Peter
Wright (trumpet) ,Paul Gowland (tenor saxophone),
(Review by Russell/photo by Kath.)
The timeless Vieux Carré Jazzmen
(a significant milestone is reached in April – Bebop Spoken Here will have more on this nearer the time), have
established a well-supported pub gig at the coast on the first Sunday in the
month at the Red House Farm. A housing estate hostelry, the Vieux Carré’s
Sunday evening audience is drawn from a dedicated, knowledgeable fan base and
Monkseaton locals.
Four reasons to seek out the Red
House Farm:1) Nice pub 2) Nice people 3) Decent beer 4) Good New
Orleans/Dixeland jazz. Arriving at eight o’clock proved to be a very good move
– the pub has a two for the price of one ‘happy hour’ between eight and nine.
The barmaid said: ‘Would you like two pints?’ Silly question, really! A regular
got his order in and lined them up on the table – all EIGHT of them! ‘Do as the
natives do’, they say. Three trips to the bar before nine (3 x 2 = 6) seemed
like a reasonable effort. One or two of the Vieux Carré also did their bit to
help the ‘jazz economy.’
Fred Thompson sang On the Sunny Side of the Street with
Peter Wright providing typical strong lead trumpet and tenor man Paul Gowland
winning applause (as he did throughout the evening). New Orleans trombone specialist Lawrence
McBriarty knocked-out his to be expected quality solo (the first of several)
and the rhythm section worked away in the shadows (Brian Bennett, Bill Colledge
and Fred Thompson). East Coast Trot then
When You Wore a Tulip were second set
highlights and John Broddle joined the band between one of several trips to the
bar. The Vieux Carré Jazzmen’s March date (Sunday 1st) will once again feature
Peter Wright. A post-gig pint with Paul Gowland led to the subject of one of
the great alto players on the local scene – the late, great Nigel Stanger. If
anyone who heard Stanger play would care to post a comment as to the man’s
abilities, please do so. Mr Stanger was no mean Hammond player either!
Russell
Thanks for that, Russell! Seems you really enjoyed your Sunday evening at the coast. Wainwright's or Cumberland? Both, maybe?
ReplyDeleteHope you found your way home ok!