KSTV: The Music of Billy Strayhorn -- June 5

(Collage by Ken Drew)

Both Russell and myself were at The House of the Black Gardenia last night so we missed out on the going-ons being streamed from Cadogan Hall, 606 and Kansas Smitty's. However, BSH's ace screenshooter Ken Drew was (virtually) at the latter venue via KSTV and sent us this livestream collage of the gig which celebrated the music of Billy Strayhorn.

The musicians involved were: Giacomo Smith (alto sax); Noah Stoneman (piano); Ferg Ireland (bass); Will Cleasby (drums) + special guest: Laura Jurd (trumpet). Lance

Another Super Sunday Special Tonight!

The Jazz Co-op Sunday night sessions at The Globe are nothing if not varied and tonight is no exception. Vocalist Ali Affleck, renowned trumpet player Colin Steele, in-demand bassist Roy Percy and, stepping in tonight for guitarist Michael Littlefield, the ever brilliant Bradley Johnston they will no doubt provide, and I quote, "... a great way to finish off a summery weekend on Sunday night... old-time swing, blues and ragtime..." * Don't forget though that if you're planning to attend in person, booking is essential. This can be be done by following the link below. Lance

* Debra Milne on Twitter.

Tickets - more info. fleck-friends/

Julija Jacenaite @ The Prohibition Bar - June 5

(Screenshot by Russell)

Julija Jacenaite (vocals); Alan Law (piano)

Arriving hot foot from the House of the Black Gardenia's gig in the Ouseburn Valley, it was thanks to Prohibition Bar's ever-obliging proprietor Mitch that a table for two became available at an otherwise full house down on Pink Lane. 

As a bottle of the house beer arrived (table-service only!) Julija Jacenaite's first set came to a close. Looking around the room, it became apparent this evening's patrons, with one or two exceptions, weren't regulars on the Tyneside jazz scene. A second set flew by, a third set would follow. 

House of the Black Gardenia @ The Cumberland, Newcastle - June 5

(Picture by Russell)

Elise Rana (vocals, washboard); Pete Tanton (trumpet); David Gray (trombone); Keith Robinson (tenor sax, alto sax, clarinet, flute); Katja Roberts (violin); Elliott Rush (piano); Michael Littlefield (guitar, banjo, vocals); Neil Hopper (bass, sousaphone); Kit Haigh (drums, guitar, vocals).

Jazz on a summer's day? Great idea, maybe shoot a movie! I see, they've already done that? Then let's do another one.

Here's the synopsis: We get a band playing hot, bluesy, pre-war swing in a pub garden where the ale is flowing faster than the waters of the nearby Tyne and sometimes tastes better.

The above scenario was, of course, inspired by the fact that the Black Gardenia, House of, were back in town and, if such a film was ever made (and there was a very professional looking geezer with camera and tripod going around shooting pics...), this early evening session would certainly fit the bill.

Live from Joe's - June 5

(Screenshot by Russell)

Joe Webb (piano); Will Sach (double bass); Ella Hohnen-Ford (vocals)   

Live from Joe's, two o'clock Saturdays. This afternoon Joe Webb once again welcomed bassist Will Sach and special guest, Royal Academy of Music graduate, vocalist Ella Hohnen-Ford. Summery, casual, relaxed, a brew at hand, Joe once again demonstrated why he is in the top echelon of British pianists. Behind every great pianist you're likely to find American bassist Will Sach (see photo, Will positioned behind Joe, Ella in the foreground), these two young men could swing the proverbial off any tune you care to name, Joe effortlessly sounding like Nat Cole, Jelly Roll Morton and Art Tatum all in one. 

Knats in Nunsmoor Park - June 4

(Photo by Russell)

Ferg Kilsby (trumpet); Josh Mitchell-Rayner (keyboards); Stan Woodward (bass); King David Ike-Elechi (drums)

A socially distanced Friday evening in Nunsmoor Park (as the crow flies not too far from St James's Park, home to Newcastle United), pizza, beer, conversation, what's not to like? We were there to listen to four young musicians calling themselves Knats. BSH knew one of the quartet, otherwise they were an unknown quantity. A basic stage area, an awning affording the musicians a degree of protection from the elements - on this occasion from an early evening sun rather than rain - Knats were looking keen, far from mean, and ready to go...

Album review: Vinnie Riccitelli - For the Record

You haven't heard of Vinnie Riccitelli? You're not alone, neither had I until this album arrived even though he's now 94 and been playing professionally since he was 15. The blurb refers to him as being one of the best kept secrets in jazz - the last album recorded under his name was released in 1956!

Not that he's been discovered working in a rice field, far from it. He only stopped playing alto professionally in 2018 after a career that had lasted 77 years! Since retiring, he's revisited the past and assembled this outstanding octet to record some of his classic arrangements.

Jo Harrop - Mary Janes and a Brand New Hat

(Press release)

Jazz vocalist and songwriter Jo Harrop has proudly revealed her new single ‘Red Mary Janes And A Brand New Hat’, the second track from her much-anticipated new studio album, The Heart Wants, due for release October 2021 on Lateralize Records.

Recorded in London and produced by Hannah V (who has worked with everyone from JP Cooper to Stormzy), ‘Red Mary Janes And A Brand New Hat’ was written by Harrop, Hannah V and Natalie Williams and features Jason Rebello (piano), Troy Miller (drums), Jihad Darwish (bass) and Jamie McCredie (guitar).

Edinburgh 2021

 (Press release)

On Tuesday 8 June at noon we will announce the programme for the 2021 edition of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, with tickets going on sale at 10am on Thursday 10 June.  The festival will run from Friday 16 to Sunday 25 July with over 40 different concerts. The programme boasts performances from established acts from across the spectrum of jazz and blues and brilliant opportunities to explore a range of music from the two scenes. You will have the choice of: Viewing online Pre-recorded concerts or live streams from Assembly Roxy. You can purchase a Festival Pass or buy an individual ticket. Concerts will be available for 3 days so you can view at your leisure.

Roy Gibson Funeral Update

The funeral of pianist Roy Gibson who died on May 23 at the age of 87 will take place at 11:15am on June 8 at Tynemouth Crematorium.

No further details. Lance