BACK WITH A BANG

As usual Jazz North East takes a bit of a break over the mid-summer period, with no gigs in August. But we’re back in September with our batteries recharged, and a string of sensational gigs.

We kick off with a great improvising trio - saxophonist Ntshuks Bonga, bassist Andy Champion and vibes maestro Corey Mwamba. We actually bought these three together for the first time a few years ago, and there was an immediate creative rapport between them, so it’s great to welcome them back.

Our Autumn season then continues with the kind of tremendously varied programme that we’re proud to think of as our hallmark. Our ‘Women Make Music’ series brings in more outstanding artists in vocalist Lauren Kinsella and trombonist Sarah Gail Brand, while our strong commitment to international jazz is reflected in appearances from Australian pianist Sean Foran and the brilliantly original New York saxophonist Ellery Eskelin. We also continue to provide gig opportunities for young UK bands; drummer Corrie Dick, bassist Henrik Jensen, and saxophonist Cath Roberts all feature with star-studded bands exploring different approaches to contemporary jazz.

What this amounts to is a tremendously varied schedule, just the sort of thing that Jazz North East has been doing since we started out 50 years ago with an opening programme that included Earl ‘Fatha’ Hines and Ornette Coleman. The names may have changed, but the principle remains the same . . . which is why our banner says ‘The Best in Jazz since 1966’.

COMING SOON

4th September @ the Bridge Hotel
Bonga, Champion & Mwamba
Sensational improv trio featuring the great South African saxophonist Ntshuks Bonga.

8th September @ the Black Swan
Lauren Kinsella Ensemble
Brilliantly original Irish vocalist returns to Tyneside, this time leading her own A-list quintet.

11th September @ the Bridge Hotel
Corrie Dick : Impossible Things
Acclaimed Scottish drummer brings in an all-star 9-piece band, including Laura Jurd and Alice Zawadzki.

27th September @ the Jazz Café
Followed by Thirteen
Great contemporary jazz from international quartet, led by Danish bass player Henrik Jensen, and featuring American trumpeter André Canniere.

2nd October @ the Bridge Hotel
Sloth Racket
Saxophonist Cath Roberts explores the balance between freedom and structure with a quintet of the most adventurous young players from the London & Manchester scenes.

9th October @ the Bridge Hotel
Sean Foran-Stuart McCallum Duo + Alan Law
Creative chemistry from the duo of Australian pianist Sean Foran and Manchester-based guitarist Stu McCallum, plus a set from local keyboards master Alan Law.

11th October @ the Black Swan Bar & Venue
Three of the giants of European improv, Sarah Gail Brand, Steve Beresford & John Edwards, play their first ever trio gig outside London.

14th October @ The Globe
Ellery Eskelin Trio
Brilliantly original New York saxophonist makes his Tyneside debut in a specially created Anglo-American trio with guitarist Chris Sharkey & keyboards maverick Matt Bourne.

For full details of each of these gigs, click on the band name.