Jo Wallfisch in NY.

I first met Jo Wallfisch on one of my occasional London trips at, of course, The Spice where she was singing. Jo's now moved to New York and, seemingly, rapidly becoming a Native New Yorker - as I did on my visit and I was only there for ten days!

Read the poem, it  captures the feeling of Manhattan perfectly although perhaps not the current snow storms.

Then check out the website and hear the slim lady sing.

Lance.

CD Review: Soren Gemmer - at first

This is quite a sublime album. One that I didn't expect to like but I've become quite taken by it.

For once, the press notes tell it like it is and I have no qualms about endorsing them - no it's not a cop-out!

Lance.

Street Corner Blues Win North East Battle of the Blues Heat.

The north east heat of this year's New Brunswick Battle of the Blues - held at Redcar - went to Street Corner Blues. Street Corner Blues, a duo comprising Chris James (vcl/gtr) and Martin Fletcher (hca), were, reportedly deserving winners.

I was delighted to hear this as I remember Martin well from my time working in Windows Music Shop where he bought many a Blues Harp, Marine Band, Special 20, Lee Oskar etc. from me over the years. I in turn bought a Hardisty racing bike from him which I still have although it hasn't been pedalled for a number of years.

We wish you both all the best for the final.

Lance.

CD Review: Joe Lovano UsFive - Cross Culture.

Joe Lovano (tenor, G mezzo Sop., tarogato, aulochrome + various ethnic instruments); Lionel Louke (gtr); James Weidman (pno); Esperanza Spalding/Peter Slavov (bs); Otis Brown III, Francisco Mela (dms).

(Review by Lance.)

This Blue Note release is a living endorsement of the labels motto The finest in jazz since 1939. This has all the elements of those classic '50s sessions by Mobley, Blakey, Turrentine, Byrd and co. albeit in a more contemporary vein.

John Harvey Mystery

John Harvey revealed the answer to the question as to the whereabouts of tenor saxist Al Gay. John confirmed that Al Gay died some 8/9 years ago.

This however, opens up another query. Is this John Harvey the John Harvey who writes the wonderful Charlie Resnick novels that feature the jazz loving detective?

Lance.

Change of address for LondonJazz.

LondonJazz has changed its address - it is now http://www.londonjazznews.com (the www is necessary).
A good place to check out what's going on in "The Smoke" and more general jazz issues.
Lance.

Alister Spence Quartet + Watts and Weston @ Lit & Phil Feb. 8

Alister Spence (piano & keyboards), Raymond MacDonald (alto & soprano saxophones), Joe Williamson (double bass) & Chris Cantillo (drums) + Trevor Watts (alto & soprano saxophones) & Veryan Weston (piano)

(Review by Russell)

The Lit and Phil hosted a return visit by pianist Alister Spence. The Australian decided to forsake a southern hemisphere summer for a British winter to tour once again with his international quartet – Scot Raymond MacDonald, Canadian Joe Williamson and from Sweden Chris Cantillo. Spence’s previous visit to Newcastle drew a full house and this time around there was a similar healthy turn out.

James Harrison

Check this article from Middlesbrough Gazette.
Lance.

Donald Byrd's Death a Mystery

I've learned via The Guardian, LondonJazz and several other online sources of the death of Donald Byrd. According to Byrd's nephew the influential trumpet player died on Monday (Feb. 4), aged 80, in Delaware. Yet, for some mysterious reason, details are being withheld 

Byrd was one of the cornerstones of the Blue Note and played on many of that illustrious label's most popular jazz LPs of the '50s and '60s. Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey, Hank Mobley, Lou Donaldson, Stanley Turrentine and many more benefited from having Donald Byrd in the line-up. He also led a more contemporary band Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds.

Check out his discography.

.When the story breaks, and I'm sure there is one we will keep you informed.

Lance.

Zoe Gilby Trio @ The Lit and Phil

Zoe Gilby (vcl); Andy Champion (bs); Mark Williams (gtr).
(Review by Lance.)

This was a class gig - they even had programmes. Don't see that very often apart from, say, at the Albert Hall. However, this was the Literary and Philosophical Society and they know how put on a Recital - particularly when Paul Edis is at the helm.

It was a well attended event requiring extra seats to be drafted in. To get artists of the calibre of the above three for a quid each is a mega bargain.

They were worth more - considerably more.