Into September...

Looking at September's gigs, it's a varied month with something to suit most tastes. This coming weekend Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club once again welcomes Alligator Gumbo. The Yorkshire outfit is popular down on Larchfield Street. The best advice is to arrive early on Saturday (Sept. 6) for a half past twelve start. Sunday evening sees the regional debut of the Nils Kavanagh Trio at Newcastle Jazz Co-op HQ. Pianist Kavanagh will take to the stage with Ursula Harrison (bass) and Sam Green (drums).

Wednesday's Jazz North East promotion at Elder Beer, Heaton, Newcastle (that's Sept. 9) features NONUNONU. Yes, that's right, NONUNONU. Featuring guitarist Tim 'Bim' Williams, the trio's previous appearances at the Chillingham Road micro pub/bottle shop were rather good! Thursday (Sept. 10) across the Tyne at Gateshead's imposing Glasshouse, there is another opportunity to hear the high profile saxophonist Emma Rawicz, on this occasion with her all-star band. 

Friday lunchtime (Sept. 11), Bishop Auckland Jazz presents established vocalist Esther Bennett. This is a rare opportunity to catch Bennett in concert. Make your way to Bishop Auckland Methodist Church on Cockton Hill Road for a 1:00pm start, a tenner at the door. 

The Cluny (Sunday 13) sees Alligator Gumbo returning to the region for a late afternoon concert at five o'clock. Up the road on Railway Street (Newcastle Jazz Co-op HQ) at 8:00pm, Jazz North East presents a double bill featuring Eternal Triangle and Andy Champion. 

Thursday 17th, it's the toss of a coin. Miles 100 is Tom Atkinson's tip-of-the-hat to the man, Miles Davis. If you're familiar with the Jack Johnson album from electric-era Miles, you won't want to miss this one. However...at Pilgrim there is a first appearance on Tyneside by Romania's Amphitrio. Heads or tails? 

Danny Lowndes' Hot Club, Friday lunchtime (Sept. 18) at Newcastle's Lit & Phil is SOLD OUT. To enquire about returns, call 0191 232 0192. On Friday evening, there is the choice between contemporary jazz guitar at Sunderland Minster with the mercurial Mark Williams Trio or classic Hot Club swing at St Cuthbert's Centre, Crook featuring Hot Club du Nord. 

The Michael Young Trio returns to Sunderland's Engine Room on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 20). It's a two thirty start, free admission.

Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd, ink them in the diary as the Lewis Watson Quartet salutes John Coltrane! First up, Monday at Blaydon Jazz Club at the recently refurbished Black Bull (8:00pm), followed by Newcastle's Lit & Phil (7:30pm). The latter just happens to be the exact centenary of the birth of Trane (born. 23. 9. 1925). It's been SOLD OUT for a couple of months or so.

Arun Ghosh is always a draw and on Thursday evening (Sept. 24) Gosforth Civic Theatre is likely to be busy. Friday lunchtime, Durham's Gala Theatre presents the Mark Williams Trio, at six o'clock on Saturday (Sept. 26), Adam Fairhall and Johnny Hunter explore the music of Mary Lou Williams at Byker's Cumberland Arms, Sunday afternoon (Sept. 27) Queen's Hall, Hexham it's the Zach Sewell-Lara Hopper Quintet. Finally, on Sunday evening, the Alex Hitchcock Quartet at Newcastle's Globe is one of many Newcastle Festival of Jazz and Improvised Music Festival concerts across several venues 

(www.newcastlefestivalofjazzandimprovisedmusicfestival.co.uk).  Russell