Gabriele mit drei @ The Bridge Hotel. Sunday May 6

Gabriele Heller (vocals), Paul Beck (piano), Steve Glendinning (guitar) & Dave Parker (double bass).
(Review by Russell)

Gabriele Heller is a graduate of Lindsay Hannon’s jazz vocal class at The Sage. I first came across Gabi when she sat in at Dave Weisser’s jazz workshop at The Chillingham. 

First impressions were good; a presence, dark, low register vocal delivery, eager to play with the lyric. Since that first hearing Heller has gigged intermittently, picking up a band along the way. She combines an exploration of early or ‘classic’ jazz vocal styles, the blues, well-chosen standards and a smattering of original compositions. An invitation to perform at Splinter at The Bridge represented a significant development in her fledgling career as a jazz singer.

New venture from Gabriele.

Whilst this may appear to be outside the remit of Bebop Spoken Here because of Gabriele Heller's jazz affiliations I felt it deserved a mention.

Lance

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frequence is an ongoing weekly theatre training and forum for performers to work together and share experiences over an extended period of time.

frequence theatre training is aimed at professionals and students with a background in theatre, music or live-art. The intensive training incorporates a range of acting and performing techniques based on concentration, focus and flow of energy.

frequence offers joint practice for actors and performing artists to initiate ensemble work in the North East.

frequence theatre training takes place every Monday from 7pm to 9pm at the Blackfriars Centre @ Ouseburn, New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne.

CD Review: Gabriele Heller – Nightshifts

Gabriele Heller (vocals, live sound mixes, percussion); Steve Glendinning (guitar, percussion); Wolfgang Weileder (guitar on 3 tracks).

This is such a good CD that I felt compelled to play it twice before writing the review and I enjoyed it even more the second time. The songs are a heady mix of cabaret tinged songs and jazz which are intriguing, disturbing, compassionate and even amusing by turns and always interesting. Steve as always does a grand job of appropriate accompaniment and Gabi, an experienced improvising actor, writer and teacher, interprets the lyrics with feeling and skill.

Diachronicx @ The Bridge Hotel. January 25

Gabriele Heller (voice & electronics) & Steve Glendinning (guitar).

(Review by Russell/photos courtesy of Ken Drew).

Arriving near the end of the first set (delayed train from Darlington), this is, effectively, a brief review of Heller and Glendinning’s second set. Ascending the stairs with a tip-top pint of Schiehallion, Ms Heller could be heard on stage in blues to bossa mode (guitarist Glendinning seated, fleetingly recalling Joe Pass). Honey Bee (a sailing blues said Heller) wailed Sail on, sail on my little Honey Bee, sail on, Hmmm. Excellent blues feel.

First prize for Gabriele Heller at UK International Audio Drama Festival, Canterbury with UTOPIA More and more

Gabriele 3rd from left of pic.

UTOPIA More and more won 1. Prize (Full Length Drama) at the UK International Audio Drama Festival, Canterbury 2025 out of 64 shortlisted submissions from 32 countries.

UTOPIA More and More listen here

Full Length Drama Awards include:

Thinking about Gabi & Steve @ Sage Gateshead - March 17

Gabriele Heller (vocals, electronics) & Steve Glendinning (guitar)

(Review by Russell)

The Gold Dust ticket clearly stated: Please arrive 10 minutes beforehand, otherwise you may lose your place. The queue outside the Northern Rock Foundation Hall snaked past the East Door of Sage Two stretching to the (closed) balcony bar. This, twenty minutes before the advertised start time. Clipboard types strolled hither and thither, headsets and Access All Areas tags denoting their status…these were BBC Radio 3 people.

The queue comprised M & S and Waitrose types, Radio 3 their choice of listening, early morning through to late at night. They were here at Sage Gateshead to do some thinking, free thinking. Radio 3 people continued to stroll; clipboards, headsets, AAA tags, bottled water. A senior BBC type walked purposefully towards an AAA behind-the-scenes door, produced a swipe card (confirmation of big cheese status) and disappeared beyond. Bang on ‘start time’ a junior BBC/Sage person wandered along the snaking queue checking for Gold Dust. A BBC type (headset etc) breezed up the stairs from concourse to AAA door, a party of thirteen keen sixth form types following close behind, disappearing beyond the AAA door. Later, the BBC type emerged from beyond, dutiful sixth form ducklings, with munch-on-the-go sandwiches, skipping along to keep up with the Radio 3 Head Duck.

Press release: HOMER’S LANE and others

I am very happy that my audio play Homer’s Lane,  inspired by the life and work of Joe the Quilter, is finally coming very close to its original setting.

After a wonderful reception at the UK International Audio Drama Festival, the play will be presented at the Old Gaol Museum in Hexham, just around the corner from Homer’s Lane, a little country road near Warden. 

On Friday the 15th of September Homer’s Lane will be played three times (2pm, 3pm, 5pm) as a special broadcast in the upstairs room of the museum. 

International Jazz Day @ The Globe - April 30

(Review by Russell).

The Tyne and Wear Metro is an excellent public transport system…when it works. Due to technical issues on Sunday trains weren’t operating between Newcastle and South Shields. BSH’s Editor-in-Chief resides on sunny South Tyneside, consequently his absence from the Jazz Co-op’s big day proved unavoidable. Your reviewer stepped in at short notice in time to catch the six o’clock set by the Customs House Big Band. Ironically, the band’s spiritual home is the Customs House in South Shields – perhaps our Editor-in-Chief could have blagged a lift on the band bus acting as a roadie!

The Improvisers' Workshop Ensemble - “Magic Mirrors" @ The Jazz Café - December 1

Nigel of Coalburns (Voice & Toys) / Gabriele Heller (Voice & Objects) / John Harrison (Saxophone) / Thomas Dixon (Saxophone) / Karen Rann (Saxophone) / Crispian Heath (Acoustic Guitar) / Martin Donkin (Electric Guitar) / Paul Taylor (Keyboards) Tobias lllingworth (Keyboards and other instrumentation) / Wesley Stephenson (Drums and Percussion)

(Review/photo by Ken Drew).

“Gathering monthly for sessions at The Bridge Hotel 'The Improvisers' Workshop' is a space where people interested in sound and improvisation gather to play, discuss and explore the nature and mysteries of improvisation. These sessions often result in different games and strategies used as vehicles for the improvisation that takes place. "Magic Mirrors" was such an idea that was conceived for a performance by the ensemble.

As a durational piece “Magic Mirrors” explores the space where a large group ensemble works in unison, and the way that unity dissolves and breaks into smaller groupings of players or soloists, which may also be symbolised by silence. Through mirroring and a Chinese whispers style of communication, the growth of the music is shaped by the decisions of the players and the way they choose to mirror, this could be rhythmically, tonally, texturally, emotionally or any such inspiration of their own choosing.”

Women Make Music @ the Bridge Hotel, Newcastle - May 8

(Review by Steve H/Photos courtesy of Ken Drew)

Jazz North East presented a trio of duos in their latest Women Make Music series.

The evening began with the wail of a police siren as Diachronicx incorporated live samples into their new project The Great City. I must admit that Heller’s interaction with the Apple Mac whilst simultaneously putting over deep and meaningful lyrics was a bit of a distraction which was a shame because her singing coupled with Steve Glendinning’s guitar was excellent.

Gabriele Mit Drei with Gordon Phillips: City Library, Newcastle March 8 International Women’s Day

Gabriele Heller (vocals, kazoo); Paul Beck (keyboard); Steve Glendinning (guitar);

Dave Parker (double bass); Gordon Phillips (poetry).

(Review by Ann Alex.)

This was a fine contribution to International Women’s Day from a talented poet, and Gabi and the band, who reached the high standard that we’ve come to expect from this outfit.  And it was free, with tea or coffee and biscuits as well!

Gabriele Mit Drei Hoochie Coochie Thursday Dec. 29.

Gabriele Heller (vcl); Paul Beck (keys); Steve Glendinning (gtr); Dave Parker (bs).

 Another successful gig from this new band.  I hesitate to call them promising, because they’ve already fulfilled promises, with even more assurance than at their first gig a couple of months ago.  This time they faced the challenge of a noisy audience, especially from the back of the room, but they rose to the challenge well through sheer force of musicianship and the help of a kazoo!  Yes, in the fourth song (a Gabi original, Don’t Mess Around With Me) Gabi silenced the crowd at the back with an amazing jazz chorus on kazoo, and they made much less noise after that.  I suppose people are so used to hearing music as wallpaper nowadays that they don’t know when to really listen.

After a smooth instrumental to start, the songs that Gabi treated us to included All or Nothing at All (effectively beginning with bass and voice only); a sensitive Imagination; a stomping Old Devil Moon; Like Someone in Love (with scat, which I wouldn’t have expected in that song, but it worked.)  Later came a heartfelt Good Morning Heartache; and the more unexpected songs such as Falling in Love Again (in German with German (I think!) scat); the mathematical Inchworm; and a wonderful 8 bar blues, Come on in My Kitchen.

The band came up with lots of punchy solos, notably from Paul Beck on keys on Old Devil Moon, and a gutsy guitar on Come on in My Kitchen.

This gig had less of a cabaret feel than previous gigs, although Gabi was dressed for the part, with a long red coat and striped tights.  I’d have loved to hear a number such as Mack the Knife, but maybe the jazz cafe is a better setting for this style of song.

Here’s to the band’s next gig.

Photos.

Ann Alex

GABRIELE MIT DREI NEW BAND ON THE BLOCK – NOT TO BE MISSED!

Gabriele Heller (vocal); Paul Beck (piano); Steve Glendinning (guitar); Dave Parker (double bass).

This was the band’s debut, and what a great start to what will surely be a successful future.  Not only was there wonderful singing and musicianship, but there was an unusual set of songs and entertainment galore!

Gabi is an experienced actor who specialises in improvisation, which adds much to her singing.  She wore a most unusual outfit of black blouse and shorts, with a long red jacket in  18th century style, striped tights and black and white shoes.  This added to the atmosphere of a Berlin cabaret, as did the black backcloth on the stage, in the intimate upstairs room of the British Legion club at West Jesmond last night.

After a smooth instrumental beginning from the band, Gabi stepped up to invite us to the Dark Town Strutters Ball, which was acted well besides being sung.  This was followed by a bass solo opening for All or Nothing at All and then Imagination. Gabi’s linking remarks between songs worked well.  Then came the entertaining, sophisticated, upbeat Don’t Mess Around With Me, an original song.  The song included Gabi singing like a trumpet and the bass played slowly with the bow to end the song.  As Dave on the bass remarked to Gabi ‘ I wouldn’t mess around with you after that!’  All of Me, was followed by Broken Silence, which was an original tune by Steve, with interesting lyrics by Gabi, a list of things which can be either broken or crazy.

The second half included a bossa nova Little Boat, with a burst of Gabi’s extensive scat, a sensitive Good Morning Heartache, with superb solos from everyone, an upbeat original Never Too Late, with intriguing words, (‘It’s never too late to leave an Island’).  Then followed Marlene Dietrich’s Falling in Love Again, sung in German with scat.  Was the scat in German or English? Does it matter?  Then came a modern gospel song Slow Me Down Lord’, and a blues, Robert Johnson’s Come on in My Kitchen, followed by Inchworm, ( remember the Danny Kaye version?), with a slow introduction then a sudden speeding up.  After You’d be so Nice to Come Home to’, the audience shouted for an encore, which was a beautifully sensitive God Bless The Child’. 

I hope this conveys the atmosphere of this excellent gig.  You have to see them soon.  Catch them at the Jazz Cafe on Dec. 3; at Hexham Jazz Club on Dec. 6, or at Hoochie Coochie on Dec. 29.

Ann Alex.

Gabriele Mit Zwei + Jam Session @ The Star Inn June 26

Gabriele Heller (vcl); Dave Parker (bs); Steve Glendinning (gtr) + Paul Grainger (bs) and several.others.

(Review by Lance)

Tonight, down in Soho, Sarah Ellen Hughes gave a farewell performance at The Spice of Life prior to returning to primary school teaching - from one jungle to another! We wish her well and have fond memories of her north east appearances at the Cherry Tree, Customs House and Sage Gateshead (with Sector 7).

So what has this to do with the Star Inn on Westgate Rd.I hear you ask?

Tonight was very much like the Wednesday nights at "The Spice" that I so much enjoy when I'm "in town" rather than "toon".

Tonight @ Hoochie

Thursday night jazz returns to Hoochie Coochie tonight with up and coming new band Gabriele Mit Drei (Gabriele Heller (vcl); Paul Beck (pno); Dave Parker (bs); Steve Glendinning (gtr).) The band's first gig even brought them a mention among our Gig of the Year nominations which is no small achievement given the number of gigs that take place. I've seen and heard them since and can confirm that they are well worth catching tonight at Hoochie (54 Pilgrim St., Newcastle.) The name and the singer may be German but, rest assured, this ain't no Oompah Band! Lance.

VERSE & JAZZ for International Women’s Day

Newcastle City Library:  Friday 8 March, 12.00 – 1.00 pm

Writer Gordon Phillips and singer Gabriele Heller with her band Gabriele mit drei are the entertainers for International Women’s Day.  The pieces are inspired by this year’s theme of “gaining momentum.”

Pete Gilligan's Jam Session @ Hoochie Coochie. Thursday Sept. 6.

Pete Gilligan (pno); Steve Glendinning (gtr); Paul Susans(bs); ? (dms). + Lindsay Hannon (vcl); Gabriele Heller (vcl); Steve ? (ten).

I had hoped to go to Blaydon last night with my mate Alan. Unfortunately Alan's prestigious gig at Bothal Castle with Ellington Colliery Band overran. He very kindly gave me a lift to Hoochie later in the night - just in time to hear the end of the first set from the quartet. The second set saw saxophonist Steve (a newcomer to me) join the band. A very polished performance. Several nice numbers from Gabriele followed by Lindsay to end the night, the band playing on until 11 oclock. I had to run up Northumberland Street and just managed to catch the 23:05 last bus to Ashington 

Plenty of variety of styles and overall a highly entertaining night. If this is a regular jam session please give us more Warren! 

A lovely lady with a top notch camera took lots of pics. I gave her Lance's email address - hope we can see her work some time.

Numbers were down at Hoochie last night, I know that some folks would be at Blaydon but numbers seem to be down everywhere at the moment - we only had 30 at Ashington on Wednesday. 

John T.

Jazz Co-op @ The Globe: Gabriele Mit Drei - October 17

Gabriele Heller (vocals); Paul Beck (piano); Steve Glendinning (guitar); Dave Parker (bass)

(Review by Ann Alex)

It’s about a year since I’ve heard this band and they were great then.  I’m tempted to say they’ve moved up to the next level, which is true, except that I don’t really agree with talking about levels as every band contributes what they can.  But they were great, let’s just say, and this may even be my gig of the month or even of the year.

Gabriele Mit Drei @ The Jazz Café

Gabriele Heller (vcl); Paul Beck (pno); Dave Parker (bs); Steve Glendinning (gtr).

Lotte Lenya meets Carmen McRae meets Marlene Dietrich via Anita O'Day might sum up this gig. Certainly Frau Gabi has all of the attributes of the above and tonight she brought them in to play at the crowded Jazz Café. Lenya and Dietrich provided the Cabaret/Blue Angel/.Threepenny Opera feel, McRae the clipped delivery and O'Day the wonderful scatting. Ann reviewed Gabi's first gig in glowing tones and I can do little more than re-iterate her words.and maybe  add a few of my own.

Darktown Strutters Ball! Can you think of a more unlikely number for a hip modern singer to open up with? I can't and yet it worked fine! Imagination was another that was sung - wait for it - imaginatively whilst All Or Nothing At All had plenty in the way of vocal dynamics as Gabi took the song by the scruff of the neck and re-worked it beautifully - I think Frank would have approved.

As well as the standards, Gabi's original Don't Mess Around had a funky feel and a scary message - I sure ain't gonna mess around!

Throughout, the band gave her excellent support and there were some wiz solos from Steve on guitar and Paul on piano with Dave throwing in the odd bass solo for good measure.

I think we can safely say that this "Warbler" - sorry that's flippant - this "Singer" has arrived!
It was a good night and I think King Keith will be well pleased to see his superb venue so well patronised tonight (...maybe...) 

Photos.

Lance.

PS: I had to leave early to catch The Metro but I have to say that my favourite number of the ones I heard was the sound-check version of Kurt Weill's Johnny!

PPS: Catch Gabiriele Mit Drei at Hoochie Coochie on Dec. 29.

Gabriel Mit Drei @ Bridge Hotel, Newcastle May 12.

Gabriele Heller (vcl); Steve Glendinning (gtr); Dave Parker (bs); Paul Beck (pno).
(Review by Lance)

I've noted the rise of Gabriele (Gabby) from her first tentative steps at the Chilli - that breeding ground for so much talent - via her increasingly confident appearances at The Caff, the gigs that are now less infrequent, and on to her emergence as a contender. This was very much in evidence tonight with a performance that was verging on jazz theatre. The jazz was in the material, the improvised vocal choruses, the varying note timbres and the unexpected intervals which could be a fleeting octave plus jump or a surprising, indefinable, shot in the dark that miraculously hit the mark.