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Bebop Spoken There

“Most trumpet players really like attention. I mean that they like to play high, they like to play fast…and they're the best dressers, usually.” - Ambrose Akinmusire (Jazzwise April 2011).

“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 TUESDAY JUNE 18

TBA - Ernest, 1 Boyd St., Ouseburn, Newcastle NE2 1AP. 7:30pm.
Usually a top vocalist at trendy venue.
MAINE STREET JAZZMEN - West Jesmond British Legion Club, nr. West Jesmond Metro. 8:30pm. £3.
Great Dixieland.
BELL AND BUCKET QUARTET - Bell and Bucket, Norfolk St., North Shields. Free. 1pm.
New Orleans style with guests.

Friday, June 01, 2012

Fenkle Street the Frith Street of the North

(By RUSSELL).
Hotel Indigo opened to the public today. A 4 star hotel on Fenkle Street in Newcastle, the launch was attended by...well, I'm sure things will pick up. In the foyer (Marco Pierre White Brasserie) Graham Brown played piano. The pianist's regular gig is with the Paul James Band (resident last Friday of the month at Jesmond Dene House Hotel). Free bubbly was on offer but I resisted all attempts to get me to imbibe. Brown played Route 66. He can play - tastefully, as was the requirement on this gig. Brown, together with other members of the Paul James Band, has secured a last Sunday in the month lunchtime jazz gig at the hotel. A diner's affair, it will set you back £24.95.. 

I moved on, all of three metres down Fenkle Street, to the Assembly Rooms. A street party was about to begin. For some reason bunting was abundant, tables were covered in red, white and blue tablecloths and the entertainment was about to begin. Brian Bennett, resplendent in dickie-bow, said Welcome folks to the assembled masses - all two of them seated at a tressle table - and the Vieux Carré Jazzmen kicked-off with drummer and vocalist Fred Thompson singing Margie. 
For the record: Brian Bennett (banjo & vocals), Barry Soulsby (clarinet & vocals), Fred Rowe (trumpet & vocals), Lawrence McBriarty (trombone), Fred Thompson (drums & vocals) & Phil Rutherford (sousaphone). A mountain of cucumber sandwiches had few takers, free Pimm's likewise and then the Vieux Carré's banner fell down. A hiatus ensued as Bennett and co. got to work with the gaffer tape. I went home to read the Morning Star.
RUSSELL.
at

2 comments :

  1. Russell, I hope you found a few moments to pay homage to Joe Cowen (The Blaydon Brick) at his statue and to reflect on his great contribution to Victorian Tyneside in general and the Blaydon locality in particular. I'm sure he would be looking down on all this diverse jazz activity with approval.

    ReplyDelete

  2. Hi, Russell!
    This pic was taken during the band's first break (about 30 minutes after you left) - by 3.30pm the place was packed.
    A brilliant, fun afternoon enjoyed by everyone including Chi Onwurah MP who was one of the invited guests.

    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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