Lindsay Hannon Plus @ Ashington Jazz Club Sept. 7

Lindsay Hannon (vocal); Alan Law (Keyboard); John Pope (Bass); Mark Robertson (Drums).

We are privileged that within the North East Jazz scene we have several accomplished Jazz Singers. Those of you who regularly read Bebop Spoken Here will know whom I am referring to. They are so very different in their styles and performances and offer followers such a delightful variety of vocal expression and excellence. It was a treat for our Club to welcome for the first time Lindsay Hannon Plus. A very good audience soon realised the traditions of lady vocalists is in good health in our region as Lindsay and her trio opened the first set with a selection of well known standards but which were delivered in a stylistic way with variations in mood, rhythm and emotion - each song painting another impression of familiar song book lyrics which were most refreshing.The Green Goddess (I apologise for this description] and her able trio were together throughout and obviously well rehearsed as they delivered each number with individual solos timed to perfection.After the interval we were once more offered an eclectic selection of great Jazz lyrics and members were pleasantly surprised by the programme and enthusiastically expressed their appreciation for a wonderful evening.

The programme, as I attempt to remember, included - Stompin' at the Savoy, Comes Love, I can't escape from you, Long ago and far away, The hissing of summer lawns, Nature Boy, Why try to change me now, Lullaby of Birdland, What if I can't stay, I've got the Blues, Our love is here to stay, When the sun sets, I wake up alone, Blue Motel. The supporting trio displayed great technique and skill while supporting Lindsay as she adjusted the lyrics and moods. Sometimes forceful, sometimes beautiful, emotional, gentle, fast, sympathetic etc. etc. Brilliant. I may not have remembered all or not even in the correct order but sometimes musicians are oftern accused of notes on a page not always presented as the composer wrote- but that's life. One more final comment. We may have lost Billy Harper and Anne de Vere to France but within this group we have worthy replacements.

Photos.

Peter S.