A Cast Of Thousands – Ruth Lambert’s Buskers Night Sept. 6, Bell and Bucket, North Shields

This was my last chance to try this event before my regular Thursday commitment starts again, and I certainly enjoyed myself immensely.  It’s not a jazz do so I’ll be brief, but it’s highly recommended for anyone with wide musical tastes.  There was a plethora of rock-type guitarists doing allsorts, Bowie’s Space Odyssey; an unusual take on a Supremes song; various rock numbers which I wish I could remember; an Elton John-like keyboardist; a guitarist who jumped and danced as he played songs which may have been self-penned, one about the terror of spider’s legs, the other a love song to Julie.  A supremely confident female singer gave us a Carole King song and the evocative KT Tunstall song about the Black Horse and the cherry tree.  Even myself, with Ruth on Guitar, singing Autumn Leaves and Summertime - although I didn't have my D whistle with me as pictured in the photo!  There must have been at least a dozen performers, but Ruth said this was a quiet night!

The pub is cosy, with a raised section for performers and keen listeners, enhanced by many photos of owls, which made me feel wiser than I really am.  Ruth runs a great night by welcoming and encouraging all comers, organising the sound system, and, of course, opening the night with her own jazz singing, and rounding proceedings off with Hit The Road Jack, accompanied by a certain Mr Lambert on excellent jazz guitar.

Definitely worth a visit, and, as they say, take your axe along as well.

Ann Alex