Paul Skerritt Big Band @ The Glasshouse, Gateshead - Apr. 11

Paul Skerritt (vocals); Stuart McLean-Fowler (MD); Paul Skerritt (vocals); Dan Johnson, Kim Skerritt, Sue Ferris, Josh Bentham, Niall Armstrong (reeds); Sam Armstrong, Benny Coxon, Dave Hignett, Michael Lamb (trumpets); Kieran Parnaby, Alex Utting, Laura Davison; Chris Gray (trombones); Jeremy McMurray (keyboards); Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar); Jamie Watkins (double bass); Dave McKeague (drums) + Ruth Stapleton (vocals)

The Glasshouse. Hall Two. The first two tiers sold out. The Paul Skerritt Big Band, with the Main Man waiting in the wings, opened with Big Swing Face. The casual punter could be forgiven for thinking they were in for an evening of straight ahead big band jazz. Enter the Main Man...

Mr Paul Skerritt likes to have a good time and he all but insists you should have a good time too. From the off, the wisecracks came thick and fast. Skerritt is your ideal 'Rat Pack' entertainer. Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Curtis Stigers were but three names Skerritt happily namechecked. Witty repartee ensued, whether between the Main Man and his audience or the Main Man and his band. Sitting/hiding in the trombone section, Kieran Parnaby was frequently on the end of Skerritt's barbs. Mind you, Parnaby gave as good as he got!

 

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.

Paul Skerritt Big Band @ The Westovian Theatre, South Shields - Nov. 22

Paul Skerritt (vocals); Dan Johnson, Alan Marshall, Kim Skerritt, Josh Bentham, Niall Armstrong (reeds); Sam Armstrong, Benny Coxon, Dave Hignett, Michael Lamb (trumpets); Kieran Parnaby, Eddie Bellis, Alex Utting, Chris Gray (trombones); Stu Collingwood (keyboards); Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar); Jamie Watkins (bass); John Bradford (drums); Stuart Fowler (MD)

It's become an annual thing. Hire a local venue, promote a concert featuring many of the region's familiar A-listers, an audience materialises and the man has got himself a big band gig. The Westovian Theatre is local to 'the man', that's vocalist Mr Paul Skerritt. At a little after half past seven, the Paul Skerritt Big Band hit the stage. 

It's not quite the season to be jolly, however, this evening on Pier Parade signalled the start of the festivities. A bundle of energy is Mr Skerritt, How do you do? enquired Mr S, I've got you under my skin - you knew it was coming, Kieran Parnaby giving it the Milt Bernhart treatment It works every time!

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

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

Playlist 16/11/25 (repeated Tuesday 18/11/25)  

Requests: Bunk Johnson, Mel Tormé.

Paul Skerritt talks jazz and makes his picks: Jamie Cullum, Seth MacFarlane, Jumaane Smith ft. Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Tormé, Buddy Greco.

New Release: Louis Stewart/Brian Dunning, Dotsero.

Paul Skerritt Big Band @ Pilgrim - August 10

Paul Skerritt (vocals); Tom Rushton, Benny Coxon, Sara James, Sam Armstrong (trumpets); Chris Gray, Chris Kurgi-Smith, Ben Haslam, Alex Utting (trombones); Dan Johnson, Jamie Toms, Sue Ferris, Alan Marshall, Niall Armstrong (reeds); Jeremy McMurray (keys); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (bass guitar); John Bradford (drums); Stuart McLean Fowler (M.D.)

Pilgrim was jumpin'. Even before the debonaire Paul Skerritt launched his respectful tributes to Sinatra, Bennett, Darin, Dean and others, the 17 piece ensemble under the virtual baton of M.D. Stuart Fowler had got the room primed for the entrance of Mr. P.S. with a swinger of a ring-a-ding-dinger Basie style number with a tasty tenor solo from Sue Ferris of whom more would be heard later.

Preview: Paul Skerritt Big Band @ Pilgrim - Sunday August 10.

© Patti

This Sunday afternoon (August 10) at Pilgrim (formerly Hoochie Coochie) sees the debut of the Paul Skerritt Big Band at the iconic city centre venue.

The big band, comprising of the cream of north east musicians, will provide a swinging backing for one of the best crooners in the UK. 

Coming on the back of sell-out concerts at the Glasshouse in Gateshead and the Westovian in South Shields you can expect a programme of showstoppers ranging from way back to way way forward. And, if you feel like dancing, get up and shake it.

An August preview

It's the calm before the storm. Relatively speaking, August is a quiet month on the gig front. Come September, gigs will be stacking up here, there and everywhere. August's schedule is bolstered by the region's many weekly and monthly residencies which see no reason to shut up shop - good for them!

On the first of the month (Friday), Yorkshire-born, London-resident, saxophonist Matt Anderson returns to the region to play a Matt Anderson and Friends engagement at Saltburn Community Hall. It's a seven thirty start, tickets available online or pay at the door. Saltburn, Monday 4th sees the Saltburn Big Band opening up its Saltburn House Hotel rehearsal night to the public. Free admission, seven o'clock start.

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

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

Playlist 20/07/25 (repeated Tuesday 22/07/25)

Seasonal: The Modern Jazz Quartet, WDR Big Band w Anat, Avishai & Yuval Cohen.

Requests from Paul Skerritt's Bishop Auckland gig: Oliver Nelson Septet, Ella Fitzgerald, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, John Scofield.

Other Requests: Benny Goodman Quartet, Blue Mitchell Quartet, Flying Horse Big Band, Pat Longo & His Latin Jazz Band, Dave Brubeck/Laurence Mason, Bix Beiderbecke.

What’s on in the NE: Isobel Pearce, Ragtime Rewind.

Chamber Jazz Sextet.

Aycliffe Radio is now available on DAB in County Durham & the Darlington Area.

Mick Donnelly Quartet @ Auckland Castle - June 13

Mick Donnelly (tenor sax, alto sax); Dean Stockdale (piano); Mick Shoulder (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

The end of a chapter. In glorious sunshine, Bishop Auckland Jazz said farewell to Auckland Palace. From July, the monthly Friday lunchtime session moves on up the road to Bishop Auckland Methodist Church. This afternoon's concert, featuring saxophonist Mick Donnelly, drew a capacity crowd, then some. 

Durham Alumni Big Band @ Number One Bar, Darlington - April 26

Durham Alumni Big Band: Shaune Eland (MD), Ian Robinson, Kevin Eland, Andrew Meadowcroft (trumpets); Alistair White, Terry O'Hern, Andrew Kirtley, Paul Gilson (trombones); Dan Johnson (alto sax), Steve McGarvie (alto sax); Richie Emmerson (tenor sax);  Barbara Fagan (tenor sax); Danielle Drew (baritone sax); Paul Donnelly (guitar); Dave Archbold (keyboards); Mick Shoulder (bass guitar, double bass); Stephen Fletcher (drums)

It had been quite a while since we last heard the Durham Alumni Big Band (October 2023, with guests Quentin Collins and Matt Roberts at Northgate United Reformed Church, Darlington). This sunny Saturday afternoon, standing on the corner of Skinnergate and Coniscliffe Road, the DABB shoehorned itself into Number One Bar. Good news! And Good News it was as the Alumni opened with Bob Mintzer's chart (as played by the Buddy Rich Band). 

Paul Skerritt Big Band @ the Glasshouse - April 25

© Russell

Paul Skerritt (vocals); Stuart Fowler (MD); Dave Hignett, Michael Lamb, Sam Armstrong, Benny Coxon (trumpets); Conor Emery, Kieran Parnaby, Alex Utting, Chris Gray (trombones); Dan Johnson, Kim Skerritt, Sue Ferris, Jamie Toms, Niall Armstrong (reeds); Jeremy McMurray (keys); Mark Williams (guitar); Jamie Watkins (bass guitar); John Bradford (drums) 

Paul Skerritt's second appearance at the Glasshouse - it's becoming an annual fixture at the venue - was well-attended by an audience who were out to have fun. They were at the right place, at the right time, with the right performer to give then just that - fun!

This wasn't Gateshead, it was Vegas in its heyday with the Rat Pack compressed into one personality backed by a swinging big band.

Preview: Paul Skerritt Big Band (Gateshead's Glasshouse - Friday 25th)

Tomorrow night (Friday April 25) Paul Skerritt's all-star seventeen piece big band returns to the Glasshouse, Gateshead. From an intimate jazz club engagement to the concert hall stage, vocalist Paul guarantees entertainment, big style! The Westovian Theatre in South Shields first presented Paul as a big band singer with the Danny Miller Big Band. Now fronting his own big band - the Paul Skerritt Big Band - all the indications are that tomorrow night's show in Hall 2 at the Glasshouse is going to be packed to the rafters. At the time of writing, only four seats are available on level 1, there is just one seat left on level 2 (flying solo?) and a handful up on level 3.

Bennett, Darin, Sinatra, Skerritt and more, book now for the Paul Skerritt Big Band. www.theglasshouseicm.org. Russell

Paul Skerritt @ the Lit & Phil - March 21

© Patti

Paul Skerritt (vocals); Ben Phillips (piano); Jamie  Watkins (bass guitar); John Bradford (drums)

Swing singers are a dying breed - good ones that is, there are plenty of the other variety. Fortunately, Paul Skerritt is far removed from that 'other variety' as the Lit & Phil audience discovered to their delight this sunny afternoon.

Opening up with Don't Get Around Much Anymore he hit the deck running. The voice, the stagecraft and cool phrasing were all there. As well as the voice, I also judge a singer by what he does with his hands and our boy scored in that department.

There's a line in The Way You Look Tonight that always grabs me: Keep that breathless charm could almost describe a Skerritt vocal!

Springtime at the Black Swan - March 18

Laurence Harrison (guitar); Paul Grainger (double bass); Tim Johnston (drums) + Kate O'Niell (vocals); Paul Ruddick (alto sax); Robert Johnson (alto sax); Martin Waugh (piano); Jen Foster  (vocals); Owen Jones (double bass); Shayo Oshodi (vocals); Shivan Ruddick (trumpet); Leah Kirk (vocals); Alec Gamble (guitar); ? (percussion); Liam Oliver (guitar); David Gray (trombone); Esther Coombes (alto sax, clarinet); Ian Drever (vocals); Paul Skerritt (vocals); Jamie Watkins (double bass); Katrina Miller (vocals); Ruth Lambert (vocals) 

Spring is just around the corner. The Black Swan jam session continues to attract the regulars (sitting at their usual tables) and many new faces - where do they all come from? A questionnaire/survey is called for! The house trio usually comprises piano, bass and drums. This evening it was guitar, bass and drums. 

The Great North Big Band Jazz Festival - Friday, Feb. 28

In its 22nd year, the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival returned once again to Park View Community Centre in Chester-le-Street. As is tradition, the opening Friday evening concert featured Teesside's Musicians Unlimited. Many of the region's big band fans were in attendance - this is the event they don't ever miss! 

GNBBJF director Bill Watson introduced the band (Bill also plays in the band's trumpet section!) and the action got underway with a sparkling take on I'm Beginning to See the Light (Dan Johnson taking the first of several impressive alto sax solos). Neal Hefti's arrangement of Satin Doll went down well (any Hefti arrangement does!) and later in the evening we heard the band playing the late Dave Connolly's arrangement of Georgia, featuring the terrific vocals of Paul Skerritt. 

The Paul Skerritt Big Band @ the Westovian Theatre, South Shields - Nov. 23

© Patti

Paul Skerritt (vocals); Dan Johnson, Sue Ferris, Kim Skerritt, Josh Bentham, Niall Armstrong (reeds); Toby Donnelly, Dave Hignett, Graham Hardy, Sam Armstrong (trumpets); Kieran Parnaby, Jason Holcomb, Alex Utting, Chris Gray (trombones); Jeremy McMurray (keys); Mark Williams (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); John Bradford (drums); Stuart Fowler (MD)

The last week or so has been a good one for lovers of the vocal art. From the subtle sensivity of Nicola Farnon and her excellent bass playing at the Lit & Phil, the full-on, in your face approach of Liane Carroll and her excellent piano playing at the Globe, to last night's show by the King of the Swingers Paul Skerritt and his excellent big band at South Shields' Westovian Theatre, it had been quite a week and a bit.

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

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

Playlist 10/11/24 (repeated Tuesday 12/11/24)

RIP: Quincy Jones.

Remembrance: Benny Goodman Orchestra with Peggy Lee, the Andrews Sisters.

Paul Skerritt talks jazz and requests: Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Matt Monro, Quincy Jones.

Bonfire Night @ The Black Swan - Nov. 5

Stu Collingwood (piano, vocals); Paul Grainger (double bass); Abbie Finn (drums) + Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Kate O'Niell (vocals); Edgar Bell (trumpet); Lara Hopper (trumpet); Dan Potter (drums); Ian Drever (vocals); Olly Styles (tenor sax); Alec Gamble (guitar); Bailey Rudd (drums); Esther Coombes (clarinet, alto sax); Owen Jones (double bass); Hannah ? (vocals);  Darius Oraee (vocals); Jamie Watkins (double bass); Robert Johnson (alto sax); Andrew ? (cornet); Paul Skerritt (vocals); ? (drums); Jack ? (drums)  

Bonfire Night. It could only be a banger, couldn't it? The house trio - Stu Collingwood, Paul Grainger and Abbie Finn - lit the blue touchpaper with a slow-burning Days of Wine and Roses. In a Mellotone with a Collingwood vocal and a Latin feel Night and Day augured well. Eddie Harris' Freedom Dance brought tenor saxophonist Harry Keeble to the floor. Staying on to play Oleo, Keeble's soulmate Abbie Finn sketched out the melody. Impressive.

Preview: Paul Skerritt Big Band @ the Westovian Theatre, South Shields - Nov. 23

Only four weeks to go before fans of big band jazz and top quality swing singing turn South Shields' Ocean Rd. into Olympic/Wembley Way as they make their way down to the Westovian Theatre for the annual appearance at the Theatre by the Paul Skerritt Big Band on Nov. 23.

This will be the band's third concert at the venue on top of an excellent concert at the Glasshouse earlier this year.

However, this upcoming concert is different from the four previous ones inasmuch as, instead of the Danny Miller Big Band from across the Pennines, this time it's Paul's own big band comprising of top north east musicians handpicked by Paul himself. 

Musicians Unlimited @ Dorman's Jazz Club, Middlesbrough - June 13

A wonderful night of music from this long established (35 years) award winning Hartlepool  big band led by saxophonist Mick Donnelly.

A great start was made with Oliver Nelson's Emancipation Blues, a slow subdued intro preceded the full big band sound and with an alto solo from Mark Toomey and trumpet from Bill Watson, it clearly showed the high standard of the musicians.