Album review: PRIME Play Standards (Laundry Room Music)

Kevin MacKenzie (guitar); Peter Johnstone (organ); Doug Hough (drums)

Back in the 1950s/1960s there seemed to be a wealth of organ trios - Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Billy Preston and a million more. In America you got the impression that every corner bar and juke joint had one. In the UK it began with a trickle, the late Mike Carr, Brian Auger Trinity, Alan Haven and today, in Newcastle, Gerry Richardson.

Over the border in Scotland, PRIME, led by guitarist Kevin MacKenzie, continue the tradition doing what it says on the tin and playing standards. Unlike their forebears the emphasis is on the standards. More melodic and less blues/funk/soul orientated although none of those elements are totally missing - how could they be with a tried and trusty Hammond B3 in the mix?

Sunday night @ the Globe: Gerry Richardson's Big Idea - July 5

Gerry Richardson (Crumar keyboard, vocals); Dave Hignett (trumpet, flugelhorn); Darren Irwin (trumpet); David Gray (trombone); Garry Linsley (alto sax); Stuart Johnson (tenor, soprano sax); Sue Ferris (baritone sax, flute); Rod Sinclair (guitar); Paul Smith (drums)

Once upon a time a Gerry Richardson gig was a rare happening. Of late, Newcastle Jazz Co-op's Railway Street HQ has become the band's primary rehearsal/performance venue. This evening's concert was the nine-piece outfit's third appearance in something like twelve months.  

Newcastle Jazz Festival - Day Two: Mark Toomey Quartet - June 27

Mark Toomey (alto sax); Jeremy McMurray (piano); Ken Marley (double bass); Paul Smith (drums)

Known to many as a Charlie Parker disciple, alto saxophonist Mark Toomey is more than a mere copyist, he's very much his own man. In the heat of the day (doors open, fans working overtime), in a one hour set of original compositions, intentionally or not, Toomey set about proving the point. 

Teesside-based Toomey arrived on Tyneside with pianist Jeremy McMurray, all the way from Manchester way, bassist Ken Marley, and drummer Paul 'Smithy' Smith. In a pad numbering in excess of one hundred original tunes, Toomey was spoilt for choice. Do You Have the Time? the first out the hat, typical M. Toomey. Bird-like, fluent, the quartet on it. 

Toomey confessed to not being one for naming tunes - Mouse in the House and Song for Laura, titles inspired by home and family. And why not? That's as good as anything. Jeremy McMurray knows his way around a keyboard, that's for sure, Ken Marley, propulsive, robust, Paul Smith equally propulsive*, it all added up to a secure foundation, enabling Toomey to fly high, free as a bird (Yardbird?). 

Jazz on the Tyne Previews the Newcastle Jazz Festival 2026 with Guest Jamie Toms

In the latest edition of the podcast, presenter Colin Muirhead talks with saxophonist and co-organiser of the Newcastle Jazz Festival Jamie Toms about the upcoming events at the Live Theatre.  You’ll hear tracks featuring festival acts Clark Tracey, OUTRI, the Alexia Gardner Quintet, Rory Ingham, and Laura Jurd.  Plus, there’s music by Archipelago, Gerry Richardson, Eyolf Dale, Gretchen Parlato, 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.

Gerry Richardson Quartet @ Sunderland Minster - May 15

Gerry Richardson (organ, vocals); Garry Linsley (alto sax); Rod Sinclair (guitar); Paul Smith (drums)

Sunderland's thriving Cultural Quarter was a hive of activity. The Peacock was preparing to host a rock band, the Fire Station was readying itself for the arrival of several hundred ticket holders to a reggae concert, the Empire Theatre was about to host its third performance of the day (The Choir of Man) and, over the road at Sunderland Minster, we were about to enjoy another Old Black Cat Jazz Club concert.

Gerry Richardson Quartet @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth - Mar. 30

Gerry Richardson (organ, vocals); Garry Linsley (alto sax); Road Sinclair (guitar); Paul Smith (drums)

Vying for renewable energy capital of the UK, the south east Northumberland port of Blyth is on the up. A harbour front hotel, a recently opened arts/cinema space and not one but two thriving music schools, if it's a Monday lunchtime, it's Yamaha Music School time.

Gerry Richardson Quartet @ the Lit & Phil - March 20

© Patti

Gerry Richardson (organ, vocals);  Garry Linsley (alto sax);  Rod Sinclair (guitar); Graeme Hare (drums).

Another Friday at the Lit and Phil and another full house sold out weeks ago. If you want a ticket for these monthly Friday concerts, you have to be quick off the mark. Today the offering was the well known and well respected Gerry Richardson leading a quartet with a mixture of soul, funk, jazz and blues.

Everyone seated, announcements made, and then wham! straight into Ben Tucker's Comin' Home Baby. A tune long associated with Herbie Mann and Mel Tormé, this blues classic set the scene for things to come, no prisoners were to be taken, just hold onto your hats and enjoy the ride. There were blistering solos aplenty  from Gerry, Rod Sinclair and Garry Linsley.  Graeme Hare, sitting in for  regular drummer Paul Smith (on tour with Lindisfarne) looked very comfortable behind his kit and was obviously enjoying himself, no more so than when he led the band into African Sunset, a Richardson original.

Sunday night @ the Globe: Trish Clowes' My Iris - March 8

© Ken Drew

Trish Clowes (tenor sax); Chris Montague (guitar); Ross Stanley (Crumar Nova keys); Joel Barford (drums)

The Globe was sardine sandwiched and even after the passing trade, en route to Peter Kay at the nearby arena, had quenched their thirst and left, the room was still at near capacity for the performance by Trish Clowes' My Iris.

Four top class musicians held the audience's rapt attention. The theme for the evening was My Iris' soon to be released album Try Me. On the basis of this live performance it promises to be a must have addition to the library of those seekers of wisdom and truth.

As it stands, for me it is to date the Gig of the Year on the contemporary side of modern.

Sunday Night @ the Globe: Gerry Richardson's Big Idea - Feb. 8

© Sheila Herrick

Gerry Richardson (organ, vocals); Dave Hignett, Mark Webb (trumpets); David 'Showtime' Gray (trombone); Garry Linsley (alto  sax); Stuart Johnson (tenor/soprano sax); Sue Ferris (tenor/baritone sax, flute); Rod Sinclair (guitar); Paul Smith (drums)

You wait seven years for a Big Idea gig then three come at once! October 2025, February 2026 and July 2026 may not actually come at once but in the overall timescale of things it does seem so. Not that I'm complaining, the nine piece soul/funk/jazz/blues outfit never fail to impress and I doubt if anyone at last night's full house session at the Globe would disagree.

Opening up with their signature tune, Stone Church, the Big Idea didn't come on with all guns blazing, just enough to whet our appetites for what we knew was in the pipeline. The temperature rose with Rod Sinclair's solo on Blue For Big Red, Ska Odyssey featured Stuart Johnson on tenor and David Gray on trombone. I got the feeling that Showtime was chomping at the bit - his day would come. His day did indeed come after Sue on tenor and Garry on alto had worked out on Gerry's tribute to Abdullah Ibrahim - Brand New Bag.

Press release: Sunday Night @ the Globe - Gerry Richardson's Big Idea. IT'S TONIGHT - NOT TO BE MISSED!

After a packed-out reunion gig in October 2025, Gerry Richardson’s Big Idea returns to The Globe for another night of powerful jazz/soul/funk.

Gerry Richardson’s Big Idea is a dynamic nine-piece Hammond-organ-based band exploring the jazz organ genre to the max! Soul, gospel, funk, swing and samba are all part of the mix. Add to that some kicking original tunes, many written as tributes to the legendary jazz and soul musicians who have inspired Gerry throughout his career and you get an unbeatable format for a great night’s music.

The Big Idea are: – Gerry Richardson – organ and vocals, Mark Webb & Dave Hignett – trumpet/flugelhorn, David Gray – trombone, Garry Linsley, Stuart Johnson & Sue Ferris – saxophones, Rod Sinclair – guitar and Paul Smith —drums.

February goodies

As the days slowly but surely begin to lengthen, there is a long list of gigs well worth going to during February. Here's a relatively short list. On Friday 6th, Encounters in Concert is a coming together of two big bands at Saltburn Theatre. Durham Alumni Big Band and Saltburn Big Band will share the stage on Albion Terrace, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, it's a seven thirty start, it promises to be a memorable occasion.

Tees Bay Swing Band meets at Hartlepool's Blacksmith's Arms on Saturday (Feb 7th, 1:30pm). It's an open rehearsal and you're invited to pop along, sit with a drink and listen to the band as it's put through its paces and it's free admission! Up the road in Newcastle on Sunday evening (Feb. 8th) one of the great bands makes a swift return to Jazz Co-op HQ. In October last year Gerry Richardson's Big Idea sold out the Railway Street venue and the nine-piece band is on course to do the same thing this weekend. The Globe is a thriving, independent music venue, to show your support, book in advance at: www.theglobenewcastle.bar. Do it now or miss out! 

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

Playlist 01/02/26 (repeated Tuesday 03/02/26)

RIP: Brian Carrick. 

Birthday Memories: Ray Anthony. 

Requests from the Sue Ferris gig: Mulgrew Miller/Roy Hargrove, Buddy Rich/Art Tatum/Lionel Hampton, Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis, Bob Mintzer, Carmen McRae/Dave Brubeck, Mary Halvorson, Buddy Rich.    

Requests: Ella & Louis, Frank Sinatra/Red Norvo.

Memories: James P. Johnson, Stan Getz w. Bob Brookmeyer Quintet, Sonny Stitt.    

Remaster: Tommy Smith, Edwin Morgan (poetry).

What’s on in the NE: The Big Easy, Gerry Richardson's Big Idea.

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

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

Preview: Blyth Yamaha Concert Series (January - March 2026)

The Yamaha Music School's weekly lunchtime/afternoon concert series resumes on Sunday January 18th (3:00pm) with silent film piano accompanist Neil Brand improvising to a selection of film clips (3:00pm). The new series - January to March - embraces both classical and jazz performance. The jazz component comprises: Mark Williams Trio (Monday 9th, 1:00pm), Joe Steels Group (Monday 23rd February, 1:00pm), Fergus McCreadie & Matt Carmichael (Sunday 1st March, 3:00pm), James Birkett & Emma Fisk (Monday 2nd March, 1:00pm), Milne Glendinning Band (Monday 16th March, 1:00pm), Gerry Richardson Quartet (Monday 30th March, 1:00pm). 

Top Twenty Gigs of 2025

In alphabetical order here are twenty of my favourite gigs of 2025. I've omitted seasonal gigs such as Paul Edis' A Jazzy Christmas and Strictly Smokin's festive concert @ the O2 City Hall - they are worthy of a separate category. Maybe next year. Lance

 

Adrian Cox Trio @ the Lit & Phil @ the Black Swan.

Ben Crosland Quartet @ the Globe.

David Gray Flextet @ the Globe.

Emma Rawicz w. Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ the Glasshouse.

Fraser Urquhart @ the Lit & Phil.

Gerry Richardson's Big Idea @ the Globe.

Greg Abate w. Dean Stockdale Trio @ the Globe

Groovetrain @ Pilgrim

Hannabiell & Midnight Blue @ King's Hall.

JazzMain @ the Globe.

Twelve gigs of 2025

From January thru to December, a 'Gig of the Month'...

Jan. 18: Adrian Cox Trio @ Soho Pizza Express, London
Feb. 16: Gerry Richardson Quartet @ The Globe, Newcastle
Mar. 15: Vintage Explosion @ The Cluny, Newcastle
Apr. 24: Strictly Smokin' Big Band's 'Time After Time' live recording session @ The Bridge Hotel, Newcastle

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

Playlist Sunday 21/12/25 (repeated Tuesday 23/12/25).

RIP: Gordon Goodwin.

Seasonal Requests: Louis Armstrong/Benny Carter, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Benny Goodman, Gerry Richardson.

Memories: Bobby Timmins/Art Blakey, Cab Calloway, Chet Baker.

Seasonal: Chris Barber.

Requests: Ahmad Jamal, Emma Rawicz, Michael Bublé.

Christmas: Tim Boniface, Oscar Peterson, Peggy Lee.

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

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

A Happy Christmas to all our listeners.

Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms - Nov. 28

Maureen Hall (vocals); Gavin Lee (clarinet); Gordon Solomon (trombone); Gerry Richardson (piano); John Robinson (bass guitar); Scotty Adair (drums, vocals)

Torrential rain greeted our arrival in Monkseaton. Deciding to 'give it five' we sought shelter. The five came and went. What to do? There was nothing else for it. Off we went in to the monsoon. Arriving at our destination somewhat bedraggled, our landlord kindly pulled a pint of Taylor's Landlord.

A little rain wasn't going to deter Maureen Hall. Come rain or come shine, our bandleader has kept Rendezvous Jazz on the road for something like a quarter of a century. As usual here in Monkseaton, a seat with a clear view wasn't an option with all tables reserved by the Rendezvous faithful. As Maureen and the boys took to the floor, seats in the wings, with a partial view, were the best/only alternative. 

October - Hottest month of the year so far!

Five contenders for Gig of the Year in one month! Here they are in chronological order:

Oct. 17: Adrian Cox Trio @ the Lit & Phil @ the Black Swan.

Oct. 24: Lindsay Hannon: 'Tom Waits For No One' @ Gosforth Civic Theatre.

Oct. 26: Gerry Richardson's Big Idea @ the Globe.

Oct. 30: Joe Webb @ Bonners Music Centre.

Oct. 31: Paul Booth w. SSBB play 'Pet Sounds' @ Pilgrim. 

Lance

Sunday night @ the Globe: Gerry Richardson's Big Idea - Oct. 26

© Ken Drew

Gerry Richardson (Crumar Nova keyboard, vocals); Mark Webb, Dave Hignett (trumpet, flugel); David Gray (trombone); Garry Linsley (alto sax); Dan Johnson (tenor/soprano sax); Sue Ferris (baritone sax, flute); Rod Sinclair (Fender Telecaster); Paul Smith (drums)

Gerry Richardson's Big Idea don't surface very often - seven years since they were last sighted - but when they do they substantiate their standing as one of the major monuments of north east (and beyond) jazz and its offspring.

Few, if any of the audience that packed the Globe last night would disagree. Those hearing the band for the  first time were completely blown  away whilst those veteran campaigners who'd cut their teeth listening to the nine-piece way back when simply smiled and said smugly, "I told you so".

Preview: Tonight @ the Globe - Gerry Richardson's Big Idea

A treat is in store tonight (Oct. 26) down on Railway St. where the Jazz Co-op @ the Globe present Gerry Richardson's Big Idea.

Although Gerry and the other members of the nine-piece powerhouse ensemble have been gigging individually here, there and everywhere this is the first time in a number of years that they've got back together.

Vocalist and organ ace Gerry is the guiding light and his percussive Hammond based technique and his soul-drenched vocals have drawn comparisions with the organ giants of the 'sixties. Add eight of the area's big hitters - six horns, Telecaster and drums - and you can expect nothing less than a heady mix of jazz, soul and funky blues - maybe a touch of Latin. Lance

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