Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party @ The Village Hotel nr. Shiremoor, Day one: Afternoon. November 1..

(Photo - Daryl Sherman (right) and north-east jazz enthusiast Margaret Barnes)

Such was the diversity of jazz in the pre bebop era that this year's Whitley Bay Classic Jazz Party was able to present  almost 40 concerts over the three days each with a different theme.

Day One had afternoon sessions exploring the music of Jimmy Noone; Early Ellington; King Oliver in New York; Rarely played Bix and the first session I was able to attend. 

Mildred Bailey/Swing.

Daryl Sherman (vcl/pno); Emma Fisk (vln); Duke Heitger (tpt); Alistair Allan (tmb/vcl); Jean-Francois Bonnel (reeds); Keith Nichols (pno/vcl); Spats Langham (gtr/bjo/vcl); Henry Lemaire (bs); Richard Pite (dms).

A tribute to "The Rockin' Chair Lady" interspersed with swing instrumentals, it was appropriate that, after a robust Shanghai Shuffle from the band, Daryl should sing Rockin' Chair.After a few words about Mildred Bailey the always smiling Ms Sherman moved on to Someday Sweetheart sung in her inimitable and appealing voice. The band all soloed effectively and none more so than Emma Fisk who had a fiery solo that drew nods of approval from the singer and vociferous applause from the audience.

Spat's crooned Sunday and trombonist Allan  impressed with his Teagarden-like solo and vocal on I Cover the Waterfront. Daryl gave us Billy Reid's I'll Close my Eyes plus more info on Mildred Bailey and her husband Red Norvo including their legendary arguments when "in their cups".

Go Harlem with Nichols to the fore and Heitger, Bonnel, Allan and Fisk saying plenty along with some  Chick Webb inspired drumming from Pite. More piano on I've Got my Love to Keep me Warm but this time with a difference. After Daryl's vocal she joined the pianist for a four-hander then took over for a chorus or two on her own before returning to the microphone.

The set finished with Nichols and Spats duetting vocally on Happy Feet and it was with very happy feet that we retired to the bar or, in my case, the CD stall where I performed my stewarding duties.

A good start to the Classic Jazz Party - the late Mike Durham whose spirit surely hovered over us would surely have been proud of the way his baby remains alive and healthy.

Lance.