Randolph Heads (Randy) was a devout supporter of jazz in general and local jazz in particular. A JNE committee member, a great help at Blaydon and a lovely person - an absolute gentleman. Well Randy was a very good friend of Bud and usually met with him when he came up to the NE. It's ten years this year since Randy suddenly died. That was a great shock to the local jazz community and he is sadly missed. Roly
Yes Randy and I were JNE directors at the same time and his death certainly was a shock. He told me many tales of Bud Freeman. My own memory of Bud was when the WGJB was playing at the City Hall in Newcastle. Prior to the concert I was having a pint in the pub just along from the City Hall and Bud came in with Bob Haggart the bass player. Bud ordered the drinks and the barmaid said, "That'll be £3 (or whatever)." Bud shook his head and nodded towards Haggart, "He pays for his own."
The music that I came across in the charity shop was amongst some Billy Mayerl piano music all very ancient. My guess is that it came from a pianist who also played saxophone who had just died and lived in South Shields. Who can it be I wonder?
Were you in a certain charity shop on Fowler Street on Saturday? I think you may have beaten me to the Bud Freeman - quite possibly by a matter of minutes.
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.
Came across this gem in a South Shields charity shop.
Lance.
Randolph Heads (Randy) was a devout supporter of jazz in general and local jazz in particular. A JNE committee member, a great help at Blaydon and a lovely person - an absolute gentleman. Well Randy was a very good friend of Bud and usually met with him when he came up to the NE. It's ten years this year since Randy suddenly died. That was a great shock to the local jazz community and he is sadly missed.
ReplyDeleteRoly
Yes Randy and I were JNE directors at the same time and his death certainly was a shock. He told me many tales of Bud Freeman.
ReplyDeleteMy own memory of Bud was when the WGJB was playing at the City Hall in Newcastle. Prior to the concert I was having a pint in the pub just along from the City Hall and Bud came in with Bob Haggart the bass player. Bud ordered the drinks and the barmaid said, "That'll be £3 (or whatever)." Bud shook his head and nodded towards Haggart, "He pays for his own."
The music that I came across in the charity shop was amongst some Billy Mayerl piano music all very ancient. My guess is that it came from a pianist who also played saxophone who had just died and lived in South Shields.
ReplyDeleteWho can it be I wonder?
Hi Lance
ReplyDeleteWere you in a certain charity shop on Fowler Street on Saturday? I think you may have beaten me to the Bud Freeman - quite possibly by a matter of minutes.
Russell
I was in the shop about 2:00 pm.
ReplyDeleteHi Lance
ReplyDeleteYes, I missed it by a matter of minutes.
Russell