(Review by Lance/Photo by Mike Tilley).
Newcastle was awash with girls in mini-skirts. At weekends they flood the town centre and it has to be said these visions (well some of them) warmed the cockles of my heart much more than my top coat did! However, tonight I was intent on feasting my ears rather than my eyes hence this trip to the Jazz Café.
My appetite had been whetted after hearing Alan Glen play the grand piano at the Cherry Tree on Monday and tonight I eagerly anticipated him at the specially tuned for the occasion upright.
Not so.
Alan elected to bring his digital piano and, in fairness, he gets as good a piano sound as most pianists do from a digi keyboard.
Tonight, Neil Harland was on bass and, of course, he did a good job - doesn't he always? Paul Wight at the kit gave the dynamic and yet sympathetic display we have come to expect from him whilst Alan, as befits his position as the Grand Old (ish) Man of north east jazz, dealt a winning hand - well two hands actually!
Once again a choice selection of standards and bop themes totally different from Monday night.
Love For Sale; Stella by Starlight; The Song is You (whizzbang solo from Paul); 'Round Midnight; Beautiful Love; Time After Time; Yardbird Suite; I Fall in Love Too Easily; Woody'n' You.
Transport timing decreed I left before the second set, Metro and number 88 bus my itinerary.
On the 88 a group of pleasantly pissed pensioners were singing Alexander's Ragtime Band.
What better way to end an enjoyable evening than with a burst of Irving Berlin? If I'd been drinking something stronger than coffee I'd have probably joined in and helped them out with the words!
Lance.
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