Alan Law Trio @ the Ticket Office, Whitley Bay Station - June 30

© Russell

Alan Law (keys); Paul Grainger (bass); Rob Walker (drums)

It was warm, not as warm as it has been, thank goodness, but just warm enough to ensure cooling cokes and craft beers were purchased in abundance.

Extra seats were made available as the performance space filled up and the music began. Alan Law is probably my favourite  pianist working the north east jazz scene. His ability to develop a solo from ppp to fff is a delight to behold.

However, this afternoon we saw a different side to his playing. A more introspective approach. A searching, probing, exploration of the infinite harmonic material at his finger tips. A different chord, an alternative voicing. Try it this way, try it that way, keep it, discard it, try it in a different key on a different tune at a different venue where your thought process isn't interrupted by a voice giving out cryptic messages such as 'a replacement bus service will run between ...'

The Tim Kliphuis Trio @ St Mary’s Church, Wooler - June 28

Tim Kliphuis (violin); Nigel Clark (guitar); Roy Percy (bass)

A trip into deepest Northumberland to see one of masters of gypsy jazz violin, and his highly accomplished band. In recent years Tim has fused gypsy jazz with other genres to produce some highly original music, featuring plenty of improvisation. This tour was to promote his rearranging of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, based on his two frustrations. Firstly that the original contains some great melodies that are only played briefly, and secondly that it tends to be played by orchestras that don't give it that essential swing. 

This band can certainly swing, although not always in a traditional gypsy jazz style. All three are accomplished soloists, with Tim sometimes supplying the rhythm by strumming his violin, and Nigel getting a different sound from a nylon strung guitar. Roy got his fair share of solos, featuring plenty of great slap bass. 

An Evening of Jazz @ St. James, Morpeth – June 28

Mid-Northumberland Chorus, Robin Forbes (Musical Director); Emily Masser (vocals); Edgar Ho and Emma Straughan (piano); Oscar Ho (double bass); David McKeague drums); Kirsty MacDowell (cello)

There are about 60 people in the Mid-Northumberland Chorus so I won’t list them all but will say “Hi” to Sally, Kathleen and Viv, to keep in their good books. (Don’t ask). So here we are on a balmy Sunday evening in a church in Morpeth whilst all the serious groovers are getting their Bibs Ledded down at the Globe. (More elsewhere on BSH, I’m sure).

We are promised ‘An Evening of Jazz’. I’ve seen and heard the Chorus before a few times and they tend to go for songs from the shows (My Fair Lady a firm favourite, Les Miserables so dreadful, not even the Chorus’ enthusiasm can save it), and Christmas favourites so this is a departure for them.

Book review: S.M. Muller - Butterfly Jazz

A fast paced noir novel in which a French jazz pianist, Tom Miller, meets and falls in love with a mysterious Italian jazz singer in the late night Parisian club where he is resident pianist.

Tom becomes besotted with her and devastated when she suddenly vanishes. This leads him and Frank Morot, a retired, hard-boiled, private detective to follow up clues that take them to Sicily where their quarry is being held in captivity by a Mafia family.

Despite the title and the opening chapters this isn't a jazz novel although if it were ever shot as a movie the scope for a jazz soundtrack would be tremendous. 

Nick Mondello meets Rick Keller

Our man in America, Nick Mondello, interviews saxophonist, composer, arranger and author Rick Keller out there in Nevada. As with all of Nick's "catch-ups" it's fascinating.

Listen/watch HERE. Lance

An Evening of Jazz @ St James' Church, Morpeth - June 28

Emily Masser (vocals); Edgar Ho (piano); Oscar Ho (double bass); Dave McKeague (drums) + Robin Forbes (MD); Ollie  Hall & Will Straughan (vocal duet); Kirsty McDowell (cello); Mid Northumberland Chorus

A summer's evening in Morpeth. A coffee, then a stroll over to St James' Church. The occasion? An Evening of Jazz. The Mid Northumberland Chorus and guests would perform to a full house, all pews occupied long before the scheduled start. At half past seven the chorus filed onto the stage. 

Bob Chilcott's A Little Jazz Mass opened the concert programme. The Chorus, Piano and Jazz Band. The 'Piano and Jazz Band' just happened to comprise Edgar Ho (piano), Oscar Ho (double bass) and Dave McKeague ('David' in the programme, it was a Sunday, after all)! The trio, plus guest, would form the centrepiece of both the first and second halves of the evening's concert programme.

Dean Stockdale Quartet @ Davenham Theatre - June 25

Dean Stockdale (piano); James Owston (double bass); Jamie Taylor (guitar);  Gaz Hughes (drums)

A warm welcome as usual was given by staff at Davenham Theatre on a very warm evening with free bottles of water offered on arrival free and ice creams at the interval at modest cost. One of my favourite venues for jazz in Cheshire, it's an intimate theatre, perfect for an evening of jazz and meeting friends old and new.

The band were all very well known by me having seen them on multiple occasions with various groups some very recently. The last time I saw Jamie was in Trio JDM at Buxton Festival with Dave Walsh and Martin Longhawn. He travelled from Sheffield. Dean from Darlington is one of the UK’s very best jazz pianists and I see him together with James from Birmingham and Gaz from Macclesfield multiple times each year as well as with other musicians.

Newcastle Jazz Festival - Day Two: Laura Jurd - June 27

Laura Jurd (trumpet, electronics); Elliot Galvin (piano); Ethan Johns (guitar); Oren Marshall (tuba); Jeremy Stacey (drums)

Laura Jurd, the much-lauded trumpeter/composer, arrived on Broad Chare to play a 'Miles Davis' set. The closing act at this year's Newcastle Jazz Festival drew a near capacity crowd. Trailed  variously as 'Re-imagining repertoire from across Miles' career' and '[drawing on] Davis's catalogue across his career', it remained to be seen what Jurd had in store.

In a valiant, but largely ineffective, attempt to create a through-draught, Live Theatre's doors were open to the elements until just before the down beat. As Laura Jurd took to the stage, industrial-size fans whirred, hand-held fans wafted, it was hotter than Hades. 

Newcastle Jazz Festival - Day Two: Rory Ingham Quartet - June 27

© Patti

Rory Ingham (trombone); Dean Stockdale (keys); Michael Whent (bass guitar); John Bradford (drums)

One or two members of the audience were muttering darkly at the thought of an hour spent listening to a trombone fronted quartet. However, it only took the opening few bars of the Charlie Parker alto intro to All the Things You Are to turn the doubters into believers. Bass guitarist Whent is rarely see or heard outside of the subterranean depths of the Strictly Smokin' Big Band. Maybe someone psyched Rory up and he truly put Michael to the sword giving him a solo above and beyond the call of duty.

Newcastle Jazz Festival - Day Two: the Alexia Gardner Quintet -June 27

© Patti

Alexia Gardner (vocals); Alan Law (piano); Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Jude Murphy (bass, backing vocals); Abbie Finn (drums).

Alexia never fails to delight. Unique interpretations of tried and tested standards delivered in her own individual style.

I'd heard her singing them all before yet they seem to come out differently each time - the hallmark of a true jazz singer.

Newcastle Jazz Festival - Day Two: Mark Toomey Quartet - June 27

Mark Toomey (alto sax); Jeremy McMurray (piano); Ken Marley (double bass); Paul Smith (drums)

Known to many as a Charlie Parker disciple, alto saxophonist Mark Toomey is more than a mere copyist, he's very much his own man. In the heat of the day (doors open, fans working overtime), in a one hour set of original compositions, intentionally or not, Toomey set about proving the point. 

Teesside-based Toomey arrived on Tyneside with pianist Jeremy McMurray, all the way from Manchester way, bassist Ken Marley, and drummer Paul 'Smithy' Smith. In a pad numbering in excess of one hundred original tunes, Toomey was spoilt for choice. Do You Have the Time? the first out the hat, typical M. Toomey. Bird-like, fluent, the quartet on it. 

Toomey confessed to not being one for naming tunes - Mouse in the House and Song for Laura, titles inspired by home and family. And why not? That's as good as anything. Jeremy McMurray knows his way around a keyboard, that's for sure, Ken Marley, propulsive, robust, Paul Smith equally propulsive*, it all added up to a secure foundation, enabling Toomey to fly high, free as a bird (Yardbird?). 

Newcastle Jazz Festival - Day Two: OUTRI - June 27

Ian 'Dodge' Paterson (bass guitar, voice, electronics); Jeremy Bradfield (visuals)

Giles Strong Quartet, Slowlight Quartet and in a host of other jazz settings, Ian Paterson is a familiar face on the regional jazz scene. A ready smile, quietly spoken, for this Newcastle Jazz Festival appearance, Ian or Dodge, as is he is known to some, would adopt his alter ego, OUTRI.

As the audience filed into Live Theatre's stifling third floor Studio space, the stage resembled an under-desk tangle of PC/printer/laptop cables (gathering dust), which, in many a household, is, perhaps, best out of sight and out of mind. We've all been there, crouched down, clueless,  huffing and puffing, cursing the failings of the internet.

Without fanfare, Dodge got to work. A prolonged period of knob twiddling ensued as two bass guitars (four and five string) stood idly by in a rack. 

To Dodge's left sat the multi-tasking Jeremy Bradfield, eyes focused on a backdrop screen, all the while manipulating a Spaghetti Junction of electronic bits and pieces. One was tempted to offer to to help tidy up the mess...

Newcastle Jazz Festival - Day One: Clark Tracey Quartet - June 26

Clark Tracey (drums); Art Themen (tenor sax); Tom Marsh (bass); Gareth Williams (piano)

Clark Tracey's father, the late composer, arranger, pianist and bandleader Stan Tracey, played the original Newcastle Jazz Festival circa eleven times during its 25 year existence. More than any other UK jazz act.

These appearances ranged from solo piano to big band and various combinations in between. One of his favourite formats was that of the quartet and it made sense that his son, Clark, should pay tribute to his dad's music with a quartet. As Art Themen had played in the original Stan Tracey Quartet, the family tradition was maintained.

Or was it?

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

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

Playlist 28/06/26 (repeated Tuesday 30/06/26)

Seasonal: Red Allen's All Stars, Billie Holiday.

Requests from Dr. Jazz:  Louis Armstrong, Stefon Harris, Dave Brubeck, Mammal Hands, Lou Reed.

Tony Eales Best of Britain: Alan Barnes.

Request: Emmet Cohen.

New Release: Prime.

Requests: Jaco Pastorius, Quincy Jones, Lena Horne.

What’s on in the NE: De'Sean Jones & Blaque Dynamite, Spats Langham.

Request: Robert Cray.

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

Album Review: Knats – A Great Day in Newcastle (Gearbox)

Cooper Robson (vocals); Stanley Elvis Woodward/King David Ike-Elechi/Ferg Kilsby (vocals) (track 9); Stanley Elvis Woodward (bass guitar/synths); King David Ike-Elechi (drums/percussion); Ferg Kilsby (Trumpet, flugelhorn); Sandro Shargarodsky (piano, keyboards, synthesiser); George Johnson (tenor saxophone); Otto Kampa (alto saxophone); Tom Ford (guitar); Geordie Greep (guitar) (tracks 4 and 7); Josh Mitchell-Rayner (piano) (track 1); Viviane Ghiglino (flute) (track 1); Lucy Rowan (alto flute) (track 1); Frank Barr (clarinet) (track 1); Sebastian Barley (French horn) (track 1); Tobias Amadio (trumpet) (track 1); Bertie Beaman (trombone) (track 1); Dillon Pinder (trombone) (track 9); Enya Barber (violin); Congling Wu (violin); Natalia Solis Paredes (viola); Morgan Key (cello)

There’s a wonderful Northern defiance that runs through much of this album like a steel rod. It’s two fingers up to the South and advice to tell them that they can stick their ingrained entitlement and belief in their superiority where the sun don’t shine. (Ironic suggestion, I know, in the middle of a heatwave).

It ranges from big boots on the ground, declaimed poetry, through rapid-fire punk rock to jazz-rock, some blues-soul and an occasional sweeping elegance that all holds together because these are all constituent parts of their portrait of the North. Heresy, I know, but it reminds me of Ezra Collective in the way that Knats have incorporated their roots into the music, meanwhile, the imagery in Cooper Robson’s poems add enormous strength to anchoring the group into the local soil.

Edgar Ho Trio @ the Black Swan, Newcastle - June 25

© Russell

Edgar Ho (piano); Oscar Ho (bass); Sam Toulson (alto sax)

From the moment that BSH announced to its readers the advance notice of this gig there was a buzz in the air, an eager anticipation that this was going to be out of this world. And it was.

Call me a romantic if you will but methinks that the almighty claps of thunder that shook the residential foundations of Tyneside this morning were in fact the Gods themselves saying thank you for last night's concert. 

From the off everything gelled. Jackie McClean's Bird Lives saw the trio slotting a whole load of Parker phrases into the solos. It was hard to comprehend how a drummer-less trio could have such power. 

Album review: Charles Chen - the Long Way Home (Cellar Music)

Charles Chen (piano); Félix Lemerle (guitar); Bill Crow (bass); Steve Little (drums)

Some albums, once heard, stay with you for the rest of your life, others are played once and then promptly forgotten. The Long Way Home belongs very much in the former category to the extent that I feel I'll still be listening to it in ten years time, and of course tomorrow and the day after that.

At 98 years old bass player Bill Crow, like Jack Honeyborne at the Spice of Life on Monday, proves that age is no obstacle - if you've got it - and he's got it as both soloist and ensemble rock - it stays with you. Likewise Steve Little, at 91, by comparison, is barely out of short pants.     

Album review: Vanessa Haynes – Wild Balloons

Vanessa Haynes (lead vocals, backing vocals, handclaps); Tom O'Grady (Wurlitzer 200A, Hammond C3 & 122XB, Suitcase Rhodes, Bechstein piano, handclaps); Martyn Kaine (drums, percussion, handclaps); Tiago Coimbra (electric bass, handclaps); Al Cherry (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, handclaps); Chlöe Du Pré,  Brendan Reilly,  Kwabena Adjepong (backing vocals); Frances Grace (handclaps) 

For many years, Vanessa Haynes has been one of those voices woven into the fabric of British soul and jazz. Whether fronting Incognito, appearing regularly at Ronnie Scott's, performing at the BBC Proms or bringing her extraordinary energy to Natalie Williams' Soul Family, she has built a reputation as one of the finest vocalists working in the UK today. Audiences know the power of her voice. They know the way she can command a stage, lift a chorus and draw listeners into a performance. What they may not know is that behind that celebrated voice sits a songwriter of considerable depth and maturity.

 

Preview: Sam, Edgar & Oscar (Newcastle Arts Centre - Thursday 25 June)

Sam Toulson (alto sax); Edgar Ho (piano); Oscar Ho (bass)

Time flies. Was it really four, perhaps five years ago, when we first heard Sam Toulson and the Ho brothers, that's Edgar Ho & Oscar Ho? The Black Swan jam session in the basement of Newcastle Arts Centre is home to a twice monthly jam session and that's where, one night, these guys walked in.

One soon-to-be medical student and two music students sat in and made an instant impact. Alto saxophonist Sam blew the roof off the joint. Think Alan Barnes, Dan Garel and, latterly, Luis Verde, that's where Sam was coming from, absolutely searing hard bop alto sax. Pianist Edgar could play, big time. And double bassist Oscar was right there, in the pocket. In their late teens, how could they play like this? Amazing! 

R.I.P. Bill Harper (1938 - June 2026)

Just received the sad news that pianist Bill Harper passed away a couple of days ago. Bill, who for many years was an integral part of the north east jazz scene, backed many visiting American names as Jazz North East's regular accompanist. He later moved to Brittany returning to the UK to live with his daughter Julie and her husband in Aberdeen after the death of his wife singer Anne DeVere.

Bill had a great sense of humour and I have a booklet of his limericks and his often humorous, sometimes hilarious, observations on jazz and its players.

Jazz on the Tyne Previews the Newcastle Jazz Festival 2026 with Guest Jamie Toms

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead talks with saxophonist and co-organiser of the Newcastle Jazz Festival Jamie Toms about the upcoming events at the Live Theatre.  You’ll hear tracks featuring festival acts Clark Tracey, OUTRI, the Alexia Gardner Quintet, Rory Ingham, and Laura Jurd.  Plus, there’s music by Archipelago, Gerry Richardson, Eyolf Dale, Gretchen Parlato, 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.

Stockport Jazz

This week Stockport Jazz welcomes the return of legendary Manchester based drummer and percussionist Dave Hassell and his Latin jazz band, Apitos Pequeno. The line-up features Andy Scott (saxophones), Rob Palmer-Fenny (bass), Paul Kilvington (piano), Chris Manus (conga) and Dave Hassell (drums/timbales).

Sunday 28th June 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)

Album review: Olivia Murphy - Fateful birds and Fledgling Stories

Olivia Murphy (conductor); Becca Wilkins (voice); Rebecka Edlund (voice); Ruta Sipola (flute); Lewis Sallows (alto, soprano saxophone, clarinet); George Garford (alto saxophone, flute); Jonathan Chung (tenor saxophone); Alicia Gardener-Trejo (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, bass flute); Tom Syson, Alex Astbury & Charlotte Keeffe (trumpets); Dave Sear, Joel Knee & Olivia Hughes (trombones); Hanna Mbuya (tuba); Daniel Kemshell (guitar); Olly Chalk (piano); Aram Bahmaie (double bass); Kai Chareunsy (drums); Chris Hyson (synth)

I was fortunate enough to see Olivia Murphy’s Orchestra at Cheltenham Festival last year performing Siren Cycle (review here) and most of the musicians on stage then have made it to this recording from a few months later. The ability she showed at Cheltenham for the imaginative use of the orchestra as a multi-headed, yet single voiced beast flows through the music on display here. There may be asides and winding threads whilst one musician holds the centre spot but there is a driving coherence to much of this as Murphy develops layers of themes and melodies. I don’t think I’ve been so excited by an orchestral jazz album since I first heard Colin Towns and, like Towns on his Mask Symphonic album Dreaming Man With Blue Suede Shoes with Maria Pia De Vito and Norma Winstone, the voices are folded into the sound of the orchestra, or stand in defiant contrast to it; integral, a part, yet not apart.

TJ Johnson @ Cafe Boheme, Soho, London - June 22

TJ Johnson (piano, vocals)

A short walk from the Spice of Life, under a sweltering sun Old Compton Street's Cafe Boheme came into its own. The corner site location, with its French windows open on both sides encouraged passers-by to pause and listen awhile to Monday afternoon's jazz session billowing out onto Soho's bustling streets. This Monday afternoon we were listening to TJ Johnson.  

Jack Honeyborne's 98th Birthday Party @ Spice of Life, London - June 22

Jack Honeyborne (piano); Bruce Adams (trumpet); Art Themen (tenor sax); Nils Solberg (guitar, vocals); Sandy Burnett (double bass); Matt Home (drums) 

On a sweltering summer's day it was a cert the Spice of Life would be busy. Sure enough, fully one hour before the down beat, they were queueing on the stairs at the Moor Street venue. The occasion? A 98th birthday party for Mr Jack Honeyborne. A fixture on the London jazz scene, pianist Honeyborne is no stranger to the Cambridge Circus pub. 

On paying a tenner at the door, seats were at a premium. Grabbing three partially obscured-view seats, the order at the bar was two teas and a pint of Guinness 0:0. Looking around the room, the house upright was festooned in 'Happy Birthday' bunting. A notable absentee was the ailing Richard Pite. At short notice, Matt Home stepped into the breach, joining bassist Sandy Burnett, guitarist Nils Solberg and the frontline pairing of Bruce Adams and Art Themen.

Press release: Shradhanjali – a homage to Zakir Hussain Saturday 4 July, Queen Elizabeth Hall

Talvin Singh presents an extraordinary evening of rhythm, improvisation, and global musical dialogue.

Shradhanjali honours the enduring legacy of the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain - the pioneering force who, since the 1990s, brought together the world’s finest percussionists in a spirit of collaboration, virtuosity, and innovation, under the title Masters of Percussion.

Suzanne Fonseca Quartet @ the Moor Club, Stockport - June 21©

© Jeff Pritchard

Suzanne Fonseca (trombone); Mike Hope (tenor sax, flute); Robin Dewhurst (keyboards); Gavin Barras (bass); Danny Ward (drums)

There were some great tunes played tonight, twelve in all and the composers included Sonny Rollins, Jerome Kern, Bernie Miller, Carlos Jobim, and Fats Waller I can't recall the last time I saw Suzanne with Mike Hope but it seems to be a winning combination. Suzanne has a relaxed playing style that makes a good contrast to Mike who has an energetic multi-note approach. I thought his tone on tenor tonight had a harder edge than usual. I noticed there were no Parker numbers featured but there was a great version of The Night Has a Thousand Eyes which Mike did with the trio minus trombone. This tune seems to be making a comeback in jazz circles. I checked my notes on Rod Mason's gig here last Sunday and his opening  number was this very same tune.   

New Century Ragtime Orchestra @ Trinity Church, Gosforth, Newcastle - June 20

Caroline Irwin (MC, vocals); Jim McBriarty (MC, reeds, vocals); Josh Bentham (reeds); Gavin Lee (reeds); Alastair Lord (trumpet); Ben Chinery (trumpet); Neville Hartley (trombone); Emma Fisk (violin); Dean Stockdale (piano); Keith Stephen (banjo, guitar); Phil Rutherford (tuba); Nick Ward (drums)

On a beautiful summer's evening Trinity Church in Gosforth attracted a fair few of the New Century Ragtime Orchestra's long standing supporters. In the absence of Steve Andrews, MC duties would be shared between Caroline Irwin and Jim McBriarty. A couple of more than capable deps stepped in to replace the indisposed Martin Litton and Dave Hignett, namely Dean Stockdale and Ben Chinery.

Nick Ramm Ensemble @ Vortex Jazz Club, Dalston - June 19

Nick Ramm (piano); Pete Wareham (tenor sax, flute); Byron Wallen (trumpet); Tom Herbert  (double bass); Corrie Dick (drums)

An extraordinarily talented quintet of heavyweights of the UK jazz scene performed a set list of Nick Ramm composed tunes at Dalston’s premier Jazz Club on 19 June to provide a rich evening of entertainment on a sultry Friday evening. It was the first time I had seen Nick Ramm play live. Nick has been playing with Pete and Byron since the 1990’s and with Tom and Corrie more recently. I saw Corrie leading his own band at the Vortex last year and I have also seen him play with others such as Laura Jurd in the band Dinosaur. I have recently been enjoying the 2023 double album London Brew which celebrates the 50^th anniversary of Miles Davis’ record Bitches Brew which features amongst others Nick Ramm and Tom Herbert so I was expecting a very special show and I was not disappointed.

Sunday night @ the Globe: the Magpies of Swing - June 21

© Sylvia

Neil Hopper (valve trombone, drums); Elise Hopper (vocals, drums); Lachlan Fotheringham (soprano sax, clarinet); Paul ?, Rachel Richman (alto sax); Fiona Finden (tenor sax, vocals); Stu Finden (baritone sax); ?, Polly Corbishley   (trumpets); Nigel Robson, David Gray (trombone); Alan Law (piano); Alex J. Gamble (guitar, vocals); Owen Jones, ? (bass); Kate Stebbing, Liv Worrell (vocals - pictured above)

When I first got into jazz it was like stepping through the looking glass into a wonderland of new (to me) sounds. It was fun, the music provided danceable rhythms, couples caressed and caroused. Come the morrow I'd have to explain the absence of my homework, but for now ...

Last night at the Globe was a bit like that - how could it not be with the Magpies of Swing or their parent group the House of the Black Gardenia?

Knats - as heard by Scott Yanow

When your album is reviewed in DownBeat  you can  say that you've made it. Even more so when that reviewer is Scott Yanow, arguably America's number one, and most knowledgeable, jazz critic.

It is very much to Knats' credit that in the June issue of DownBeat their latest album, A Great Day in Newcastle is allocated to Yanow.

Album review: Bria Skonberg - Indigo (Cellar Music)

Bria Skonberg (trumpet, vocals); Gil Goldstein (piano, accordion, arranger); Eric Wheeler (bass); Darrian Douglas (drums, perc.) + Antoine Silverman, Enthcho Todorov (violins); Yuko Naito-Gotay (viola); Emily Brausa (cello); Kathleen Nester (alto flute); Charlows Pillow (bass clarinet)

Bria Skonberg, a singer who plays trumpet (or is she a trumpet player who sings?), Who cares? She does them both well as this, her latest album goes to show.

Watch What Happens: The Legrand tune lopes along nicely. the voice grabs you from the first note. A scat chorus and some muted trumpet sets the scene for a good start.

I'm Glad There is You: The Jimmy Dorsey tune has been a long time favourite of mine but this the first time I can recall hearing the verse. The string quartet sawing away provide a cushion for some mellow trumpet.

Emma Rawicz: Chroma – Upstairs at Ronnie’s – June 18

Emma Rawicz (tenor/soprano saxes); Scottie Thompson (piano); Freddie Jensen (bass); Marc Michel (drums)

There are few places quite like Soho on a warm summer evening. As the working day fades and the weekend edges into view, the streets take on a life of their own. Office workers spill from pubs onto crowded pavements, restaurant terraces fill with conversation and laughter, and every corner seems alive with possibility.

 

Emerging from Leicester Square Underground station and heading towards Chinatown, Soho was enjoying one of those glorious summer evenings that seem uniquely London. The late sunshine lingered between the buildings, casting a warm glow across the streets as people gathered for a drink before making their way home for the weekend. Passing beneath the red lanterns of Chinatown and cutting through the heart of Soho towards Frith Street, the unmistakable buzz of the neighbourhood surrounded us. Outside Café Boheme on Old Compton Street, diners spilled onto the pavement, glasses clinked and conversation drifted effortlessly into the warm evening air. It felt as though the whole of Soho had decided to stay out just a little longer before surrendering to the night.

 

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

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

Playlist 21/06/26 (repeated Tuesday 23/06/26)

Requests from gigs: Thelonious Monk, Phineas Newborn Jr., Adrien Moignard Quartet, Pat Metheny, Tchavolo Schmitt, Artie Shaw, Jelly Roll Morton/Sidney Bechet, Jabbo Smith and His Orchestra, Sonny Rollins, Fats Waller, Preservation Hall, Edmundo Ros.

Seasonal: Charlie Parker.

Requests: Clare Teal, Peter Long, Benny Goodman, Ray Charles.

Father's Day: Horace Silver.

Memories: Charles Mingus Sextet/Eric Dolphy.

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

Zoë Gilby Quartet @ Bookends Jazz, The Gregson Centre, Lancaster – June 14

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

Newcastle based vocalist, Zoë Gilby and her trio presented an eclectic blend of song and improvisation at the Gregson Centre in Lancaster on Sunday June 14.

Gilby’s remarkable versatility as an interpreter of classic song, improviser and lyricist along with provider of detailed verbal forays to the audience was as impressive as it was informative.

What was of particular interest to this listener was Gilby’s inclusion of four songs co-written by herself (lyrics) and American trumpeter, Tom Harrell (composer). Titles like Shadowed in Solitude, Forget the Past, Ebb and Flow and Leap to the Limelight might give the listener a sense of the depth and introspection of the lyric. This, coupled with the similar and supportive melodic and harmonic shapes of Harrell’s tunes resulted in  deeply heartfelt and uniquely memorable  collaborations between Gilby and Harrell.

Andy Hudson's Early Archive

This FASCINATING VIDEO, courtesy of Andy Hudson and Californian Sting researcher Jay Matsueda, has some amazing shots of Andy, the Newcastle Big Band, San Sebastian  and Newcastle Jazz Festivals back in the 1970s. Many familiar faces both past and present can be seen and it's fun tring to put a name to some of the faces 50 years on!

Andy talks with inside knowledge on the early days  of the Newcastle Jazz Festivals and many other aspects of jazz in general. Lots of it never seen before. Lance

Jazz at the Lit & Phil: The Joe Steels Group - June 19

© Pam

Joe Steels (guitar); Ben Lawrence (piano); Andy Champion (bass); John Hirst (drums)

The Lit and Phil's Loftus Room was, as per usual on jazz afternoons, well attended. Whether this was to escape the blazing sun or to listen to some cool, laid back guitar jazz, I know not. However, I'd like to think it was the latter and deservedly so.

Steels has an impeccable technique that he uses to great effect without resorting to any extraneous effects. He also composed all six originals that made up the programme including A Blue Patch, the title track of his most recent album.

Curiosity rescued the cat

As Simon Spillett will affirm there's gold up in them their charity shops just waiting for some prospecting, record collecting, panhandler to hit pay dirt.

Today that was me! A new Animal Rescue shop had opened on our local high street so, out of curiosity, I popped in.

I wasn't a man on a mission, just curious.

The lighting was low, maybe non-existent so the books were out of question but, a cardboard box on the floor was crammed with vinyl, crammed to the extent they must have been shoehorned in.

GoodGunn Creative, Inc. Announces the Release of “25 Years of Phatness." - An Album Celebrating the Genius of Gordon Goodwin and the Big Phat Band™

July 15, 2026 - Locust Valley, NY – Vangie Gunn-Goodwin in conjunction with GoodGunn Creative, Inc. has announced the impending release of “25 Years of Phatness.” This exciting new album features the Grammy® and Emmy®-winner, Gordon Goodwin and his Big Phat Band, along with vocalist Vangie Gunn-Goodwin performing 11 spectacular Gordon Goodwin compositions and arrangements.

“This recording, the last recorded before Gordon’s tragic passing, is without doubt the most impactful of Gordon’s  and the Phat Band’s celebrated and award-winning career. With 11 tracks, including 8 previously unreleased and a trio updated by Gordon for 2026 is a stone killer,” stated Vangie Gunn-Goodwin. She added: “Gordon works were always not only brilliant and a platform for all of the great Phat Band members, but also a labor of love for him. This album continues to place Gordon in the pantheon as one of our greatest jazz composer/arrangers.”

Interview Contact: Vangie Gunn-Goodwin vangiegunnvocal@gmail.com  or Vangievocal@gmail.com

Dean Masser Quintet @ Llandudno Jazz Club - June 15

Dean Masser (tenor sax);  Neil Yates (trumpet);  Gaz Hughes (drums) ; Richard Harrold  (keyboards); Gavin Barras (double bass)

This concert was billed as a tribute to the life and music of the great American jazz saxophonist and composer Walter Theodore “Sonny” Rollins who died on 25 May 2026 aged 90 years. No better man in the UK than Dean Masser to take Sonny’s role as saxophonist and band leader for this evening. Neil Yates curates jazz here each Monday and all of the musicians are regulars at Llandudno Jazz Club.

Neil Yates Quintet: Celebrating 100 years of Miles Davis @ Llandudno Jazz Club - June 1

Neil Yates (trumpet);  Mark Hanslip (tenor sax); Misha Gray (piano); Josh Cavanagh-Brierley (double bass); Luke Flowers (drums)

This concert celebrated the music and life of the late American trumpeter, bandleader and composer Miles Davis  who was born on the 26 May 1926.

All musicians were well known to me save for Mark Hanslip who I was seeing play live for the first time. A terrific tenor saxophone player who, this evening, was playing a King tenor saxophone. A very knowledgeable audience were treated to some of the best Miles Davis tunes played by five very accomplished musicians. The repertoire of Miles Davis  is very much enjoyed by those at Llandudno Jazz Club who have the privilege of hearing top UK trumpet player Neil Yates playing every Monday evening and he curates these weekly jazz sessions.

Stockport Jazz

This Sunday Stockport Jazz welcomes trombonist Suzanne Fonseca and saxophonist Mike Hope to the Moor Club, together with Robin Dewhurst (piano), Gavin Barras (bass) and Danny Ward (drums).

Sunday 21st June 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)

Later...with Knats (June 21)

Sunday's Later...with Jools Holland features Tyneside's very own Knats! From Alexandra Palace Theatre, London, some bloke called Jools Holland introduces Shania Twain, Sam Smith, Arlo Parks, Angine de Poitrine and the boys - Stan, King and Ferg! If you're in Radio Times and on BBC Two you've probably made it. Tune in at 10:00pm.

Russell 

Press release: Yellowjackets to play two nights at Zeffirellis

The multi Grammy Award winning Yellowjackets are at Zeffirellis in Ambleside on Tuesday June 30 & Wednesday July 1 (8.00pm start both nights). 

Tickets £35.00 or  side seats £28.00 (to book visit the online calendar in the Live Music tab and select either June 30 or July 1 or call 015394 33845). 

These Are the only UK appearances of their European tour.

Russell Ferrante (keys, piano); Bob Mintzer (sax); Dane Alderson (bass); William Kennedy (drums)

“Jazz buffs know about the Yellowjackets. This is a Grammy-winning band that writes and performs intricate compositions that cross countless boundaries.”
- The Arts Fuse