Bebop Spoken There

Ludovic Beier (Django Festival Allstars): ''Manouche means 'free man,' and gypsies have been travelers since they migrated west from India to Europe.'' (DownBeat March, 2026)

The Things They Say!

This is a good opportunity to say thanks to BSH for their support of the jazz scene in the North East (and beyond) - it's no exaggeration to say that if it wasn't for them many, many fine musicians, bands and projects across a huge cross section of jazz wouldn't be getting reviewed at all, because we're in the "desolate"(!) North. (M & SSBB on F/book 23/12/24)

Postage

18383 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 18 years ago. 247 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Mar. 17 ), 57

Reviewers wanted

Whilst BSH attempts to cover as many gigs, festivals and albums as possible, to make the site even more comprehensive we need more 'boots on the ground' to cover the albums seeking review - a large percentage of which never get heard - report on gigs or just to air your views on anything jazz related. Interested? then please get in touch. Contact details are on the blog. Look forward to hearing from you. Lance

Sunday, January 04, 2026

R.I.P. Tony Carr

Maltese born, London based, drummer Tony Carr passed away on January 2 at the grand old age of 98.

In 1954 he toured Europe and the UK with American singer Billy Eckstine. I saw Eckstine at Newcastle Empire that year so, presumably I saw Tony Carr too. However, as I was very very young I can't remember much about the concert other than that Eckstine played valve trombone - the first time I'd ever seen a slideless trombone.

A more vivid memory I have of hearing Tony Carr was with Tommy Whittle and Turk Mauro at the Bull's Head, Barnes, circa 1980. He was part of the house trio and I recall being impressed, Someone else who was impressed was Basie tenor saxist Billy Mitchell who, after a gig at the venue, signed him up for a tour of the States.

Apart from his contributions to the jazz scene Tony Carr also worked with several pop/ rock icons including Donovan, Paul McCartney and Alan Price.

Truly a man for all sessions. Sadly missed. Lance

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