There have been few, if any, more relaxed and enjoyable sessions than tonight's offering at Blaydon. Totally unpretentious straight down the middle swing that kept the audience entranced from the opening "Perdido" to the penultimate "Swing That Music".John Hallam, not to be confused with the tuba player of the same name, blew like Benny on clarinet, Gerry on baritone whilst on tenor there were touches of Lester and Georgie Auld as well as a lot of John Hallam.
There really was magic abroad in the air during "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" not least because of the superb chorus by Jeremy McMurray on piano. Where are all these wonderful pianists coming from? With all due respects to Roland, Yamaha and co If only we could hear their talents to the full on a Steinway ...
Whether soloing or 'comping, Roly Veitch on guitar was, as ever, the epitome of taste. Paul Armstrong on bass had some nice duo moments with John and Bill Shields on drums, unobtrusive yet decisive, made it a grand night for swinging.
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