The BB Quartet with James Birkett @ Blaydon Jazz Club – Dec 20

Roly Veitch (guitar & vocals), Jeremy McMurray (piano), Neil Harland (double bass) & David Francis (drums) with James Birkett (guitar)

(Review by Russell/photos by Russell & Kathy M)

Blaydon Jazz Club’s Christmas party at the Black Bull attracted the regulars and they did themselves proud in providing a sumptuous DIY buffet. Then there was the music: a jazz club known across the region, and beyond, for its unfailing commitment to swinging jazz welcomed erstwhile club pianist Jeremy McMurray, the always welcome Neil Harland (a musician’s musician), drummer David Francis and special guest James Birkett (guitar).

Roly Veitch’s inimitable vocals opened the first set on I’ve Got a Date with an Angel. An encapsulation of Blaydon Jazz Club in one tune; respect for the melody, first rate intimate musicianship, a listening audience. The Days of Wine and Roses, Autumn Leaves (Jeremy McMurray and James Birkett solos) and I’m Old Fashioned – staples at Blaydon, hear the tunes elsewhere and one thinks ‘Blaydon Jazz Club’. James Birkett’s incomparable guitar playing featured on Doxy and the quintet shone in closing the first set with Nature Boy.

The interval buffet was of such proportions that Black Bull patrons in the bar were lucky recipients of an unexpected feast! Much chatter, catching-up and talk of next year.

The second set resumed with the guitar duo of Veitch and Birkett. All of Me then I Can’t Get Started enthralled. Some could listen to an entire evening of jazz guitar, your Bebop Spoken Here correspondent included. Messrs McMurray, Harland and Francis returned to the stage, the quintet conferred and settled on a blues in F. They made it look easy, it was fantastic, that’s for sure! Dr Birkett suggested Come Get to This. A raised eyebrow or two as the sheet music was handed out, Birkett said ‘shuffle funk’. They proceeded to shuffle the funk – these guys can play anything! From 70s retro funk to a 1920 Broadway show – Look for the Silver Lining from Sally (Francis using brushes). The party drew to a close with another Sonny Rollins’ number. Oleo never fails.
Photos.      

Russell.