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Bebop Spoken There

Simon Spillett: “ Bebop and hard bop came naturally to him [Tubby Hayes]". Morning Star, March 28, 2024.

The Things They Say!

Hudson Music: Lance's "Bebop Spoken Here" is one of the heaviest and most influential jazz blogs in the UK.

Rupert Burley (Dynamic Agency): "BSH just goes from strength to strength".

'606' Club: "A toast to Lance Liddle of the terrific jazz blog 'Bebop Spoken Here'"

The Strictly Smokin' Big Band included Be Bop Spoken Here (sic) in their 5 Favourite Jazz Blogs.

Ann Braithwaite (Braithwaite & Katz Communications) You’re the BEST!

Holly Cooper, Mouthpiece Music: "Lance writes pull quotes like no one else!"

Simon Spillett: A lovely review from the dean of jazz bloggers, Lance Liddle...

Josh Weir: I love the writing on bebop spoken here... I think the work you are doing is amazing.

Postage

16287 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 16 years ago. 169 of them this year alone and, so far, 41 this month (Mar 18).

From This Moment On ...

March

Fri 29: FILM: Soul @ The Forum Cinema, Hexham. 12:30pm. Jazz-themed film animation.
Fri 29: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 29: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 29: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 29: Abbie Finn Trio @ The Vault, Darlington. 6:00pm. Free. POSTPONED!
Fri 29: Thundercat @ Newcastle City Hall.
Fri 29: John Logan @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Fri 29: True Colours @ Barrels Ale House, Berwick. 9:00pm. Blues, jazz & swing.

Sat 30: Papa G’s Troves @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Sat 30: Pete Tanton’s Cuba Libre @ Whitley Bay Library, York Road, Whitley Bay. 8:00pm.

Sun 31: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay Metro Station. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 31: Ruth Lambert Trio @ Juke Shed, Union Quay, North Shields NE30 1HJ. 3:00pm. Free. Lambert, Alan Law & Paul Grainger.
Sun 31: Sid Jacobs & Tom Remon @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 7:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig. USA/London jazz guitar duo.
Sun 31: Bellavana @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

April
Mon 01: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Mon 01: Ray Stubbs R&B All Stars @ Billy Bootlegger’s, Ouseburn, Newcastle. 3:00pm. Free.

Tue 02: Jam session @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free. House trio: Dean Stockdale, Paul Grainger, Abbie Finn.

Wed 03: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 03: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 03: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 04: FILM: Soul @ Forum Cinema, Hexham. 2:00pm. Jazz-themed film animation.
Thu 04: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ The Holystone, Whitley Road, North Tyneside. 1:00pm. Free.
Thu 04: Funky Drummer @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.
Thu 04: Eva Fox & the Jazz Guys @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle. 8:00pm. Free. A ‘Jar on the Bar’ gig.
Thu 04: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Friday, October 30, 2015

CD Review: Matthew Stevens – Woodwork

Matthew Stevens (acoustic & electric guitars), Gerald Clayton (keyboards & piano), Vicente Archer (bass), Eric Doob (drums) & Paulo Stagnaro (percussion)
(Review by Russell)
Woodwork is Matthew Stevens’ first album as leader. His pedigree is not in doubt having worked with tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, Christian Scott and Esperanza Spalding. Described as a ‘stellar’ quintet, the musicians on this recording are ‘first call’ individuals. Stevens chose to record the twelve tracks at the Clubhouse Studio, Rhinebeck, New York over two days in May, 2014. The studio happens to own an acoustic guitar played by the late Pete Seeger. Stevens took the opportunity to play it and it is heard on this recording.
All but one of the tracks are Stevens’ compositions. Distinctive, light-of-touch, with more than a hint of Metheny, the melodies involve all five musicians, none dominate, Stevens a democratic force. 
Ashes (one) is a guitar and percussion-only opening statement. There is a return on the ninth track – Ashes (two) – which sounds like unfinished business; a guitar solo at the heart of it, Stevens flying on acoustic. Star L.A. could be a reference to glittery Los Angeles. Whatever, there is a Larry Carlton West Coast vibe going on, suggesting an epic fusion statement could be about to break out behind Vicente Archer’s in-the-pocket drumming.
David Bowie’s Sunday is a slow-burner. Gerald Clayton opens on piano, Stevens’ etches the melody, guitar low in the mix, the climax electric. Uptown Dance Party and Grown Ups are energetic work outs; tight drum ‘n’ bass work from Eric Doob on the former, the latter featuring an agile Clayton piano solo.
The musicianship on Woodwork is faultless throughout. Stevens is scheduled to tour the UK next year. In the meantime, Woodwork is due for release in early November on the Whirlwind Recordings label (catalogue no.WR4677) run by the indefatigable Michael Janisch. 
Russell.

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