Customs House Big Band. Open Rehearsal New Crown, South Shields. Dec 6th.

For tonight's recital the band were in close confinement in a corner of the main bar, however, the usual suspects were not intimidated by the surroundings and played with their normal skill and finesse. The first set began with Out Of Nowhere, Gordon Goodwin's High Maintenance and a laid back Nestico version of Sunny Side Of The Street.

Second set started with The 12 Days Of Christmas a la Kenton, followed by Green Dolphin Street, I Love Paris by the Cole Porter (not a coal porter (( Ronnie Scott 1975)) ) Basie's Straight Ahead, and a beautiful Harlem Nocturne. The ever consistent Miss Lambert (Ruth) entertained us with Santa Baby, Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend, I've Got The World On A String and Fly Me To The Moon. This was all enjoyed by a small but appreciative band of followers, about the same number that watched the Chelsea match at the other end of the bar but we got the best deal. Next week is another show with different numbers so get there if you can and hear big band music at its best for the price of a pint.

Miles.