdland certainly has history.

Nigel Price Kickstarter

There are 17 days until this Kickstarter finishes, and there is still a fair way to go. Surely there must be a couple of hundred people in the UK who want to be a part of this???

This is basically just a ‘pre-order’ and it will ultimately be cheaper for you to get hold of the album this way.

Lorne Lofsky/Nigel Price Quartet ‘Live at The Globe’.

£10 - Download.

£12 - CD + Download (inc UK P&P)

£15 - Signed CD & Download

£25 - Pair of tickets to a UK show & CD & Download.

https://www.kickstarter.com/.../live-at-the-globe-lorne...

**N.B. This is ‘all or nothing’. If it doesn’t hit the target by August 26 at midnight then no pledges are taken, and I just revert to raising the funds myself**

Press release: Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2026 Sept. 24-27/ Sept. 30-Oct. 4

We’re absolutely delighted to announce funding has been secured for Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2026 and gratefully acknowledge Arts Council England along with our partners and investors for their support. Tickets are now on sale.

More than 67 musicians will feature over 26 performances in nine days across seven of the region’s top music venues including Gosforth Civic Theatre, The Cluny, The Cumberland Arms, The Globe, The Lubberfiend, The Lit and Phil and Glasshouse International Centre for Music.

We’ve commissioned Manon McCoy and Emmy Lambert to create our festival interludes, Jon Bradley will make two performances at the historic Edith Adamson Carillon, and two great workshops lined up with Rachel Musson and Free The Aanimals. It’s an absolutely fantastic programme with so many twists and turns, can’t wait to see you there!

Preview: Tonight @ Pilgrim - Bold Big Band w. guests

Tonight, tonight won't be just any night - at least not at Pilgrim which will be the place to be. The Bold Big Band that, back in the day, in the mid-west (USA), might have been described as a territory band, provide an evening of swinging jazz and its various tributaries that should please all.

As well as the band and delectable vocalist Cara Britton, there's guest appearances by ace tenor saxist Olly Styles and multi instrumentalist Ross Cantrell and, if your cup still ain't yet full and running over, there's a support set from Ed Moore!

Showtime 8:00pm (doors 7:30 pm.) Lance

Album Review: Oliver-Smith Incomparables – Stomp Your Stuff (Turtle Bay Records) - Take two.

Andrew Oliver: piano; Hal Smith: drums (1-9, 11-13); Colin Hancock: cornet (1-4, 7-9, 11-13), alto sax (7); Andy Schumm: clarinet (1-5, 7-9, 11-13), cornet (3); T.J. Müller: trombone (1-4, 7-9), 11-13); cornet (6), vocals (6); Jacob Alspach: guitar (1,2,4,8), banjo (3,7,9, 11-13); Dan Anderson: string bass (2-4, 7-9, 11-12), tuba (1, 13)

Over the last few years, there’s been a significant revival of jazz music of the late 20s and early 30s. Marvelous performers such as Bria Skonberg, Terry Waldo, Ricky Alexander, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks et al, have successfully mined the vast amount of music published during that era. With Stomp Your Feet, the Oliver-Smith Incomparables dive deep into the treasury of music from Chicago’s famed Melrose Publishing - at that time a key player in the genre. And, by brilliantly incorporating these here arrangements and orchestrations in the style of Jelly Roll Morton, the Incomparables provide listeners with a baker’s dozen outstanding selections.

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Aug. 13 - Aug. 19)

Monty Alexander: In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.

Karen Allyson: How Long Has This Been Going on?.

Hank Jones: 'Round Midnight.

Sonny Rollins: Three Little Words.

Etta James: Don't go to Strangers.

Frank tenor sax?: Polka Dots and Moonbeams.

Dinah Washington: Call me.

Frank Sinatra: The Summer Wind.

André Previn: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.

? : I'll be Seeing You.

LISTEN 24/7 HERE.

Album review: Zaccai - Sonoluminescence (TRRcollective)

Zaccai Curtis (piano, Rhodes, Yamaha keys, vocals, comp. arr.); Craig Handy (tenor sax, flute); Joe Dyson (drums); Brevan Hampton (congas, perc.); Luques Curtis (bass 1, 2, 3, 7); Mike Boone (bass 4, 5,6, 8) + Aurelien Budynek (guitar 4); Julie Acosta (voice 8) 

Sonoluminescence can occur when a sound wave of sufficient intensity induces a gaseous cavity within a liquid to collapse quickly - or so Professor Google tells me. Frankly it sounds about as exciting as watching a partial eclipse. The latter activity which, last night, seemed to have gripped the nation reminded me of Ronnie Scott's joke about the whole town turning out to watch the traffic lights change.

I'm not sure what, if anything, the big word has to do with the music although I'll find out if I make it to the last track 

Abbie Finn Trio: National Mackem Day @ Sheepfolds, Sunderland - Aug. 12

Abbie Finn (drums); Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Paul Grainger (double bass)

A once-in-a-generation event. No, not National Mackem Day, rather a near total eclipse of the sun, to be followed later in the evening by a meteor shower. A national shortage of eclipse glasses would mean many would forego the experience of looking directly at the sun. Some took an 'anti-woke' stance, staring straight at the burning orb. After all, it was some 93 million miles away, what harm could it possibly do? Oh, well...

Sheepfolds, standing in the shadow of Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light on the north bank of the Wear, attracted a capacity crowd for its National Mackem Day event. All manner of performances - music, theatre etc - would entertain the revelling Mackems. In a sea of SAFC shirts (the new season's pink away strip prominent) one or two Geordie interlopers kept a low profile. 

Dave Lee Trio @ Pizza Express, Soho - August 8

Dave Lee (piano); Alec Dankworth (bass); Winston Clifford (drums)

This was indeed, a historic concert. Pianist Dave Lee, will, on 12 August (today) be 100 years old. He is probably best remembered for playing in the Johnny Dankworth Orchestra from 1954 to 1959 and is fondly remembered by fans of that band. It was fitting that the Pizza Express was packed to the rafters for this lunchtime concert and equally fitting that two of the UK's finest players, Alec Dankworth and Winston Clifford, on double bass and drums respectively, were his accompanists, particularly Alec who is the son of the late, great John  Dankworth.

Dave opened the session by telling the audience that at the age of 5 he learned to play Empty Bed Blues from his dad's record collection.  It was by Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong.  In a droll fashion, he added that at the age of five he had never heard of Bessie or Louis. 'I learned the blues chords before my dad confiscated the record because I played it so much' he said 'and so we'll start off with some blues now'. 

The Total Eclipse

 

Given the mega publicity re today's forthcoming total eclipse this seemed an appropriate song for the event with its reference to flying up to Nova Scotia to see the total eclipse of the sun. Carly Simon may not be an out and out jazz singer but she can certainly help them out when they're busy. Lance

P.S.: Despite all this hype, we're advised against watching without special glasses or some jiggery pokery where you can have a gander with the help of a colander. There's something going on at the Glasshouse - bring your own colander.

Album review: Nicolas Meier World Group – Elysian Drift. (MGP Records)

Nicolas Meier (guitars); Alex Hutton (piano); Tom Mason (bass); Demi Garcia Sabat (percussion); Randolph Matthews (voice) + José  Almarcha (Flamenco guitar on A Night in Sant Cugat)

There are musicians who travel in search of inspiration and there are those whose music becomes a map of the places they have visited. Nicolas Meier belongs firmly in the latter camp. For years the Swiss-born, UK-based guitarist has built a musical language that comfortably inhabits jazz, Turkish folk traditions, flamenco, North African rhythms and contemporary European improvisation. On Elysian Drift, those influences don’t compete for attention—they coexist beautifully.

 

Inspired by journeys shared with his wife, artist Songul Yilmaz-Meier, whose evocative artwork graces the album cover, Elysian Drift feels less like a travelogue and more like a collection of memories. The destinations may stretch from the Mediterranean to the Middle East, but the real journey is emotional rather than geographical.

Album review: Mari Wilson - Girl About Town. (Beehive Records)

Mari Wilson (vocals, compositions) + unnamed support

The last time Mari Wilson was on my radar was at Harrogate in a show called Girl Talk where she sang in a triple dead heat with Barb Jungr and Claire Martin (see graphic). This was circa 2005 which was pre-BSH so I have no record to prompt my memory of the evening.

Since then whilst Martin and, to a lesser extent Jungr, have had their show of exposure within this realm, Wilson seemed to have vanished, like Harrogate Town from the Football League - until now!

Now, Harrogate has begun the return to respectability with a 5-2 win and Mari is releasing this album which, in its soul-retro pop genre, is about as good as it gets.

If These Walls Could Talk: James Pearson, Jamie Safir and an unforgettable evening of stories, songs and Soho @ Yamah Music

James Pearson, Jamie Safir (pianos, storytelling)

There is something rather magical about Soho on a warm summer evening.

 This summer in particular.

 

Long after office hours officially end, the streets refuse to slow down. Thursday has quietly become the new Friday, and nowhere illustrates that better than Wardour Street. By six o’clock the pavements were already overflowing. Pints balanced precariously on window ledges, wine glasses caught the evening sunshine and conversations spilled effortlessly from pubs into the street. There was laughter, optimism and that unmistakable feeling that London, when the weather allows it, remains one of the world’s great cities.

 

The sun beat down on pavements bleached almost white by weeks of relentless heat. It is a summer that will surely be remembered for years to come.

 

Jazz on the Tyne Welcomes Back Abbie Finn & Harry Keeble

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead welcomes back to the show drummer Abbie Finn and saxophonist Harry Keeble.  Abbie and Harry talk about the Finn-Keeble Group, ahead of their gig at Pizza Express in Soho on 19^th October, as well as their other projects.  Along with music by the group, you’ll hear tracks by the Abbie Finn Trio, Five-Way Split, Omar Sosa, Fergus McCreadie, Fraser Fifield, The Scornful Four, and Knats.

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.

Album review: Tim Garland & Geoffrey Keezer - Mezzo - take two. (ECN)

Tim Garland (mezzo-soprano/soprano sax); Geoffrey Keezer (piano).

Internationally respected contemporary jazz icons, Tim Garland and Geoffrey Keezer celebrate their 25 year collaboration with Mezzo, a duo this time round recorded in one  five- hour session in NYC in May 2025.

Drawing from varied influences including 20th Century classical and non-western music the duo continues along similar lines of Storms And Nocturnes, the trio they formed in 2001 with vibraphonist, Joe Locke. The album title refers to a rare soprano sax with only twenty extant in the world.  Pitched in the key of G it goes a minor third lower than the normal soprano (presumably) giving it a more alto-like darker tonal timbre.

Album review: Alex Hamburger & José Luiz Martins - Catalogue of Dreams (Challenge Records)

Alex Hamburger (flute, voice, synth); José Luiz Martins (piano, synth, keys)

I was hooked from el (the) get go by Alex's flute intro and her  exuberant vocal on Gil Gilberto's Ladeira Da Preguica. By contrast, Alex's Catalog is suitably dreamy, the voice feeding those moments, late at night, when you're not quite asleep nor fully awake. It can be the highest or the lowest part of your day.

Nothing dreamy about Moreira's Tombo in 7/4. Flute and piano bounce notes and phrases off each other with a reflective break in the middle and, after the twists and turns that are inevitable in 7/4 time, they switch to a 4/4 samba beat closing down with the flute growling amidst other strange sounds.

Detour Ahead is as beautiful as any recording of Herb Ellis' emotive ballad (co-composed with John Frigo and Lou Carter). Special mention of Alex's husband José's contribution on piano.

Didn't the boy do good?!

Back in 2008 when BSH was still a precocious child I posted an item announcing guitarist Jamie McCredie's departure for London's prestigious Guildhall School of Music.

That trip certainly paid off judging by Jamie's stellar performance with Jo Harrop at the Globe last month.

My original post included a link to an Evening Chronicle article related to Jamie's departure. The link, unfortunately, no longer works. However, whilst rummaging among some bits and pieces of this and that I came across a cutting of that original article which can now be viewed above. Lance

Album review: Ferg's Imaginary Big Band – The New Atomic (Trash City Records via Bandcamp)

Dan Coulthurst, Emyr Penry Dance, Ernie Moore, Fee Buckton, Olivia Cuttill, (trumpets); Felix Burling (trumpet, tuba, trombone); Sam Ehret’Pickett (trumpet, marching baritone horn); Aidan Ruffle, Benji Arnold, George Murray, Peter New, Adam Chard (trombones); Nat Martin (tenor horn); Flo Taylor, Saul Duff (alto saxes); Sophie Speed, Will Gibbon, Harvey Parkin-Christie (tenor saxes); Bess Shooter (baritone sax); Alex Fisher (bass sax, sopranino sax); Aby Vulliamy (viola); George MacDonald, Nico Widdowson (keyboards); Conall Mulvenna, Will Lakin, Joe Cross (guitar); Woody Hayden, Joe Cross (bass); Josh Ketch, Theo Goss, Jonathan Lodder, (drums); Jonathan Lodder, Richard Moulton, AJ, (percussion); Hamish Dixon (noise); Amy Clark, Sunday Lendis, Rebecca Herrington, Rosie Miles, Laura Kindelan - The Imaginettes; Conall Mulvenna, Fergus Quill, Jonathan Lodder, Joe Cross (vocals); Poppy, AJ (spiritual advice); Fergus Quill (various)

Album review: Stefon Harris + Blackout feat. Casey Benjamin (Motéma Music)

Stefon Harris (vibes, marimba); Christian Sands (piano, keys); Dezron Douglas (bass); Terreon Gully (drums); Casey Benjamin (vocoder, alto/soprano sax, aerophone) + Weedie Braimah (djembe tks 1, 4, 9, 10); Dwayne Clark (spoken word tk 10); Scott Arcangel (wind, string orch. tks 3, 6, 8, 11); Anne Drummond (flute tks 3, 6, 8, 11); Oran Etkin (clarinet tks 3, 6, 8, 11); Eric Eaton (cello tks 3,11)

Harris describes Legacy Dances as both a celebration and a tribute to electro-soul-jazz innovator Casey Benjamin who passed away in 2024. These are his last recordings. They are memorable for his crusty sax solos as well as his vocoder voice manipulations and the strange sounds from the aerophone.

Back down on Planet Earth, along with his band Blackout, Harris plays vibes and marimba very effectively throughout. Libation features Braimah's djembe and there's all sorts going on beneath Dwayne Clark's dramatic narration of We Are an African People.

The Bridget Metcalfe Band @ Dorman's Jazz Club Middlesbrough - Aug.6

Bridget Metcalfe (vocals); Dave Archbold (piano); Josh Bentham (alto/concert flutes); Dan Johnson (alto sax); Vilda Kuby (double bass); Steve Fletcher (drums).

The new line up of the Bridget Metcalfe band promised to give the audience an entertaining night of  music that would include several of her original compositions.

Starting with an instrumental number, Billy Taylor's I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free was a good choice enabling the musicians to immediately display their talents with an intro from Josh on flute, piano solo from Dave, more flute from Josh and sax from Dan backed up with solid bass and drums from Vilda and Steve respectively making for an excellent  start.

A Russian Lullaby - sort of.

 

Some years ago circa '89/'99 I received four Russian LPs from an unknown Russian whose name escapes me and whom I'd had no contact with before nor indeed since. The years rolled by and I'd forgotten all about them until I stumbled upon this one of the four on YouTube. It's rather quite good and worth a listen - maybe even a few roubles. Lance

The funeral of Mike Jamieson

Mike Jamieson's funeral will be held at 10:30am on Friday 21st August. Mike's many jazz friends are welcome to attend. Details below:

Friday 21st August (10:30am)

Quaker Meeting House

1 West Avenue

Gosforth

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE3 4ES 

The Meeting House (adjacent to Trinity Church) is one minute's walk from Gosforth High Street. Please note, there is little or no on-street parking. Buses from Haymarket are plentiful, ask the driver for the Brandling stop.    

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

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

Playlist 09/08/26 (repeated Tuesday 11/08/26)

Seasonal: Tommy Dorsey, Oscar Peterson.

Requests from Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club: Fats Domino, Gene Krupa, King Oliver/Louis Armstrong, Mose Allison, Ken Colyer.

RIP: Abdullah Ibrahim.

Memories: Django/Benny Carter, Duke Ellington, Pat Metheny, Jimmy Witherspoon & Wilbur de Paris.

New Release: Omar Sosa.

Requests: Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock.

What’s on in the NE: John Settle.

Peace: Tim Boniface. 

A classic performance

 

Featuring: Jonah Jones (tpt); Tyree Glenn (tmb); Ike Quebec (ten); Ram Ramirez (pno);Tiny Grimes (gtr); Oscar Pettiford (bass); J C Heard (dms). Fine jazz and swing on a 12 inch Blue Note 78 rpm record recorded in 1944. Lance

Misha Gray’s Prehistoric Jazz Quintet – The Reunion @ Frederiks, Liverpool - August 5

Misha Gray (piano); Kyran Matthews (tenor sax);  Nick Walters  (trumpet); Grant Russell  (double bass); Johnny Hunter (drums)

After seven long years this quintet reunited for a much awaited return to live performance. They had produced three fine albums all of which are available to stream. Origin of the Species (2016); Where the Wild Things Are (2017) , Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (2018)

The musicians involved with the three albums were the same as per the line-up for this concert save that Grant Russell replaced Hugo Harrison. All musicians are based in the North West save for Nick Walters who travelled from his base in London. It was my first time seeing Nick who is a bandleader and composer as well as a cracking trumpeter. All of the other musicians are well known to me. Grant is also a bandleader and composer. Johnny is one of the UK’s top drummers. It was the second time I have seen Kyran in concert in seven days and I see Misha at least once every couple of weeks if not more gigging on Merseyside, Manchester, North Wales and sometimes further afield.

Tony Bennett Night - tonite (Friday), BBC Four

Three years ago Tony Bennett died a couple of weeks shy of his 97th birthday. This week, Monday 3rd August to be exact, Anthony Dominick Benedetto would have turned 100. In recognition of this milestone, this evening the BBC is devoting five hours and thirty five minutes to one of the Big Apple's own. 

Eight programmes (all eight have been shown before), beginning at 9:45pm and running through to 3:20am, are well worth watching and/or recording:

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Aug. 6 -12)

?: Love For Sale.

Sarah Vaughan: How Long Has This Been Going on?.

Bill Evans: Here's That Rainy Day.

Harry Edison: Mizz Kitty's Blues.

Stan Getz: Desafinado.

Namecheck re Ralph Hutchinson (37.58 mins in).

Joe Venuti/Zoot Sims: Someday Sweetheart. 

Chet Baker: Let's Get Lost.

Maxine Sullivan: Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams.

Maynard Ferguson: Autumn Leaves.

LISTEN 24/7.

Also Denny's Original Big Band Showcase.

Album Review: Antonio Adolfo – Balaios (AAM Music)

Antonio Adolfo (piano, composer/co-composer, producer, arranger); Lula Galvao (electric guitar, acoustic guitar (track2)); Jorge Helder (acoustic bass); Rafael Barata (drums. Percussion (all tracks, except tracks 6 & 7)); Jesse Sadoc (trumpet, flugelhorn (track2)); Danilo Sinna (alto sax); Marcelo Martins (tenor sax, alto flute (track 2), C flute (track 8)); Rafael Rocha (trombone); Andre Siqueira (percussion (except tracks 6 and 7))

Over a six-decade career, Brazilian pianist, composer and arranger, Antonio Adolfo has given the world a literal amazon of vibrant music bubbling up from his culture and tradition. His canon over two dozen recorded albums demonstrates his brilliant musical vision and the poignancy of the robust material he presents. With Balaios (pronounced bah-lie-ohs and described as a traditional Brazilian wicker basket which carried food and other things on one’s head) Adolfo dives into his vault and shares nine composed or co-composed selections – all superbly revived and recently recorded with his outstanding Brazilian sidekicks. The album provides an engaging retrospective and also an introspective dimension of this outstanding artist.   

Sonny speaks

A few Sonny Rollins' quotes from the Bebop Spoken There archive...

 Sonny Rollins: “I don't feel I'm as great as they think I am.” – (DownBeat November 28, 1956)
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Sonny Rollins: "These guys who only play their own tunes, they can cover up a lot of things, but if you play the melody of Stardust, everybody can tell whether you're doing it right or not." - (DownBeat August 26, 1965).
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Sonny Rollins: "I never actually drove a cab. A job was offered to me, but I never consummated the act, if I can put it that way" - Sonny Rollins. (DownBeat - August 26, 1965).

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Sonny Rollins: "I work very hard. I wear out suits playing." - (DownBeat May 29, 1969.)

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Sonny Rollins: "I know DownBeat's been pretty hard on me recently, which I suppose is a kind of honor. Maybe now that Miles is dead, they figure they have me to kick around." – (DownBeat December 1992).
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Sonny Rollins: “This is my philosophy of playing. It could be 'Mary Had a Little Lamb.' The development of themes, this is the way that I play, I don't care what it is, it's what you do with it” – (DownBeat January 1995).
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Sonny Rollins: "I'm fortunate and happy to say that Zoot Sims was an individual that I knew personally in my life" – (DownBeat July 1999).
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Album review: Mali Sheard - Hayfever (ECN)

Mali Sheard (alto/soprano sax, compositions); Keira Chakraborty (flute); Kyle Osborne (piano 1, 2 ,4); Luke McCarthy (drums); George Balmont (elec. bass); + Huw Warren (piano 3, 5, 6, 7); Rob Luft (guitar 1, 2, 4)

A debut album from London-based saxist, composer Sheard who grasps the moment with both hands. Seven original compositions that reflects the landscapes and experiences that have shaped her musical voice - don't they all? However, Sheard's Hayfever does it better than most.

Recorded with a group of musicians she'd performed alongside at both the Royal Academy of Music and as a part of Tomorrow's Warriors, plus guest appearances by Huw Warren and Rob Luft, the end result is well worth the effort.

Album review: PRIME Play Standards (Laundry Room Music)

Kevin MacKenzie (guitar); Peter Johnstone (organ); Doug Hough (drums)

Back in the 1950s/1960s there seemed to be a wealth of organ trios - Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Billy Preston and a million more. In America you got the impression that every corner bar and juke joint had one. In the UK it began with a trickle, the late Mike Carr, Brian Auger Trinity, Alan Haven and today, in Newcastle, Gerry Richardson.

Over the border in Scotland, PRIME, led by guitarist Kevin MacKenzie, continue the tradition doing what it says on the tin and playing standards. Unlike their forebears the emphasis is on the standards. More melodic and less blues/funk/soul orientated although none of those elements are totally missing - how could they be with a tried and trusty Hammond B3 in the mix?

Kyran Matthews Quintet @ Swan and Chequers, Sandbach - August 2

© Richard Morris

Kyran Matthews (tenor sax); Jamie Taylor (guitar); David Austin Grey (piano); Josh Cavanagh-Brierley (double bass); Luke Flowers (drums)

My first visit to the Swan and Chequers, Sandbach a modern, recently refurbished bar in the historic market town of Sandbach, Cheshire. Housed in a late nineteenth century corn exchange, it features an open plan interior, a large outdoor courtyard beer garden with a dog friendly policy. It hosts regular events such as live music including jazz and community gatherings.

This free concert featured five of the UK’s very best jazz musicians. Led by stellar sax player and composer Kyran Matthews who I have seen play on previous occasions as indeed I had with all the other musicians save for David Austin Grey the renowned pianist from Birmingham who I was seeing for the first time. I have seen Jamie play in various ensembles to include with Dean Stockdale and Trio JDM. Luke Flowers is a longstanding member of the Cinematic Orchestra since 2000 and has worked with artists such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Roots Manuva and Matthew Halsall. I rarely go more than a few weeks without seeing Josh Cavanagh-Brierley so busy is he mainly on the North West Jazz scene and elsewhere. He is a composer too with a new album out on August 7 titled The  Mild Mannered and the Mortal.

Album review:Benny Green - Renovation (Sunnyside)

Benny Green (piano)

Recorded live at Dizzy's Club in NYC Renovation poses the question as to why Benny Green's name wasn't in the shuffle for a mention in this year's Annual DownBeat Critics Poll? On the strength of this solo piano album he could lock Steinways with any of those who did.

Green's playing can be bluesy, funky, soulful, balladic or none of those things. Like Paul Edis last night he can slot in a stride chorus at the drop of a hat and make it feel so right.

Press release: Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music - Sept. 24-27/Sept. 30-Oct. 4

We’re absolutely delighted to announce funding has been secured for Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music 2026 and gratefully acknowledge Arts Council England along with our partners and investors for their support. We’ve an amazing programme lined up and tickets are now on sale.

This year more than 67 musicians will feature over 26 performances in 9 days across 7 of the region’s top music venues including Gosforth Civic Theatre, The Cluny, The Cumberland Arms, The Globe, The Lubberfiend, The Lit and Phil and Glasshouse International Centre for Music. 

We’ve commissioned Manon McCoy to create our festival interludes this year, Jon Bradley will make two performances at the historic Edith Adamson Carillon, and we’ve two great workshops lined up with Rachel Musson and Free The Aanimals.

Sunday night @ the Globe: Nel Begley and Paul Edis - August 2

© Sylvia

Nel Begley (voice); Paul Edis (piano)

Begley and Edis had spent the weekend tutoring at one of the Jazz Co-op's highly acclaimed workshops. Several of the students from the course made their way to the evening's gig to observe their educators practicing what they'd preached and, judging by the applause and demands for an encore, concluded that it was money well spent.

I last heard heard Begley at the nearby Newcastle Arts Centre in April last year. The voice hadn't changed and nor had the set list which wasn't surprising as she was in effect touring the same album Small Flame. What was surprising was the fact that she still needed the crutch of the lyrics on a music stand. 

However, if the end deserves the means, then so be it.

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)

My next show will be broadcast  starting Monday, 3 August. New releases from the likes of Alan Skidmore and Paul Dunmall, Zoë Gilby, Per Ekdahl, Chris Lee/Eleonora Kouneni, James Chadwick and Dave and Judith O'Higgins.

None of the above shows are available on a catchup option.

Album review: Carrie Hamilton – Dreaming in Blue (Pastiche Records)

Carrie Hamilton (vocals, flute); Jamie McCredie (guitar, producer); Mike Gorman (piano); Phil Donnelly (bass); Luke Tomlinson (drums)

There is something quietly refreshing about Dreaming in Blue. At a time when many vocalists feel compelled to reinvent the Great American Songbook, Carrie Hamilton instead places her trust in the songs themselves, approaching them with warmth, honesty and a clear respect for the tradition. The result is an EP that feels intimate, elegantly produced and rooted in genuine musicianship.

Stop Press! R.I.P. Mike Jamieson

© Russell

Just received the sad news of the passing of Mike Jamieson earlier this evening. Although it came as a shock it wasn't a surprise as he'd been in bad health for several years limiting his mobility in getting to jazz gigs.

I first met him when he wrote a weekly jazz column for Newcastle's Evening Chronicle. He rarely missed a concert and his reviews were always well written. When not listening to jazz he was usually blowing blues harp in some club.

Away from jazz and blues Mike contributed a fascinating 24 part memoir of his time as a National Serviceman for 'North East Bylines' who collated all twenty four of them which can be read HERE. Fascinating. A man of many talents.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to family and friends. He will be sadly missed. Lance

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (July 30-August 6)

Stan Kenton: Misty.

Bobby Dukoff: It's a Wonderful World.

Russ Carlyle: Sometimes I'm Happy.

Jo Stafford: Imagination.

Dave Brubeck: You go to my Head.

Mel Tormé: Body and Soul.

Maynard Ferguson: Whisper Not.

George Shearing: Autumn in New York.

Chris Connor: All This is Mine and Heaven Too.

Jonah Jones: St. James Infirmary.

Chet Baker: Thank Heavens For Little Girls.

LISTEN HERE 24/7

Check out Denny's Original Big Band Showcase HERE.

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

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

Playlist 02/08/26 (repeated Tuesday 04/08/26)

Seasonal: Itzhak Perlman with the Modern Jazz Quartet, Sidney Bechet.
Memories: Tony Bennett/Diana Krall.
Requests: Chris Potter.
More Memories: George Melly & Digby Fairweather.
Request: Bill Evans Trio/Stan Getz.
Memories: Louis Armstrong, Kenny Burrell (95th birthday), JATP/Herb Ellis/Ruby Braff/Hank Jones/Jim Hall.
Request: Art Tatum.
What’s on in the NE: Bridget Metcalfe, Mr Wilson's Second Liners, Sticky Lips.
Tony Eales Big Band: Voice Of the North Jazz Orchestra. 
Aycliffe Radio is available on DAB in County Durham & the Darlington area or via your smart speaker.