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Bebop Spoken There

“Hank [Mobley], as far as I’ve heard, never played a wrong or corny note.” Eric Alexander (Jazz Times June 2013).

“I don't even remember learning to read music. I could always do it.” - Henry Lowther (Jazzwise July 2011).

Bebop Spoken There archives (From Greg Abate to Mike Zwerin!)

June 23 Ray Chester Tribute Concert.

As most of you already know, sadly, Ray passed away in January this year and as a mark of respect and celebration of his music, the band has agreed to perform one final concert with all proceeds going to St Benedict’s Hospice (Monkwearmouth). It is probably, most fitting that this “Tribute Concert” will be at the Customs House, South Shields where Ray has appeared every year since 2007. A memorable and emotional night truly awaits the band’s last captive audience. The event is being recorded and modestly priced copies can be ordered on the night. Tickets available from the Customs House – 0191 4541234 or www.customshouse.co.uk

More info from the Ray Chester website.

TODAY WEDNESDAY JUNE 19

TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE JAZZ WORKSHOP - The Chillingham, Chillingham Rd., Heaton. 8:30pm. £1.
Sitters-in invited - Always an enjoyable session.
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JAZZ ESQUIRES - Black Horse, 68 Front St, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear NE25 8DP Phone:0191 253 69311pm. Free.
The sessions continue at the Esquires' new home. We wish them well.
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VIEUX CARRE JAZZMEN - Crescent Club, 1 Hudleston, Cullercoats NE30 3OS. 1pm. Free.
New Orleans Jazz. Raffles and a jolly afternoon.
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PG4- The Star, 79 Westgate Rd., Newcastle NE1 1SQ. Free. 8:45pm.
Paul Grainger (bs); Pete Gilligan (pno); Mark Robertson (dms); Steve Glendinning (gtr). Get yourself along there - ace line-up! Jam Session to follow.

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Saddest Possible Day. Farewell Sir George

The death of George Shearing earlier today is a truly sad occasion - arguably the UK's greatest jazz musician - I have, apart from the records, two very happy memories of hearing George live.
The first was in 1962 when, on my honeymoon, we heard him at Finsbury Park Empire sharing the bill with singer Joe Williams and Junior Mance.
The second time was in the 1980s at the Royal Festival Hall with Mel Tormé. On both occasions his playing knocked me out. Hearing Shearing, if you'll pardon the rhyme, was more than listening to those famous block chords - although I could listen to them forever - it was hearing a master jazz craftsman, a true artiste who ranked with the best of them.
George was 91 and we knew he wouldn't last forever but, in our hearts, we hoped he would.
RIP George, you will be sadly missed but up there, flying high in Birdland, you will be welcomed.
I'm going to play those quintet records and wallow amongst those rich harmonies.
YouTube link from Hil.
Lance.
at

4 comments :

  1. Lance did you know that George was Eric's (Delaney)best man at his first wedding? after I read it I rang him and he's broken hearted. Thank you for letting us know.

    ReplyDelete

  2. A beautifully worded tribute Lance, you echo our thoughts , those of us who loved & enjoyed this modest man's immense talent.
    The song is ended but the melody lingers on
    Liz

    ReplyDelete

  3. George Shearing R.I.P. God Bless.
    One of my teachers Arthur Jackson (also blind)was a great admirer of George Shearing, I have a recording I made of Kinda Cute which I will now call Tribute to George Shearing, on my reverbnation page-
    http://www.reverbnation.com/soundprism

    The world is less without George, but we should keep his memory going.

    ReplyDelete

  4. Ages since I heard "kinda cute" thanks Neil, a fitting choice for the great man
    Liz

    ReplyDelete

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About this blog - contact details.
Bebop Spoken Here -- Here, being the north-east of England -- centred in the blues heartland of Newcastle and reaching down to the Tees Delta and looking upwards to the Land of the Kilt.
Not a very original title, I know; not even an accurate one as my taste, whilst centred around the music of Bird and Diz, extends in many directions and I listen to everything from King Oliver to Chick Corea and beyond. Not forgetting the Great American Songbook the contents of which has provided the inspiration for much great jazz and quality popular singing for round about a century.
The idea of this blog is for you to share your thoughts and pass on your comments on discs, gigs, jazz - music in general. If you've been to a gig/concert or heard a CD that knocked you sideways please share your views with us. Tell us about your favourites, your memories, your dislikes.
Lance (Who wishes it to be known that he is not responsible for postings other than his own and that he's not always responsible for them.)
Contact: lanceliddle@gmail.com I look forward to hearing from you.

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Alternatively, email me - lanceliddle@gmail.com.

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