Maine Street Jazzmen @ Rosie Malone's South Shields.

Iain McCaulay (tmb), Derek Fleck (clt), Malcolm Armstrong (pno), Alan Rudd (bs), Ian Forbes (dms).

I must confess that this week I was somewhat remiss in not giving the music my full attention. This was because my old mate and drummer Bill Shaw was in the audience - our friendship dates back to schooldays and subsequently various bands and 'social occasions'. His lovely wife Mary was with him as was that fine guitarist George Gosling. I hadn't seen them for a number of years so needless to say the reminiscences flew back and forth to make for an enjoyable and nostalgic afternoon.

What I did hear was some fine trombone from Ian, depping for Herbie Hudson, and good vocals from Olive - "Jeepers Creepers" and "Mr Shane" (English translation) are two that made an impression.

So apologies all round but the music in the background did sound good and the atmosphere was lively.

Next week I shall sit with furrowed brow and stroke my hypothetical beard pausing only to say, at periodic intervals, "Yeah man!")

Lance.