Album review: Rebecca Poole - Play On (Purdy Music)

Rebecca Poole (vocals, composer); Mark Edwards (keys); Denny Ilett, Jamie McCredie, Dominic Stockbridge (guitar); Phil Donnelly, Oscar Golding (bass); Darren Beckett, Roman Roth, Dan Bingham (drums) + Simon Williams (spoken word intro to the title track)

I was impressed with Dreamer's Ball when I reviewed the album back in 2023 and, although less jazz  related, Play On is, in its own way, equally enjoyable

Poole's originals are just that - original. The lyrics tell stories. Stories the listener can relate to be they joy, sadness, anticipation or disappointment. 'Purdy', her alta ego, covers them all in style.

Well worth a punt if your into contemporary singer/songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Janis Ian or even Shirley Horn. Lance

Release date: Nov. 6. Album launch @ Crazy Coqs on Nov. 4

Good News Baby; Something is Found; You Still Make me Laugh; Woman; Love is on Your Side; Memories; Desert Flower; For All Time; Sweet Gene; In Another Life; Play On

You can't keep a good Knat down

Yes, once again Geordie Jazzers Knats have charmed the media. Last night it was ITV in the Tyne/Tees region interviewing Stan, King and Ferg at the Utilata Arena ahead of tonight's Mercury Prize ceremony at the same venue. They're on TV nearly as much as Andy Burnham.

Win, lose or draw, on Friday night they're at King St. Social Club in North Shields. I'm told that the rumour going around that Sir Paul McCartney will be the support act is unfounded.

Best of luck Lance

Album review: John Donegan Trio - Which Direction (Jayde Records)

John Donegan (piano, compositions); Bernard O'Neill (bass); John Daly (drums) + Richie Buckley (tenor/soprano sax)

A folksy/jazzy album by Cork born, Hertfordshire based, pianist and composer John Donegan proving that contrasting genres can be mixed without losing their identity.

Trá has a particularly Irish orientated theme which gradually morphs into a jazzier mode. Daly's tymp stick solo bridges the gap although, despite some fat chords from Donegan, it eventually becomes a traditional Irish folk dance. Trá is actually a small village in County Cork. I hope the villagers acknowledge the honour bestowed upon them by buying the album.

Stockport Jazz

This Sunday Stockport Jazz welcomes the Alex Clarke/Emily Masser Quintet. Joining Alex (saxes) and Emily (vocals) will be Dean Stockdale (piano), Adrian Knowles (bass) and Gaz Hughes (drums). 

Sunday October 25, 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 (EP) review: Samara Joy & Her Septet - Live! at the Blue Note L.A. (Verve)

Samara Joy (vocals); Jason Charos (trumpet, arranger); Eli Feingold (trombone); David Mason (alto sax, flute); Kendric McCallister (tenor sax, arranger); Cameron Campbell (piano); Marty Jaffe (bass, arranger); Evan Sherman (drums)

Just to hear her name sets my heart a-flutter. Samora Joy has that effect on anyone within earshot of her gorgeous contralto (give or take a couple of octaves either way!). It's no coincidence that her EFG concert at the RFH is SO!

However, all is not entirely lost in the form of this live EP recorded at the Blue Note in L.A.

An introductory powerhouse fanfare from the octet mingled with rapturous applause announces the arrival on stage of jazz's number one vocalist who promptly goes into ...

Neil Yates Quintet @ Llandudno Jazz Club - October 19

Neil Yates (trumpet); Alex Clarke (saxophone); Andrzej Baranek (piano); Gavin Barras (double bass); Gaz Hughes (drums)

Llandudno Jazz Club welcomed star saxophonist Alex Clarke for this concert. It was the third time I had heard Alex play in eight days at venues in London and Liverpool. British Jazz Awards “Rising Star” in 2019, BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year Finalist 2020 and Nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021. A very busy and much sought after musician.

Neil Yates curates the jazz that’s held here each Monday and the other musicians on show are also regular players at the club. All top notch jazz musicians. Such a talented ensemble brought a large and knowledgeable audience out on a coolish autumn evening.

Album review: Daisy Houlder - Creature of Habit

Daisy Houlder (vocals, compositions); Jack Greenslade (piano); Josh Vadiveloo (bass); Matt Holmes (drums); Joel Marten/David Birnie (guitar)

Difficult to classify, once again the question regarding singers and jazz pops up along with the answer reportedly attributed to Fats Waller by some and Louis Armstrong by others - "If you gotta ask don't mess with it!"

By and large I think it's the jazz box that gets ticked. At the end of the day, its all music.

Houlder has a sweet voice that attunes well with the songs on the album which all relate to the end and the aftermath of a relationship.

As a recent graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and a vocalist with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, this is an artist fast building her profile on the UK jazz scene. 

Sinatra The Musical @ Aldwych Theatre, London - Oct. 14

The Aldwych Theatre in London's West End is currently hosting Sinatra The Musical. As the house lights went down on a balmy mid-October evening, almost all of the seats - stalls, dress circle and grand circle - were occupied. 

We were there to relive the story of Frank Sinatra, to 'relive the story' as there couldn't have been many in the audience who didn't have a fair grasp of the life and times of Francis Albert Sinatra. 

Taking on the role of Sinatra must be a daunting prospect. Step forward Joel Harper-Jackson. Throughout the production (two hours with an interval) the man would dominate almost every scene. The supporting cast and orchestra would more than play their part. 

The One Show @ the Globe

Last night's gig at the Globe by the Ben Crosland Quartet with Steve Waterman (see previous post) also had roving BBC camera men from the One Show filming ahead of Thursday's Mercury Prize ceremony at the nearby Utilita Arena.

The  One Show is at 7:00pm on BBC1 and BBC iplayer. 

The Globe was chosen as a Mercury Fringe venue not least because it was where the Mercury Prize shortlisted band Knats played their first major gig.

More Mercury Fringe for Knats tomorrow (Oct. 20) at the John Marley Centre where they take part in 'An Evening with Knats.' It's a listening party. Details and tickets HERE.

Meanwhile, as the award is being handed out down Arena Way (Howay the lads!) the Olly Styles Trio will be dishing out their brand of jazz at the Globe. Thursday looks to be a good night. Lance

Sunday Night @ the Globe: Ben Crosland Quartet w. Steve Waterman - Oct. 18

© Sheila

Ben Crosland (bass guitar, composer); Steve Waterman (trumpet, flugel, compositions); Rod Mason (soprano/tenor/baritone saxes); Dean Stockdale (piano); Dave Tyas (drums)

It was May 2025 when Ben Crosland last showed his bass (guitar) at the Globe although he had been seen and heard at other locations throughout the land both live and on disc including a  concert a couple of rivers away in Sunderland.

The well-attended room suggested the audience were up for more and they weren't disappointed. From Dean Stockdale's opening few bars we knew the groove was in.

The big difference was that last night it was the Ben Crosland Quartet with Steve Waterman - Steve Waterman - one of the all-time great British trumpet players!

What I'm (re)reading

A favourite Philip Marlowe quote from Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye (1953):

"At three a.m. I was walking the floor and listening to Khatchaturian working in a tractor factory. He called it a violin concerto. I called it a loose fan belt...

I know it's not jazz, but it could be... Lance

Preview: Chasing the Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary (Sunday evening)

Chasing the Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary airs on Sky Arts tonight (Sunday). Directed by John Scheinfeld in 2016, there is a long roll call of starry names playing 'self' and other characters. In the centenary year of the birth of John William Coltrane, be sure to tune to Sky Arts this evening at 10:45pm. Russell    

Preview: Tonight @ the Globe - Ben Crosland Quartet w. Steve Waterman

Ben Crosland (elec. bass); Rod Mason (saxes); Steve Waterman (trumpet); Dean Stockdale (piano); Dave Tyas (drums)

Ben Crosland always goes down well at the Globe and tonight looks to be no exception particularly as the quartet is augmented by trumpet ace Steve Waterman.

Centred around Crosland's recent album Wooltown Reflections, a take on his memories  of Bradford and the surrounding area, an enjoyable evening is in store.

Not to be missed. Lance

More Info.

Album review: Cory Weeds - Hip to be Square Plays Huey Lewis & the News (Cellar Music)

Cory Weeds (tenor sax); Chris Hazelton (B3); David Rourke (guitar); Rudy Petschauer (drums)

Huey Lewis and the News isn't a band that's been on my radar very often if indeed at all. Nor had Cory Weeds and Chris Hazelton paid much attention to the band either. However, a long trip as passengers in van with a Huey Lewis CD jammed in the stereo meant they were subjected to constant replays of the album.

This wasn't the torture they expected and this multi exposure opened up the idea of  adapting, or 'reimagining' to use a current buzzword, the music for Weeds' organ quartet. This they duly did although, over the years, it was on and off the backburner several times before arriving at the finished product late last year and let me tell you it worked out well'

Simon Woolf’s Young Masters @ Spice of Life, Soho - October 12

© Richard Morris

Simon Woolf (piano); Alex Clarke (alto sax); Jim Davison (trumpet, flugelhorn) Simon Read (double bass);  Richard Pite (drums)

An early start (12.30pm) for this lunchtime concert in the basement of the well appointment pub in the heart of Soho where the regular Monday lunchtime jazz is curated by Richard Pite who this week was on drums.

Richard, in addition to being a renowned jazz drummer and multi-instrumentalist, is a jazz historian. Simon is better known as a double bass player, composer and arranger. However, he led this band from the piano at which he is also very adept. The repertoire comprised of tunes composed or arranged by Simon plus well known jazz standards.

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

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

Playlist 18/10/26 (repeated Tuesday 20/10/26)

Seasonal: Carl Saunders.

John Lyons talks about Durham Jazz Festival:

SwanNek, Pete Roth Trio, Janette Mason

Requests from Bishop Auckland: Frank Zappa, Sammy Davis Jr, Billie Holliday/Buddy DeFranco

Memories: The Marsalis Family, Jelly Roll Morton.

New Releases: Tommy Flanagan, Ruta Di Onwards & Upwards.

Requests: Terry Gibbs, Sonny Red.

What’s on in the NE: Sara Oschlag.

Requests: Paul Desmond, Miles Davis/Kenny Garrett.

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Oct. 15-21)

Lady's Night

Sarah Vaughan: Key Largo.

Ella Fitzgerald: In my Solitude.

Dianne Reeves: Embraceable You.

Etta James: Don't go to Strangers.

Della Reese: Call Me.

Bette Midler: P.S. I Love You.

Diana Krall: I'm Just a Lucky So and So.

Dinah Washington: Call me Irresponsible.  

Lee Wiley:  Any Day, Any Time, Any Where.

Keely Smith: You go to my Head.

Billie Holiday: I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues.

?: I'll be Seeing You.

Norah Jones: I've Got to See You Again.

Patti Denham: Flamingo.

LISTEN 24/7.

Album review: Frank Morelli & Keith Oxman - Classicool (Capri Records)

Frank Morelli (bassoon); Keith Oxman (tenor sax); Jeff Jenkins (piano); Gonzalo Teppo (bass); Todd Reid (drums)

An appealing album that takes me back to those halcyon days when so much jazz was being played and recorded on America's west coast. Musicians such as Shelly Manne, Shorty Rogers, Lennie Niehaus, Howard Rumsey, Gerry Mulligan and many more, worked days in the film studios and played the jazz spots in the evening.

There was much innovation particularly in the use of instruments not generally seen in a jazz setting. Bob Cooper frequently recorded on oboe and at least once on cor anglais. I don't know if he ever dabbled on bassoon. 

Preview: Donna Hewitt @ The Chapel, Middlesbrough TS5 4BY Nov. 1

Next month (Nov. 1) our regular, first  Sunday in the month jazz afternoon at the Chapel, 16 Whitehouse St, Middlesbrough TS5 4BY, will again be the superlative saxophonist Donna Hewitt.  This is the second time this year that  Donna has been our guest and is joining us again by public demand.  The afternoon runs between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. The Chapel was voted Cleveland CAMRA Pub of the Year in both 2024 and 2026.  Entry is free. Adrian B 

Album Review: Event Horizon Jazz Quartet – Consternation (GRB Records)

Jim Kaczmarek (tenor/ soprano saxes); Scott Mertens (piano, keyboards); Donn DeSanto  (string bass); Rick Vitek (drums, cymbals, doumbek); Victor Garcia (trumpet) + Raphael Crawford (trombone tk 6)

It has been six years since the release of their first celebrated album, Event Horizon (GRB Records, 2020). Now with Consternation the quartet is back on the scene and is locked and loaded. The album offers thirteen original selections from the pens of Jim Kaczmarek and Scott Mertens. The fare here is eclectic and enjoyable with both straight-ahead jazz and more textural offerings. The puckish spirit of the quartet is vividly apparent throughout the entire recording.

Album review: Nishla Smith - The Things We Did Last Summer

Nishla Smith (vocals, artwork); Aaron Wood (trumpet, flugel, arrangements); Anna Chandler-King (saxes, arrangements); Bim Williams (guitar, arrangements); Tom Harris (piano); Josh Vadiveloo (double bass); Kai Chareunsy (drums); Elly Hanson (violin); Triele Tat (cello)

The first of the festive season albums to arrive features Nishla Smith, an Australian born, Manchester based vocalist who has plenty of BSH form via album reviews, gigs and jam sessions etc.

Supported by a stellar group of instrumentalists Nishla applies her  appealing vocal chords to four seasonal standards as well as one of her own compositions - all exquisitely performed.  Blossom Dearie crossed my mind.

 

Album review: Giacomo Smith Quartet - Artfullness (Stunt Records)

Giacomo Smith ( clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano/alto sa); Joe Webb (piano); Anders Fjeldsted (bass); Snorre Kirk (drums)

Having heard Smith with SSBB earlier this year (LINK) and Joe Webb at Bonner's Music Store in Kingston Park just under a year ago (LINK) it was good to hear them together on this album of six originals by Smith and one by Ellington.

It's quite a session with all four at the top of their game. Smith, at times romantic and lyrical, on other occasions it's as if Benny Goodman had formed a relationship with John Coltrane. Webb swings, stomps meditates captures the moment whatever the mood. Fjeldsted and Kirk add their own drive to an excellent album.

Bonnie Raitt + Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen @ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, CA - Oct. 14

Bonnie Raitt (vocals, guitar); Jon Cleary (piano, vocals)

After losing so much time with live music after Covid, tonight was a beautiful reintroduction to what music can do for the soul by two great artists.

Bonnie hasn’t lost her ability to reach her audience and tonight was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute she was on stage and felt grateful for the experience - she had everyone in the auditorium captivated!

Album review: Darius Brubeck Quartet - Live Again (Gathering Forces/ECN)

Darius Brubeck (piano); Dave O'Higgins (tenor sax); Matt Ridley (bass); Wesley Gibbens (drums)

Following on from the quartet's album Live in Poland, Live Again takes them to Italy  - these jazz musicians do get around!

It's a worthwhile trip. Darius has undoubtedly inherited his dad's talents as composer, pianist, improviser and bandleader with all four musicians given their moment in the sun.

Another holiday snap!

Kevin Eland sent me this iconic photo that he snapped in a back street in Civitavecchia, an Italian coastal port north west of Rome and a popular calling port for cruise ships.

Jazz, it seems, is everywhere!

 

The 2026 APPJG Awards @ World Heart Beat, London - Oct. 13

© Patti

London was busy - what's new? Shirt sleeves in mid-October, what's going on? The All Party Parliamentary Jazz Group (APPJG) awards at World Heart Beat in Nine Elms invariably attracts a who's who of the UK's jazz scene. 

This evening's star-studded occasion included a couple of self-styled 'Geordie Jazz' characters - Stan and Ferg. More anon.

Chris Hodgkins once again took the role of MC. Throughout the evening the very mention of a 'name' would elicit whoops and hollers. The usual gaggle of parliamentarians didn't materialise. It seems they were busy voting on various motions. 

Stockport Jazz

Join us on Sunday for our 100th Stockport Jazz gig at the Moor Club! This week features multi-award-winning saxophonist Simon Spillett with Andrzej Baranek (piano), Ken Marley (bass) and Eryl Roberts (drums).

Sunday 18th October 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)

Photo supplied by Stockport Jazz.

Derek Hook's heritage

During a recent  holiday in The Lakes we visited the National Trust property Allan Bank in Grasmere. 

I was interested to see the attached information panel in one of the rooms giving insight into the origins of  Ambleside jazz bar Zeffirelli's. Hugh C

RADIOPHONICX second season starts 2pm this Saturday, 17th October at Cobalt studios

Unheard-of Journeys - listing into outer space 

17th October 2-4pm at Cobalt Studios, 10-16 Boyd Street, Newcastle NE2 1AP

This Saturday at Cobalt studios the second season of Radiophonicx communal listening event will start with a special selection from the UK International Radio Drama Festival in Canterbury.

We will listen to 4 very different pieces from Spain, Iran, Netherlands and Georgia. The pieces are all supported by an English video translation which is a fantastic way to engage with international audio work. Come and hear yourself. 

Compliments to Alan, Julija, the Chef, the Boro and Knats

© Chris K

Phew! What a day this has been...

Starting off at the Ticket Office, that lovely micro-pub on Whitley Bay Station with a captivating performance by two of my favourite jazz people - pianist Alan Law and singer Julija Jacenaite - I followed up with a delicious serving of Chicken Fried Rice from my local takeaway.

A pint of Pepsi Max set me up to the formidable task of watching Boro away to Stoke whilst posting the winners from the All Party Parliamentary Jazz awards as they were announced.

APPG Awards 2026 - Winners now announced!

The winners will be posted on BSH as they happen.

Watch this space. Any jazz tipsters got any ideas? Because it's a cultural event the bookies aren't laying any odds so it will be down to the 'office sweep' with whoever picks the most winners receiving a CD (not necessarily by one of the winners!) Email me before 7.00pm when entries close. MPs are not allowed to vote. 

Julija Jacenaite & Alan Law @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay - Oct. 13

Julija Jacenaite (vocals); Alan Law (keys)

There's an intimacy about the Ticket Office, hidden away on Whitley Bay Metro station, that is quite unique outside of Montmartre or Pigalle. Even on a sunny afternoon the feeling is that of a late night bar - an atmosphere that was enhanced by Alan and Julija.

The Lithuanian vocalist, now based in the northeast, held the audience in the palm of her hand. Opening with Misty we sat spellbound. Take the A Train happily coincided with the arrival of a Metro heading for St. James. The Girl From Ipanema had me wondering if she ever hit the local beach. JJ sang in Portuguese (or was it Lithuanian?). Norah Jones' Don't Know Why was spinetingingly magnetic. Bill Withers. Ain't no Sunshine oozed emotion gradually building up to a grandstand finish.

Jazz on the Tyne Previews the Durham Jazz Festival 2026

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead previews the inaugural Durham Jazz Festival in company with festival director, John Lyons.  You’ll hear music by festival acts the Ronnie Scott All Stars, SwanNek, Jo Harrop, the Vasilis Xenopoulos & Paul Edis Quartet, OUTRI, the Pete Roth Trio, Marvin Muoneké, Janette Mason, Tom Waits for No Man, the Olivia Cuttill Quintet, 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.

Sunday night @ the Globe: Harry Christelis Quartet - Oct. 11

© Sheila

Harry Christelis (guitar, electronics); George Crowley (tenor sax, electronics); Andrea Di Biase (double bass); Dave Storey (drums)

Harry Christelis arrived on Railway Street with his regular quartet line-up: George Crowley (a name familiar to Tyneside gig-goers), Andrea Di Biase (making a quick return to Newcastle having featured with Zoe Rahman eight days ago) and Dave Storey. The publicity blurb promised 'ambient drones' and 'a truly immersive listening experience'. The Globe would attract a 'select' audience for the occasion.

© Russell

Opening without fanfare, guitarist Christelis and tenor saxophonist Crowley engaged in an extended bout of knob-twiddling. On a slow-burn trajectory, the quartet took its time to get to the point. An indeterminate number of (old and new) compositions formed much of the first set, bandleader Christelis addressing his audience shortly before a final concluding piece.

Album review: Adonis Rose - Live at JazzAscana. 'The Music of Gregg Hill' (Cold Plunge Records)

Adonis Rose (drums, leader); Ashlin Parker (trumpet); Rex Gregory (alto sax, arranger); Miles Berry (tenor sax); Seth Finch (piano); Max Moran (bass); Phillip Manuel  (vocal, lyrics)

Six tracks by a cracking sextet led by the wonderfully named Adonis Rose celebrating the music of New Orleans legend the iconic Gregg Hill. Still active in his home town Hill has over 200 songs to his credit. Four of them are on this album with the other two being by Jarrett and Strayhorn respectively.

All six tracks, apart from the delightful instrumental - Melissa's Tune and Lush Life which is just voice and piano - are bookended by Manuel's vocals. They're very much Hendricks inspired with a touch of Hartman thrown in for good measure. A highlight, one of many, is his scatting alongside the three horns on Jarrett's Bop Be. All four go for it, no holds barred, no quarter given - just four guys slugging it out. 

Album review: Samuel Moore - Camino Flamenco (ECN)

Samuel Moore (guitar)

British flamenco guitarists are probably, numerically, on a par with British bullfighters. However, in the case of Samuel Moore he has the edge over the picadors, the matadors and the toreadors - jazz!

Alongside studies with flamenco maestros such as Paco Peña and Juan Martin, Moore also drew inspiration from flamenco legend Sabicas as well as picking up a jazz degree at Leeds Conservatoire.

Camino Flamenco (Flamenco Path) charters Moore's path through life - his experiences, the people, the places, the events that have shaped his life. It's quite compelling particularly as I've never listened to much of the genre even though I did once attend a concert at Newcastle City Hall featuring Manitas de Plata the memory of which is now a blur.

Melissa Errico @ the Landmark Theater, Port Washington, New York I Can Dream Can’t I? "Illusions and Conversations from the Great American Songbook" - Oct. 9

Melissa Errico (vocals); Tedd Firth(piano, musical director); David Finck (bass); Eric Halvorson (drums)

There was a musical homecoming this past Friday night at the Landmark Theater in Port Washington, NY. Tony Award-nominated vocalist, actress, and award-winning author, Melissa Errico – who grew up in the area – performed selections which appear on her newest release, I Can Dream, Can’t I? - Illusions and Conversations from the Great American Songbook (Three Graces Music, 2026). Backed by a highly-engaged rhythm section, the artist held a near-full house in awe for two hours non-stop, diving deeply into the romantic aspects and poignancy of the Great American Songbook material.

After a very warm introduction by her husband, tennis great Patrick McEnroe – also a former local - Errico, radiantly beautiful and elegantly coiffed and attired, opened with a lively, yet sexy take on Cy Coleman’s catchy When in Rome (do as the Romans do). It set the upbeat, enthusiastic tone for the evening. She segued into I’m Old Fashioned, delivering Johnny Mercer’s lyrics with Astaire-like flair. All in Fun from the Broadway play Very Warm for May was a perfect vehicle for Errico’s lyric versatility. She took the story tune that depicts romance within New York Nightlife and drew every ounce of wit and irony from it. 

Courtney Pine's Private Passions (Radio 3) - Sunday at noon

Michael Berkeley's guest on this week's edition of Private Passions is Courtney Pine. Almost four decades after the release of his debut album, Journey to the Urge Within, Pine reveals his (exclusively classical?) musical passions. Tune to BBC Radio 3 at noon today (Sunday 11 October). Russell

<- Miles Davis at Newport -> 1955-1975. The Bootleg Series Vol. 4 (Sony Music)

CD1: Miles (trumpet); Zoot Sims (tenor sax); Gerry Mulligan (baritone sax); Thelonious Monk (piano); Percy Heath (bass); Connie Kay (drums)

Spoken intro by Duke Ellington & Gerry Mulligan; Hackensack; 'Round Midnight; Now's the Time. July 17, 1955.

Miles (trumpet); Cannonball Adderley (alto sax); John Coltrane (tenor sax); Bill Evans (piano); Paul Chambers (bass); Jimmy Cobb (drums)

Spoken intro by Willis Conover; Ah-Leu-Cha; Straight no Chaser; Fran-Dance; Two Bass Hit; Bye,Bye, Blackbird; The Theme. July 3, 1958.

                                    ------------------

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

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

Playlist 11/10/26 (repeated Tuesday 13/10/26)

Requests from Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club: Gavin Lee-Ian Wynne Quartet, George Lewis, Chris Barber, Benny Goodman, Max Collie, Bill Withers, Lester Young Quintet, George Lewis.

Requests: George Wein Quintet, Brent Wallarab Jazz Orchestra.

Memories: Jo Jones, Art Blakey + Terence Blanchard, Art Tatum, Jon Batiste.

NE jazz/Durham Jazz Festival: Olivia Cuttill Quintet, Martin Taylor.

More Memories: Lee Konitz & Gerry Mulligan, Kenny Garrett/Miles Davis.

Aycliffe Radio is now available on DAB in County Durham & the Darlington Area and via your smart speaker.

Dean Stockdale Trio @ Bishop Auckland Methodist Church - October 9

Dean Stockdale (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

A bright, blue sky afternoon up on Cockton Hill Road. October's Bishop Auckland Jazz session featured the Dean Stockdale Trio - pianist Stockdale, bassist (and gig organiser) Mick Shoulder and drummer John Bradford. 

Autumn Leaves. An autumnal beginning, befitting the season. Our three musicians have worked together on numerous occasions, this afternoon's concert would be a breeze. 'Tis Autumn, something of a feature for drummer Bradford, continued the seasonal theme. 

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Oct. 8 - 14)

Peggy Lee: Fever.

Page Cavanaugh Trio: I Only Have Eyes For You.

Ray Anthony: Shiny Stockings.

Louis Armstrong: You go to my Head.

Teddy Wilson: As Time Goes by.

Johnny Hartman: Sometimes I'm Happy.

Blossom Dearie: Manhattan.

Stan Getz: Girl From Ipanema.

Gene Harris: Girl Talk.

Bucky Pizzarelli/Howard Alden: Moonglow.

Billie Holiday: In my Solitude.

Stan Kenton: You and the Night and the Music.

Lee Wiley: Stormy Weather.

LISTEN 24/7.

Knats Look North

Good to see Geordie Jazzers Knats interviewed on BBC Look North tonight ahead of their Mercury Prize nomination.

Stan, King and Ferg came over well. We wish them good luck. Lance  

Press release: Sarah Heneghan - Tiny Sacred Gaps

Sarah Heneghan (drums, electronics, sampling, guitar); Ben Gaunt (piano, Rhodes, organ); Charlotte Keeffe (trumpet, flugelhorn)

Originally from the Rhondda Valleys in Wales, Sheffield-based drummer and composer Sarah Heneghan presents a trio album that brings together improvisation, Nordic jazz, folk, post-rock, minimalism and ambient electronics. Built around lyrical flugelhorn melodies, gently patterned piano and highly textural drumming, the music evokes landscapes, long train journeys, and the changing moods of coast and countryside.

Tiny Sacred Gaps is set for release on October 9th, 2026.

Album Review: Chris Potter - Alive With Ghosts Today (Edition)

Chris Potter (tenor and soprano saxophones); Bill Frisell (guitar); Burniss Travis (bass); Nate Smith (drums); Rane Moore (clarinet); Zekkereya El-magharbel (trombone); Sara Caswell (violin)

I’ve long been a fan of Chris Potter and he’s assembled quite a team for this project. Although a septet, it sounds more like a small big band when everyone plays in unison. The album is inspired by the raid on an arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia led by John Brown (he whose body lies a moulderin’ in the grave whilst his soul goes marching on), who intended to use the weapons to start a slave revolt.

John Rowland Trio play the music of Lester Young @ Jesmond Library - Oct. 9

John Rowland (tenor sax); Alan Law (keys); Paul Grainger (bass)

The combination of hard-hitting tenor saxist John Rowland and the lighter toned jazz of Lester Young seemed, at least on paper, an unlikely coupling. However, in any activity, the form book can go out the window which it did this afternoon at Jesmond Library. This turned out to be a musical marriage made in Heaven. Spiritually only Billie Holiday got closer to the man she nicknamed 'Pres' (the President).

Rowland captured Young's sound to near perfection: the languid tone, the laid back phrasing, the nonchalant - yet meaningful - improvisations were spot-on. The only way he differed was the angle he held the tenor.

Press release: Durham Jazz Festival to go out with a bang with King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys and Olivia Cuttill

One of Britain’s best-loved jump, jive and swing bands and a New Orleans-inspired quintet will take to the stage for Durham Jazz Festival’s closing-night double bill.

The inaugural three-day event, which runs at venues across the city from 23 to 25 October 2026, will come to a rousing close on Sunday, 25 October, as King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys and the Olivia Cuttill Quintet perform at Redhills Durham Miners’ Hall.

Presented in association with Durham Brass Festival, the double bill brings together two acts made for a memorable night out: the irresistible rhythm and showmanship of King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys and the soulful, story-led sound of rising trumpet star Olivia Cuttill and her quintet.

Single review: Edison Herbert & Ian Lewinson - Togetherness

Edison Herbert (lead/rhythm guitar, keys); Ian Lewinson (lead guitar); Derek Taylor (bass, drum programming); Chris Wells (drums intro)

I don't usually entertain singles, mainly because they're invariably the trailer to the big picture that is coming shortly to a download near you. There's no indication that that is the case here but, so what? It only lasts 4.11 minutes and hey! I can remember in the pre-LP age when singles were what you bought and they rarely lasted more than three minutes. True you got two sides but you never played the B side.

Album Review: Dave Bass – Trio Nuevo Vol. 3 (Tiger Turn)

Dave Bass (piano); Tyler Miles (double bass); Steve Helfand (drums)

For the third consecutive year, pianist and composer, Dave Bass has released a trio album. This one – the second featuring bassist Tyler Miles and drummer Steve Helfand - is comprised of Bass originals with some of them ingeniously constructed as contrafacts. It is an interesting compilation in which the trio, by way of Bass’s pen and keys, engages Bach, Brazil, Disney and even Juan Tizol. The result is an exhibition of boundless energy, significant communication and interplay, and stellar improvisation.