Mike Durham (tpt), Derek Fleck (reeds), Paul Munnery (tmb), Brian Chester (pno), Iain McAulay (bs), Jim Birkett (gtr), Pete Soulsby (dms), Teresa Armstrong (vcl).
Possibly because most of the performers can be heard elsewhere in the borough for free the attendance fell below expectations.
However, for those who wanted an alternative to two episodes of Coronation Street it was money well spent.
The music reminded me of those swingy Harlem combos of the 1930s - Red Allen or Albert Nicholas are the two that spring to my mind - and, although there were occasional moments of indecision they didn't detract from the rhythmic delights and bouncy solos.
The repertoire was magic. "You're Lucky To Me" (Mike made reference to Louis but I'll always associate it with Muggsy), "Drop Me Off In Harlem", "Swing That Music", "Delta Bound", "Harlem Madness", "Blue Lou" to mention but some. The lady sitting next to me - a Blaydon regular - said, "They've played some great numbers tonight" and I had to agree with her.
Jim Birkett was absolutely tremendous - is he ever not?
Paul Munnery fired off some blastphemingly good trombone - his more delicate side showing on "A Hundred Years From Today". Mike took the vocal on this one and played a solid lead throughout the gig as well as soloing with taste and elegance. Derek blew alto, tenor and clarinet; his style tailored to the period.
On piano, Brian knocked out some rollicking stuff to his own, and the audience's, obvious enjoyment whilst on bass and drums, Iain and Pete laid down a firm foundation with a few telling solos thrown in.
Vocals were handled by Teresa Armstrong and, despite a few nervous moments, acquitted herself well on "S'Wonderful", "Out of Nowhere", "Mean To Me" and "I've Got a Crush on You". No easy song to sing is Crush. The girl did good.
Among the celebs in the audience was Ruth Lambert. Her eagerly awaited CD is due to be launched at the Saville Exchange on October 23. Put it in your diary.
Photos.
Lance.
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