Jeremy
McMurray (piano), Roly Veitch (guitar & vocals), Neil Harland (double
bass), Adam Sinclair (drums) & Mark Toomey (alto saxophone)
(Review by Russell)
The Black Bull on Bridge Street
hosted Blaydon Jazz Club’s Christmas Party. A good turn out ensured the
traditional buffet met expectations – plenty for all! Raffles prizes were
plentiful, so much so that it was short odds on winning a prize. All of this,
of course, was but icing on the Christmas jazz cake. The musicians, hand picked
for the occasion, offered a cast iron guarantee of quality. No need to keep
your receipt in the event of returning an unwanted gift on Boxing Day.
Erstwhile house pianist Jeremy
McMurray made the journey from Teesside, so too altoist Mark Toomey, to link up
with Blaydon’s main man Roly Veitch and the ace bass and drums pairing of Neil
Harland and Adam Sinclair. The set list couldn’t be anything other than a Hep
Cat’s Gasbook delight. High Spirits, East
of the Sun, My Little Suede Shoes, Just Friends, The Nearness of You,
Ornithology – every one a winner. Mark Toomey’s Bird affiliations are well
known and he didn’t disappoint. His command of the language of bop clearly
evident, Toomey took flight, secure in the knowledge that the ground crew –
bassist Harland and drummer Sinclair – would guide him back to earth without
mishap. Co-pilots Veitch (guitar and vocals) and pianist McMurray took the
controls from time to time allowing Toomey to catch his breath. Parker’s Mood, one of many high points,
heard Toomey at his best with subtle support from Veitch, Jeremy McMurray
excelled throughout; left hand working overtime and to fit the season, quotes
poured forth, be it carols or classic tunes. Truly impressive.
Blaydon Jazz Club always delivers
the goods and this session at the Black Bull presented a wonderful early
Christmas present. Thank you Santa.
Russell.
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