Abigail Pogson, Managing Director, Sage Gateshead tells us her thoughts on the past week...

“This will only exist in the moment…” 

These were the last words spoken in Sage One before we closed to the public for the foreseeable future, in response to government advice and for the safety of our audiences, our team and our musicians. The words were spoken by the wonderful Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero, who always finishes her concerts with an improvisation. Improvisation is the purest form of ‘only existing in this moment’ – not written down, not thought about in advance, always in response to a musical idea which she asks an audience member to suggest.  

She gave this last concert on the back of a rollercoaster 48 hours in which she thought she had Coronavirus, self-isolated, then tested negative, missing her first concert scheduled at Sage Gateshead, then played her second with us as her country’s borders were closing and the number of flights to get her back home to Spain was decreasing by the minute. In the end, this last concert (which we all knew in our hearts it was) was exceptional and very moving. 

Roly on Steve Winwood

Trawling around YouTube, I got drawn into the many uploads of Steve Winwood's music from down the years. It brought back some great memories. I often went to the Club Agogo on Percy Street and my favourite band was the Spencer Davis Group with the remarkable Steve Winwood who was only around 17 or 18 at the time.  

I was just getting into jazz (New Orleans Club etc.) but I remember Winwood's jazzy piano, good R&B guitar and Ray Charles' style singing which made a big impression.  I've often thought back to those times and, you know, you wonder if maybe you are looking back through rose tinted glasses. Well I found some old black and white broadcasts which I think show just how good he was.

Customs House Big Band @ Dormans Jazz Club Middlesbrough - March 12

(Review/photo by Ron H)

The first big band gig of this year played to a large and enthusiastic audience and, ably directed by MD Peter Morgan, made for a great night of jazz.

Gerry Mulligan's Young Blood  showed why the band has such a fine reputation, with solos from Ian Robinson  trumpet, Jim McBriarty tenor sax, Alan Marshall  alto sax and, with the band playing so well together, gave the evening an excellent start.

Sonny Rollins' Doxy gave Neville Hartley the opportunity to display his talents with a fine trombone solo. The band then moved on to a tune that I think should be heard more often - Canadian Sunset - with nice solos from Dave Brocklesby trombone and Gary Hadfield  keys. Stolen Moments followed with the soloists having excellent backing from Paul Smith on drums and Alan Smith on bass.

NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR JAZZ FM AWARDS 2020

(Press release)

The nominations for the Jazz FM Awards 2020, produced by Serious, have been announced today, recognising the best emerging new artists, contemporary icons and established stars from across the worlds of jazz, soul and blues. More than ever, this year’s shortlist reflects the genre’s rude health and the melting pot of sounds and influences which make up its rich multicultural history.

Message from Paul Edis

Probably no great surprise - but just to let you know the next few gigs at Gala and the Lit and Phil have been cancelled - hopefully getting going again in July...but even then who knows? 

Same with Crook - we had a date planned in May, but have cancelled it, but might be able to start again in July. Will keep it in the diary for now.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival update

(Press release)

The organisers of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival have made the following public statement:

It is with deep regret that Cheltenham Festivals has taken the decision to cancel this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Cheltenham Science Festival. The safety of our Festival-goers, artists, staff, volunteers, partners and the wider community is our priority, in relation to COVID-19.

CD Review: Tom Green Septet - Tipping Point

Tom Green (trombone); James Davison (trumpet/flugel); Tommy Andrew (alto/soprano sax); Sam Miles (tenor sax); Sam James (piano); Misha Mullov-Abbado (bass); Scott Chapman (drums).

(Review by Lance)

What with just about every other gig getting cancelled there is an upside. If you are going to be confined to barracks, in-between washing your hands and watching people on TV reminding you to do just that, you could take time out to catch up on your old albums or maybe check out some new stuff.

Tipping Point slots easily into the latter category although, in a blindfold test, it could easily be mistaken for an overlooked album by Mingus, Miles, Wayne Shorter... but no! - this is very much an album for today and tomorrow. A few years back I'd have sworn on The Bible (DownBeat) that this was an American band of big hitters. Well it is a band of big hitters but they are British. 

We're not yet in total lockdown...

(By Russell)

After much thought and consultation with the musicians, Hexham Jazz Club have decided to go ahead with tonight's (Tuesday 17) gig at the Fox Inn. The Dean Stockdale Trio comprising County Durham based pianist Stockdale, ever dependable Paul Grainger on bass and brilliant young drummer Abbie Finn, guarantee a swinging evening of jazz. and hopefully, if only for one night, you'll be able to forget your troubles and just get happy.

Dean cites Oscar Peterson as an influence, Paul is the linchpin of many bands and Abbie is fast becoming a 'first call' musician on the scene. 

Globe/Jazz Coop - Coronavirus Update

In light of the most recent Government advice, The Globe will be closed to the public from today until further notice. The health and safety of customers, musicians, staff and volunteers is our priority.

This means that upcoming gigs, courses, workshops and jam sessions will not take place until further notice. We hope that many will be rescheduled for future dates.

We would like to thank all of you who have supported The Globe in various ways, and we wish everyone a safe and secure time in the coming weeks.

We look forward to seeing you when we reopen.

CD Review: Mad Love – Ish

Kathleen Hollingsworth (vocals, keys); Brent Follis (drums); Dave Captien (bass); Will Blades (organ 5); Dominic Castillo (guitar 4); Ross Garlow (bass 4).

(Review by Ann Alex)

Kathleen Hollingsworth, leader of this band Mad Love, is based in Portland USA, and she has been performing and writing songs for most of her life. As a child she sang and later went on to study piano and composition. 

Now a choral educator and adjudicator, Hollingsworth and Follis first developed their music working as a duo in an Italian restaurant.