Pat McMahon Trio @ The Tyne Bar. June 26

Pat McMahon (guitar & vocals), Ray Johns (keyboards) & Paul Wight (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Blues skies, sunshine. The Ouseburn waters low, ducks and swans meander on mudflats.

Moored boats, some tied-up since last century, a sorry state, they’re not going anywhere.

New build homes in a tranquil, waterside location, reserve your plot now. Yours for £££ Riverside Walk it’s called, and there’s a rather decent pub at the end of the street.

The Tyne Bar on Maling Street comes into its own on a day like this. Pub goers sit in the sun, some shelter from it in front of the outdoor stage. Yes, a Sunday afternoon gig at the Tyne Bar is the new Sunday lunch. Forget the kitchen drudgery and get down to the Tyne Bar to hear some blues, rocking blues or rockabilly, there’s always something to catch the ear.

Today Pat McMahon sang some songs. A rocking beat, swirling keys, the main man totes a Flying V. Nailing that rocking beat is Sid Wight. Yes, a familiar figure on the north east jazz scene, Sid or Paul – he answers to either – is nothing if not adaptable. On West Coast numbers PW is as good as any with brushes in hand, down at the Tyne Bar playing a rock heavy blues beat with sticks comes all too easy. Ray Johns has gigged with the big names yet is ready and willing to rattle the keys on a trio gig with Pat McMahon.

The beers were going down, the sun went in. The storm clouds gathered. McMahon opted to play his cherry red Gibson 335 on a Dion number to close out the first set. Your scribe decided to head for cover hoping to avoid what looked likely to be thunder and lightening before too long. Note to self: check out the Pat McMahon Trio at a pub gig (indoor) soon!     

Russell.