Blue Jazz Voices End Of Term Gig: at Ernest Pub, Monday July 1 With The Blue Jazz Quintet

(Review by Ann Alex).

I can't write a normal review of this event, as I was one of the ‘voices’, and it wouldn't be appropriate to write about my friends and colleagues from Lindsay’s Monday evening jazz-singing class at Sage Gateshead.  Enough to say that the gig was planned and performed by those of us who've been attending the class for a year or two now, and have a bit more experience of jazz-singing. I thought we put on a good show, which was appreciated by the audience.  Our material was mostly from the Gasbook.  It was hugely enjoyable to be part of this, and special thanks are due to the band, who showed both skill and stamina by playing for about 4 hours with just a short break.  Also a special thank you to Lindsay Hannon who teaches us each week, and to Steve Glendinning who played guitar for us in class.

Just another word.  Who are these Wannabes?  I've noticed these people mentioned in jazz writing lately, jokingly by Lance, which I consider acceptable, but maybe with a tinge of criticism by a couple of others.  There aren't any of these people in the jazz-singing class that I’ve noticed, we are all honestly interested in performing the songs as well as possible, interpreting lyrics and tunes, making our own contribution.  We aren't two a penny, because we all have individual voices and ideas about how to put the songs across.  Just like musicians, in fact we are musicians, playing the voice.  Would any true jazz fan address new sax players say, or double bass players, as wannabes.  I certainly hope not. 

Ann Alex