CD Review: Keith Stephen's Trio and Caroline Irwin. "Attune......Or Two.

Keith Stephen (gtr/uke); Roly Veitch (gtr/vcl); Bruce Rollo (bs); Caroline Irwin (vcl/perc.) Mike Piggott (vln).

Several of the tracks were recorded live in the Old Ship Inn at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea during the summer. However, I must confess that, by closing my eyes, I found myself transported from the Northumberland coast to the River Seine where I was sipping un aperitif in a café on the Left Bank. The second world war may be imminent but with the Maginot Line and music like this who cares?

Wait a minute - this isn't Paris even though Mamselle Irwin chantez Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Morte) - this is today and Mike Piggott is keeping the Grappelli image alive with some fine swing fiddling whilst leader Stephen and his cohorts are doing the same for Django.
It's an enjoyable CD - Keith Stephen can slug it out with most of the better known gypsy guitarists aided and abetted by Roly's chordal support and Bruce's sympathetic bass-lines. Roly also kicks in with a couple of vocals (I Saw Stars and Sweet Sue) as well as his own pieces - Attune and Calypso Jim. Caroline, slots in nicely with idiomatic vocals culminating in Running Wild - You Like it Hot? You got it!
A special mention of Robbins' Nest - great tune - should be in every band's repertoire - well maybe not every band!
Audio samples. and info on purchase.
Recommended.
Lance.

Farewell Michael Garrick M.B.E.

The shock news has just reached me via LondonJazz of the death of Michael Garrick pictured here with our Ann Alex at a trio concert in Gateshead last year - the year he was made an M.B.E.

One of the most outstanding composers, arrangers, pianists in British, nay world, jazz Michael Garrick died yesterday on November 11 - another reason for remembering that date.

He was 78.

Sadly missed.

Lance.

Louise Gibbs and Five Pieces of Silver @ Musicon Durham Jazz Festival

Louise Gibbs (vcl); James Lancaster (tpt); John McKillup (ten); Zezo Olimpio (pno); Paul Baxter (bs); Paul Smith (dms).

The centerpiece of the Second Musicon Durham Jazz Festival - sandwiched in between John Taylor, last night, and Omar Puente, tomorrow - was this tribute to Horace Silver whose quintets gave birth to the Jazz Messengers back in the 1950s. This was about as tasty a filling as you'll find in any Jazz Sandwich! Two horns swinging like Blue Mitchell and Junior Cook and a rhythm section that could have been the Blue Note House Band made this a night to remember.

Oh yes! and there was also a singer...

Think Anita O'Day, Annie Ross, and you get an idea where Louise Gibbs is at although, having said that, she's very much her own gal. Soaring high, pitching perfectly, scatting, this was one of those evenings that gelled.

Sister Sadie, Tokyo Blues, Soulville, Song For My Father, Cool Eyes - the voice/bass duo intro was something else! - The Jody Grind (tenor and voice were blistering on this one).

Horace-scope. I loved everything but Horace-scope stood out! A great theme sung vocalese in unison with the horns. It reminded me of those wonderful sides by Charlie Ventura's Bop For The People Band with Roy Kral and Jackie Cain.

Senor Blues, Peace, Nica's Dream and a slightly hokey version of The Preacher showed us the way to go home!.

As a matter of interest, Louise is from New Zealand, pianist Olimpio hails from Brazil, drummer Smith (not 'wor' Paul Smith) is from Leeds, paradoxically, trumpet ace Lancaster is from York and Baxter Bass is currently keeping mean time in Greenwich whilst tenorman McKillup hails from Prudhoe. I wonder if he began his musical life in the Prudhoe School Band that performs regularly at big band festivals?

To make the evening complete, Russell, Tony and I got to chat with Louise.

Lance.

PS:Thank you Sandi Russell for making this festival happen.

PPS: An interesting sideshow occurred during the concert when someone, performing an act of nature in the upstairs toilet, omitted to pull down the blind...

Convergence Quartet @ The Lit & Phil, Newcastle.

Taylor Ho Bynum (cornet), Alexander Hawkins (piano), Dom Lash (double bass) & Harris Eisenstadt (drums)

The Convergence Quartet first played Newcastle some four years ago. This return visit was, for some, an eagerly anticipated event. North Americans Taylor Ho Bynum (a disciple of Anthony Braxton) and Canadian drummer Harris Eisenstadt met up once more with Brits Alexander Hawkins (piano) and bassist Dom Lash.

Sheet music littered the Lit and Phil's music room, music stands taking the strain under reams of paper. Structured sections formed the basis from which improvisations developed. And what improvisations they were! Bynum, a masterful brass player, incorporated so many elements, so many influences in his playing; the free players - Bill Dixon, Don Cherry certainly, Miles, Dizzy, Clifford without question, then there was Louis and King Oliver. Harmon and plunger mutes were used to great effect. Crescent City slurs and growls gave way to Cool School Miles and on to today (the sound of Taylor Ho Bynum).

Pianist Hawkins, from a classical background, possesses flawless technique and he too gave a brilliant display. Twentieth century contemporary lyricism soon gave way to fierce bop lines of which Bud Powell would have been proud. The music was of the highest order, the playing sincere and impassioned.

Drummer Harris Eisenstadt, a master musician of quiet demeanour, listened intently to his compatriots on the stand, responding to and frequently initiating a change of direction as the music developed.

Double bassist Dom Lash worked as an equal partner in the quartet pulling it this way then that. All four swung mightily at times not least on a powerful blues to conclude a gig that will be recalled fondly in years to come by those fortunate to be present.

The concert was a Jazz North East presentation assisted by the good offices of the Literary and Philosophical Library. The next concert at the venue brings together two of the greats of the free jazz world. American saxophonist and pianist Charles Gayle will be in the company of Dutch percussion master Han Bennink on Friday 18th November (8:00 pm). It promises to be a great occasion.

Russell.

Hannah and the Narrators @ Hoochie Coochie.

Hannah Rickard (vcl); Tim Bloomer (gtr): David Cantlay (bs); Dominic Snaith (keys); Robbie Houston (dms).

Caught the end of a set by the band on Sunday at the Central Bar - impressed. Heard the band again tonight at Hoochie - even more impressed. 
Hannah's take on Billie's Fine and Mellow got the show on the road with an explosive start that immediately held the attention of the crowded room. The numbers came up - Why Don't You Do Right? Stop, Baby Please Don't Let me be Misunderstood, Stormy Monday, Moon Dance, My Baby Just Cares For Me and many more.

Hannah clearly loves singing and that emotional contact shines through. As well as the jazz/blues/rock gigs such as tonight, in a tri-parallel existence the girl also does Country with the Cowtippers of Kentucky and plays fiddle in Kathryn Tickell's band. Versatile.
The band are brilliant. Despite this being only their second gig it holds together well and the solos from guitar and keys are inventive and totally in context whilst bass and drums keep things really tight without being rigid.
Catch them at the Cherry Tree on Nov. 21.
Photos.
Lance.

Silver Threads among the Gold - Maine Street Jazzmen @ Rosie's.

Herbie Hudson (tmb); Jim McBriarty (clt/alt); George Richardson )pno); Alan Rudd (bs); Mike Humble (dms).

Tomorrow night, at the Musicon Durham Jazz Festival, we have the Five Pieces of Silver. This afternoon, as seen in the photo, we have SIX pieces of silver (and counting!

And not a Horace (Silver) in sight!

I suppose the elderly audience provides a comfort zone but really the band don't need it. The music swings along with Olive's Sentimental Journey worth a pint or two of anyone's Euros.

Herbie played Misty (on the mouthie) - maybe it was a request. Sounded good as did Jim's alto solo. It was a good afternoon with plenty of convivial company including Julia who flew in from Farnborough and bemoaned the fact they didn't have any jazz in her locality.

Lance.

Student Performances @ King's Hall, Newcastle University.

Freddie Hickman (pno).

Late Thursday afternoon every week during term students are given a platform to perform in front of their peers and members of the public. This afternoon Freddie Hickman, a talented young pianist, played a jazz transcription of Dvorak's Humoresque by Mary Lou Williams. A short piece, Hickman impressed; left hand, right hand, subtle syncopation done with style. This was good stuff. I'm sure this new talent will be heard at a venue near you soon (near to you if you live on Tyneside). The Jazz Cafe and Head of Steam seem likely spots. Keep an eye out and ear cocked. Remember the name...Freddie Hickman.

Russell.

 

 

Alexander Hawkins & Harris Eisenstadt @ King's Hall, Newcastle University.

Alexander Hawkins (pno) & Harris Eisenstadt (perc.)Newcastle University's lunchtime concert series features an eclectic mix of performers and today it was the turn of free improvisers Alexander Hawkins and Harris Eisenstadt. Drummer Eisenstadt flew in from America to reunite with Convergence Quartet compatriot Alexander Hawkins to play one set of forty five minutes largely dedicated to South African Township jazz. Joyous, at times playful, swinging improvisations inspired by composers/musicians of the stature of Chris McGregor, Abdullah Ibrahim, Mongezi Feza, Miriam Makeba, Steve Lacy and others were played with authority; Hawkins dazzling inventive, Eisenstadt the epitome of restraint playing, variously, mallets, brushes and sticks. Tonight at the Lit & Phil in Newcastle the duo are joined by Dom Lash (double bass) and Taylor Ho Bynum (cornet) in an eagerly awaited concert performance beginning at 8:00 pm.
Russell

If I Were A Bell-Becky Kilgore Group

That wonderful vocalist Becky Kilgore is appearing at the Norwich Jazz Party next May. This strikes me as an opportunity for promoters to grab her whilst she's over here. I'd love to hear Becky live and, as Norwich is a bit far for me, perhaps some of our Northern jazz organisations could come up with some ideas?

Lance.

Mingus on Mingus

A worthy project to preserve the music and memories of Charles Mingus by his grandson Kevin Ellington Mingus.

Mingus on Mingus is a documentary of a grandson discovering the truths behind the legend of the grandfather he never knew. Known to the world as a composer who left one of the largest musical legacies of the 20th century, the film highlights the voices of the people he touched and the places he lived.  While following the search for a grandfather and a true jazz legend, we rediscover both, the man and the artist: Charles Mingus.

Lance.