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.

Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Gio Washington-Wright Discuss Gordon and Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and the Incredible True Backstory Behind the Celebrated Album with Nick Mondello.

Aria @ Pizza Express Live Soho, London - Sept. 21

Aria (lead vocals); Poppy Daniels (trumpet); Bella Band (flute); Will Hobson (piano); Chris Montague (guitar); Harry Gould (bass); Dan Hester (drums); Elisha Zion, Siobhan Naomi Prince, Lauren Fretwell (backing vocals)

Three years ago, Aria sang at Pizza Express Live Soho before she had written a song of her own. Tonight, she returned to the same compact stage with a debut album, a full house and a nine-piece band packed around her.

 

That is quite a way to come full circle.

 

But this was more than a neat piece of symmetry. From the moment she walked on for Resentment, Aria looked entirely at home: assured at the centre of a formidable band, comfortable with the room and ready to claim the occasion rather than simply mark it.

 

The album is Rectify, released on Sarah Gillespie’s Pastiche Records, and Gillespie’s fingerprints are understandably all over the journey that brought Aria here. Mentor, manager, producer, co-writer, friend and, as Aria described her from the stage, sounding board, Gillespie has clearly played an enormous part in developing the artist we saw tonight.

 

The Scenic Route @ Dorman's Jazz Club Middlesbrough - 1st October

© Ron/Lydia Hampton

Josh Bentham (tenor sax, flute); James Corking (trumpet, flugel); Paul Donnelly (guitar); Dave Archbold (piano); John Daniel (bass); Jonny Mohun (percussion); Richard Miles (drums).

Playing their first gig together, this newly formed band led by saxophonist Josh Bentham gave the near capacity audience a night of most interesting music from around the world played with great passion and excitement whilst maintaining the high standards of Dorman's guest bands.

Opening with jazz from South Africa, McCoy Mrubata's Entiombeni a medium swing number was a good choice to showcase the band's ensemble work with excellent rhythmic support provided by Richard, Jonny and John.  

Staying in South Africa with Abdullah Ibrahim's beautiful ballad Whoza Mtwana, the number that inspired Josh to form the band, showed how well Josh's tenor sax and James trumpet blended together before they each played a moving solo followed by Paul's fine guitar work.

Dean Masser Quintet @ Llandudno Jazz Club - October 5

© Richard Morris

Dean Masser (tenor saxophone) Neil Yates (trumpet); Richard Harrold (piano); Gavin Barras (double bass); Ric Weedon (drums)

It is a tribute to Neil Yates, curator of Llandudno Jazz Club, that musicians travel from far and wide to play there as this night proved with Dean Masser travelling from Wigan (140 miles), Richard Harrold from Knutsford (134 miles), Gavin Barras from Glossop (182 miles) and Ric Weedon from Manchester (156 miles). Neil, born in Stockport, is now a local so does not have too far to travel.

The musicians are all well known to the club regulars and I often see both Ric and Richard either here or in Liverpool. Gavin, as well as being a long standing member of Matthew Halsall’s band is also part of Dean Stockdale’s Quartet. Dean (Masser) himself is a frequent guest. In two weeks’ time (Oct. 19) the main guest will be one of Dean’s pupils - the 2020 finalist in the BBC’s Young Jazz Musician of the Year - sax player Alex Clarke.

Preview: Ray Brown's last pianist, Larry Fuller, Celebrates Ray Brown 100 (PizzaExpress Soho)

Larry Fuller (piano); Lorin Cohen (bass); Carmen Intorre (drums).

A taste of what you might expect at Pizza Express on Nov. 10. Lance

Stockport Jazz

This week’s Stockport Jazz gig at the Moor Club sees the return of the West Coast Jazz Octet playing classic 1950s arrangements from Shorty Rogers, Marty Paich, Andre Previn, John Williams, Bob Florence and many others. 

The Octet comprises Gair Carson (tenor sax), Neil Kershaw (flugelhorn), Duncan Winfield (trombone), Simon Reynolds (baritone sax), Eileen Guppy (piano), Paul Hartley (guitar), Ben Wiltshire (bass) and Andrew Bold (drums).

Sunday 11th 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)

Apphia Campbell: Black is the Color of my Voice @ Northern Stage, Newcastle - Oct. 6

Apphia Campbell (actor, playwright)

A sparse setting (see graphic taken before the performance) was all that was needed. That and Apphia Campbell.

I'd seen Black is the Color of my Voice ten years ago and little had changed except Ms. Campbell's voice which now seemed stronger, more powerful than I remembered.

The theme then is the same as it is now, as it was 100 years go - maybe since the beginning of time.  RACISM - the ugliest word in the dictionary.

It's the heart rending story of a thinly disguised Nina Simone's life as singer, pianist and activist for the Civil Rights Movement told emotionally and vocally by the play's multi-award winning sole performer.

She laughs (with irony), she cries (sorrowfully), she sighs (philosophically). Even at the age of three she realises the sense of injustice there is in the world.

They stepped out of a dream

Last night as I lay a-sleeping, a soporific fantasy imagined a band made up of some musicians who'd impressed me at live gigs during 2026. But, like with most dreams, come dawn's early light I was awake and the dream was gone.

However, although the dream was gone the idea wasn't so, thinking over the gigs I'd attended, I came up with the following line-up: Mejedi Owusu (trumpet); Lewis Watson, (tenor sax), Mikey Owers (trombone); Andrzej Baranek (piano); Andrea Di Biase (bass); Bill Bruford (drums).

Of course tonight's dream maybe totally different and, if I'm lucky, might feature Meryl Streep in The Bridges of Tyne & Wear County - dream on... Lance

Photos

Lewis Watson © John Lyons.

Mejedi Owusu, Andrea Di Biase © Pam

Mikey Owers, Bill Bruford © Sylvia

Andrzej Baranek © Patti

Preview: Black is the Color of my Voice @ Northern Sage (tonight & tomorrow)

Tonight is the first of two performances (Oct. 6 & 7) of Apphia Campbell's highly acclaimed, award winning Black is the Color of my Voice inspired by the life and times of pianist, singer and Civil Rights Movement activist Nina Simone.

BSH has reviewed the one-woman show on previous occasions at the Customs House in South Shields (see links below) and I highly recommend  catching either/both of the shows at Northern Stage. Lance

Customs House 2016

Customs House 2022

TICKETS/INFO.

Frank Griffith with the Andrzej Baranek Trio @ Huddersfield Irish Centre - October 4

Frank Griffith (tenor sax, clarinet); Andrzej Baranek (keyboards); Ben Crosland (bass); Dave 'Rocky' Tyas (drums)

Huddersfield Jazz has been presenting jazz for something like four decades and there's nothing quite like the prospect of an American guest to whet the appetite. A friend and occasional contributor to BSH, Frank Griffith arrived at Huddersfield Irish Centre with a top flight trio in tow - pianist Andrzej Baranek, bassist Ben Crosland and drummer Dave Tyas. 

Frank Griffith boasts a 'been there, done that' cv. Fifteen years working in New York (Ron Carter, Jon Hendricks, Jack McDuff), stints with Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich (as one does), for many years the American tenor saxophonist has made the UK his home. 

Press release: Northern jazz artists are invited to apply for Jazz North’s live touring support programme, Northern Line

The selected cohort will receive an 18 month programme of 1:1 mentoring, a showcase at manchester jazz festival 2027 and a bursary to support their live touring costs.

Northern Line is now open for applications until 12 noon on Monday 2nd November 2026 

Jazz North, a development agency for northern jazz, has been boosting artists’ careers since its inception in 2012. Northern Line is the flagship development programme that takes artists' live touring careers to the next level. 

The programme, which has supported ninety five bands and hundreds of musicians since it launched in 2013, is seeking the next five artists to join its thriving roster of live touring artists. 

Northern Line ensures gigs can happen, despite the ever changing landscape. 

Late Night Chicago Radio with Denny Farrell (Oct. 1 - Oct. 7)

Kenny Burrell: Last Night When we Were Young. 

Diana Krall: All or Nothing at All.

McCoy Tyner Trio: That Old Devil Moon.

Modern Jazz Quartet: Django.

Tony Bennett: The Shadow of Your Smile.

Rosemary Clooney: Tenderly.

Lester Young: Our Love is Here to Stay.

André Previn: But Not For me.

Cassandra Wilson: The Very Thought of You.

Tom Rigby: Back Porch Blues.

Billy Eckstine: Blue Moon.

LISTEN 24/7.

Neil Yates’ Trumpet Fatty Jazz Band @ Llandudno Jazz Club - September 28

© Richard Morris

Neil Yates (trumpet and vocals); Liam Byrne  (saxophones); Andrew MacKenzie  (trombone and vocals); Andy MacKenzie  (guitar and banjo)

Billed as trad jazz, the audience were treated to many of the songs and tunes from the New Orleans and Dixieland canon. It has been too long since I last came to the trad jazz evening at Llandudno Jazz Club. 

All four musicians are regulars on the north-west jazz circuit and all are band leaders in their own right.

Neil, who has been the curator of jazz at this venue every Monday evening for the past few years and is one of the UK’s top trumpeters, was celebrating his 56th birthday. Liam had brought three saxophones to the gig: a Selmer tenor, Conn soprano and the rarely sighted Conn bass. The bass sax is a monster which, due to its weight, Liam played on a stand. He effortlessly switched between the three often playing two on the same tune. This provided huge variety in the concert and was something of a virtuoso performance by Liam which I count as being fortunate to witness.

Adrian Cox Quartet @ Henley Jazz Festival - September 26

© Richard Morris

Adrian Cox (clarinet); Harry Evans (double bass); Honey Boulton (guitar); Enrico Tomasso (trumpet)

This concert took place on a paddle steamer cruising up and down the River Thames on the aptly named “The New Orleans”  departing from Henley at 3.00pm on the most glorious autumn day with temperatures in the mid 20s. The boat was provided by Hobbs of Henley who have 150 years experience of offering boat hire and public/private cruising on the Thames.

The musicians involved need little introduction although I had not seen Harry Evans live before. Adrian is simply one of the world’s best jazz clarinet players. Enrico Tomasso is a renowned jazz trumpet, flugelhorn and cornet player. He is widely celebrated as one of the UK’s premier brass players and has won awards as best trumpeter multiple times.

Joe Webb Trio @ Purdy’s Pop Up, HAODS Studio, Henley-on-Thames -September 25

© Richard Morris

Joe Webb (piano); Will Sach (double bass);  Kai MacRae (drums)

Purdy’s Pop Up, a live music and jazz club founded and hosted by Rebecca Poole (Purdy) and Danny Ilett, opened the first jazz festival in Henley with the Joe Webb Trio performing concurrently with a concert given by Clare Teal at the Kenton Theatre.

The trio’s usual drummer Sam Jesson was on family duties so the very talented Kai MacRae stepped in. He had joined the band on a recent tour which included China and Asia. Kai leads his own band and I have seen him play multiple times. A big talent.