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Bebop Spoken There

Eubie Blake: “He [Willie The Lion Smith] played some tricky rhythms, if he'd seen them written down, he'd have said "Oh I couldn't play that", but he played them!” – (DownBeat May 24, 1973).

Mel Lewis: “They [kids] think the word "technique" means speed. The word "technique" just means the way you do something, that's all.” – (DownBeat July 19. 1973).

Today Tuesday April 24

Afternoon

Classic Swing - The Ship, Front St., Monkseaton NE25 8DP. 1pm. Free.

Evening

Maine Street Jazzmen - Royal British Legion Club, West Jesmond Ave., Jesmond, Newcastle NE2 3EX. 8:30pm. £5.

Gerry Richardson Trio - The Fox, West End Terrace, Hexham NE46 3DB. Tel: 01434 603681. 8:30pm. Free (collection). Richardson; Garry Linsley (alto sax) & Adam Sinclair (drums).

To the best of our knowledge, details of the above events are correct but may be subject to alteration.

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Charles Gordon @ The Cherry Tree Restaurant

Last night (Saturday) about 4.00pm I received a call to say that the musician booked for the restaurant was snowed in in Sheffield. I was in a fix not wanting to disappoint a restaurant full of diners.
On the basis of Lance's review in "Bebop Spoken Here", I called Charles Gordon who at short notice was able to play.
I had planned to stay at home by an open fire (no Chestnuts Roasting by a ....) but as I had not heard Charles play I decided to face A Winter Wonderland and go and listen to him.
The diners and myself were thrilled by Charles' virtuoso performance - just perfect for the occasion.
His programme included "The Tender Trap", "You Make Me Feel So Young" (the song Sinatra opened with at the concert I attended at the Royal Festival Hall in 1983 - memories!). "Making Whoopee", "Don't Get Around Much Anymore", "Ain't misbehavin'", "Summertime" (a bit ironic), "Hit The Road Jack" (for people who had slipped over on the ice!) "Here There and Eeverywhere" and "Canteloupe Island" which I listened to whilst demolishing a bowl of roast tomato soup, Roasted haddock with new potatoes and salad, and white chocolate, banana and peanut bread and butter pudding. All washed down with a few glasses of Chablis. I was doing alright.
The night got even better when Charles came over after his second set to have something to eat and a chat.
Very modestly he told me his claim to fame was that in 2003 he was invited to get up and play the piano for Oscar Peterson in the Royal Garden Hotel in Barbados. Evidently Oscar was in poor health at that time and only able to walk with the aid of sticks.
Charles I am sure will be back to play again at the restaurant soon - possibly with his group on one of our Monday Jazz nights.
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow.
Peter
at

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Submissions for review

Whilst we appreciate the many emails, texts, messages and other communications we receive requesting album/gig reviews on BSH, regrettably, we are unable to reply to them all other than those we are able to answer with a positive response.
Similarly, CDs received by post will only be considered if accompanied by sufficient background material.
Finally, bear in mind that this is a jazz-based site when submitting your album.
Lance

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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