Jazz on a Summer evening at Kirkharle Courtyard. Friday July 22.

A clear blue sky and late evening sunshine made a pleasant drive for three members of Ashington Jazz Club who travelled to Kirkharle for the first ever Friday night’s jazz session.

The trio performing consisted of Lindsay Hannon (vocals) John Pope (bass) and Alan Law (piano). An appreciative audience of about thirty attended in the room which we remembered as a museum which housed old bikes and train sets. Some features remained, such as a giant old mangle, farm implements and cartwheel.

The Wylam Rocket beer went down well. The room was long and narrow (like the inside of a Rocket). With stone walls the acoustics were great. Also we must say that the sound quality was superb from the groups Rocket like combined amplifier and speaker.

What a difference a day makes when Your dancing Cheek to Cheek and you Can’t Escape on a Trip on a Train began the selected programme. Lindsay’s beautiful voice became easy listening with Long ago and far away, Cry me a river and Lullaby of Birdland.

The second set started with Alan and John playing Blues D & E. Next Comes love when you Dream a little dream while Making Whoopee! Joni Mitchell’s Blue Motel lead to a very interesting Blue Monk with superb, tongue twisting vocals from Lindsay. Then the One note Samba was not The wrong song done in A Sentimental Mood!

Some people had come from as far away as Stanley, Co. Durham, and were first timers like us. We need to hear more from this combo. Ideal for a restaurant such as The Cherry Tree... Alan, Sheila and John