Paul Edis (piano).
This was it! A preview of the new, refurbished, dare I say sanitised?, Jazz Café. When Keith Crombie died the legendary Café on Newcastle's Pink Lane died with him. Like its supremo it was scruffy, it was ragged and unkempt. Yet it had an ambience that could never be re-created. The ambience died with Keith.
So what can we expect from this new, ambience free, venue?
Time. A Jazz Café or a Rome isn't built in a day. However, the signs are promising. The area is, or at least appears to have extra space with a more accessible bar counter and eager staff.
The walls and bar front, although newly decorated in, I'm told, an art décor style, are sparse and bare. A selection of jazz photos or paintings would add warmth and tell the customers that this a jazz venue. A photo of Crombie above the bar would be a nice touch (Nice touch! There should be a blue plaque outside!) The upper floors are still a work in progress.
Tonight, as the select audience supped vino and nibbled on vol au vents, Paul Edis played fine piano - not always appreciated by the less discerning - but adored by the BSH team. Standards such as the appropriate Stormy Weather, Angel Eyes, Ain't Misbehavin' and The Touch of Your Lips. Jazzers in the form of Blue Monk, Joyspring, Waltz For Debbie, 'Round Midnight and Watermelon Man - plus umpteen more. Bravo Paul.
The official opening is on Saturday (Dec. 7).
Entry is free from 7-8pm, £4 after 8pm.
Alan Law plays from 8:15pm and the Slowlight Quartet from 10:15pm.
We wish it well.
Lance.
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