Bishop Auckland Jazz

17/08/2026

Review from Andy Jakob of last week's gig.
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Such a treat was offered us by with a visit to the lunchtime series by John Settle on vibraphone. He opened the programme with the lovely standard I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart followed by a tribute to saxophonist/ composer Sonny Rollins with a version of his composition Pent-Up House. This included a dazzling solo by pianist Rick Laughlin and did I notice a bit of Jerome Kern’s Long Ago and Far Away?
John Settle demonstrated his complete mastery of the vibraphone as he swept up and down the instrument casting a spell on the audience as we marvelled at the musical shapes he made. His introductions to each piece were thoroughly engaging with lots of history and respect offered to the composers of each tune. I particularly enjoyed his ability to bring in contributions from the audience.
Then followed Desafinado with some outstanding solo work from drummer Tim Johnston and his cymbal work throughout. I also liked the way John quoted other tunes by Antonio Carlos Jobim such as Girl from Ipanema and So Nice within his vibes solo.
The set carried on through Harlem Nocturne, Move (from Birth of the Cool) and Tenderley before a timely finish with Tea For Two.
Thanks to Mick Shoulder on Double Bass who put the artists together as always and for his own superb playing providing a solid foundation on which the others flourished.
The next lunchtime concert welcomes singer Esther Bennett from London and will be on Friday 11th September at 1pm in the Bishop Auckland Methodist Church Hall. Great value for only £10! See less

15/08/2026

A fantastic gig by John Settle Quartet yesterday. John's vibes drew quite a crowd after the gig. A 1968 Deagan Aurora 1100, as played by Milt Jackson.

12/06/2026

Packed house today at Dean Stockdale was superb as usual.
Next one up is on July 10th.

09/06/2026

This Friday, June 12th
Dean Stockdale Trio.

A video montage featuring clips from a live-stream from The Globe i...

27/04/2026

Another one from BeBopSpokenHere blog

Jazz in the north east (UK) and beyond.

27/04/2026

A review of Wednesday evenings gig from Andy Jakob.

It was an absolute delight to be in the presence of such a musician as the Parisian jazz violinist Daniel John Martin on his return to Bishop Auckland. This event hosted by also featured the brilliant local talents of Mick Shoulder and Dave Smith on guitars and Paul Grainger on bass collectively known as Swing Manouche.
The evening took off with renderings of Douce Ambience and Lulu Swing before a calmer Clair de Lune gave the players (and audience) more time to breath and to display their lyrical improvisations. Throughout the evening the solos from DJM dazzled us with his complete mastery of the violin and its potential to deliver incredibly rapid passagework whilst being truly expressive and fun. Similarly, Mick Shoulder delivered his solos with consummate ease extracting so many different tones and timbres as he progressed. Dave’s rhythm guitar and Paul’s bass playing were rock solid and provided the foundation for the others to build their solos. Troublant Bolero and Dinette closed the first half but after a brief interval they were back with Coquette, Danube and Danse Norvegienne. Then came the biggest shock in Sheik of Araby when DJM took to the microphone to sing a few familiar verses. It brought the house down!
Then they simply had to do Djangology by Django Reinhart who was especially associated with this style of “Gypsy Jazz” followed by a poignant version of Je Suis seul ce soir and finishing with I Love You. Memories of Stephane Grappelli were provoked throughout the evening but I think DJM went further still. The audience gave warm applause throughout and left with very happy faces having been so royally entertained.
The next event is on Friday 8th May at 1pm and features the Alan Law trio. Let’s make Bishop Auckland great again!