Olive Rudd (vocals), Ray Harley (trumpet), Herbie Hudson (trombone, harmonica & vocals), Jim McBriarty (clarinet & saxophone), Malcolm Armstrong (keyboards), Alan Rudd (double bass) & Mike Humble (drums)
The Lambton Arms on a dank, winter's afterrnoon usually offers a panoramic view south into County Durham. On this occasion mist rising up the valley sides denied this pleasure.
Once inside it was a pint of Morland's Original Bitter. Nursing a hangover, I decided to nurse the glass. The band struck up on time just as I was looking around for somewhere to lie down (I couldn't find anywhere suitable). Trumpet ace Ray Harley sounded loud (maybe it was loud just inside my throbbing head). Then veteran trombone man Herbie Hudson gave it a blast. He too sounded loud. I looked at my pint. Later, I thought. Meanwhile the tunes (loud tunes) came thick and fast; Bye Bye Blackbird, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Olive singing Some of These Days, Ice Cream (my head was screaming) and others. I decided it was time to get acquainted with my pint. It didn't taste too good. I hasten to add it was me, not the quality of the beer at the fine establishment that is the Lambton Arms.
I hung on in there, there was after all the interval raffle with the prospect of a decent prize (having a lie down seemed like a winner).
The second set started (prizeless) with a couple of requests in the form of Yellow Dog Blues and Darktown Strutter's Ball. Harley and Hudson were once more pounding in my head. In truth, Harley's playing was superb throughout and he really did strut his stuff on the latter number. Olive was in fine fettle and the band went out on South Rampart Street Parade (excellent piano from Malcolm Armstrong) and Bourbon Street Parade replete with an impromptu Dolly Brollies parade from one or two regulars.
On leaving the pub (pint finished), the mist had lifted, the view was great and my spirits had lifted. It had been a good afternoon albeit in something of a haze. Today in South Shields the band can be heard at Rosie's (2:00 pm). I'll be there and I promise to give the band my undivided attention (with pint in hand, of course).
The Maine Street Jazzmen's latest CD Jazz at the Marquis featuring Ray Harley was recorded 'live' at the Marquis of Granby in Sunniside. It sounds good. I think a review is due.
Russell
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