Tyne Valley Stomping at Saltwell Park

Park action this Sunday moved to Saltwell Park, Gateshead, for some rousing Dixieland from those eternal keepers of the flame; the Tyne Valley Stompers. Fred Rowe’s cornet playing hasn’t changed much over the years; he still blows Alex Welsh style lead. Truth be told, I think Fred was playing Alex Welsh style cornet before Alex, himself, was! Alongside him, Jimmy McBriety on clarinet had some good solos; these days I think he is probably as good as any local clarinettist playing in the Dixieland style and better than many from further afield. I didn’t recognise the trombone, bass, banjo or drums. Possibly because the last time I saw them they, like myself, didn’t have any grey hairs. I’m sure my good friend John from Ashington will identify them for me. They all did the business.

(More photos in "Jazz Today" album.)