Paul Skerritt @ Jazz Café, Newcastle July11

Paul Skerritt (vcl); James Harrison (dms); Anth Ord (bs); Dave Donnelly (dms).
(Review by Lance/Photos by Paul Ennis).

There's an old album by Erroll Garner entitled The Most Happy Piano. It's a great album and if, or rather when, James Harrison releases an album of his own it could be The Even Happier Piano because if ever a guy enjoyed playing it is James (Listen and learn Keith Jarrett!)

This was a gig for all seasons. Paul Skerritt can work a room with the skill of a Las Vegas entertainer and he had those present in the palm of his hand. He sings, he swings, he ring-a-ding dings. Old Blue Eyes ain't dead - he just moved to the north-east absorbing a bit of rock 'n' roll along the way.

A varied program that begun with I've Got You Under My Skin and ended with My Secret Love. Some of the numbers in between included Don't Get Around Much Any More, a frenetic version of Georgia on my Mind, Orange Coloured Sky, American Boy and Play That Funky Music.  Just some of the gems that captured the fans who wanted to hear songs sung well and pianos played as pianos ought to be played (no offence Harley!)

Also, a new brew from Hadrian Breweries, specially brewed for the Jazz Café - Geordiejazz! At 4.4% it proved to be very potable (hic!) but not as much as the music which was 100% proof.

A good gig in good company - remember the address - 25 Pink Lane.

Lance.

PS: Dave Donnelly, depping for Tom Chapman, was ace on drums and Anth Ord on both electric and acoustic bass did sterling work in the engine room popping up on deck for the intro and solo on Ain't No Sunshine. Don't you believe it, the sun shone brightly all evening.