Shiver @ Splinter - Dec. 7

Andy Champion (bs); Chris Sharkey (gtr); 

Joost Hendrickx (dms);

(Photo Ken Drew).

Splinter Sunday

Sharkey’s Shiver

Set starts   

Strumming Stratocaster

Slapping strings

Stinging sticks

Soulful symphonic

Seismic soundscapes

Swinging steaming

Second set

Screeching screaming

Sailing surfing

Strutting soaring

Singing stomping

Stimulating scintillating

Smashing swashbuckling

Stupendous spectacular

Speechless …..

Steve.

CD Review: Roller Trio – Fracture

James Mainwaring (tenor & soprano saxophones, electronics), Luke Wynter (guitar, electric bass & electronics) & Luke Reddin-Williams (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Roller Trio gig extensively across the country honing their live sound (winning accolades along the way) and their second album Fracture (and Lamplight Social Records first CD) retains the immediacy of their live gig sound. Roller Trio’s sound is of its time. Twenty-somethings listen to it and move to it on the student hip-hop dance floor. Of its time, will it stand the test of time?

The Barber of Sage Gateshead

The ageless Chris Barber chalks off another gig on Thursday (December 11) at Sage Gateshead. One thing is for sure, the man won’t be coasting. Leading a band with an enthusiasm that puts to shame some others several decades his junior, you’ll get two hours worth or so of committed music ranging from New Orleans to Ellington to the blues.

His band, including young recruit Amy Roberts, will be kept on their musical toes, no slacking allowed! The spirit of the Three Bs (now down to one) lives on; integrity, an appreciation of their life-long fan base hanging on in there and a determination to give the audience a great time. If any non-American jazz musician can be described as the ‘real deal’ it’s Chris Barber – a genuine, passionate, ambassador of the music.

The Ambassador invites you to his party this Thursday (December 11) in Hall Two at Sage Gateshead. Please be seated by eight o’clock. A few tickets remain unsold, so to avoid disappointment contact the box office on 0191 443 4661. 

Russell.

Budtones: Jazz Co-op @ The Globe: December 6

Fiona Finden (tenor sax, vocals); Stu Finden (tenor sax); James ? (Keys); Jim Crinson (bass); Eric Stutt (Drums).

(Review by Ann Alex).

This was a hugely enjoyable gig, which deserved a larger audience, although this venue looks full with just 15 or so people. The only problem was that the band has the alphabet in a different order from the rest of us, or so it seemed.  The order of tunes was alphabetical we were assured, starting at ‘M’ with The Message, but it seemed to go haywire from there! But joking apart, a fine set, adventurously boppy, interesting songs, tight playing and lots of great solos.

Keith Stephen’s Hot Club Trio w. Caroline Irwin – Christmas @ Ashington Jazz Club. Dec. 3

Keith Stephen (Guitar), Caroline Stephen (Vocalist), Roly Veitch (Guitar),  Keith Rollo (Bass).

(Review by Peter S.)

The final Gig of the year provided an evening with the ever popular Gypsy Jazz of Keith Stephen’s Hot Club Trio on stage for the sixth year in a row to entertain at our Christmas Party.

A good audience took their seats to enjoy an exciting evening of wonderful music. The first set got underway in some style. Keith, recovering from illness, had returned to his best while Caroline presented her lyrics as only she can with a smile and youthful energy and occasionally in another language. What a talent! Mr. Rollo’s ability on slap bass was incredible - at times sounding almost like a small drum kit. The dependable and very accomplished guitar of Roly Veitch is always a pleasure for the AJC audience which he has supported over many years. 

Matt Anderson & Jiannis Pavlidis @ The Jazz Café. December 6

Matt Anderson (tenor saxophone) & Jiannis Pavlidis (guitar)

(Review by Russell)

The Leeds-Newcastle connection brought tenor man Matt Anderson and Leeds College of Music guitar tutor Jiannis Pavlidis to the Jazz Café on another Toon Party City night. Santa hats (flashing lights variety) and Toon shirts (Toon 2 Chelsea 1) paraded down the street, choosing to give the jazz a miss (another pint or six, a kebab and a mad scramble in the marshalled taxi queue the preferred option).

CD Review: Jim Rattigan/Thomas Gould/Liam Noble - Triplicity

Jim Rattigan (French Horn); Thomas Gould (violin); Liam Noble (piano).

(Review by Lance).

I took one look at the press release for this disc and relegated it to the pending tray. I mean to say, French horn, violin and piano - what will they be trying to palm off on us next as jazz? Then, in a weak moment, I said to myself, "WTF I'll give it a spin - nothing else in the pending tray appeals and, with Liam Noble on piano, it can't be all bad.

Truth is - it's all very good!

Paul Edis Trio @ The Jazz Café. December 5

Paul Edis (piano), Mick Shoulder (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums) + Ruth Lambert (vocals)

(Review by Russell)

Friday night down at the Village Vanguard, NYC. The resident Paul Edis Trio is the only show in town. Soon to sign to Blue Note, a coast to coast tour scheduled, a Down Beat front cover confirmed…

First there was the Titanic...

What may or may not have been the longest running (with a recent small break) lunchtime session on Tyneside wraps up on Christmas Eve. The Porthole, near North Shields ferry landing, has featured the Jazz Esquires in various formats for many years. Currently led by ex Squadronaires drummer Laurie Brown, the band has seen many of the area's top names pass through its ranks including Arthur Mowatt, Tommy Moran, Joe McMullen, Stan Martin, Eric Pollard, Dave Weisser, Ian Trewella (whatever happened to him?) to mention but a few. Sitters in included Eric Delaney (!), George Laing, Deena Wilde (Get Carter), Teresa Armstrong - our own Ann Alex even warbled the occasional tune - so sad to see this waterfront hostelry sink - and with it a lot of riverside history.

Here's an idea, why don't we all go down on Xmas eve (1pm) and give the guys a great send off?

Lance.
PS: The pub itself winds up on January 4.

Matt Anderson & Paul Edis @ The Lit & Phil. December 5

Matt Anderson (tenor saxophone) & Paul Edis (piano)

(Review by Russell).

This month’s lunchtime session at the Lit & Phil paired Leeds-based tenor player Matt Anderson with pianist Paul Edis. A set of standards, the amiable duo worked   comfortably together, the audience hanging on every note.

A magical aspect of a jazz gig is the meeting of two accomplished musicians who decide to play a few tunes and it all sounds like a well-rehearsed occasion.  For an unsuspecting audience the belief could be that Anderson and Edis were long-time musical associates. The Lit and Phil crowd knew better and were rightly impressed with the hand-in-glove musicianship of the duo.