Lyndsay Hannon Plus @ The Cherry Tree, September 8

Lyndsay Hannon (vocals), John Pope (bass), James Harrison (piano), Dave McKeague (drums).

(Review by JC)

'Life is a bowl of cherries' as someone once said but at the Cherry Tree it's even more than that - delicious cheese souffle, thinly sliced rare fillet of beef, and seasonal sea trout - and, on this occasion, Lyndsay Hannon Plus as well. Hannon and the band opened with Joni Mitchell's The Hissing of Summer Lawns, which is one of my favourites, but some loud residual chatter from a large table interfered with the sound a little bit. However, as the band got into it's stride this diminished and then some delightful versions of Why Try to Change Me Now with it's slowed down middle section and I Can't Escape from You with a elegant bass solo and delicate piano ornamentation had everybody paying attention. The band upped the tempo with a swinging I Can't Give You Anything But Love that showcased James Harrison's piano playing.

The Collective @ Hoochie 9/11

Al Saxon (alt/fl); Tim Bloomer (gtr); Dominic Snaith (keys); Martyn Dixon (bs); Steven Barrass (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Dixon described this month's offering as "Acid Jazz" - I wasn't too sure about what he meant, me having grown up long before all these sub-divisions when jazz was either Trad or Modern or, as the Duke once put it,  Good or Bad.

Tonight was definitely in the former camp and the audience, of whom there were plenty, agreed.

Improvisers’ Workshop @ Jazz Café. September 9

(Review by Russell).

The Jazz Café’s monthly improv workshop has quickly established itself on the local scene. September’s event attracted familiar faces and one or two newcomers. Led by John Pope (double bass) and percussionist Wes Stephenson, the numerous participants worked in a series of duos, trios, quartets and larger ensembles.

Alpine kazoo cast aside inhibition to join Pope and Stephenson and before long alto, soprano and flute threw caution to the wind and their collective improv hat into the ring. 

Can Anyone Help?

I wonder if you could help me. I am looking for more information about my granddad’s music career - photos or anything.

His name was Thomas Danby he was from Bishop Auckland and was a drummer in a number of jazz bands playing in local pubs and clubs around the north east,

In the Second World War he worked for the mines but was down South a lot with various bands.

I know this isn't much to go on as my father’s side haven't got much about his musical side.

It's ok if you have nothing I thought I would ask though

Kind regards

Sarah Danby Cooper.

CD Review: Paul Edis Sextet – Mr Hipster

Paul Edis (piano), Graham Hardy (trumpet & flugelhorn), Graeme Wilson (tenor & baritone saxophones), Chris Hibbard (trombone), Mick Shoulder (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums)

(Review by Russell).

Mr Hipster is the second CD release from the Paul Edis Sextet. Recorded in October 2013, the album comprises eleven tracks composed and arranged by pianist Paul Edis. The bandleader’s pen ranges from township jazz to the modern jazz of a small combo, hinting at the prospect of a future larger ensemble project.

The Jazz Repertory Company Presents…….. Jazz At The Philharmonic: A 70th Anniversary Celebration Sunday 14th September 2014. 3.30pm Cadogan Hall 5 Sloane Terrace London, SW1X 9DQ

Richard Pite's Jazz Repertory Company continues its run of successful Sunday afternoon concerts at London's Cadogan Hall with this celebration of the exciting jam sessions, cutting contests and performances by some of the greatest names in jazz history that made up the legendary  Jazz At The Philharmonic.

On 2^nd July 1944 in Los Angeles, the American band leader, producer, prolific record label founder and jazz impresario Norman Granz presented “A Jazz Concert at the Philharmonic Auditorium” - shortened by the printer of the concert posters to “Jazz At The Philharmonic”.

RIP Gerald Wilson

Trumpet player, Bandleader, Arranger and Composer Gerald Wilson died yesterday, September 8. One of the all-time arranging greats, his charts featured in the pads of many of the great big bands - Lunceford, Hampton, Gillespie, Basie and, of course, his own band. 

Listening to his 2003 release New York New Sound I was impressed, not just by the music which is tremendous, but comments made by other musicians on the date.

Jon Faddis summed up the session and the man: "Recording with Gerald Wilson was a dream come true. Gerald epitomises the absolute best in jazz, with grace, wisdom and elegance."

Grace, wisdom and elegance says it all.

Gerald Wilson was 96. RIP.

Obituary.
Lance.
PS: Thanks to Peter Bevan for bringing this sad news to my attention.

CD Review: Thomas Maintz - Present

Thomas Maintz (electric/acoustic guitars); Scott Colley (bass); Jonathan Blake    (drums)

(Review by JC)

I am a big fan of jazz guitarists, particularly when they play acoustic guitar as well, and so was keen to listen to this album. Thomas Maintz is a Danish guitarist whose last album This is the Colour.. .released in 2009 garnered many positive reviews and was nominated for 'Best Danish Jazz Album' at the Danish Music Awards. This latest recording Present was made in New York with a couple of fine musicians, Scott Colley and Johnathan Blake.

Noel Dennis Plays the Music of Tom Harrell @ The Bridge. September 7.

Noel Dennis (tpt/flg); Paul Edis (pno); Mark Williams (gtr); Andy Champion (bs); Adrian Tilbrook (dms).

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

I hold my hand up and confess that, although I knew the name of Tom Harrell as a prolific Down Beat poll winner, I wasn't actually familiar with his work. After tonight's performance by Noel Dennis this is a hole in my jazz listening experience I must surely rectify.

Noel Dennis, of course, is no stranger. His warm toned, post bop, trumpet playing has long been a corner stone of north east modern jazz and never has he been heard to greater effect than in tonight's concert where he featured several compositions by Tom Harrell.

Graeme Wilson Quartet @ Jazz Café. September 6

Graeme Wilson (tenor saxophone), Paul Edis (piano), Andy Champion (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums)

(Review by Russell/photo courtesy of Mike Tilley)

Fantastic! At the end of the evening an acquaintance said: It’s amazing that we have musicians of this calibre here in Newcastle. Honorary Geordie Graeme Wilson has recently relocated to his homeland north of the border after a decade or so on Tyneside but the good news is he continues to gig here in the north east and this Jazz Café date proved to be as good as it gets.