Maine Street Jazzmen @ Ashington Jazz Club August 3, 2011

The attendance at our August meeting was sadly reduced by members on Summer vacations who missed a pleasant evening of excellent swing music which included the unexpected appearance of two surprise guests.

In the absence of Jim McBriarty the talented Steve Andrews depped on clarinets and sax while John Taylor, the active member of our Club, joined the band on alto for the opening number, Just a little while to stay here which for John was his brief appearance of the evening, and he did not disgrace himself. Steve always brings his humour to his performances and he blends in beautifully with this ensemble. There are insufficient adjectives or superlatives to applaud this group on the frequent visits made to Ashington. Suffice to say that a variable programme is always presented in exciting and colourful performances with all members making a positive contribution to the arrangements.

Herbie (Hudson) is multi-talented and you can always expect quality in his vocals, trombone and harmonica while the popular Olive (Rudd) delivers with energy but we would always wish to hear more from her. She gave us her versions of Blue Skies, Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland, and It Had to be You as well as a final chorus with Herbie on Bourbon Street Parade. A request for Masquerade was beautifully performed with Harmonica and keyboard as one. Steve excelled with his rendition of Clarinet Marmalade during which he introduced two clarinets, and throughout the gig his tenor saxophone was always strong, bold and rounded.

The front line musicians led with style most ably supported and driven forward by the superb rhythm section. This once again was an excellent evening of Jazz with its variable moods and forms. It was a pity that we were thin on the ground but hopefully attendance will improve as the year moves on.

Peter S.