Organology @ The Exchange 1856, North Shields - Dec. 4

© Ken Drew

Gilad Atzmon (alto sax); Ross Stanley (Hammond); Joel Barford  (drums)

I could sum up this gig in one word - Awesome! or in four words - Gig of the Year, it was that good. However, for those pernickety readers who want more then I'll give you three good reasons for the superlatives.

1. Joel Barford. He could make a lead balloon swing. Amazing technique. A young dog with new tricks.

© Ken Drew

2. Ross Stanley. The undisputed master of the Hammond and Leslie  the perfect foil for what's going on in front.

3. Gilad Atzmon. Gilad ensured there was plenty going on in front. Apart from his incredible technique the thing that grabbed me was his sound. he blows the air down one end and it comes out the other which is what all brass and woodwind players do. In Gilad's case however, the column of air resonates off the body of the instrument resulting in that big fat sound. Bird had it, Konitz dIdn't, Gilad has.

Steve Cropper (1941 - Dec. 3, 2025)

The sad news has been announced of the passing of guitar legend Steve Cropper.

Best known for his work with Booker T and the MGs, Cropper also recorde and co-wrote Otis Reddings' Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay  and Wilson Pickett's In the Midnight Hour.

He appeared with Booker T at Newcastle City Hall in an all-star guitar extravaganza probably in the 1980s/'90s.

Rest In Peace.

Lance

Preview: Organology @ The Exchange 1856, North Shields (8:00pm)

All roads lead to North Shields tonight for some anticipated musical fireworks by Organology at North Shields' premier music venue the Exchange 1856.

With the dynamic Gilad Atzmon blowing alto sax like Bird, Cannonball and  Ornette all rolled into one, Ross Stanley pushing the B3 to its limits and new kid on the block Joel Barford showing the drum legends a  thing or two you have the ingredients for an unforgetable  evening of jazz, funk, soul and who knows what else?

This promises to be an 'I was there' moment don't miss out - your grandkids will never forgive you!

Anthropology, Ornithology, Organology - you can't go wrong when you've got an 'ology'. Lance

P.S.: Check out Organology on F/b for a taste of what's in store.

Album review: Brad Schrader - Late Nights (self released)

Brad Schrader (vocals); Jerry Vezza (piano, M.D.); Alex Claffy (bass); Andrew Van Tassell (tenor/alto sax); Khary Abdul-Shahid (drums)

There is a magic that happens when the music, the mood and the moment are just right. So, sit back - with your dreams and someone special - and let these songs unlock a special connection. Join in for some LateNights.

Stockport Jazz

This Sunday Stockport Jazz welcomes the dynamic Grant Russell Quartet to the Moor Club. The band features Grant Russell (bass), Kyran Matthews (tenor sax), Rich Harrold (piano) and Luke Flowers (drums).

Sunday 7th December 2025

8-10pm, doors open at 7.30pm

£5 entry on the door, all welcome

The Moor Club, 35 Heaton Moor Road, Stockport SK4 4PB  (next to the Elizabethan PH)

James Birkett & Emma Fisk @ Northumbria University - Dec. 2

James Birkett (guitar); Emma Fisk (violin)

Sutherland Building, standing on the corner of Northumberland Road and College Street, is one of Northumbria University's more imposing buildings. The Great Hall dominates the first floor: high ceilings, ornate plaster features, a near walk-in size fireplace, yes, a quite impressive setting.

This afternoon's concert departed from the usual classical music programme. Guitarist James Birkett and violinist Emma Fisk would present their acclaimed Joe Venuti-Eddie Lang set. A large turn out - including one or two musicians of note - made for a sense of occasion. We would hear seven songs in a little over thirty five minutes.  

Luck Be A Lady ~ Down for the Count Swing Orchestra conducted by Mike Pa...

Tonight at Newcastle Cathedral the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra are Swinging into Christmas why not join them? 7:30pm start. Lance

Album review:Josh Rager Quartet - Heart's Pace (Bent River Records)

Josh Rager (piano); Peter Bernstein (guitar); Alec Walkington (bass); Rich Irwin (drums)

The blurb refers to Rager as a distinguished Canadian jazz pianist which may bring to your mind another musician who also fits that description. Like the late Oscar, Rager is indeed a distinguished Canadium pianist and composer.

Eight tracks - six originals and a couple of standards -  are sublimely played with outstanding solos by both  Rager and Bernstein. The latter's cool, laid back solo flights are the epitome of taste and gentle swing. The way piano and guitar intuitively pick up from where the other left off without loss of continuity is the mark of genius.

Sam Lightwing Quintet @ the Moor Club, Stockport

© Jeff Pritchard

Sam Lightwing (alto/tenor sax); Will Bird (trumpet, flugelhorn); Ethan Gillespie (piano); Pete Hartley (bass); Callum Montgomery (drums)

The band, which featured a frontline of Sam Lightwing on alto and tenor sax and Will Bird on trumpet and flugelhorn, played a mix of older material by Rollins and Clifford Brown alongside more recent tunes from Roy Hargrove's 2008 album Earfood  which gave both horns a chance to show off their blossoming talent. Will Bird on trumpet was very impressive on what was his debut performance at The Moor Club. 

Preview: December - it's one big Xmas prezzie!

As the 'Big Day' approaches you could be forgiven for thinking the north east jazz scene will slow down. Not a bit of it, December is as busy as ever! Here's a selection...Tuesday (Dec. 2) brings James Birkett & Emma Fisk to the Great Hall, Sutherland Building, Northumbria University. It's a 1:15pm start and, at free admission, it's a bargain!  In the evening there's seasonal joy with the mega sized Down For the Count Swing Orchestra at Newcastlle Cathedral

Thursday (Dec. 4) is the day Prohibition Bar in Middlesbrough hits the jazz trail. Trumpeter Noel Dennis is the first of hopefully many top class jazz musicians to appear at the Albert Road venue. At the same time, North Shields' Exchange 1856 presents Organology. As line-ups go, you'd be hard pressed to come up with something to better this - Gilad Atzmon (alto sax), Ross Stanley (organ) and drummer Joel Barford! Book now at: www.theexchange1856.com.