Jazz Esquires @ Porthole

Miles Watson (tpt/vcl/dms); Tony Winder (ten/clt); Terry Dalton (tmb); Roy Gibson (pno); Robin Douthwaite (gtr); Stan Nicholson (bs); Laurie Brown (dms/clt). + Brian Lineham (hca/vcl); Teresa Armstrong (vcl);  George Laing (pno).

One of the best things about going to The Porthole is the Ferry Cross The Tyne. On a clear day like today it is truly inspirational and yet nostalgic as I think back to the days when the shipyards were alive, fishing boats were in abundance and river traffic was plentiful. Today, in fact I noted a container ship leaving the Tyne as well as one entering it (it may have been the same one  returning having forgotten something!)

In the pub it has to be said, the beer wasn't wonderful, my first pint having slept too long overnight in the pipes. Draught Double Maxim was an improvement although I wasn't surprised to see some regulars drinking cans of McEwans' Export.

Still, I was here for the music and not the beer (believe that if you like) and the band kicked off with a couple of Ellington's - It Don't Mean a Thing and I Got It Bad - Miles took the vocals in his inimitable style.

More good tunes in Just Friends, Ain't Misbehavin', Days of Wine and Roses (a work in progress) and On the Sunny Side of the Street.

Interval time and Laurie Brown moved from drums to clarinet whilst Miles moved from trumpet to drums for Stranger on the Shore. I have to say that this was the best version of Stranger on the Shore that I've ever heard played on clarinet by a drummer.

Brian Lineham took to the stage and played and sang a brilliant version of I Love You For Sentimental Reasons. Made my afternoon. He also had a blast on Blue Moon and Over the Rainbow.

Teresa sang Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?

George Laing sat in but it was ferry time for me.

The audience were of a certain age - myself included - however, Monica, with whom I shared a table seemed to have survived the ravages of time better than most!

Photos.

Lance.