Preview: A Sage Sunday Postmodern Jukebox

This Sunday, February 18, Sage One is going to be full to the rafters for the return visit of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. A viral internet sensation, Bradlee’s skillful use of social media platforms to promote his arrangements of present-day pop tunes, often in a ragtime or twenties’ jazz age style, has won him literally millions of fans. YouTube hits can be counted in their many tens of millions as the New Jersey-raised pianist and arranger tours the world playing to capacity audiences entranced by his shows which are presented, and viewed, through a sepia-tinted lens.

Funeral arrangements for George Laing

The funeral arrangements for pianist George Laing are as follows:
Wednesday, February 28 at 12:30pm at South Shields Crematorium, John Reid Rd., South Shields NE34 9DT.
Afterwards at Grey Horse, East Boldon.
Original post.

Preview: Crooners - Whitley Bay Playhouse - February 16

Judging by the press release below, this is one helluva show. Following the links and watching the trailers has only served to whet my appetite. Whitley Bay Playhouse on Friday, February 16 and Billingham Forum the following Friday are the local venues and I can't wait. This is more than just another Rat Pack show. It's a happening! - Lance.

------

Jive Aces w. Amy Baker @ Customs House, South Shields - February 10.

Ian Clarkson (trumpet/vocal/ukulele); John Fordham (tenor/clarinet); Alex Douglas (trombone); Vince Hurley (piano); Ken Smith (bass); Mark Warburton (drums); Grazia Bevilacqua (accordion) + Amy Baker (vocal).

(Review by Lance).

The Jive Aces were back! The rip-roaring, rock 'n' rollin' sextet once again laid siege to the Customs House with their Keely Smith/Louis Prima/Louis Jordan brand of rhythm 'n' blues and jazz.

Yes, there was jazz and swing in abundance. How could there not be with John Fordham, who doesn't write for The Guardian, blowing tenor as if he was Sam Butera walkin' the bar in New Orleans? He also paid homage to Illinois Jacquet on Flying Home.

Jam session @ The Jazz Café - Feb 6

(Review by Russell)

Lots of new faces at the Jazz Café’s bi-monthly jam session and one or two first time sitters-in. The Pink Lane venue was as busy as ever as pianist James Harrison got things underway with A Train ably abetted by mainstay bassist Paul Grainger and drummer Russ Morgan. Harrison likes to enjoy himself as he plays and his infectious enthusiasm energised musicians and listeners alike ensuring the evening flew by. I’ll Remember April then the floor was open to all-comers.

Drummer Hazem ‘Mo’ Mohammad couldn’t wait to get started and he was joined by George Sykes on tenor to play Blue Monk, a swift Beautiful Love, and a quote-laden There Will Never be Another You. Flautist Josie Bennington – ‘That’s Josie from Haltwhistle’ said JB – joined the party on I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free and it wasn’t long before Alan Law stepped up, thus allowing house pianist Harrison to take a breather. 

Bradley Johnston @ The Fire Station, Sunderland - Feb 4

Bradley Johnston (guitar)

(Review by Russell)

Metro on time, weather fine, a stroll up the road to the Fire Station, a now familiar early Sunday evening routine. The Fire Station stands on High Street West, the heart of Sunderland’s rapidly developing ‘cultural quarter’ boasting site-specific artworks, the imposing Empire Theatre, nice pubs, restaurants and a hotel. And there is more to come. The Auditorium, a 450 capacity new build venue scheduled to open next year, will offer a state of the art performance space – good news for musicians! One top class musician is ahead of the game as guitarist Bradley Johnston recently commenced a weekly residency at the impressive, recently renovated Fire Station. 

Ada Francis & the Italic Quartet @ North Terrace, Newcastle - Feb 3

Ada Francis (vocals); Jimmy Jefford (tenor saxophone); Ben Richardson (piano), Luke Gaul (bass) & Harry Still (drums)

(Review by Russell) 

North Terrace in Spital Tongues is within walking distance of Newcastle city centre and on the doorstep for hundreds of students. Recently reopened following a makeover the pub is once more keen to offer musicians a platform. Upon arrival, the upstairs room was already busy with animated, loud chatter filling the air. They – predominately students – were there to hear Ada Francis.

CD Review: Dan Pugach Nonet - Plus One

(Review by Dave Brownlow)

Let’s get one thing quite clear from the start – this is an excellent album of modern/contemporary jazz played by a Nonet plus One of first-rate musicians who are not only terrific soloists but fine readers capable of playing and interpreting Dan Pugach’s complex charts. Dan is the bandleader/drummer/arranger/composer/ who’s been working at a high level in the jazz business since completing his Batchelor’s and Master’s degrees at Berklee and The City College of New York. As a composer/arranger, Dan brings such a freshness and imagination to the music rarely found today and as a drummer, he’s full of energy, driving the band, inspiring his soloists and occasionally soloing fiercely himself.

CD Review: Walter Smith III - TWIO

Walter Smith III (tenor); Harish Raghavan & Christian McBride (bass - 4 tracks each); Eric Harland  (drums) + Joshua Redman (tenor - 2 tracks).

(Review by Lance)

Since I heard Walter Smith III at Sage Gateshead back in 2013 I've been a fan. So much so that when I opened up the mail that had accumulated since I'd been away, this one jumped out in front leaving the other albums to fill the minor places in the race to the CD player.

My enthusiasm wasn't misplaced - it's a winner!

Musicians Unlimited @ Dormans Club, Middlesbrough - February 1

The award-winning 18 piece Big Band from Hartlepool played as Guest Band at the Tees Hot Club Jazz Night Dormans Club Middlesbrough on 1st.Feb.

The band, led by Mick Donnelly, started the night with a beautiful Doc Severinson arrangement of In The Mood. Among the many other tunes played were tracks from Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, Jazz Police and Count Bubba.

Vocalist Paul Skerritt did a splendid job on several numbers including Misty and Georgia much to the delight of the audience with both his singing and youthful exuberance.

The night was a huge success with this great band playing to a packed room and an enthusiastic audience, finishing the night off with a fine swinging arrangement of Sweet Georgia Brown.

Ron Hampton.