Take it to the Bridge @ The Chillingham. July 10

Dave Weissser (trumpet & vocals), Peter Hepplewhite (clarinet), Rachel Rickman (alto saxophone), Barrie Ascroft (keyboards), Ray Truscott (electric bass), Norman Redhead (drums), Matthew MacKellar (drums)

(Review by Russell)

With the advertised attraction Mike Papapavlou absent, it was a case of wait and see who turned-up at Dave Weisser’s weekly workshop. The mainstays were there, of course – Dave Weisser, Barrie Ascroft and Norman Redhead – and the frequently gigging Ray Truscott took his turn in the bass chair. Add altoist Rachel Rickman and the keen clarinet of Peter Hepplewhite (himself something of a regular at the weekly session at the Chilli) and we had the makings of a good night. A pint of Workie Ticket at hand, let’s go!

Rickman and Hepplewhite were first to delve into the pad and out came All Blues (top vocal from trumpeter Weisser). The same again from Weisser on All Right Okay You Win. DW informed the audience that the arrangement (arr.G.Elliott) was given to him by the late Kay Rouselle. The north east of England is surely a treasure trove of musicians, composers and arrangers!

A Mose Allison blues, followed by some West Coast Gerry Mulligan (Walking Shoes) in the East End of Toon (bass and drums solo spots) then in walked Freddie Freeloader (Truscott flying across the frets, the veteran Ascroft right there). Fourteen years old, drummer Matthew MacKellar (a student of Geoff Armstrong), hit the traps with spot-on patterns on a rollercoaster Caravan and his rhythm partner Truscott shone once more. 

The interval; a raffle ticket, another one from the always-tip-top Mordue Brewery, a chat with Matthew and Mackellar Snr. and time – Weisser Time – was moving on. Second set…Blue Bossa (military medium drumming from MacKellar), Ascroft and Truscott trading and a round of ‘fours’. The drum stool vacated by MacKellar the senior man – Norman Redhead – took over and played it just right on Round Midnight, solos all and the piano, bass and drums trio grabbed a few bars.

Dave Weissers’s weekly workshop would go on ‘til round midnight such is his enthusiasm for the music. Band mates and audience alike informed DW it was around five minutes to eleven. The indefatigable Weisser reluctantly called time with Blues For Duane. A good night at the Chilli.   

Russell.