Maine Street Jazzmen @ Rosie Malone's South Shields.

Herbie Hudson (tmb/vcl/hca), Derek Fleck (clt), Malcolm Armstrong (pno), Alan Rudd (bs), Ian Hetherington (dms), Olive Rudd (vcl/raffle).

The Vieux Carré Jazzmen may be taking part in a World War II re-inactment over the bank holiday but the Maine Street gang got in first with a rousing rendition of "The White Cliffs of Dover". For a moment I was transported back in time 68 years to 1941 when a German bomb dropped on the very spot where I was sitting! Fortunately this time the only explosions were in the rhythm section.

Olive was, as always, in good voice as she chanted "Jeepers Creepers", "When You're Smiling" and other faves. For this style of jazz they don't come much better.

Herbie, of course, added to the mix with some gutsy trombone on "Nagasaki" (where the women chew tobaccy) and, as is obligatory for brassmen, gravelly vocals - he does it well.

The inscrutable Derek on clarinet added a Bach-like flavour to "Jeepers" and managed to retain his inscrutability during "I Want To Be Happy" - Marshall would be proud of him.

"A Slow Boat To China" - always a favourite of mine - had a nice bass solo by Alan Rudd.

Just a few of the delights, not forgetting Herbie's harmonica solos and some really great barrelhouse piano from Malcolm Armstrong. Malcolm played at the very top of his game today and probably drew the most audience applause after Olive.

A newcomer (to me), Ian Hetherington on drums, really kicked the band along. Playing in the tradition of Lennie Hastings his solos, breaks and general punchiness were ace high.

Without doubt, the best jazz gig in South Shields.

Lance.

PS: Herbie tells me that Wednesday's gig at the Lambton Arms, Eighton Banks, was a success and will run on a weekly basis.