The Jazz Machine @ The Victoria, Whitley Bay. April 22

Pepe Greenaway (alto saxophone), Jayne Robertson (flute), Tony Kindlan (guitar), Dave Parker (bass), Peter Ninnim (drums), Richard Herdman (guitar) & Ray Burns (harmonica & guitar)

(Review by Russell)

The Victoria on Whitley Road is a big roadhouse of a pub. Chelsea’s European adventure occupied the many plasma screens, a range of ‘popular’ (non-real ale) beers occupied the bar, sophisticated locals drinking brand lager from flower vases. A buskers’ night delayed by the football (FT 0-0), the jazz cats were at it, undisturbed, in the upstairs room. 

A pint of Guinness ordered, ascending the stairs the music of John Coltrane could be heard. Taking a seat alongside a familiar face in the audience (the familiar face was the audience), the format of the session led by altoist Pepe Greenaway resembled that of Dave Weisser’s long-running Take it to the Bridge workshop. Jazz cats running through a few tunes, much banter, admiring glances at an old valve amp, some sitting out to replenish a glass.

Love for Sale, Bye Bye Blackbird, a false start to What is This Thing Called Love?, drummer Peter Ninnim wanting it uptempo. I’ll count it in he said. Flautist Jayne Robertson knew the tunes, she also knew she would struggle to be heard. Guitarist Tony Kindlan shared a music stand with bassist Dave Parker, Greenaway content with what he was hearing. London based guitarist Richard Herdman, visiting family in County Durham, turned up, plugged in and played. Ray Burns arrived and got on board a Slow Boat to China. Herdman suggested Tangerine. One or two didn’t know it but that didn’t stop them – that’s jazz. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (not anymore it don’t!), Tea For Two and others made for a welcome change to the usual at such sessions. The evening drew to a close with one then another packing up, diminishing numbers determined its end. Herdman and Burns played guitar duets, oblivious to the one-by-one disappearance of the others.

Pepe Greenaway’s efforts to establish a scene at the coast deserve support. Admission is free, 8:00 pm, on each of the last two Tuesdays in the month (the next one is next week – April 29).        

Russell.