Alice Grace and Peter Gilligan Trio @ The Cherry Tree, Jesmond. June 15

Alice Grace (vcl); Pete Gilligan (pno); Paul Grainger (bs); Russ Morgan (dms).

(Review by Lance).

Even the vocal talents of Alice Grace and the launch of a revised Table d'Hote menu by the Cherry Tree's new chef failed to lure the footy fans away from their tv sets. As Alice, Pete and co started up with I Thought About You there were more tiger prawns in my salad nicoise than there were bums on seats.
 As I chomped my way through the delicious starter Alice and the trio went into Bossa Nova mode for Dindi followed by a swingy Taking a Chance on Love. I didn't take any chances with my main course - 6oz Bistro Rump steak, traditional garnish, and fries while Alice bemoaned the absence of her  Angel Eyes. However, the melancholia vanished with Clifford Brown's Joyspring. Sung impressively albeit, disappointingly, with only a minimum of scatting! If I Knew Then What I Know Now and Deed I Do led to  a perfect voice and piano interpretation of In a Sentimental Mood and the end of the set which was also the beginning of my Lemon cheesecake topped with fresh fruits - the dessert recommended by Maitre d Nicola. Delicious.

Abbey Lincoln's In a Magic World; What is This Thing Called Love and Don't Get Around Much Anymore were well up to par but the 33a beckoned and I regrettably had to leave before the final whistle (damn football references creep in everywhere these days!)

Food was great, music superb and no fighting!

However, sad that four such excellent musicians weren't given more support, but you can catch them in Durham tonight or Blaydon on Sunday.
Photos.

Lance.