Jazz Esquires @ The Porthole, North Shields.

Terry Dalton (tmb/vcl); Tony Winder (ten/clt/wbd); Laurie Brown (clt/dms); Pepe Greenaway (alt); Roy Gibson (keys); Peter Ninnim (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Back in the 1940s, one of the London jazz clubs was The Nuthouse - I think Carlo Krahmer had a band there. This was before my time but today, the Porthole could easily have inherited that mantle. I say this with fondness and affection as it was a fun packed afternoon albeit not always intentionally!

My mission had several aims, not all of which were accomplished.

Laurie Brown on tenor. I knew the ex-Squadronaires' drummer as a first rate stickman, a good vibes player and a competent owner of a clarinet. But how did he rate on tenor? The jury is out on this one as he arrived tenor-less. Still he did okay on clarinet, opening the case like a true pro. (Actually he blew some fine choruses too!)

Miles Watson: Miles was miles away today which caused some confusion when I overheard Terry say, "This is one of Miles' numbers". I anticipated All Blues but I'd picked up on the wrong Miles - Dinnington as opposed to Detroit - still Terry's vocal on Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter didn't hurt and Tony's metal Selmer clarinet solo was worth the £3 pint of Tyneside Blonde.

Pepe Greenaway: Good to catch up with Pepe AKA Peter. These days he's definitely Pepe and his alto solos - modern by comparision - were indeed peppery.

Roy Gibson: Without a visible bass player I wondered where the perfectly executed basslines were coming from. Roy's a two hander so I guessed he had a set of pedals. I couldn't verify this until the interval otherwise the ladies present may have thought I was trying to look up their skirts! This was silly as they were, like so many women do these days, wearing trousers. Perhaps us men should start wearing skirts!

Tony Winder: Tony blew tenor, clarinet and brought the house down with his washboard playing - next week I'll bring my laundry. He also gave a nice rendition of Have You Met Miss Jones? on tenor.

Terry Dalton: Trombone like it should be played - Teagarden and Dorsey the latter being remembered on Getting Sentimental Over You. Terry also took care of the vocals apart from...

Dave Bosomworth: In the absence of Teresa, Dave was the only floor singer, albeit not without some non-vocal "help". Dave gave out with Sunnyside of the Street and It Had to be You. The latter title may have been directed at the lady who joined him on the sunnyside of the street to add some Terpsichore to the proceedings. She had fun and wasn't ejected!

Peter Ninnim: Peter can swing a band of any size and it was a treat to hear two good swingers such as Laurie and Peter alternating behind the kit.

So there you have it. If you go along with the sentiments expressed in their opening number that It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing then the Porthole is the place for you.

If nothing else, the Ferry 'cross the Tyne is worth the trip!

Photos.

Lance.