Album Review: Steve Rawlins - Word on the Street (stream Spotify etc.)

Steve Rawlins (piano, composer, co-composer); Sal Lozano (alto/tenor sax, flute); Grant Geissman (guitar, acoustic guitar); Ken Wild (bass, upright bass); Hussain Jiffry (electric bass); John Ferraro (drums)

One of the ironies of being a constantly in-demand composer, arranger, pianist, trumpeter and music director for A-List celebrities and for television and films, is that Steve Rawlins has only released three albums of his own. With Word on the Street, the third effort, Rawlins steps into the spotlight and, with the outstanding help of some of the best in the biz, delivers a charm – a bravura performance.

Moraga Drive, the first of ten Rawlins originals or co-composed originals on the album, hits straight-ahead in a So What groove with Ken Wild’s bass announcing before alto and guitar in octaves state. It’s a throwback cut of sorts with a catchy head whose purpose lights the fires that follow. Fine solos here from Lozano, Geissman, and Rawlins.

Did you know Ralph Hutchinson?

Newcastle born trombonist Ralph Hutchinson's career stretched from Newcastle to Glasgow to Chicago playing at the Oxford Galleries in Newcastle, the Tommy Sampson Band in Glasgow and with Muggsy Spanier in Chicago.

The above brief synopsis has been posted a couple of times in - 2011 and 2021- the reason for posting again is that one of our site visitors is curious to contact anyone who knew him over his 83 years (Ralph died in 2008).

Can anyone help? Lance

Happy Birthday Kenny Burrell - 95 today

© Lance

The great jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell is 95 today. Jazz fans world wide will surely wish him well. I recall seeing him at the North Sea Jazz Festival back in 1984. He was in the illustrious company of Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Slide Hampton, Walter Davis Jr., Jimmy Woode and Nasyr Abdul Al-Khabyyr. Fast company indeed! Not surprisingly, it was a festival highlight.

Apart from Canadian  drummer Al-Khabyyr, now 68, I suspect that Kenny is the only other survivor - long may it be so. Lance

Press Release: Molley announces six dates at Edinburgh Fringe

© Greg MacVean

Saxophonist Brian Molley leads his quartet in two separate runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Promising to bring the heat of Rio’s carnival to the Jazz Bar, from Friday 14 to Sunday  August 16 Molley’s group will reimagine Brazilian classics including Corcovado, Desafinado and The Girl from Ipanema.

One of the Scottish jazz scene’s most travelled outfits, Molley’s quartet prepared for this celebration of the great samba and bossa nova composers with a successful tour of Brazil late last year.

Press release:The 2026 Mercury Prize 12 ‘Albums of the Year’

The north east has two nominations in the 2026 Mercury Prize sort list: Knats and Jade are amongst the twelve hoping to emulate last year's winner Sam Fender. The twelve are listed below:

Dave - ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’

Dove Ellis - ‘Blizzard’

Florence + The Machine - ‘Everybody Scream’

JADE - ‘THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!’

Knats - ‘A Great Day In Newcastle’

Kojey Radical - ‘Don't Look Down’

Nia Archives - ‘Emotional Junglist’

Olivia Dean - ‘The Art of Loving’

Paul McCartney - ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane’

RAYE - ‘THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE.’

Suede - ‘Antidepressants’

War Child Records - ‘HELP(2)’

The Ishy Aasgaard Quintet @ Llandudno Jazz Club - July 27

© Richard Morris

Ishy Aasgaard (trombone) Neil Yates (trumpet, tenor sax); Misha Gray (piano); Josh Cavanagh-Brierley (double bass); Johnny Hunter (drums)

It is not often a trombone player leads a five piece ensemble but this concert provided one of the rising stars of jazz trombone, Ishy Aasgaard, the opportunity of leading this very classy group of musicians. Although still studying under Giacomo Smith and others at the Royal Academy of Music his trombone virtuosity tonight was exceptional. He also selected a wonderful set list which enabled all to display their skills. 

Album review: Emily Kuhn - Feathered Things (Desafio Candente Records)

Emily Kuhn (trumpet); Meghan Stagl (piano, vocals); Erik Skov (guitar); Kitt Lyles (bass); Gustavo Cortiñas (drums)

Eight original compositions by Kuhn drawn from her imagery of feathers, flight, fire and snow to explore themes of hope and resilience. Truly an ambitious project that was well beyond the bounds of my own imagery - old bebopper that I am.

Nevertheless, ignoring all the P.R. mullarkey, there are compelling moments and certainly Kuhn has a beautiful sound. The tone, rich and resonant, could well have been recorded in a high ceilinged cathedral. It brought to mind The Last Post being played at the graveside of the fallen. The opening chorus of Telephone is just such a moment where the tonal clarity, totally unaccompanied, crosses genres setting an instrumental benchmark for any trumpet player.

Dana Masters: Upstairs @ Ronnie Scott's - July 14

Courtesy of Glenn Wright

Dana Masters (vocals); Cian Boylan (piano); Freddie Gavita (trumpet)

There are few better places to spend a sweltering summer evening than Upstairs at Ronnie Scott's. While the historic main room downstairs remains the beating heart of the club, Upstairs has developed a character entirely its own. On a night when London temperatures remained stubbornly in the high twenties, the wonderfully efficient air conditioning was appreciated almost as much as the music itself. Cool, intimate and wonderfully relaxed, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Whether seated just a few feet from the stage or leaning against the bar watching Ronnie Scott's expert staff effortlessly mixing cocktails while Masters' effortlessly expressive voice filled the room, every audience member felt part of the performance.

R.I.P. Jim McKeown (? - July 29, 2026)

I've just received the sad news of the passing of Scottish born, Forest Hall based, Dixieland drummer Jimmy "the brush" McKeown.

Over the years, Jim enhanced local New Orleans styled bands such as Maureen Hall's Rendezvous Jazz (pictured), Jazz in the Afternoon, and many others with his discreet, yet effective drumming.

His jovial personality will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Lance

R.I.P. René Urtreger (1934 -July 16, 1926)

The passing of  René Urtreger  brought back many memories of listening to albums by Buck Clayton, Don Byas, Lionel Hampton, Lester Young and fellow Frenchman Guy Lafitte. Urtreger was invariably first call when an American ex-pat bagged a record date and needed a pianist.

Amongst those albums and the one I've probably played more than any of the others is Miles' soundtrack to Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud with Urtreger. Listening to it late at night on some foreign radio station I could almost imagine I was in Paris. At the time I probably didn't know it was Urtreger on piano but I sensed his importance to what Miles was laying down.

René Urtreger died just ten days after his 92nd birthday.

R.I.P - Lance

Dean Masser Quartet @ the Moor Club, Stockport - July 26

© Jeff Pritchard

Dean Masser (tenor sax); Richard Wetherall (keyboards); Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley (double bass); Dave Walsh (drums).

I've  done so many reviews on Dean that I'm running out of words to describe his playing. Likewise Richard Wetherall who is also seen at many of the Moor Club gigs.  These two musicians attracted a larger than normal turnout and I noticed many friends and plenty of regular jazz fans amongst the audience. 

A person who is making a name for himself in the north west and elsewhere is bass player Joshua C-B.  He has been most impressive on every gig I've seen him on. Dave Walsh is well known as an educator and is also one of a few drummers that are always in demand. I liked his brush work on the wonderful ballad You've Changed which happens to be a favourite tune of mine. 

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 Dessauer (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.