The Band was without leader Herbie Hudson, who was basking in the Turkish sunshine, so we were pleased to welcome his replacement Iain MacAulay. The evening began with China Boy - Ray Harley leading the front line with Jim McBriarty and Iain ably supporting and the engine room of Alan Rudd, Colin Haikney and Ian Hetherington driving the rhythmn section along we experienced a performance of excellent swinging Jazz and well balanced arrangements throughput the evening. "Baby wont you please come home" moved on a pace whereas "Weary Blues" was certainly not a tired renditon but had our feet tapping. Jim gave us "Sleepy time Gal". During the song the venue lighting was extremely poor so Jim's vocals had the members relaxing in the gloom. Olive Rudd appeared on stage to the delight of all and began with "I've Got Rhythm" which said it all as this band has that. Olive appears to have a back catalogue of many songs as good singers do and it was obvious when she sang "Old Fashioned Love" with gentle overtones she reached into the memories of our mature audience. Colin gave a decorative keyboard accompaniment.
"Clarinet Marmalade" gave Jim the opportunity to show off his Clarinet skills - very quick and exhilarating, while all band members produced their own creative instrumental improvisation. "Melancholy Baby" completed the first set with a solid version from Olive.
The Second Half began with "Bye Bye Blues" and that old favourite "Careless Love". After those exhausting items we were priviliged to hear a Keyboard solo of "A Foggy Day" with Colin in brilliant form. This is such a verstile group that it is good to hear the rear section of the band taking a more prominant role out front. The cymbals often hide the face of the drummer but we all know he's there. Following this Olive gave a sympathetic renditon of "It's you or no one for me" and I'm sure I saw a smile from Alan.
"Sunny side of the Street" gave Iain the chance to share his humour and vocal skills with us and put a smile on our faces. He always appears to enjoy his music when visiting Ashington. The Band ended the night with a great collection of favourites. Included in those was our Olive singing "Just Friends" which was a tribute to our members and the band who have many friends in music in this Club. Thank you all for a great evening. We know you travel a long way to entertain us and we do appreciate that.
"Clarinet Marmalade" gave Jim the opportunity to show off his Clarinet skills - very quick and exhilarating, while all band members produced their own creative instrumental improvisation. "Melancholy Baby" completed the first set with a solid version from Olive.
The Second Half began with "Bye Bye Blues" and that old favourite "Careless Love". After those exhausting items we were priviliged to hear a Keyboard solo of "A Foggy Day" with Colin in brilliant form. This is such a verstile group that it is good to hear the rear section of the band taking a more prominant role out front. The cymbals often hide the face of the drummer but we all know he's there. Following this Olive gave a sympathetic renditon of "It's you or no one for me" and I'm sure I saw a smile from Alan.
"Sunny side of the Street" gave Iain the chance to share his humour and vocal skills with us and put a smile on our faces. He always appears to enjoy his music when visiting Ashington. The Band ended the night with a great collection of favourites. Included in those was our Olive singing "Just Friends" which was a tribute to our members and the band who have many friends in music in this Club. Thank you all for a great evening. We know you travel a long way to entertain us and we do appreciate that.
Peter S.
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