Jim Birkett (gtr), George McDonald (clt), Pete Stuart (bs).An exquisite vignette - chamber jazz at its best. This was an evening of Benny Goodman that proved the 'King of Swing's' legacy is in safe hands with George McDonald who displayed a facility befitting of a monarch. No mind-blowing, ear-bending experimentation, just straight down the middle swing with a couple of 'sexy' (George's description) bossa novas thrown into the mix.
"Airmail Special", "Flying Home", "Memories of You", "Somebody Loves Me", "In a Mellow Tone", "Margie", "My Blue Heaven", "Wave", "One Note Samba" and the appropriately named "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing", were just some of the delights.
On guitar, Jim Birkett played an updated Charlie Christian role to perfection despite being hampered (hampered? It didn't show) by a recent injury to his fingers.
Pete Stuart, quiet, unobtrusive and melodic had some deft interplay with George in, I think, "Georgia on my Mind".
Pleased to note a few extra faces from Tyneside which just goes to show that it is possible to get to East Rainton without a guide and a team of native bearers.
Lance.
Looks as if us Ashingtonians are in for a good night next week!!
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