CD Review: Areni Agbabian - Bloom

Areni Agbabian (voice, piano); Nicolas Stocker (percussion).

(Review by Ann Alex).

The beautiful music on this CD is definitely not jazz, nor does it claim to be. It's closer to contemporary folk. The album comprises mostly original compositions around the theme of blooming and the natural world, including an Armenian sacred hymn, an Armenian folk legend of metamorphosis, a folk melody transcription, and a song based on a quote from the Biblical Song of Solomon.

Customs House Big Band @ the Customs House, South Shields - June 16

 (Review by Lance).

A gala occasion - 20 years old. Yes, the CHBB has been going now for two decades. It was fitting that two of the original creators of the band were in the audience. Tommy Moran and Joe Peterson, both must be very proud to note how their brainchild has grown into what it is today.

Peter Morgan led from the front introducing each number in his own inimitable manner although this time he handed over the bass trombone pad to Chris Hibbard. Peter did, however, play a couple of choruses on piano which was probably a first.

The majority of solos were taken by Mick Hill, Eddie Bellis, Alan Marshall, Jim McBriarty, John Stephenson and Bradley Johnston who provided the most emotional moment of the evening when, after Peter had paid tribute to the late Rick Taylor, Bradley added a musical tribute to his former mentor with an unaccompanied extended introduction to Body and Soul. Sheer magic and played from the heart.

Jazz Social @ Charts - June 16

Stu Collingwood (piano, vocals); Paul Grainger (double bass); Paul Smith (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Father's Day, an occasion for daddies the world over to be treated by their appreciative children. Charts on Newcastle Quayside would surely prove the ideal riverfront location - a meal, a pint, waited on hand and foot. The event coincided with the pub's weekly Jazz Social, the place would be busy.

Stu Collingwood sat at the venue's recently acquired Steck piano working in the company of the Pauls - P Grainger, bass and P Smith, drums. A couple from Gershwin - Our Love is Here to Stay (Collingwood singing) and Nice Work if You Can Get It - either side of Mean to Me and Jobim's Wave, choice GASbook material. 

Preview: Francis Tulip on Bloomsday

(Preview by Russell)

Sunday, June 16 is Bloomsday. Every year on this day Dubliners and others around the world celebrate the life of James Joyce. A 'day in the life' (June 16) of Leopold Bloom, the central character in Ulysses, is the literary device Joyce deployed in his famous - if little read! - novel. Tonight at Blaydon Jazz Club (7:30 prompt) Birmingham Conservatoire guitar student Francis Tulip will attempt to play every note he's ever played then, for good measure, play them all again during two unmissable sets in the lounge of the Black Bull pub.     

Tyne Valley Big Band @ Tynedale Beer and Cider Festival, Corbridge - June 15

Here are a few pictures I took whilst attending the Tynedale Beer and Cider Festival at Corbridge on Saturday afternoon.  The Tyne Valley Big Band were in fine form under the direction of unsung local hero Dave Hignett.  The quality of the music was exemplary and the MD himself took the occasional solo on trumpet from the rostrum.

I'm afraid I do not have a record of what they played*, but it was an eclectic mix of standards, show tunes and covers - exactly what was needed for the occasion.

As you will note, in some pictures there are two enthusiastic dancers at the front.

Hugh C

*Two excuses:  no notebook, it was a beer festival!

Showtime with Soznak

Last night with House of the Black Gardenia outside the Cumberland Arms David Gray put the boot in on that Big Big Man (hooray!). This afternoon, 'Showtime' as he's affectionately known, was snapped giving Soznak a hand at the band's regular Saturday pitch at Monument, Newcastle. Gone was the 'bone man's natty Friday evening attire in favour of a more casual street look. Pictured with Showtime is Jude Murphy (red hat) playing bass guitar on Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower. Soznak can count on the passer-by to contribute to the band's 'hardship fund' with Showtime taking care of the folding stuff - yes, they're that popular!  

Russell

Remembering Rick by Keith Armstrong

 I am so sad to hear about the tragic loss of my good friend Rick Taylor.

The best tribute I can pay him is to remember my collaborative work with him back in the late eighties, starting with the 'Dreaming North' jazz and poetry performance and recording project in 1986 which led to a national tour and an album recorded together in 10cc's studio in Stockport and then a music theatre touring show with Northumberland Theatre Company and 'Dreaming North', based on the life of Northumbrian piper Jamie Allan, which toured nationally for a whole month in 1988.

Dutch trio surfaces in Newcastle double bill

(Press release)

Adventurous voice, guitar and percussion trio Under the Surface join the Dutch-Scottish sextet LoLanders in a double bill at the Bridge Hotel in Newcastle on Sunday, June 23 for a concert that continues Jazz North East’s association with the Dutch jazz scene.

Under the Surface was formed in 2016 when the group’s vocalist, Sanne Rambags was selected by the Dutch organisation Beaux Jazz to be part of its Next Generation strand.

House of the Black Gardenia @ Cumberland Arms, Ouseburn, Newcastle - June 14

(Review by Lance)

It wasn't everyone's idea of a summer's evening but at least it wasn't raining! And even if it had been it wouldn't have put a damper on things - I'm told there was a Plan B to cover all contingencies. Fortunately, it wasn't needed. The fans and their families relaxed with some choice ales as well as occasionally tripping the light fantastic. Their dogs were less energetic (see photo by Russell), This is par for the course at a Gardenia gig. The band has fun even if some of the songs are less than cheerful such as Graveyard Shift and Dead Man Calypso. This latter tune is about a woman who strangles her estranged man so they will eventually be together again!

Durham University Big Band's Big Summer Gig @ Durham Students' Union - June 13

(Review by Russell)

Advertised as an eight o'clock start it seemed reasonable to arrive sometime around half past seven to go to the bar, take a seat and listen to a last minute soundcheck. Walking into Ove Arup's 1960s Durham city landmark building the Riverside Bar was just about full to capacity, the place rammed with students...no surprise given that tonight's venue for the end of year gig by the Durham University Big Band was Durham Students' Union. What was a surprise was the gig started at 7:30...bloody students! 

Hawaiian shirts and on stage drinks aplenty gave the game away - the Durham University Big Band guys were demob happy. Led by Zach Fox, who a week earlier received a standing ovation at his Final Recital, DUBB presented two sets of typically mixed fayre; classic swing numbers sitting alongside contemporary charts from the likes of Jacob Mann and Gerard Presencer. 

Tori Freestone Trio @ The Black Swan Arts Centre - June 13

Tori Freestone (tenor sax/violin/voice); Dave Manington (bass); Tim Giles (drums).

(Review by Lance/ Photos courtesy of Ken Drew).

When respected jazz writers such as John Fordham (Guardian) and Chris Kilsby (BSH) wax eloquent about a band/artist then it goes without saying they (band/artist) must be checked out in person, such was my task for today (yesterday). Not an unpleasant task, I hasten to add, although at times it touched on the outer limits of my comfort zone which is no bad thing - doesn't do to become too complacent!

CD Review: David Stryker - Eight Track III

David Stryker (guitar); Stefon Harris (vibraphone); Jared Gold (organ); McLenty Hunter (drums); Mayra Casales (congas and percussion).

(Review by Hugh C).

David Stryker is an in-demand guitarist and educator based in NYC.  His two previous “Eight Track” releases were in 2013 and 2016.  Stefon Harris reminded Stryker that they needed to complete the Trilogy, an idea he could only say yes to.  The concept of all three albums was to take “classic melodies from the 70s” and “put my own stamp on them through the arrangements and playing”.