Keith Stephen (Guitar),
Caroline Stephen (Vocalist), Roly Veitch (Guitar), Keith Rollo (Bass).
(Review
by Peter S.)
The final Gig of the year provided an evening with the
ever popular Gypsy Jazz of Keith Stephen’s Hot Club Trio on stage for the sixth
year in a row to entertain at our Christmas Party.
A good audience took their seats to enjoy an exciting
evening of wonderful music. The first set got underway in some style. Keith,
recovering from illness, had returned to his best while Caroline presented her
lyrics as only she can with a smile and youthful energy and occasionally in
another language. What a talent! Mr. Rollo’s ability on slap bass was
incredible - at times sounding almost like a small drum kit. The dependable and
very accomplished guitar of Roly Veitch is always a pleasure for the AJC audience
which he has supported over many years.
The Club crowd showed their genuine
appreciation as each melody came to an end. In addition to the individual solo
spots performed during the evening we were introduced for the first time to
the close harmony of the gentlemen in
the band which was very effective and offered a new dimension which I hope they
will include in the future.
The second set began in much the same happy spirit
with a seasonal song or two which had the audience joining in the festive fun.
Audiences like to participate when the opportunity arises. The interval began
after Caroline, with Santa Baby, made
way for the arrival of “Santa John” with his bag of goodies which were
distributed throughout the audience with some jollity.
At the end of this successful year for the AJC it is
now the moment to offer our appreciation and thanks to all those wonderful
North East Musicians who have come this far north and displayed their obvious talents. Thank you so much for
bringing Jazz Culture in its many forms to our town.
On behalf of John T. and myself, a big thank you to
the members for your support throughout the year without which we would have no
Club. A bigger thanks to John T. whose
time and effort makes this all happen.
I would also like to thank Ashington Town Council for
the help which has been given and to those who have helped to publicise our
programmes, especially Bebop Spoken Here Jazz Blog which has thought my reviews fit for publication.
Thanks Lance.
All that remains for me to say on behalf of the Club
is - have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and I hope you keep
Jazzing in the New Year. See you there.
Next Meeting- Wednesday, January 7 2015 at 8.00p.m. at the Elephant when our
Guests will be the Alter Ego Sextet.
Peter
S.
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