Hannabiell @ The Star Inn, Newcastle.

Hannabiell Sanders (Percussion/Bs. tmb); Yilis Del Carmen Suriel (Percussion); Matthew Ross (congas); Paul Ruddick (alto) + Chris Finch (flugel); Kevin Eland (trumpet).

(Review by Lance)

Hannabiell took to the stage and the set at last began. The formula is simple. Ms. H attacks the djembes (?) with her palms gradually building up the tension till it seems unbearable then, just when you thought it safe to check your heart monitor up steps Yilis Del Carmen Suriel to join Hannabiel and the duo raise the pulse rate even higher - smacking and beating the skins with hypnotic cross rhythms - flailing away like a pair possessed.

But they're not over yet! Up jumps Matthew Ross reporting for conga duty. The trio lift the game to another level. Six hands in rhythmic harmony producing a kaleidophonic mix of sound interspersed with H's samba whistle. This is carnival time in Brazil except it's in a pub on Westgate Road in Newcastle.

Enter Paul Ruddick who unleashes a searing alto solo that floats above the rhythm - an eagle in full flight. Paul's up there - way up in altoland we need something to counteract that!

Bass trombone is the answer.

Hannabiel puts the gleaming monster to her lips and we're in Subterranea. The sound is deep, the tone is the roundest trombone tone you've ever heard  She blows it, she waves the instrument as she plays, never missing a beat. Ruddick comes back for more and they take it to the limit then stop. Silence - the audience are briefly dumbstruck before the appreciation is shown with whoops and hollers, whistles and woo-hoos.

We liked it.

The second number, which was also the last, followed suit and the break allowed us to stem the adrenalin flow.

Not for long though!

The band returned to the stage for the jam which had Chris Finch on flugel horn and Kevin Eland on stratospheric trumpet and once again the adrenalin flowed.

It had been quite a night.

Catch Hannabiell and Midnight Blue as part of the Green Festival at Leazes Park, Newcastle, on Sunday (2.30pm)
Photos.

Lance..