Maureen Hall (vocals), Fred Rowe (trumpet & vocals ), Barry Soulsby (clarinet & vocals), Iain MacAulay (trombone & vocals), Mac Smith (piano), John Robinson,(double bass), Jim McKeown (drums), Matthew Office (acoustic guitar) & Doris Fenn (banjolele).
Tonight's session was scheduled to take place in the bar (with buffet included) due to refurbishment works in the lounge. The management made other plans and the jazz was to be heard, as usual, in the lounge. A pint of Old Speckled Hen ordered, a seat taken, the jazz began. ' June Night , rather appropriately, got things under way with Fred Rowe doing justice to the lyrics. Bandleader Maureen stepped up to sing 'You're Nobody's Sweetheart Now' (always a winner) followed by the first instrumental of the evening Duke Ellington/Johhny Hodges' 'Rent Party Blues'.
The first of two tunes often sung by Jimmy Witherspoon at Newcastle's Corner House - 'St.James Infirmary Blues' - offered solo opportunities to trumpet and trombone with a well - paced reading of the tune by Maureen. The tempo was upped with 'Honeysuckle Rose'; solos from clarinettist Soulsby, pianist Mac Smith and an inimitable vocal from Iain MacAulay.
The first set unveiled a new (young!) talent by the name of Matthew Office. Playing acoustic six string guitar it must have been difficult for him to hear himself. He read the charts, played the chords; all the while with a smile - he's one to watch out for. 'Bugle Boy March ' brought the fist set to an end with excellent ensemble work. Being 'D Day' (June 6th) the second set opener was, fittingly, 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary'. 'Melancholy Blues' demonstrated Maureen's command of a blues number and the tunes kept on coming 'Careless Love' (the other ' Witherspoon' tune), 'Smile', 'Dinah', 'Borurbon Street Parade' and more.
A good night out. The next installment, in the lounge, with a buffet, is Saturday 4th July.
Russell.
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