John Crisp (trombone & vocals), Gerry Denning (trumpet & vocals), Gordon McGregor (clarinet, soprano and alto saxophones & vocals), Dave Rae (banjo) & Mac Rae (drums)
The Old Glory Jazz Band despatched a raiding party north from the Deep South (aka The Teesside Delta) to stake a claim to Birtley, the Unionist stronghold in the Borough of Gateshead. A Union flag at one side of the stage and a Confederate flag at the other indicated just what to expect from this band of renegades - music straying to and fro the Mason-Dixon Line.
At short notice the front line had enlisted the services of Brothers Rae (banjoist Dave and drummer Mac) and a succession of familiar tunes were despatched in relaxed fashion. China Boy, Apex Blues, Baby Won't You Please Come Home? and Dr.Jazz were just a few first set highlights. Gordon McGregor shone on clarinet, Gerry Denning of Swale Valley Stompers fame played with economy and bandleader John Crisp kept his men in order with a word here and there.
Encouraged to swell the coffers of this veteran outfit with the purchase of some raffle tickets my luck was in with a prize of a rather good bottle of vino. Cheers!
On the resumption the band asked Am I Blue? and if we were trombonist Crisp advised us to Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams. Gordon McGregor's alto on Birth of the Blues was a highlight and on this sweltering evening Birtley's regulars were able to look forward to yet more quality jazz in July (Thusday 7th) with a visit by Brian Carrick.
Russell.
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