Student Performances @ King's Hall, Newcastle University. November 11th

Charles Bayley (alto saxophone), Chris Chadwick (piano), Niall Gibson (drums) + electric bass The big boys ACV played the King's Hall at lunchtime. Having had my appetite whetted I went back for more later in the afternoon to hear the wannabie big boys perform in public at the regular student session.

This week's line-up included a trio of young musicians billed as playing a 'jazz standard'. The trio had expanded into a quartet by gig time. A music department academic introduced the trio as advertised, yet omitted to mention the addition of a bass guitarist - perhaps he didn't notice.

The standard Some Day My Prince Will Come was performed with great credit. Pianist Chadwick got the waltz time and Gibson used brushes effectively. Then it was bonus time. Bird's Yardbird Suite was taken at a lick. Altoist Charles Bayley stretched out and our bass player got to grips with the tune. Good stuff. Yet more new names to keep an eye on. Russell .