Jazz Esquires @ The Porthole

Miles Watson (tpt/vcl); Tony Winder (ten/sop/clt); Terry Dalton (tmb); Roy Gibson (pno); Robin Douthwaite (gtr); Stan Nicholson (bs); Laurie Brown (dms) + Ann Alex (vcl); Neville (comedy).
(Review by Lance).

It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing saw the Jazz Esquires hit the ground running. On their day they are reminiscent of one of the later Lyttleton bands and, I'm pleased to say, this was one of those days. Miles threw in the vocal on this and most numbers and there were good solos all round. Miles took the vocal again on Undecided - that Charlie Shavers classic with it's triple rhymed middle eight - 

I've been sitting on a fence/And it doesn't make much sense/'Cause you keep me in suspense/And you know it.

On drums, ex Squadronaire, Laurie Brown - surely the 'Last of The Few' - drove things along culminating with an idiomatic solo.

Moonglow, 9-20 Special and Bernie's Tune, taken faster than the Mulligan version with a cracking solo from Roy and crisp brushwork a la Chico from Laurie. followed before a well-earned break..

The rhythm section stayed on stage for Laura and Fascinating Rhythm then  BSH 's Women's Editor, Ann Alex, sang A Foggy Day and Bye Bye Blackbird. In the absence of Teresa the only thing that could follow this was a stand-up routine from a guy called Neville who drew some hearty guffaws from the audience.

The second set opened with Tiger Rag and it occurred to me that, back in 1918, this was probably the equivalent of today's Improv Music!

Blues March saw Tony Winder and Terry Dalton playing some stirring solos. Robin and Bill also "Told the Truth" in their solos. Tony,  incidentally, has acquired a 1924 Conn soprano sax - a very tasty horn indeed. 

The White Cliffs of Dover, Buena Sera and Angel Eyes finished off the session for those of us catching the 3pm ferry for South Shields leaving us with the knowledge that mainstream jazz/swing is alive and well on Tyneside.
Photos.
Lance.