Evoking a Feeling on a Quiet Night in Heaton.

Dave Weisser (tpt/vcl), Darren Grainger (ten), Joachim Kristiansson (gtr), Barry Ashcroft (bs), Eric Stutt (dms). + Ian Forbes (dms).

After last week's night of the big hitters it might have been feared that this week "The Chilly" would be a letdown - particularly when the bassplayer didn't show.

However, the Take It To The Bridge boys are a resilient bunch. Pianist Barry moved over to bass guitar, Eric, back from holiday was on drums, and completing the rhythm section, on guitar, a face that was new to me but known to the boys from the old "Egypt Cottage" days, Joachim Kristiansson. He had some nice solos. When Dave implored the section to 'Evoke a feeling' on, I think, "Cantaloupe Island" a feeling was duly evoked with some sympathetic chording by the young Dane (?). Say this about The Chilli, the list of fine guitarists who turn up is seemingly endless.

Out front, Darren was on tenor, big sound, Dave played trumpet and sang in his own distinctive style - the vocal chorus on "Like Someone In love" was appreciated by the small coterie of fans who stayed 'till the death. There may not have been as many fireworks as last week but for good, honest, endeavour - with the occasional surprise (where else in the world would the raffle prize be a compilation of music by ex Herman, Rich, Zappa, trumpet player, Sal Marquez?) - the Chillingham is unbeatable. In years to come an enlightened city council may put a blue plaque on the wall.

Lance