Pannonica @ The Jazz Cafe January 8

Zoe Gilby – Vocals , Paul Edis – Piano

(Review by Steve H.)

Pannonica is Zoe Gilby’s tribute to the interpretation of Thelonious Monk by her musical heroine Carmen McRae. Several rave reviews can already be found in these electronic pages. A quartet here, a trio there. Last night we saw a stripped down version of the project with just Paul Edis on piano accompanying Zoe and what a glorious New Year’s treat it was. Paul’s playing of Monk’s work is sensational and Zoe’s interpretation of these great instrumental compositions stunning.

The Jazz Ambassadors (and others) One More Time, Once More

In regulation BBC-speak there’s ‘another chance to hear’ (a repeat, but welcome repeat) of Guy Barker’s ten part survey Jazz Junctions. Thursday’s first programme on Radio 2, 10:00pm, began with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band (catch up on iPlayer). The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show (BBC 6 Music, today, Saturday, 6:00pm) features a Brian Auger session. The Hammond man recently played Sage Gateshead.  

Richard Shelton - An Englishman in love in LA is now in Bristol!

Richard Shelton, whose current Sinatra tribute CD is winging its way across the Atlantic and the North Sea to BSH, is interviewed at noon on Radio Bristol this very day (Saturday January 9).

The show is The Twelve O'clock show with Livvie and Chrissie pictured here.
Check it out here circa 1pm. (About 28 mins in.)
Lance.
PS: You may recall that Shelton's An Englishman in Love in LA was my video of the year.

Amy - Channel 4 tonight 9pm.

Not be missed - forget Mr Selfridge. This is the story of Amy Winehouse who lived 'The Jazz Life' without knowing it! She was jazz/pop/rock everything. She crossed the genres.
I didn't see it on the big screen but I ain't gonna miss it here.
Luvya gal.
Lance.
Amy.

RIP Kitty Kallen

Kitty Kallen, one of the last of the great big band singers died yesterday (January 7). Most people remember her from her No. 1 UK single Little Things Mean a Lot but it was her earlier recording with Harry James of I'm Beginning to See the Light that first drew her to my attention. It was the first time I'd heard the song. It also had a catchy guitar intro and coda by Allan Reuss.

Kallen started out with Jack Teagarden and, as well as James, sang with Jimmy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Bobby Sherwood and many other name bands before taking off on her successful solo career. Even today the song Little Things Mean a Lot is used in an ITV car insurance commercial albeit not by Kitty.

Kitty Kallen was 94.

Sadly missed.

Obituary.
Lance.

CD Review: Echoes of Swing - Dancing

Colin T. Dawson (tpt/vcl); Chris Hopkins (alt); Bernd Lhorsky (pno/ celeste); Oliver Mewes (dms).

(Review by Lance).

This was one that slipped under the radar last October - if it hadn't then last year's CD faves would have been augmented.

Dawson, at 55, has dropped the title of 'Kid' unlike Ory and co who were 'Kids' up to and beyond the grave! Dawson began his career as an actual kid with bands such as the local Heritage Hall Stompers before  recording with the, then, top UK New Orleans outfit - Sammy Rimington. That his musical horizons have expanded  over the years is no better demonstrated than on this ACT CD.

From South Shields to Germany via New Orleans, with this virtual stopover in Harlem circa 1938.

Raymond Scott, John Kirby, Bechet/Ladnier, Red Allen...

Homage to Mark Murphy - R.I.P

Listening to Mark Murphy helped me cope with life's vicissitudes during my salad days it's true. Mature but I'm still beguiled. 
I have been privileged to be amongst consummate musicians for the afterglow following one of his performances (Pete Churchill, Nikki Iles, Norma Winstone...). By way of a eulogy I intend to put my antiquated derriere on a seat as many times as I can to keep jazz alive in his memory.

Looking back I note from my journal that, at the gig at Pizza on the Park, Pete Churchill was on piano with bass, drums and percussion (sorry no names).  Mark sang Again as an encore + Imagination and Pure Imagination from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
For the ticket price of £16 I was able to stay for both sets. A waiter gave me a centre table to myself (I think he thought I was a lottery winner. That evening I thought I was too!)
Dee Linnell.
PS: Cover of CD purchased as a souvenir. 
(Editor: Original post.)

From No Place to the Globe

(Review by Russell)

Newcastle Jazz Co-op extended an invitation to Dave Weisser to relocate from the Chilli.

The Jazz Co-op’s house piano, drum kit and backline made it an attractive offer. Weisser went for it, no looking back. The Globe on Railway Street, home to Britain’s trailblazing jazz co-operative would, from now on, host Dave Weisser’s weekly Take it to the Bridge workshop.

Henry’s Swing Club @ The Brandling Villa. January 5

(Review by Russell)

Metro delays, fast-flowing rivers of water where footpaths and roads were once under foot, the end of the world is just round the corner. Quick! Let’s take refuge in here. A pint of the Firebrick Brewery’s Tyne 9, a prime seat and a look around to see who was   in the house. The Brandling’s finest bluesmen were tuning-up, drinking-up (the first of many) and punters were out in force considering it was the end of the world and all that.

CD Review: Deborah Shulman - My Heart's in the Wind

Deborah Shulman (vcl); Terry Trotter (pno); Larry Koonse (gtr); Ken Wild (bs); Joe La Barbera (dms).

(Review by Lance).

At first listening I dismissed this as boring perfection. After further listening, and washing my ears with Grandma's Lye Soap, I removed the adjective. This is as close to a perfect interpretation of choice, mainly contemporary, songbook items as you are likely to hear this week/month/year (delete as applicable). Emotive takes that bring out the lyricist's intent perhaps even more than the guy intended!