Probably the Best Christmas Album Ever

I am often asked “Dave, what Christmas albums should I buy?” and this is my answer:
Firstly, there are a few staples that should be in every collection. The most obvious is A Christmas Gift To You by everyone’s favourite homicidal record producer, Phil Spector. Next, a bit of brass band never goes amiss and my favourite is A Festive Celebration for Brass Band by The Royal Doulton Band. 

You should probably also have a collection of Christmas pop hits. They are all much of a muchness. Try and avoid the ones that have the new Ed and Elton song on as that will curdle your brandy butter at a crucial point on Christmas Day. These collections are usually best bought from charity shops - each puts out a dozen or so for sale in early December. They will still be there with only eight days to go. Finally, before we get to the proper stuff, all the mums and hairdressers like a bit of bubble so Christmas by Michael Bublé should always be in the house in case of emergencies.

Live at Jack's Place #37: The House Trio - Dec. 15

Andrej Baranek (piano); Ed Harrison (double bass); Jack Cotterill (drums)

Another in Jack Cotterill's weekly series of online gigs. This week, number 37. As our Staffordshire based drummer becomes increasingly busy on the revived live gig circuit, it remains to be seen how much longer he'll persist with the format. The house trio - host Cotterill, pianist Andrej Baranek and bassist Ed Harrison - ran through a selection of familiar tunes, beginning with All the Things You Are. 

Full steam ahead for Strictly Smokin'

(Press release)

We're pleased to let you know that the Strictly Smokin' Big Band shows on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th December at Gosforth Civic Theatre are going ahead as planned.

Your safety as an audience is important to use, and although GCT is exempt from many of the restrictions placed on larger venues, there is a requirement for all audience members of wear a mask at all times inside the theatre including when seated during the performance, but not when eating or drinking.

Top ten gigs of 2021

My top ten gigs of the year, in datal order, from the post lockdown resumption in August through to December - Russell

Big Band Bash - Wednesdays at eight!

This evening, and every Wednesday at eight o'clock, trumpeter and big band MD Steve Walker presents the best in big band sounds during his two hour programme Big Band Bash on Coastal Sound. Log on to www.coastalsound.co.uk.  Russell  

  

Bim Williams' Quartet @ The Railway, Stockport - Dec. 14

Bim Williams (guitar); Richard Jones (piano); Peter Hartley (bass guitar); Danny Ward (drums).

Although the gig had been advertised as being by a trio, what we saw on the bandstand was a quartet comprised of four outstanding musicians. They have all previously appeared at the Railway in various line-ups and recently I mentioned how bowled over I was by the brilliant playing of guitarist Bim Williams and, after tonight’s performance, I have no reason to change my opinion. He opened the show with a blues original which he called Railway Blues in a tribute to the host venue. He was assisted by Richard Jones who I was pleased to see was utilising the house upright and making it sound great.

Harry Keeble & Friends @ The Forum Music Centre, Darlington - Dec 14

Harry Keeble (tenor sax); Dean Stockdale (piano); Paul Grainger (double bass); John Bradford (drums)

The Forum's monthly jazz night invariably features Acoustic Infusion with one or two guests. This evening the stage was given over to tenor saxophonist Harry Keeble. Joining the Leeds College of Music graduate were 'friends' Dean Stockdale, Paul Grainger and John Bradford. They've worked together in various combinations, including jam sessions, but this Borough Road concert brought them together for the first time as a working unit. Keeble cites Michael Brecker and Wayne Shorter as influential figures and the lure of Coltrane is evident.

Under the Surface: @ the Globe - Dec. 12

Joost Lijbaart (percussion); Sanne Rambags (vocals, effects); Bram Stadhouders (guitar, effects)

Following their first and very successful concert at the Bridge Hotel in June 2019, the Dutch trio returned to the UK for a 5-stop UK tour, thankfully completing the ever-changing paperwork to enable their travel, and tour, to go ahead.  

Having continued performing through many international tours since then, and now,  following an enforced break from live work, they were able to record some new music. 

But, seizing the opportunity to travel, they’re back on the road.  

RIP Ronnie Young

(Pic by Lance)

It's very sad to receive the news that trumpeter and vocalist Ronnie Young passed away recently. Ronnie was active for many years on the local jazz scene - I first met him in the New Orleans Club in the 60's when he ran a band on Monday nights. 

He joined up with the Phoenix Jazzmen later and remained for about five years until it disbanded, when he started a very successful Sunday lunchtime session in the back bar of the Turks Hotel in Grey Street. 

I remember he also turned up at the San Sebastian Jazz Festival where I got roped in to play trombone with him because his trombonist didn't turn up! Ronnie was a lovely gentle man, never downcast or gloomy, always ready to make the best of the situation.

Sadly missed. Gordon Solomon.

This pic shows Ronnie (far left) with Gordon Solomon, Sting and John Hedley who supplied the photo. Lance

The Stuart Fowler Quintet play Art Blakey's Moanin' + Jam Session @ Central Bar, Gateshead - Dec. 13

Stuart Fowler (trumpet); Jamie Toms (tenor sax); Alan Law (piano); Mick Shoulder (bass); John Bradford (drums) + Damian Cook (alto sax); )Paul Booth (tenor sax); Michael Lamb (trumpet); Joe Steels (guitar).

It all began quite sedately, relatively speaking that is, as if a recreation of an Art Blakey Blue Note album could ever be described as being sedate!

The house quintet paid due reverence to the legendary recording - they did it proud. All five were on their metal, no doubt anticipating what was to follow.

Last month the second set jam had few takers - there were no such problems tonight! No sir!