Ruth Lambert (vcl), Paul Gamblin (gtr), Andy Champion (bs), Jeremy McMurray (pno), Tim Johnstone (dms). Perhaps spurred on by the knowledge of Zoe's fine gig on Tuesday, our other charming chanter - Ruth - delivered her own tour de force tonight at Blaydon and it was well worth 'gannin' along the Scotswood Road' for.
Time After Time swung, How Long Has This Been Going On? cajoled, Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea showed what can be done with a Harold Arlen tune whilst How Insensitive was anything but! Ruth was in good voice tonight.
I particularly liked Stella By Starlight done at just the right tempo - Ruth (and Miles!) and the first set closer West Coast Blues swung as a Wes Montgomery tune ought to.
Interval saw raffle tickets sold and prizes won - not by me - acquaintances renewed before it was back to Beautiful Love and a How High The Moon that went close to answering that eternal question.
At this point my carriage, in the form of the number 10 bus, awaited and I reluctantly left.
Apart from Ruth alongside her, on guitar, Paul Gamblin excelled - Joe Pass-like at times - he played some scintillating solos. Jeremy too swung the keyboard every which way with Andy Champion, solid and dependable, Tim Johnstone producing the swing and drive - a cohesive unit that came into its own on the instrumental version of Night and Day.
Sitting on the bus I had a superier smile on my face knowing that those around me hadn't had what I'd had - a night of magical music and only a 23 minute bus ride from Newcastle.
Lance.
I don't usually comment on Blaydon gigs but I can't resist this one. All the players were on scintillating form and it was simply one of those lovely gigs when everything is just great.
ReplyDeleteRoly
Hi Lance
ReplyDeleteAs Roly said - just great.
Russell