Student Performances @ King's Hall, Newcastle University.

John Law played solo piano at lunchtime in the King's Hall (I couldn't be there - if someone reading this attended the performance - how about a review?) and later in the afternoon it was the turn of some of the many talented student musicians attending Newcastle University to take the spotlight. Arriving just in time to hear applause for the all female Clarinet Quartet it was a treat to hear them play Dave Brubeck's Blue Rondo a la Turk. The must-hear combo was Hannabiell & Midnight Blue. The band was introduced by a course lecturer as ''the inimitable'' Hannabiell & Midhnight Blue. How true! Bass trombone dynamo Hannabiell Saunders produced another all action (all too short) set as vocalist, percussionist and of course big sounding trombone star. Mainstay percussionist Yilis del Carmen Suriel and tenor saxophonist Helen Papioannou are key members of the band and were in the groove from the off. The boys in the rhythm section (vibes, electric bass and drums) funked as required. Hannabiell can be heard next week - Wednesday 11th May - in a double bill with folk star Nuala Kennedy at the Head of Steam in Newcastle (8:00 pm - folk jam session, 9:30 pm - bands perform, 12 midnight - dj (until 1:00 am). Admission: £7.00. (£5.00. NUS card holders). Russell