CD Review: Leo Appleyard – Pembroke Road

Leo Appleyard (guitar), Duncan Eagles (tenor sax), Neil Yates (trumpet/flugelhorn), Max Luthert (bass), Eric Ford (drums/percussion).

(Review by Hugh C).

Pembroke Road is the début album by twenty-five year old London-based guitarist Leo Appleyard. The album is a testament to the strength of enduring musical relationships. Appleyard states: “I have played in bands with Duncan Eagles and Max Luthert for more of my life than I haven't”.

CD Review: Simon Purcell – Red Circle

Chris Batchelor (Trumpet), Julian Siegel (Tenor and Soprano Saxophones), Simon Purcell (Piano), Steve Watts (bass), Gene Calderazzo (Drums)

(Review by Hugh C.)

Red Circle is the début release from internationally acclaimed pianist and educator Simon Purcell, currently the head of Jazz at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Dance and Music in London. Purcell originally came to prominence during the UK jazz boom of the 1980s through his band 'Jazz Train'. He has performed with many leading musicians. Red Circle marks his return to a more active performing career after nearly three decades in the world of jazz education.

Jack Bruce Tribute.

Over a year since their last appearance in the UK, T-A-B return to Newcastle for what will be their only UK appearance this year, paying tribute to Jack Bruce, the legendary bass player/vocalist who passed away this month. The concert, which will take place at The Three Tuns (Sheriff's Hill, Gateshead) on Thursday 13th November, will feature music from Cream, through Jack's solo albums (including the highly regarded Songs For A Tailor), and collaborations with other groundbreaking musicians.

Anyone who caught last years gigs or their support slot with Ginger Baker's Jazz Confusion at the Cluny will want to see their usual risk filled take on some of Jack Bruce's finest moments - the band featuring Tom Atkinson on guitar, Jimmy Giro on bass, and Jeff Armstrong on drums - plus guests.

Tickets are £3, reserved via jackbrucetribute@gmail.com - doors open 9pm.

RIP Manitas de Plata

The great French gypsy flamenco guitarist Manitas de Plata died on November 5..
I never heard him play but I remember when he appeared at Newcastle City Hall circa 1964. Those friends of mine who attended the concert spoke of it as awesome and this was before "awesome" became the throwaway word it is today.
Truly a great talent.
He was 93 years old.
Rest In Peace.
Obituary.
Lance.

The Virtuoso Jazz Trio @ Ashington Jazz Club. Nov. 5

George MacDonald (clt); James Birkett (gtr); Tony Abell (bs).

(Review by Peter S.)

Last month AJC experienced the power and excitement of the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band. This month we returned to an appreciation of small group Jazz. The Virtuoso Trio visited to give our audience a musical masterclass. Led by George MacDonald on clarinet with outstanding support from James Birkett and Tony Abell  we experienced  the joyful compositions of George Gershwin, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, George Shearing, Jobim, Gilberto, Fats Waller and more. 

Havana Club 5 @ Empty Shop, Durham. Nov. 6

Carlos Luis Rivera (Vocals, Timbales/Bongos); Paco Rivera (Congas/Hand Perc.); Paul Grainger (Bs Gtr); Alan Law (Piano)

(Review by Teresa Driscoll).

It’s a weekday night, this quirky city centre venue is full to bursting, all seats and floor space taken... and the manager’s having to turn people away. The audience members - mostly students - listen and watch reverentially.  No, not a scene from a 1960s folk revival concert – it’s a Havana Club 5 gig in Durham, part of the monthly jazz night programme at Empty Shop.

From the Village Hotel to the London Jazz Festival

(Preview by Russell).

Richard Pite, currently starring at the Classic Jazz Party on North Tyneside, talks to Clare Teal (Sunday, BBC Radio2, 9:00pm) about his Jazz Repertory Company, days before heading to this year’s London Jazz Festival to present several productions (an eagerly anticipated show must surely be the celebration of the Newport Jazz Festival). More from London on Monday night as Paul Jones (Radio 2, 7:00pm) presents a two-part review of the recent Blues Fest at the Royal Albert Hall. Listen out for Stanley’s Mitch Laddie! Earlier on Monday on In Tune over on Radio 3 (4:30pm) Alexander Stewart sings accompanied by harpist Alexander Thomas. Late Monday (11:00pm) Swiss trio Vein are joined by Greg Osby on Jazz on 3.

Classic Jazz Party - Day 3

I'm not going to be able to make this, the final day of a fantastic weekend, so I'm going to torture myself even further by listing what I'll be missing!

Lance.

12 Noon – 12.30pm: Fiddlesticks.

Based on the great Joe Venuti’s Blue Four (and yes, he also had a Blue Six), you will enjoy this session of what may fairly be termed the Chamber Music of Jazz. Emma Fisk is certainly the most brilliant star to rise in recent years! Emma Fisk (violin); Mauro Porro (reeds); David Boeddinghaus (piano); Martin Wheatley (guitar); Frans Sjöström (bass saxophone).

-----

12.30pm – 1.30pm: ‘May it please you – Ben Pollack.’

Drummer and bandleader Ben Pollack may be little-known today, but his career began as far back as 1923 with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings. Josh will explain and illustrate how his bands launched many star players such as Jack Teagarden, Benny Goodman and Harry James. Duke Heitger, Andy Schumm (trumpets); Kris Kompen (trombone); Matthias Seuffert, Lars Frank, Mauro Porro (reeds); Emma Fisk (violin);  Keith Nichols (piano); Jacob Ullberger (guitar); Phil Rutherford (brass bass); Josh Duffee (drums). Janice Day, vocal.

Jazz Party - Day 2 [Afternoon] Report. Nov. 8

Determination was called for today - roadworks, delayed Metro, wet weather all combined to make this very much a labour of love!

However, once settled and listening to bass saxophonist Frans Sröjströn relate in words and music the bizarre life of trumpeter Jack Purvis played here by Bent Persson, all the traumas were forgotten!  Purvis, apart from being an excellent trumpet player, was also a conman, burglar, gunrunner and frequent prison inmate. Sröjströn interspersed the stories with the music in an entertaining manner.

Paul Edis Trio @ The Jazz Café. November 7

Paul Edis (piano), Mick Shoulder (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums)

(Review by Russell).

Earlier in the day at the Lit and Phil pianist Paul Edis gave a solo concert performance to a full house. This evening’s engagement with his trio at the nearby Jazz Café (a residency unlike no other in the city centre) drew an attentive, appreciative crowd eager to hear top flight jazz piano playing.