Maureen
Hall (vocals), Alan Smith (trumpet & flugelhorn), Don Fairley (trombone),
Bill Brittain (keyboards), John Robinson (double bass) & George
Davidson (drums & vocals)
(Review by Russell).
The first Arctic blast of winter,
hailstones, snow flurries, the shortest day approaching. The long running
Birtley Jazz Club opened its doors once again for the first Thursday in the
month gathering of New Orleans/Dixieland fans. The CMS Club on Birtley Lane can
count on the hardy few and they always turn out to hear Maureen Hall and
Rendezvous Jazz.
Rosetta breathed life in to valves, tweaked bass strings and
hamstrings. If the joint wasn’t exactly jumpin’ it got the joints moving. A
couple of A-list deps – Don Fairley (trombone) and pianist Bill Brittain –
answered the call, enabling Hall to keep the show on the road. Stalwart drummer
George Davidson shared vocal duties with his bandleader. You Always Hurt the One You Love a highlight from Davidson. Hall
provided highlight upon highlight – Dream,
Nobody’s Sweetheart, Big Butter and
The band’s frontline knocked out
classy solos. Seated on a highchair, trombonist Fairley, long since one of the
north east’s finest, seemed to know all of the tunes – I guess he does. His
every contribution hit the mark and the lean, towering figure of trumpeter Alan
Smith alongside clearly enjoyed the pairing. Open, muted horn, occasional
flugel, Smith led the line in style. Bill Brittain has been around the block a
few times, Hall surely counts herself lucky to be able to call upon such a fine
pianist. Wabash Blues and Canal Street Blues caught the ear, the
latter number studded with excellent solos from Smith, Fairley and Brittain
ably supported by the boys in the engine room (Davidson and the laconic John
Robinson, double bass). Someday You’ll Be
Sorry said Hall before she went looking for Bill Bailey.
You can find Maureen Hall and the
boys at the Sandpiper in Cullercoats on Saturday (Dec 7, 8:30 pm) and if you
can’t wait that long get along to the Black Horse in Monkseaton at one o’clock
today (Friday). If you want a seat get there early, the session is doing great
business.
Russell.
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